By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 12 June 2013 at 12:00 am
ALBION – Two major chains – Dunkin’ Donuts and Advance Auto Parts – are looking at sites in Albion, village officials said at tonight’s Village Board meeting.
Neither company has submitted a formal application to the village. But village officials said Advance Auto is serious about the former Rite Aid building at the northeast corner of the routes 98 and 31 intersection. The site has been vacant for several years since Rite Aid moved to the former Eckerd building across the street.
Advance has nearby sites in Brockport, Batavia and Lockport.
Dunkin’ Donuts is looking at a building next to Tim Hortons. The company is considering tearing down a warehouse owned by Charles Breuilly and building a new site for Albion. Dunkin’s closest site is in Batavia.
CRFS, in expansion mode, could hire many of the employees
Press Release, U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer’s office
ALBION – U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer called JP Morgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon on Monday and urged the bank’s leader to give priority to Albion workers for 150 Chase jobs in Rochester and also help connect Albion workers with local employers such as Claims Recovery Financial Services.
Chase announced on Thursday it would close its Albion mortgage servicing facility that has 413 employees. The site will shut down in September.
Claims Recovery is a fast-growing post-foreclosure claim recovery firm in Orleans County that is eager to hire. CRFS now employs 550 workers in Albion and Medina and is looking to fill 178 openings. The company has plans to further expand and increase employment.
“Last week’s unexpected announcement that JP Morgan will close its Albion facility has hit the community like a ton of bricks,” Schumer said. “I was blindsided by the announcement, and upset that we were not given more of an opportunity to address the issues ahead of time. But the workers there need our help and we need to be proactive in finding Albion employees new work.”
Chase says the decision is final. Schumer has been working to help reduce the impact of impending job losses in Albion by identifying new work opportunities for the Albion employees.
Schumer spoke by phone this weekend with CRFS CEO Jodi Gaines. Schumer said that much of the employees’ skills at Chase in Albion can translate to the work done at CRFS. He wants Chase to coordinate with CRFS and other local companies in Western New York in terms of timing, severance and other important factors in order to find work for the Chase employees.
“I believe that CRFS is one of our best bets to get these soon-to-be displaced workers new employment opportunity,” Schumer said. “Connecting with this fast-growing local employer and others in Western New York is the very least JP Morgan can do to help reduce job losses in Albion.”
ALBION – The Albion Police Department participated in the “Buckle Up New York Campaign” from May 20 to June 2 and arrested 65 people for not wearing seatbelts.
The Police Department was awarded a $779 grant from the New York State Governors Traffic Safety Committee to participate in this state-wide initiative.
Albion officers issued 138 tickets for various vehicle and traffic law violations during the 14-day enforcement wave. Besides the 65 seatbelt violations, officers issued 13 speeding tickets (six in the school zone), 10 uninspected motor vehicles, five unlicensed operators, six aggravated unlicensed operator in the third degree, one ticket for facilitating unlicensed operator in the third degree, four for operating without insurance, one for reckless driving, two for operating with registration suspended/revoked, and five for talking on cellphone while driving.
Police Chief Roland Nenni III said the department also made arrests for driving while intoxicated and for driving while ability impaired by drugs/marijuana.
The Albion Police Department hosted two multi-agency road checks during the campaign period with assistance from the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office and New York State Department of Motor Vehicles.
During the road checks, which were conducted on North Main Street and South Main Street, officers issued a total of 26 uniform traffic tickets. One motorist was arrested during the road checks for DWAI by drugs/marijuana and unlawful possession of marijuana.
The main factors that cause fatalities in motor vehicle accidents continues to be speeding, not wearing seatbelts and driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs, Nenni said.
“The safety of our streets continues to be the number one goal of the Albion Police Department,” he said. “We will continue to strive to make our community safe.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 9 June 2013 at 12:00 am
Photos by Tom Rivers – The Albion Women’s Select Choir includes Maria Ostafew, front right.
Steven Stauss, right, and other members of the Albion Men’s Select Choir give an enthusiastic performance of a romantic song.
Gary Simboli plays the keyboards and directs the Albion Men’s and Women’s Select Choir.
ALBION – The Theatre on Main Street production on Saturday resulted in a treasure trove of images. I shared some after the show last night, but here are some more.
A stage with professional sound and lighting was set up on West Bank Street for the three-hour show.
John Martin, “Zilch Fletcher,” of Medina shared a few folksy songs.
Albion residents Dorothy and Milt Boyer, center, react to a funny line from one of Martin’s songs.
Performers from Lisa’s Dance Boutique on Holley were among the acts in the three-hour show.
A group of four dancers from Dance Reflections by Miss Heather perform during Theatre on Main Street.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 9 June 2013 at 12:00 am
Dance, music, theater on display at Albion event
Photos by Tom Rivers – Ryan Haight, center, and other members of the Albion Men’s Select Chorus ham it up with Director Gary Simboli during Theatre on Main Street on Saturday.
Mary Martin and the Albion Women’s Select Chorus performed several songs for about 400 people at the Theatre on Main Street.
Elizabeth Banty is the swan queen surrounded by black swans in a performance by the Gotta Dance by Miss Amy studio.
ALBION – Performers from several communities in Orleans County were welcomed for the debut of Theatre on Main Street.
The three-hour show was on an outdoor stage on West Bank Street.The crowd seemed to get bigger throughout the night. Organizers estimated 400 people were there.
Organizers hope it’s the beginning of more shows drawing dancers, musicians and theatrical performers to the county. Someday soon, the stage could be the opera houses in Albion and Medina.
The National Park Foundation and the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor contributed grants for the first Theatre on Main Street. The groups wanted the performance close to a historic opera house. Michael Bonafede and Judith Koehler own that building and are working to restore the site.
The Spotlight Dance Studio in Albion gets a chance on the stage.
Students from Dance Reflections by Miss Heather were among the performers.
John Martin, “Zilch Fletcher,” of Medina entertained with some light-hearted songs.
The Three Little Maids include, from left: Maarit Vaga, her daughter Lydia Erakare and Kristi Phillips.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 8 June 2013 at 12:00 am
Photos by Tom Rivers – The Purple Eagle Band performs in the rain on Main Street this morning.
The Kendall-Holley Marching Band was part of the Strawberry Festival for the first time today.
ALBION – The Albion Purple Eagles Marching Band played for the home crowd today in the Strawberry Festival Parade.
The newly formed Kendall-Holley Marching Band also made its debut in the Albion parade. The Dragons from Pembroke have been mainstays at the parade for many years.
Several other bands performed in the 90-minute parade, including the Hitmen Brass Band, Mighty St. Joes, Mark Time Marchers, Rochester Scottish Pipes & Drums, Kendall Royal Blue, White Sabres Dream Corps and the Alexander Fireman’s Band.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 8 June 2013 at 12:00 am
Photos by Tom Rivers – Rich Monacelli of Albion holds his 1-year-old grandson Matthew Schomske while watching today’s Strawberry Festival Parade on Main Street.
The turtle, being driven by Don Bishop, waves to the crowd. Hundreds of plastic turtles will race at 2 p.m. on the canal today.
Dancing Derrick does his thing for the Weed Man in Albion.
It rained during the Strawberry Festival Parade today. Big deal. A crowd turned out to show their support for the marching bands, Little League teams, firefighters and numerous other community organizations.
I’ll have more photos from the parade later today.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 8 June 2013 at 12:00 am
Erie Canal Sal, others perform for 400
Photos by Tom Rivers – Gretchen Murray Sepik portrays Erie Canal Sal during the Theatre on Main Street talent showcase tonight in Albion.
ALBION – Gretchen Murray Sepik starred as Erie Canal Sal as part of the Theatre on Main Street production Saturday night to close out the Strawberry Festival.
At least 400 people watched the three-hour show on West Bank Street.
Sepik, an Albion resident, portrays Sal, a cook on canal boat in 1840. She was among the performers. (I’ll have pictures on The Hub soon of some of the other acts.)
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 7 June 2013 at 12:00 am
Photos by Tom Rivers – Albion Lions Club members Dan Parker, left, and Kevin Howard cook Italian sausage by the Post Office at lunchtime today. Two other Lions, Lloyd Wright and Don Knapp, work the grill in back. Many food vendors are part of the Strawberry Festival today and Saturday.
Friday, June 7, 2013
11am-9pm Food Court – East Bank Street
11am-9pm Craft Booths
1pm-2pm Albion Middle School Jazz Band – Courthouse Lawn
2pm-4pm Ghost Riders – Courthouse Lawn
3pm-8pm Family Fun Faire
3:30pm-5:30pm Kandi Kiss the Clown- Courthouse Lawn
4pm-6:30pm Chicken BBQ at the First Presbyterian Church & Strawberry Social
4pm-6pm Ryan Klatt Solo Acoustic – Food Court
4:30pm-6:30pm Jazzamatazz – Courthouse Lawn
6:30pm-8:30pm The Triple Play Band – Food Court
7pm-9pm Second Nature Jazz Band – Courthouse Lawn
Carol Vespi, a former Albion resident who now lives in Horseheads, is selling decorative lawn ornaments at the Strawberry Festival. The ornaments are made from tin, cast iron and wrought iron.
Saturday, June 8, 2013
7:30am-10am Pancake Breakfast First Presbyterian Church
8am 23rd Annual 5k/8k Race (Registration 7 – 8 a.m. at the Courthouse Square) Sponsored by Albion Free Methodist Church
9am-3pm Car Show Sponsored by Don Davis of Albion (Registration 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.; Judging 12 – 2 p.m.; Awards 3 p.m.)
10am Parade Albion Purple Eagles, Hitmen Brass Band, Mighty St. Joes, Mark Time Marchers, Rochester Scottish Pipes & Drums, Pembroke Dragons, Kendall Royal Blue, White Sabres Dream Corps, Alexander Fireman’s Band
10am-5pm Craft Booths – Courthouse Square
10am-9pm Food Court – East Bank Street
11am-6pm Family Fun Faire
Noon-2pm Blind Leading the Blind – Courthouse Lawn
Noon-3pm Klutzy Jugglers – Courthouse Lawn
1pm-2:30pm Pratt Pack Community Band & Open Mic – Food Court
2pm-4pm Wegmans Zoomobile – Courthouse Lawn
2pm Turtle Race at the Main Street Canal Bridge
2:30pm-4:30pm Don Newcomb Band – Courthouse Lawn
2pm-3pm Magic and Illusions – Courthouse Lawn
2:30pm-4pm Border Town – Food Court
4pm-5:30pm The Who Dats – Food Court
5pm-7pm Remember the Exodus – Courthouse Lawn
5:30pm-7pm Jonsie and the Cruisers – Food Court
5:15pm-7:15pm Jerry Johnson and Friends – Courthouse Lawn
7pm-10pm Theatre On Main Variety Entertainment Under the Stars for the Entire Family – Theatre On Main
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 7 June 2013 at 12:00 am
PILOT lasted until 2021, adding 10% more in taxes each year
ALBION – Tax incentives for keeping JP Morgan Chase in Albion were far from expiring.
The County of Orleans Economic Development Agency worked with local municipalities to offer a 10-year tax incentive deal to Chase that started in 2011.
That first year Chase didn’t have to pay any taxes to the local governments. With each following year, the company would pay 10 percent more of a $4,046,000 assessment until the PILOT (payment in lieu of taxes) expired in 2021. At that point, the company would be paying the full 100 percent of its taxes.
The PILOT was approved as an incentive for Chase to stay in Albion at 231 East Ave. Now that the company has announced it will be closing the Albion site, the PILOT agreement may be voided, and Chase could be billed for the full assessed value, said Jim Whipple, chief executive officer of the Orleans EDA.
The EDA board will discuss the issue. Whipple said he favors canceling the PILOT and having the property fully taxed.
That would be a significant tax boost for the village of Albion, town of Albion, Orleans County and Albion Central School. With a combined tax rate of about $45 per $1,000 of assessed property, Chase’s local property tax bill would be about $180,000. The company paid a tenth of that in 2012 and 20 percent in 2013. The PILOT schedule calls for Chase to pay 30 percent in 2014, with 10 percent more added each successive year.
Chase also hasn’t paid towards the large parking lot by the site. The village created that lot in the mid-1990s when Dime Bank expanded at the site. Dime was later acquired by Washington Mutual, which was bought by Chase in 2008. The village has plowed and maintained the parking lot ever since the Dime days.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 7 June 2013 at 12:00 am
Photo by Tom Rivers – Concerned Citizens of Orleans County have a float urging the county to keep the nursing home.
ALBION – One float sends the message, “Keep the Orleans County Nursing Home Public.” Another display is strongly in support of Second Amendment rights.
The floats were both in the Murray-Holley June Fest parade last Saturday. Concerned Citizens of Orleans County debuted with its float during Memorial Day in Medina.
“We just want to call attention to the issue,” said Gary Kent, a member of Concerned Citizens of Orleans County.
The group is opposed to the county’s push to sell the 120-bed nursing home, The Villages of Orleans. The County Legislature created a local development corporation and transferred the nursing home to that entity, and charged the group with finding a buyer for the nursing home. Legislators fear projected deficits that could hit $2 million to $4 million at The Villages.
NY Revolution, a grass roots group that formed after the state passed the SAFE ACT in January, has a float in support of the right to bear arms.
Both floats will be allowed in Saturday’s Albion Strawberry Festival, despite concerns from some members of the Albion Rotary Club. I’m a member of the Rotary Club. I joined about 18 months ago. Rotarians have been the chief organizers of the Strawberry Festival the past three years.
The Rotary Club strives to be apolitical. The group doesn’t want politically charged messages at its meetings or events.
The nursing home and Second Amendment floats are designed to influence public policy. They’re clearly political.
A committee of Rotarians and other community members voted to allow the two floats.
To say no to the groups wouldn’t sit well.
“It’s a First Amendment issue, and they didn’t have a problem with it in Medina, Holley or Lyndonville,” Kent told me. “If they’re uncomfortable with it, then so be it.”
Some of the other local parades are organized by municipalities. The Albion parade is technically a Rotary Club event, and that’s why some Rotarians are uneasy about the floats with political messages.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 7 June 2013 at 12:00 am
Photo by Tom Rivers
ALBION -Ryan Klatt of Holley performs on East Bank Street today as part of the 27th annual Strawberry Festival. The festival continues tomorrow with a packed lineup of live music.
