By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 17 March 2016 at 12:00 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – A stone bed for flowers in Albion’s Waterman Park was dismantled today over safety concerns.
The stone structure was added to the park about a decade ago. It had some pointy rocks edges on top that were seen as a liability concern, a DPW worker said today.
The stone had also sunk and shifted a little. It was built on a site without a solid foundation.
The village plans to makes a small garden at the site.
This photo from Aug. 28, 2014 shows the flower bed during the summer. A historical marker, noting downtown Albion is on the National Register of Historic Places, was placed in Waterman Park in 2014.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 17 March 2016 at 12:00 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – The Albion Rotary Club is preparing for its annual St. Patrick’s Ham Dinner today from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church in Albion (corner of East State and Main streets).
In the top photo, Rotary members Ed Fancher and Becky Dillenbeck prepare the ham dinners.
Carol Murphy gets potatoes ready for the dinner.
Albion teacher Tim Archer, advisor to the Rotary Interact Club at the high school, gets desserts ready in the dining hall.
Proceeds from today’s dinner go to the Interact Club, which is working on funding a well project in Guatemala so a community has public water.
Suburban Electric of Albion will do electrical work for $1,318,000 for new Event Center at Batavia campus
Architectural renderings by JMZ Architects and Planners – The 18,478-square-foot Student Success Center will be a two-story facility connecting to the existing Conable Technology Building through a second story bridge.
Press Release, GCC
BATAVIA – The vision and hard work of many people who contributed to Genesee Community College’s Facilities Master Plan nearly five years ago is about to take physical shape. GCC’s Board of Trustees approved the award of various construction bids for two capital construction projects on the Batavia Campus.
The total cost estimate for the new Student Success Center and the Event Center combined is $21,476,070, and when asked when construction will begin, Kevin Hamilton, GCC’s vice president of Finance and Operations told the Trustees “Tomorrow,” reflecting on the aggressive construction schedule ahead.
In actuality, the college has scheduled an official groundbreaking ceremony on Thursday, April 28 at 4 p.m. but JMZ Architects and Planners, P.C. and GCC staff are already working with the contractors to ensure a smooth running project. The following construction contracts were approved on Monday night by the Board of Trustees:
For both the Student Success Center and Event Center combined:
Allied Builders, Inc., Brockport – General Construction, $10,627,000;
DiFiore Construction, Inc. Rochester – Site Improvements, $ 2,322,100;
Thurston Dudek LLC, Ontario – Plumbing & Fire Protection, $955,400.
For the Student Success Center only:
Leo J. Roth Corporation, Webster – HVAC Construction, $ 550,000;
Hewett Young Electric, LLC, Rochester, NY – Electrical, $ 540,000.
Suburban Electric of Albion, Inc., Albion, NY – Electrical, $1,318,000.
In order to attract as many local firms as possible, the construction bid packages were bundled in five segments for Site Work, General Contracting, Electrical, Plumbing/Fire Protection, and Heating, Ventilation and Cooling (HVAC), and contractors were invited to bid on singular projects or combination of both projects.
Forty-seven bids were received and publicly opened on March 8, 2016.
The 18,478-square-foot Student Success Center will be a two-story facility connecting to the existing Conable Technology Building through a second story bridge. It will become the new “front door” of the Batavia Campus partially enclosing the GCC’s central academic quad. The estimated cost of construction of the Student Success Center is $6,687,645.
The one-stop service center for students and community residents will soon provide admissions, financial aid, academic advisement, job and career counseling and a variety of other services in one building.
The new Event Center will include the largest open public space in the four GLOW counties.
The other project, the Event Center, will also be two-stories, but it is the first facility on the original Batavia Campus grounds not connected to the Batavia Campus main buildings. (The College’s School of Nursing is located in the Med Tech Park on the south side of Hawley Drive.)
Located adjacent to the Soccer and Lacrosse Turf Field at the far west side of campus, the 56,614 square foot facility will include the largest open public space in Genesee, Livingston, Orleans and Wyoming Counties.
The large arena will not only accommodate an array of athletic competitions, but all kinds of civic, community, trade, industry as well as college events-from farm, boat and tractor shows to commencement ceremonies where a whole family can sit together. The new facility is expected to draw as many as 500,000 visitors to the campus each year. The estimated cost of construction of the Event Center is $14,788,425.
The targeted construction schedule for both projects is April 1, 2016 through June 1, 2017. Transforming the vacated space in the existing facility into new classrooms, laboratories and office space will be reviewed through the coming year and a separate plan and project(s) will be developed.
In light of the Stafford Volunteer Fire Department canceling its annual car raffle due to fundraising restrictions, Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R-Batavia), a life member of the Stafford Fire Department, announced today that he has introduced legislation to allow Internet advertising by charitable organizations.
Currently, the New York State Constitution does not allow online advertising of charitable games of chance or allow checks or credit cards to be accepted as payment for these raffles.
“I stand in complete support of the Stafford Fire Department,” Hawley said. “Volunteer fire departments are the crux of any successful public safety apparatus and they deserve our utmost respect, help and assistance in every capacity. Clearly, this is an example of the State Constitution lagging behind in technology and adhering to archaic laws. The Legislature should immediately consider a constitutional amendment to right this injustice, and I have introduced legislation that would allow charitable organizations to advertise raffle tickets online, boosting sales and reaching more residents. I love attending the Stafford Fire Department Raffle and realize its importance to the sustainability of the department and the local community. I pledge to help in any way I can.”
Hawley is co-sponsoring two bills which would allow charitable organizations holding raffles to accept checks and credit cards. Hawley said he will also be introducing a constitutional amendment to allow non-profit organizations more latitude in their fundraising efforts.
“Again, this is an example of selective enforcement,” Hawley said. “I sponsor two bills, A.9322 and A.4716, which would address this issue: one allowing checks as payment for raffle tickets and the other allowing credit as acceptable payment for games of chance. This would allow all of our other not for profits, churches, veterans clubs, service clubs and others who strive to help themselves and our communities to sell tickets online and engage more supporters. These bills are currently being held in the Racing and Wagering Committee, and I will do all that I can to get them passed.”
4 state legislators say project jeopardizes Air Reserve Station
BARKER – Lighthouse Wind, LLC, announced today the company has signed New York’s updated code of conduct.
The company in recent months has been criticized by members of Save Ontario Shores, a citizens’ group opposed to the large-scale wind turbine project, for not signing the code of conduct.
Lighthouse Wind is an Apex Clean Energy subsidiary. Lighthouse Wind contacted the Office of the Attorney General last year in regard to the code, the company said today.
After review of the existing code and in light of significant permitting changes, the attorney general’s office revised the code. After receipt of the updated code, Lighthouse Wind said it immediately engaged in an ongoing dialogue with the attorney general’s office regarding ministerial corrections and clarifications to the new 2016 New York State Code of Conduct for Wind Farm Development.
“The attorney general’s office provided Lighthouse Wind, along with other wind developers in New York, with the updated Code of Conduct agreement to review in February,” said Mark Goodwin, president and chief operating officer of Apex. “After careful review and discussions with the attorney general’s office, Lighthouse Wind is pleased to sign the Code of Conduct. We look forward to exercising our due diligence and providing all necessary information as requested. We are confident that the tasks that we have performed to date make us well prepared for compliance.”
Apex is looking to build up to 71 wind turbines in Yates and Somerset as part of Lighthouse Wind. The turbines could peak at 620 feet high from the top of the turbine blades.
A local delegation of state legislators has stepped up pressure on the Public Service Commission, saying in a letter last month to PSC Secretary Kathleen Burgess the tall turbines raise serious concerns.
State Sen. Robert Ortt (62nd District), Sen. Michael Ranzehofer (61st District), Assemblywoman Jane Corwin (144th District) and Assemblywoman Angela Wozniak (143rd District) sent a joint letter to Burgess, expressing their concerns regarding the proposed industrial wind turbine project for Niagara and Orleans counties.
The legislators worry the turbines could have a negative impact on the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station military operating area.
“We have serious concerns that these wind turbines will affect airspace around the base and make it less likely to be considered for future missions,” the legislators wrote in a joint letter. “In 1995, the base was reviewed for closure during a Base Closure and Realignment Commission (BRAC). It was again reviewed for closure in a 2005 BRAC, and again in 2012 during the US Air Force Structure Adjustment. With everpresent BRAC and restructuring threats to the base, we cannot risk these wind turbines jeopardizing the future of the Base and all those who are supported by it.
“Encroachment is one of the key factors the military uses when determining the future of a base and NFARS currently ranks favorably in that area,” they wrote. “We cannot allow wind turbines to interfere with radar or flights and thereby jeopardize the future of the base.”
By Kristina Gabalski, Correspondent Posted 16 March 2016 at 12:00 am
Photo by Kristina Gabalski – The Clarendon water tower on Route 31A as it is seen from Hibbard Road. Town Board members are working to make a decision on whether or not to turn the town’s water system over to the Monroe County Water Authority.
CLARENDON – Town Board members are considering turning the town’s water system over to the Monroe County Water Authority.
The Town Board on Tuesday asked Larry Swanger, the highway and water superintendent, to prepare a report with projected costs to the town if it continues to run the town’s water system.
“It’s time to start taking some steps,” Council member Paul Nicosia said.
Town Attorney Karl Essler advised council members to have someone complete a fiscal analysis of what it would cost the town to continue to oversee its water districts. The analysis would help leaders to make an informed decision about whether or not to allow the Water Authority to take over.
An informational meeting regarding the possible take-over was held for residents on March 10 at the Clarendon Firemen’s Recreation Hall. Town Supervisor Richard Moy reported during Tuesday’s Town Board meeting that he had received numerous phone calls and emails from residents following the information session, expressing mixed views over the issue.
“This isn’t something to be taken lightly,” Moy said. “Once you turn it over, it’s gone. Is that bad or good? I don’t know.”
The town is facing the expensive job of painting its water tower – a cost estimated at $500,000. Moy discussed the possibility of imposing a $0.21/day meter charge that would build a water maintenance fund for such expenses, should the town decide not to go with the Water Authority.
“Either way you go, it’s going to cost more money for water,” he said.
If the town continues to oversee water districts, it would likely have to impose the meter fee and hire additional help, council members said.
“If we are going to keep it, we’re going to have to run it like a business and hire people to do book work,” Council Member Marc Major said.
“How does it work out for taxpayers?” Nicosia questioned. “In the long run, what is best for them is the way to go. The town finances have been well run,” he noted, but water may be, “an anchor we are pulling along.”
Nicosia questioned what the town stands to lose if it turns water over to the Water Authority.
“Fixing it … painting the tower,” he said, and added those kinds of jobs would not be difficult to relinquish.
“We’ve done a good job spreading water through the town,” Nicosia said, but observed that Clarendon is a bedroom community and will likely never have significant commercial development.
Swanger, the highway superintendent, also serves as water superintendent. The Highway Department oversees work in the town’s water districts. Swanger has been on the job since the creation of the first water district in the town and council members said they felt confident that he could provide the fiscal projections they need to make a decision.
“Larry has been doing this for 20 years,” Major said. “He knows what we need and I would go by Larry’s advice.”
Nicosia said that as the town’s water infrastructure ages, maintenance could put a greater strain on the Highway Department.
“This thing could become a hornet’s nest,” he said of the town continuing in the water business.
Swanger said he could compile the information in advance of the April meeting of the Town Board.
MEDINA – Lightning strikes early this afternoon have knocked out power for 749 in the Medina area, National Grid is reporting.
The company expects to have power restored at about 2:30 p.m. today.
The National Weather Service says showers with embedded thunderstorms will hit Orleans, northwestern Genesee, northwestern Monroe, northeastern Erie and Niagara counties this afternoon.
“Occasional lightning and dime size hail are possible with these storms,” the Weather Service said.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 15 March 2016 at 12:00 am
Village residents will go to the polls today and will elect new mayors in Medina and Lyndonville.
In Medina, incumbent Andrew Meier isn’t seeking re-election. In Lyndonville, Steve McAvoy resigned as mayor on Oct. 31 due to the demands of his full-time job.
James Tuk, the current deputy mayor, has been leading the village government since McAvoy stepped down. Tuk faces an election today from John Belson, the Yates town supervisor until he lost an election to James Simon last November.
Belson wants to continue in public service. He is running under the Lyndonville Party while Tuk picked “The Lake Party.” The mayor’s post is a four-year term.
Three people are running for two seats on the Village Board, including incumbents Ellen Tuohey (Independent Party) and Danny Woodward (Peoples Party). Andrew Cousins (Sustainable Futures) also is running for village trustee.
Voting is from noon to 9 p.m. at the Village Hall, 2 South Main St.
In Medina, Michael Sidari, a current village trustee, is the only candidate for a two-year term as mayor. Sidari is running under The Village Party, along with incumbent Marguerite Sherman and Tim Elliott, who are seeking two-year terms on the Village Board.
Voting is from noon to 9 p.m. at the Senior Center, 615 West Ave.
In Lyndonville and Medina, candidates run under independent parties without the official backing of either Republicans or Democrats.
In Albion, three candidates are running for two four-year seats on the Village Board. The Republican Party is backing incumbent Gary Katsanis, and the Democrats endorsed Mattea Navarra-Molisani and incumbent Peter Sidari.
Voting is from noon to 9 p.m. at the Village Hall, 35-37 East Bank St.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 15 March 2016 at 12:00 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Anya Groth, an Albion seventh-grader, holds a bowl of pottery she created in her art class led by Kamie Feder. The bowl was created and sold for $5 Tuesday evening as part of the seventh annual Empty Bowls project by Albion seventh-graders.
About 140 students created bowls that were sold on Tuesday evening. The project was expected to raise $700 to $800, which will be donated to Community Action of Orleans & Genesee.
The funding will help the agency stock its food pantry during a season when donations are down, said Annette Finch, community services director for Community Action.
Some of the bowls created by students are displayed on a table in the middle school cafeteria.
Students were also invited to write a message about local hunger. Finch bought this bowl. She liked the robin eggs
Students learned about hunger locally and in the world. Locally, one in four people struggle to have enough food to eat. World-wide, about 3 billion people go hungry.
“I would hate to be in that situation,” said Anya Groth, one of the students who worked on the project.
A student named Mason created this bowl and message.
Leeanna Montanarella, a seventh-grader, shared information about hunger with people who attended the event at the middle school. Leeanna said the community should step up awareness and fund-raising to fight hunger.
“I think it’s important that people in the community are fed,” she said.
Photo courtesy of Lyndonville Central School – Lyndonville’s Rebekah Hoffee and Medina’s Cameron Morgan perform “De-Lovely” together as Hope Harcourt and Billy Crocker.
Press release: Lyndonville Central School
LYNDONVILLE – Medina and Lyndonville students worked together for their second school musical with the production of “Anything Goes” at the Stroyan Auditorium on March 22-24.
Students collaborated in the 1962 off-Broadway revival of Cole Porter’s popular comedy featuring dancing, singing, romancing and mistaken identities. The show is set on board the S.S. American, a 1930s luxury liner en route to London from New York.
On board are a lovesick stowaway, a brassy nightclub evangelist, a beautiful young debutante and her doting mother, a boozy and lecherous old tycoon, a bumbling gangster disguised as a priest, an ‘English Lord’ with a mysterious past and a ship full of dancing sailors and high-kicking chorus girls. Last year the districts performed “Legally Blonde.”
Moonface Martin (Thomas Follman), Billy Crocker (Cameron Morgan) and Reno Sweeny (Heather Mufford) sing “Friendship” during a rehearsal for “Anything Goes.”
