Photo and information courtesy of Medina Band Boosters
The Medina Mustang Marching Band traveled to Greece on Saturday for their sixth competition this season. There were six bands in total in different classifications performing to a sell-out crowd in beautiful weather conditions.
Medina & Le Roy are both classed in SS2 and Medina scored 85.20 followed by Le Roy with 83.65.
Other bands performing this night were Marcus Whitman in SS3 with 77.20, Hilton in LS3 with 77.35, Greece in LS2 with 87.25 and East Irondequoit in SS1 with 90.0.
The season finale is Sunday, Nov. 1st in the Carrier Dome/JMA Wireless Dome in Syracuse when all of the bands that participate in this conference will perform in competition. This is approximately 50 bands in 6 different classes.
During the championships on Nov. 1, there will be nine bands competing in SS2. The schedule for that division includes:
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 25 October 2026 at 9:11 am
Photo by Tom Rivers: A team from Parkitects and others work to install playground equipment and pour concrete on Oct. 6 outside Lyndonville Central School.
LYNDONVILLE – The school district will celebrate a new playground for students and the community with a 9 a.m. ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday.
The new playground is accessible for children with mobility issues and disabilities. The playground was designed and installed by Parkitects, a company owned by Lyndonville graduate Ben Frasier.
Parkitects donated about $250,000 in equipment and in-kind services to the playground. The school district also was able to use $160,000 in federal American Rescue Plan Act funds for playground equipment.
Frasier and a team of 18 Parkitects employees spent most of the day on Oct. 6 installing a new playground at Lyndonville. A rubberized surface also has since been added.
Orleans Ready Mix donated concrete for the project. Those donations were lined up by Steve Grabowski, the district’s director of facilities.
Other donations included: Watson Construction Group with removal/demolition of all of the old playground equipment and 14 inches of mulch; Barre Stone Company with 100 tons of crusher run stone; Shelby Crushed Stone with 100 tons of crusher run stone; Town of Yates with hauling the stone to the school; and Medina Lumber & Hardware with pressure treated 2×12’s covering 228 linear feet around the perimeter.
The new playground includes a We-Go-Round, Sway Fun Glider, We-Saw and other equipment that will be accessible to kids of all abilities and mobilities. The previous playground was over 20 years old and wasn’t handicapped accessible.
Photos and information courtesy of Kendall Fire Department
KENDALL – The Kendall Fire Department has officially wrapped up its 2026 Fire Prevention Week, following five days of educational activities, interactive demonstrations, and community involvement at Kendall Elementary School.
The week, held October 19–23, brought together firefighters, students, teachers, families, and neighboring emergency service agencies to promote fire safety awareness and teach potentially lifesaving skills.
Assistant Fire Chief James Fox of the Kendall Fire Department described the week as an overwhelming success, crediting the dedication of department members, school staff, neighboring agencies, and especially Deputy Chief Mike Cole, who was responsible for planning and coordinating the entire week.
“We had an absolutely incredible week,” Fox said. “I’m honestly not sure who enjoys Fire Prevention Week more, the kids or our firefighters. Seeing the excitement on their faces and watching them learn things that could someday save their lives makes all the planning and preparation worthwhile.”
The department organized a different set of activities each day, giving students multiple opportunities to interact with firefighters and learn about fire prevention.
Monday, October 19 – Fire Prevention Week Kickoff
The week began with Kendall firefighters greeting students as they arrived at school. Later that morning, firefighters visited kindergarten classrooms to read to students and introduce important fire safety concepts.
The day’s safety message encouraged families to check their smoke detectors and replace batteries when needed.
Tuesday, October 20 – Family Safety Night
Tuesday evening brought students and their families together for Family Safety Night, held from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. at the Kendall Central School tennis courts and FTF building.
Families had the opportunity to explore fire apparatus, examine firefighting gear, learn about escape planning, and enjoy pizza while interacting with local firefighters.
The evening emphasized the importance of having a family fire escape plan and knowing what to do when a smoke alarm sounds.
Wednesday, October 21 – Firefighters Visit Kendall Elementary
Wednesday featured one of the week’s most interactive experiences as firefighters visited Kendall Elementary School during the school day.
Students toured fire trucks, participated in fire hose demonstrations, and learned through a smoke simulator.
The Hamlin Morton Walker Fire District joined the activities, bringing its rescue truck and giving students a closer look at specialized equipment used during emergency operations.
Orleans County Emergency Management Office also assisted by providing its Smoke House Trailer, offering students an opportunity to learn about smoke conditions and safe evacuation practices.
“Having Hamlin come out with their rescue truck and the EMO provide the smoke trailer added so much to the experience,” Fox explained. “It gives the kids a chance to see equipment and learn things they might not otherwise have the opportunity to experience.”
Thursday, October 22 – Home Fire Escape Planning
Thursday’s activities shifted the focus to what students and their families can do at home to prepare for an emergency.
Students were encouraged to practice a home fire escape plan, identify a safe family meeting place, and discuss emergency procedures with their parents.
Families were also invited to participate in a special activity by submitting a photograph at their designated meeting location for an opportunity to enter a prize raffle.
“One of the biggest things we want kids to take away from this week is the importance of having a plan,” Fox said. “We want them going home and talking to their parents about smoke alarms, escape routes, and where everyone should meet if there’s a fire.”
Friday, October 23 – Firefighter Safety and the Pumpkin Drop
The week concluded Friday with firefighter safety presentations, a fire ladder truck question-and-answer session, and the highly anticipated pumpkin drop.
The Brockport Fire District brought its Quint, an aerial ladder truck, to Kendall Elementary School for the grand finale.
Students watched as pumpkins were dropped from the elevated ladder, providing an exciting conclusion to a week of learning and fun.
“The pumpkin drop was one of the highlights of the week,” Fox said. “The kids absolutely love it, and I think our members enjoy watching their reactions just as much. Having Brockport bring their Quint to help us finish the week was fantastic.”
Deputy Chief Mike Cole Recognized for Planning and Leadership
While Fire Prevention Week involved numerous firefighters and community partners, Fox made a point of recognizing Deputy Chief Mike Cole for the extensive work he put into organizing the entire event.
“I really want to give credit where credit is due, and that’s to our Deputy Chief, Mike Cole,” Fox said. “Mike planned this entire week and coordinated everything from start to finish. From working with the school and arranging the different activities to coordinating with neighboring departments and making sure everything came together, he put an incredible amount of time and effort into making this happen.”
Fox emphasized that much of the work involved in organizing an event of this size takes place long before students ever see a fire truck arrive at school.
“People see the fire trucks, the demonstrations, and the excitement, but they don’t always see the countless hours of preparation that go into making something like this possible,” Fox explained. “Mike deserves a tremendous amount of recognition for the work he did behind the scenes. He took the lead on this, and the success of the week really speaks for itself.”
Fox added that Cole’s commitment reflects the dedication of the department’s leadership and its continued investment in community education.
“We’re fortunate to have someone like Mike who is willing to put in that kind of time and effort for our community,” Fox said. “He did an outstanding job, and I want to make sure he gets the recognition he deserves.
Fox emphasized that an event of this size would not be possible without the cooperation of multiple organizations and countless hours of preparation.
The Kendall Fire Department extended special appreciation to the Hamlin Fire Department, Brockport Fire Department, Orleans County, and the Kendall Central School District.
“We couldn’t have done this without the support of our neighboring departments, the school district, and our own members,” Fox explained. “Everyone came together to make this a memorable experience for the kids.”
Fox also recognized the volunteer firefighters who dedicated their time throughout the week.
“Our members are volunteers. They have jobs, families, and responsibilities outside the fire department, but they still make time to come out and spend the day with these kids,” Fox said. “That says a lot about the dedication of the people we have in this department.”
More Than Just Fire Trucks and Fun
Although the week included plenty of excitement, Fox stressed that the primary mission remains education and prevention.
“Fire Prevention Week is about much more than showing kids fire trucks and letting them spray water,” Fox said. “We’re teaching them how to recognize dangerous situations, what to do when a smoke alarm goes off, and how to get themselves and their families out safely.”
Fox explained that building positive relationships between children and firefighters is another important benefit of the program.
“We want kids to recognize firefighters as people they can trust, especially during an emergency,” Fox said. “If a child ever experiences a fire, we don’t want them to be afraid of the firefighter coming to help them. We want them to understand that we’re there to keep them safe.”
Already Looking Ahead to 2027
While this year’s activities have concluded, the Kendall Fire Department is already preparing for next year’s event.
“Believe it or not, planning for Fire Prevention Week 2027 has already started,” Fox said. “Every year, we try to build on what we’ve done and find ways to make it even better. We want this to be something the students remember and look forward to every year.”
Fox concluded by once again recognizing Deputy Chief Cole, the department’s volunteers, and the community partnerships that made the week possible.
“I’m extremely proud of our department and everyone who helped make this happen,” Fox said. “Mike Cole deserves a lot of credit for putting this entire week together, and our members deserve recognition for stepping up and making it happen. We have an incredible school district, great neighboring fire departments, and firefighters who genuinely care about this community. When everyone comes together like they did this week, great things happen.”
For the Kendall Fire Department, Fire Prevention Week 2026 was not simply five days of activities. It was an investment in the safety, education, and future of the community’s youngest residents.
And with preparations for 2027 already underway, the department hopes to make next year’s celebration even bigger and better.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 24 October 2026 at 10:40 am
Kimberly Stawicki took these photos this morning of the mist at a bend in the Erie Canal between Medina and Middleport.
The forecast shows lots of sunshine with highs in the 50s and 60s in Orleans County for the next several days.
Today will be sunny with a high of 62 with an overnight low of 38, according to the National Weather Service in Buffalo.
Sunday will be sunny with a high of 66 and overnight low of 47, followed by a high of 62 on Monday with an overnight low of 36.
The forecast for Tuesday is mostly sunny with a high of 50 and overnight low of 33, followed by a partly sunny Wednesday with a high of 59 and overnight low of 46.
Thursday should be mostly sunny with a high of 67 and an overnight low of 47, followed by a high of 62 on Friday, according the National Weather Service.
Press Release, Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments
National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week will be October 25-31. This year’s theme, “Keep Kids Safe from Lead,” encourages families to get the facts, get their child tested, and get their home tested.
Lead can harm a child’s growth, behavior and ability to learn. Even low levels of lead can make it harder for children to learn, pay attention, and do well in school. Children under 6 are at greatest risk because their bodies and brains are still growing, and they are more likely to put their hands and objects in their mouths.
“Lead exposure can be hard to detect because many children who have lead in their blood do not look or feel sick,” said Gabrielle Lanich, lead program coordinator for the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health). “A blood lead test is the best way to know if a child has been exposed to lead.”
According to the census, 72.6% of occupied homes in Genesee, Livingston, Orleans and Wyoming counties were built before 1978, when lead paint was banned for residential use.
“Childhood lead exposure is a significant issue due to the number of older homes that may contain lead-based paint,” said Paul Pettit, public health director of GO Health.
GO Health encourages parents and community members to learn more about preventing lead exposure by exploring the three key themes of National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week:
Get the Facts
Lead can be found in and around the home. Common sources include deteriorating lead-based paint and dust, contaminated soil, and some consumer products. Older homes may have water pipes that contain lead.
Children may be exposed when they swallow or breathe in lead dust, put dusty hands or objects in their mouths, eat paint chips or contaminated soil, or drink water containing lead. When old paint chips, peels, cracks, or rubs together, it can create lead dust. Lead dust can settle on windowsills, floors, toys, and other surfaces where young children play. Lead dust can also be created during renovation, repair, or painting projects that disturb lead-based paint.
Get Your Child Tested
There is no safe blood lead level for lead. In New York State, all children should have a blood lead test at age 1 and again at age 2. Parents and caregivers can talk to their child’s healthcare provider about lead testing, especially if their child spends time in an older home or building. Pregnant women who have been around lead should also be tested.
Get Your Home Tested
If your home was built before 1978, you should get it tested for lead paint. If you rent, ask your landlord to have your home or apartment tested. Contact GO Health for more information on getting your home tested.
Families can reduce lead dust by wet-wiping windowsills and other dusty surfaces, wet-mopping floors, and regularly washing children’s hands and toys. Peeling or chipping paint should not be sanded or scraped without using lead-safe practices. Click here for more information.
Childhood lead poisoning is preventable. Knowing where lead may be found, reducing potential exposure in the home, and making sure children receive recommended blood lead testing can help protect their health.
For more information about childhood lead poisoning prevention, home lead inspections and help addressing lead-based paint hazards, or other programs and services, visit GOHealthNY.org or contact Genesee County at 585-344-2580, ext. 5555, or Orleans County at 585-589-3278.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 24 October 2026 at 8:00 am
ALBION – Today is the first of nine days of early voting in Orleans County with many positions on the ballot, including a race for governor, Congress and many other offices at the state, county and town levels.
There is one polling location open in the county for early voting. It is at the Orleans County Board of Elections Office, 14016 Route 31 in Albion.
During the general election on Nov. 3, there will be polling locations at each of the 10 towns in Orleans County.
The early voting schedule includes:
Saturday, October 24 – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunday, October 25 – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Monday, October 26 – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Tuesday, October 27 – 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Wednesday, October 28 – 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Thursday, October 29 – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Friday, October 30 – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Saturday, October 31 – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunday, November 1 – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Mike Mele and Janice Grabowski are the election commissioners in Orleans County. They issued this statement: “All indications are that turnout for this year’s election will be high, so early voting is just another way for people to cast their ballots. We do want to remind people that whether you choose to vote early or on Election Day, you must be in line before polls close in order to cast your ballot.”
The last day to register to vote for the Nov. 3 election is today. Those with questions about voter registration, early voting, absentee ballots or any other questions can call the Board of Elections at (585) 589-3274 or visit the BOE website (click here).
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 23 October 2026 at 4:36 pm
Raymond Santoro writes more ‘tales of mystery and the unexplained’
Photos by Tom Rivers
CLARENDON – Raymond Santoro, the Holley and Murray historian, had a line of people wanting him to signa copy of his new book, Beyond Haunted Holley – Further Tales of Mystery and the Unexplained. Santoro held a book-signing on Wednesday evening at the Hillside Cemetery chapel.
He will be signing books and reading from the book at 5 p.m. Saturday at the Community Free Library in Holley. He has another book signing and talk at 6 p.m. on Nov. 6 at Gaines Basin Cobblestone Schoolhouse, 3286 Gaines Basin Rd., Albion. This schoolhouse is used by the Orleans County Historical Association.
Ghost-themed cookies were served Wednesday evening at the Clarendon chapel. Santoro has 500 copies of the new book available.
“Beyond Haunted Holley” costs $18 and can be purchased at Author’s Note bookstore in Medina, the Community Free Library in Holley, Murray Town Hall and Cobblestone Museum in Albion.
Santoro’s new book is a follow-up to his book from 2023 on Haunted Holley. That book has been a sellout with two printings. He wrote about paranormal experiences for people in the Holley community.
He included his email at the end of the book. He received 80 emails from people, sharing their own stories and experiences. Others have called him or told him in person that they felt encounters with ghosts or the unexplained. Santoro said Haunted Holley has generated a lot of interest, much more than he expected.
“There are plenty of local stories to fill a dozen books,” he said.
Santoro encourages people to read the stories with an open mind.
“There is so much of the world we don’t comprehend and perhaps aren’t meant to fully understand,” he writes in the introduction of the 174-page book. “I hope that reading this work as whole might shed light on some of these mysteries.”
Raymond Santoro signed a copy of his book for Gerry Rightmyer, the Murray town supervisor. Rightmyer said he found the first book on Haunted Holley to be a page-turner that he couldn’t put down.
“It is extremely interesting,” Rightmyer said. “I’m real excited to get started on reading this one, too.”
Santoro wore a black cape for added effect during a brief book talk on Wednesday evening in the Hillside chapel.
His new book shares stories from communities near Holley – Bergen, Churchville, Hulberton, Kendall and others.
Santoro was joined up front by Peter Turkow, left, the president of the Clarendon Historical Society. Turkow said Santoro has done a commendable job writing stories that have a profound impact on many people in the community.
“Everybody has a scary story to tell,” Turkow said. “He has done a great job. It’s an important and unique contribution to the history of Holley and the surrounding towns.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 23 October 2026 at 4:04 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Lauren Zwifka, a Barre firefighter and 2026 Albion graduate, helps Sebastian, an Albion fourth-grader, hit a target with water from a fire hose.
A group of volunteer firefighters wrapped up a week-long fire prevention effort at the Ronald L. Sodoma Elementary School this week. After spending four days with classroom activities, firefighters joined students outside to learn about fire trucks and equipment, and test their fire prevention knowledge.
Barre firefighters Lauren Zwikfa and Barry Flansburg helped students aim at the targets.
Albion firefighters Victoria Tabor and Jeremy DiMatteo let these students get a close look at some of the tools and gear in a fire truck.
Ryan Woolston of the Carlton Volunteer Fire Company let students hold a 20-pound air bottle that holds oxygen if firefighters go inside to fight a fire.
Students crawl through a smoke simulator inside a fire safety training trailer was outside the school today. That trailer, owned by the Orleans County’s Emergency Management Office, has a fog machine to simulate smoky rooms. Students were urged to “Stay Low and Go.” Students went through the smoke when the door inside the trailer wasn’t hot.
If the door inside the trailer was hot, students were told to instead look for a way out of the room. The electrical door could be heated to simulate a hot door from fire. Thomas Bringenberg climbs out the window and down a ladder. Albion firefighter Cody Newsome was there if any assistance was needed.
The fake flames are knocked down with water sprayed by Barre firefighter Gary Rowley, left, with second-grader Dylan Feitshans and Barry Flansburg with second-grader Danny Klips.
Victims’ names not released, cause of blaze under investigation
Photo by Tom Rivers: Firefighters from multiple departments responded to the fire on Thursday night at 12625 Presbyterian St.
Press Release, Orleans County Sheriff Chris Bourke
KNWOELSVILLE – On Thursday at 8:28 p.m., the Orleans County Sheriff’s 911 Center received multiple reports of a working house fire with two people trapped at 12625 Presbyterian St. in the Town of Ridgeway.
Upon arrival, Ridgeway Fire found a working house fire, and two victims. One victim, a resident of the house, was transported to Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester with injuries.
A second victim, a neighbor from across the street, had become aware of the fire, ran over and entered the burning house in an attempt to rescue the remaining person in the house. Conditions forced the neighbor out of the house due to the heavy fire and smoke and was in fact on fire himself as he exited the house.
This victim had to roll and receive assistance from others in the front yard to have the fire be extinguished. The second victim was transported by Mercy Flight to Strong Memorial Hospital as well.
The third victim was deceased and located on the first floor of the residence.
Currently, the cause and origin of the fire is under investigation. Further details and names of the victims will be released when appropriate.
Public safety dispatchers sent the Ridgeway Volunteer Fire Company to the scene with automatic mutual aid from the following: Medina Fire and Ambulance, Albion FD, East Shelby FC, Shelby FC, Orleans County Emergency Management and Orleans County Sheriff’s deputies.
Additional mutual aid was called into the scene or to fill in from the following: Lyndonville FD, Mercy Ambulance, Tri-Town Ambulance Filling in at Medina, Mercy Flight to the O.C. Fairgrounds, Barre FC, Carlton FC, Orleans County Sheriff’s Animal Control, Murray Fire Dist., Batavia to fill in at Albion and Middleport to fill in at Medina.
The Orleans County Coroner’s Office responded to the scene.
Orleans County Emergency Management fire coordinators and fire investigators were on scene with EMO Director Justine Niederhofer.
NYS Fire was on scene with fire investigators, and the Orleans County Sheriff’s investigators and Sheriff’s fire investigators were on scene as well.
The fire shot out of windows, the roof and the front porch and took several hours to get under control.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 23 October 2026 at 8:15 am
ALBION – The Orleans County Sheriff’s Office will be participating in National Prescription Drug Takeback Day on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Public Safety Building, 13925 Route 31.
The Sheriff’s Office will accept prescription medications, over-the-counter medications and pet medications, but won’t take sharps or illegal drugs.
“We encourage residents to safely dispose of unused or unwanted medications!” the Sheriff’s Office posted on its Facebook page. “Help prevent prescription drug misuse, protect our families, and keep our community safe!”
For the safety of law enforcement personnel, people bringing in medications should make sure all needles are properly capped and secured. Loose or uncapped needles will not be accepted, the Sheriff’s Office stated.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 23 October 2026 at 7:53 am
SHELBY – An ambulance crew that was filling in for the Medina Fire Department delivered a healthy baby boy last night in the back of an ambulance while en route to Unity Hospital in Rochester.
With Medina ambulance crews on scene at a fire on Presbyterian Street in Ridgeway, Tri-Town Ambulance was called to fill in for Medina.
Tri-Town, which is based in Gasport, was dispatched to Shelby for a woman who was having contractions eight minutes apart.
Tri-Town arrived and was headed to Unity with the mother. Carl Greene and Lisa Petrillo, both EMTs, were on the call with Greene driving the ambulance and Petrillo in the back, helping the mother deliver the baby.
“Mom and baby boy are comfortable resting at the hospital,” Tri-Town stated on its Facebook page. “We would like to congratulate EMT-Petrillo and Greene on a job well done. Way to make Tri-Town Proud.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 22 October 2026 at 10:47 pm
2 others injured in blaze that destroyed home on Presbyterian Street
Photos by Tom Rivers
KNOWLESVILLE – An elderly man who is confined to a wheelchair died in a fire tonight on presbyterian Road in Knowlesville.
Firefighters were dispatched to 12625 Presbyterian St. just before 8:30 p.m. They arrived to a fire with flames shooting out windows and the porch.
A neighbor across street tried to rescue the wheel-bound man from the house, but the neighbor, a man in his 60s, ran out of the house with his clothes on fire. He was taken by a Mercy EMS ambulance to a Mercy Flight helicopter zone at the fairgrounds. He has serious burns, Orleans County Sheriff Chris Bourke said.
The son of the man who perished in the fire also was injured and taken by ambulance to Strong Memorial Hospital.
Fire investigators from Orleans County and the state will try to determine the cause of the fire.
Firefighters from several departments responded to the scene. This photo shows the Shelby ladder truck. That truck used water pulled from the Erie Canal to keep a steady flow of water pouring on the fire.
The resident of the house was often spotted along the road in a motorized wheelchair, neighbor said. His dog, a husky, got out of the house safely and was located by an Orleans County animal control officer.
Ridgeway firefighters were assisted at the scene by the Medina Fire Department, Albion Joint Fire District, Shelby Volunteer Fire Company, East Shelby Volunteer Fire Company, Lyndonville Fire Department Medina Fire Department ambulance, and Mercy EMS.
Other departments filled in for several of the responding departments. Those filling in included Middleport, Hartland, Oakfield, Alabama, Batavia and Tri-Town Ambulance.
Gary Watts of the Shelby Volunteer Fire Company uses a Shelby pumper to pull water from the Erie Canal and then send it through a 5-inch hose about 1,400 to the Shelby ladder truck, which sprayed the water onto the house.
The fire proved difficult to put out. Firefighters were still battling hot spots two hours after the fire tore through the house. Watts said he expected it would be an all-nighter for many of the firefighters.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 22 October 2026 at 5:20 pm
State awarded village $1.345 million for project as part of $4.5 million NY Forward grant
Photos by Tom Rivers: The Canal Basin parking lot will redesigned as part of a $1.345 million grant from the state. The Medina Village Board is expected to hire an engineering firm on Monday to work on the design of the project. The new lot will have less asphalt and more green space.
MEDINA – The Medina Village Board expects to hire an engineering firm on Monday to design improvements in the Canal Basin, a project with a goal to become a “waterfront gateway” with more green space, seating areas and boater/cyclist amenities.
Six firms on Wednesday presented proposals to Medina Mayor Debbie Padoleski, Village Trustee Jeff Wagner and members of the Local Waterfront Revitalization Program – Chris Busch, Mary Lewis and Kathy Blackburn.
The redesigned basin was awarded $1.345 million of the $4.5 million from the state to Medina in the NY Forward grant. The state finalized eight projects for the $4.5 million on May 17, 2024.
The transformed parking lot received the largest grant of the eight projects.
The redesign of the basin parking lot also will include two direct-current fast chargers for electric vehicles, each with two charging spots. The state awarded Medina $245,184 in a separate grant for those chargers with National Grid also chipping in $73,000.
Rendering from Empire State Development and Governor’s Office: The Canal Basin parking lot along the Erie Canal will be turned into a “waterfront gateway” complete with green space, seating areas and boater/cyclist amenities as part of the NY Forward grant in Medina. This is not the final design for the parking lot.
The basin will become more pedestrian friendly and also more inviting to boaters. The village is looking to upgrade the entry drive from Main Street; enhance the pedestrian walkway extending from Main Street, across rear building facades, to East Center Street alleyway; add a gazebo for shade and cover; expand flexible greenspace areas for programming with amenities including seating tables, benches, bike racks, shade trees and native plantings; and add pedestrian walkways with decorative, permeable pavers.
Chris Busch, a member of the LWRP committee, said the village created a vision for the basin about a decade ago through a waterfront redevelopment plan. The state funding will give the initiative significant investment and help make the project a reality.
The firm picked by the Village Board will present options for how to spend that grant, and the community will have an opportunity to weigh in during public meetings, Busch said.
The state will also need to approve the projects for the basin. The project is expected to go out to bid to contractors next year.
“This is only the beginning of the process,” Busch said about meeting with the firms on Wednesday.
This area of the Canal Basin lot will be part of the project. The village expects to add more green space and trees to the area, and will take out about 15 to 20 parking spaces, leaving about 70.
National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week will be October 25-31. This year’s theme, “Keep Kids Safe from Lead,” encourages families to get the facts, get their child tested, and get their home tested.
