Photo and article courtesy of Orleans County History Department
ALBION – The Orleans County Department of History will host a series of cemetery tours running every Sunday in August beginning at 6 p.m.
The tradition was started by Bill Lattin, who is now retired as the county historian. His successor, Matthew Ballard, will lead visitors through historic Mount Albion Cemetery in celebration of the 175th anniversary of its incorporation.
Tours will assemble at the chapel and depart at 6:05 p.m. with each tour lasting approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. These events are free and open to the public with nor reservations required. Tours will run rain or shine, so visitors are encouraged to dress appropriately and pack an umbrella.
August 5 at 6 p.m. – East End
Visitors will tour the original section of the cemetery making stops at the graves of several Orleans County pioneers including John Proctor and Joseph Hart, notable politicians, local entrepreneurs, and one particular story involving a murder in Carlton.
August 12 at 6 p.m. – Center Section
This tour will visit the graves of several local businessmen, pioneer settler Lansing Bailey, Virgil Bogue, and visitors will have an opportunity to hear the tale of Orleans County’s only execution.
August 19 at 6 p.m. – Soldiers & Sailors Monument
Visitors will explore several areas not touched in previous tours, approaching the Soldiers & Sailors Monument from the east section of the cemetery. The tour will visit the graves of notable movers and shakers from Western New York including John Hull White, Rufus Brown Bullock, Elizabeth Denio, Noah Davis, and Caroline Phipps Achilles.
August 26 at 6 p.m. – West End
This tour will stop at various points along the western boundary of the cemetery and visitors will hear stories of Orleans County’s first self-made millionaire, the murder of Horace Halpin, a local Walt Disney animator, Susan B. Anthony’s personal secretary, and the story of Mt. Albion’s Civil War lot.
WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Chris Collins (NY-27) today introduced legislation that prevents states from diverting fees collected from consumers on their phone bills, which are meant to be used to improve 911 emergency communications systems.
The Federal Communications Commission has found that New York diverts at least 41% of 911 fees that are collected for other non-public safety related purposes. Congresswoman Anna Eshoo (CA-18) and Congressman Leonard Lance (NJ-07), Vice Chair of the Communications and Technology Subcommittee, co-authored the bill and have also seen 911 fee diversion in their home states.
“It is completely unacceptable that we have seen states diverting fees meant to make important and necessary improvements to emergency response systems,” said Collins, R-Clarence. “Diverting these important fees puts lives in danger, especially in rural areas. I thank Congresswoman Eshoo and Congressman Lance for their support of this legislation and their commitment to making sure all communities across the nation can achieve the highest level of safety.”
Collins’ bill directs the FCC, in consultation with public safety organizations, and state, local and tribal governments, to determine the appropriate use of funds collected from consumers. Currently, states are able to set their own definition of what is a covered cost for 911 fees, which has allowed them to divert fees.
In April, Collins toured the Niagara County 911 call center with FCC Commissioner Mike O’Rielly where they called on the state of New York to stop diverting fees. Governor Cuomo has not stopped diverting fees, leading Collins to introduce the 911 Fee Integrity Act.
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) today announced that a bill passed earlier this year aimed at helping local breweries and distilleries attain tax-exempt status when doing various sampling events in New York state (A.11203) will be amended to become congruent with current law.
Under the current version of the bill, a portion of the legislation restricts anyone between the ages of 18 and 21 from serving alcohol, which is contrary to current state law. Hawley announced the legislature has agreed to pass a chapter amendment resolving this issue before the bill is signed into law.
“It is extremely important to our producers, wineries, distilleries and breweries, who host many tasting and sampling events, that employees under the legal drinking age are still allowed to work at these events,” Hawley said.
“Furthermore, this legislation provides a great boost to local businesses and tax credits will be available to New York producers who offer tastings on their own premises. I hope these sales tax exemptions will help boost economic growth in our state and encourage new businesses to open here as well. The bill will not be sent to the governor until the end of the year, but I’m pleased by its widespread support. I’d like to thank the sponsors of this legislation for dedication to helping and promoting our state’s businesses.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 19 July 2018 at 9:47 am
Kathy Spencer, principal environmental analyst with town consultant LaBella Associates, is assisting the town in navigating the Article 10 process the state uses for reviewing wind turbine projects.
BARRE – Residents met with consultants hired by the Town of Barre to assist the town in reviewing and responding to a preliminary scoping statement filed by Apex Clean Energy.
The company is proposing a 200-megawatt project that could include 47 wind turbines. Apex hasn’t detailed the size of the turbines, but they could top 500 to 600 feet high in the eastern and southern portions of the town.
As part of the PSS, Apex needs to provide $350 for each proposed megawatt to have the project reviewed by the host municipality and other citizens’ groups.
A judge determined Barre would receive $40,000 in intervenor funds and Clear Skies Above Barre would have $30,000. That will allow the groups to hire environmental attorneys and experts to review the Apex submission.
Barre has hired LaBella Associates, a Rochester engineering firm, and Alan Knauf, a Rochester attorney who specializes in environmental issues.
Kathy Spencer, principal environmental analyst with LaBella, said she will help the town identify issues of concern that need to be addressed by Apex in its application. She will also look for gaps in their information that need more detail.
A judge will determine through the stipulations process what studies Apex needs to do to address concerns from the community. If Apex submits a final application, it would be subject to public hearings and would also go before a seven-member Siting Board in Albany as part of the new Article 10 process. Only one wind turbine project has made it through the Siting Board, a project in Chautauqua County that is currently under construction.
“Article 10 is a brand new process,” Spencer said. “There is really a very slim record to understand and try to predict what will happen.”
The Town of Barre has $40,000 in intervenor funds and Clear Skies Above Barre has $30,000. Those funds from Apex allow Barre and Clear Skies to hire environmental attorneys and experts to review the Apex submission. Barre’s consultants met with about 50 people Wednesday in the Barre highway garage.
The seven-member Siting Board has five state representatives including the chairman of the Department of Public Service, commissioner of the Department of Environmental Conservation, commissioner of the Department of Health, chairman of the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, and the commissioner of Economic Development.
Two local residents will also be on the Siting Board. So far, Robin Nacca has been appointed. She lives on Route 98. Her property is adjacent to land that has been leased for a possible turbine. She has established Know Your Facts USA, seeking to provide truthful data about wind turbines.
Nacca said the local community can provide lots of feedback about the project, and the Siting Board doesn’t want to approve a project that is unwanted in the host community.
One Barre resident, Cindy Burnside, took issue with the loss of local control in siting the projects. She said Gov. Andrew Cuomo is pushing his agenda on the rural communities.
“I have a problem with the government shoving it down our throats,” she said.
Burnside is a long-time local real estate agent. She said the turbines will depress property values in Barre, and make the town less attractive for residents.
Sue Webster, another person who works with real estate, said potential residents in Barre are holding off on buying property because they want to wait and see if the turbines are approved. If the project goes forward, Webster and Burnside said home values could take at least a 20 percent hit.
They want Apex to include a study on how large-scale wind projects affect the local real estate market.
Kerri Richardson, president of Clear Skies Above Barre, urged the Town Board to update its zoning for wind turbines, increasing setbacks from houses.
Spencer of LaBella has worked with communities on reviewing other wind turbine projects. She said issues typically raised by residents include setbacks from turbines, visual impacts, public health and safety issues, damage to town roads and infrastructure during construction process, visual impacts, decommissioning, and a complaint resolution procedure for residents to share concerns during construction and operation.
Spencer said many of the environmental concerns are addressed by the DEC. She said that state agency puts the developers through a rigorous process.
“The DEC is going into extreme depth for what they’re looking for,” she said. “The state agencies are asking for extremely detailed studies, the likes of which I’ve never seen before, if that brings any comfort to you.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 19 July 2018 at 8:31 am
BARRE – Recent town meetings have included many outspoken critics of a proposed wind energy project in the Town of Barre.
Residents have shared their concerns that up to 47 wind turbines will cause property values to plummet, while endangering wildlife, damaging town roads, blighting the landscape and causing other negative impacts.
But there is support for the project. The town is doing a survey of residents and property owners and the 120 responses so far show about half of the respondents support the project proposed by Apex Clean Energy.
LaBella Associates put together the survey and is compiling the results. The deadline for completing the survey is July 27. Besides residents and landowners, people who live close to Barre in neighboring towns can also weigh in on the issue. Click here to be directed to the survey.
LaBella has been hired by Barre to help the town identify concerns from residents in the Apex project. Kathy Spencer, principal environmental analyst with LaBella Associates, said LaBella will raise those concerns to the developer and state during the application process. She shared during a meeting Wednesday that about half of the respondents so far are in favor of the project.
LaBella also is analyzing the Apex preliminary scoping statement and will dissect an impending application if Apex proceeds to the next stage.
Some of the questions on the survey include:
• What is your attitude towards the Heritage Wind project in Barre? – supportive, neutral, opposed or needs more information.
• Identify locally valuable resources that may be impacted while constructing or operating wind turbines. Please be specific by including location, name (if applicable) and reason(s).
• Which of the following concerns could be significant in the Town of Barre and require a careful evaluation of potential local impacts?
• This question asks to rank the level of the importance – minimal concern, less important, top priority or no opinion/don’t know – for the following: noise from wind turbines, change in rural character, change in views from height of turbines, shadow flicker, loss of agricultural resources or farming inconvenience, negative impact on property value, roadway deterioration, setbacks from property lines and buildings, possibility of health effects due to living near turbines, public safety (due to fire, blade/ice throw, tower collapse, etc.), wildlife impacts (loss of bird and bats, etc.), impacts to TV, cell phone or radio reception, complaint procedure – how the developer will respond and resolve issues, decommissioning and the eventual removal of turbines, and other (please specify).
• The last question asks the respondents to share any additional comments.
Robin Nacca, a Barre resident, has established Know Your Facts USA, seeking to provide truthful data about wind turbines.
She said her group is working to establish its own survey. She welcomed residents to send her potential questions on the survey.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 19 July 2018 at 7:39 am
ALBION – An Albion business will celebrate 50 years in the community on Saturday with a car cruise-in that is expected to draw 100 classic cars.
Dan DeCarlo, president and owner of Arnold’s Auto Parts, wanted to celebrate the business’s milestone anniversary by welcoming classic cars. The 4 to 8 p.m. cruise-in will include a wine-tasting from Midnight Run Wine Cellar, food from the Masonic Lodge, and music from the band Black Jack, which will include a special guest appearance by Scott Lonnen, who works at Arnold’s.
The car show will be in the parking lot behind Five Star Bank, across the street from Arnold’s at 116 North Liberty St.
Arnold DeCarlo, Dan’s father, started the business in October 1968. Dan has been working at the business for 41 years, since he was 14.
“It’s nice to wait on people and try to help them,” he said. “We have a lot of good customers who are good people.”
Arnold’s Auto Parts became a NAPA Auto Parts dealer two years ago. Arnold’s also continues to sell ACDelco Auto Parts.
DeCarlo said the business has been growing since it became a NAPA Auto Parts two years ago. NAPA gives Arnold’s access to parts for farm machinery. NAPA also has parts for many old cars, which DeCarlo said are in increasing demand. He said more people are working on older cars and hot rods.
“YouTube has been a game-changer,” he said. “It allows people to do things they normally wouldn’t do. We’re seeing more people working on their own cars.”
Arnold’s continues to sell ACDelco auto parts, and is looking to expand its electronics inventory.
The business has 10 employees, with two on the road making deliveries to auto repair shops and farms between Medina and Hamlin.
The car show on Saturday follows a Christmas in July from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. That event, planned by the Albion Merchants Association, includes sidewalk sales, raffles, a Christmas-themed “kiddie parade” at noon, and many other games and activities.
The day’s events start at 9:30 with a ribbon cutting for the new Santa mural at Waterman Park.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 19 July 2018 at 7:11 am
ALBION – The Village of Albion Planning Board gave the final site plan approval on Wednesday for a building by the Erie Canal to be used as wedding venue and also to sell candy and ice cream.
John and Natasha Wasuck of Spencerport next spring expect to open “The Lockstone” at 160 North Main St. The building was the longtime site of Burgio Tire and then a carpet store.
The Wasucks see a lot of potential in the building. They will renovate the site including significant changes to the exterior.
Mrs. Wasuck sells real estate between Rochester and Buffalo. She saw the building in Albion listed for sale. The site includes two storefronts and has up to 90 parking spaces.
The couple is pushing to have new business open in April or May, Mrs. Wasuck said.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 18 July 2018 at 10:19 pm
ALBION – DePaul Properties today secured local approvals for a proposed 40-unit housing project on Liberty Street.
The Village of Albion Planning Board approved the site plan, and the Zoning Board of Appeals approved three variances for the project.
With the local approvals in place, DePaul said it will work to secure final state financing for the project. Construction of the project, including demolition of three vacant houses, is expected to start in October 2019.
DePaul wants to have 36 one-bedroom units and four two-bedroom units. The one bedroom units can have up to two people and the four-bedroom apartments have room for up to four people.
DePaul will have staff on site to oversee the apartment complex, and also to take residents to appointments with a DePaul van.
“This is to build community housing for people for people who don’t have it right now,” said Gillian J. Conde, vice president for DePaul.
During public hearings by the Zoning Board and Planning Board, residents asked who the project is targeting for tenants.
DePaul is designing the project to support people with disabilities, including senior citizens and veterans. The organization will do extensive background checks for credit, criminal and sex offender history and evictions.
“This is not housing to rehabilitate offenders,” Conde said.
She was asked if the project would hurt local landlords. Conde said she didn’t think it would impact landlords who provide quality housing.
She expects many of the tenants are currently “doubled up” living with friends or family.
DePaul had renderings of how the building would look in Albion, including new sidewalks by the property on Liberty and Beaver streets.
Ron Vendetti, the village’s code enforcement officer, said the project will likely force landlords to improve many of the other apartments in the community.
“If you provide a better product, you’ll get the better people,” Vendetti said, responding to a question.
He said the new apartments would be a significant improvement to the neighborhood on Liberty and Beaver streets. Two of the houses being demolished have been vacant for several years and are covered with brush and vegetation. Another house was recently vacant following the deaths of the long-time residents of the house.
Betty Sue Miller, director of Hoag Library, said she hears from many lower income patrons at the library that many of the apartments in the community are infested with bed bugs and are not appealing.
“I don’t want to see local landlords who do a great job get hurt,” she said about the project. “But there are bad landlords. Some people are living in squalor because that’s all they can afford.”
DePaul will offer the one-bedroom apartments for $675 a month, including utilities, while two-bedroom units are $775 monthly.
Tenants on Section 8 will be eligible to apply for an apartment at DePaul, but Conde said the project isn’t focused on Section 8. She expects veterans, senior citizens and some people needed mental Health and other services to be tenants.
DePaul is proposing to demolish three unoccupied houses on Liberty Street, between the railroad tracks and Beaver Street.
The meeting room at Village Hall was packed for the presentation about the project.
DePaul needs variances for the project. It is proposing 50 parking spaces, when the village code requires 80 (two parking spots for each unit). DePaul is seeking a 5-foot rear setback when the village code requires 25 feet. DePaul also wants a fence to be 8 feet high for a sound wall on the south side of the property, instead of the 7 feet required by the village code. The vinyl fences won’t be white, DePaul officials said.
DePaul anticipates the 50 spaces will be adequate based on the demand at its other apartment buildings because many of the tenants do not have cars.
With the rear setback, DePaul will plant a row of evergreen trees for additional screening. DePaul also wants the taller sound wall to mitigate noise from the neighboring rail line.
The ZBA, led by chairman Richard Tibbits, approved the variances while the Planning Board, led by chairman Matthew Hand, approved the site plan.
The village needs to work out a PILOT with DePaul for how much it will pay the local governments in revenue. Those agreements are typically for at least 10 years.
Linda Smith, a local resident, said the village should have worked out the PILOT before approving the project. Smith owns several apartments in the village.
She didn’t like that her state tax dollars were being used to fund a new project that may result in increased vacancies in her apartments.
“It will be tough to compete against an entity with your tax dollars when they’re not adding to the tax dollars here,” she said.
DePaul officials assured her they would provide local governments with annual payments, and those payments might top the property taxes the site would generate without a PILOT.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 18 July 2018 at 2:31 pm
ALBION – The Chevrolet Buick GMC dealership in Albion has new owners who will add inventory and staff to the Route 98 location.
George Bidleman, one of the partners at Orleans Ford, has purchased the former Don Davis Chevrolet Buick GMC dealership. Bidleman is co-owner of the Albion dealership along with Sam LaNasa, who works as general manager for Bidleman at Orleans Ford.
“We’re looking to increase our presence in the Orleans County market,” Bidleman said.
The dealership will be known as Bidleman Chevrolet Buick GMC.
Bidleman started as general manager at Orleans Ford in 1987, when he was 27. He became president and partner in the business in 2002. Orleans Ford has grown to an inventory of 500 vehicles and a staff of 55 that sell about 200 vehicles a month.
LaNasa has 35 years in the auto business in the Buffalo market. He has worked closely with Bidleman the past two years and is impressed with how Bidleman operates, the way he treats customers and employees.
The Albion location was built in 1967 and opened as Nesbitt Motors. LaNasa and Bidleman said the building and site will be upgraded. The existing six employees in sales, service and the office will stay and more employees will be added.
LaNasa expects up to 20 employees there in the next few months and the inventory to increase from 80 vehicles to about 300.
The 22 acres at the site, 4048 Oak Orchard Rd., is one of the appeals. That gives Bidleman and LaNasa plenty of room to display vehicles. In Medina, they use the former Ames parking lot of Maple Ridge Road as an overflow lot.
LaNasa also said three brands “have a great new lineup of cars” with sedans, SUVs, pickups and other vehicles.
Photo by Cheryl Wertman: On Monday the deal closed for George Bidleman and Sam LaNasa to acquire the Albion dealership. Pictured, from left, include Jillian Stadwick, Chevrolet rep; George Bidleman, owner; Sam LaNasa, owner; Carl Eldridge, GM Financial rep; and David Jetty, zone business manager.
Provided photo: NYSCOPBA member Kenny Gold, left, presents check to Joe Hanna, president and founder of Bunkers in Baghdad.
Press Release, New York State Correctional Officers & Police Benevolent Association
ALBION – The Sixth Annual Orleans Golf Tournament was held on Monday at Chestnut Hill Country Club to benefit the Bunkers in Baghdad charity.
Over 180 golfers, volunteers and attendees participated in the tournament and reception afterwards.
The tournament raised $11,600 for Bunkers in Baghdad. The charity is located in Buffalo and its mission is to raise funds to purchase new and used golf equipment that is shipped overseas to soldiers stationed in Iraq and Afghanistan. The charity also supports wounded veterans in the United States who are recovering and can use the equipment in their recovery and as a form of recreation.
The tournament, which has raised over $56,000 in the six years it has been held, has supported several different charities in Western New York. Members from Attica, Gowanda, and Albion Correctional Facilities also participated, donated and helped raise the funds.
“Law enforcement officers face many challenges, particularly in today’s society and many times do not receive the recognition they deserve,” said Kenny Gold, chairman of the tournament.
“Regardless, our members continue to support countless charities across this state and remain committed to doing so. This year, to be able to support an organization that helps our military serviceman and woman overseas was extremely rewarding. I am extremely proud of my fellow members who showed their support to this tournament by either playing, donating their time as a volunteer or helped raised funds.”
Provided photo: Otto, a K9 for the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office, is a 3-year-old German Shepard from Holland. Otto has been serving with the Sheriff’s Office since Oct.13, 2016.
Press Release, Sheriff Randy Bower
ALBION – Orleans County Sheriff’s Office K9 Otto has received a bullet and stab protective vest thanks to a charitable donation from non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. The vest was sponsored by Staten Island Companion Dog Training Club and embroidered with the sentiment “Gifted by SICDTC, Staten Island, NY.”
Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. is a 501c(3) charity located in East Taunton, MA with a mission to provide bullet and stab protective vests and other assistance to dogs of law enforcement and related agencies throughout the United States.
The non-profit was established in 2009 to assist law enforcement agencies with this potentially life-saving body armor for their four-legged K9 officers. Since its inception, Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. provided over 3,000 protective vests in 50 states, through private and corporate donations, at a value of $5.7 million.
The program is open to dogs actively employed in the U.S. with law enforcement or related agencies. The dogs must be certified and at least 20 months of age. New K9 graduates, as well as K9s with expired vests, are eligible to participate.
The donation to provide one protective vest for a law enforcement K9 is $950.00. Each vest has a value between $1,744 – $2,283, and a five-year warranty and an average weight of 4-5 lbs. There is an estimated 30,000 law enforcement K9s throughout the United States. For more information or to learn about volunteer opportunities, please call 508-824-6978. Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. provides information, lists events, and accepts tax-deductible donations of any denomination at www.vik9s.org or mailed to P.O. Box 9 East Taunton, MA 02718.
“Many thanks to Vested Interest in K9’s, Inc. for their gift,” said Sheriff Randy Bower. “We are thrilled to have received a Body Armor Vest for K9 Otto’s protection during service.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 18 July 2018 at 10:16 am
Honorable Sara Sheldon needs to sentence Gerardo Quiros, who also faces charges in another case
ALBION – After sentencing several people in Orleans County Court on Monday, Sara Sheldon brought her tenure in Orleans County to a final defendant.
Sheldon, a Niagara County Court judge, has been filling in with criminal cases in Orleans County Court for about a year, since James Punch retired last July 29.
She presided over a trial against Gerardo Quiros last month, where the Ridgeway man was found guilty of sexual assault and rape charges.
He allegedly held a woman against her will for several weeks, while physically and sexually assaulting her. He is scheduled to be sentenced at 2 p.m. on Sept. 17.
Quiros also has other charges from a separate case. On Jan. 1, while he was out on $200,000 bail, he allegedly barged into a home on Root Road in Barre and tried to drag his girlfriend out of the house by her feet. He was stopped by her brother, who made Quiros leave at gunpoint.
He was offered a plea deal on Monday by the District Attorney’s Office. Quiros will be back in court at 11 a.m. on Aug. 7 to decide whether to accept the offer of pleading guilty to criminal trespass in the second degree and unlawful imprisonment in the first degree, which are A misdemeanors.
Provided photo: Three members of the Holley Hawks Trap Team competed in the national championships, including, from left: Bradley Kingdollar, Tristan McFadden and Ethan Waldron.
Courtesy of Holley Hawks Trap Team
HOLLEY – Three members of the Holley High School clay target shooting team travelled to Mason, Mich. from July 11-15 to compete in the USA High School Clay Target League National Championships.
Bradley Kingdollar, Tristan McFadden and Ethan Waldron were invited based on their shooting averages throughout the spring season.
The three boys participated in the individual portion of the competition. Brad Kingdollar hit 93 out of 100 birds to rank #459 out of more than 1,200 kids competing. Ethan Waldron hit 92 targets to place #568 and Tristan McFadden hit 82 targets. The score needed to make the finals was 94.
The atmosphere at the event was one of sportsmanship and respect. The competitors handled themselves professionally and enjoyed meeting kids from across the country who share their passion of trapshooting. Trapshooting is the safest and fast growing high school sport. To date, there have been no injuries – no concussions and no broken bones.
MEDINA – A fire in a dryer at the Washboard Willy’s Laundromat was put out by firefighters Tuesday morning, with minimal damage caused to the site at 117 Starr St., the Medina Fire Department said.
The Fire Department was dispatched to the scene at 8:33 a.m., along with the Shelby and Lyndonville fire departments.
Firefighters encountered heavy smoke conditions. They put out a small fire inside one of the dryers. Lyndonville’s FAST team was cancelled and Shelby firefighters assisted with ventilation of the structure.
“The cause was found to be rags that had previously been used to clean up kitchen grease prior to being washed and dried,” the Medina Fire Department said. “Residue oils not completely removed during the wash cycle, ignited inside the dryer as it was running. Damage was minimal, the fire was contained to the rags inside the dryer with slight scorching to the dryer drum.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 17 July 2018 at 4:28 pm
Calvary Tabernacle hopes to be in new site by Easter
MEDINA – The Calvary Tabernacle Assembly of God will start construction of a new building next month on Maple Ridge Road.
Calvary will continue to hold its Sunday services at the old Medina High School until the new building is ready. Vince Iorio, the church’s pastor, is hopeful the new building will be done by Easter in April 2019.
Contractors will start site work next month. The frame of the 9,306-square-foot building should be up and enclosed by winter. Iorio said the interior work will occur during the winter and early spring.
The project will cost about $1 million. The church has raised $400,000 so far and is seeking more donations for the project. Click here for more information, including a video that shows the church’s ministries.
The old high school will be renovated into apartments by Roger Hungerford and Talis Equity. Calvary owned the old school for about 25 years.
Iorio said the new location has more visibility for Calvary. The site is on Maple Ridge Road, a quarter mile west of Tops on the north side of the road.
The church acquired the 36-acre lot about five years ago. The project includes 58 parking spaces.
Calvary offers the community many ministries, including a food pantry that serves more than 200 families a month, the Stillwaters Counseling Center with about 100 clients a month, and programs for youth.
