The Kiwanis Club of Batavia hosts its annual spaghetti dinner from noon to 3 p.m., Sunday, at the YWCA, 301 North St., Batavia.
The event benefits local children's projects.
The cost is $7 per person and includes spaghetti and meatballs, salad, Italian bread, lemonade, coffee or tea and dessert.
Pictured, Matt Landers, Shanon Ford, Frank Ciaccia, Jeanne Walter and Peter Guppenberger.
Press release:
The City is pleased to announce the following recipients for the 2015 City Recognition Awards:
Business of the Year – WBTA FM & AM is recognized for the positive contribution and support they have provided within our community. WBTA demonstrated continuous community involvement with the Centennial Celebration throughout 2015. The station broadcasts a well-organized scheduled to interact with community business owners, volunteers, schools and government. WBTA also had involvement in the Emergency Management Planning and Support for the community. They continue to strive to provide excellence through their daily broadcasting which keeps the community involved and informed of the latest and greatest news.
This year, there are two Homeowner’s selected for the 2015 Recognition Award:
Homeowner of the Year – Don and Pam Hirons are recognized for their demonstration in maintaining and improving their home on 137 Summit St. and taking pride in their neighborhood. They have accomplished the creation of a neighborhood coalition to keep a close connection with the homeowners and participate in the revitalization of Summit Street. Don and Pam strive to keep their neighborhood safe and thriving within the community. These two are true hometown heroes who serve as role models for other citizens determined to revitalize a neighborhood.
Homeowner of the Year – Tonya Passamonte and Adam Steadman are recognized for their demonstration in maintaining their home on 12 Washington Ave. and taking pride in their neighborhood. Tonya and Adam created extraordinary displays for Halloween and Christmas which were admired by many. They fabricated festive displays using memorable characters from childhood stories. As holiday music plays in the distance, the community comes alive, drawing the attention to approximately 500 children during the Halloween season. As the children walk away with a piece of candy they are also walking away with a memory and tradition. Tonya and Adam’s community spirit does not go unnoticed.
Community Volunteer of the Year – Larry Barnes is recognized for his extraordinary efforts that he brings forth to our community. As the City Historian, he donates his time to share the connection between the past and the future for the City of Batavia. Larry works hard to catalog important historical documents at City Hall for future generations. He was an integral volunteer to the successful events during the 2015 Centennial Celebration. Larry has written a book on the City’s history, has produced many articles on the City’s Web site and continues to offer his knowledge in tours and group discussions. Larry’s true dedication and positive impact are instrumental to our community.
Employee of the Year – Chad Richards consistently goes above and beyond the expectations of his position as a Police Officer. The department has received acknowledgements from the community of his courteous, compassionate and patient behavior as an officer. Chad is actively involved in the Emergency Response Team and has gone above and beyond his normal scope of duties as an ERT operator. Chad has been crucial in investigation and successful prosecution of many cases. He demonstrates his true commitment to the community by participating in community events, such as, “Shop with a Cop,” which was held at the Batavia Walmart during Christmas. Chad embodies the qualities that the City strives to maintain for all of their employees.
Please join us in congratulating the recipients of the 2015 City Recognition Awards.
These awards will be presented during the City Council Conference Meeting on Monday, April 25, at 7 p.m., in the Council Board Room at City Hall.
This past weekend, more than 400 people turned out for a fundraiser to benefit Michael Tenebruso, who is up against Stage IV lung cancer. This video was made by Cosmic Video to document the event.
Those who wish to make a donation can send a check in Michael Tenebruso's name to Big Pauly's Pizza, 314 Ellicott St., Batavia, NY 14020.
James Carter "Jimmie" Walker Jr., who played James Evans Jr. ("J.J.") from the mid-'70s TV show "Good Times," headlined Batavia Downs' first of many Comedy Nights scheduled this year. Walker has been entertaining people for more than four decades, from TV to comedy acts with his great one-liners, humor and his signature catchphrase "Dy-no-mite!"
He spoke about the era many years ago when TV had a whoppomg three channel and when it got to be very late, the signal went off the air with a beep and lines. Walker was nominated for Emmys, Golden Globes and more. The 68-year-old guy Bronx native entertained a packed crowd with laughter, wit and charm and was well received by Batavia.
Rochester native Todd Youngman opened the show for Walker.
The next Comedy Night at Batavia Downs is Wednesday, May 11th, with Michael Winslow from "Police Academy."
Pictured below, Todd Youngman.
Press release:
Congressman Chris Collins (NY-27) today released the following statement after introducing H.R. 5021, the Better Accounting for Medicaid Costs Act. The legislation will focus on reducing costs associated with Medicaid information requirements.
“States and the federal government currently spend over $500 billion a year on Medicaid,”Congressman Collins said. “If we are serious about tackling our nation’s budgetary challenges, we must confront this massive and out-of-control expense.
“Through common-sense measures, we can easily save taxpayer dollars, while improving transparency and accountability within the Administration. This legislation will protect states and the federal governments from unknowingly footing the bill for overly expensive Medicaid policy clarifications. Requiring the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to provide notice and comment rulemaking on sub-regulatory guidance that will cost states over $50 million or the federal government over $100 million in one year is simply smart policy.”
Lately, CMS has issued expensive Medicaid policy clarifications and interpretations through informal guidance such as letters to State Medicaid Directors, Informational Bulletins, and Frequently Asked Questions. Sub-regulatory guidance makes sense for certain updates and changes, given the Federal-State nature of the Medicaid program. However, some of these “clarifications” can actually present states and the federal government with high and unexpected costs.
This legislation requires CMS to go through notice and comment rulemaking if the Secretary of HHS determines that Medicaid sub-regulatory guidance will cost states more than $50 million or the federal government more than $100 million in one year, increasing transparency and accountability within the entitlement program.
Press release:
Imagine a classroom where students can design and manufacture an iPhone case, whistles or even a part for an RC car for pennies on the dollar.
It's happening at Elba Central School with the help of a 3-D printer, which the school acquired as part of Genesee Valley BOCES Make and Take Workshop back in February.
A 3-D printer works much like a more familiar 2-D text and picture printer.
"3D printers take a digital file and turn it into a three-dimensional object layer by layer," said Elba's Technology coordinator, Mary Beth Stacy. "Engineering classes can print their designs and see if they will actually work instead of just assuming that it will. The printer we have can actually print many of it's own parts."
"The students design the objects using CAD software and then print it," Stacy said. "Sometimes the design works and sometimes it fails. Great life lessons about learning from their mistakes and not giving up are being reinforced, along with critical thinking and problem solving skills."
Instead of ink, users can choose their own material. Most educators use a low-cost plastic filament.
"The students are really excited to see it," Kevin Rombaut, technology teacher at Elba Central School said. "It allows them to see rapid prototyping and modeling. It gives them actual objects that they can see and hold other than just a computer rendering or imagination.
"It allows them to create parts and/or objects and to re-invent. I had one student break a part on their RC vehicle. They took it, drew a new one, changed the design to offer more support, and printed a new part out."
Elba Central School is doing what it can in keeping current with technology to help their students succeed in the future.
As Stacy pointed out, "Our students' futures will have technology embedded in their daily lives."
Photo by Jim Burns.
Shortly after 4 p.m., this semi-truck on Elm Street, near Main Street, took out phone and cable lines.
Intoxication played a significant role in the drowning death of a 49-year-old Batavia man who's body was found in the Tonawanda Creek near Kibbe Park in August, according to information released by Batavia PD this morning.
In a statement, the police say that a Medical Examiner's investigation has concluded Troy Hickman drowned and was intoxicated at the time of his death.
No further information about the incident was released.
Le Roy village residents will pay more for sewer service starting this summer.
The Village Board on Wednesday approved a 21-percent hike — from $33 to $40 — in the village’s minimum quarterly sewer rate, effective with the August billing.
Sewer charges are based on water consumption. The minimum quarterly sewer charge includes the first 3,000 gallons.
The board also raised the village’s “excess” rate, from $5.81 to $8 per 1,000 gallons above the minimum.
Sewer rates will also increase for the handful of customers outside the village. The minimum will go from $100 to $120 per quarter, while the excess charge rises from $6.76 to $9.25 per 1,000 gallons.
The increases — the village’s first since 2002 — were prompted by a sewer fund deficit and the need to pay for long-deferred improvements to the village’s 54-year-old sewer treatment plant on Red Mill Road.
Mayor Greg Rogers said the village is meanwhile eyeing a $5 million to $6 million plan for plant upgrades. The first phase could be in place by the end of the year.
Rogers said the board’s hope is that those upgrades will cut treatment costs — and eventually allow for a lower sewer rate.
“Once we get going, this rate could slide back considerably,” Rogers said. “But for this year, we have to budget to break even.”
Rogers estimated that an average family of five will pay an additional $200 in sewer costs in 2016-17.
Residents who pay only the minimum — a category that includes about 20 percent of the village’s 1,751 customers — will pay an extra $7 per year.
The sewer budget, by law, must be self-funding. The 2015-16 fiscal year will however end with a $220,000 sewer fund deficit, Rogers said. That will be covered by reserve funds, but must be repaid to the general fund next year, he said.
The deficit was fueled by the cost of wastewater sludge hauling, which has been entirely in the village’s hands since We Care Organics of Rochester stepped way from its hauling agreement late last year.
“That’s the major contributing factor,” Rogers said.
The costs of operating the treatment plant — including employee wages and benefits — have continued to rise, Rogers said. But lower water consumption — thanks in part to residents’ use of water-efficient appliances — has held sewer revenues in check.
Another new but necessary expense, Rogers said, is an equipment repair and maintenance effort directed by Steven Carroll, plant superintendent since March 2015.
Rogers said the Village Board, along with the village sewer board and engineers Clark Patterson Lee, are developing a $5 million to $6 million plan for treatment plant upgrades. The village will pursue grants and interest-free financing offered through the state Environmental Facilities Corporation.
The immediate goal is to purchase a belt filter press, used for sludge dewatering. Rogers said the equipment costs about $600,000, but would dramatically reduce hauling and landfill expenses.
“Our first step is, we have to get the money,” Rogers said. “The second step is to get the belt press. Once we do that we can start seeing a real savings.”
The village’s sewer treatment plant is a long-simmering problem that no one has been eager to address — in Roger’s words, the “5,000-pound elephant in the room.”
Outstanding debt on the plant — which costs nearly $400,000 a year to service — will not be retired until 2019.
“To be honest, everybody — present company included — was just trying to get to the end of that before stacking on more debt,” Rogers said.
“You knew it was there, and you knew that someday it would have to be done,” he said. “The witching hour is here.”
In other action Wednesday, the board adopted a $3.375 million budget for 2016-17. The budget raises the tax rate by a penny, to $10.46 per $1,000 assessed value.
The budget that was the subject of a public hearing last week. The village’s 2016-17 fiscal year begins June 1.
Rancho Viejo Mexican Restaurant opened Wednesday in the Le Roy Village Plaza on West Main Street. (Photo courtesy of Marysol Leon.)
Le Roy’s newest restaurant has plenty of longtime fans.
Rancho Viejo Mexican Restaurant had a “soft opening” Wednesday in the Le Roy Village Plaza on West Main Street.
The location is one of several owned by Jose and Marysol Leon, including Rancho Viejo in Batavia and a Mexican restaurant in Warsaw.
“We’re happy to be in business,” Jose Leon said. “I invite people to give us a try.”
Many already have.
The Batavia restaurant opened in 2011, inside a former Ponderosa on Ellicott Street. It soon built a loyal customer base — including LeRoyans who lobbied for a restaurant in their hometown.
Jose Leon said he was interested in Le Roy because it did not have a Mexican restaurant. The plaza location was also ideal, offering plenty of space inside, and lots of parking outside.
And its West Main Street address, next door to Le Roy Medical Associates (UR Medicine), guarantees visibility and foot traffic, he said.
Marysol Leon said business was steady on Wednesday, even though the opening wasn’t announced.
“People have been calling to ask, ‘When are you going to open?’” she said.
Le Roy Village Plaza is a former supermarket. The space occupied by Rancho Viejo was formerly a Chinese buffet. It’s been remodeled, brightly painted and decorated.
Jose Leon said food is prepped twice daily, guaranteeing fresh, “home style” cooking. They have applied for a liquor license.
The menu will be familiar to anyone who has been to the Batavia restaurant.
For first-time diners, Marysol recommended the deep-fried Rancho Viejo Burrito, which is stuffed with ground beef, chicken, rice and beans and topped with nacho cheese and pico de gallo. Rancho Viejo Special Fajitas are served with sliced grilled beef, chicken, pork sausage and shrimp — along with the traditional bell peppers, onions and tomatoes.
Rancho Viejo also offers a children’s menu, vegetarian dishes and “All-American” options that include burgers and a grilled chicken sandwich.
Take-out service is available.
Hours are from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays, and from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. For information call (585) 502-5292.
(Photo courtesy of Marysol Leon.)
Press release:
Residents with questions about their smart phones, laptop computers, tablets, computer programs, or an app can bring them to a Technology Tuesday at the Corfu Free Library for answers.These monthly hands-on help sessions are held every 4th Tuesday of the month from 7 to 8 p.m.
Electronic devices are becoming an essential way to shop, find information, enjoy reading and be entertained, and with the new digital services offered by the library, learning how to use them is more important than ever.
“The library isn’t just about books and magazines anymore,” says Diana Reding, director at the Corfu Free Library. “There are a large number of free eBooks, music albums, TV shows, movies and comic books available via digital download that are now part of the services we offer.
"All patrons need is their library card to be able to use and enjoy them. We have both free WiFi and computer workstations at the library. Better still is when folks bring in their own devices to learn on them right here during a Technology Tuesday."
Reding, and Kristie Miller, president of the Board of Directors and a librarian at the Alexander Central School District, Julie Hengenius, board secretary and librarian at Pembroke School District, will also be at the library to assist patrons at the Technology Tuesday sessions.
Interested residents are encouraged to bring in their own devices such as an iPhone, Kindle, Nook, iPad, flash drive, or laptop computer (including charging cords) and ask questions about them.
Residents can even learn to download a wide variety of digital items from Hoopla as well as eBooks from Overdrive and eMagazines from Zinio right at the sessions. These electronic download services provided through the Nioga Library System, are free to library patrons.
In addition to Technology Tuesdays, there are some short instructional videos explaining how to use Hoopla, one of the digital services available at the library, and Gmail on the Corfu Free Library’s website. “We will be adding more ‘How To’ videos through the year on our Web site,” adds Reding. “And we are always here to answer questions about the services our patrons can access through the library.”
The Corfu Free Library periodically offers sessions like Technology Tuesdays and residents are encouraged to check the library’s Web site at www.CorfuFreeLibrary.org, stop by 7 Maple Ave. in Corfu for program information, or they can call the library at (585) 599-3321.
Jerry Riley III
Press release from the Genesee County Sheriff's Office:
The Genesee County Local Drug Enforcement Task Force, comprised of officers from the Genesee County Sheriff's Office, Batavia Police NET officers, and the Le Roy Village Police Department, concluded as investigation into the illegal sales of narcotics from a Bank Street residence in the City of Batavia with the arrest of a Rochester man on Wednesday afternoon.
Jerry Riley III, 38, of Jay Street, Rochester is charged with two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance, 3rd, a Class B felony, and two counts of criminal sale of a controlled substance, 3rd, also a Class B felony.
He is already in custody at the Genesee County Jail from an incident that occurred in the city earlier this month and has now been charged with four additional felony charges this afternoon stemming from the sales of "crack" cocaine in the city in March.
Riley is in jail with $2,000 of additional bail.
For initial post on Riley, click here.
Batavia City School District Board of Education President Pat Burk, right, is congratulated by Superintendent of Schools Christopher Dailey for receiving an Award for Excellence from the Western New York Educational Service Council.
Submitted photo. Press release:
To say that Patrick Burk is a champion of students and school staff gives new meaning to the word “understatement.” That sentiment was recognized recently by the Western New York Educational Service Council in presenting him with a 2016 Award for Excellence in the category of Board Member.
A graduate of nearby Caledonia-Mumford Central School and resident of Batavia for more than 35 years, Burk has been a Batavia City School District Board of Education member for 30 years and served as the Board’s president 10 different times, including presently. Most recently, he was key to starting a recognition program that highlights outstanding students, staff, and community volunteers at each Board meeting, and was quintessential in establishing the Batavia City School District Education Foundation.
“Mr. Burk is the backbone of our district,” says Superintendent of Schools Christopher Dailey. “He is our greatest cheerleader, advocate, and friend.”
Burk says, “I know that we have a solid District and I am extremely proud to be a part of it. I am pleased with our outcomes and see a tremendous amount of positive results from our students. I also am champion of our staff. I believe that they are excellent and I see that they work hard to obtain the positive outcomes.”
In addition to his work for the Batavia schools, Burk also has served on the Genesee Valley Educational Partnership board for the last three years, is a delegate to New York State School Boards Association, and, as he has for the past 10 of 12 years, serves as the president of the Genesee Valley School Boards Institute. He is also a longtime supporter of and volunteer for the Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership program, and is the executive director and artistic director of the Batavia Players. Previously, he has served on the GO ART! Board of Directors and the Batavia Youth Center Board of Directors.
Though his record of community service is lengthy, his longest Board affiliation is with the Batavia City School District.
“Being a Board member allows me to contribute to the education of our young people,” says Burk. “It is the most important investment we can make. It also allows me to be a part of a successful District. I have enjoyed my involvement with the Batavia City School District and I do want to continue that involvement.”
Says Dailey, “He deserves to be recognized for his selfless dedication to public education in the Batavia City Schools."
Press release:
Tonight, Byron-Bergen Central School honors the two newest inductees into its Hall of Fame. Judy (Hulburt) Holly (Class of 1976) and Amy (Seward) Stacy (Class of 1980) join the ranks of other distinguished Byron-Bergen alumni honored with a place in the Hall of Fame for their achievements after graduation.
The Byron-Bergen Alumni Hall of Fame recognizes the accomplishments of the district’s graduates, providing young people of our district with positive adult role models, showing that graduates of Byron-Bergen can achieve high levels of accomplishment in their lives. This honor is in its 13th year and has become part of our school district culture and a permanent reminder to our students about the outcome of hard work and diligence.
The 2016 inductees will be honored on tonight at the school at 7 o'clock. Each will briefly speak to students and receive their B-B Alumni Hall of Fame plaques at the Sr. National Honor Society induction ceremony. They spent the day visiting with Byron-Bergen students and sharing how their school experience influenced their lives.
After college graduation, Holly was employed as a nurse at Highland Hospital (Rochester), working on a medical floor then transferring to labor and delivery. She worked there until she started her family.
Holly has stated that her greatest achievement is her family. She is married to a wonderful man; together they are parents of six children, and have two grandchildren.
She and her husband are foster parents (through Monroe County) and have fostered 50 foster babies (so far), many of whom are medically fragile infants.
Holly has dedicated herself to helping children, most of whom are unable to care for themselves and in need special attention, demonstrating the utmost compassion.
Holly is an excellent role model and source of inspiration to the youth of Byron-Bergen.
She earned several scholarships and awards upon graduation.
After high school, she earned a bachelor’s degree in 1984 from Cornell University in Nutrition, and a master’s degree from SUNY Brockport in Health Education in 1989. Stacy is a registered dietitian, certified diabetes educator, certified dietitian/nutritionist, and certified pump trainer.
She has worked for the WIC Program, Lakeside Memorial Hospital, Strong’s Cardiac Rehab Program, and Lakeside Memorial’s Wellness Center.
Currently, Stacy works for Rochester Regional Health System (Unity Diabetes Program in Brockport) and is the sole proprietor for Innovative Nutrition by Amy.
Awards include Who’s Who in Diabetes Education and the Healthy Heart Contributor Award. She also received a New York State grant for nutrition education. Memberships include the American Diabetes Association, American Association of Diabetes Educators, Rochester Association of Diabetes Educators, American Dietetic Association/Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Genesee Dietetic Association, and Bergen Evangelical Presbyterian Church.
She is an active community member who is involved in her church (Sunday school teacher, Vacation Bible School, worship team), and numerous activities within the Bergen area. Stacy stated her greatest achievement has been to raise four wonderful children with her husband, Rick, and being grandparents.
Involved in her community and through her faith, Stacy inspires the youth of the Byron-Bergen community.
Press release:
Andrew Lipnicky, of Basom, from the RIT Rock Climbing Team, will compete in national competition Friday and Saturday at the Collegiate Climbing Series in San Diego, Calif.
Lipnicky is a Ph.D. student in the Astrophysical Sciences and Technology program.
Nearly 400 athletes from approximately 40 colleges will participate in various competitions, including speed, bouldering and sport climbing.
The team is coming off of a first-place overall victory in Northeast regional competition earlier this month in Albany, against teams from New York, New Jersey and Connecticut.
Press release:
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) said today that he is tired of the Legislature providing a disproportionate amount of aid to New York City, and showing a blatant disregard for the needs of Upstate New Yorkers.
Hawley wrote to Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie asking him to bring the Two New Yorks legislation to the floor and allow a vote to gauge public opinion on the issue. The bipartisan, nonbinding measure would be an important step toward understanding whether New Yorkers feel that the amount of aid allocated upstate and the amount sent downstate is equitable.
“In the eyes of the Legislature, NYC and its welfare policies take precedence over upstate businesses and taxpayers,” Hawley said. “I have introduced legislation that will simply gauge the interest of New Yorkers in a nonbinding way.
"For instance, the battle over minimum wage and the implications it would have on farmers and upstate small businesses was completely overlooked by our downstate counterparts. Such disconnect has been present for many years, which is why this legislation is long overdue.”
Here's the letter Hawley sent to the Assembly Speaker:
Dear Speaker Heastie:
I respectfully urge you to report Assembly Bill 4167 out of the Local Governments Committee to allow a full vote on the Assembly Floor. As you may know, A.4167 would allow voters to vote yes or no in a nonbinding referendum to indicate their preferences on whether New York should be divided into two states.
I believe that Upstate and Downstate New York citizens have differing needs, wants, and desires regarding legislation and budgetary requirements. Upstate citizens are representative of less urban and more rural values, while Downstate citizens tend to be more city oriented. There are also distinct social and political differences. Upstate citizens are more reflective of conservative to moderate traits while Downstate citizens are reflective of moderate to liberal traits. In light of the fact that there is a philosophical view of the SAFE Act dividing Upstate and Downstate, now again, we have seen a division with the two minimum wages. It is apparent that now would be the perfect opportunity to take up my legislation and allow a referendum for citizens to indicate their preferences.
Again, I urge you to assist in reporting this piece of legislation out of committee so that the people of this great State are able to indicate their views. After all, isn’t this what being a representative is all about – actually finding out what constituents’ viewpoints are on issues affecting their lives as New Yorkers? Please contact me with any questions or concerns you have regarding this bill. Let the people’s voice be heard.
Press release from the Genesee County Sheriff's Office:
The Genesee County Sheriff's Office investigated a motor-vehicle accident at the 7-Eleven convenience store on South Main Street in Oakfield on April 19 at about 2 p.m.
A motor vehicle crashed into the south wall of the store and immediately fled the scene. The vehicle was later found on Townline Road in Byron occupied by a male operator. The male was identified at Hicham Fathallah, 34, of Rochester. He was charged with leaving the scene of a motor-vehicle accident and inadequate brakes.
He is to appear in the Town of Oakfield Court at a later date and time.
For initial post, click here.
Press release:
Independent Living of the Genesee Region (ILGR) has invited individuals from a number of local businesses and agencies to a “Lunch in the Dark” at the New York State School for the Blind (NYSSB) to learn how those with low vision or blindness can live and work successfully.
Taking place from noon to 1:30 p.m. on Thursday April 28th at the School, 2A Richmond Ave, west of State Street, in Batavia, the event challenges the participants to dine in low light conditions, with blindfolds available for those who want a “total experience."
After the meal, with the assistance of an ILGR staff person, they will have the chance to try out activities when blindfolded, such as traveling a course with the white cane, feeling Braille documents, and using adapted devices. Services of ILGR that may be useful to citizens who are visually impaired, such as the Medicaid Application Assistance Program, will be explored.
A panel, including students and graduates from the State School for the Blind who have been gainfully employed, will take questions at the end of the event. A number of workplace accommodations for blind employees that cost the company little or nothing will be discussed.
The ticket price of $15 includes the meal, and some materials participants can take home.
Members of the public who have not been formally invited are welcome to attend, if they pre-register. For questions, or to RSVP, please call Donna Becker at 815-8501, ext. 411.
Independent Living of the Genesee Region (ILGR) is a member of the Western New York Independent Living, Inc., family of agencies that offers an expanding array of services to aid individuals with disabilities to take control of their own lives.
City residents are invited to City Hall today to share their ideas for the future of Batavia.
As an early-stage step toward devising a new comprehensive plan for Batavia, the city is hosting an open house today where residents can step through a series of questions and write out answers for their ideas on the challenges the city faces, how to address those issues and what their visions are for Batavia.
The open house lasts until 7 p.m.
Pat O'Brien was a little surprised, but not shocked to learn yesterday that the house on Ross Street that he moved into Monday was the subject of a $841,500 fine by Batavia City Court for a long string of alleged code violations.
Before O'Brien bought the home, the city determined the responsible party for the property was HSBC Bank. The bank was allegedly issued a summons to appear in court to answer to the code violation charges, but reportedly, no representative of HSBC ever appeared.
When defendants fail to appear in court as directed, judges have the discretion to find the party guilty and after another demand to appear in court, in the defendant's absence, the judge can issue a sentence.
That's what Justice Durin Rogers did Friday against HSBC and another entity responsible for a local property that has allegedly failed to appear on the matter.
That defendant is Kaja Holdings 2, LLC, held responsible for 21 Hutchins St., Batavia. Kaja was found guilty in absentia of 1,092 violations of the city's property maintenance code.
HSBC was found guilty of 3,336 violations.
Rob Sherman, corporate communications for HSBC, did not respond to a voicemail left yesterday requesting comment.
Kaja Holdings did not respond to a request for comment.
City Manager Jason Molino said the judgments against HSBC and Kaja are part of the city's ongoing, aggressive efforts to deal with so-called "zombie" homes -- homes that have been left abandoned and vacant for extended periods of time following a foreclosure.
"We going to push aggressively with non-responsive individuals with an interest in properties in hopes of getting people's attention and start getting them to respond," Molino said.
Molino said the city was only notified on Monday that the Ross Street property had been transferred to the new owners.
"We're pleased with the outcome," Molino said. "It's exactly what we like to see."
Whether HSBC will still be on the hook for the $841,500 fine, Molino said he didn't know. That will be up to Justice Rogers to decide.
As for Pat O'Brien, he said he's thrilled with the house and happy to become a Batavia resident.
He took a job in Henrietta in the fall and found the house on the house listed for sale on the Fannie Mae Web site. He worked with local real estate agent Chuck Flynn to complete the purchase.
He's had a new gas line installed (it was cut off at the street), new electrical installed and the city turned the water on two days ago, making the house livable once again.
"Even though it looks a little bit bad on the outside, surprisingly, it's not that bad on the inside," O'Brien said. "Structurally it's really sound."
O'Brien said he liked Batavia because it's a small, quaint community that seems to have a lot going for it. Workers who have come over to his house have had good things to say about Batavia, he said, that it's a community on the rise.
And commuting to Henrietta, he said, is no big deal.
"Back in Jersey, I actually had a longer commute, so the commute between Batavia and Henrietta doesn't bother me," he said. "It's all Thruway. It's under 45 minutes, which I don't think is that bad."
Molino said O'Brien will be given time to get the house in good shape once again, which O'Brien said he intends to do.
"If you look at the house, it's actually not as bad as you think because the top third has all been aluminum sided and so I only have to repaint the lower two-thirds of the home, so like I said, I think by the end of the summer it should be a gem on the street," O'Brien said.
Our news partner WBTA AM/FM contributed to this story.
21 Hutchins St., which is vacant and condemned.
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