batavia

Photos courtesy of our news partner WBTA. Above, city and county officials gathered at a news conference this afternoon on Ellicott Street where plans were unveiled for the former Della Penna and Santy Tires properties on the Southside.

Press release:

City and county officials gathered today to unlock the “Batavia Pathway to Prosperity” (BP2), a program created through an inter-municipal agreement between the City of Batavia, Genesee County, the Batavia City School District, the Batavia Development Corporation and the Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC).

Savarino Companies was selected following a published Request for Proposal issued by the Batavia Development Corporation for the redevelopment of the Ellicott Station site, likely the first project to participate in the program.

Savarino Companies has provided a plan for the development site, including mixed-use residential, office and retail spaces; a brewery; small beverage warehouse and hops processing facility; entertainment and event area; outside seating; and integration of the new Ellicott Trail pedestrian pathway.

When fully realized, the site may accommodate more than 150 jobs and market rate housing to generate around-the-clock consumer demand Downtown.

"We are very pleased that our redevelopment proposal was selected by Batavia Development Corp.," says Sam Savarino, CEO of Savarino Companies. "Now the hard work begins. Our team is looking forward to working with all project stakeholders to make Ellicott Station the transformational development it is expected to be."

The project will consist of several phases and the company is expected to seek incentives from the GCEDC, as well as utilize other state and local economic funds for the project.

BP2 was conceived to pool resources in order to invest in distressed areas in the City of Batavia. The BP2 program will be implemented though PILOT increment financing (PIF), referred to as the “BP2 fund,” which is the first of its kind in New York State where all local taxing jurisdictions are participating.

"Congratulations to the City of Batavia, BDC, Genesee County, GCEDC and the Batavia City School District,” said Batavia City Council President E. Jankowski. “We’re off to a great start, working together to support economic growth in the City of Batavia with the Pathway to Prosperity program. Combining resources will be a force multiplier toward successfully cleaning up distressed areas in our community and benefit all of us who live and work here.”

"Batavia's Pathway to Prosperity is off to a great start with new plans to redevelop Ellicott Station. This program has the potential to increase property values, entice new employers and expand economic opportunities for all residents of Genesee County. I applaud Savarino Companies for investing in our community," said State Senator Michael H. Ranzenhofer.

“I am very pleased that more economic development will be coming to my hometown of Batavia,” said Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia). “I am excited to be a part of the ‘Pathway to Prosperity’ and pledge my assistance in any way possible.

"Public-private partnerships such as this have the potential to provide huge dividends for the local community and its residents. This is a perfect example of government working for the people instead of against them, and I look forward to experiencing Batavia’s transformation firsthand.”

“This is an exciting time for Genesee County. We have the reality of STAMP, new hotels, a new airport terminal and now the redevelopment of the City’s brownfield area. The County will continue to work with everyone involved to make the Pathway to Prosperity happen and keep our County at the forefront of economic development,” said Raymond Cianfrini, Genesee County Legislature chairman.

Supported by the redirection of 50 percent of new project PILOT payments, the BP2 fund will play a critical role in generating development within the Batavia Brownfield Opportunity Area (BOA), a 366-acre area within the City of Batavia containing five strategic redevelopment sites.

“Through the BP2 fund, both the public and private sectors are working collaboratively to increase access to IDA programs and incentives for all project development opportunities within the City of Batavia,” said Paul Battaglia, GCEDC Board chairman.

“By targeting highly distressed locations and brownfield opportunity areas, this program encourages investors and developers such as Savarino Companies to take advantage of development opportunities in Genesee County and invest in the future of the city and region.”

Among the goals of the BP2 program include attracting new employers and jobs to the city of Batavia; increasing property values; and, exploring key market opportunities for economic development.

“Working together is essential to achieve a strong, sure, set of outcomes,” added Patrick Burk, Batavia School Board president. “Our Pathway to Prosperity will become a solid road of economic, educational and community growth. With that growth, we will see better jobs, a decrease in poverty and an increase in family stability and educational success. Our integration will make this possible. Our determination will make this our new reality." 

One of the program’s intentions is to target Millennials by creating vibrant neighborhoods and creating job opportunities in previously economically disadvantaged areas of the city.

“Over the past several years the BDC has been persistent in championing community strategic development priorities, encouraging Brownfield Opportunity Area site designation and gaining tax credit eligibility for environmental cleanup of this significant tract of our downtown corridor,” said Ray Chaya Batavia Development Corporation Board president.

“The Pathway to Prosperity agreement is a significant development tool today and it will remain valuable well into our future. It is proof that mutually shared goals and a commitment to community transformation is achievable. The BDC is honored to take on the next development phases ensuring that all required entities are involved and unhindered in fulfilling the community's vision for this important site.”

To learn more about the City of Batavia’s Brownfield Opportunity Area, visit www.bataviaopportunity.com.

Crystal Marie Bouter, 27, of Hutchins Street, Batavia, was arrested on March 15 on a bench warrant out of Town of Elba Court. It is alleged that she violated the terms of her supervised release while on Drake Street in Oakfield at 5 p.m. March 14. She was jailed in lieu of $1,000 bail. The case was investigated by Sheriff's Deputy Richard Schildwaster.

Police photo of Bill Thomas.

Bill Thomas, 56, of 252 State St., Batavia, is charged with third-degree criminal possession of a weapon and menacing police following a standoff with police this morning at his residence.

Here's a recap of the incident from a press release issued by Investigating Officer Peter Flanagan:

At 4 a.m. Batavia Police received a call for a domestic dispute on State Street in the city. Once initial officers arrived on scene, they were met at the door by a family member. The officer then observed Bill Thomas moving toward the door, very quickly, with a knife in his hand. He was holding the knife in a threatening manner and the officer felt that he was going to use the knife on him or the family member.

The officer and family member retreated outside. The suspect then closed the door and retreated upstairs. Officers were unable to make contact with the suspect and the Emergency Response and Hostage Negotiation teams were alerted. A family member came to the scene and was able to make contact with the suspect through an open window.

The suspect came downstairs but then retreated back upstairs. A short time later, the suspect came back downstairs and would not show the officer his hands and was not following police orders. The suspect started to move toward a closet and the stairs and a taser was deployed.

The suspect was placed in custody and transported to police headquarters. He was then arraigned in Batavia City Court and jailed. Batavia PD was assisted at the scene by the county Sheriff's Office and State Police.

Bail was not mentioned in the press release.

(Photo courtesy of Steve Ognibene.)

City firefighters and police responded a short time ago to North Nyon Street near Main Street after wires were accidently pulled down by a motorist. They were determined to be phone and/or cable wires, not an electrical line. No one was injured or trapped under the wires. The apppropriate company or companies are being notified.

The Monsignor Kirby Council #325 Knights of Columbus will be holding their semiannual pancake breakfast this Sunday at Resurrection Parish (St. Mary's Worship Site) at 18 Ellicott St. in Batavia from 8-11 a.m.

This is open to the public and costs $5 adults, $3 for children age 4 to 12; kids under 3 eat free. All-you-can-eat pancakes, breakfast includes sausage, eggs, juice, coffee, tea, milk.  

There will be basket raffles from many local businesses and also a 50/50 drawing. Tickets can be purchased at the door and all proceeds will support local Catholic schools education.

Pictured above from left are co-chairman Joe Gerace, Grand Knight Brad Rogers and co-chairman Steve Ognibene.

(Submitted photo of Ashley John Grillo.)

Press release:

After an extensive search that attracted nearly 40 qualified candidates, the Batavia City School District is pleased to announce that Mr. Ashley John Grillo has accepted the position as principal for Batavia Middle School, and will replace current principal Sandy Griffin who is retiring. Grillo will begin on July 1.

“When I saw the posting, and saw that the job was in Batavia, where I had enjoyed living for a few years, and for a position at the Middle School, which is a student population that I love working with, I knew I had to look at this opportunity,” he explained to staff, students, and parents who attended one of the two Meet & Greet sessions held at the Middle School for the final pair of job candidates.

A Holley native, Grillo earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from the Rochester Institute of Technology, a Master of Science in Education from Nazareth College of Rochester, and a Certificate of Advanced Study in Educational Administration from SUNY Brockport.

He began his career in his hometown, teaching middle school science for seven years, then working as a “teacher on special assignment” for two years at Holley’s Middle School/High School. For the past four years, he has been the assistant principal at their elementary school.

Describing his core values, Grillo said he is dedicated to: collaboration and teamwork for building a dynamic learning environment; using data to inform and evaluate decisions; maintaining high standards for staff and students in setting expectations and achieving goals; and to equality as it applies to respecting diversity and providing opportunities for all learners to reach their potential.

During the meeting, in addition to emphasizing that he particularly enjoys working with the middle school age group, Grillo noted that the student demographics in Holley and Batavia are similar. He believes his extensive work and commitment to PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports), his familiarity with, as well as his commitment to collaboration and excellence combine to make a very good fit with the needs and vision for Batavia Middle School.

We believe the Emergency Response Team has been dispatched to the area of State Street at Douglas Street after a report of a barricaded male subject. Law enforcement has established a perimeter.

We think the call may have started when two people were involved in what was described as a domestic situation on State Street, and subsequently one of the subjects barricaded himself inside a residence. Mercy medics and city fire are staging at State and Douglas.

Now emergency dispatch has switched to a secure law enforcement channel.

UPDATE 5:22 a.m.: A man who lives on State Street north of Douglas Street barricaded himself with a knife on the second floor of his residence. A tactical officer outfitted in full camoflage, armed with an assault rifle was stationed at the scene outside the house. A male neighbor family member was contacted to try and talk the subject into surrendering, which he did. The suspect was taken into custody a short time ago and officers are clearing the scene and opening the streets near the house, which had been shut down. Mercy medics and city fire are back in service.

UPDATE 6:15 a.m. (from news partner WBTA): Det. Sgt. Todd Crossett said law enforcement responded to a domestic incident at 252 State St. An officer was let in the front door by one of two brothers who had been arguing. The second brother approached the officer wielding a large kitchen knife and the officer said he felt very threatened. The brother who let the officer inside stepped between the knife-wielding brother and the officer; the officer and the brother had no other recourse but to retreat. "This could have ended very badly," Crossett said. "The officer showed great restraint." The knife-wielding brother went upstairs and refused to communicate with officers. The ERT was activated. Family members arrived at the scene. The subject was talked into coming downstairs, which he did but then retreated. He was coaxed down a second time and walked toward the front door and was then tased and taken into custody. Statements are being taken and an investigation is under way. It has not been determined if charges will be filed.

Photos courtesy of Jim Burns.

A man was reportedly lying in the middle of the road at State and Willow streets, then picked up and taken into a nearby residence. It's not known which residence. Law enforcement, Mercy medics and city fire are on scene. Authorities are trying to locate the man and determine his status.

Kevin G. Viehdeffer, 55, of Ellicott Street, Batavia, is charged with second-degree harassment. He was arrested March 7 at 6:30 p.m. following a complaint that he punched a staff member in the chest while being treated at the emergency room at UMMC. He is to appear in Batavia City Court this afternoon. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Jason Ivison.

Brandon Michael-Eckerd Valdes, 27, of Burr Avenue, Binghampton, is charged with exposure of a person, second-degree harassment, obstruction and resisting arrest. He was arrested at 1:42 a.m. on March 12 after an incident that occurred a short time earlier on West Main Street, Batavia. He was jailed on $1,000 cash bail, or bond. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Eric Foels, assisted by Officer Matthew Wojtaszczyk.

Patrick D. Neaverth, 35, no permanent address, was arrested on March 13 at 6:54 p.m. and charged with first-degree criminal contempt, third-degree criminal mischief, and second-degree burglary. He allegedly damaged a glass door and entered a residence. He was jailed without bail. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Stephen Cronmiller, assisted by Officer Arick Perkins.

Brian Phillip Smith, 56, of Ellicott Street Road, Bethany, is charged with criminal possession of a weapon in the fourth degree. He was arrested on March 14 following an investigation into an alleged domestic disturbance that occurred on Feb. 28. Smith was allegedly found in possession of a stun gun. He was released under supervision of Genesee Justice and is to appear in Town of Bethany Court at a later date. The case was investigated by Sheriff's Deputy Rachel Diehl, assisted by Deputy Ryan DeLong.

Chayse R. Brownlie, 19, of Maxon Road, Attica, is charged with DWI with a BAC of .08 or more, DWI, and no having no headlights. At about 3:05 a.m. on March 13, Brownlie was stopped on West Main Street in Batavia for driving without headlights. After further investigation, the driver was arrested for allegedly operating the vehicle while intoxicated. Brownlie is scheduled to appear in City Court at 9 a.m. on March 30. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Arick Perkins, assisted by Officer Felicia DeGroot.

Michael John Palvino, 25, of Stillmoon Crescent, Rochester, is charged with DWI with a BAC of .08 or greater, DWI, and speeding. He was stopped for allegedly speeding on Lewiston Road in Batavia at 1:01 p.m. on March 13. An investigation allegedly revealed he was intoxicated. He is to be in Batavia Town Court on April 7. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Thomas Sanfratello.

Brad L. Ohlson, 39, of Central Avenue, Batavia, is charged with disorderly conduct. He was arrested March 12 at 5:15 p.m. following a verbal dispute wherein Ohlson allegedly used obscene language in the presence of several people, including multiple juveniles. He was jailed and bail set at $250. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Christopher Lindsay, assisted by Officer Chad Richards.

Demetri C. Stewart, 23, of Lewis Place, Batavia, was arrested on a bench warrant and released after posting $100 bail. He is to appear in City Curt this afternoon on an unspecified charge stemming from an incident on Feb. 24 on West Main Street, Batavia. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Matthew Wojtaszczyk, assisted by Officer Peter Flanagan.

(Name redacted), 18, of Violet Lane, Batavia, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. The suspect was arrested on Donahue Road in Batavia following a traffic stop of a disabled vehicle. The suspect was allegedly found to possess a small amount of marijuana stored in the vehicle. The suspect was issued an appearance ticket for Town of Batavia Court on March 28. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Eric Meyer.

There was a fire alarm at John Kenedy School around 10 a.m. this morning. Batavia Fire Department responded and shortly after their arrival the students were given the all clear to return to the building. 

Over the objections of three Batavia City Council members, a dozen city hall management employees will get a pay raise on April 1.

The objections came in the form of “no” votes on the 2016-2017 city budget and a separate resolution authorizing the 2.75-percent pay increase.

Voting against the budget and the pay raise for the managers, not covered by a union contract, were council members: Paul Viele, Ward 1; Kathy Briggs, Ward 5, and Rose Mary Christian, Ward 6.

Ward 4 Councilman Al McGinnis was absent from the meeting.

“I just couldn’t support the pay raise right now,” Viele said, “not that they don’t deserve it, but taxpayers deserve a raise, too. We’ll see what happens next year.”

Another resolution to increase the hourly rate of part-time and seasonal employees from $9 per hour to $9.31 was passed with Viele, Briggs and Christian voting no. Christian and Viele also voted no to a 3-percent increase in water rates.

The $16.3-million budget called for a tax levy of $5.1 million, which translate into a tax rate increase of .8 percent. The budget becomes effective on April 1.

Thomas Alan Alexander, 53, of Lake Street Road, Le Roy, is charged with second-degree harassment. He was arrested on March 13 following the investigation of a harassment complaint on Lake Street Road in the Town of Le Roy. He allegedly slammed a female into a wall causing physical injury. He is to appear in Le Roy Town Court on March 28.

Nolan Robert Powless, 18, of East Center Street, Medina, is charged with: second-degree aggravated unlicensed operation; being an unlicensed operator; and having a plate lamp violation. He was arrested on a bench warrant out of Town of Batavia Court for allegedly failing to appear for court. The charges stem from a traffic stop on Jan. 12. He is scheduled to be in Town of Batavia Court on April 6.

Patrick Spear received the Firefighter of the Year award from Deputy Chief Dan Coffey on Saturday night during the Town of Batavia Fire Department's annual banquet at the Clarion Hotel.

The department responded to 317 calls in 2015. An average of 10.8 volunteers responded to each call and total man hours spent on calls exceeded 25,000. The volunteers also attended 76 training sessions.

"I think those are some pretty impressive numbers when you think about how we all have jobs, we all have families, we all have other obligations to attend to," Coffey said. "I truly want to give you guys a round of applause. We wouldn't be successful without that dedication."

Gary Diegelman​ was recognized for his 40 years of service to the department.

William Zipfel was recognized for his 45 years of service to the department.

A person is reportedly lost in the woods and may be suffering from hypothermia in the area of 3094 W. Main Street Road (Route 5), Town of Batavia. East Pembroke Fire Department (it's in their fire district) is on scene, along with Sheriff's deputies, and Alexander fire's Gator is called to respond along with Mercy medics. The person is on the south side of a creek. Mercy Flight is on standby.

UPDATE 938 p.m.: Two men were in a raft on the creek when one fell in the water and became submerged. The other man tried to help him out of the water using an oar/paddle, but this proved difficult and he called for help. The guy who fell in the water was transported to the hospital for evaluation. The other was a sign off.

Press release:

With the continued increase in the number of influenza cases at United Memorial Medical Center and in the community, the Hospital will be strictly following established visitor guidelines and implementing restrictions in order to safeguard the health of our patients.

Effective March 10, patients at United Memorial will be allowed only two (2) visitors at one time. No visitors under the age of 14 years will be allowed. Individuals with a sore throat, runny nose, fever, or other influenza type symptoms should not visit patients.

As an organization we understand the importance of loved ones and friends in the healing process. Exceptions to the visitor policy must be approved by the unit manager or nursing supervisor prior to the visitor’s arrival at the hospital. These restrictions have been put into place to protect those with weakened or fragile immune systems and those who care for them, from harm during the influenza outbreak.

Everyone should remember to use appropriate hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette to prevent the spread of influenza. Symptoms may include fever, muscle aches, sore throat, cough or nasal congestion. Individuals with fever over 100.5˚F and any of the symptoms listed are urged to stay home, seek medical advice as necessary and limit the number of people exposed. Individuals with influenza are contagious for 24 hours prior to exhibiting symptoms.

The hospital is located at 127 North St. in the City of Batavia.

Properties there were foreclosed on by either the city or county in the past year for failure to pay property taxes were auctioned off today at Bontrager's.

We'll post the results of the auction once they are available to us.

(UPDATED 7:30 p.m.): Here are partial results from today's auction. They are for county-owned properties and do not include city-owned parcels. Those figures were not available today.

Note that the selling prices are listed along with the approximate amount of taxes and penalties owed. ***However, included in the amount DUE is interest, but that needs to be removed, as it was not earned. So the final amounts DUE are not available today, but they will be less than shown below.

GENESEE COUNTY PROPERTIES

PARCEL #1:       SELLING PRICE: $450               ***DUE: $768

Town of Batavia: Shepard Road (corner w/Batavia Bethany Townline Road), .62-acre lot, Tax Map No. 20.-2-30

PARCEL #2:     SELLING PRICE: $4,750            ***DUE: $5,650

Town of Batavia:  7697 Lewiston Road, .5-acre lot w/ commercial building,Tax Map No. 3.-1-6.112

PARCEL #3:      SELLING PRICE: $6,000            ***DUE: $3,150

Town of Pavilion: 10179 South Street Road, .78-acre lot w/burnt mobile home,Tax Map No. 6.-1-10.12

PARCEL #4:     SELLING PRICE: $5,000         ***DUE: $2,400

Town of Pembroke: Cleveland Road, 1-acre lot, Tax Map No. 16.-1-12.2

PARCEL #5:     SELLING PRICE: $650              ***DUE: $655

Town of Stafford: East Bethany -- Le Roy Road, 1.1-acre lot, Tax Map No.12.-1-46  

PARCEL #6:      SELLING PRICE: $33,000         ***DUE: $12,338

Town of Stafford: 8476 Route 237, single-family residence, .41-acre lot, Tax Map No. 7.-1-54

PARCEL #7:      SELLING PRICE: $28,000        ***DUE: $20,107

Village of Le Roy: 31 Mill St., storage/distribution, .27-acre lot, Tax Map No. 7.-2-1.1

PARCEL #8:      SELLING PRICE: $24,500         ***DUE: $15,660

Village of Le Roy:  63 Church St., single-family residence, .29-acre lot , Tax Map No.  6.-1-47

Press release:

Distance barriers and transportation issues are no longer obstacles for Genesee Community College students at the Batavia Campus Center seeking access to medical services. With its partnership through Genesee Urgent Care, the College’s Health Services is pleased to now offer telemedicine, technology that provides clinical health care at a distance.

Through the use of video exchange, telemedicine provides patients with access to a licensed medical professional in real time, regardless of where they are located. Developments in telemedicine technology have opened the doors of possibilities, adding tools such as a stethoscope and ophthalmoscope that integrate simply through a USB port. These tools allow patients to be seen for low level and primary care, as well as interface capabilities with specialists. Telemedicine can share X-ray images with orthopedics and electrocardiograms with cardiologists. These advancements not only improve access, but also reduce costs and improve quality.

“While access to the Telemedicine Network is currently only available to students at the Batavia campus, the intent is to grow this to GCC’s other campus centers as well,” said Genesee Urgent Care President Melissa Marsocci.

Students interested in being covered under the telemedicine technology through Genesee Urgent Care will need to purchase one of two available plans. A basic plan, costing $60 per semester, covers a student with unlimited telemedicine access to a licensed medical provider for illnesses including cold and cough, flu, sinus infection, sore throat, urinary tract infection, rash and poison ivy, pink eye, sexually transmitted diseases, mono and bee stings. The plan also includes diagnostic tests through lab work. Lab tests that are covered include pregnancy, mono spot, rapid strep, RSV and influenza. Any additional lab testing would have to be sent out, and the student would be billed for the cost.

An additional plan is available starting at $300 and includes the same coverage as the basic plan, in addition to injuries such as fractures, dislocations, minor eye problems, sprains and strains, cuts and lacerations and burns. The plan also includes additional diagnostic tests, providing lab work, X-ray and EKG.   

Covered students in need of medical services that utilize the telemedicine technology will need to check in with Health Services at the Batavia Campus in room B109. The technology, a Polycom device known as an HDX4500, is used to “call” the urgent care center where the patient and attending nurse can see and hear the urgent care staff. In instances where prescriptions are necessary, providers from the urgent care center can e-script the medication to the student’s pharmacy of choice. Some pharmacies include the option of delivery service, providing students a full medical experience without ever having to leave campus.

For additional information on Genesee Urgent Care, telemedicine and coverage plans available to GCC students, visit http://www.geneseeurgent.com/gcc-plans.html.

Students participating in the 4-H Club's annual tractor safety course were tested today on their hands-on knowledge at Empire Tractor.

Above, Christian Gerold steers through an obstacle course, and below, Tim Zipfel attached a combine to the back of a tractor while instructor Tim Adams scores his effort. Zipfel passed.