Photos by Kristina Gabalski: Holley and Orleans County officials are pictured by the new sign for the Holley Business Park on Route 31 near the east side of the village. Pictured, include, from left: Don Wharram of the Holley Municipal Electric Department; Matt Campbell, superintendent of the Holley Municipal Electric and Water Department; Holley Mayor Brian Sorochty; and Orleans County Legislators Ken DeRoller and John DeFilipps pose next to the recently installed Holley Business Park sign.
By Kristina Gabalski, Correspondent Posted 23 October 2016 at 9:37 am
HOLLEY – There is a new sign promoting the Holley Business Park, a site off Route 31 that has low-cost electricity for companies.
The design, funding and installment of the sign was a collaborative effort among the village and the Orleans Economic Development Agency.
The Orleans EDA owns the business park. The new sign was installed by Holley’s municipal electric and Department of Public Works. The village crew also removed the former sign.
“We spent a year and a half designing the new sign,” said Jim Whipple, executive director of the Orleans EDA. “It is the same as the one in Medina and was budgeted ($10,000) for this year.”
The sign was made by Takeform Architectural Graphics in Medina. Whipple credits Ken DeRoller and John DeFilipps, who serve on the EDA board of directors, along with County Legislature Chairman David Callard for assuring that funding for the sign was provided at the county level.
The sign, “provides a professional entrance to the park,” Whipple said. “That is how we want to portray our properties in the county.”
The sign is illuminated at night, and Campbell says landscaping will be installed in the spring.
Mayor Sorochty says he appreciates the efforts of the EDA and Orleans County in making the new sign a reality.
“It is a nice addition to the business park and shows the county’s commitment to filling the park,” he said.
Legislator DeFilipps added that the sign also demonstrates the county’s “commitment to marketing the park,” and the efforts of the county, the village and the Town of Murray to work together on the project.
Legislator DeRoller said the Business Park encompasses 45 acres and noted the sign will help to “incentivize anyone who has an interest in coming to Holley.” He said Holley has much to offer businesses including municipal power and water.
By Kristina Gabalski, Correspondent Posted 18 October 2016 at 9:08 am
Photo by Kristina Gabalski: Members of the Holley Central School Board of Education include, seated, from left: Sal DeLuca, Jr., John Heise and Mark Porter. Standing: Melissa Ierlan, Anne Winkley, President Brenda Swanger, and Vice President Robin Silvis.
HOLLEY – Members of the Holley Central School Board of Education were recognized during their regular meeting Monday evening as part of the upcoming observance of School Board Recognition Week, which begins Oct. 24.
District Clerk Connie Nenni presented members with gift cards and thanked them for their hard work.
“They do not get the recognition they should,” Nenni explained. “They work for free, some for many years, and we really appreciate everything they do.”
During the meeting, school attorney Jeff Martin reported on a question Assistant Superintendent for Business Sharon Zacher had asked at the September meeting, regarding the PILOT agreement for the Holley Save-A-Lot grocery store, which closed recently.
Martin said a PILOT was granted to the property owner in 2013 and runs through 2023. The Payment in Lieu of Taxes agreement phased in property taxes over that 10-year period and Martin explained if the PILOT continues, the property owner will be obligated to make the required payment which goes to 40 percent of assessed valuation next year. If the PILOT agreement is terminated, the property owner will have to pay property taxes in full. Martin noted the building is currently assessed at $300,000.
Superintendent Robert D’Angelo reported that he will join school principals soon to begin making classroom visitations as part of the district’s ongoing effort to improve scores on assessment tests and classroom instruction. D’Angelo said he looks forward to the visits which will start now that the first several weeks of the school year are complete.
By Kristina Gabalski, Correspondent Posted 13 October 2016 at 9:44 am
File photo by Tom Rivers: Holley’s Parade of Lights passes through the Public Square in this photo from December 2013. The village is seeking community volunteers to help bring back the event, and work on the June-Fest.
HOLLEY –Village of Holley leaders say they are making progress to improve sidewalks in the village.
The Board of Trustees on Tuesday evening approved applying for a $2.2 million TAP grant which would help to repair approximately 25,000 linear feet of sidewalks in the village.
Mayor Brian Sorochty said areas targeted for repair encompass both sides of Route 237, Geddes Street from Van Buren to the Public Square, and the northeast quadrant of the village (from Rt. 237 to the lift bridge).
In September, Holley held an informational meeting regarding the grant for residents, who were encouraged to show their support for the effort through letters.
The TAP – Transportation Alternatives Grant – is an 80/20 federal matching grant. Trustees have discussed the possibility that the village’s 20 percent ($455,000) could come from in-kind services from the Department of Public Works.
During the September informational meeting, Tom Lajewski of O’Connell Associates said that if the village is awarded the grant, it could be a couple of years before construction begins.
Meeting today to plan for upcoming community events
Additionally, Mayor Brian Sorochty told Orleans Hub, that the village is hosting a meeting at 6:30 p.m. today at the Village Offices, 72 Public Square, regarding the upcoming “Festival of Lights” and “June-Fest” events.
Sorochty said village leaders are looking for community participation and hope to form a committee to assist with organizing the events. June-Fest was not held this past June, giving the village time to re-organize the event.
By Kristina Gabalski, Correspondent Posted 13 October 2016 at 9:31 am
Photo by Kristina Gabalski: The Murray-Holley Historical Society operates this museum, a former train depot, on Geddes Street Extension.
HOLLEY – The Murray-Holley Historical Society has received an increase in funding from the Town of Murray under to 2017 tentative budget, which was approved Tuesday evening by the Town Board.
Town Supervisor John Morriss said the budget contains $1,000 for the historical society.
“That’s good for us to know,” said John Kenney Jr., historical society member and former Holley mayor. “It’s definitely needed. Business costs don’t go down, they continually go up.”
Kenney addressed Town Board members regarding the support the historical society receives from the town. He provided the board with financial information from the past 10 years and discussed utility costs for the society’s museum and garage which are located on Geddes Street Extension in the village.
Kenney explained that the village recently provided slightly more than $860 in support to help cover costs.
File photo by Tom Rivers: The museum includes many local artifacts including the church bell from the former United Methodist Church that was in the Public Square. The church closed when the congregation moved to Route 237 in Clarendon.
“Maintenance is a major problem for us,” he said, and explained that he joined the historical society when he was serving as mayor.
“I encourage you to join the historical society,” Kenney told members of the Town Board. “It will enable you to have a good insight about what is going on and what the needs are.”
Kenney also provided details about the historical society’s fundraising efforts. He said a pulled-pork dinner is planned this Saturday at the American Legion in Holley.
“The money raised is used to cover the cost of utilities and maintenance of the buildings,” Kenney said. “The financial burden is too much, a lot comes out of our own pockets.”
He said the Murray/Holley Historical Society participated in the Orleans County Heritage Day held in September and emphasized the historical society is a valuable part of the community.
As an example he discussed a cross-state bicycle trip that stops in Holley. The trip brings people from across the country and the world to Holley and historical society members provide a respite and refreshments for participants.
“I hope it is something we all a take pride in,” he said of the historical society and its museum.
By Kristina Gabalski, Correspondent Posted 12 October 2016 at 9:52 am
MURRAY – Members of the Murray Town Board on Tuesday evening adopted two local laws: Local Law No. 3 of 2016 which regulates stopping, standing and parking of motor vehicles on Lynch Road, and Local Law No. 4 of 2016 which repeals a 2007 local law regulating the outside storage of unlicensed vehicles.
Only the north side of Lynch Road from Route 237 west to the culvert is affected by the parking ban. Town Supervisor John Morriss stated that the law was the result of concerns expressed by residents over parking along the roadside during events at the Holley Middle School/High School.
“People have been parking on lawns,” Morriss said.
Residents have also stated they are concerned about safety along the roadway when the parking occurs.
During a public hearing on the law, one resident of Lynch Road noted speed zones along that area are not well marked.
“It’s a very dangerous situation,” he said, and explained that some motorists leaving the school grounds do speed along that section of Lynch Road.
Local Law No. 4 was adopted to “remove an unenforceable local law from the books,” town attorney Jeff Martin explained. The law repeals an earlier statute regarding the outside storage of unlicensed vehicles which is no longer effective due to a new state law – the international property maintenance code – which became fully effective Oct. 3.
During the public comment opportunity near the end of the agenda, resident Joe Sidonio requested that Town Board members reconsider the town’s bulk water policies.
Sidonio said he is concerned over water being used from fire hydrants and the “safety of the public fresh water supply.” He requested that the town take immediate action to “discontinue the business of the honor system with bulk water users…. the safety of drinking water is of paramount concern,” Sidonio said.
He noted that the town was cited last year for E. coli in the water. Additionally, Sidonio said violations are pending for not sufficiently protecting the public water supply regarding the connection recently of a fire hose to a hydrant.
Town Highway/Water Superintendent Ed Morgan was not in attendance at Tuesday evening’s meeting to respond to Sidonio.
Supervisor John Morriss told Sidonio the town planned to discuss the bulk water issue at an upcoming work session on Oct. 26, but that discussion will be re-scheduled allowing all interested parties to be present.
“Who knows what we will do in the future?” Morriss said regarding the town’s policy for bulk water usage. He said farmers would be upset if it was changed, however, he noted, “water is very important to people in the town. You are right,” he told Sidonio. “We need to protect it.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 10 October 2016 at 6:32 pm
Bank closes First Niagara branch in Holley
HOLLEY – First Niagara Bank is no more in Orleans County.
In Albion, the First Niagara site became a KeyBank operation on Saturday, with the new sign unveiled after being hidden under a temporary covering.
In Holley, the First Niagara site closed after Friday and won’t reopen. (The photo above shows the site in Holley on Friday, the last day it was open.)
KeyBank acquired First Niagara in a $4.1 billion deal. On Tuesday morning, 304 First Niagara locations will reopen as Key sites, including the one in Albion.
KeyBank has been working over the long holiday weekend to prepare the First Niagara branches for the first business day as KeyBank on Tuesday.
In Holley, the bank posted a notice on the window that the the First Niagara accounts were transferred to the Brockport branch at 4707 Lake Rd.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 9 October 2016 at 11:06 am
HOLLEY – A new historical marker for Herbert Charles Taylor, the only Orleans County resident believed to have been killed in the Battle at Gettysburg, was unveiled on Saturday at Hillside Cemetery.
The local Honor Guard is pictured in the background of this photo. Taylor is buried in the older section of Hillside Cemetery, a historic site in the Town of Clarendon, just south of the Village of Holley.
Tim Archer, the service learning teacher for Albion Central School, welcomes people to the marker’s dedication. Archer and his students wanted to honor Taylor for his sacrifice in the battle that helped turned the tide for the Union. Gettysburg was the Civil War’s deadliest battle with about 23,000 Union casualties and about 28,000 killed from the Confederacy.
Taylor, a member of the 140th N.Y. Infantry, was with his regiment at Gettysburg on July 2, 1863 and repulsed the attack on Little Round Top.
Civil War re-enactors from the NY 140th, the group where Taylor served, attended the dedication. The re-enactors are led by David George, left, of Churchill. He visited Archer’s class recently to talk with students about the 140th.
Emily Mergler, an eighth-grader, is dressed as President Abraham Lincoln. She recited a portion of the Gettysburg Address. Eighth-grader Leeanna Montanarella is in back. She also spoke at the ceremony.
Gary Befus, a member of the American Legion in Albion, holds the flag during the ceremony in the rain. He is joined by Andy Eibl, member of the Legion in Holley. The chapel of the cemetery is in back.
Archer said the Civil War soldiers had to endure rain, cold and difficult living conditions.
Al Capurso, the Gaines town historian, leads the crowd in singing, “The Battle Hymn of the Republic.”
Matt Ballard, the county historian, speaks at the podium during the dedication program at Hillside.
Taylor’s grave includes an American flag and Civil War marker.
Re-enactors from the 140th stopped by Taylor’s grave to pay their respects.
The re-enactors also paid their respects at the graves of Corporal Francis Balcom, 151st NY, who was killed at age 39 in the Battle of Mine Run at Locust Grove, Va. On Nov. 27, 1863
The re-enactors also stopped at the grave of A.J. Seeley, who died at age 36 at Andersonville Prison on Sept. 15, 1864. Andersonville was a Confederate prisoner-of-war camp during the final 12 months of the Civil War.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 8 October 2016 at 8:22 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
HOLLEY – These members of the Holley youth football program pass out candy as they head down Geddes Street at the beginning of the Holley Homecoming parade on Friday evening.
Holley pride was on display for the annual parade featuring class floats, sports teams and the band. Parents and community members lined the streets to show their support for the students.
The parade started on Geddes Street with the Holley police leading the processional. Holley cheerleaders were the first students in the parade.
Members of the band play for the crowd in the Public Square.
The Freshmen Class put together a float with a theme from the movie, “Frozen.”
Sophomores created a Safari-themed display.
Sophomores dressed out as animals and tossed candy for people along the parade route.
Students were joyful participants in the parade.
Juniors created floats and costumes with an underwater theme. One student dressed as the cartoon character, SpongeBob Square Pants.
There were plenty of mermaids and other sea creatures in the Junior Class float.
Juniors head down Route 31. The parade continued to the old bus garage near the Holley soccer field.
Claudia Dreschel, a senior at Holley, is dressed as a butterfly for the Senior Class’s “Rainforest” float.
Students are dressed as characters in a rainforest, including a banana at left.
Students put a lot of energy into creating their costumes and floats for the parade. Homecoming continues today at Holley with several sporting events.
By Matthew Ballard, Orleans County Historian Posted 1 October 2016 at 7:39 am
“Overlooked Orleans” – Volume 2, Issue 40
HOLLEY – It was nearly one year ago that this piece was first published. Although I do not fancy reproducing work in such a rapid fashion, I thought it was fitting that this short story of the 140th New York Infantry at Gettysburg should yet again be featured as part of my weekly column.
Photos by Matt Ballard: The monument to Col. Patrick Henry O’Rorke features a bas-relief set in granite. Standing over eight feet tall, the marker rests atop the spot where O’Rorke was killed. His nose is polished as a result of visitors rubbing it for good luck, although he had little luck himself that day.
Saturday, October 8th at 11 a.m., students from the Albion Middle School will dedicate an historic marker to the memory of Pvt. Herbert Charles Taylor of Clarendon who was killed on July 2, 1863 at Gettysburg. It is rare to experience such a profound and symbolic gesture that will bring attention to the sacrifice of not only Taylor but of other men who gave their lives during the Civil War.
Upon Little Round Top rests a large monument dedicated to Col. Patrick O’Rorke, the site where New York’s 140th Volunteer Infantry made a valiant and daring charge down upon Hood’s Texans. Gen. Gouverneur Warren is often regarded as the “Hero of Little Round Top,” but one might argue that Col. O’Rorke and the 140th are the unsung heroes of Little Round Top.
At this point in time, we know of several soldiers from Orleans County who were with Col. O’Rorke on July 2nd at Gettysburg. Herbert Charles Taylor, one of those men, is believed to be the only county resident to die during that battle.
As the regiment of New York men marched towards Sickle’s 3rd Corps, Gen. Warren intercepted the 140th in a desperate effort to defend Little Round Top. Knowing O’Rorke, Warren shouted, “Paddy, give me a regiment!”
With no time to dress the regimental line, O’Rorke led his men including Taylor and Graham Reed Scott of Orleans County to the top of the hill. Reaching the precipice O’Rorke dismounted his horse, threw his reins aside and shouted, “Down this way, boys.”
The 4th and 5th Texans released a volley of fire, sending bullets into the 140th, including a bullet that pierced O’Rorke’s neck killing him instantly. With every step, the men stumbled and tripped along the face of the rocky hill. Coming within close distance of the enemy line, many Confederates chose to surrender rather risk the possibility of death from Union gunfire and bayonet. The sudden fury of Union bayonets halted the Texans dead in their tracks.
Looking down towards Devil’s Den from the summit of Little Round Top. Pvt. Herbert Taylor and the men of the 140th would have experienced this view as they reached the peak of Little Round Top. Without hesitation they advanced upon the Confederates with great fury and bravery.
O’Rorke’s death and the subsequent attack made by the 140th New York upon the advancing Confederates was regarded as one of the most daring acts of bravery during the entire battle. Surely without the aid of the exhausted and winded men of New York, the outcome of July 2nd could have been far different. It was during this act of bravery that Pvt. Taylor of Holley was killed.
Upon his death, Joseph Gile of Holley wrote a piece for the local papers:
“Oh, that is ever a cruel blow,
However it falls in the strife,
Which stops the beat of a manly heart.
And the hopes of an honest life.”
He concluded with, “few who have fallen in the cause of the Union will be more sincerely regretted.” Dying on “the field of victory” at Gettysburg, Taylor’s body was returned to Holley and interred at Hillside Cemetery.
A rendering shows what the restored and revitalized former Holley High School in the village will look like after its conversion to senior housing and village office/meeting space. Note the portico with columns and pediment will be restored to the facade.
By Kristina Gabalski, Correspondent Posted 28 September 2016 at 8:33 am
Photos by Kristina Gabalski: Holley Mayor Brian Sorochty speaks during an informational meeting Tuesday evening at the Holley Middle School/High School on development restoration plans for the old Holley High School. The Neo-Classical building was constructed in 1931 and was last used as a school in the mid-1970s.
HOLLEY – Members of the Holley community got a first glimpse Tuesday evening of what the old Holley High School will look like when an extensive proposed restoration/development project is completed.
Developers, architects and engineers presented initial plans and answered questions during a meeting at the Holley Middle School/High School auditorium regarding their efforts to restore the building to its former glory for use as mixed income senior housing with the village office and meeting space.
“Stay positive, support the project and be patient,” Holley Mayor Brian Sorochty told those in attendance.
He said the project is important for the village, the Town of Murray, surrounding communities and Orleans County.
Home Leasing is in the process of acquiring the school – located at the intersection of routes 31 and 237 in the center of the village. Officials said Orleans County has agreed to foreclose on the property, allowing it to be sold. Home Leasing is working along with Edgemere Development, Glasow Simmons Architecture L.L.P. and Marathon Engineering – all Rochester based firms – on the project, and officials from all stakeholders attended the meeting.
Also in attendance was Landmark Society of Western New York Executive Director Wayne Goodman. In 2013, the old Holley High School was part of the first-ever “Five to Revive” list compiled by the Landmark Society of significant historical structures in need of saving, partly because of their architectural/historical value and partly because of their, “latent opportunistic value,” Goodman said.
He said the Holley school merited making the list due to its Neo-Classical architectural style, the fact it was once the center of civic life in Holley, and because of, “what it could be….. I love your village,” Goodman said, noting the village park system and walkability.
Wayne Goodman, executive director of the Landmark Society of Western New York speaks during Tuesday’s information meeting. Village officials said the Landmark Society’s 2013 designation of the old Holley High School as one of the first Five to Revive historic buildings attracted a development team to work on plans to restore and convert the building to mixed senior housing and village office and meeting space. Another building on the 2013 Five to Revive List – the Eastman Dental Dispensary – has recently been restored by the same developer – Home Leasing – for senior housing. Goodman said a ribbon cutting at that site is planned today.
He explained that the village, town, county and developers have “moved mountains to get this far…. I have full confidence in the development team.”
Home Leasing Chair/CEO Nelson Leenhouts said it was the Landmark Society’s Five to Revive designation that brought him and John Oster of Edgemere Development out to Holley to see the school.
“I can’t recall ever being more welcomed,” he said. “We’ve asked for an awful lot and made a lot of progress.”
He said developers will work to secure financing over the winter and perhaps start construction next summer. Plans call for 41 units of senior housing. Village office space would be located on the main floor and the auditorium would be saved and restored for use as meeting space.
“We are honored to have this opportunity,” Leenhouts said. “I wake up every morning more excited than the day before.”
Charlie Oster of Edgemere Development explained the challenges of financing historic preservation/conversion projects including design standards necessary for tax credits, environmental challenges and market size.
He explained that with a small village like Holley, it is important for developers to “be sensitive to the needs of the community. To move forward this project is dependent on unshakable community support,” Oster said.
Architect Jason Simmons of Glasow Simmons Architecture, said former classrooms work very well for apartments. Existing width and height of corridors will be maintained, and restoration of woodwork and reestablishment of stairwells are also part of the plans. He also explained the name of the project – “Holley Gardens,” saying developers want to “provide an area for residents to grow their own garden.”
Developers presented a proposed site plan which includes parking to be owned and maintained by the Village of Holley. Mayor Brian Sorochty said there will be spaces for residents and unused spaces will be available for public use. Note the short driveway and parking off Main Street towards the front of the building for the village offices which will be housed in the front of the school.
Home Leasing executive vice-president Kim Russell said that the building will have onsite management and maintenance and the Orleans County Office for the Aging will provide support for residents who are in need of a little extra help.
Other details explained by the development team include 72 parking spaces – the village will own and maintain the parking lots – and there will be parking off Main Street for access to village offices. An interior elevator will be installed and there will be handicapped access at the rear of the building.
The columns on the facade of the school will also be restored. Rents are expected to be in the $400-$800/unit range. Developers also explained that it is likely a PILOT program will be requested, providing developers will tax breaks while still providing municipalities with tax revenue for needed services.
Developers said they have already made a significant investment in the project and, “we feel confident over time we will get the (tax) credits we need to make this project work,” Russell said.
Once the project is complete, “you will be stuck with us for 30 years,” Nelson Leenhouts said. “We will be here to manage the property.”
Mayor Brian Sorochty thanked all those who attended, including village, town and county officials, as well as those officials who have been working to clear hurdles which have created challenges in moving the project forward. He restated that the old school making the Five to Revive list was “a primary reason why we are here today… the Landmark Society designation as a Five to Revive was huge.” He also stated his confidence in the development team, “If this team can’t pull this off, I’m not sure who else can,” the mayor said.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 27 September 2016 at 10:01 am
File photo by Tom Rivers: Herbert Charles Taylor is buried at Hillside Cemetery. This photo shows his grave, which is in the historic section of the cemetery.
HOLLEY – A historical marker will be dedicated at 11 a.m. on Oct. 8 at Hillside Cemetery for Herbert Charles Taylor, the only Orleans County resident believed to have been killed in the Battle of Gettysburg.
Seventh-graders from Albion in Tim Archer’s service learning class took the lead on getting the marker, which is funded with a grant from the Pomeroy Foundation.
The 30-minute dedication ceremony will include an Abraham Lincoln impersonator and Civil War re-enactors.
Taylor was killed on July 2, 1863 during the Battle of Gettysburg. He was a member of New York’s 140th Volunteer Infantry, which made a daring charge at Little Round Top.
During the battle, soldiers from the 4th and 5th Texans released a volley of fire, sending bullets into the 140th, including a bullet that pierced O’Rorke’s neck killing him instantly, Orleans County Historian Matthew Ballard wrote Oct. 3, 2015 in his local history column for the Orleans Hub.
“With every step, the men stumbled and tripped along the face of the rocky hill,” Ballard wrote. “Coming within close distance of the enemy line, many Confederates chose to surrender rather risk the possibility of death from Union gunfire and bayonet. The sudden fury of Union bayonets halted the Texans dead in their tracks.”
Without the aid of the exhausted men of New York, the outcome of July 2nd could have been far different, Ballard wrote.
“It was during this act of bravery that Pvt. Taylor of Holley was killed,” Ballard wrote.
Hillside Cemetery on Route 237 is owned by the Town of Clarendon. The cemetery will also host a Ghost Walk beginning a 7 p.m. on Oct. 8, and will feature many prominent residents in the cemetery. Proceeds from the Ghost Walk will go towards the restoration of the Hillside chapel.
Provided photo: State Sen. Robert Ortt met with library leaders in Orleans County on Wednesday and presented ceremonial checks for $35,000 total. Pictured at the Community Free Library in Holley, include front row, from left: Community Free Library Director Sandra Shaw; Senator Rob Ortt; and Kristine Mostyn, assistant director and librarian at Lee-Whedon Memorial Library in medina. Back Row: Community Free Library board member Sue Orman; Community Free Library board member Barbara Lehning; Community Free Library supporter Sue Persia; Yates Community Library Director Emily Cebula; Yates Community Library board member Kathleen Sillick; Betty Sue Miller, director of Hoag Library in Albion; and Barbara Kerns, president of board for Community Free Library in Holley.
HOLLEY – The four public libraries in Orleans County collectively were presented $35,000 in state support on Wednesday from State Sen. Robert Ortt (R-North Tonawanda).
The bullet aid funding, included in this year’s State Budget, will help the libraries with educational services and programming, purchasing materials, renovations, operations, or events that serve the community.
The Community Free Library in Holley received $20,000, while Hoag Library in Albion, Lee-Whedon Memorial Library in Medina and Yates Community Library in Lyndonville received $5,000 each.
The Holley library received the largest check at $20,000. Sandra Shaw, library director, said the funding could be used to hire a part-time children’s librarian and also increase children’s and adult programming. The library’s board of directors will determine how the funds will be used, she said.
Shaw said she and the other library directors appreciate that Ortt is directing some state funds to the local libraries.
“It’s wonderful,” Shaw said. “We were so excited to receive it. He values libraries and the services we provide to our communities.”
By Kristina Gabalski, Correspondent Posted 22 September 2016 at 9:15 am
Kendall no longer in Urban/Suburban program with Rochester
KENDALL – Kendall and Holley school leaders are working to combine their junior varsity and varsity wrestling teams.
The Holley Board of Education gave its approval during their regular meeting Monday evening, and Kendall Central Superintendent Julie Christensen says Kendall BOE members gave tacit approval during their regular meeting Sept. 14.
Christensen said she expects the board to vote on the combined team during their October meeting. She explained that many districts are no longer offering the sport, and Holley and Kendall forming a combined team will mean that Kendall students who would like to wrestle will have the opportunity.
Combining wrestling teams is one of several ways the two districts are currently sharing services, Christensen said. Other areas include transportation runs for students with disabilities who have placements in other districts, including schools outside Orleans County.
Holley and Kendall are also exploring shared extracurricular clubs such as 4-H and robotics.
“Some could be hosted by Kendall, some by Holley,” she said.
Sharing services is a way of “sharing the wealth” of the two districts, allowing both Holley and Kendall to “expand opportunities” for their students while still maintaining their own district identities, Christensen explained.
• Community Forum planned Oct. 5
Superintendent Christensen says community members are invited to attend a community forum Oct. 5 hosted by the Board of Education at 7 p.m. in the Kendall Jr./Sr. High School Cafeteria.
The Board is seeking input from residents regarding strategies and methods to promote Kendall. Topics such as the importance of broadband Internet will likely be discussed, Christensen said. She explained that suggestions for enhancing the quality of life in Kendall will help both the school district and the community to encourage people to consider making Kendall their home and school.
• Urban/Suburban withdrawal
Superintendent Christensen also explained the Kendall School District was notified in late summer that the 15-mile transportation limit would be upheld and therefore not provide transportation to Kendall for students in the Urban/Suburban Inter-district transfer program.
“We looked to relay options with our neighboring districts, but the drop off and pick up times would result in students missing too much instructional time,” Superintendent Christensen said. Additionally, “A midway pick up posed some safety issues for students,” she said.
Kendall joined the Urban/Suburban program just last year and two students who live in the Rochester City School District participated.
“We really enjoyed our students and wish them well in their new school districts,” Christensen said. “We hope that the transportation issue will be resolved in the future.”
By Kristina Gabalski, Correspondent Posted 15 September 2016 at 9:39 am
Testimonials can help bolster grant application
HOLLEY – Village residents learned more about Holley’s efforts to obtain grant funding to help pay for replacement and construction of sidewalks.
The Village Board had an informational meeting Tuesday evening just prior to the regular meeting of the Village Board.
Tom Lajewski of J. O’Connell Associates attended the meeting and explained that the village is applying for a federal Transportation Alternatives Grant (TAP) grant and that a show of public support through the writing of letters – which will be included with the application – are vitally important to the village obtaining the grant.
“The support is 20 percent of the grant points,” Lajewski said.
He explained that letters should be dropped off at the Village Office, 72 Public Square, by the end of September. Those writing letters should discuss their use of sidewalks for transportation to church, a restaurant, for appointments, visiting the library, dance class or getting to the canal. Current sidewalk conditions, which make using the sidewalks difficult and result in safety concerns, should also be included, he said.
Lajewski explained that it is important for the letters to be personalized with comments regarding how the condition of the sidewalks impacts the letter writer directly.
“I would also encourage other people (outside) the village to write … people who visit,” Lajewski said.
The TAP grant is an 80/20 matching grant. The 20 percent of the cost shouldered by the village could come as in-kind services from the Department of Public Works, Lajewski said.
Mayor Brian Sorochty echoed Lajewski when asked by resident Kerri Neale if the cost of the project would impact taxes. The mayor explained there is the potential that if the project is large enough, some of the 20 percent of the village’s cost might be paid for through bonding.
Currently the village and O’Connell Associates are working on a scope for the project considering, “what it would take to do all the sidewalks and then pair it down to something realistic. The village will make a decision on what you can handle,” Lajewski said.
“The sidewalks are a mess,” Trustee Connie Nenni said. “This is our best option at getting them fixed.”
She noted that faculty and staff at the Holley Central School District are being encouraged to write letters as teachers often plan walking field trips in the village and residents walk to and from school events and the Fitness Center.
During the supervisors’ meeting prior to the informational meeting, Holley Code Enforcement Officer Ron Vendetti told Village Board members they will need to develop a maintenance plan for sidewalks once they are in place.
“There are some significant decisions this board has to make,” Vendetti said. Those decisions include the extent of the work to be done in addition to how the sidewalks will be maintained.
Vendetti estimated the cost of replacing all needed sidewalk at $1.9 million.
Lajewski said it would be a couple of years before any construction began and even then the project would likely be done in several phases.
During the business portion of Tuesday’s Village Board meeting, trustees approved paying Chatfield Engineers $6,000 for preliminary engineering costs related to the TAP grant application.
Trustees discussed contacting state Senator Robert Ortt to see if funds might be available to the village to help cover engineering and consulting costs related to the grant application.
By Kristina Gabalski, Correspondent Posted 14 September 2016 at 9:58 am
Photo by Tom Rivers: The Save-A-Lot store in Holley will close on Sept. 17 after 4 ½ years in Holley.
HOLLEY – Mayor Brian Sorochty says he is reaching out to grocery store operators and economic development officials to fill the impending void when Save-A-Lot closes in Holley on Sept. 17.
Sorochty said during Tuesday’s Village Board meeting that he has been in contact with Jim Whipple of the Orleans Economic Development Agency and Orleans County Legislators John DeFilipps and Ken DeRoller about the Save-A-Lot closing.
“I’m not sure what the village can do,” Sorochty said about the privately owned property.
The mayor has reached out to locally owned grocery stores in the area including the Alabama Holley Farms store in Basom (Genesee County) and Dash’s Market in Clarence (Erie County). He said the Alabama Holley Farms did not show an interest and he had not yet heard back from Dash’s.
“I will try to find grocers if someone gets me names and numbers,” Sorochty said.
He also updated the community on other issues, including the First Niagara bank closing. Despite efforts by local officials, Key Bank has made a final decision to close the First Niagara branch in Holley early next month.
“They have given final notice that they are vacating the property,” Sorochty said.
The towns of Murray, Clarendon, Kendall, the Village of Holley, Holley Central and Kendall Central Schools and members of local fire districts met several times over the summer to see if they could convince Key Bank to keep the branch open. A letter from all concerned parties was sent to Key Bank officials and signatures gathered on a petition. Sorochty met personally with Key Bank officials and local, state and national representatives were asked for support in the effort.
The building is privately owned, Sorochty noted. “They are motivated to get a new tenant. I have spoken with the broker.”
The broker has had some interest in the property, but more interest is expected once the property is vacated, the mayor said. The village will be interviewing with other banks and will move their accounts. Sorochty said the Town of Clarendon has already moved to Five Star Bank.
Photo by Kristina Gabalski: A public information meeting is being planned later this month on development plans for the old Holley High School.
Regarding the old Holley High School, a public information meeting is planned for Tuesday, Sept. 27.
Home Leasing of Rochester is working to acquire the property for possible restoration/renovation into mixed use including senior housing and space for Village of Holley offices.
Sorochty said the exact time and location of the meeting are being determined, but Home Leasing will be in attendance to bring the public up-to-date regarding their plans in advance of a planning board public hearing in October.
In another long-standing issue in Holley, Sorochty said the village and its Village of Holley Development Corporation (VHDC) have both signed the latest agreement with the federal Environmental Protection Agency to transfer ownership of the eight Diaz homes in the village to the VHDC.
He said actual transfer of the ownership could come in six to eight weeks, following a closing process. The VHDC will then work to market and sell the properties to get them occupied once again and back on the tax rolls.
The Orleans EDA owns the business park. The new sign was installed by Holley’s municipal electric and Department of Public Works. The village crew also removed the former sign.
HOLLEY – First Niagara Bank is no more in Orleans County.
