Albion recognizes dedicated firefighters, supporters during annual banquet

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 12 April 2026 at 8:24 am

Chris Marsaw, who recently moved to Albion, named ‘Firefighter of the Year’

Photos by Tom Rivers: Jodi Marion, a member of the board of directors for the Albion Fire Department, receives the President’s Award from Albion FD President Scott Papponetti on Saturday during the banquet for the Albion Fire Department and Albion Joint Fire District. Marion was congratulated by, from left: Assistant Fire Chief Matt Francis, Fire Chief Jeremy Graham, and Scott Papponetti, president of the Albion FD. Marion was praised for her work behind the scenes throughout the year. She also did a lot of work planning Saturday’s banquet at the Carlton Rec Hall.

ALBION – The Albion Joint Fire District and Albion Fire Department held its annual banquet on Saturday night and celebrated a busy year 2025 where firefighters responded to 692 calls.

It was the first year of the Fire Department operated under the Joint Fire District. The department used to be part of the Village of Albion. It started on Jan. 1, 2025 as its own taxing entity with its own board of commissioners.

David Buczek, vice chairman of the board of commissioners, thanks the volunteer firefighters for their commitment to the community. Buczek is joined by chairman Al Cheverie. They spoke during Saturday’s banquet at the Carlton Rec Hall.

Buczek thanked the members of the Albion Fire Department.

“The dedication and professionalism you bring to this community does not go unnoticed,” Buczek told the firefighters. “You show up day in and day out, often in situations most people hope they never have to face, and yet you do it with pride, skill and commitment.”

He thanked the families and loved ones of the firefighters for their sacrifices when firefighters respond and answer the calls for service.

The commissioners are pleased with the good working relationship with the fire department and the commitment to giving firefighters the tools and resources to serve the community, Buczek said.

“Investing in better tools, safer gear, new apparatuses and updated equipment. These aren’t just line items in a budget, they’re investments in our firefighters and in the safety of our community,” Buczek said. “When our crews are better equipped, they can do their jobs more effectively and more safely, and that benefits everyone.”

Kevin Sheehan, left, was recognized for his service as a fire commissioner. Sheehan was elected an Albion village trustee on March 18. He stepped down as fire commissioner on March 29 due to potential conflicts with both roles. The fire district rents the fire hall from the village.

Sheehan received a plaque from Al Cheverie, chairman of the fire commissioners, and David Buczek, the vice chairman.

The plaque stated: “With sincere appreciation and in recognition of your service as a commissioner of the Albion Joint Fire District from Jan. 1, 2025 to March 29, 2026.”

Marty Stirk receives the award as “Driver of the Year” from Fire Chief Jeremy Graham.

The Fire Department presented several awards on Saturday.

Chief’s Award – Fire Chief Jeremy Graham presented the “Chief’s Award” to deputy chief Steven Papponetti for his constant communication and commitment to the department in many ways.

Chris Marsaw, left, is congratulated by Albion Fire Chief Jeremy Graham after being recognized as the “Firefighter of the Year” for 2025 in the Albion Joint Fire District. Marsaw joined Albion as a firefighter about 1 ½ years ago after moving to the community and responded to 251 calls last year. He works as an EMT for Mercy Flight.

President’s Award: Scott Papponetti, the Albion FD president, recognized Jodi Marion with the award for her efforts behind the scenes and her work planning the annual banquet. Marion is on the department’s board of directors.

Officer of the Year: AJ Fisher, who is first lieutenant, and a frequent responder and leader of the fire department.

Firefighter for the Year: Chris Marsaw, who joined the Albion FD about 18 months ago after being a part of the North Greece and Lakeshore departments. Marsaw, 30, moved to Albion with his wife Kimmie and their two children. They were drawn by the affordable housing.

He joined the Albion FD and he said he was welcomed by the department’s leaders and other firefighters. He responded to 251 calls last year.

“He comes to everything,” said Fire Chief Graham.

Marsaw is an EMT who works for Mercy Flight.

“I like being able to help people,” he said. “Albion is great department. It’s a team effort.”

Top Responder: Jeremy Babcock who responded to 430 out of the department’s 692 calls.

EMT of the Year: Robert Toman, who responded to 321 calls in 2025.

Driver of the Year: Marty Stirk

Years of Service Awards:

5 years: Austin Genno, Brianna Pahura, Victoria Tabor, James Fisher and Emma Klaver
10 years: Allyson Irwin, Gary Rowley Sr., Jason Hapeman and Krystal Hughson
15 years: Fred Piano
20 years: Mike Dalle and Dustin Pahura
25 years: Dennis Hunt, Sarah Meisner and Charles Prentice
35 years: Charlie Monacelli
40 years: Dean Covis
45 years: James Pahura
50 years: Jim Passarell
55 years: Ed Walczak
60 years: Tom Fintak

Some members of the Albion Fire Department gather for a group photo at the department’s annual banquet on Saturday at the Carlton Rec Hall.

Medina tops Alexander in non league contest

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 11 April 2026 at 4:56 pm

Photo by CHeryl Wertman – Vinny Gray delivers a pitch for Medina during the Mustangs win over Alexander at Vets Park this afternoon.

Breaking away from a scoreless deadlock with a three run third inning, Medina went on to defeat Alexander 8-2 in a non league baseball game at Vets Park this afternoon.

An error, a sacrifice fly by Kolton Fletcher and a wild pitch plated the three runs in the third for the Mustangs as hits by Cam Fike and Hadrian Batista set up the opportunity.

Medina, which had left the bases loaded in the first inning and stranded two in the second, quickly upped the lead to 5-0 with two runs in the fourth frame on a ground out and a wild pitch. A walk and a single by Aidan Papaj set up the threat.

The Mustangs made it 8-0 with three more runs in the sixth on singles by Preston Woodworth, Batista and Jimmy Dieter along with a wild pitch and an error.

Alexander’s two runs came in the seventh on doubles by Nicholas Marzoff and Sean Pietrzykowski.

Vinny Gray earned the win on the mound for the Mustangs as he allowed only 1 hit and registered 6 strikeouts over the first five innings.

Now at 1-1, Medina will open the Niagara-Orleans League season on Monday against Akron at Vets Park at 4:45 p.m.

Carlton selected Orleans County’s first Community Heart & Soul model

Posted 11 April 2026 at 4:45 pm

Initiative will gather resident feedback, implement action plan

Press Release, Town of Carlton

CARLTON – The Town of Carlton is pleased to announce it has been selected by the Rochester Area Community Foundation and Community Foundation for Buffalo to be the first community to implement the Community Heart & Soul model in Orleans County, an initiative fully funded with grant support from Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation.

The program is designed to help build communities through a resident-driven process and take action on what matters most to residents.

The Community Heart & Soul model was developed over 10 years ago and has been recognized nationally by the American Planning Association as a successful approach to community planning and development. Community Heart & Soul doesn’t replace other community development and planning processes but complements existing initiatives to increase engagement and support for community-led programs and activities.

At the suggestion of Carlton Town Supervisor Gayle Ashbury and resident Penny Miller, a team of local residents met in December and January to assess what they love about living in the town of Carlton and what improvements they would like to see.

Representatives in attendance were from Carlton’s business and agriculture communities, town recreation leaders and members of the Oak Orchard Neighborhood Association. The attendees’ suggestions included recreational enhancements to the town park such as basketball and pickleball courts as well as trails linking the east and west sides of the Oak Orchard River.

Infrastructure enhancements that were identified included a public sewer system and sidewalks, among other projects. Based on public input, town councilman Brian McCue drafted the application to be considered for the Community Heart & Soul designation for rural communities (population less than 25,000) which will receive seed funding, technical assistance and professional coaching over a period of approximately 18 months.

The core team leaders that were selected to begin implementing the program are Brian McCue, Heather Tabor, Lynne Menz, Penny Miller and Laura Bentley. Their core responsibility will be to carry out the 4 phases of the program:

Phase I – Imagine: build awareness, interest and commitment in all segments of the community;
Phase II – Connect: gather stories from residents to identity what matters most and what they love about their town;
Phase III – Plan: develop action plans to guide future town planning;
Phase IV – Act: get these plans adopted by town council and incorporate them into the comprehensive plan to be used for future policies and decisions.

For more information about Community Heart & Soul, visit www.communityheartandsoul.org. To be involved in the program, contact Penny Miller at 585-331-9292 or email penny@focmp.org.

Barker scores win over Lyndonville

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 11 April 2026 at 4:37 pm

Five scoring innings keyed Barker to a 9-3 win over visiting Lyndonville in a non league baseball game this afternoon.

Barker scored two quick runs in the first inning on a ground out and a wild pitch. The Bulldogs then tallied once in the second on a passed ball, three times in the third on a single by Logan Flint a triple by Billy Jacques and a wild pitch, once in fourth on a triple by Drew LaGreca and twice in the sixth on a two-run single by LaGreca.

LaGreca finished with three hits for Barker while Quincey McClinsey and Lane Woodworth each had two for Lyndonville.

Kam Kassay had a two-run single in the third inning and McClinsey an RBI single in the seventh for Lyndonville.

Flint and Sal Ruvio combined for a 5 hitter with 11 strikeouts for the Bulldogs.

5 scoring innings powers Kendall past Albion

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 11 April 2026 at 4:33 pm

Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Vinnie D’Agostino, left, and Jacob Abrams combined to hurl Kendall to a 9-1 win over host Albion this afternoon.

Scoring in five different innings, Kendall posted a 9-1 win over host Albion in a non league baseball game this afternoon.

Improving to 5-0, Kendall grabbed an early 2-0 lead by scoring once in the second inning on a wild pitch and once in the third on an error. A double by Jacob Abrams and a single by Andrew Cole set up the second inning tally.

The Eagles then broke the game open by scoring three times in the fifth inning highlighted by a two-run double by Nic Cole. A single by Andrew D’Agostino, an error and a walk loaded the bases to set up the threat.

A sacrifice fly by Jonny Conte, which followed singles by Mikey Colucci and Andrew D’Agostino, plated a solo run in the sixth.

The Eagles capped off the win with three more runs in the top of the seventh on an RBI single by Andrew Cole and a pair of bases loaded walks.

Andrew Cole, Andrew D’Agostino and CJ D’Agostino each finished with a pair of hits.

On the mound for Kendall Vinnie D’Agostino, who pitched the first five innings, and Abrams, who hurled the final two frames, combined for a two hitter with 10 strikeouts.

Albion’s run came in the sixth inning on a wild pitch.

Albion first baseman Omar Fugate stretches to take a throw as Kendall’s Mikey Colucci runs to the bag.

Bands announced for Albion Music Festival on Aug. 1

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 11 April 2026 at 9:04 am

Rock the Park brings about 1,000 to Bullard with proceeds going to park improvements

Photos by Tom Rivers: The band 7th Heaven fired up the crowd to close out the 10th Rock the Park music festival at Bullard Park on Aug. 2, 2025. The crowd was rocking for the concert. The organizers gave away 500 glow sticks to the attendees.

ALBION – The bands have been announced for the 11^th annual Albion Summer Music Festival, and this Rock the Park will feature some new faces to the amphitheater at Bullard Park and some long-time favorites.

This year’s music festival will be one day on Aug. 1, after recent festivals were for two days. The event takes a lot of effort from a team of volunteers, said Ron Albertson, the festival chairman. He said there is other entertainment going on in the community, including the Orleans County 4-H Fair.

The one-day event at Bullard Park will be a musical showcase.

“We have an incredible, incredible lineup this year,” Albertson said.

The performers include Knight Patrol, Songbirds, The Who Dats, V3, Mixed Experience and Bad Sign.

The band Bad Sign closed out the lineup of performers during last year’s festival on Friday night last festival. Bad Sign stepped in at the last second when there was a cancellation. Bad Sign plays blues, rock and southern rock. The band includes lead singer Erika Horning of Batavia, guitarist Erick Horning of Batavia, bass player Clint Worthington of Holley, drummer Joe Maino of Pembroke, and keyboardist Ron Bordinaro of Batavia.

Proceeds from the event have been used towards improvements at Bullard Park. Recently that included money towards a new pavilion and electrical upgrades. Rock the Park also was critical in the push to overhaul Bullard about a decade ago.

Proceeds initially went to a grant writer. Albion was successful securing a state grant for nearly $500,000 that resulted in the new amphitheater, splash park and pavilion. Other projects followed with new basketball courts, a walking trail and disc golf course.

The latest effort is focused on a new concession stand.

The non-profit organization, Greater Albion Community Recreation and Events, runs the Albion Summer Music Festival. The group has committed $5,000 towards the new concession stand, Albertson said.

GACRE also wants a new backstop fence on the baseball diamond as well as improvements to the playing field.

“We’re not done,” Albertson said. “We want to finish at Bullard Park.”

The music festival typically draws about 1,000 people with a $5 entry fee. Albertson said the organizers want to keep it affordable, and keep the amphitheater rocking.

The bands making their debut at the festival include Knight Patrol, a cover band that performs the greatest hits from the ’80s, and Songbirds, a Fleetwood Mac tribute act.

Local favorites include The Who Dats, V3, Mixed Experience and Bad Sign.

The band, V3, performed Friday evening at Bullard Park for the 10th Rock the Park/Summer Music Festival on Aug. 1, 2025. From left in photo include Jesse Neely on bass, lead singer Kole Moore and Alex Fitzak on guitar. V3 will be at this year’s event on Aug. 1.

Kendall welcomes volunteers for town-wide roadside cleanup on April 25

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 11 April 2026 at 7:59 am

Provided photo: About 30 volunteers picked up trash along Kendall roadways in April 24, 2021. This photo shows John Patt, a Kendall Boy Scout at left, and other volunteers including his father, Jim Patt.

KENDALL – The community is welcome to be part of the next roadside cleanup in Kendall.

The Kendall Highway Department and the Kendall Lions Club will join for the roadside cleanup on Saturday, April 25, as part of Earth Day.

Volunteers are asked to check in at the Highway Department at 9 a.m. on Crandall Avenue to be assigned a route. Completion is at noon.

The Kendall Lions Club will be cooking hot dogs that will be ready after the cleanup.

Orleans County DSS to host 3 Lilypad Safe Harbour events in April

Posted 10 April 2026 at 5:43 pm

Press Release, Orleans County DSS

ALBION – Registration is now open for the Orleans County Department of Social Services’ (DSS) next Lilypad Safe Harbour series event which will start on Thursday, April 16 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Hoag Library, 134 S. Main Street in Albion.

The remaining sessions will be held on April 23rd and April 30th. Each session covers separate topics, therefore, it is highly suggested youth attend all three sessions.

The Lilypad is open to all Orleans County youth aged 12 to 21 years old. The goal of Lilypad is to educate young people on building healthy relationships and self-esteem, as well as how to recognize red flags that will protect them from online predators.

“Our Lilypad Safe Harbour events are all about giving young people the tools to create healthy relationships, set boundaries, and protect themselves from potentially dangerous situations,” said Cyndi Stumer, Deputy DSS Commissioner. “Young people face a lot of pressures in a world where we are all connected through our devices, so we want them to be safe and know where to turn to for help.”

Stumer said the event will feature multiple speakers several different community partners that will offer insights into the resources available to young folks and the signs to look for when a situation could pose a threat, particularly in areas like online grooming and exploitation.

“We approach this material in a manner that allows young people to feel comfortable discussing these serious topics,” said Stumer. “We will also be providing snacks, holding raffles and handing out prizes throughout the evening to lighten things up.”

Advance registration is preferred for planning purposes. However, walk-in registrations are also welcome. To register your youth for Lilypad, please contact Orleans County Safe Harbour at Safeharbour@orleanscountyny.gov or by telephone at 585-589-2837.

Counties across NYS facing $870 million ‘fiscal emergency,’ seek state assistance

Posted 10 April 2026 at 12:32 pm

Federal cost shifts, inflation and rising healthcare and pensions strain counties

Press Release, New York State Association of Counties

As a confluence of federal cost shifts, general inflation, rising pension obligations, and growing healthcare costs are creating a fiscal emergency for county governments, the New York State Association of Counties (NYSAC) is calling for support in the SFY 2027 State Budget.

Starting in 2027, counties will be forced to absorb at least $870 million in higher costs from federal changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) program, reductions in federal Medicaid revenue, growth in current pension obligations, and other state mandated cost shifts. These increases arrive as counties are already showing signs of fiscal stress, with 12 counties exceeding the property tax cap in their 2026 budgets—the most in a decade.

Counties are calling on the Governor and State Legislature to assume the local share of new SNAP administrative costs and provide meaningful county relief, on par with what has been proposed for other municipalities, in the enacted SFY 2026–27 budget.

“Counties are the backbone of New York’s service delivery system, implementing state and federal programs in every community,” said Stephen Acquario, executive director of NYSAC. “But this wave of new costs is just unsustainable, and without state partnership, local governments will be forced into difficult choices that could reduce services to residents and businesses.”

Federal Cost Shifts

Beginning October 1, 2026, under the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” the federal share of SNAP administrative costs drops from 50 percent to 25 percent—shifting an estimated $170 million in new annual costs to counties and New York City. At the same time, New York’s SNAP error rate exposes the state to up to $1.2 billion in annual federal penalties beginning as early as October 2027.

New York is one of only three states in the nation that requires counties to both administer SNAP and pay a share of its administrative costs. When the federal share drops from 50 percent to 25 percent, counties—not the state—are left holding 75 percent of the bill.

“Nearly three million New Yorkers depend on SNAP each month—the vast majority are children, seniors, and people with disabilities,” said Phil Church, President of NYSAC. “If counties cannot meet the administrative demands of a restructured program, New Yorkers who depend on these benefits will suffer. We warned our Congressional Delegation this would happen and urged a federal delay.”

Medicaid Cost Shifts

New York State is unique in its requirement that counties and New York City must pay a direct share of the program costs of Medicaid services. Today, this cost exceeds $7.6 billion annually.

In SFY 2024, the State began to phase out the annual sharing of $625 million in federal Medicaid funds. By early 2025, these federal savings to counties were completely eliminated. Counties and New York City are now absorbing this loss in funding into local budgets.

“For just a handful of mandated programs, including Medicaid, counties and New York City contribute more than $14 billion annually in local taxes,” said Ryan McMahon, president of the New York State County Executives Association. “And yet, every budget proposal this year allocated zero dollars in new state revenue sharing or unrestricted aid to counties.”

Pension Costs—Before and After Enhancements

Based on the State Comptroller’s October 2025 actuarial report, NYSAC projects that employer pension contributions for FYE 2027 will increase by approximately $180 million for counties alone—before any benefit enhancements currently under consideration in this budget take effect.

The pension enhancements now being discussed could add another $125 to $150 million in new annual costs for counties, bringing the potential total to $330 million. Most of this new higher state-imposed expense was not accounted for when counties adopted their budgets in late 2025.

“It is worth noting that a central purpose of the 2012 Tier 6 reforms was precisely to prevent local governments from bearing these costs—with an explicit commitment that the State would pre-fund any future benefit enhancements. That commitment should be honored,” noted Acquario.

Roy-Hart posts shutout win over Ken East

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 10 April 2026 at 12:00 pm

A fast start and a strong finish earned Roy-Hart a 10-0 victory over host Kenmore East in a non league baseball game this morning.

A two-run home run by Isaac Smith in the first inning put Roy-Hart on top to stay.

The Rams then closed out the win with a huge 8 run seventh inning which included a two-run single by Evan Poeller, an RBI double by Smith and RBI singles by Hank Snyder, John Brigham, Jared Hy and Sean Mettler. Singles by Hy and Gavin Heideman ignited the uprising.

Hy finished with 3 hits and Smith 2.

Poeller and Mettler shared in earning the shutout scattering 10 hits and striking out 5.

Roy-Hart is now 2-0 heading into Monday’s Niagara-Orleans League home opener against Albion.

Medina Planning Board approves signs for Medina Triennial, downtown businesses

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 10 April 2026 at 10:27 am

The Medina Triennial is proposing banners to be on the Medina Triennial Hub building at 345 North Main St., the former NAPA site. The Triennial also wants a series of other wayfinding signs for the upcoming arts initiative that is expected to draw 50,000 people to Medina from June 6 to Sept. 7.

MEDINA – The Village Planning Board has approved sign applications for several downtown businesses and also gave the OK for a series of signs in the village for the upcoming Medina Triennial arts exhibition.

• The Planning Board met on Tuesday and approved the sign application for Alexandra Peracciny Photography. She is moving her studio from the upstairs of Blissett’s to a storefront at 426 Main St.

The board approved the main sign for the building at 16 feet by 2 feet, but wants more details one three vinyl cling signs with two proposed for the windows and one for the door. Peracciny will need to provide more information on the size of the vinyl signs.

• The board approved a new projecting sign for Cuppa Joe at 112 East Center St. Joe Blake is the new owner of the coffee shop after acquiring the Coffee Pot Café from Dan and Hans Rosentreter.

• A sign was approved for “Medina Mart” at 123 East Center St. Saleh Almadhrahi of Lackawanna is running the business and will have a sign mounted near the roof. The sign will be 166 inches by 20 inches.

• The Medina Triennial wants a series of wayfinding signs, as well as two large banners on the Triennial’s main building at 426 North Main St. The banners will note the theme of the Triennial: “All That Sustains Us.”

The Triennial is seeking permission for many temporary signs around the village and downtown area. The Planning Board gave its OK. The Villkage Board will need to give final approval for signs on village-owned property at Rotary Park, State Street Park and the Canal Basin.

The Triennial wants 12 vinyl signs on sidewalks with arrows directing people to the Hub building at 345 North Main St., Rotary Park, State Street Park and the Railroad Museum.

The Triennial also wants 4 stake signs directing people to Medina Triennial, the old high school on Catherine Street which will house several exhibits, and the Railroad Museum on West Avenue.

The Triennial also wants 10 post signs about the Medina Triennial with the theme “All That Sustains Us” and eight A-frame signs.

Dan Gardner, the code enforcement officer, acknowledged the situation is out of the ordinary with so many temporary signs. He said the village should consider these on a case-by-case basis.

He said the signs are needed because there will be an influx of visitors and the art installations will be at multiple locations in the community.

Planning Board members said they are concerned about an abundance of signs in the downtown already, but they agreed the wayfinding signage would be helpful to the visitors and local residents during the three months.

“There will be a lot of exhibits all over the village and people will need to know where to go,” Gardner said.

Planning Board member David Flynn cast a no vote on the signs saying them seemed out of character with the historic downtown.

Area schools have Scholar-Athlete teams

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 10 April 2026 at 9:00 am

Orleans County’s five high schools have a total of 15 winter sports season varsity teams that have earned New York State Public High School Athletic Association Scholar-Athlete Team awards.

To qualify as a Scholar-Athlete team, at least 75% of a team’s rosters’ average must be 90.0 or higher. Teams that qualify receive a Scholar-Athlete certificate, while individual students earning the recognition receive pins to acknowledge their accomplishments.

Albion’s four honored teams include Girls Basketball, Boys Swimming, Girls Swimming and Cheerleading.

Holley’s two teams are Girls Basketball and Cheerleading.

Kendall’s three teams are Boys Basketball, Girls Basketball and Cheerleading.

Lyndonville’s honored team is Girls Basketball.

Medina’s five teams include Boys Swimming, Girls Swimming, Girls Basketball, Wrestling and Cheerleading.

Neighboring Roy-Hart has two honored teams, Girls Basketball and Girls Swimming, as does Barker in Boys Basketball and Girls Basketball.

Rounding out the Niagara-Orleans League schools Akron has six honorees (Boys and Girls Basketball, Boys and Girls Swimming, Wrestling and Cheerleading), Newfane has five teams (Boys and Girls Swimming, Girls Basketball, Unified Bowling and Cheerleading) and Wilson has six teams (Boys and Girls Basketball, Boys and Girls Wrestling, Unified Bowling and Cheerleading).

“The Scholar-Athlete program continues to highlight the incredible commitment our student-athletes make to excellence in both the classroom and in competition,” said Dr. Robert Zayas, NYSPHSAA Executive Director. “Balancing academics and athletics at such a high level is a tremendous achievement, and we commend every student and team recognized this winter.”

Development at STAMP would change character of rural community

Posted 10 April 2026 at 8:34 am

Editor:

There are many reasons for Genesee Countians to strongly oppose the monster data center – or any other development – at the STAMP speculative industrial mega-site in the Town of Alabama.

STAMP borders the Tonawanda Seneca Nation, which considers STAMP nothing less than an existential threat to its sovereignty, ecology, and ways of life; and would have huge impacts on the rural, agricultural economies, traditions, and character of the county.

The proposed data center would be the size of eleven Walmart Supercenters, and its developer is asking Genesee County for an absurd $1.44 billion in tax incentives.

It’s also important to know that STAMP violates all the principles and tenets of “smart growth” land use and development that professional planners practice today.

At its beginning, the STAMP badly failed a “smart growth test” required of state agencies by the State Public Infrastructure Policy Act1. This law ensures that state agencies do not fund development in locations and ways that spawn financial, environmental, and equity problems. In the case of STAMP, the Empire State Development Corporation (ESDC) flunked this required “smart growth test.” Yet, ESDC and Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC) ignored the results.

A look at some of the flunked smart growth test criteria reveals how bad STAMP is from land use, development, and community planning perspectives:

Criteria: Utilize existing infrastructure. STAMP will require extensive, expensive, complicated new water, wastewater, and energy infrastructure that will need maintenance forever.

Criteria: Locate wholly or partially in an existing municipal center. STAMP is entirely on undeveloped, remote, rural land.

Criteria: Preserve and enhance the state’s agricultural land. STAMP would develop (devour!) hundreds of acres of prime agricultural land.

Criteria: Provide mobility through transportation choices, including improved public transportation and reduced automobile dependency. STAMP’s far-flung location would lock employees and all other users into ridiculously expensive, polluting, dangerous automobile dependency.

Criteria: Comply with local land use and building zones and codes. STAMP’s plans did not comply with the long-time rural/agricultural zoning for the site – so GCEDC got the zoning changed. This change does not suddenly make STAMP suitable: a recent study by SUNY College of Environmental Science determined the site is wholly unsuitable for industrial development.

Criteria: Locate in a developed area or one designated for development. STAMP failed this criteria too, but the GCEDC convinced the County to add the entire STAMP site to the County’s Smart Growth Plan2 as a “Priority Development Area.” This Plan was passed in 2000 to protect rural, agricultural lands, economies, and character from incompatible development that could hook up to public water pipes coming in. In other words, STAMP is exactly what the Smart Growth Plan was legislated countywide to prevent.

Overall, STAMP is the “poster child” of all that smart growth isn’t. At every level of land use and development planning, STAMP is a deeply inappropriate and inefficient location and site for what is being proposed there.

To learn more about ways you can oppose these boondoggles and bad deals for our region, go to alliesoftsn.weebly.com.

Marcia Bohn

Batavia