A motorcycle accident is reported in Bergen at 7218 S. Lake Road. No other vehicles are believed to be involved. The motorcyclist is up and walking around but is bleeding. Bergen fire and Mercy medics are responding.
Press release:
Next week’s Pop-up Clinics are now all available for walk-in and registration.
“We are happy to be able to continue providing the Pop-up Clinics to our Genesee and Orleans County residents,” said Paul Pettit, Public Health director for GO Health. “As a reminder the Pfizer vaccine is for anyone 12 years old and older.
"Moderna and Pfizer are two doses and Johnson & Johnson (J&J) Janssen vaccine is a one-and-done vaccine. People are considered to be fully vaccinated after two weeks following their last dose of the two-series vaccines and two weeks after the J&J vaccine.”
Pfizer, J&J and Moderna clinics offer walk-in opportunities; however, we encourage you to register via links belowand choose the vaccine that best works for you to guarantee your dose and make your appointment quick and easy. Walk-ins are available on a first come, first serve basis. You can also click on the direct links below.
For those who do not have internet they can call the GO Health Vaccine Registration Help Lines:
These lines are ONLY to make vaccine appointments, are not able to answer COVID-19-related questions, and are not associated with either Health Department.
“As more people to get vaccinated we are seeing people enjoy activities with fewer restrictions,” Pettit said. “There continue to be plenty of options to get any of the three vaccines offered.”
If you are a business/church/organization that is interested in hosting a vaccination clinic at your location, please fill out the survey. One of our staff members will be in contact with you.
For those who are seeking testing, both health departments provide limited free rapid testing for those without symptoms at the respective Health Departments.
For Genesee County, a rapid test drive-through clinic is scheduled for June 10th 1:15 - 2:15 p.m. at County Building #2, 3837 W. Main Street Road, Batavia. For Orleans County, a rapid test clinic is scheduled for June 10th 10 - 10:30 a.m. at the Orleans County Health Department at 14016 Route 31 West, Albion.
To register for testing for the Genesee Test Clinic, click here. To register for the Orleans Test Clinic, click here.
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Yates Community Library, 15 N. Main St., Lyndonville
J&J: Walk-ins & Appointment
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State Street Park, 385 E. Center St. / Corner of State and East Center streets, Medina
J&J: Walk-ins & Appointment
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Genesee County Health Department, 3837 W. Main Street Road, Batavia
Moderna: Walk-ins & Appointment
J&J: Walk-ins & Appointment
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Orleans County Health Department, 14016 State Route 31, Suite 101
Pfizer: Walk-ins and Appointment
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Alabama Fire Department, 2230 Judge Road, Oakfield
Pfizer: Walk-ins and Appointment
J&J: Walk-ins
A two-car accident is reported at Richmond Avenue and Bogue Avenue, Batavia.
One person is complaining of neck pain.
City fire and Mercy EMS responding.
Press release:
Data Update – Covering June 1-4:
Genesee County reporting 11 new positive cases of COVID-19.
Orleans County reporting seven new positive cases of COVID-19.
Pavilion Fire Police are responding for traffic control at a two-vehicle accident that is blocking traffic at Big Tree Road and Route 19.
UPDATE 4:30 p.m.: The Pavilion assignment is back in service.
The project manager of the New York State Downtown Revitalization Initiative’s renovation and redevelopment of the historic building at 99 Main St. said a new façade should be up by August following the removal of the original frontage this afternoon.
“I talked to the contractor today and he said that they will begin framing the wall on Monday or Tuesday of next week and then do the brick work,” said Todd Audsley of the Batavia-based smartDESIGN architecture. “It will probably be put back together in four to six weeks.”
Audsley said the new façade will be a frame wall with a brick veneer and will look similar to the old one.
“The new façade will be very much like it was but better construction, insulation, better windows, and new construction technology,” he said. “It’s kind of a facelift for the building, and just a better job of what was there.”
He said the building, erected in 1865, had some issues that needed correcting but the original façade, while not damaged, was worn out.
“The windows were shot. There was no insulation in the wall. The brick was fine but there were concrete sills and headers over those windows,” he said. “There had been some rock and water damage over the past 70 to 80 years. It was just time.”
The $1.1 million project includes renovation of all three floors of the 7,500-square-foot building. A dental practice operated by Kumar Neppalli, D.D.S., is on the first floor and the second floor is being developed for commercial office space. The third floor will include two two-bedroom market-rate apartments.
Audsley said the entire project will go on for several months.
Photo by Howard Owens.
Without any prior publicity, the Genesee Country Farmers' Market opened for the season today.
The public market is now located over by the former JC Penney building off of Alva Place.
We have no information on hours of operation this year.
Submitted photos and information from Mary Alice Loucks.
An Attica artist will be carving an abstract totem from a tree in Genesee County and the work starts tomorrow.
Jeffrey Loucks was given an Individual Artist Award by the Arts Council of Wyoming County to carve the totem into the shape of an obelisk on Maplewood Road in Alexander.
The project will take approximately one week. The public is welcome to come and see the sculptural carving and watch the tree transform and take its shape. Look for the safety cones and scaffolding surrounding the tree.
Loucks uses a chainsaw and burns the wood to preserve it using a Japanese Shou Sugi Ban technique. His work is remarkable and beyond surprising to everyone who sees it, according to Mary Alice Loucks.
The artist award grant is made possible by the NYS Council of the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew Cuomo and the NYS Legislature; administered in Wyoming County by the Arts Council for Wyoming County.
Top photo: Jeffrey Loucks with the tree on Maplewood Road in Alexander that he will carve with a chainsaw into an obelisk.
Below, a completed carved obelisk by Attica artist Jeffrey Loucks.
Press release:
Summer is quickly approaching and many children are eagerly waiting to hear the final school bell so they can enjoy a couple months of fun in the sun, including some family outings to the local park. New this year, families who forget to pack sunscreen at DeWitt Recreation Area won’t have to worry.
United Memorial Medical Center (UMMC) and the Genesee County Parks Department are partnering to prevent park visitors from getting skin cancer. Through a grant provided to UMMC’s Healthy Living Program, five sunscreen dispensers have been installed throughout DeWitt Recreation Area for the 50,000 people who frequent it each year.
“Skin cancer rates are increasing every year,” said Laurie Thornley, UMMC’s Healthy Living manager. “It’s the country’s most commonly diagnosed cancer and it can be prevented. By putting these sunscreen dispensers in our local parks, we’re making sun protection more accessible. Sunscreen is a vital part of sun safety and we’ve put the solution right there for you in the park.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), five million people are treated for skin cancer in the United States every year; with 37 percent of U.S. adults reported having been sunburned in the past year.
“If you forget the sunscreen at home you don’t have to worry about burning your skin,” Paul Osborn, Deputy Highway superintendent. “We want the community to enjoy the many activities DeWitt Recreation Area has to offer, from fishing and kayaking to hiking and having a picnic, but to do so in a safe manner.”
This project is supported by Health Research Inc. and the New York State Department of Health with funds from the Centers for Disease Control.
Press release:
The Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC) Board of Directors approved incentives for a $345 million solar project in the Town of Byron, and construction of a campus-wide substation at the Science Technology and Advanced Manufacturing Park (STAMP) at the agency’s June 3 board meeting.
Excelsior Energy Center is a $345.55 million utility scale solar farm project that will be located on multiple agricultural properties in Town of Byron and will generate 280 MW (AC) solar generation. The project will receive approximately $32.7 million in property and sales tax incentives.
The project will provide enhanced property tax payments via a 20-year PILOT (Payment In Lieu Of Taxes) and host benefit agreements. The project will contribute $6,500/MWAC in total PILOT/host benefit payments annually + a 2-percent annual escalator over the 20-year term. Resulting property tax-type benefits of the project in the Town of Byron, Byron-Bergen Central Schools, and Genesee County are estimated at more than $45.2 million.
The project has an estimated $117.5 million fiscal economic impact, including PILOT payments, host benefit payments, fire district payments, elimination of agricultural exemptions on acreage used for solar panels, direct construction payroll, other direct construction related purchases, and the payroll and purchases during operations. This results in an estimated return of $20.60 in economic impacts vs the tax impacts of the land's prior use.
Plug Power Inc. is investing $55 million toward the construction of a campus-wide substation at STAMP. The substation will enable 100-percent renewable, reliable electricity at less than $0.035/kwh to future tenants in partnership with the New York Power Authority and National Grid.
Plug Power’s investment in the substation is on top of the $232 million the company is investing to build a green hydrogen manufacturing facility at STAMP. The facility is estimated to create 68 full-time jobs.
Plug Power’s facility will produce green hydrogen produced using an electrolysis process of water utilizing clean hydropower producing approximately 45 metric tons of liquid hydrogen annually for applications such as heavy-duty freight and forklifts.
Plug Power will receive approximately $2.8 million in sales tax incentives related to the electrical substation construction.
Press release:
Officials from Genesee County, the City and Town of Batavia, Village of Oakfield, Village of Elba, and the Genesee County Department of Health are once again reminding residents connected to the Public Water Supply System to conserve water.
The call to conserve takes on even greater importance with unseasonably hot weather forecasted for next several days, including over the weekend and into next week.
Residents are urged to avoid filling swimming pools, watering lawns and washing cars and only use appliances such as dishwashers and washing machines for full loads.
Another conservation measure is to check faucets and pipes for leaks which often can be repaired with an inexpensive washer. Toilets also should be checked for leaks and can be done by putting a small amount of food coloring to the toilet tank. If, without flushing, the color begins to appear in the bowl, you have a leak that should be repaired immediately.
Taking shorter showers also helps as five to 10 gallons are used per minute. To help conserve water in your shower use easy to install water-saving showerheads or flow restrictors which are available at area hardware or plumbing stores.
For more information, please contact Tim Hens, the Genesee County engineer, at (585) 344-8508 or the Genesee County Department of Health at (585) 344-2580, ext. 5510.
An accident is reported at Ellicott and Jackson streets in the city. Unknown injuries. City fire, police and Mercy medics are responding.
UPDATE 11:39 a.m.: Two vehicles involved; two patients are being evaluated.
UPDATE 11:58 a.m.: A gold Chrysler minivan with Florida plates was southbound on Jackson and it appears to have missed the right turn lane when the driver decided to make a right anyway and go around the little turn island. At that point, the minivan was struck by a sedan. No injuries.
UPDATE AND CLARIFICATION (By Howard) 1:20 p.m.: Upon further investigation, police have determined the Chrysler van was southbound on Jackson and was not attempting a right turn. It was continuing straight. The van had a green light, according to Sgt. Mitch Cowen. The white vehicle was northbound (it might look like westbound on Ellicott Street but the state considers Route 63 a northbound/southbound roadway) and allegedly ran the red light. The driver of the Chrysler decided to be transported to UMMC for evaluation.
Representatives of Ohio-based Great Lakes Cheese have visited the Le Roy Food & Tech Park in recent days, exploring the possibility of building a $500 million processing plant at the location off Route 19 and West Bergen Road.
While an officer of the Genesee County Economic Development Center, which owns the park, would not confirm or deny contact with company leadership, Le Roy Town Supervisor James Farnholz this morning told The Batavian that Great Lakes Cheese personnel have been at the 75-acre site.
“Yes, they have been out there and have been in contact, but I don’t know what the status of their negotiations are with landowners. That’s out of our realm,” Farnholz said.
Great Lakes Cheese has been in the news lately as it was looking to expand its operation by locating the new plant in Allegany County, where is already has the Empire Cheese facility in Cuba. Its plans, however, may have been scrapped due to several issues, including a controversial eminent domain seizure of farmland.
Calls to Heidi Eller, company chairman of the board, have not been returned.
A 480,000-square-foot ‘Super Plant’
A report by WGRZ-TV stated the new plant would consist of 480,000 square feet and would mirror other “super plants” owned by GLC in Hiram, Ohio; Plymouth, Wis.; Fillmore, Utah; and Manchester, Tenn.
It also stated that “wherever it ends up would still be eligible for around $200 million in tax incentives over 20 years.”
Mark Masse, senior vice president of operations for the GCEDC, said agency policy prohibits him from commenting until a project application has been submitted.
“We can not comment on projects that may or may not be coming here unless we have an application in hand,” he said. “That has been our stance for a very long time.”
Masse did speak to a referral filed Wednesday with the Genesee County Planning Board by the Town of Le Roy to rezone seven parcels along Route 19 and Randall Road – totaling 185 acres – from R-2 (Residential) to I-2 (Industrial).
Rezoning Lines Up With Town’s Plan
The rezoning would conform with the town’s comprehensive plan’s goal of creating additional industrial uses and, according to documents filled out by Farnholz, “to address one of the town’s weaknesses – loss of jobs/commercial base.”
“Over the years, we have seen some interest in additional property and I think the town is just trying to be proactive to match the zoning with the Le Roy Food & Tech Park in case the project seeks more acreage than is available there,” Masse said. “Our Ag Park (on East Main Street Road in Batavia) is almost sold out at this point, so the larger acreage projects wouldn’t be able to locate there.”
According to the referral, by rezoning the parcels (mainly farmland), it would set the stage for “a potential opportunity for a cheese manufacturing plant (and) would conform to the comprehensive plan.”
Although the referral mentions “a cheese manufacturing plant,” Farnholz said that everything is at the inquiry stage.
Farnholz: Nothing is on the Table
“Nothing is on the table at this point and we are not making specific preparation for anybody. Great Lakes Cheese has made inquiries but we don’t have anything definite. We’re not doing anything for Great Lakes Cheese,” he said.
Farnholz said that land in question should have been rezoned to Industrial years ago to match the property owned by the GCEDC. He also said that a separate parcel, which has a funeral home on it and is operating under a special use permit, would be rezoned to Industrial as well.
“This has been on the table for quite some time,” he said. “Our discussions over the comprehensive plan to expand industrial development along the Route 19 corridor predates anything that is happening now.”
The supervisor said that the town has not spent any money, noting that all of the properties would have to be purchased by Great Lakes Cheese or any other business, with the exception of the GCEDC, which owns the 75 acres off West Bergen Road.
“Any remaining acreage would have to be privately purchased,” he said.
Setting the Stage for Development
He said that if the Great Lakes Cheese plant did not come to Le Roy, rezoning the properties “would just make it more practical for future industrial development. But, again, this is all contingent upon people willing to sell their property.”
The park, which has been in existence for about four years, does not have any businesses yet, Farnholz said.
“Right now, it’s just farmland. The GCEDC leases out their acreage to farmers and the rest of it is just woods and farmland. Down by Randall Road, there’s a group that is grinding up wood and making mulch – that’s the only thing that resembles a business,” he said.
While not a done deal, a $500 million venture in Le Roy would make a significant impact on the local economy.
“Having read many of the articles talking about the project in Allegany County, they were talking about a $500 million plant that would employ up to 400 people, so I would welcome that with open arms,” Farnholz said.
BioWorks to Purchase 60 Acres
In a related development, Masse reported that the GCEDC Board of Directors Thursday approved a purchase and sale agreement with BioWorks Inc. to buy 60 acres at the Le Roy Food & Tech Park for $2.4 million.
“They still would need to forward an application for incentives, which I believe they will be bringing forward,” Masse said. “Last night’s action allows the company to do their due diligence on the site prior to closing to ensure their project can be completed.”
BioWorks Inc. is a national company with a regional office in Victor, is looking to expand its operation.
According to its website, it develops and markets biologically based solutions for customers in the horticulture and specialty agriculture markets. Its products – effective alternatives or additions to traditional chemical programs -- support plant nutrition, disease control, insect control and soil amendment.
By Griffin Della Penna:
The Batavia Muckdogs defeated the Elmira Pioneers in their inaugural game as a member of the Perfect Game Collegiate Baseball League Thursday night 7-0 at Dunn Field.
Strong performances on the mound from Julian Pichardo, Andrew Parr and AJ Winger were crucial to halt the Pioneer offense. The Muckdog bats came through in big moments, as all seven of their runs were scored with two outs.
In the start, Pichardo hurled a scoreless four 2⁄3 innings on three hits, no walks, and nine strikeouts. With a runner on second base, reliever Andrew Parr struck out left fielder Kevin Serrano on three pitches to retire the side in the bottom of the fifth. Parr finished with four strikeouts while only allowing a hit in 2 1⁄3 innings pitched. Winger did not record a baserunner in the final two innings of work, retiring all six batters he faced in order.
Batavia’s runs came in bunches as the three runs came around to score in the third and ninth innings. Catcher Brice Mortillaro safely got to first after a drop third strikeout which would later be the first run of the game after an Abner Benitez line drive single. First baseman Daniel Burroway knocked in Alabama State University teammates Luis Rodriguez and Benitez to build the lead to 3-0.
Outfielder Spencer Marcus’ two-out single resulted in a Mortillaro opposite-field RBI single in the fourth inning to increase the lead to four. Batavia added their next trio of runs stemming from errors by Elmira’s Sam Polanco and Ryess Youmans. Utility player Charlie Szykowny and outfielder Trevor Dean were late-game substitutions who contributed with RBI singles to add some more insurance runs in the top of the ninth.
Elmira will travel to Dwyer Stadium in Batavia tonight with intentions to spoil the Muckdogs home opener. The Muckdogs will be playing their first home game in 637 days in what is anticipated to be a sold-out crowd. Make sure to secure your ticket by calling the box office at (585) 524- 2260 or come to Dwyer Stadium from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
First pitch will be at 7:05 p.m. and can be viewed on Youtube Live by subscribing to BataviaMuckdogBaseball. Make sure to follow our Twitter @BataviaMuckdogs and liking our Facebook Page, “BataviaMuckdogBaseball.”
Go Dogs!
From the county Highway Department:
Sandpit Road between Spring Road and Dry Bridge Road in Alexander will be closed on Monday, June 7th for bridge replacement work.
It will remain closed for approximately six to eight weeks and will not be open to local traffic.
The public will be notified when the road reopens.
A three-car accident is reported at Galloway Road and Slusser roads in East Pembroke. A pregnant female complains of foot pain. A first responder says it is not blocking traffic. Pembroke Fire Department is responding and two Mercy medic ambulances are requested.
UPDATE 8:49 p.m.: The second ambulance is cancelled. Three flatbed tows will be needed.
UPDATE 8:59 p.m.: The Pembroke assignment is back in service.
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