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It's a good thing Gordon Davis likes Batavia. He's been spending a lot of time here the past several months.

Davis, a Portland, Oregon, resident, is the managing partner of The Manor House. Since the beginning of the year, the retired urban planner has had little time for the sculpture he loves. He's been too busy rescuing the former Victorian Manor from the bankruptcy of Sunwest, paying off past-due bills to contractors for nearly $2 million and overseeing the completion of two new residential wings at a total cost of more than $4 million.

AUDIO: Listen to Davis tell the story of his investment in Victorian Manor (mp3).

If you get a chance to walk with Davis around the new wings -- which added 50 apartments --  you can tell Gordon is clearly proud of what The Manor House has become. The once troubled asset is now a jewel in his eyes, and Davis clearly believes it's among the best facilities of its kind.

Davis and his fellow partners -- which includes his wife as well as eight other people spread around the country -- were in danger of losing all of the money they put into the Victorian Manor after Sunwest imploded. For Davis, stepping in with a plan to rescue that investment wasn't just a financially defensive move -- he believes in The Manor House and he believes in Batavia.

"My wife and I saw this (when Sunwest first presented the investment opportunity) and we thought it was a real solid property in a really good area," Davis said. "We didn't know a lot about the area, but it felt like it was a good area. We did enough of our own due diligence to think this is a good market and the property really looked excellent."

When Davis looks at the financial viability of his investment, he notes that not only is there an aging population in Genesee County (most, but not all, Manor House residents are from Genesee County), it's centrally located between Rochester and Buffalo. Also, the growing social-services industry in Batavia provides a lot of compatible opportunities.

"This is really the center for those kinds of support services," Davis said. "There are different kinds of services (from the Veteran's Home to the new Depaul facility) and the different kind of support services is really fundamentally good for Batavia. It not only brings in those folks (the residents), it brings in their families."

The expanded Manor House will eventually employ about a dozen more people, but first comes filling up all of the new apartments in the recently completed East and West wings.

Often, people think of retirement as a chance to move to the sunny South, but Davis says, for a lot of retirees, that just isn't as appealing as staying close to home.

"What we fundamentally like is where we live," Davis said.  "I think many times that’s what people are looking for. They want to live in a place that feels good to them, that is familiar to them, that has the kind of lifelong connections that they have, and maybe they have family close by."

The Manor House offers three different apartments -- studios, one bedroom, two bedrooms. Residents receive three meals a day, weekly cleaning, activities and transportation.

The youngest resident of The Manor House is 64 and the oldest is 97, but the average age, Davis said, is somewhere in the mid-80s.

"We’re looking for the couple for whom three meals a day has really become a burden, or for the single who has lost a spouse and really needs a community," Davis said. "We’re looking for people who want to live the next phase of their life in a way that has a stronger community, has more people and more things that are taken care of for them."

Tours of The Manor House are available daily.

After the jump, more pictures:

There was one large community room in the original facility. The West Wing added three smaller community areas. This one has a stove and refrigerator and can be used for a variety of gatherings, from watching football or movies to ice cream socials or birthday parties with families. Gordon said he recently used the stove to bake cookies, which he left on the counter, and they didn't last long.

During the day, this studio serves as a model showroom. When Gordon is in town, it's also where he stays. They decided to decorate a studio rather than one of the other apartments to show just how comfortable and roomy the studios can be.

Yes, residents can have cats -- and dogs upon approval.

This is another of the common rooms -- it's on the third floor and has more masculine decor. The second floor is more feminine. The Manor House now has 10 men living there and Davis said they've become buddies.

Bergen Fire is responding to the Sugar Creek Stores location at Route 33 and Route 19 for a diesel fuel spill.

No word yet on how much fuel has been spilled.

UPDATE 5:57 p.m.: The fire chief has requested that law enforcement respond because the alleged responsible party has left. Also, some clean up will be required.

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An accident with injuries has been reported in Basom in front of the post office.

Alabama Fire and Mercy EMS are responding.

UPDATE 5:13 p.m.: First responder: One car, one truck; everybody is out of the vehicles, but have ambulance continue in emergency mode.

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Carlson's Studio, 39 Jackson St., Batavia, NY: Family photos are more than just photographs. When you need photos for that special occasion, Carlson's is a great choice in Genesee County. We have a $150 gift card for $75 (+$2 PayPal Service fee).

Kravings Kafe, Valu Plaza, W. Main Street, Batavia, NY: Recently opened, it offers soups, salads and sandwiches, fresh and flavorful; Monday through Saturday. We have $10 gift certificates for $5.

Matty's Pizzeria, 4152 W. Main St., Batavia, NY: Matty's is another Batavia favorite for pizza and wings. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.

South Main Country Gifts, 3356 Main St. Road, Batavia, NY: Handcrafted items, gifts with a regional flair, candles, teas and spices -- South Main has a wide selection to please most any interest. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.

The Enchanted Florist, 202 E. Main St., Batavia, NY: Now in stock: A big selection of poinsettias and stunning wreaths. We have a $20 gift certificate for $9.50.

NOTE: If you've never bought Deal of the Day before, or are otherwise unfamiliar with the rules and process, click here.

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A Le Roy man arrested last week as part of a suspected meth production ring is now accused of also passing forged currency.

Christopher J. Elmore, 31, of 14 St. Marks St., Le Roy, was arrested by Det. John Condidorio of the Le Roy PD on one count of attempted criminal possession of a forged instrument in the 1st degree and one count of criminal possession of a forged instrument in the 1st degree.

Elmore allegedly attempted to pass a forged $10 bill at a store in Le Roy on Sept. 22. When the clerk recognized the reportedly fake bill, he told Elmore the $10 bill was counterfeit. Elmore reportedly tried to take the bill back, but the clerk wouldn't let him and the clerk called police. Elmore then allegedly fled the scene. The clerk provided police with a vehicle description and license plate number.

The business had reportedly filed prior complaints of counterfeit bills coming in.   

Elmore remains in Genesee County Jail on $75,000 bail from his arrest on the criminal possession of a controlled substance charge related to the alleged meth lab at 28 Clay St. No additional bail was levied on the forged instrument charges.

Jackson St. Grill/Belladessa's, 9 Jackson St., Batavia, NY: When it's time for a great hamburger, Jackson St. Grill will serve you among the best around. We have a $10 gift certificate for $5.

Kravings Kafe, Valu Plaza, W. Main Street, Batavia, NY: Recently opened, it offers soups, salads and sandwiches, fresh and flavorful; Monday through Saturday. We have $10 gift certificates for $5.

South Main Country Gifts, 3356 Main St. Road, Batavia, NY: Handcrafted items, gifts with a regional flair, candles, teas and spices -- South Main has a wide selection to please most any interest. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.

Great Kutz, in the Valu Plaza, 4152 W. Main St. Road, Batavia, NY: Great Kutz is Batavia's newest full-service hair salon. Women, try Great Kutz for a haircut at the incredibly low price of $7, exclusive offer from to The Batavian. (gift card can be applied toward other services, but not products).

T.F. Brown's, at 214 E. Main St., Batavia, NY: T.F. Brown's is a great place for a good meal, good friends and to catch up on what's going on in the sports world. "If it happens in sports, it happens at Brown's." We have a $20 gift card for $10.

Center Street Smoke House, 20 Center St., Batavia, NY: Authentic Southern BBQ, from ribs to brisket with all the fixin's. We have a $25 gift card for $12.50.

Alex's Place, 8322 Park Road, Batavia, NY: People come from all over the region for a fine dining experience at Alex's. It's best known for its ribs, of course, but Alex's seafood is also a favorite of the restaurant's diners. We have a $25 gift certificate for $12.50.

NOTE: If you've never bought Deal of the Day before, or are otherwise unfamiliar with the rules and process, click here.

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A resident of College Village has been accused of stealing two credit cards and charging more than $1,400 in online purchases.

Fransnosha J. Cook, 18, of 8170 Batavia-Stafford Townline Road, Batavia, is charged with grand larceny in the 4th degree and two counts of criminal possession of stolen property.

Cook was arrested yesterday at 8:45 a.m. by Investigator Kristopher Kautz.

Following arraignment in Batavia Town Court, Cook was released on his own recognizance.

This Fall 7,208 students were enrolled at Genesee Community College. That's a new record.

Enrollment jumped 8 percent over the Fall of 2008, which saw 6,672 students in the college.

College President Stuart Steiner announced the enrollment increase at the trustees' board meeting last night, according to a press release from the college. Steiner said the recession combined with growing recognition of the value of a community college education are helping to drive enrollment.

The trend seems to be continuing. There are already 3,806 students who have applied for admission in Spring 2010, that's up 28.8 percent over the same period a year ago.

The press release reads:

In recent years, educators and workforce experts across the nation have spoken positively about the high quality of community college programs, Steiner noted. "President Obama has stressed that community colleges are one of the keys to job creation and economic growth on both the local and national level."

Valene May Blackwell, 26, of 22 Tracy Ave. Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Blackwell is accused of shoplifting $35.91 in items from Kmart.

Ryan M. Bobzin, 21, of Byron, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana and driving a vehicle with a suspended registration. Bobzin was reportedly stopped by State Police on Route 237 in Byron on Monday at 10:45 a.m.

Jonathan A. Brenkus, 21, of Elba, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana, aggravated unlicensed operation and driving in excess of 55 mph. Brenkus was reportedly stopped by State Police on Route 33 in Stafford Monday at 8:50 a.m.

There's about a 30-percent chance of snow throughout the day, increasing to 60-percent chance tonight, according to the current forecast.

Temperatures will hover in the low 20s all day.

Winds will reach just above 10 mph.

When Jason Molino talks about community engagement, and moving city efforts for neighborhood improvement beyond code enforcement and writing grant proposals, its clear he has at least one supporter on City Council.

Last night, when Molino's agenda item came up on neighborhood improvement, only Ferrando spoke up in terms that gets the gist of what the city manager is trying to push.

"I really believe in the part of the report that says that essentially you can’t force people, you can’t intimidate people, you can’t bang people over the head," Ferrando said. "You might get short-term results, but you won’t get long-term results. You’ve got to change the attitude. It’s got to be a positive kind of reinforcement."

He then talked about his experience as a youth sports coach.

"When you talk to kids and you want to turn failure into success, they’ve got to do it," Ferrando said. "You can’t hit them over the head to be good. They’ve got to want to be good. You’ve got to change that whole culture and attitude."

Ferrando concluded with a remembrance of the South Side he knew as a kid.

"A lot of the South Side was an immigrant population," Ferrando said. "They took pride in their property. Those properties were beautiful. Their gardens were beautiful. Even their backyards were beautiful. They took pride because their properties were special. They didn’t have a whole lot. We’ve got to bring that same kind of pride back to our neighborhoods if we’re going to make a difference."

And that's exactly what Molino has been talking about since he first introduced the concept of community engagement at the Oct. 27 council meeting.

To be sure, Molino isn't talking about just feel-good, community-building measures -- his proposal includes code enforcement and grant applications. But he is certainly looking at Batavia's future with far more depth than just throwing money at problems. And he's quite clear: You and I play a role just as vital as cops, firefighters and code enforcers.

Batavia won't grow and improve without community members taking pride and getting involved, which was the point of Molino sharing with council the Geneva Report.

Molino's report to the council included both grants and code enforcement, but underlying Molino's broader efforts is finding ways to promote community engagement. Last night, he just didn't put it as well as Ferrando.

Molino's eight recommendations:

• Neighborhood Revitalization Plan. The city applies for a $25,000 CDBG grant to study the needs of Batavia's neighborhoods and write a plan similar to Geneva's. This plan would bring in much of the community-engagement aspects of neighborhood improvement that Molino (and Ferrando) have discussed, as well as developing a neighborhood-by-neighborhood plan for grants and/or code enforcement.
• Residential Rehabilitation Program. The CDBG program we wrote about previously.
• Housing Rehabilitation Partnership. Partner with an organization like Habitat for Humanity and rehabilitate forclosed homes.
• Trash Can Local Law. Requiring residents to use trash cans instead of plastic bags, which would cut down on trash in the streets and animal problems.
• Exemptions for Multi-Family Conversions. This would provide tax exemptions for home owners who converted three- and four-apartment units back into single-family (or possibly duplex) residences.
• Code Compliance Outreach. Providing information to residents, both home owners and renters, about proper property maintence, and providing renters a hotline to report problems.
• Neighborhood Revitalization Committee. The committee would assist with the revitalization plan if funded, and assist with recommendations and implementation.
• Continue Code Enforcement Efforts. Self explanatory.

In his report, Molino also shot down many of the recommendations of the Neighborhood Improvement Committee for new codes and new enforcement recommendations.

These included:

• Residential rental occupancy permits
• 36-month renewal for occupancy permits
• Rental property tenant registration
• Agent-of-record registration for rental properties.

Molino's report said these proposals were impractical either because of New York State law, expense (such as additional staffing) or inefficient because they didn't improve on current procedures.

The council took no action Monday on Molino's proposals. Council members such as Bob Bialkowski asked for more time to study the reports.

In other council news:

• On a 4-4 vote (with Councilwoman Rose Mary Christian absent) the council failed to approve the sale of property between Ellicott Street and Lehigh Avenue to the railroad. Councilmembers said that the offer of $1,600 for the parcel -- currently not on the tax roles -- was too low. The parcel is landlocked (no street access) and currently seems to serve no useful purpose.
• It turns out that the city's budget for legal services is running low. Lawsuits -- particularly the one with the mall merchants -- is driving up legal fees. The additional expenditures are likely to reach at least $35,000 before the end of the budget year.
• It was Council President Charlie Mallow's last official meeting. We've ask Charlie to write an "outgoing thoughts" post. We'll see if he comes through for us. He said he's already said enough, but has he really?

There's a vehicle-rollover accident in the westbound lane of Route 5 in Le Roy.

UPDATE 8:42 p.m.: First responder reports that the road is "solid ice" and that the car went over the guardrail. The good news is, "everyone is out of the vehicle."

UPDATE 8:45 p.m.: Mercy EMS medic reports, "It's solid black ice out there." He's taking all of the patients to the toll booth.

UPDATE 8:53 p.m.: With the patients safely out of the area, Le Roy Fire is leaving the scene and back in service. "There's too much danger here."

A bomb threat was scrawled on a bathroom wall at Byron-Bergen High School today, and two youths have been charged with a felony as a result.

One student is 17 years old and the age of the second suspect was not released.*

Both are charged with falsely reporting an incident in the 2nd degree and conspiracy in the 5th degree.

The two students allegedly conspired in order to get out of school

The older suspect was jailed on $1,500 bail.

*NOTE: while the Sheriff's Office released the name of the first suspect, it is the policy of The Batavian not to identify possible Youthful Offenders who are not at least 18 years old, except for, in our sole discretion, serious crimes. In New York, defendants can be adjudicated a Youthful Offender through his or her 19th year. (We generally identify suspects at age 18 and 19.)

A pizza delivery driver is apparently in trouble.

A snow-plow operator reports driving along a local roadway (sorry, missed the street name) when a car with a pizza ad on it spun out and hit the snow plow. The driver then reportedly drove away (which, if true, would violate section 600.1 of the New York Vehicle Code: Leaving the scene of a property-damage accident).

The snow plow wasn't damaged, but of course its driver is required to report the incident.

And: Just as I finish writing the above, Batavia Police report identifying the vehicle.

It may be the most anticipated gym opening in Batavia, if not world, history, but Ken Mistler sent a message to his Facebook followers announcing that Next Level Fitness will finally open.

The three-level workout center at Main and Jackson will start straining muscles and pumping hearts on Jan. 2.

Mistler will close Better Bodies on Dec. 24 and use the next week to move equipment from the old gym to the new.

Mistler will be at Next Level on Jan. 1 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. to give tours and sign new members.

There are reportedly "several" cars off the road along Route 98 in the area of Alexander.

One of the vehicles reportedly struck the gas line of a house at 10738 Alexander Road, and Alexander Fire is responding.

There are also reports of vehicles off the road and other property-damage accidents around the county.

UPDATE 5:22 p.m.: A law enforcement officer on scene just requested that County Highway snow crews get out to Route 98 quickly. He said the road is very slippery.

UPDATE 6:04 p.m.: A car struck a pole at Edwards and Buell streets and left the scene. City Fire is being dispatched because the pole is broken.

UPDATE 6:06 p.m.: Police officer responding to accident above: "He's going to have substantial front-end damage. He struck the pole right between the headlights." The officer is proceeding to a parking lot to check out a specific vehicle.

UPDATE 6:14 p.m.: Police are still searching for the car that struck the pole.

Bill Hume sends along a picture of the snow starting in Oakfield. Any snow during the day isn't expected to accumulate, but we may get 1 or 2 inches tonight.

It's red, shiny and has all the bells and whistles. No, it's not Santa's sled -- it's the new fire truck in the Pembroke Fire District.

The truck arrived at the fire station Dec. 8 and Bruce Ross sent over the picture above along with some information about the tanker.

The total cost: $285,000. But, as Ross said, "The payoff for having access to this life saving truck: absolutely priceless to both the firefighters and community."

The 2009 Peterbuilt has a 3,100 gallon tank capacity along with 60 gallons of on-board in-tank foam.

"The truck has all of the latest state-of-the-art LED emergency lighting, including a large directional arrow on the rear of the truck for use on the roadway, especially helpful on Thruway accident scenes, and a Federal Q2B siren to ensure a clear path for minimum response times to an emergency," Ross said.

The truck's equipment includes six SCBA air packs  for use on interior firefighting efforts, eight extra air bottles, 48 feet in ground ladders, various hand tools used both in interior and exterior firefighting work, hard-suction hose in order to gain access to water out of a standing water source such as a pond, and a 4,000-gallon portable pond used in remote areas.

It replaces a 1978 International Tanker that held a mere 1,800 gallons of water. Ross said the old tanker carried less equipment and was plagued by an increasing number of mechanical issues.

Crews will undergo pump and driver training and the truck is expected to be put in service in January.