batavia

The Batavia Housing Authority will receive a $227,424 federal grant as part of a $397 million package for New York's public housing programs.

The authority provides subsidized housing to low-income residents in four complexes in Batavia, including 400 Towers, The Pines at 4 MacArthur Drive, Edward Court at 15 Edward St., and The Terraces at 193 S. Main St.

Press release:

U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kristen Gillibrand today announced $397,628,820 for housing authorities across New York State. The funds were allocated through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Public Housing Capital Fund. Schumer and Gillibrand said the funding will help housing authorities develop, finance and modernize their public housing facilities.

“Having a roof over your head is one of life’s basic necessities, so we must do everything we can to help provide those truly in need with a decent and affordable place to live. This federal funding will help support affordable housing initiatives throughout New York that assist needy families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities to find an affordable place to live,” Senator Schumer said.

“We need to invest more federal funds to help more low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in New York with access to affordable and safe housing,” Senator Gillibrand said. “These resources are vital for vulnerable communities and I will continue to do everything I can in the Senate to make sure that all New Yorkers have the opportunity to reach their full potential.”

HUD’s Office of Capital Improvement administers the Capital Fund program, which provides financial assistance in the form of grants to public housing agencies (PHAs) to carry out capital and management activities; acting as the primary tool to preserve New York's affordable housing stock. These federal dollars are used to increase a PHA's ability to maintain the physical infrastructure of developments and improve the safety and security of its residents. 

Super solid classic Batavia home in superb condition! This home has been lovingly taken care of for many years and recently went through major upgrades within last five years, which include siding, windows, tear-off roof, electrical and insulation, and hardwired smoke detectors! Literally all the major components!

Spacious room sizes which include nice kitchen with cute breakfast nook and formal dining room and large enclosed front porch -- plenty of entertaining space. The woodwork in this home is untouched and beautiful and bonus hardwood floors under carpeting thru out home! This is a lot of bang for the buck and should be seen -- call for easy viewing!

Call Lynn Bezon at Reliant Real Estate today or click here to view the complete listing. Look for an OPEN HOUSE next week!

The Batavia Ramble and Arts Fest is tomorrow in Downtown Batavia.

In the case of rain, performances will take place inside Center Street Smoke House.

Here's the lineups for both stages:

• 11 – 11:15 a.m. -- **Opening Ceremony**
• 11:15 – 11:45 a.m. --  Steve Kruppner
• 11:50 a.m. – 12:20 p.m. -- Kruppner Brothers
• 12:25 – 12:55 p.m. -- Mark Grover
• 1  – 1:30 p.m.  -- Ryan Consiglio
• 1:35 – 2:05 p.m. -- Dave Holnbeck
• 2:10 – 2:40 p.m. -- Kevin Moyles
• 2:45 – 3:15 p.m. -- Paul Almeter
• 3:20 – 3:50 p.m. -- Jim Luttrell
• 3:50 – 4:05 p.m.  --  * * * Memorial * * *
• 4:05 – 4:35 p.m. -- Red Creek
• 4:40 – 5:10 p.m.  -- Mitty & The followers
• 5:15 – 5:45 p.m. -- Rock Soulgers
• 5:50 – 6:20 p.m.  -- Bad Luck
• 6:25 – 6:55 p.m.  -- Audibull
• 7 – 7:30 p.m. -- Rhythm Collision
• 7:35 – 8:05 p.m.  -- Eagle Creek
• 8:10 – 8:40 p.m. -- Nichols Brothers Band
• 8:45 – 9:15 p.m. -- Open Jam

The All-Greater Rochester spring sports standouts were announced today and five Genesee County athletes made first team in their respective sports:

• Anthony Ray Jr., Batavia, Track and Field
• Brandon Burke, Byron-Bergen, Track and Field
• Kilian Lewis, Pembroke, Track and Field
• Kiaya Franklin, Batavia, Track and Field
• Casey Radka, Batavia, Baseball

For more information on the athletes and a list of honorable mentions in each league, visit the Democrat and Chronicle's website.

A two-vehicle accident is reported at 105 W. Main St., Batavia.

Traffic is blocked, but no injuries are reported.

City fire and Mercy EMS responded. Batavia PD on scene.

Reader Don Norton shared this picture from a fender-bender accident this morning about 11 o'clock on Clinton Street near Aldi's.

Duane A. Mather, 44, of Raymond Avenue, Batavia, is charged with: third-degree burglary -- illegal entry with intent to commit a crime; petit larceny; fifth-degree conspiracy; providing a false written statement; and possession of burglar tools. Mather was arrested at 1:38 a.m. on June 26 on West Main Street in Batavia after police responded to a report of people breaking into a storage cooler at Arby's. He was jailed without bail and was due in Batavia City Court this morning (June 29). The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Arick Perkins, assisted by Officer Jason Ivison.

Charles D. Macey, 37, of Holland Avenue, Batavia, is charged with: third-degree burglary; fifth-degree conspiracy; petit larceny; fourth-degree criminal mischief; and possession of burglar tools. Macey was arrested at 1:38 a.m. on June 26 on West Main Street in Batavia after police responded to a report of people breaking into a storage cooler at Arby's. He was jailed without bail and was due in Batavia City Court this morning (June 29). The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Jason Ivison.

Grayson Bud Ground, 18, of Skye Road, Alabama, is charged with second-degree assault. He was arrested at 5 a.m. June 24 on Shanks Road in Alabama after he allegedly struck a male in the face, causing the male to suffer a broken jaw. He was arraigned on June 27 in Alabama Town Court and released under supervision of Genesee Justice. An order of protection was also issued in this matter. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Chad Minuto, assisted by Deputy James Diehl.

Leaddice J. Daniels, 41, of East Main Street, Batavia, is charged with fourth-degree grand larceny. Daniels was arrested on June 26 after allegedly stealing a wallet containing several credit and debit cards at 10:03 p.m. on June 22 on Ellicott Street in Batavia. The defendant was jailed without bail and was due in City Court on June 27. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Christopher Lindsay.

Stephanie Wentworth, 31, of Augusta Street, Rochester, is charged with third-degree menacing and endangering the welfare of a child less than 17 years of age. Wentworth turned herself in June 26 on a warrant issued after a domestic incident that occurred at 9 a.m. on June 18 at the Bob Evans restaurant on Oak Street in Batavia. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Jason Ivison, assisted by Officer Felicia DeGroot.

Robert R. Gerety, 44, of Elm Street, Batavia, is charged with: moving from lane unsafely; aggravated unlicensed operation in the third degree; and DWI -- first offense. Officers were called to the scene of a rollover accident involving a single vehicle at 10:09 p.m. on June 20 at 204 Richmond Ave., Batavia. After investigation, charges were pressed against Gerety. He was due in City Court June 28. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Nicole McGinnis.

Stephen J. Turkasz, 26, of Claudette Court, Cheektowaga, is charged with first-degree criminal contempt. He allegedly threatened to harm a person protected under an orpder of protection during a phone call on the night of June 8. He was arraigned and released and is due back in court on July 18. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Jamie Givens.

Michael Richard Ostrander, 52, of Middle Road, Collins, is charged with first-degree possession of dangerous contraband in prison and criminal possession of a controlled substance. Ostrander was charged with the crimes for allegedly possessing an unprescribed controlled substance while being an inmate in Genesee County Jail in December. He appeared in City of Batavia Court on June 27 to answer the charges. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy James Diehl.

Nathan E. Hinze, 24, of Clifton Avenue, Batavia, is charged with petit larency. He was arrested following an investigation of a shoplifting incident at the Kwik Fill on Jackson Street in Batavia in which he allegedly took a bottle of water without paying for it. He was issued an appearance ticket for July 11 in City Court. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Stephen Cronmiller.

Aria D. Rodriguez, 21, of Hudson Avenue, Rochester, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. It is alleged that at 11:15 a.m. on June 27 on West Main Street in Batavia that she had an amount of marijuana on her at the time of her arrest for a separate incident. She was issued an appearance ticket for June 28 in City Court. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Jamie Givens, assisted by Sgt. Dan Coffey.

Aria D. Rodriguez, 21, of Hudson Avenue, Rochester, is charged with: speeding; being an unlicensed operator; and aggravated unlicensed operation in the second degree. She was arrested on June 27 on an arrest warrant for failing to appear in court for traffic tickets. She was jailed in lieu of $500 bail and was due back in court on June 28. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Jamie Givens.

A 17-year-old who resides on Washington Avenue in Batavia is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. The defendant was arrested this morning at 1:11 (June 29) during a traffic stop on West Main Street, Batavia, after an officer allegedly located an amount of marijuana in a vehicle that the youth was operating. The youth was issued a computer-generated appearance ticket and is due in City Court on July 11. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Peter Flanagan, assisted by Sgt. Dan Coffey.

Try the Y in July! Stop in at the Genesee County YMCA and try the Y in the month of July!

Starting July 1st when an individual mentions this promotion they will receive a Class Pass to try any of our group exercise classes five times for free! If an individual uses all five punches on their pass card and decides to join the YMCA, we will waive their Joining Fee as well (a savings up to $75).

The YMCA also offers scholarships to help subsidize membership dues for individuals and families who qualify. If you have any questions, contact Josh Bender at 585-344-1664 or jbender@glowymca.org.

The Batavia Concert Band opened its 2017 season Wednesday evening in Centennial Park with John Bailey conducting.

The season continues with outdoor concerts at the park every Wednesday at 7 p.m. through Aug. 9.

A Montclair Avenue resident who was caught in the act of burglarizing a business on State Street Road, Batavia, in April, entered a guilty plea in County Court on Wednesday to a Class E felony of attempted burglary.

The plea deal gives Ann Capuano, 32, a chance to complete a substance abuse program and have her conviction reduced.

In April, Capuano entered the business on State Street Road and when confronted by the owner and an employee, brandished a knife. She then fled on a bicycle and was apprehended by a police a short time later.

Enter terms of the plea, Capuano was released under supervision so she could be transferred from jail to a residential rehabilitation program in Buffalo.

She will also be evaluated for a program called a judicial diversion, which could have her case transferred to Drug Court.

She is scheduled to appear in County Court again July 24 for a hearing on her potential eligibility for judicial diversion.

Daniel J. Gilbert, 25, of Tracy Avenue in Batavia, was sentenced Wednesday afternoon to four years in prison and five years parole for his part in an attack on residents of Central Avenue.

In the beginning of May, Gilbert was supposed to be sentenced on a guilty plea, but after a disagreement between the attorneys on the case, the matter was postponed. 

Gilbert was part of the  attack that occurred around 11 p.m. on Oct. 28 in an apartment on Central Avenue in Batavia, that involved several people, resulting in at least two people being treated and released at the hospital.

District Attorney Lawrence Friedman said in court, that they were adjusting the prior agreement made on Feb. 8.

“We have an agreement to clarify or modify our prior agreement,” Friedman said. “That is that the defendant’s plea to attempted burglary in the second degree, a Class D felony, will stand.”

Friedman said they also agreed to an imposed sentence of four years, with five years of post-release supervision.

He was charged with the crime of first-degree burglary, a Class B felony. Gilbert was accused of knowingly entering an upper apartment on Central Avenue in Batavia, with the intent to commit a crime, and when entering or fleeing from the dwelling, he or other participants caused physical injury to a person.

In count two, Gilbert was accused of second-degree assault, a Class D violent felony. Gilbert caused physical injury to a person.

Think you may have a Workers’ Compensation claim? The next steps:

Your physical well-being is the top priority after being involved in any type of accident. If you are involved in an accident, you should seek medical attention immediately and report all of your physical symptoms to your medical provider.

Next, you should make efforts to gather any information that could assist you in establishing your claim. You should gather names and contact information for anyone that may have witnessed the accident and file a police accident report.

Lastly, contact a lawyer a soon as possible, as there are certain type of claims that require paperwork to be filed within a certain amount of time. All initial legal consultations with the attorneys at Dolce Panepinto are free and, in most circumstances, you will not be charged any fees unless you recover money from the negligent party in your case.

If you think you have a claim, call us at 585-815-9003 for your free consultation.

A customer intervened this morning when an apparent shoplifter attempting to make off with a cart full of tools at Home Depot tried to load them into his vehicle.

The suspect reportedly struck one person with the vehicle -- no word on injuries -- and also hit two other cars while fleeing the scene.

The suspect vehicle was later located on the Thruway by State Police, but the suspect has not yet been located.

The incident was reported at 9:52 a.m., at Home Depot, 4181 Veterans Memorial Drive, Batavia.

Several items were recovered and the Sheriff's Office is continuing its investigation.

Press release:

Congressman Chris Collins (NY-27) today announced $236,072 in federal funding for the City of Batavia Fire Department. The grant was awarded through the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program, which is designed to help first responders improve their capability to respond to fires and emergencies of all types.

“The AFG program helps community fire departments access federal funding to protect their members and keep the communities they serve safe,” Congressman Chris Collins said. “This is an excellent and prudent use of federal money and it provides a tremendous service to communities here in New York’s 27^th Congressional District.

"I was proud to work with the City of Batavia Fire Department to secure this $236,072 in AFG funding and thank them for the selfless service they provide.”

The City of Batavia Fire Department will use this $236,072 federal grant to purchase 25 Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) air packs. This will provide the City of Batavia Fire Department with breathable air when responding to an emergency situation.

“This important grant funding will help us purchase equipment that will keep our firefighters safe and allow them to better protect the City of Batavia and surrounding communities,” said Stefano Napolitano, chief of the City of Batavia Fire Department.

“We appreciate Congressman Collins efforts on behalf of our local first responders and look forward to continuing to work with him to secure important grant funding for our department in the future.”

The AFG Grant Program provides direct funding assistance to fire departments, State Fire Training Academies, and non-affiliated EMS organizations to enhance their response capabilities and to more effectively protect the health and safety of both the public and emergency response personnel with respect to fire and all other hazards.

The Sheriff's Office is investigating a single-vehicle accident that was reported about 1 a.m. at 2964 Batavia-Oakfield Townline Road, Batavia.

The driver, Kevin Veazey, 37, of Batavia-Oakfield Townline Road, was transported by Mercy EMS to Erie County Medical Center for treatment of his injuries.

Veazey's 2009 Chevrolet Silverado Pickup truck went off the roadway and hit a culvert. 

The Sheriff's Office reports that charges are pending.

Town of Batavia fire also responded to the scene.

Batavia, and specifically, the Batavia Industrial Center, is featured in a story out today in "Wired Magazine."

How a 1950s egg farm hatched the modern startup incubator

The article contrasts the Silicon Valley ethos of using incubators to find the next unicorn (companies with a valuation of at least $1 billion), companies that often disrupt (or damage) community-based businesses, against the original goal, and still the goal, of the BIC -- to nurture Batavia-based businesses that employ local people.

But the world’s first business incubator cared less about disrupting the global economy than about resuscitating its local one. It still does, in fact. Fifty-eight years later, the Batavia Industrial Center still operates in the same location and under the same defiantly local mandate. “Our job here is to help people create businesses and jobs in Batavia,” says Tom Mancuso, who now manages the facility.

A pedestrian has been struck in the parking of Home Depot on Veterans Memorial Drive.

Town of Batavia Fire Department and Mercy EMS responding.

Law enforcement is on scene.

UPDATE: The suspect vehicle left the scene. Police are looking for a red four-door Nissan, Virginia plates, which may have been heading to the Thruway. The driver is described as black and wearing a blue shirt and blue shorts.

Derrick M. Williams, 27, of State Street, Batavia, is charged with: second-degree menacing; endangering the welfare of a child; and third-degree criminal possession of a weapon. Williams was arrested following an incident at 4:08 p.m. on June 21 at 7 Willow St., Batavia, wherein he allegedly threatened multiple people with knives. He was jailed without bail and was due in City Court on June 22. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Stephen Cronmiller, assisted by Officer Matthew Wojtaszczyk.

Elizabeth A. Denise, 36, of Hutchins Street, Batavia, is charged with endangering the welfare of a child. On June 25, Batavia police responded to Hutchins Street for a possible overdose. They found that Denise had allegedly gone unconscious while using an unknown drug and while being the sole caregiver to an 8-month-old infant. She was transported to UMMC and issued an appearance ticket for the charge. She is due in City Court on July 11. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Arick Perkins, assisted by Officer Kevin DeFelice.

Douglas G. Bryant Jr., 46, of Pringle Avenue, Batavia, is charged with disorderly conduct and second-degree harassment. On June 19, Bryant was arrested after allegedlt yelling and swearing outside his residence at 10:05 p.m. on June 19 and he allegedly threatened police. He was jailed on $500 cash or bond and was due back in City Court on June 20. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Christopher Lindsay, assisted by Officer Stephen Cronmiller.

Kyle J. Burdick, 28, of Maple Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a hypodermic needle and third-degree unlicensed operation. Burdick was arrested on the charges after an investigation into a traffic complaint which occurred at 6:17 p.m. on June 24 at 600 Ellicott St. in Batavia. He was issued an appearance ticket for City Court on July 11, and was issued a traffic citation returnable to City Court on July 12. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Stephen Cronmiller, assisted by Officer Mitchell Cowen.

Thomas A. Carson, 41, of Wood Street, Batavia, is charged with second-degree criminal contempt and second-degree burglary of a dwelling. Carson was arrested after an investigation into a domestic incident which occurred at 9:54 p.m. on June 24 on Wood Street. He was jailed without bail and was due in City Court on Monday (June 26). The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Stephen Cronmiller, assisted by Mitchell Cowen.

Pamela J. Morris, 38, of Maple Street, Batavia, is charged with second-degree criminal contempt. Morris was arrested following an investigation into a complaint alleging that she sent Facebook messages on June 21 to a protected party in violation of a court order. She was issued an appearance ticket and is due in City Court on July 11. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Stephen Cronmiller.

Robert D. Griffin Sr., 38, of Ross Street, Batavia, is charged with second-degree criminal contempt. On June 21, Batavia police responded to a Manhattan Avenue residence for a domestic incident and the violation of an order of protection. Upon the patrols' arrival, Griffin Sr. had left the area. While patrols were on scene, he returned and was arrested. He was jailed on $5,000 bail or bond. He was due in City Court on June 22. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Arick Perkins.

Robert D. Griffin Sr., 38, of Ross Street, Batavia, is charged with second-degree harassment and fourth-degree criminal mischief. He was arrested following an investigation into an incident wherein he allegedly struck a person and broke some property at 9:36 p.m. on June 20 on Manhattan Avenue, Batavia. He was issued an appearance ticket for City Court on June 21. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Stephen Cronmiller, assisted by Officer Mitchell Cowen.

Stephanie Marie Wentworth, 31, of Augusta Street, Rochester, is charged with third-degree menacing and endangering the welfare of child less than 17. Wentworth turned herself in on a warrant charging her with these crimes, which stem from a domestic incident that occurred at 9 a.m. on June 18 at the Bob Evans restaurant on Oak Street in Batavia. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Jason Ivison, assisted by Felicia DeGroot.

Brandon J. March, 32, of South Main Street, Batavia, is charged with second-degree criminal contempt and second-degree burglary -- illegal entry of a dwelling. He was arrested following an incident wherein he allegedly entered a residence on Cone Street in Batavia occupied by an individual who had an order of protection against him. He was due in City Court on June 23. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Marc Lawrence, assisted by Officer Felicia DeGroot.

Jacy William Lennon, 41, of Rohr Street, Rochester, is accused of failure to appear in court. He was arrested on June 24 on an outstanding warrant for failure to appear for a scheduled court date related to an unspecified incident which occurred on Aug. 14, 2015. He was jailed on $2,000 cash or $4,000 bond and was due in court Monday (June 26). The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Kevin DeFelice, assisted by Officer Marc Lawrence.

William Allen Andrews III, 37, of Lake Street, Le Roy, was arrested at Genesee Justice on West Main Street, Batavia, at 10:05 a.m. on June 20 after allegedly failing to comply with the conditions of his being released from custody. He was jailed on $5,000 bail. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Jason Ivison, assisted by Officer Jamie Givens.