town of batavia

This information in this story comes from WBTA.

The Town of Batavia Board approved a resolution on Wednesday night to buy 19 acres of land on Park Road to build a new shared court facility.

The approval comes four years after the idea was first discussed at a staff meeting, according to Supervisor Greg Post. He told WBTA news that in 2007 town council members proposed a merger of Elba, Oakfield and Batavia town courts to save money on prisoner transports, utilities, District Attorney's Office travel, etc.

The building was planned on unused parcel of land along Park Road in the City of Batavia., which the town agreed to buy. But state law would not permit the land to be used to consolidate municipal courts. So the town contacted newly elected Sen. Mike Ranzenhofer who subsequently announced easement legislation to address the issue.

Once in Albany, everything stalled. In 2010, the bill finally passed. And after still more delays, the town board took action this week to buy the Park Road land.

Next, the Batavia City Council will consider the sale and Post says he expects it will be approved for $150,000. He predicts each of the towns and the county will save tens of millions of dollars over the course of several years by having a consolidated court facility.

By federal law, the Town of Batavia will need to install a sidewalk along Park Road, add direction signs, and make improvements to a pond on the property. But the town plans to do even more, including stocking the pond with fish and putting in nature trails for veterans at the nearby VA Hospital. In addition, the town will rent building space to the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce for a tourist visitors' center.

The additional improvements are estimated to cost another $150,000.

If the city approves the land sale, town engineers hope to begin demolition and landscaping before winter begins.

The engine compartment of an RV is on fire on the eastbound Thruway and Town of Batavia Fire Department is responding. The location is mile marker 388.7 by the Bank Street overpass. State Troopers are on scene.

UPDATE 11:31 a.m.: The RV fire is fully involved. Both water and foam will be used to put it out.

UPDATE 11:40 a.m.: The fire is knocked down.

UPDATE 12:22 p.m.: The Town of Batavia assignment is back in service.

A possible structure fire is reported at 3643 Dodgeson Road in Alexander. The caller reported turning on the furnace and the basement started filling with smoke.

Alexander and Town of Batavia fire departments are responding. The location is between Alexander and Wortendyke roads.

UPDATE 9:43 a.m.: A firefighter on scene reports nothing is showing.

UPDATE 9:45 a.m.: Residents say the house is now full of smoke.

UPDATE 9:49 a.m.: A firefighter says the furnace temperature gauge "reads nothing, so I don't know what we've got."

UPDATE 9:51 a.m.: A firefighter says "we're gonna hit 'em with an exhaust fan, that way we can suck some of this (smoke) out." It is advised that another responding unit come to the scene in non-emergency mode.

UPDATE 10:01 a.m.: A fire chief says "if you've got interior (firefighters) send them." A crew is going to check out upstairs.

UPDATE 10:25 a.m.: The situation was deemed a possible furnace malfunction and all units are back in service.

A tree has fallen in the roadway along with some wires on Pratt Road, Town of Batavia. Town of Batavia East Pemproke Fire responding.

UPDATE 3:47 p.m.: The tree is hanging over the roadway about 10 feet off the ground. National Grid is on scene. The location is at the far west end of Pratt Road, between Slusser and Killian roads.

Batavia Sports Park has the OK to continue being a place to play soccer, lacrosse and rugby games, tournaments and much more -- with the full support of the town.

The Town Board board agreed Wednesday to spend about $60,000 on the Batavia Sports Park for an additional two years. The developers of the park plan to update the driveway, parking lot and add three more regulation-size soccer fields for community use.

Board members were glad to continue supporting the effort that they say has only benefited the town -- noting it's a good example of how cooperation between the public and private sectors can be for the good of all.

Supervisor Greg Post said a report a few years ago proved the need for more sports fields, so the Town of Batavia came up with a plan.

“Rather than spend public funds purchasing land and developing a facility, it was the town's thought to enlist those members of the committee that had access to and were willing to partner with us in the creation of the concept of an athletic complex (Batavia Sports Park) on the turf farms on Bank Street,” Post said.

The partnership provided a solution in several ways. The town didn’t have to purchase the property and take it off tax rolls, develop the property and buy turf to turn it into fields, or pay public employees to maintain it.

“We are quite pleased to have collaborated with the private sector and used the turf that’s already growing on the farms for these fields that now promote themselves with soccer tournaments, lacrosse and rugby as well as other community groups being able to use them,” Post said.

The town leaders agreed that funding the improvements and expansion of Batavia Sports Park is well worth the money, based on the savings already seen and the benefit the complex provides to athletes and their families.

Dozens of homeowners along Route 5 could get a public sewer system if the Town of Batavia receives Community Development Block Grant funds.

The second of two public hearings regarding a proposal for the use of the CDBG money was held Wednesday evening. No one from the public attended.

Now the town will apply for $600,000 in CDBG grants to cover about half the cost of a putting in a public sewer line along a portion of Route 5.

Supervisor Greg Post explained that, “We have a concept plan to provide sanitary sewer facilities along Route 5 -- from the end of the existing district (near Duro-Shed, Inc.) -- that would go west to the mobile home park, which is just past Wortendyke (Road).”

He said residents along that stretch of roadway have septic tanks and most of those need repair or replacement. But that would be a serious financial burden for them.

“There are limits to what New York State will allow people to construct on facilities they have owned for generations,” Post said. “These extraordinary restrictions weren’t in effect when those houses were constructed and it leaves homeowners somewhat out of options as far as improving the value of their homes.”

About 75 residents would benefit from CDBG funds being used to install the proposed public sewer system.

“This differs from some other grant funding to improve the economic vitality or commercialization in a development," Post said. "This is essentially scoped around a residential aspect here. Using the funds this way will greatly improve the quality of their lives.”

When and if a public sewer system is installed, residents will have to connect a line to it within a certain period of time, although Post he didn't know offhand what the time frame was.

For the homeowners, there are several factors to consider, including how much they have invested in their current septic system.

As for how much it might cost residents to be part of a sewer district, Post says it's too soon to tell. The town hasn't yet applied for the grant.

"This is the first of many steps," the supervisor said.

A head-on collision with serious injuries is reported at 3265 W. Main St. in the Town of Batavia. A responder on scene says one person is unconscious and another person is semiconscious.

Mercy Flight is unavailable. East Pembroke and Town of Batavia fire departments are responding with all available manpower. Two Mercy ambulances are responding.

East Pembroke personnel are shutting down traffic at Route 5 and Hopkins Road. Town of Batavia's crew is shutting down traffic at Wortendyke Road and Route 5.

Oakfield is called to provide extrication equipment.

UPDATE 7:41 a.m.: Mercy Flight in Batavia became available and is launching momentarily to go to the scene.

UPDATE 7:50 a.m.: Mercy Flight is circling and preparing to land in a field of grass northeast of the crash site. Light winds out of the south, the flight crew is told.

UPDATE 7:54 a.m.: Mercy Flight is on the ground. Both patients have been extricated.

UPDATE 8:05 a.m.: A chief reports that a portion of Route 5 will be shut down for at least an hour. One patient is being taken to a hospital via Mercy Flight and the other is going in an ambulance. Hospitals have not been specified. Two flatbed tow trucks are en route.

UPDATE 8:13 a.m.: Sheriff Gary Maha confirmed that one of the crash victims has died and a coroner has been called.

UPDATE 8:28 a.m.: Mercy Flight is going to Strong Memorial Hospital. The next of kin is being notified regarding the death, then the name of the victim will be released.

UPDATE 9:07 a.m.: Route 5 has been reopened. All fire units back in service.

A motor-vehicle accident with minor injuries is reported on Lewiston Road, just south of Galloway Road.

Oakfield Fire Department is on location and Town of Batavia Fire Department is called to respond. Mercy medics are also called.

Be advised that the Town of Batavia Water Department will be upgrading the water-metering system. Workers will add a radio device onto the outside of existing water customers' homes.

This project is under way and will continue for another month.

If you have questions, please contact the water department at 343-1729, ext. 209.

A two-vehicle accident occurred at 4155 W. Main St. Road in the Town of Batavia.

Three people are complaining of neck injuries. The vehicles are now in the parking lot of Rite Aid.

An engine from the Town of Batavia Fire Department is at the scene and Mercy EMS. A Mercy BLS unit is also called to respond.

A structure fire is reported at 2583 Angling Road. It's between Read Road and Church Street. There is black smoke billowing from the corner of the house.

A firefighter on scene says there is heavy smoke coming from the rear of the residence.

Another says "Occupants and dog are out. It is involved."

East Pembroke and Town of Batavia fire departments are responding. An engine from Corfu is also requested.

UPDATE 12:24 p.m.: This East Pembroke fire has gone to a second alarm. Mercy medics are on scene. Corfu has called for an engine from Darien to stand in at Corfu's hall. A tanker from Indian Falls is requested. "It's starting to go fast -- everybody be careful because of the ice." But a bit later "The floor is gone. All interior firefighters are ordered out of the structure."

UPDATE 12:29 p.m.: Town of Batavia calls for an engine from Corfu to fill in at its station. Some units on scene are working to try and protect the garage.

UPDATE 12:35 p.m.: Oakfield is called to fill in at Town of Batavia's fire hall. Despite the prior directive, and the collapse of the floor, firefighters are now on the second floor of the house working to put out the fire. National Grid is notified, no ETA given. A chief asks "Do we have a crew for the roof?"

UPDATE 12:50 p.m.: The chief says "The fire's out. We're just trying to clean up in here. There aren't any hot spots." Also, a badly injured cat was found at the scene (presumably it has suffered burns). It is not known whose cat it is, if anyone's. It has been placed inside the garage and people from the animal shelter are on their way to get it and treat it. According to Sheriff's Deputy Brian Thompson, the fire started outside in a stairwell from unknown causes. A man and woman were asleep in their bedroom when the woman awoke and smelled something burning. By then, the fire had starting climbing the walls of the residence.

UPDATE 1:13 p.m.: The rescued cat did not apparently suffer from burns. Rather it experienced severe smoke inhalation and was heavily doused with water. It is one of three of the family's cats and is being taken to Batavia Animal Hospital on West Main Street Road. The other two cats remain unaccounted for.

UPDATE 2:04 p.m. (by Howard): Red Cross requested to the scene. Also, photo above of the red tabby that was rescued from the house. It was covered in water that had frozen and probably suffered from smoke inhalation, but was crying loudly as it was being carried here. The firefighter is taking the cat to a garage where it might be warmer. An Animal Control officer picked up the cat a short time later and took it to Batavia Animal Hospital.

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The Town of Batavia and the City of Batavia are still looking for candidates to be appointed to the Consolidated Charter Task Force.

The deadline to apply is this Friday, Dec. 10.

It will be responsible for preparing a revised City Charter to continue the joint effort by the town and city to investigate the possibility of consolidating the town and city into one Batavia.

The Consolidated Charter Task Force, with the assistance of a facilitator, will be expected to draft a Consolidated City Charter, to be reviewed by the public, town board and city council.

The selection process for the Consolidated Charter Task Force shall consist of interviews conducted by an Interview Committee consisting of three town board members and three city council members. Upon the Interview Committee's recommendations, the town board and city council will jointly appoint the Consolidated Charter Task Force.

It will consist of four town residents and four city residents. All task force members must be at least 18 years old.

Individuals in the following categories shall not be considered for inclusion on the task force: all members of the town board and the city council; all members of the planning boards and the zoning boards of appeals for both the town and the city; all employees of the town and the city and the spouses of any individual in the above categories.

Applications for the Consolidated Charter Task Force are available at the Town Clerk's Office, 3833 W. Main St. Road, in the Town of Batavia, and at the City Clerk's Office, One Batavia City Centre, in the City of Batavia.

Applications can also be downloaded from the town website: www.townofbatavia.com or the city website: www.batavianewyork.com.

Applications must be returned to the Town Clerk's Office or the City Clerk's Office. The deadline is Friday, Dec. 10.

A fire in a Dumpster is reported at 8468 Seven Springs Road, toward the Clinton Street end. There is heavy smoke.

Town of Batavia and Stafford Fire departments are responding.

A fire is reported inside the maintenance shop of the Stafford Country Club. The shop is located off Route 5, just east of Route 237.

Stafford and Pavilion fire departments are responding, along with tankers from the Town of Batavia and fire police from Le Roy. South Byron fire is to fill in at the station for Stafford.

There is heavy smoke inside the structure.

UPDATE (5:53 p.m.): Firefighters are warned that there are chemicals stored inside the northeast end of the building. A firefighter says one piece of machinery is on fire but it is almost out. The roof does not need ventilating at this time.

UPDATE (5:57 p.m.): They are going to vent the north end of the building.

UPDATE (6:02 p.m.): The fire is confirmed to be contained to one piece of machinery and it has been dragged outside. Everything is under control. They are releasing some equipment to go back in service.

High winds blew live electrical wires onto a roof at 9418 Roanoke Road in Stafford. It's smoking and the fire has spread to the kitchen. It's now a second-alarm fire.

Stafford, Bethany, Le Roy, Town of Batavia and Pavilion are responding to fight the fire and control traffic. National Grid has been notified.

The location is between Sweetland and Westacott roads. The homeowner is outside with fire personnel.

UPDATE (3:12 p.m.): All available manpower in the area is called to the scene. There are three areas on fire inside the home. More traffic control is called for.

UPDATE (3:28 p.m.): Wyoming County is asked to standby in their own quarters with a full crew in case they are needed. Tankers, pumpers, hydrants are all being used and at the ready to fight the fire. Countywide, more crews are called to stand in at the responders' stations. Caledonia is called to help out. National Grid is at the scene. Power inside the house is out. The fire has spread to the garage.

UPDATE (3:40 p.m.): This is now a three-alarm fire. Firefighters were ordered out of the garage, which was "buckling" due to fire damage. There are four fire sites inside the structure now. It has spread to the second floor.

UPDATE (3:46 p.m.): A thermal-imaging camera is requested at the scene. Fire is now in the attic, too.

UPDATE (3:53 p.m.): Inside fire crews are getting out of the structure. They will be fighting it now from the outside only.

UPDATE (4:48): Fresh crews have been called in to replace tired firefighters. The structure is still smoking. The Wyoming County Correctional Facility Fire Brigade is being contacted to aid with equipment, we believe additional lengths of fire hose. Refreshments for the firefighters are requested. The modest, brick home appears to be a total loss. It was built in 1823 and for the past 40 years it has been the home of Terry and Betty Smart.

UPDATE 7:33 p.m.: All units back in service.

A one-vehicle rollover accident with no injuries is reported at 5860 Clinton Street Road in the Town of Batavia Stafford. It's between Westbrook and Mills roads.

A motorcycle accident is reported in or near the parking lot of Automotive Corporation on Federal Drive in the Town of Batavia.

There are minor injuries but the driver is conscious and alert. No other vehicle was involved. Town fire and Mercy EMS are responding.

A caller reports tires burning on property located at 3788 S. Main St. Road. A Sheriff's Deputy is requested to the scene along with a brush truck from the Town of Batavia Fire Department.

A tree fire is reported at 9362 Putman Road, about 150 yards off the roadway, down a long driveway. The area is northeast of Transit Road. Town of Batavia Fire Department has been notified.

UPDATE (8:29 p.m.): The tree fire is not near any structures, but it is not yet known whether it is near other trees.

UPDATE (8:33 p.m.): The fire is in the brush underneath some trees, apparently from a controlled burn that got out of control.