Press release:

The Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC) Board of Directors approved incentives for a building renovation project in the City of Batavia at its Sept. 3 board meeting. 

Neppalli Holdings LLC will invest approximately $1.165 million to renovate a three-story building at 99 Main St. in Downtown Batavia. The renovation and redevelopment of the 7,500-square-foot building, which was built in 1865, includes a new storefront, façade, and reconstruction of the existing three floors.

A dental practice will reside on the first floor with the second floor being developed for commercial office space. The third floor will include two two-bedroom market-rate apartments.

Neppalli Holdings LLC is the latest transformational building renovation project to proceed in Downtown Batavia through Governor Cuomo’s $10 million Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI).

The project will be receiving sales and mortgage tax benefits totaling $63,500.

Press release:

The Board of Directors of the Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC) adopted their 2021 budget at the board’s Sept. 4 meeting with projected expenditures of approximately $23.3 million.

The budget includes $21.1 million in grants for the continued development of infrastructure at the Western New York Science and Technology Advanced Manufacturing Park (WNY STAMP), of which $19.5 million is earmarked for the advancement of Phase I infrastructure at the campus (remaining funds from the original $33 million state allocation); and, $1.6 million dedicated to the advancement of Phase II infrastructure (initial funds from the $8 million Empire State Development grant).

The 1,250-acre WNY STAMP campus in the Town of Alabama is the largest high-tech greenfield site in New York with a capacity of low-cost hydropower for energy-intensive industries and a labor shed of approximately two million workers from the Western New York and Finger Lakes regions.

“The GCEDC is building WNY STAMP and STAMP’s North Campus and South Campus as a catalyst for the success of the people of Genesee County and companies that will create a stronger future in our region,” said Peter Zeliff, chairman of the GCEDC.

As a public benefit corporation, the GCEDC generates fees from economic development projects and other sources to run the agency’s operations, programs, and services.

The GCEDC anticipates $375,000 in revenues from project origination fees and $3,300 in revenues from revolving loan fund interest and $280,000 in project revenues recognized in previous years. Revenues also include a $300,000 grant that will be allocated by the Genesee Gateway Local Development Corporation (GGLDC) to support the agency’s overall Economic Development Program.

“There is a large body of work that occurs at this agency each year, and I am pleased that we continue to find resourceful ways to serve the businesses and citizens of Genesee County,” said Lezlie Farrell, CFO of the GCEDC. “Operating expenditures have been controlled and reduced wherever possible.”

The GCEDC budget anticipates a $233,000 allocation by Genesee County to support economic development that results in a growing return on investments to the county. In 2019, the last full year of data available, GCEDC projects (current and expired) produced over $5.03 million in combined PILOT payments and property taxes to local taxing jurisdictions.

“Genesee County is a vital partner in our efforts to bring new business and growth to our region. We rely on the Genesee County Legislature to support our budget and operations so we can continue to enable business and community success,” Zeliff said. “In 2019, Genesee County and local taxing jurisdictions benefited from 21.5 dollars returned on every dollar allocated to GCEDC operations.”

Press release:

Officials at Batavia Downs Gaming today announced that in accordance with the state’s guidelines for reopening, Batavia Downs Gaming will once again be open beginning at 8 a.m. today, Sept. 9th. 

Upon arrival, all guests of Batavia Downs will undergo temperature checks and must have on a face covering. Clear markings on the floor will indicate where patrons may go in order to maintain safe social distancing.

Select Restaurants and Bars will be open and patrons may enjoy food and drink inside those restaurants.

Batavia Downs will be increasing the rigor of cleaning and sanitizing procedures throughout the facility. They will also be increasing the number of shifts and hours of their environmental service team to maintain the desired level of cleanliness upon reopening. There will be more than 120 hand-sanitizing stations located on the gaming floor, event spaces and in all the restaurants.

Batavia Downs asks that guests looking to visit wash or sanitize their hands frequently and always after visiting the restroom. They should wipe down frequently used personal items such as their phone and glasses. If someone is feeling ill or has felt ill recently, they ask that you remain home until you are feeling better.

“We are so looking forward to welcoming back our guests,” said Henry Wojtaszek, president and CEO of Batavia Downs. “Our staff is working diligently on providing a safe, secure entertainment environment for everyone to return to and enjoy.”

Genesee County officials have had direct input into a report issued by the New York State Association of Counties that consists of more than 80 recommendations to help the state and municipalities bounce back from the severe financial hardships caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

County Manager Matt Landers on Tuesday said that he and former manager Jay Gsell submitted a few suggestions to NYSAC, which then created the report, "Reforming and Re-imagining Government Service Delivery Part I: Overcoming the Current State-Local Budget Crisis," and forwarded it on to the NYS Division of Budget.

“I participated with adding a few things to that,” said Landers, also noting that Gsell sent in some suggestions as well prior to retiring last month.

Landers said that he offered the idea of excluding payment in lieu of taxes agreements from the tax cap formula.

“It’s a numbers-driven one, shocking that came from me being a CPA, and Jay put in a couple other ones that I agreed with, such as a state takeover of Medicaid,” he said.

From the report, under the Property Tax Cap heading, Landers’ submission reads as follows:

Exclude PILOT agreements from the tax cap formula. To encourage economic growth in their communities, counties often include a PILOT agreement as a means for a new revenue stream – typically on a parcel of land which has not been generating tax revenue for the county. However, the benefits of a PILOT agreement quickly disappeared after the property tax cap was established because governments are required to reduce their property tax levy by the value of the new PILOT agreements. Excluding PILOTs from the tax cap formula would aid counties in raising revenue, while also incentivizing economic growth and prosperity.

Landers said the idea to have New York State take over the Medicaid program came from Gsell, who consistently pointed out the heavy burden of the state-mandated program upon counties.

From the report, under the Medicaid heading:

The State must complete the takeover of the administration of the Medicaid program from local districts as required under the law. Counties have downsized their Medicaid administrative operations as part of the process so far, but the state continues to layer more responsibility for administering the most complex parts of the Medicaid program on counties. The state’s objective was to reduce costs through improved efficiency by consolidating the administration at the state level, while also ensuring greater uniformity in the administration of Medicaid, which can only be fully accomplished if the takeover is completed.

Gsell also submitted action regarding county jails, which aligns with Genesee’s proposal to join forces with Orleans County on a new jail:

Allow and incentivize shared county jails. Change NYS statute, Commission on Corrections restraints and use shared services dollars to enhance net savings of counties sharing a jail.

The report contains recommendations across various sectors, including county sales tax actions, property tax cap, cannabis legalization, borrowing authority, thruway tolls, community colleges, environment, gaming, Medicaid, public health, personnel/labor, public safety, social services and transportation/infrastructure.

In a press release, NYSAC leaders said the report includes “recommended actions submitted by county leaders across the state as a means to preserve county services in the face of massive declines in local revenues and the withholding of state aid.”

“The recommendations include programmatic reforms to lower costs at both the state and local level, the creation of a Blue Ribbon Commission to Redesign State-Local Service Delivery (which was supported by Genesee County), short-term revenue options, temporary bonding authority, and property tax cap flexibility,” they said.

The state Division of Budget administrators are exploring mid-year cuts to localities, NYSAC said, and are starting to develop budget recommendations for the 2022 State Fiscal Year.

NYSAC indicated that the report could be a useful tool for state legislators when they return to Albany to consider “additional relief legislation to aid counties and other entities in COVID-19 response efforts.”

NYSAC Executive Director Stephen J. Acquario emphasized that county governments across the state have worked diligently to cut costs over the past six months.

“When this pandemic first swept across the state, local governments stepped up with innovative solutions to manage a crisis that none of us were prepared for,” he said. “Now counties are providing the essential services that New Yorkers depend on during this recession, and we need the state to consider these recommendations to help us address the lack of revenue and their budget cuts.”

If at first you don’t succeed … work with county and town planning boards to find a way to succeed.

That’s what West Seneca residents and business partners Glenn Laben and Kelsey Dellaneve did and, on Thursday, they’ll be back in front of the Genesee County Planning Board to seek a special use permit to erect a country-themed event venue at 388 Broadway Road, Darien.

Denied in August 2018 on their request for a use variance (which is difficult to acquire), the duo took the advice of County Planning Director Felipe Oltramari and asked Darien Town planners to make zoning amendments to allow gathering halls in Low Density Residential districts. The duo’s property on the south side of Broadway Road (Route 20) between County Line Road and Harlow Road is designated as LDR.

“Two years ago, the applicants were seeking a use variance, which almost always are denied,” Oltramari said today. “The state has a strict criteria for those, such as having to prove that there would be no reasonable return for the land.”

Now, since the Town of Darien’s action, the path seems to be clear for a special use permit.

“It’s the way the process is supposed to work,” Oltramari added.

According to submitted documents, the couple is proposing The Barn at Flower Creek, a 3,120-square-foot gambrel roof barn to accommodate up to 220 guests. The estimated $500,000 project also will include an access driveway, parking lot for 85 vehicles, and an on-site wastewater treatment system meeting health department requirements.

Preparation of food at the site is not planned.

The applicants hope to place the 60- by 52-foot gathering hall, driveway and parking lot on 2.2 acres of a 22-acre parcel consisting of rolling hills and tall grass.

“Finally,” said Dellaneve, anticipating a better outcome this time around. “The building, which can be used for weddings, graduations, retirements and corporate events, is based off a barn that previously was on the property.”

Laben, on the application, wrote that his company “respects the rural atmosphere of the neighborhood and plans to strictly enforce any noise ordinance and curfew as required” and that the set maximum capacity would not hamper the flow of vehicles to and from attractions such as Six Flags Darien Lake and Chestnut Hill Country Club.

The building will be approximately 700 feet from the right of way on Broadway.

County planners will make a recommendation on the request, and from there the special use permit will the subject of a public hearing at 7:45 p.m. Sept. 21 conducted by the Town of Darien Planning Board at Darien Town Hall, 10569 Alleghany Road.

Other referrals on the Genesee County Planning Board agenda include:

• A site plan review for a 2,800-square-foot addition to the rear of the Imagination Station child care center at 5079 Clinton Street Road, Batavia.

Owners Kelly and Eric Kronbeck of Alden are proposing a $250,000 project to add classroom space to the facility, which is located on the north side of the road. The addition’s dimensions are 78 feet wide by 36 feet deep.

• A site plan review for Holland Resources of East Bethany to put up a 45- by 100-foot addition to the north side of an existing self-service recreational vehicle storage building at 5545 Route 5, Stafford.

The applicant is looking to add six more bays for RV storage in a Commercial District.

• A site plan review for a 7,200-square-foot commercial cooler addition to the existing structure at HP Hood, Genesee Valley Agri-Business Park, East Main Street Road, Batavia.

A telephone call to HP Hood officials for more information was not returned at the time of the posting of this story.

Press release:

New Cases – As of 2 p.m. 

• Genesee County received four new positive case of COVID-19.
  • The new positive cases reside in Batavia, Byron, Elba, and Pembroke.
  • One of the positive individuals is less than 20, two individuals are in their 40s, and one individual is in their 50s.
  • Three of the individuals were not on quarantine prior to testing positive.
  • Two of the previous positive individuals have recovered and have been released from mandatory isolation
  • Twenty-five new individuals are on precautionary quarantine due to travel from restricted states. 
  • One of the positive individuals is hospitalized.
     
• Orleans County received 10 new positive cases of COVID-19.
  • Three of the community positive cases are located in Albion, Clarendon and Kendal.
  • Seven of the positive individuals are located at the Albion Correctional Facility.
  • One of the positive individuals is less than 20, two individual are in their 20s, three individuals are in their 30s, one individual is in their 40s, and three individuals are in their 50s.
  • The community positive individuals were not on quarantine prior to testing positive.
  • Nineteen new individuals are on precautionary quarantine due to travel from restricted states.

Press release:

Today it was announced that Genesee County smokers are encouraged to contact the New York State Smokers’ Quitline (Quitline) to receive up to three months of free nicotine gum while supplies last.

The Quitline asks everyone, including tobacco and vape-product users, to tell family and friends -- spread the word -- about this time-limited offer, made possible thanks to a generous donation from Ro, a U.S. telehealth company headquartered in Manhattan.

Nicotine gum is one of seven FDA-approved nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) products to treat nicotine dependence and increases the chance for success in quitting. Those odds further increase when combined with coaching support from a trained tobacco treatment specialist, such as one of the Quitline’s Quit Coaches.

“We strongly encourage anyone who’s interested in the nicotine gum to spread the word to family and friends,” said Paul Pettit, Public Health director, Genesee County Health Department.

“Nicotine gum is an effective and proven medication to treat addiction and supplement the quit-process. It eliminates short-term cravings of cigarettes and can double the odds of successfully quitting when combined with a nicotine patch.”

Each piece of nicotine gum typically lasts 20 to 30 minutes. Unlike traditional chewing gum, nicotine gum works when chewed only a few times and then parked along the inside of the mouth by the cheek.

Interested smokers can receive the nicotine gum by contacting one of the Quitline’s Quit Coaches at 1-866-NY-QUITS (1-866-697-8487), who are available seven days a week beginning at 9 a.m. Nearly all Quitline participants are eligible to receive nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), coaching and self-help materials.

The Quitline’s Quit Coaches work with all types of traditional tobacco and vape-product users by developing personalized quit-plans to navigate the behavioral and psychological aspects of nicotine dependence.

Healthcare professionals can also connect to the Quitline’s Patient Referral Program as a supplement to visits and follow-ups with their nicotine-dependent patients. Additional resources are available at nysmokefree.com, the Quitline’s website. 

About the New York State Smokers’ Quitline 

The New York State Smokers’ Quitline is a service of the New York State Department of Health and based at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center in Buffalo. It is one of the first and busiest state quitlines in the nation and has responded to nearly 3 million calls since it began operating in 2000.

The Quitline encourages nicotine users to talk with their healthcare professionals and access available Medicaid or health insurance benefits for stop-smoking medications.

All New York State residents can call 1-866-NY-QUITS (1-866-697-8487) for coaching and resources, free of charge, seven days a week beginning at 9 a.m. Visit www.nysmokefree.com for more information.

• Up to three months of free nicotine gum is available for New Yorkers seeking help to quit smoking or vaping; most will qualify.
   
• Offer good while supplies last; New Yorkers are encouraged to tell family and friends.
   
• New Yorkers can apply for the nicotine gum by calling 1-866-NY-QUITS -- (1-866-697-8487) -- or visiting nysmokefree.com.

About Tobacco-FREE GOW

The New York State Department of Health, Bureau of Tobacco Control funds Tobacco-Free Genesee, Orleans and Wyoming counties (GOW) to increase support for New York State’s tobacco-free norm through youth action and community engagement.

Efforts are evidence-based, policy-driven, and cost-effective approaches that decrease youth tobacco use, motivate adult smokers to quit, and eliminate exposure to secondhand smoke. The program is managed by Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center.

Press release from AAA:

Today’s national average price for a gallon of gasoline is $2.22, down 1 cent from last week. One year ago, the price was $2.56. The New York State average is $2.29 – the same as last week. A year ago, the NYS average was $2.74

 AAA Western and Central New York (AAA WCNY) reports the following averages:

• Batavia -- $2.22 (down 2 cents since last week)
• Buffalo -- $2.25 (down 1 cent since last week)
• Ithaca - $2.21 (down 2 cents since last week)
• Rochester -- $2.27 (down 2 cent since last week)
• Rome -- $2.33 (no change since last week)
• Syracuse -- $2.23 (down 1 cent since last week)
• Watertown -- $2.34 (no change since last week)

Compared to last week, when local pump prices saw an increase after Hurricane Laura, prices are slowly dropping. Motorists saw plenty of savings at the pump from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

The national gas price average during the unofficial start and stop to summer was $2.15 -- the cheapest since 2004. Demand was decimated this summer, which ultimately meant increased supply and cheap gas prices. That trend continues.

“Summer may be fading into the rearview mirror, but less expensive gas prices are not,” said Elizabeth Carey, AAA spokesperson. “Moving into fall we traditionally see a drop in demand and further savings at the pump. This year that means pump prices could possibly push even lower then we’ve already seen in 2020.”

From GasBuddy:

"Gas prices have started to fall as expected as oil prices have fallen slightly since Hurricane Laura moved on and as seasonal challenges come to into view," said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis for GasBuddy.

"We'll likely see additional downward movement in the weeks ahead with gasoline demand set to decline as we move into the fall months and as COVID-19 restrictions keep demand from rallying.

"It's entirely possible we could see the national average fall under $2 per gallon by the end of the year without a major improvement in the situation."

A natural gas leak is reported on the property of Los Compadres Mexican Taqueria, 40 Oak St., City of Batavia. City fire and police are responding. National Fuel is called to the scene. The street in the vacinity is shut down. Dispatch is trying to contact the owner.

UPDATE 8:16 p.m.: Traffic will be closed to tractor-trailers at Interstate 90 and Oak Street and at Main and Oak Street. Residential traffic will be allowed to continue.

UPDATE 8:50 p.m. (By Howard): The building has been ventilated. Oak Street is being reopened. 

A caller to dispatch reports finding a pedestrian lying in the roadway on Park Road, just off Oak Street in the city after a hit-and-run accident. Mercy medics are on scene, along with City fire and police.

UPDATE 5:13 p.m.: The caller was mistaken; this was not a hit-and-run accident and no vehicle was involved. A pedestrian tripped and fell in the roadway and was subsequently found by a passerby. The pedestrian has some cuts and bruising and is being taken by Mercy medics to UMMC. City fire is back in service.

Justin T. Gladney, 31, of North Spruce Street, Batavia, is charged with: second-degree rape and possessing a sexual performance by a child. Gladney was arrested in connection with an incident at noon, June 4, on Lehigh Avenue, Batavia. He was arraigned in Batavia City Court Sept. 1 and put in jail on $20,000 cash bond, $40,000 secured bond, or $80,000 partially secured bond. Gladney is due in city court at 11 a.m. on Oct. 1 to answer the charges. The case was investigated by Batavia Police Officer Matthew Wojtaszczyk.

Rick Anthony Drury, 58, of Shady Lane, Batavia, is charged with first-degree criminal impersonation -- impersonation of a law enforcement officer. At about 7 p.m. on Sept. 3, Drury, in a separate incident on Shady Lane in Batavia, displayed a gold badge in his wallet to a deputy and allegedly stated that he was in law enforcement with the Department of Environmental Conservation. Further investigation found he is not a law enforcement officer with DEC now or ever. The badge he displayed was a gold New York Excelsior badge. He is due in Town of Batavia Court to answer the charge on Oct. 22. The case was investigated by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Jacob Gauthier, assisted by Deputy David Moore.

Chad S. Williams, 49, of Infinity Lane, Rochester, is charged with a violation of the NYS Sex Offender Registry -- parole absconder. At 11:13 a.m. on Sept. 3, Williams was stopped at Exit 48 of the NYS Thruway interchange for an observed vehicle and traffic law violation. Following an investigation, Williams allegedly assumed the identity of another person in an attempt to conceal the suspension of the NYS driver's license. After his real identity was determined, he was allegedly found to be a parole absconder, wanted by the NYS Department of Correctional and Community Supervision (NYSDCCS). He was taken into custody and later transferred to NYSDCCS. More charges are pending. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Ryan DeLong, assisted by Investigator Ronald Welker.

Lisa M. Fox, 49, of Ridge Road, Albion, is charged with second-degree harassment. She was arrested by Batavia Police Officer Peter Post following a domestic dispute at UMMC at 1:38 p.m. Aug. 28. It is alleged that she spit in a person's face. She was released with an appearance ticket and is due in Batatia City Court on Oct. 10. Sgt. Mitchell Cowen assisted Officer Post. 

Joshua Paul Fields, 23, of Pearl Street, Batavia, is charged with: Driving while intoxicated; aggravated unlicensed operation in the second degree; operating a motor vehicle with an open container of alcohol in the vehicle; refusal to take a breath test; and driving with an obstructed view. At 11:36 p.m. on Sept. 3, Fields was arrested on Wortendyke Road in the Town of Batavia after a hit-and-run accident that allegedly occurred in the City of Batavia. He was released on appearance tickets and is due in Town of Batavia Court on Sept. 24. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Officer David Moore.

Paula G. Pierce, 28, of State Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. She was arrested on Sept. 1 after an investigation of a larceny reported at 9:40 p.m. Aug. 30 on Morse Place, Batavia. Pierce was released on an appearance ticket and is due in Batavia City Court on Dec. 8. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Sean Wilson.

A brush fire with heavy smoke is reported off Old East Road, East Bethany. The location is behind Kistner Concrete. Bethany Fire Department is responding and one fire official is on scene.

UPDATE 4:01 p.m.: The fire is out. The East Bethany assignment is back in service.

Submitted by JoAnne Meiser.

One hundred golfers gathered at Batavia Country Club on Saturday for a golf tournament held in memory of Mike Tenebruso and to raise funds for the Michael Tenebruso SUNY Brockport Memorial Scholarship Fund. This year's recipient was Ray Zajac.

Photos and information submitted by Al Fulton.

From left, Marcia Tenebruso, Ray Zajac, Kristine Tenebruso, Anna Tenebruso, Nicholas Tenebruso, Nathan Tenebruso, organizer Dave Petruzzi and Tony Tenebruso.

These photos were submitted by Laurie Rudolph.

A shed that is about 10 square feet is on fire in Stafford at 6580 Sweetland Road. A first responder on scene reports smoke showing and says there are "no exposures" that could catch on fire nearby. Stafford Fire Department has arrived. The location is between Roanoke and Cole roads.

UPDATE 12:47 p.m.: The fire is out. Cleanup is underway.

Joe Cassidy sent us these photos he took at about 7 p.m. Friday on Lewiston Road in the Town of Alabama.