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There were plenty of jokes at Scott German's retirement party at Batavia Downs on Saturday night along with kudos for a job well done during his 21 years as county treasurer.

German retired four months shy of being Genesee County's longest serving treasurer, the culmination of 31 years total working in the treasurer's office.

But the goodbye was also a hello because German has taken the part-time job of Republican Election Commissioner at the Board of Elections.

"I'm happy that he's staying with county government," said County Manager Matt Landers, who started working for the county 21 years ago as German's deputy treasurer. "He's gonna help us out on the election side. So it's interesting. It's a retirement bash and going away, and I'll give him a big hug at the end of the night and say, 'I'll see you on Monday.'"

Kevin Andrews, the new county treasurer, got in a few zingers while roasting his former boss.

German only faced an election opponent once over his five terms, in the first year, he stood for election (after being appointed mid-term by then Gov. George Pataki).  That doesn't mean, however, that there weren't write-in votes.

"I honestly can't remember which year this happened, but Scott shared with me that one year when he ran for office, one of the write-in votes against him for county treasurer was an old sock," Andrews said.

So, Andrews wrapped up one of his old socks and gave it to him as a present. Just so he would have a moment of that write-in vote (top photo).

Andrews also praised his mentor.

"Sincerely, though, you've always been supportive of me, especially when I have been overly self-critical," Andrews said. "I appreciate the many conversations that we've had over the years where you've offered advice or encouragement when I've needed it personally; Scott, I want to say that it has been a pleasure and honor working with you."

Legislature Chairwoman Shelley Stein praised German for the millions of taxpayer dollars his diligent work has saved the county and the millions he earned for the county through wise investments.

"You've been passionate and you have been aggressive in your approach to county government," Stein said.

Garrett Macdonald, a consultant with Three+1 based in Rochester (Macdonald is also a Genesee County resident and a second cousin of German's, though they never met until they started working together), helped provide German with the strategy to invest the county's cash reserves.

"There's very few treasurers where you walk into their office, and they look at you dead in the eyes, and they say, 'I want to do everything I possibly can to earn and save and help my taxpayers,' and that has been a stamp on Scott's legacy for Genesee County, doing whatever he possibly can to take care of his constituents and taxpayers," Macdonald said.

When German closed out the evening, he put some hard numbers on those accomplishments. He said the county, by investing reserves, has earned $21 million for the general fund and more than $28 million overall.

"In 2004, the county's fund balance was $5.4 million, and at the end of 2023 the fund balance is $22.2 million," German said. "The total fund equity in 2004 was $11.8 million, but at the end of 2023, fund equity was over $84 million. Personally, I am very proud of those numbers, and I have turned over to Kevin accounting that is in a very strong financial state. So Kevin, don't screw it up."

Hawley took note of all the praise for German's handling of the county's finances and mused that it would be nice if state government could do as well.

"We've heard about the fact that you saved taxpayers millions and millions of dollars," Hawley said. "You've also earned the county millions and millions of dollars. And we wish that some of your philosophy of governing and finances would translate to the state of New York, I'll give Kathy Hochul your best and tell her to read your upcoming book on how to make money and not have to spend money just because it's there."

On Saturday evening, Fire Chief Jeff Fluker of Bethany Fire Department led as the master of ceremonies at Bethany’s annual awards and installation of officer’s banquet. 

More than 80 people attended, including VIP guests from other area fire departments, including Alexander, Attica, Elba, Pavilion, Stafford, and Wyoming.

Assemblyman Steve Hawley and County Legislator Gregg Torrey were also among the guests.  

Steve Breckenridge and Emergency Coordinator Tim Yaeger gave opening remarks on the evening.

Jeff Fluker presented the installation of officers for 2025.  

Steve Breckenridge presented the President's Award to Bethany Fire Department Treasurer Debbie Donnelly.

Jeff Fluker and John Szymkowiak announced the Firefighter of the Year award to EMS Captain, Gail Smith. 

Jeff Fluker and John Szymkowiak presented the Chiefs award for the year to second assistant and training officer, Will Thurley.

Gregg Torrey presented the years of service awards to the members present.

The memorial service, led by Pastor Walter Wenhold, honored Robert Alwardt, (Divider NY) Don Frank, who passed away in 2024 and all deceased members of the department.

The department responded to 146 total calls in 2024.  

The top responders were:

• Will Thurley, 82 calls
• Brian Bitton, 75 calls
• Gail Smith, 62 calls
• Glenn Adams, 55 calls
• Peggy Johnson, 42 calls
• Jeff Wolak, 40 calls
• Carl Hyde Jr., 37 calls
• Jeff Fluker, 35 calls
• John Szymkowiak, 35 calls
• Vicki Wolak, 34 calls

If anyone is interested in joining or learning more, contact Chief Jeff Fluker at 585-300-8153 or come to the fire hall any Monday at 7 p.m.

Photos by Steve Ognibene

When Thea Anderson was working through her recovery program more than a year ago, she wasn’t thinking about claiming an award for the art. She was learning to relieve stress.

Yet Zentangle — a structured drawing method of creating repetitive patterns and intricate designs — served the purpose of helping her relax, focus and produce something that others have come to appreciate. In fact, her piece, “Recovery Tryptic,” won the People’s Choice Award at a new GO ART! Members/Staff Exhibit.

“These pieces kind of represent how far I’ve come in my life,” Anderson said during an interview with The Batavian. “And it’s pretty amazing to have been chosen by a lot of people.”

Anderson is one of three artists to be presented with an award this weekend. The public is invited for a free closing reception from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday to view the artwork, meet her and artists Rebecca Graham and Jodi Fisher, and help celebrate their awards. This event is at GO ART!, 201 E. Main St., Batavia. Refreshments will be served.

A resident of Batavia, Anderson decided to enter a 28-day rehab program, and during that time, she rediscovered her love of art. While she had pursued acrylics previously, she said her latest medium is pen-and-ink. This three-piece work, the tryptic, fits together in one matted frame of a large white flower against a Zentangle background design. 

“So I discovered Zentangle. It’s a form of art and meditation, and I really liked that because I was going through the recovery process, which I’m still doing. So these pieces kind of helped me with my anxiety and depression. I was an alcoholic. So it was an addiction. I was in a program to get well, and I've been sober for about, I think, 15 months now. I didn't do art for a really long time when I was sick in my addiction, and then as I got better, I started to realize how it was helping me with my anxiety and with dealing with a mental health disorder.”

She wants to share some of her story with hope that it might encourage others to seek help if they are struggling as she did. Anderson is proud of her sobriety as she remembers how she felt 15 months ago. It’s also how to describe her artwork.

“A blank white flower is how I felt,” she said. “It was like I was rediscovering and also creating a new me.”

It took her 20 hours per individual piece, for a total of 60 hours working at her makeshift studio space at her dining room table. She became a GO ART! member a year ago and also volunteered along with her fiancé, Kyle Moore. They befriended Executive Director Gregory Hallock, she said.

Visitors to the exhibit were asked to vote on a favorite for the People’s Choice from Dec. 12 to Jan. 31. Anderson was “honored” to be selected out of several pieces, she said. 

“So many opportunities have opened for us because of GO ART!,” she said. “We’re very grateful for Gregory, for taking a chance on us. I was shocked, I was so happy to have created something that I wanted to share with people. I had no thoughts of winning anything.

“Like I said, it represents how far I've come, and to have a tangible creation to show for the time that I spent kind of doing the work, the inner work, all the stuff that you have to go through and explore when you're in the process of recovery,” she said. “Even to have something to show was such an amazing accomplishment for me, and then winning. It's just, it's amazing.”

She and Moore have a work in progress on the second floor of the nonprofit, she said. They are painting a small ceiling area with a floral scene that will eventually be lit. Since beginning recovery, she has strengthened confidence, stronger focus and steadier hands, she said. 

“When people are in addiction, they try to fix the problem with substance,” she said. “Sometimes, it was an undiagnosed mental health disorder. I chose to medicate. I think that’s what people need to understand, that people who are in recovery or addicts, you have to address all those mental health issues … the person is just trying to get through life.”

GO ART! President Linda Knipe chose Rebecca Graham’s black and white portrait of “Indian Girl” for the President’s Award. A page filled largely with a child’s eyes and rounded cheeks, this genre is challenging, Graham said.

“Children are especially hard to get that child look to them without looking alien,” she said. 

She won a few awards in high school, and that fueled her continued interest in the arts, with an affinity for graphite, charcoal or colored pencil, and trying to get more comfortable with mixed media, including paints. 

She won an award in school also for a pen-and-ink of a sports car, and enjoys that kind of three-dimensional detail work, she said. A respiratory therapist who has enjoyed the healthcare field for the last 30 years, Graham looks forward to having her artwork as a “nice hobby” at some point in semi-retirement. 

“I am able to challenge myself to see if you practice enough, you’ll get better,” she said. “It’s a challenging thing to see how good I can get. Once I’m able to spend more time, I’ll be able to take commissions.”

A resident of Le Roy, she likes to do people and pet portraits and would like to get back to those eventually while exploring various mediums, she said. The competition was stiff with some amazing members for this exhibit, she said. 

“You’re hopeful, and you think it’s good, but it’s like the lottery,” she said. “My sister has been a big inspiration. Some of the work I had done when I was in high school, she’s confiscated it and it hangs in her house. It’s sort of like, well, she definitely thinks I do good, and she’s intelligent, so I thought it’s worth continuing, right? It validates that feeling of its worthiness.” 

The Curator’s Award went to Jodi Fisher of Batavia, who is both a member and GO ART!’s program director and statewide regrant co-coordinator. 

Fisher’s work was yet in another medium — photography. She captured the scene two years ago while at Genesee Country Village Museum during a yuletide dinner and tour by candlelight. The scenario depicted a Scottish American home with no electricity, which provided the luminescent glow and shadows that Fisher is drawn to, she said. 

“So that was really exciting, I got to see a place that I hadn't been in, but they were talking about their Scottish celebration for New Year's Eve, and I saw the shadows on the table with the lanterns. And it just was, I don't know, it really resonated with me,” she said. “When I put in I didn’t realize it was going to be judged, I just brought in some of my work because it was a staff and member show. So it was actually a surprise to me when (staff) told me that I had won an award.”

Her main art is in the literary field, with poetry and prose, and she only more recently began snapping photos with her iPhone 13 mini. 

“I really love the vibrancy of nature. I would consider myself mostly a nature photographer. I love light and shadows and color, and when I see something to me that looks very vibrant and alive, I like to try and capture that and share that with other people,” she said, describing why the table scene drew her attention. “The shadows and the simplicity of pre-electricity there’s a lot of depth and meaning in it.”

The photo is simple enough, but also with details that strike against the darkness and a smooth linen tablecloth set with two lanterns. Shadows emerge from varying positions around the lanterns and a coffee mug, and there seems to be a faint stream of light possibly from a nearby window. 

Fisher had a show two years ago combining both of her passions, prose and photos, and would “love to show my work more,” she said. There may also be a book of her poems in the future. 

Batavia City School District’s students, faculty and staff have come together in the aftermath of a tragedy that took the life of one of their own this week, Superintendent Jason Smith says.

Three siblings were rescued from a fire that broke out at 3 Vine St., Batavia in the early morning hours of Thursday. Javarius-Gus, 10, did not survive. The Batavia school district readied personnel to be a source of support for students and staff as they learned the news.

“We have activated our counseling and support teams for our students.  I was at BMS this morning, and teams were ready to support our students and staff,” Smith said Friday.  “Our Trauma, Illness, and Grief team, consisting of mental health staff from Batavia High School, John Kennedy, and Jackson Primary, were on site to provide support to students and staff. We will have the same support available on Monday, February 10, and will continue to provide it for as long as necessary.  

“Our students and staff are struggling with the loss of Javarius-Gus, and we are actively supporting them.  I am most appreciative of our leadership team and counselors for their incredible response to this tragedy and to our teachers and staff for supporting and consoling our students,” Smith said.  “We continue to keep Javarius-Gus and his family close in our hearts, as well as his siblings.”

The school community displayed a visual memorial on Friday, Smith said, and “students and staff wore blue today across the District, as blue was Javarius's favorite color.”

“And students honored him by memorializing his locker with kind words about what a special friend he was,” Smith said, adding a reminder to parents and guardians. “Over the weekend, if your child needs additional support, you can call the Care and Crisis hotline at (585) 283-5200 or text "talk" to 741741, and they will provide support. 

Press Release:

A coalition of 69 environmental, faith, human rights, and good governance groups from across New York State are demanding that three developers withdraw their applications to site a data center at the Western New York Science and Technology Advanced Manufacturing Park (STAMP). In their letters, the groups cite the threat data centers pose to regional environmental quality, local quality of life, and the sovereignty and well-being of the federally recognized Tonawanda Seneca Nation, whose Reservation Territory abuts the parcel under consideration for a data center.

The letters assert the data center proposals are “not aligned with either New York state or international commitments to environmental sustainability, social responsibility, and long-term stewardship.” Rather, placing a data center at STAMP would “move our state in the direction of further environmental injustice.” 

Signatories include the Western New York Environmental Alliance, Sierra Club Atlantic Chapter, Citizen Action of New York, Interfaith Climate Justice Community, and the NY Renews Coalition, which itself represents more than 400 environmental organizations across the state.

The coalition announces the delivery of these letters on the same day the Genesee Economic Development Center (GCEDC) plans to hold daytime public hearings on the three proposals. These hearings are required by Article 18-1 of the General Municipal Law and pertain to financial incentives proposed by GCEDC to each of the three applicants. GCEDC posted documents regarding these proposed incentives to their website at midday on Friday, January 31, which was also the deadline for the submission of written comments on said incentives. 

To date, GCEDC has refused to disclose the identities of the companies represented by the investor group applicants. The financial incentive documents offer tax exemptions in the hundreds of millions of dollars to these unknown companies. To date, STAMP has already received more than $410 million in public monies.

“I am outraged at GCEDC’s utter failure of transparency and violation of the public trust. They scheduled ‘public’ hearings on these data centers in the middle of a workday with less than two weeks’ notice and then quietly buried information about proposed giveaways of hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars to an obscure part of their website on the last business day before hearing public comment on these subsidies - which, I’ll add, would be directed to operations that will harm our shared environment and destroy our local quality of life,” said Margaret Wooster, one of the letter drafters and a Board Member of the Western New York Environmental Alliance. “This is shameful. Clearly, GCEDC does not actually want to know what we think about these incentives. Subsidies to a data center will not benefit the public: every person who pays taxes, breathes air, and drinks water in Western New York should be angry.”

‘Data center’ is a generic term  referring to operations ranging from cryptocurrency mining to Artificial Intelligence processing. As the coalition’s letter outlines, data centers are well known for their massive energy demands - in the case of the three applications under consideration, between 195-250 MW of electricity per year - and their use of vast quantities of water. One of the applicants, Project Rampart, would include a ten million gallon holding pond.

Data Centers produce continuous, jet-engine-like noise that can be heard up to eight miles away. Scientific research establishes a link between excessive noise exposure and harms to both public health and the health of wildlife. Data centers also produce significant air pollution and large quantities of e-waste. Their strain to the energy grid can increase the frequency of blackouts and brownouts. The building of new infrastructure needed to service data centers is associated with consumer energy rate increases. Data centers produce few permanent jobs and rarely remain in operation for more than 10-15 years.

Data centers face opposition from other WNY communities concerned about their noxious public health and environmental impacts. The proposed data center would be sited on a parcel of land characterized by wetlands and located immediately adjacent to the Reservation Territory of the Tonawanda Seneca Nation, whose Council of Chiefs opposes STAMP.

At Wednesday's basketball game between Notre Dame and Oakfield-Alabama at O-A, a song with crude language was apparently played during a break in the action.  

Videos provided to The Batavian indicate some sort of confrontation between a couple of adults who attended the game and O-A Superintendent John Fisgus.  One video is blurry with no discernable audio, and the other is very short with no significant statements, so it's hard to say what happened.

A person who complained to The Batavian about the incident said the song contained racial slurs.

Fisgus issued the following letter to members of both school communities and in response to a request from The Batavian for a comment on the incident, provided it to The Batavian.

Dear Notre Dame High School and Oakfield-Alabama School Communities,

On behalf of the Oakfield-Alabama School District, I sincerely apologize for an event that occurred during the Varsity Men's Basketball game on Wednesday, February 5, 2025, in our
gymnasium. After the game concluded, I was approached by some concerned parents who brought to my attention the inappropriate lyrics of a song played during the contest.

Upon further investigating this situation, I confirmed that the song contained very inappropriate lyrics and language and should never have been played. Please know that this song's selection was unintentional, and I am utterly embarrassed that this occurred.

Again, my sincerest apologies to all the attendees and fans who showed up to root for their children and respective teams that evening. Our school and its environment is a place where everyone should feel respected, valued, and safe. Please know that we will have extra measures in place to prevent this situation from occurring again.

My sincerest apologies to anyone affected or hurt by these actions. We look forward to having the Notre Dame School Community at future events on our campus.

Press Release:

Graham Corporation (NYSE: GHM) (“GHM” or the “Company”), a global leader in the design and manufacture of mission critical fluid, power, heat transfer and vacuum technologies for the defense, space, energy, and process industries, announced Wednesday key leadership changes as part of its established succession plan.

Daniel J. Thoren, President and Chief Executive Officer, will transition to the role of Executive Chairman, effective June 10, 2025 and will remain active in the operations of the Company for the foreseeable future. As part of the transition, Mr. Thoren will serve as a strategic advisor, focusing on guiding strategy and helping the Company grow through business development. With this change, Jonathan W. Painter, Chairman of the Board of Directors, will transition to Lead Independent Director.

In alignment with this plan, the Board of Directors has approved the appointment of Matthew J. Malone as President and Chief Operating Officer, reporting to Mr. Thoren, effective February 5, 2025. In this role, Mr. Malone will oversee, guide and lead each of the Company’s business units. Prior to this appointment, Mr. Malone has served as Vice President and General Manager of Barber-Nichols since 2021. Concurrently, Michael E. Dixon, Director of Sales and Marketing of Barber-Nichols, will be promoted to General Manager of Barber-Nichols reporting to Mr. Malone, effective February 5, 2025.

The Company further announced its intention for Mr. Malone to assume the role of Chief Executive Officer on June 10, 2025, and the expectation of his appointment to the Board of Directors. At that time, Mr. Dixon is expected to assume the role of Vice President of Graham Corporation and General Manager of Barber-Nichols.

Jonathan W. Painter, Chairman of the Board of Directors said, “I am pleased to announce these leadership appointments in accordance with our planned succession strategy, which demonstrates the bench strength of our executive team and reflects Graham’s commitment to developing exceptional talent. I would like to personally thank Dan for his leadership and tremendous accomplishments while serving as CEO since August of 2021 and we look forward to continuing to work with him in this next chapter, while he steps back from the day-to-day demands of public company leadership.”

Mr. Thoren said, "I am grateful to have led Graham as CEO and am proud of the great work we have completed during my tenure. Today’s appointments further highlight the strong talent we have attracted and developed across the entire organization, and I am pleased with the opportunity this transition has created within the Company. Matt Malone has demonstrated outstanding leadership capabilities throughout his time with Barber-Nichols and Graham, and his deep understanding of our business makes him the ideal choice to lead the Company into its next chapter of growth. Similarly, Mike Dixon's promotion to lead Barber-Nichols reflects his deep industry knowledge, product expertise and institutional knowledge of Barber-Nichols. I look forward to working alongside Matt, Mike, and the rest of the executive team to ensure we achieve our long-term strategic objectives and have complete confidence that under this new leadership structure, our company will continue to thrive and create value for our stakeholders."

Matt Malone brings over 15 years of engineering and executive experience to his new role as President and Chief Operating Officer. Mr. Malone joined Barber-Nichols in 2015 as a Project Engineer focused on rocket engine turbopump design and development. He was promoted to Navy Program Manager in 2018, overseeing key U.S. Navy programs and was appointed Vice President of Operations at Barber-Nichols in 2020 and then General Manager in 2021. Earlier in his career, he held a variety of engineering and management positions at GE Transportation. Mr. Malone earned his B.S. in Mechanical Engineering with honors in design optimization from Pennsylvania State University and his M.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Georgia Institute of Technology.

Mike Dixon has been an integral part of Barber-Nichols for the past six years, most recently serving as Director of Sales and Marketing. During his tenure, he has played a pivotal role in expanding the Company's technical capabilities and securing major contracts in the space and aerospace, and defense sectors. Prior to joining the Company, he held roles of increasing responsibility at Sundyne and began his career at ESS Metron. Mr. Dixon holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Northern Illinois University.

Opening Friday at the Main St. 56 Theater in Batavia is the Batavia Players' production of Agatha Christie's "The Mousetrap."

A murder mystery, it is Christie's most popular play and is directed by Sophie Houseman.

Set in a cozy guesthouse nestled in the snowy English countryside, run by a husband and wife new to the hospitality business, a group of strangers become trapped by a snowstorm. When a police detective arrives with chilling news—a killer is among them—secrets begin to unravel, and tensions rise.
Everyone is a suspect in this classic whodunit, filled with Christie’s signature twists and turns. 

Show times are Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m.

Tickets are $24 for adults at the door and $22 for students and seniors. Tickets are $2 cheaper if purchased online.

Photos by Howard Owens.

A 10-year-old who was rescued from a house fire at 3 Vine St., Batavia, early Thursday morning, has died, according to the Batavia Police Department.

The name of the child has not been released.

The child's two siblings, ages 4 and 12, are in critical condition at Strong Memorial Hospital.

The fire remains under investigation by Batavia PD and the Batavia Fire Department.

The fire was reported at about 12:30 a.m. when a downstairs neighbor heard the smoke alarms going off.  The neighbor, Dennis Say, said he called emergency dispatch and while the children were yelling that they were trapped, he tried to break down a locked door but was unsuccessful.

An initial fire crew was on scene and minutes and quickly extricated two children and a third child was located and carried from the house a short time later.  All three were quickly transported by Mercy EMS to UMMC before being transferred to Strong.

Anyone with information related to the incident is asked to contact Batavia PD at 585-345-6444.

Rep. Claudia Tenney announced late Wednesday that members of staff were the targets of violent threats.

The Batavian asked a spokeswoman for Tenney for copies of police reports or other documents substantiating the claims. She said Tenney's office would make no further statement about the matter.

The public information officer for Capitol Police also declined to confirm the alleged threats.

Here is Tenney's statement;

“Unfortunately, our team had to contact law enforcement today on three separate occasions due to threats of violence and intimidation against our staff members. I am appalled by these threats and am calling on everyone to express their First Amendment Rights in a peaceful and compassionate way. Our team of expert caseworkers are dedicated to serving all of the constituents in NY-24 with compassion and professionalism. I can confidently say that our team is among the very best in Congress. I am grateful to the Capitol Police and local law enforcement for their swift response and commitment to the safety and security of everyone who is seeking help in our offices as well the safety and security of our staff. If you have a comment our concern you would like to share with our office, please visit tenney.house.gov to speak to a member of our team.”

Press release:

The city of Batavia Police Department and Fire Department are currently investigating a structure fire that occurred in the early morning hours on Thursday on Vine Street in the City of Batavia.

At approximately 12:45 a.m., the Genesee County 911 Emergency Dispatch Center received a call from the downstairs tenant of 3 Vine Street reporting a fire in the upper apartment with three children trapped inside. Upon arrival, city police officers observed flames coming from a second-story window. Officers made their way to the second floor in an attempt to enter the apartment but were pushed back by smoke and heat. City Fire arrived moments after police and made entry into the apartment, where they located and rescued three children, ages 4, 10 and 12.

The children were the only occupants of the apartment at the time of the fire. All three children were transported to UMMC and then to Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester. All three children are siblings and their conditions will be updated at a later time. 

The cause and origin of the fire are still under investigation. City Fire and City Police are working alongside each other as the investigation moves forward. More information will be released at a later date.

Two city police officers and one city fireman suffered minor injuries, but they were treated and resumed working. Assisting with the incident were Mercy EMS, the Town of Batavia Fire Department, the LeRoy Fire Department and the Genesee County 911 Emergency Dispatch Center.

Would you agree to answer some questions about your personal habits, substance use, mental health and household status?

What if your anonymous answers could help Genesee County Health Department, in cooperation with Orleans and Wyoming counties, conduct a health assessment survey of community residents to help shape future public health planning?

Responses are needed to help health departments, hospitals and community partners identify needed services and help to improve others already in place in the three-county area, Kaitlin Pettine says.

"The input from residents will help identify community health needs, gaps in services and other factors that may contribute to a less than optimal health status for our community residents,” said Pettine, GO Health’s public information officer. “This will ultimately help us to develop our Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) for the next few years.”

This Community Health Assessment was part of the health department’s annual report relayed to county legislators at this week’s Human Services meeting. It covers various areas that health department officials have been working on, such as one’s physical and mental health, eating habits, and preventative care.

One question asks what would help you become more active? Answers include having discounts on gym memberships, an exercise buddy, a personal trainer, transportation, more motivation, personal time, child care, or ways to address physical limitations.

Another question deals with why you may not have gotten needed mental healthcare or substance use help. Was it because treatment was too expensive, not covered by insurance, a local provider was not available, you didn’t know where to get the care, medical staff didn’t speak your language, there were no accommodations for people with disabilities, or some other hindrance to obtaining help?

It’s crucial to have the right information when it’s needed, Pettine said. A case in point is what health officials have learned about people’s perceptions of vaccines. 

“There is a significant amount of misinformation about vaccines, which greatly contributes to vaccine hesitancy,” she said. “Routine vaccinations are crucial in preventing the spread of serious and sometimes fatal diseases. They also play a key role in reducing outbreaks and protecting vulnerable populations, including young children, older adults and individuals with weakened immune systems.”

The health department will continue to offer immunization clinics and provide education that emphasizes the importance of staying up to date on routine vaccinations, she said. 

“We always encourage and support individuals to have conversations with their health care providers in regard to their health care,” she said. 

The assessment also includes questions about various substance use, including prescription and over-the-counter meds, reasons for taking them, how you’d respond to a loved one struggling with substance use, health and social challenges in the household, and what services has your household lacked access to in the past year (such as affordable, safe housing; child care; employment; high-speed internet; resources for people with physical, mental and/or intellectual/developmental disabilities; transportation). 

She said there are viable solutions for these issues, such as lead poisoning prevention funding. GO Health has been promoting grants received through HUD and the Healthy Homes Production program that address health and safety hazards within residential buildings in Genesee, Livingston, Orleans and Wyoming counties. 

Eligible homeowners and landlords with eligible tenants may apply to receive these funds to help remove toxic materials, including lead. For more information, go HERE. 

There are questions about childhood experiences, the most important features of a strong, vibrant, healthy community, ideal health priorities for your community, and environmental challenges in the community.

The assessment covers aspects of mental health and substance use, which “remain significant health issues for our residents,” Pettine said. 

The health department continues to maintain existing programs as well as introduce new programming to tackle these issues,” she said. The health department actively participates in the collaborative efforts of GOW CARES Alliance to address these health challenges and the stigma associates with them.”

The GOW CARES Alliance -- formerly the Opioid Task Force -- currently has over 440 members from across the tri-county Genesee, Orleans and Wyoming regions. Members represent various sectors of the community, including public health, mental health, human services, local government, substance use disorder treatment and recovery agencies, law enforcement, EMS, faith-based groups, health systems and medical practitioners, education, businesses, concerned individuals, families, and individuals in recovery, according to its website.

The group’s goal is to address the growing opioid crisis in the Genesee, Orleans, and Wyoming region, and “through active collaboration and engagement across our tri-county region, we envision a community free from opioid-related deaths and overdoses.”

With that in mind, what can folks do to pursue a healthy life in 2025?

The health department encourages residents to:

• Maintain a well-balanced diet
• Exercise regularly and be physically active
• Get enough sleep
• Quit smoking
• Limit alcohol intake
• Manage stress
• Get regular medical checkups
• Consider mental health support if needed

“The health department offers education on these topics through its website, social media, press releases, and by participating in community outreach events,” she said. “Additionally, the health department administers the National Diabetes Prevention Program in the county. This program is evidence-based and covers many of these topics.”

The community assessment is available in English and Spanish 

Press Release:

The Finger Lakes Youth Apprenticeship Program (FLYAP) held its annual “Signing Day” for the Genesee County BOCES – Batavia Campus at Genesee Community College’s (GCC) BEST Center. More than 40 students at several local advanced manufacturing companies throughout the region. Fourteen seniors will begin their paid co-ops, while 27 juniors will job shadow at companies in Genesee, Livingston, Wyoming, and Monroe counties.

“The Finger Lakes Youth Apprenticeship Program is proud to grow its partnership with the Genesee Valley BOCES – Batavia Campus,” said Rich Turner, RTMA’s Director of Workforce Development. “We are connecting youth to exclusive on-the-job opportunities which will strengthen the workforce in the GLOW Region while preparing the next generation of advanced manufacturing professionals.”

The Finger Lakes Youth Apprenticeship Program was created in 2018 by the Rochester Technology and Manufacturing Association (RTMA) in partnership with Monroe Community College (MCC). The program is the first of its kind in New York State and is also supported by the RG&E Foundation, Genesee County Economic Development Center and Workforce Development Institute.

Since its inception, FLYAP has connected more than 825 students to nearly 150 businesses throughout the great Rochester and Finger Lakes region. FLYAP students have also earned credit for more than 750 college classes at no cost.

FLYAP will also be hosting “Signing Day” celebrations at other career and technical education high schools throughout the region.

Submitted photos.

Three children were rescued from a fire reported at 3 Vine St. in the city of Batavia at approximately 12:30 a.m. Thursday, Sgt. Kevin DeFelice of Batavia Police Department said. 

The Batavia City Fire Department and three ambulances from Mercy EMS arrived at the scene, and firefighters assisted the children out of the home, DeFelice said to The Batavian. A second alarm was put out for the town of Batavia. 

The fire was knocked down by 1:06 a.m. as the dwelling's downstairs neighbor, Dennis Say, heard a smoke alarm detector going off, he said, and he tried to contact the upstairs neighbor to find out if he had heard anything.

"Maybe he had toast burning or something, I don't know, and he wasn't, he's not answering his phone," Say said. And I came outside on my side of our porch, and the room above it was on fire, flames coming from the upstairs apartment," he said. "And I still couldn't get a hold of nobody. So I came to the front door, knocking and banging on the door, and the kids were yelling out the window that they were trapped and couldn't get out, and I was on the phone at the fire station, and I just couldn't get the door. I got all my family out downstairs and everybody I could out downstairs. And then the fire department came down. I think they might have come on the ladder with two of the kids and then only carried somebody out the front."

The three children were transported to to UMMC for evaluation and treatment.

DeFelice said a Batavia PD will put out a press release once they have more information about the fire.

Photos by Howard Owens

While it has grown over the years from a closet of cards and candy to a boutique of women’s resort wear, purses, florals, jewelry and much more, St. Jerome’s gift shop has endured several moves, raised lots of money to support the hospital and, maybe most importantly, been an unassuming solace for visitors.

“I was there today, and a lady came in … and I just listened. You just listen to them, because sometimes they just need to talk to somebody, and sometimes they need to smile and laugh. It's nice to be able to be there if somebody just needs a smile, maybe they've experienced something sad and maybe we can make them laugh,” St. Jerome Guild President Annette LaBarbera said to The Batavian. “We like to be there for people.”

The Guild, which celebrated its 100th birthday in October 2017, has nurtured and sustained the gift shop’s presence the last 50 years, no matter where it has landed in a series of moves over the years, LaBarbera said. The shop's latest setting is inside United Memorial Medical Center on North Street, Batavia. 

Many locals can likely recall visiting someone at the hospital in those earlier days and picking up some candy, a greeting card or magazine for a friend or family member in a hospital room above. With the dawning of online shopping, there were many more choices, which made it more challenging to draw customers, she said. 

Of course, there were enough obstacles since founders Rosalind “Roz” Pricola, Helen Krantz and Jane Wilson filled that small closet with goodies and set up shop on the first floor of St. Jerome’s Hospital on Bank Street. They worked very hard with Sister Gerard and were very proud of that accomplishment and offering to the community, said LaBarbera, who took over the shop with Joan Marchese about 20 years ago. 

Its locations have also included downstairs.

Hospital leaders gave them “a huge gift shop” as part of a newly built emergency room wing near the cafeteria. At that point, it was filled with many more items to draw not only hospital visitors but women shoppers, LaBarbera said. 

That wasn’t the last move for the Jerome Center Gift Shop. Genesee and St. Jerome hospitals merged on Jan. 1, 2000, and the gift shop went to the Growney Building for about 18 months before going back to the Jerome site, she said. Meanwhile, two years ago Guild members were asked if they could open a second gift shop to fill a void left when the North Street shop at UMMC closed. They obliged and operated a satellite shop.

Mind you, the shop had first been operating from 8 a.m. to closing — some 12 hours a day — fully dependent on volunteers, who were plentiful and willing to help out. 

“We raised quite a bit of money. Women liked to shop,” she said. “It was fun to see how it progressed. We sold cards and candy, that was it. Now we have women’s clothing, jewelry we call The Jerome Collection, toiletries, a lot of floral, plaques, wine decanters, lots of home goods, ponchos, cruise wear, scarves, a little bit of everything. We try to carry things you don’t find in Batavia.” 

As the years wore on, volunteers have become more scarce, and shop hours have had to be scaled down accordingly, she said. It just made better sense to move the whole operation over to North Street, she said. At least for now.

“We just moved everything over last week, in hopes that our next move is going to be the new building on 98, that they’re going to give us another gift shop,” she said. “People are welcome to volunteer; we’re looking for volunteers.”

The Guild’s other fundraising functions have included dinner dances, a Mother’s Day breakfast, Noel Nook Christmas sale, a spring fashion show, roast beef dinners, and basket raffles. They have raised money for a refrigerator to house COVID vaccines and to help boost women’s healthcare at the hospital’s maternity ward, as just two examples, LaBarbera said. 

“The guild worked very hard to raise money for the hospital, and this was one more step to raising money,” she said of the gift shop. 

For decades, the Guild’s members have selflessly given their time and energy, volunteering thousands of hours in service to others, Associate Chief Operating Officer Sonja Gonyea said. The impact of their work cannot be overstated—whether through fundraising, organizing events, or offering the perfect gift to patients and families, “the Guild has touched the lives of many,” Gonyea said in a message to the Rochester Regional Health team. 

“The St. Jerome Guild has been a cornerstone of our community for over a century, offering immeasurable contributions to the healthcare landscape and the lives of countless individuals. Through their unwavering dedication, the Guild has not only supported local healthcare initiatives but has also fostered a spirit of volunteerism and compassion that has inspired generations,” she said. “We are deeply grateful for their decades of hard work, generosity, and tireless support. The St. Jerome Guild’s contributions are woven into the very fabric of our community.”

The gift shop is now at  UMMC, 127 North St., Batavia. Gonyea invites the public to stop by and “join us … to express our thanks and support to the St. Jerome Guild for their service, dedication, and care.”

Hours are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Photos by Howard Owens

Press Release:

Two projects in the City of Batavia submitted to the Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC) are projected to generate over $7 million in local benefits.

 The GCEDC board of directors will consider final resolutions for Graham Corporation’s expansion project and 202 Oak St, LLC’s hotel renovation at its February 6, 2025 meeting.

Graham Corporation is proposing to construct a new radiographic testing building at its manufacturing facility. The $3.3 million investment will add to an existing manufacturing building.

Graham Corporation is requesting a sales tax exemption estimated at $120,000 and a property tax abatement estimated at $20,934 based on the incremental increase in assessed value generated by the expansion. The project is estimated to generate $1.2 million in local fiscal impacts, including payroll and tax revenues, for an estimated $16 local benefit for every $1 of requested incentives.

A public hearing on the proposed initial project agreement was held on Jan. 30 in the City of Batavia.

202 Oak St, LLC is proposing to renovate the former Super 8 hotel’s 54 units. The $2.5 million investment would create 11.5 new full-time equivalent positions.

202 Oak St, LLC is requesting a sales tax exemption estimated at $104,163, a property tax abatement estimated at $257,823 based on the incremental increase in assessed value generated by the project, and a mortgage tax exemption estimated at $19,000. The project is estimated to generate $5.8 million in local fiscal impacts, including payroll and tax revenues, for an estimated $20 local benefit for every $1 of requested incentives.

In addition, the project is estimated to generate over $40,000 annually in bed tax revenue for the county once the renovated hotel is ramped up.

A public hearing on the proposed initial project agreement was held on Jan. 30 in the City of Batavia.

The GCEDC board meeting will be on Thursday, February 6 at 4 p.m. at the MedTech Center’s Innovation Zone, 99 MedTech Drive, Batavia.

Meeting materials and links to a live stream/on-demand recording of the meeting are available at www.gcedc.com.

Press Release:

Batavia Players, Inc. and Main St. 56 Theater are excited to kick off a brand-new season of theatrical performances, community events, and business partnerships. The organization recently held its Annual Board Meeting on Saturday, January 25, where new leadership was confirmed, committees were formed, and plans for the highly anticipated 2025 season were shared.

Election of Officers

The following officers were elected for 2025:

• President: Patrick D. Burk
• Vice President: Jodi Coburn
• Secretary: Norm Argulsky
• Treasurer: Dave Adams

2025 Season & Organizational Updates

• The 2025 Gala was a huge success, and the recent "Drag Me Home" fundraiser saw a strong turnout, helping to generate funds for the theater.
• Upcoming productions, including "The Mousetrap,” “Cupid's Stupid" and Shakespeare’s "The Winter’s Tale," are well underway, with rehearsals and ticket sales in progress.
• As part of its continued growth and development, Batavia Players has established five key committees to help oversee and improve various aspects of theater operations. These committees will work collaboratively to support the theater’s mission and ensure its long-term success:
  1. Administrative, Finance & Planning Committee – Oversees financial planning, budgeting, and administrative policies to ensure the smooth operation of the theater.
  2. Box Office & Fundraising Committee – Manages ticketing operations and spearheads fundraising initiatives to generate support from donors, sponsors, and community members.
  3. Membership & Volunteer Activation Committee – Focuses on recruitment, engagement, and retention of volunteers and members who are essential to the theater’s operations.
  4. Advertising, Promotions & Public Relations Committee – Handles all marketing efforts, social media, press relations, and promotional campaigns to increase visibility and audience engagement.
  5. Property, Maintenance & Care Committee – Ensures the upkeep, maintenance, and overall care of the theater’s physical space and technical equipment.

These committees are open theater members and community volunteers who wish to contribute their expertise and passion for the arts.

Exciting Lineup for the 2025 Season

Batavia Players has an incredible slate of productions planned for 2025, celebrating the theme "Pure Imagination." Audiences can look forward to a diverse mix of classic plays, musicals, and cabarets, including:

• February 7-9 – Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap
• February 14-15 – Cupid's Stupid: A Valentine's Day Cabaret
• March 21-23 – Shakespeare in Springtime: The Winter’s Tale
• April 11-13 – Lights, Camera, Action: A Cabaret
• May 16-18 – Jesus Christ Superstar
• July 18-19 – Summer Theater Camp: Frozen Jr.
• August 15-17 – Summer Youth Theater: Be More Chill
• September 12-14 – Laugh Tracks: A Musical Comedy Cabaret
• October 24-26 – Hedda Gabler
• December 12-14 – It’s A Wonderful Life

“This season is all about bringing creativity to life in unexpected ways,” said Patrick Burk, President of Batavia Players. “With Pure Imagination as our guiding theme, we are challenging ourselves to think outside the box—whether that means reimagining Shakespeare with a modern twist, putting a fresh spin on a beloved musical, or presenting classics in ways that will surprise and delight audiences. We’re giving our community a season filled with drama, laughter, and wonder, and we can’t wait for everyone to experience it.”

Exclusive Business Soirée – February 18

As part of its ongoing efforts to strengthen ties with the local business community, Main St. 56 Theater is hosting a Business Soirée on Tuesday, February 18, from 5 - 7 p.m.

This exclusive networking event is an opportunity for business owners, community leaders, and supporters of the arts to experience firsthand the transformative work happening at Main St. 56 Theater. Attendees will enjoy:

• Guided Tours – Explore the theater and see how it has become a cultural hub for the Batavia community.
• Live Performances – Enjoy two acts from a recent cabaret, showcasing the incredible talent that graces the Main St. 56 stage.
• Networking & Refreshments – Connect with fellow business owners, artists, and community members over delicious food and drinks.
• Corporate Sponsorship Opportunities – Learn about new sponsorship packages that provide businesses with unique marketing exposure while supporting local arts.

“This event is a chance for local businesses to see how they can be a part of the arts community,” said Jodi Coburn, Box Office Manager and Fundraising Committee Chair. “By partnering with Main St. 56 Theater, businesses not only support a vital nonprofit but also gain valuable visibility and goodwill within the community.”

RSVPs are requested by Saturday, February 15. To confirm attendance or for more information, contact Jodi Coburn at 585-813-4658 or boxoffice@bataviaplayers.org.

A Bright Future for Batavia Players & Main St. 56 Theater

With an ambitious 2025 season on the horizon and strong community engagement, Batavia Players is poised for an exciting year ahead.

For more information about upcoming productions, sponsorship opportunities, or ways to get involved, visit bataviaplayers.org or contact Heather Zerillo at admin@bataviaplayers.org.

Press Release:

On Thursday, January 30, Maria Hagar, Grant Committee Chairman of the New York State Retired Teachers’ Association Western Zone presented a check for $1,000 to Byron-Bergen STEM Lab teacher Craig Schroth in the presence of Elementary Principal Kristin Loftus and a classroom of fourth-grade students. 

Schroth’s grant proposal entitled “Meet the Microcosmos: Enhancing Elementary School Science Learning by Discovering the Unseen World that Surrounds Us” requested funds to expand student access to microscopes. It received one of five grants awarded.

“About 40 people applied and we gave out five grants for $1,000 each,” said Hagar.

Hagar retired 13 years ago and became a member of Retired Educators of New York (RENY). 

“Our organization gets together because we all loved being teachers and we loved working with kids and we want to give back. We are able to give teachers money to improve or expand their programs.”

Schroth has been with Byron-Bergen for over 20 years but started the STEM Lab in 2014. 

“When we started the STEM Lab we were using cardboard and masking tape and we’ve expanded to 3D printers and microscopes and getting kids excited about science and technology and engineering at a young age,” said Schroth. “We still do things with cardboard and tape, but we’ve given these kids a lot more opportunities with this program. It’s also an exciting time for new career opportunities in the area using engineers, designers, and advanced manufacturing. A major goal of our STEM Lab is to help students develop confidence, interest, and an appreciation for the STEM fields as they grow older.”

"I am so proud of the program that Mr. Schroth built at the elementary school and grateful we were awarded funds that will help the program thrive even more,” said Loftus.

The school currently has two digital microscopes. The RENY grant will be used to purchase three or four additional digital microscopes for use with kindergarten through fifth grade classes.

Press Release:

The Batavia City School District (BCSD) is now accepting registration applications for universal pre-kindergarten (UPK) and kindergarten programs for the 2025-26 school year.

BCSD will offer five full-day UPK programs and two half-day programs for the upcoming school year. BCSD’s UPK program is located at Robert Morris (80 Union St.) and at one community-based organization. The BCSD kindergarten program is located at Jackson Primary (411 S. Jackson St.).  

UPK students must be four years old on or before December 1, 2025. Kindergarten students must be five years old on or before December 1, 2025.

For more information, including how to register online, visit bataviacsd.org/registration. You can also pick up and return your registration packet at the BCSD Registration Office located at 260 State Street, Batavia.

Hours of Operation are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 to 4 p.m. (excluding school holidays). For more information please contact registration@bataviacsd.org or 585-343-2480 ext. 1010.

The deadline to receive UPK applications for the 2025-26 school year is Thursday, May 1. There is no deadline to receive kindergarten applications.

Data centers are big, noisy, use too much energy, and pose a risk to watersheds, more than two dozen speakers told the staff of the Genesee County Economic Development Center at three public hearings on Monday in the town of Alabama.

The hearing was held at the rec hall of the Alabama Volunteer Fire Department and was attended by more than 50 people. Some brought signs or wore T-shirts expressing their opposition to locating a data center at WNY STAMP.

They came from Syracuse, Buffalo, Rochester, Niagara County, Orleans County, and Genesee County, including the Tonawanda Seneca Indian Reservation.

The proposed projects are massive -- all more than 750,000 square feet, or more than 13 football fields -- and will range in cost from $2.2 billion to $6.32 billion. They would each create from 100 to 200 jobs.

The three projects are STREAM U.S. Data Centers, LLC, Project Rampart, LLC, Potentia Holdings, LLC.

Exactly what kind of data the proposed centers would store and retrieve is unclear, but data centers typically provide services for artificial intelligence, cryptocurrency data mining, data analytics and storage, IT and telecommunications, and co-location services for major corporations.

Stream Realty Partners builds data centers for Fortune 500 companies. PRP Real Estate Investment Management backs Project Rampart, and its clients include Meta (Facebook), Microsoft, and Amazon.  Potentia Capital is an Australian private equity firm specializing in technology, software, and tech-enabled services.

These sorts of projects are usually backed by a consortium of private equity investors, often global in nature. 

CORRECTION from prior version of the story: Neither Steam nor Project Rampart are seeking property tax exemptions, just sales tax and mortgage tax exemptions.  The Stream project would generate $10.9 million in annual revenue for local municipalities and school districts, and Project Rampart, $10.3 million annually. Potentia is seeking $42.7 million in property tax exemptions over 20 years, resulting in an average of $7.1 million in annual PILOT fees.

Many speakers questioned whether data centers fit into the promised profile of WNY STAMP, which was sold to the community as a high-tech manufacturing hub, much like the Edwards Vacuum plant currently under construction.

Edwards is promising 600 jobs in a 240,000-square-foot facility, or one job per 400 square feet. Stream is projecting one job (at a salary of $89,000 annually) per 7,800 square feet, Rampart, one job ($64,000 annually per 7,142 square feet, and Potentia, one job ($129,000 annually) per 4,460 square feet.

There is only enough space available in STAMP for one of these data centers, so the GCEDC board will need to decide whether to reject all of them or pick only one of them for approval.

Data centers have been controversial in other communities, and several speakers brought up issues with the Digihost Fortistar Niagara County facility. It is a 60 MW cryptocurrency mining operation located off Erie Avenue in North Tonawanda. Residents there have protested against noise pollution, leading the city to ban the facility from expanding for two years. 

Other complaints about the facility have included excessive greenhouse gas emissions, 

There have also been complaints about noise from data centers in Loudoun County, Virginia, Granbury, Texas, and Fairfax County, Virginia.

Health concerns from data centers include stress and anxiety, hearing loss, disrupted sleep, and even cardiovascular risk.

The controversy in Niagara County about data centers may have contributed to chasing away Kevin O’Leary, of Shark Tank fame, when he sought to build a data center in the region. He claimed the project was fully funded and would have created thousands of jobs. He said he ran into significant roadblocks raised by local politicians and state policies. 

He reportedly said on CNN, "It got so bad with the politicians in the local region and the state policy, we moved it to Norway, and all the jobs. Norway has it now. Thousands of jobs coming out of that! That’s New York. Uninvestable.”

While many speakers on Monday focused on these issues, the only matter before the GCEDC board, when the projects come up for a vote, is economic -- will a data center create jobs and help grow tax revenue in Genesee County? NOTE: The environmental issues will come before the board during the SEQRA, if GCEDC is lead agency.

If approved by the board, the winning project must jump through a series of regulatory hoops, including:

• State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA) compliance, which assesses potential impacts on air quality, water resources, wildlife, and other environmental factors.  GCEDC has applied for lead agency status for the SEQRA review.
• Air and Water Quality Permits, which cover air emissions and water usage.  It would be up to the Department of Environmental Conservation to provide the permits.
• The project must comply with the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA), which focuses on greenhouse gas emissions. There would also be a requirement for energy consumption disclosure.
• The town of Alabama's local zoning boards and the Genesee County Planning Board would review the projects. The project would need to comply with existing noise ordinances, for example, as well as other land-use regulations. As part of the public hearing process at the local level, the developer would need to address community concerns about noise, emissions, and resource usage.

Highlights of speakers' remarks (not all speakers included):

Madeline Nyblade, an assistant professor at SUNY ESF with a Ph.D. in Earth and Environmental Sciences, specializing in hydrology.
Nyblade expressed concern about the hydrology of the region, which includes wetlands and clay-rich soils that create perched water tables. The area is upstream from critical ecosystems such as the Tonawanda Seneca Nation lands, the Tonawanda Wildlife Management Area, and the Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge, making it susceptible to downstream impacts.

“This land is wetland, part of this larger wetland complex, yet none of the proposals take into account the wetlands that will be destroyed,” she said.

Margaret Wooster, reading a letter from Allies of the Tonawanda Seneca Nation, Western New York Environmental Alliance, and 57 other environmental, faith-based, human rights, and good governance groups.
The letter states that the project contradicts New York State’s and international commitments to environmental sustainability, social responsibility, and long-term stewardship and expresses concerns about the destruction of wetlands. The data centers will consume 200 megawatts of electricity annually, straining regional energy systems, she said. The centers would also use 800,000 gallons of fresh water daily. She also raised concerns about air pollution. 

“Industrial runoff, hydrological disruptions, and heated water discharge from a data center would devastate these fragile ecosystems,” she said.

Joseph O’Malley (reading a statement by John Whitney)
The letter noted the area is a 20,000-acre network of wetlands and wildlife refuges critical to biodiversity and carbon sequestration. 

“The GCEDC STAMP site is situated in an area with deep cultural and ecological significance," the letter stated. "It is central to Western New York’s heritage, including that of the Haudenosaunee people and the Tonawanda Seneca Nation.”

It also called into question the "excessive" financial incentives given the limited number of jobs expected. 

“Public funds should not be used to incentivize these uncertain benefits, not without first conducting an independent economic analysis of the costs and benefits,” he said.

The long-term costs could outweigh any short-term financial gains, he said, especially if rapid technology advancements render the facilities obsolete in a few years. 

Dr. Kirk Scirto, a family physician who treats patients from Tonawanda Seneca Nation and is a public health specialist
He said the data centers would emit at least 500 tons of carbon dioxide annually and burn 60,000 gallons of diesel fuel per year, leading to air pollution that disproportionately affects the nearby Tonawanda Seneca Nation.  The noise, he said, would be 50–90 decibels, "akin to jet engine noise." The projects he said are a threat to The Big Woods, a key hunting ground for residents of the reservation. Water usage, he said, would deplete resources for the surrounding counties. The superheated discharge water, which could also contain toxins, could harm downstream fisheries. If the centers are used for AI, AI could lead to significant job loss throughout the United States.

"In medicine, we study how parasites suck up the nutrients or resources while harming them," Scirto said. "Well, that's exactly what these data centers are -- parasitic centers that would suck up an immense amount of the drinking water of Niagara, Orleans, Erie and Genesee county residents. They would also steal a huge amount of their energy in exchange for a barrage of contamination. What's more, hardly any jobs would be offered to local residents."

Diane Sirczyk, representing the Atlantic Chapter of the Sierra Club
"Data centers around the country are notoriously dirty and noisy consumers of vast amounts of electricity, which are straining electric grids, emitting large volumes of greenhouse gas pollution and undermining our country's ability to transition away from fossil fuels," she said.

She noted that Project Potentia, if approved, would require 195 megawatts of electricity per year, which is enough to power about 32,000 homes.

She suggested the data centers would not comply with CLCPA.

Barbara Jonathan
Jonathan said she lives near Big Woods. She expressed concern about the impact on future generations, given the potential for a negative environmental impact. She expressed concerns that the data center will have no accountability and no relationship with the local community once built. 

“Where are these people who operate these data centers? Are they going to really give a damn about you or me?” she said.

Sarah Howard, a resident of Syracuse
Howard opposed the incentives and criticized GCEDC for a "lack of transparency" and "procedural flaws." 

She expressed environmental concerns, concerns about energy consumption, and a lack of a significant number of jobs created by the projects.

“The revised EAF states no water is needed for cooling but includes an 8-acre retention pond holding 10 million gallons. This raises serious questions about transparency," she said.

Howard was the only speaker who steadfastly refused to stop talking at the end of her time limit.

Maggie Cowen (reading a statement from a person named George)
Cowen noted that wastewater from a data center could contaminate Orleans County rivers and creeks, ultimately reaching Lake Ontario and affecting its growing tourism industry, notably fishing.  Cowen noted that a data center in Niagara County generates noise levels from its cooling fans of 85 decibels. Cowen argued that a data center provides no meaningful value to the community. 

Cowen fought back tears near the end and said,  "I've got a little bit more time, so I just like to say, like, this is one of the few natural areas remaining in this region of the state, and it seems ridiculous to throw away."

Evelyn Wackett, Buffalo resident and environmentalist
The STAMP project threatens endangered and threatened species, she said, including the short-eared owl, northern harrier hawk, monarch butterfly, and bog turtles. She said a data center would draw six million gallons of water from the Niagara River daily. 

“Yesterday was World Wetlands Day," she said. "I want to celebrate the wetlands. I don’t want to see them destroyed.”

Kristen Moser, a wildlife photographer from Syracuse
Moser said these projects do not belong near the Tonawanda Seneca Nation or the surrounding wildlife refuges, including the John White Wildlife Management Area, Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge, Tonawanda Wildlife Management Area, and Oak Orchard Wildlife Management Area.

“The Big Woods is home to over 100 species of birds, many of which are dependent on undisturbed areas to reproduce,” she said.

She played a recording of birds singing in the woodlands and then a recording from the same spot when a supply truck for one of the STAMP projects passed by. The birds were silent and only the truck could be heard.

"That's what you'll be hearing if these three data centers go in," she said. "If any of this continued destruction continues, the data center would be one of the closest complexes to this exceptional forest. The sound of the trucks will be multiplied by the constant industrial sounds of the center. Noise pollution will not only impact and displace wildlife in the Big Woods, it will forever destroy the peace and serenity of this sacred land for the people of Tonawanda."

Katie Rivers, Alabama
Rivers said she has lived near the project site for 30 years. She said development has already disrupted local wildlife, particularly deer, which have been displaced from their natural habitats. She suggested economic developers and planners prioritize corporate interests over community welfare.

“It seems like you’ve all been bamboozled," Rivers said. "I can’t even imagine that you think this could be beneficial to anybody in the town.”

Angela Carlson, from Oakfield, now living in Batavia
She claimed that a cost-benefit analysis has not been produced, violating General Municipal Law 859-a. She highligned the environmental risks of the project and its potential adverse impact on threatened species such as the northern harrier and short-eared owl. 

She called on GCEDC to produce a cost-benefit analysis, disclose the names of the owners and operators of the projects, conduct a comprehensive noise study, and provide more opportunities for public participation. 

“One cannot claim to care about the environment while continuing to disregard and disrespect the rights of Indigenous peoples,” Carlson said.