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Medina urged to change zoning for 46 acres of vacant land to allow more housing
Some residents don’t want to see more rental units in village
Photos by Tom Rivers: Ken DeRoller, a former county legislator who is part of a housing task force in the county, urges the Medina Village Board to support a zoning change to allow mixed use housing on 46 vacant acres at 450 West Oak Orchard St.
MEDINA – The Medina Village Board was told 46 vacant acres near the school district on West Oak Orchard Street represents a great opportunity for much-needed housing development in the community.
Sieck Wholesale Florist owns the land off West Oak Orchard Street. The land is zoned light industrial which doesn’t allow housing.
Ed Michel of Sieck Wholesale wants to use 46 acres for housing and keep the other 8.8 acres of the property as light industrial. That land is next to the railroad and includes a cell tower, an old boiler and another older building.
The Village of Medina Planning Board has recommended the zoning be changed for 46 vacant acres to planned residential community. That allows for mixed use housing and also gives the village more oversight in how the property is developed.
During a public hearing on Monday, some residents said the village is saturated with rental properties and they don’t want more poorly kept rental units that could be a blight on the community. One resident said to keep the zoning as light industrial to allow for more business development in Medina.
Nyla Gaylord, the executive director of the United Way in Orleans County, said a housing shortage is threatening the community’s ability to grow. For businesses to come to Medina, there needs to be more housing for their workers, she said.
J. Lincoln Swedrock, an engineer and vice president with BME Associates in Fairport, said the owner of the acres wants to find out if the land will be rezoned before committing to a detailed plan for the property. Ed Michel of Sieck Wholesale wants a mixed-use option for the property with single-family houses as well as multi-family town houses.
Orleans County overall needs more housing options from single family construction, to affordable rentals for young adults and senior citizens, Gaylord said.
“We have some scary data for our community if we don’t allow more property to be developed for housing,” Gaylord said.
A housing report shared last month by the United Way’s Housing Task Force included the following data:
- Orleans County population dipped from 44,178 in 2020 to 42,850 in 2010 to 39,124 in 2024.
- School enrollments at the five districts are down from 8,225 in 2010 to 5,505 in 2022. The enrollments for 2022 include 1,782 in Albion, 1,391 in Medina, 992 in Holley, 708 in Kendall and 632 in Lyndonville.
- The share of population ages 0 to 4 decreased from 5.3 percent in 2010 to 4.7 percent in 2022, while share of population 65 and older increased from 14.4 percent in 2010 to 20.2 percent in 2022.
- Building permits for new houses are trending down. The county had 83 permits for new houses in 2004 but that was down to 33 in 2020, 21 in 2021, 2 in 2022 and 16 in 2023.
Dean Bellack of the United Way said getting more units should be a high priority in the county so more workers can live locally.
“The big question is do you want to stay in a declining county?” Bellack said.
He said more workers in the county are coming from outside Orleans than those who live in the community.
“These are critical problems,” Gaylord said. “We need to make changes now.”
Ken DeRoller, a former county legislator who has been active with the housing task force, said the vacant acres within the village are a great opportunity for Medina to add housing to keep and attract residents.
Other residents said the developer should provide the detailed plans for the property before the zoning change is approved. Once the zoning is changed to housing, Medina will be limited in how it can influence what happens on the property, said Scott Carlton, a village resident.
“We’re getting ahead of ourselves,” he said.
Medina Mayor Marguerite Sherman said the development would be subject to scrutiny and more public meetings if the zoning is changed to allow for housing. She said the zoning change is just step one in the process. A site plan would follow later.
J. Lincoln Swedrock, an engineer and vice president with BME Associates in Fairport, responded to concerns that the property may be contaminated. He said the DEC (Department of Environmental Conservation) shows there is no contamination on the vacant land. There was a spill from Fisher Price but a monitoring well hasn’t detected any contaminants in about 40 years, Swedrock said.
The developer will work on plans if the zoning change is approved, he said. There needs to be a mix of housing with some townhouses to allow more units so a project would be economically feasible, he said.
The board didn’t vote on the issue on Monday, opting to wait until Trustee Mark Prawel also can be at the meeting. The board may vote on the issue at its next meeting on July 14.
Conservative Party leaders attack forms of government without knowing the differences
Editor:
A quick thought regarding Paul Lauricella’s very well written and informative letter endorsing his “friend” Bill Jurinich for Yates town councilman. As comprehensive as his letter is, one paramount vetting question that should be required answering for every single candidate was erroneously omitted.
As follows please …
“Bill, in order to be effective, do you actually understand what ‘communism,’ ‘socialism’ and ‘fascism’ are and how they differ from one another as well as other forms of government?”
I include this question because it is agonizingly clear that some in conservative leadership seek to mislead the public by their ignorant and careless misappropriation of these words as though they’re peeing in the wind.
Again, thank you Mr. Lauricella for a thoughtful, well written, and meaningful letter.
Tom Graham
Rochester
Graham is a member of Albion High School’s Class of 1978.
Medina man charged after allegedly threatening others, including police, with a knife
MEDINA – The Medina Police Department has charged James Moore, 63, with menacing a police officer, a class D felony; second-degree menacing and criminal possession of a weapon in the fourth degree, both class A misdemeanors.
Moore was charged after police were dispatched on June 19 at 9:18 p.m. to Catherine Street for a man with a knife who had allegedly threatened someone.
Upon arrival, Medina officers made contact with a person who assisted in locating the suspect in the area of the lift bridge, the Medina PD reported.
When officers made contact with Moore, he allegedly had a knife in hand and raised it towards the officers as they approached. A Taser was deployed and Moore was taken into custody without further incident, the police department reported.
Moore was transported to the Orleans County Jail for centralized arraignment.
Police Chief Todd Draper said officers Dustin Meredith and Tanner Ferris made the arrest. The chief said the Orleans County Sheriff’s road patrol and dispatch, the State Police and Medina Fire Department ambulance provided assistance with this incident.
Nine Mustangs earn N-O diamond honors
Photo by Cheryl Wertman – Medina’s contingent of nine N-O All-League honorees. In back are first team selections Aidan Papaj, Vinny Gray, Carter Woodworth, Brody Fry, Preston Woodworth and Tyler Kroening. In front are Honorable Mention picks Cam Fike and Hadrian Batista and second team selection Ryleigh Culver.
Undefeated (12-0) champion Medina has placed a total of nine players on the annual Niagara-Orleans All-League baseball squad.
The Mustangs have six players on the first team including senior pitcher Brody Fry, sophomore pitcher Preston Woodworth, senior third baseman Carter Woodworth, sophomore shortstop Aidan Papaj, senior outfielder Tyler Kroening and junior outfielder Vinny Gray.
Fry, who has been named N-O Player of the Year for the second year in a row, and Papaj are both repeat first team honorees. Preston Woodworth and Carter Woodworth were both second team honorees last year.
The Mustangs have also placed senior catcher Ryleigh Culver on the second team while sophomore outfielder Hadrian Batista and sophomore first baseman Cam Fike have both earned Honorable Mention.
On the mound in N-O contests. Fry was 5-0 with 58 strikeouts and a 0.00 earned run average and Preston Woodworth 6-0 with 56 strikeouts and a 0.00 era. In all Mustangs pitchers earned shutouts in 10 of 12 league outings.
At the plate in league action, Papaj hit .459 with 3 double, 2 triples, 1 home run and 18 RBIs. Fry hit .455 with 4 doubles, 1 triple and 15 RBIs. Gray hit .444 with 2 doubles and 8 RBIs. Kroenimg hit .406 with 1 double and 5 RBIs. Carter Woodworth hit .382 with 7 doubles , 1 triple and 14 RBIs. Preston Woodworth hit .316 with 6 doubles and 16 RBIs.
Purple Eagles have a trio of first team N-O All-League baseball honorees
Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Albion’s trio of first team honorees include Elliott Trapiss, Nate Gibson and Andrew Boyce.
Albion has placed three players on the first team of the Niagara-Orleans All-League baseball squad including senior outfielder Andrew Boyce, junior infielder Elliott Trapiss and junior catcher Nate Gibson.
The Purple Eagles have also placed sophomore infielder Gavin Boyce on the second team as junior outfielder Kaiden Froman has earned Honorable Mention.
In N-O games, Gibson hit .568 with 11 RBIs, Trapiss .375 with 12 RBIs and Boyce .318 with 3 RBIs.
Roy-Hart is represented on the first team by junior pitcher Gavin Heideman who had 78 strikeouts and a 1.66 earned run average. At the plate he hit .270 with 2 doubles and 5 RBIs.
The Rams have also placed junior infielder Sean Mettler and junior outfielder Evan Poeller on the second team as sophomore infielder RJ Townsend has received Honorable Mention.
Contributed Photos – Akron’s Hunter Haist and Ryan Owen and Roy-Hart’s Gaviin Heideman.
Rounding out the first team is the Akron duo of senior infielder Ryan Owen who hit .424 in N-O games and freshman infielder Hunter Haist who hit .341.
The Tigers have also placed junior outfielder Collin Miller on the second team as seniors Anthony Consiglio and Vincent Consiglio have both earned Honorable Mention.
Barker has a trio of second team honorees including senior infielders Isaac Monaco and Noah Sandolfini and junior outfielder Jackson Prynn.
The Bulldogs also have senior Tristen Garcia earning Honorable Mention.
Wilson also has a trio of second team honorees including senior pitchers Tyler Johnston and Tyler Durow and senior outfielder Aiden Flynn.
The Lakemen also have three Honorable Mention selections including senior Tyler Woolston, sophomore Cameron Bryer and freshman Luke Howard.
Newfane has placed sophomore infielder Matthew Kline on the second team as junior Tristen Smith has received Honorable Mention.
Floating circus headed to Medina as part of Erie Canal celebration
MEDINA – A floating circus will perform in the Erie Canal in Medina on Aug. 6 part of a bicentennial celebration for the canal.
The Flotsam River Circus is performing at canal communities beginning Aug. 1 in Buffalo. The group has performances lined up for six weeks, concluding in New York City from Sept. 9-14.
The tour in the western side of the canal includes Aug. 1-3 in Buffalo, Aug. 4 in Tonawanda, Aug. 5 in Lockport, Aug. 6 in Medina, Aug. 7 in Brockport, Aug. 8-9 in Rochester and Aug. 10 in Fairport. (The Medina performance will start at 7 p.m. in the Canal Basin.)
Flotsam includes a troupe of musicians, circus performers, and puppeteers who perform from a ramshackle raft. There is no admission charge to see the group.
The floating circus started in 2019 and has performed in 13 states and traveled over 2,000 river miles. Last year Flotsam traveled the entire Ohio River from Pittsburgh to Paducah.
The troupe members this year include performers skilled as gymnasts, puppeteers, balance artists, hair suspension and aerial hoop, juggling, clowning, sword swallowing and playing music.
Click here for more information on Flotsam.
Medina wants compensation to allow 375,000-pound load through village
Transformer to be offloaded from railroad in Medina, then headed to solar facility in Elba
Photo by Ginny Kropf: One of two giant transformers makes its way down Park Avenue in Medina on Oct. 6, 2021 after leaving the railroad at the Pickle Factory. The 800,000-pound transformer was taken to a new switching station on Route 93 in the Town of Royalton in a project by National Grid and the New York State Power Authority.
MEDINA – The Medina Village Board wants some compensation to have a heavy load move through the village.
The village was notified by Bay Crane Projects that it wants to off load a 375,035-pound transformer from the railroad. It would go on North Avenue, a small part of Gwinn Street, and then down South Main Street (Route 63). From there it goes down Lewiston Road to its destination at 6368 Graham Rd. in Elba.
The transformer would travel on a trailer weighing 152,965, bringing the total weight to about 528,000 pounds.
Village Board members said they were concerned the load could damage village streets. They are going to ask Bay Crane Projects for money, with the starting offer at $250,000. Bay Crane is managing the delivery of the transformer for Hecate Energy, which is building a 500-megawatt solar project over 2,500 acres in Elba and Oakfield.
Medina village officials said the transformer should be off loaded in Genesee County, where the municipalities are to receive about $73 million in revenue for the project over 30 years. Medina board members said the village should get some revenue having the transformer on village streets causing some wear and tear, and for the disruption to traffic.
“Why are we the ones being used for this?” Mayor Marguerite Sherman asked during Monday’s board meeting.
A heavier load went through the village on Oct. 6, 2021 when two transformers went from the Pickle Factory on Park Avenue on their way to Royalton. Those loads were about 800,000 pounds each.
Jason Watts, the village Department of Public Works superintendent, said the loads in 2021 didn’t damage village streets. The trailers had more than a dozen axles to help to spread out the load.
Watts said there is minimal impact on his department with the load headed to Elba because the Bay Crane Projects has arranged the details with escorts for the trip, which will go about 10 miles per hour.
Watts said if the streets are damaged, resurfacing could cost about $50,000.
Village attorney Matt Brooks said Medina should consider a “reasonable fee” for the instances when extremely heavy loads go through Medina. Brooks said it could be difficult to determine that amount.
Watts said he would reach out to highway associations to see if other municipalities have fees for allowing the loads that far exceed the weight limits on village streets.
Gabrielle Barone, the vice president of business development for the Orleans Economic Development Agency, urged Medina to seek some funding for use of village streets.
“There should be a fee,” she said. “There is a strain on your local resources and you should be compensated.”
Sherman said she didn’t receive a specific date for when the transformer would arrive in the area. She believes Bay Crane Projects is trying to work out all the details to get it done in July.
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Holley U15 girls soccer off to 3-0-1 start
Holley is off to a strong 3-0-1 start to the season in Rochester District Youth Soccer League girls U15 Division competition.
Holley opened the season with a pair of narrow one goal wins first 2-1 over Greece Limited on goals by Addie Crosier and Audrianna Lana and then 3-2 over Victor on two goals by Lana and one by Carsyn Mogel. Lilly O’Brien, Grace Torpey and Philomena Arnold all had assists.
Holley then tied Spencerport 1-1 as Crosier netted the lone goal.
Most recently, Holley blanked Canandaigua 6-0 as Lana had a pair of goals as Mogle, Crosier, Brianno Tomasino and Veronica Flow one each. Mogle and Addie Bevins chipped in with assists.
Albion U19 girls soccer team tops Batavia SC
Improving to 3-2, Albion’s U19 girls team downed Batavia SC 3-1 on Sunday in a Rochester District Youth Soccer League game.
Albion took a 1-0 lead in the first half on a goal by Haidynn Mullins.
Second half goals by Rori Higgins and Ava Woolston then put a lock on the victory.
Albion next hosts Avon at 6:30 p.m. Sunday.
Company president says Heminway is proven to be effective leader, problem-solver
Editor:
Jim Heminway is an ideal candidate for the Shelby Town Supervisor. I have known Jim since grade school and know him to be very bright, personable and hardworking.
He was hired by Monroe Electronics in 1998. In the early 2000’s he recognized an opportunity to enter the “Emergency Alert” (EAS) market. He successfully negotiated the acquisition of various products to enter the EAS market. The negotiations were very tricky and involved negotiating with and satisfying multiple parties with very limited resources to do so.
In his time at Monroe Electronics, Jim negotiated the sale of the Electrostatics product line to Trek and oversaw the change of our name to Digital Alert Systems. He further directed the market and product development which has made Digital Alert Systems the market leader for emergency alert systems nationally. None of this would have happened without Jim’s hard work and dedication.
Jim is ideally suited to work through the types of issues the Town of Shelby is encountering. He is excellent at identifying and defining areas of concern and weighing alternatives and setting priorities.
Jim has worked very well over the years with difficult situations and people. I don’t know why Jim would want the thankless job of Shelby Town Supervisor, but he is an ideal candidate for the position and has my highest recommendation.
Robert Vosteen
President
Digital Alert Systems
Lyndonville
Gas prices jump 10 cents in NYS in past week
The Israel/Iran conflict is driving up oil markets and the price at gas pump, AAA is reporting today.
The national average price for a gallon of gasoline is $3.22, up eight cents from last Monday. One year ago, the price was $3.45.
The New York State average is $3.21, up 10 cents from last Monday. A year ago, the NYS average was $3.58.
“Gas prices across the country and here in New York are moving higher as the conflict between Israel and Iran continues to rattle oil markets,” according to a statement from AAA Western and Central New York. “Oil is the primary ingredient in gasoline and the price per barrel is climbing after U.S. airstrikes at targets in Iran over the weekend marked an escalation of tensions in the region.
“The cost of oil was $74 to $77 dollars per barrel in trading Monday morning, up about $2 per barrel from a week ago,” AAA said. “As the conflict continues, analysts are closely watching the Strait of Hormuz – a narrow waterway connecting the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman. Roughly 20 percent of global oil trade passes through the strait and any disruption could drive oil and gas prices even higher.”
Diesel costs are also rising, up 16 cents in the past week nationally to $3.68. The average price in NYS is $3.92, up 7 cents in the past week.
Here are the average prices for regular unleaded in WNY counties:
- Orleans, $3.274
- Genesee, $3.242
- Niagara, $3.162
- Monroe, $3.210
- Livingston, $3.192
- Wyoming, $3.187
- Erie, $3.196
- Chautauqua, $3.317
- Cattaraugus, $3.264
- Allegany, $3.192
Hoag Library Music Series brings international performers to Albion
Provided photo: Shiuen-Huang Suen (from Taiwan), Kenneth Kam (from China) join Jim Doyle, Hoag Library’s adult services librarian, for a photo after a concert on Saturday.
Press Release, Hoag Library
ALBION – The Hoag Library Music Series continues to grow in impact, reach and audience enthusiasm. On Saturday, 35 people attended the latest concert, where the energy was high and the feedback overwhelmingly positive. One patron remarked, “These concerts keep getting better and better!”
A photo taken after the performance captured a powerful image: three people – musicians Shiuen-Huang Suen (from Taiwan), Kenneth Kam (from China), and Jim Doyle, Hoag Library’s Adult Services Librarian – smiling side by side. In a world often divided by borders and politics, the Hoag Library Music Series fosters friendship, collaboration and joy through music.
“This is the way the world should be,” said Doyle, who founded the series. “It’s not just a concert. It’s a cultural exchange.”
Musicians who perform at Hoag Library often share their experiences on social media, with photos and praise reaching international audiences.
“Your media coverage is outstanding,” said Kam, who has also performed in libraries across the Monroe County Library System.
Thanks to the Music Series, musicians from around the globe – including Mexico, Puerto Rico, Russia, Croatia, the Philippines, China, Taiwan, and the U.S. – have brought their talents to Albion.
The next concert in the series will feature internationally renowned guitarist Petar Kodzas from Serbia, performing in July. With continued funding, the 2026 season may include performers from Canada and Australia as well.
The Hoag Library Music Series is a first of its kind in Orleans County – building bridges between cultures and creating unforgettable experiences for both performers and audiences.
This program is made possible with funds from the Statewide Community Regrant Program, a regrant program of the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature and administered by GO ART!
In addition to the Music Series, Hoag Library will host its Summer Reading Kickoff Event on July 9 at 2 p.m., featuring Erie Canal Songs & Stories with musician and storyteller Dave Ruch. All are welcome to attend this fun and family-friendly program!
For updates on upcoming performances and programs, visit www.hoaglibrary.org or follow Hoag Library on Facebook.
Hochul wants new nuclear plant to be built in Upstate, citing need for clean, reliable power
Press Release, Gov. Kathy Hochul’s Office
Photo by Darren McGee/ Office of Governor Kathy Hochul – Standing at the Niagara Power Project today, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced she was directing the New York Power Authority to develop and construct a zero-emission advanced nuclear power plant in Upstate New York.
LEWISTON – Governor Kathy Hochul today directed the New York Power Authority (NYPA) to develop and construct a zero-emission advanced nuclear power plant in Upstate New York to support a reliable and affordable electric grid, while providing the necessary zero-emission electricity to achieve a clean energy economy.
This builds on other opportunities announced in Governor Hochul’s 2025 State of the State to catalyze nuclear energy development in New York.
“As New York State electrifies its economy, deactivates aging fossil fuel power generation and continues to attract large manufacturers that create good-paying jobs, we must embrace an energy policy of abundance that centers on energy independence and supply chain security to ensure New York controls its energy future,” Governor Hochul said during an announcement at the Niagara Power Project. “This is the second time during my administration that I am calling on the New York Power Authority to lead a critical energy initiative, and just as it is doing with the expedited buildout of renewable energy and transmission, it will now safely and rapidly deploy clean, reliable nuclear power for the benefit of all New Yorkers.”
As a result of economic growth and fossil fuel power plant retirements, New York needs new, clean electricity resources to meet growing power demand from new industrial development, building electrification and electric vehicles. The advanced nuclear plant will complement New York’s ongoing deployment of renewable energy by adding zero-emission baseload power, providing reliable and affordable clean energy to advance the State’s goal to achieve a clean energy economy.
NYPA, in coordination with the Department of Public Service (DPS), will seek to develop at least one new nuclear energy facility with a combined capacity of no less than one gigawatt of electricity, either alone or in partnership with private entities, to support the state’s electric grid and the people and businesses that rely on it.
NYPA will immediately begin evaluation of technologies, business models, and locations for this first nuclear power plant and will secure the key partnerships needed for the project. This process will include site and technology feasibility assessments as well as consideration of financing options, in coordination with the forthcoming studies included in the master plan for Responsible Advanced Nuclear Development in New York, led by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) and DPS. Candidate locations will be assessed for suitability based on public safety, strength of community support, compatibility with existing infrastructure, as well as skilled labor and land availability.
This initiative also builds on the State’s ongoing financial support to Constellation to pursue an early site permitting process for a new project at its Nine Mile Point Clean Energy Center and will allow for future collaboration with other states and Ontario, building on regional momentum to strengthen nuclear supply chains, share best practices, and support the responsible deployment of advanced nuclear technologies.
New York Power Authority President and CEO Justin E. Driscoll said, “Time and time again, the Power Authority has been called upon by New York State leadership to take bold action and we have delivered outcomes to support the public good. I am honored by Governor Hochul’s confidence in NYPA to lead the buildout of the affordable and reliable clean energy economy of the future and we are eager to deliver on this impactful nuclear initiative for New Yorkers.”
New York State Public Service Commission Chair and DPS CEO Rory Christian said, “The Department of Public Service very much looks forward to working with NYPA on this important initiative announced by Governor Hochul. Working together, we will develop a project-based plan and identify the substantial potential that nuclear power can provide to New Yorkers to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, provide grid reliability, and support and complement other innovative energy generation and storage technologies–all in a cost-effective manner.”
New York State Energy Research and Development Authority President and CEO Doreen M. Harris said, “The use of advanced nuclear technology can provide the State with a greater diversity of its energy resources that will support New York’s goal of a growing economy with a reliable, zero-emission electricity system. As NYSERDA advances the state’s Master Plan process, we look forward to collaborating with NYPA and DPS to undertake this advanced nuclear project and how it will help deliver reliable, affordable energy to our grid, while stimulating jobs and economic development.”
Voters can now be provided refreshments while waiting in line to cast ballots
Press Release, Gov. Kathy Hochul’s Office
Kathy Hochul
Governor Kathy Hochul has signed signed legislation repealing an outdated section of New York’s election law — the new legislation now supports voters by allowing refreshments to be provided as they wait in line to exercise their civic duty.
Across the State, voters will be heading to the polls to cast their ballots during a heat wave, with peak temperatures expected to reach upper 90s and “feels-like” temperatures ranging from 85-110 degrees statewide.
“Our democracy works best when every eligible voter has a chance to cast their ballot,” Governor Hochul said. “Providing water to voters waiting in line is a common-sense way to ensure New Yorkers have an easy, safe and secure experience in the voting booth. I’m committing to protecting the right to vote for all eligible New Yorkers.”
The bill repeals New York State Election Law Section 17-140, which allowed for criminal penalties against individuals who provided items of small value to voters at polling sites, including food and water. The legislation removes limitations so that New York voters can be provided with the items such as water without infringing on their right to cast their vote or discouraging voters from participating in any given election.
