A tractor-trailer truck struck Grace’s Place Agri-Business Child Development today at about 12:30 p.m., damaging the front façade of the building on Maziarz Drive in the Holley Business Park. The trucker then fled the scene. In the above photo, Holley firefighters Ron Meier, left, and Fran Gaylord inspect the damage to the building.

Holley police are attempting to locate the truck driver. Gaylord said tractor-trailers sometimes make a wrong turn at the business park and go past the child care center. A truck has hit the building once before, he said.

File photo by Tom Rivers: Holley’s Canal Park is a popular spot along the Erie Canal.

HOLLEY – Orleans County Legislator Ken DeRoller has encouraged the Village of Holley to be part of a multi-municipality effort to obtain a planning grant to develop a Local Waterfront Revitalization Plan (LWRP) for communities along the Erie Canal.

“It would provide a future view of how we want to use the canal corridor,” DeRoller said.

In addition to the Village of Holley, DeRoller said the Village of Albion, Town of Albion and Town of Murray should also be involved.  He noted the Village of Medina is already pursuing a plan on their own.

DeRoller spoke to members of the Village Board during their regular meeting last week.

According to New York State, Local Waterfront Revitalization Plans follow a step-by-step process by which communities can advance their planning from vision to implementation. The state offers grant funding for plan-related projects, once plans have been approved.

“I think we have a great product,” DeRoller said of the canal front in Orleans County.

The LWRP will help communities to “enhance its use and plan for the future … we can be the new Fairport in Orleans County.”

DeRoller mentioned attractions and recreational activities on the canal which Holley offers, including Holley Falls and the nearby Public Square. He also discussed potential recreational activities on the canal such as kayaking and hydro-kayaking, as well as activities when the canal is de-watered in the winter season.

“It’s very well worth it,” Holley Mayor Brian Sorochty said of creating a plan. He likened it to the village’s application for a Brownfield Opportunity Area Step 2 grant.

“To do this with other communities strengthens the application,” the mayor said. “I think we can put together a strong application. The canal is underutilized in Orleans County.”

Village Board members also heard July 11 from John Pera, the new post commander for the Jewell Buckman American Legion Post in Holley.

Pera told the board, the Legion is hoping to do more for the Holley community.

“We want to be more a part of the community than in the past,” Pera said of the veterans organization. “We are looking for what we can do for our community. We want to enhance our image to more of a family-friendly organization.”

Pera noted the Holley American Legion has the highest recruitment rate in western New York and the Ladies Auxiliary now has nine junior members – part of an effort to encourage the younger generation to become involved.  He was joined at the meeting by Ladies Auxiliary President Deb Zicari.

“We want to do what we can to help the younger generation,” she said.

Anyone who served during war-time is eligible for membership, Pera noted. Family members of eligible members may join the Ladies Auxiliary or Sons of the American Legion, he said.

“They just need to show someone in their lineage is/was a member of Post 529 in Holley,” Pera said

“We will make sure we reach out to you,” Sorochty told Pera and Zicari and thanked them for reaching out to the board.

The Jewell Buckman American Legion Post 529 has a new website with information on Post activities and membership: www.al529holleyny.org.

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ALBION – The Orleans Economic Development Agency called the effort to revive the old Holley High School for apartments and village offices a critical project on Friday.

The developers of the project were denied funding in the form of housing tax credits this spring by the New York State Homes and Community Renewal.

Home Leasing, developer for the project with Edgemere Development, is pursuing the state funding again this year.

The developers are looking for other state funding sources and shows of community support to make the case to the state for the bigger financial piece through Homes and Community Renewal.

The Orleans EDA agreed to pursue a grant on Friday for up to $500,000 for the project through the Environmental Protection Fund grant program for projects in Parks, Preservation and Heritage.

The funding is a matching grant for a property on the National Register of Historic Places. Home Leasing will pay the matching funds. The EDA will be the sponsor of the grant.

Home Leasing and Edgemere also will prepare and file the grant application.

“It certainly helps their project,” EDA attorney Kevin Zanner told the EDA board of directors on Friday.

Jim Whipple, the EDA chief executive officer, said the tax credits are ultimately needed to make the $17 million project a reality. The smaller state grants are also helpful.

“This shows EDA support and makes the story stronger,” Whipple said. “This is an important project.”

Revitalizing the old school, which has been vacant for about two decades, has been identified as a priority project in Holley’s comprehensive plan.

Home Leasing wants to turn the school into 41 residential apartments and offices for the village government. A restored auditorium would be used for meeting space. Developers said they will restore the historic building to its former glory as part of the project.

The school is located in the center of a historic district.

Kim Russell, executive vice president of Home Leasing, met with members of the Holley Village Board and Murray Town Board on Tuesday.

The company welcomes community letters of support as part of the funding applications.

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HOLLEY – Eight homes that have been vacant for about 15 years after a leak at the former Diaz Chemical plant have all sold this week.

The houses were recently put on the market and eight purchase offers totaling $192,600 have been accepted for the sites.

The federal Environmental Protection Agency will receive 90 percent of the money after closing costs and real estate service fees are included.

The remaining 10 percent will go to Village of Holley Development Corporation, a village entity tasked with economic and community development.

Dan Schiavone, a local dentist, serves as president of the VHDC. He also was mayor during the chemical leak from Diaz in 2002, which led to the company declaring bankruptcy and go out of business.

Schiavone agreed to lead the VHDC to address blight and vacant properties in Holley. He was concerned the “Diaz homes” would linger on the market.

“I was worried they would be difficult to get rid of,” he said this afternoon. “It was a pleasant surprise.”

The buyers all have to have EPA certified contractors remove lead dust and encapsulate lead paint in the houses. That was a requirement from the EPA before a certificate of occupancy can be issued. The houses were otherwise deemed safe by the EPA.

The homes, which were listed by Jen Passarell of ReMax, were sold at a slight discount from the appraised values from the EPA.

“They were priced to sell,” Schiavone said. “It will be a big plus for the village to have them back on the tax rolls and not be eyesores in the neighborhood.”

The 10 percent that goes to the VHDC may be used for other community cleanup efforts.

“We’re hoping to be able to open a bank account and use this small amount for operating expenses and possibly grant writing related to future projects,” Schiavone said.

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File photo by Tom Rivers: Developers and local officials are pushing for a project to turn the former Holley High School into apartments and offices. The public may be asked to write letters in support of the project.

HOLLEY – Developers and local leaders are working to make sure the proposed restoration/development of the old Holley High School moves forward.

Members of the development team spoke before the Holley Village Board and Murray Town Board during their regular meetings Tuesday evening.

“We have to kick it up a notch,” Kim Russell, executive vice president of Home Leasing, told Holley Village Board members after speaking to the Murray Town Board.

She explained that local leaders, representatives on the state and federal levels, and community stakeholders – including those interested in living in the proposed Holley Gardens Apartments mixed income senior housing planned for the former school – must work to promote the need for the project.

“We need to tell the story from a personal level, bring the heartstring element in,” Russell said.

She and Charlie Oster of Edgemere Development explained that Orleans County is considered part of the Finger Lakes region – the most competitive region in the state for grant funding – and that it is vital for representatives to make it clear that now is Orleans County’s turn for funding.

Developers applied for funding from New York State Homes and Community Renewal last year, but the project was not funded when grants were awarded this spring.  Oster said developers are working to re-apply this fall and are strengthening the application.

“We will re-submit,” Oster said. “We believe (in this project) and will get it done. We are in the process of incorporating updates.”

Oster and Village Board members discussed why the project may not have been selected for funding on its initial try.

Oster explained the fact Holley is a rural community is one factor. “The state takes a hard look at the market,” he said. He also noted developers need to accelerate the proposed schedule of the project in order to increase the chances of obtaining funding the second time around.

Mayor Brian Sorochty noted most projects are not funded on the first application. “The project was not denied,” he said. “It wasn’t funded, most are not funded the first time.”

The Village Board approved resolutions endorsing the application of developers, who are also seeking grant funding from additional sources, including NYSERDA, the NY Main Street Grant Program, and the Empire State Economic Development Fund through a NYS Consolidated Funding Application.

Oster said the village’s participation in the application process is necessary as part of the project includes the move of the village offices to the school.

Sorochty, Oster and Russell discussed setting up a meeting in August between developers, local leaders, and state and federal representatives.

“We need to discuss details on how to move forward,” Russell said. She said State Senator Rob Ortt, Assemblyman Steve Hawley, U.S. Senator Schumer and local economic development officials should be part of the group, and that a grass roots campaign of letter writing should also be part of the effort.

“We need to do anything from grassroots up to the federal government,” she said.

The proposed Holley Gardens project includes 41 units of senior housing, village office space on the main floor, and restoration of the auditorium for use as meeting space.  Developers have said they will restore the historic building to its former glory as part of the project.

The old Holley High School made the first-ever “Five to Revive” list compiled by the Landmark Society of Western New York in 2013. That designation helped attract the interest of the developers.

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Photos by Kristina Gabalski

HOLLEY – Don Newcomb opened Holley’s summer concert series on Friday by performing many classic country tunes.

The concerts begin at 7 p.m. in the Canal Park and are held each Friday through August 25.

The concerts are funded by a Decentralization Program re-grant administered by GO ART!

A crowd enjoyed the music and peaceful setting at Holley’s canal park.

The Traveling Towpath Troubadours will perform at the park on Monday from 6 to 8 p.m. as part of their celebration of the bicentennial of the start of construction of the Erie Canal.

The schedule for Friday evening concert includes:

July 14: The Brick Band

July 21: Blackjack Band

July 28: Creek Band

Aug. 4: Ghost Riders

Aug. 11: Sophisticats

Aug. 18: The Who Dats

Aug. 25: Julie Dunlap

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File photo by Tom Rivers: The federal Environmental Protection Agency has taken down many of the buildings from the former Diaz Chemical in Holley. Now the agency is focused on removing the soil of contaminants. The EPA will discuss its soil remediation plan from 5 to 7 p.m. on July 11 at the American Legion, 5 Wright St.

HOLLEY – The federal Environmental Protection Agency is ready for the next phase of its cleanup of the former Diaz Chemical, which is a Superfund site.

The agency has removed Diaz buildings, drums and pipes with chemicals, and other above-ground contaminants. Only a Diaz warehouse remains from when the company operated until declaring bankruptcy in 2003.

The agency last year relocated 1,200 feet of a 12-inch waterline on Jackson Street and South Main Street.

This year, the EPA will focus on contaminated soils. The EPA will discuss its plan from 5 to 7 p.m. on July 11 at the American Legion, 5 Wright St. EPA staff will be there to take questions from the community and discuss the remediation plan.

The next phase of the cleanup will involve in-situ thermal treatment (ISTT) of contaminated soils and groundwater in on-site source areas, continued operation of vapor mitigation systems in three nearby residential properties and monitoring of the groundwater outside the source areas, according to an announcement from the EPA.

The ISTT system consists of a network of wells that deliver heat into discrete subsurface unsaturated and saturated areas of soil. Co-located with the heater wells is a system of extraction wells and temperature/pressure monitoring points.

The treatment area will be covered with an insulated cap to ensure a tight vapor seal which aids in heating and vapor recovery, and prevents both heat losses to the atmosphere and precipitation infiltration.

The application of heat to the subsurface results in the conversion of organic chemicals into the vapor or gas phase, where they are removed under vacuum by the extraction wells, the EPA said.

The extracted vapors and groundwater are then conveyed through a piping network to be treated separately by granular activated carbon before being vented to the atmosphere or discharged to the stormwater sewer, respectively. All applicable New York State Department of Environmental Conservation discharge permits will be met, the EPA said.

The cleanup work will be performed in two phases. The first phase will target a small area (approximately 10%) of the site requiring treatment with the objective of establishing a basis of design for full-scale treatment in phase two.

The EPA contractor will mobilize to the site in mid-July and start site preparation activities, including abandoning old monitoring wells and installing new ones, baseline soil/groundwater sampling, and establishing site support facilities (utility hook-up, work trailer, fencing).

The EPA expects construction of the ISTT system to start in early August, with actual operation to begin in December and continue until summer 2018.

Once it is determined that the treatment objectives have been achieved, the heaters will be turned off. However, extraction and treatment will continue during this cool-down period. Following this, the wellfield, all process equipment, and all interconnecting piping and hardware will be decommissioned.

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Photos by Kristina Gabalski

HOLLEY – Members of the Holley’s Class of 2017 toss their caps by the stadium scoreboard following commencement this morning at the Holley Hawks Stadium.

There are 92 students in this year’s graduating class.

The cafeteria at Holley Middle School/High School was a sea of red Saturday morning as the Class of 2017 gathered to prepare for commencement. Megan Fribance plans to study psychology at The College at Brockport in the fall and McKenzie Hendrickson will study nursing at Walsh University.

Will Harrington plans to attend Elmira College in the fall majoring in pre-vet studies, Anna Adams will attend Genesee Community College to major in general studies, and James Skehan will study computer science at Monroe Community College.

Big smiles on a big day from Jessica Mandigo, who will study psychology and social work at SUNY Fredonia, and Makenzie Ferranti, who plans to study liberal arts at Genesee Community College beginning next spring. Ferranti also sang “The Star-Spangled Banner” during commencement.

Holley graduates and faculty process from the Middle School/High School to the Holley Hawks Stadium for commencement.

The Holley Central School Class of 2017 enters the stadium to “Pomp and Circumstance”

In his salutatory address, Jesse Beach noted that graduates have “survived high school (including Common Core).”  He encouraged the Class of 2017 to celebrate their accomplishments. “We all worked hard to be here today.”

Anna Brasted, Class of 2017 valedictorian,  called graduation a “bittersweet day.” She thanked teachers for helping the Class of 2017 to be, “ready for tomorrow’s challenges….. thank you for caring so much,” Brasted said.

Veronica Mendoza, vice president of the Class of 2017, presented her class’s parting gift to the Holley Central School District – a new digital camera for the yearbook staff.

“Yearbooks let us reflect on a piece of our lives,” Mendoza said.  “We hope the new camera will capture the fun memories that high school has.”

Evinn Neadow, Holley Middle/High School art teacher, gave the commencement address. She said she turned to her Facebook page for help in writing her speech by asking friends what they wish they had known at the time they graduated from high school.

She received many responses including – “Don’t be afraid to ask for help….. You won’t know how great your parents are until you become one yourself…. we all make mistakes, learn from it and move on.”

Neadow described her journey after high school and how she turned to a career in art education after she graduated from RIT with an undergraduate degree in fine art and photography.

“There was no job waiting for me,” Neadow said. She realized she loved being in school and knew art education was the right path for her.

“You are an awesome group of intelligent, talented and kind individuals,” she told graduates.  “Find what makes you happy and gives you a sense of fulfillment….. and keep moving toward that goal.”

Neadow advised graduates to enjoy the journey wherever they choose to go.  “Work hard and be proud of everything you are,” she said.

Andrew Cary receives his diploma from Holley School Board President Brenda Swanger.  Cary will be attending the Valley Forge Military Academy and College and plans to eventually join the military. High School Principal Sue Cory is at left by Robert D’Angelo, the district superintendent.

Ashlyn Hotchkiss receives her diploma from Brenda Swanger. Ashlyn will study psychology at SUNY Geneseo in the fall.

Jennah McMillion topped her graduation cap with a sparkly tiara.

Holley graduates move their tassels following the Declaration of Graduation by Superintendent Robert D’Angelo.

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Photos by Kristina Gabalski: The following retiring Holley teachers and staff members were recognized for years of service to the school district, from left: Mimi Reyngoudt (30 years), John Grillo (28 years), Patti Gauer (33 years), Lisa Campbell (40 years), Beth Ann Sanford (27 years) and Lynn Vendetti (18 years).

HOLLEY – The Holley School Board of Education recognized retiring teachers and staff during the board meeting Monday evening.

Board President Brenda Swanger said this is the first time “in a long time” the board as recognized teacher and staff retirements. This year’s retirees have “a total of 176 years working hard helping children,” Swanger said. “Thank you and have a wonderful retirement, you will be missed.”

Each was presented with a gift.

“Some of you, I remember your interviews,” said board member John Heise, a retired Holley principal. “Thank you for your years of service.”

Holley Middle School/High School principal Susan Cory (center) poses with Class of 2017 valedictorian Anna Brasted (left) and Salutatorian Jesse Beach (right) Monday evening. The top two scholars received Soaring to New Heights awards during the regular meeting of the school Board of Education for their academic accomplishments. Graduation ceremonies are 10 a.m. Saturday at the Middle/High School Stadium.

The Holley High School Geometry in Construction class was also recognized by the Board of Education with a Soaring to New Heights Award. Teacher Russ Albright, Leslie Tanner – Monroe 2 – Orleans BOCES STEM coach, and teacher Tim Rogers received the awards. Tanner presented the idea for the class to the Holley School District and it was offered for the first time in the 2016-2017 school year.

Students learned how math concepts can be applied to real-world problems to create solutions and took part in a service project – constructing a small house for Second Wind Cottages in Newfield, NY.  After assembling the house at the school, students, teachers and administrators transported it to the Second Wind site near Ithaca and re-assembled it on site. Second Wind Cottages provides one-man shelters for homeless men as they work to turn their lives around.

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Jim DeFilipps and Rochelle Moroz both elected to 2-year terms

Jim DeFilipps, an Orleans County deputy, pictured in June 2016 at Policemen’s Ball in Rochester.

HOLLEY – Village residents elected two trustees to the Village Board today, with Jim DeFilipps the leading vote-getter with 122. Rochelle Moroz also was elected with 72 votes.

Kurt Wannenwetsch made it a three-way race. He received 52 votes.

DeFillipps, the 2016 New York State Deputy of the Year, started his career with the Holley Police Department. He was named Deputy of the Year after surviving a shootout and critically wounding a gunman.

He has already served about a year on the board. He was appointed to the board last year when Brian Sorochty was elected mayor and gave up his trustee position.

DeFilipps has grown up in Holley. His mother, Marsha DeFilipps, is the long-time Holley and Murray historian.

Moroz moved to the village four years ago to be closer to family.

She has served as a church secretary/treasurer and said she understands the importance of maintaining a balanced budget and spending frugally.

Wannenwetsch, an active local photographer, has lived in the village for close to ten years.

Wannenwetsch said the village government needs to better communicate with residents, work to attract more businesses, and find solutions for the deterioration of historic buildings in the Public Square.

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