HOLLEY – The school district is proposing $650,000 in technology improvements to be paid for from the Smart Schools Bond Act.

Holley was approved for $1,311,463 through the Bond Act and spent $497,104 in 2019 for 33 flat panels or interactive whiteboards, 200 laptops for students, 20 laptops for teachers, five carts and new security software and cameras.

That left Holley with $814,359 remaining in funds through the Bond Act. Holley will have a public hearing at 6 p.m. on Dec. 20 in the Holley Elementary School Café to discuss the next phase of its technology improvements.

Holley plans to submit three applications to the state to access its Bond Act funding. Those applications include:

• $400,000 to replace ethernet cables that are 10 to 12 years old; ensuring all classrooms have at least 5 drops for flat panels, teacher computers, action tech devices, voice over IP and wireless access points. In addition, the offices, auditorium and computer labs will be replaced.
• $120,000 to purchase 33 flat panels and interactive whiteboards
• $130,000 to purchase 33 flat panels or interactive whiteboards $164,359 remaining in its Bond Act funds.

For more information on the district’s proposal, click here.

Lakeshore Road and Lakeside Park Road fortified for future high water from Lake Ontario

Provided photos: Pictured above, erosion of original Lakeside Park Road West access road, in the town of Carlton. The road was degraded due to repeated flooding events.

Press Release, Gov. Kathy Hochul’s Office

CARLTON – Governor Kathy Hochul announced the completion of a $1.7 million resiliency project on Lakeshore Road in the Town of Carlton, Orleans County, as part of the State’s Resiliency and Economic Development Initiative (REDI).

Past ice pressure and severe storm damage has eroded the bluff adjacent to Lakeshore Road, which not only created hazardous situations on the road, but also posed risks to public utilities and nearby private property. To remedy this, the project addressed erosion issue and strengthened shoreline protection, through the installation of an onshore riprap revetment system with regraded slope.

In addition, the area between the revetment and the slope was vegetated to minimize potential erosion loss and protect the toe of the bluff. Improved stormwater collection and landscaping along the roadway will also help to reduce flooding during extreme precipitation events.

Pictured above, the completed Lakeside Road West flood resiliency project, which included the construction of a new access road and the installation of rip rap stone to stabilize the shoreline and protect the public water line, is seen.

“Many shoreline communities along Lake Ontario bore the brunt of climate change’s effects through more severe storms and historic flooding events, and through New York’s REDI program, we are making strategic investments in these communities to make the region safer for its residents and visitors,” said Governor Kathy Hochul. “As we look to the future, protecting the people who live in these communities is my top priority, and shoreline resiliency projects like this one will help mitigate flooding, enhance safety, and create sustainable infrastructure.”

Additionally, Governor Hochul announced the completion of a $261,000 resiliency project awarded to the town of Carlton, also through the REDI program. Flood resiliency measures undertaken in this project include the construction of a new access road and installation of riprap stone along the shoreline to protect the public water line during future high-water events.

Pictured above, the bluff along Lakeshore Road, in the town of Carlton, eroded due to wave, ice, and severe storm events.

The shoreline along Lakeside Park Road, which runs along a peninsula between Lake Ontario and Johnson Creek, has experienced degradation due to repeated flooding events. The shoreline erosion caused the access road to become unusable, resulting in the loss of land protecting homes, and approximately 300 linear feet of public water line at risk of being exposed and compromised.

The completed project mitigates future flooding risk and reduces the erosion of the Lakeside Park Road, while ensuring safe access for residents and emergency responders, and protecting critical infrastructure.

Pictured above, the completed Lakeshore Road flood resiliency project, which included the installation of an onshore riprap revetment system with regraded slope. In addition, the area between the revetment and the slope was vegetated to minimize potential erosion loss and protect the toe of the bluff.

Orleans County Legislative Chair Lynne Johnson said, “As we get set to bring the Lakeshore Road REDI project to substantial completion, we send our thanks to the Governor and the REDI Commission for making this project a reality. With their assistance, Orleans County was able to transform a critical piece of our infrastructure into a more resilient asset. We want to take this opportunity to thank everyone involved in this process. The entire team did an amazing job. We would also like to thank the residents along Lakeshore Road for their patience, as we disrupted their normal routines. This project would not have been feasible without their cooperation.”

Town of Carlton Supervisor Gayle Ashbery said, “The town of Carlton is pleased that through our partnership with New York State and with Governor Hochul’s continued commitment to the shoreline communities, the Lakeshore Park Road flood resiliency project has completed. When the Lake Ontario waters rise, and we are faced with flooding in the future, we can be confident that our shoreline is secure, and critical waterline infrastructure is safe.”

Senator Robert Ortt said, “Rapidly eroding shoreline and threats to critical infrastructure along Lakeshore Road has required quick and decisive action by New York State and the REDI Commission to protect public safety. By intervening in this situation, addressing the ongoing erosion, and making the proper corrective improvements to existing shoreline protection, our state will be resolving both current safety concerns and protecting against issues that may have arisen in the future.”

Assemblyman Stephen Hawley said, “The preservation of our shoreline and protection of our roads is always of the utmost importance, so seeing this project approach its conclusion is very welcome news for all who travel through the area. As I saw firsthand when on a tour with the Army Corps of Engineers in July, the erosion taking place along the road would have become a real threat to the safety of travelers if left unaddressed. Additionally, the loss of the road would increase commute times for workers and travel time for emergency vehicles and could have cost our region thousands of dollars in lost economic activity.”

In response to the extended pattern of flooding along the shores of Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River, New York State established REDI to increase the resilience of shoreline communities and bolster economic development in the region. Five REDI Regional Planning Committees, comprised of representatives from eight counties (Niagara and Orleans, Monroe, Wayne, Cayuga and Oswego, and Jefferson and St. Lawrence) were established to identify local priorities, at-risk infrastructure and other assets, and public safety concerns. Through REDI, the State has committed up to $300 million, to benefit communities and improve resiliency in flood prone regions along Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River.

Since the creation of the State’s REDI program in the Spring of 2019, 134 REDI funded local and regional projects are underway, including 82 projects in the design phase, 19 projects in the construction phase, and 33 projects completed.

ALBION – The school district has set Dec. 14 for a public vote on a $26.69 million capital project that includes all three schools, as well as the bus garage, the football stadium and a new campus notification system.

Eligible voters 18 and older will cast ballots from noon to 8:30 p.m. at the District Office Conference Room A.

There will be a public information meeting about the project at 6 p.m. on Dec. 2 at the Middle School Auditorium.

District officials say there won’t be an additional tax impact from the project because the local share of $7,195,000 is already in a capital reserve. State funding at $19,495,000 will cover the rest.

“Due to careful project planning, financial implementation and consideration for our taxpayers, this project will have NO TAX IMPACT for district residents and businesses,” the district states on its website.

The scope of the project includes:

Elementary School – $6,300,000

• Security enhancements to include security films, access controls, exterior/interior door replacements/hardware, communication/notification systems
• Refinish main gym floor and replace folding partitions with divider curtains
• Reconfigure entry vestibule and finish renovations to the district office
• Replace plumbing fixtures and domestic hot/cold water, sanitary and storm piping in 1955 building
• Mechanical upgrades, including original building wing unit ventilators
• Integrate carbon monoxide monitoring and upgrade building system controls, panel board and switchgear
• Sidewalk replacements
• East side drop-off loop improvements

Middle School – $9,945,000

• Security enhancements to include security films, access controls, exterior/interior door replacements/hardware, communication/notification systems
• Gymnasium renovations, including gym floor refinishing, lift replacement, new wall pads, ceiling and lighting
• Renovate pool lockers shower areas, including plumbing and lighting
• Replace auditorium air-conditioning
• Provide parallel pool pump and replace hot water heaters and storage tank
• Mechanical upgrades for electrical room/transformer vault
• Integrate carbon monoxide monitoring and upgrade building system controls, panel board and switchgear
• Reconfigure parent drop-off loop
• Renovate playground
• New multi-purpose field surface at soccer/softball complex

High School – $9,795,000

• Security enhancements to include safety films, access controls, exterior/interior door replacements/hardware, communication/notification systems
• Gymnasium renovations, including gym floor replacement, re-surfaced folding partitions, bleacher replacement, ceiling/lighting, ventilation system and new wall-mounted scoreboards
• Renovate locker rooms
• Replace corridor lockers
• Replace hot water heaters, add additional boiler and replace heating line
• Integrate carbon monoxide monitoring and upgrade building system controls, panel board and switchgear
• Improve sidewalks for accessibility
• Tennis court reconstruction
• New multi-purpose field surface at football stadium complex

Bus Garage – $650,000

• Security enhancements to include security films, access controls, exterior/interior door replacements/hardware
• Replace large overhead doors in 1997 maintenance bay addition • Replace roof in 1997 maintenance bay addition
• Integrate carbon monoxide monitoring and upgrade panel board • Extend paving at bus parking and dumpster pad

Campus Notification System

In addition to the renovations being proposed in the capital project referendum, Albion Central School District is planning to install a new public address and visual notification system for the elementary, middle and high schools. This work may be separate from the capital project and would be paid for using $1,995,000 in funding available to our district through the Smart Schools Bond Act of 2014.

A timeline for the project includes:

• Dec. 2: Public Information meeting, 6 p.m. Middle School Auditorium
• Dec. 14: Project vote, noon to 8:30 p.m., District Office Conference Room A
• January 2022 to August 2022: Design Phase
• September 2022 to December 2022: SED Review
• 2023 to 2024: Construction

Photos by Tom Rivers

MEDINA – Downtown Medina is decked out in decorations for the holiday season. This photo of Main Street was taken on Wednesday evening.

Medina will celebrate its annual Olde Tyme Christmas on Saturday with numerous events throughout the day, including the Parade of Lights at 6 p.m. Click here to see the full schedule.

St. Mary’s Catholic Church is in the background of this photo showing some of the decorations on Main Street.

Today on Thanksgiving the forecast calls for a high of 46 with showers expected after 11 a.m. Tonight, rain and snow showers are likely.

The highs the next few days include cloudy and high near 34 on Friday, partly sunny and 34 on Saturday and some snow likely on Sunday with a high near 36.

Medina also decorated East and West Center Street for the holidays. The First Baptist Church is in the background.

“This is truly ‘A Place of Help’ in the GLOW Region”

Provided photo: GCASA will open a 20-bed detox center on Jan. 10. The site is attached to the rear of the Atwater Community Residence on East Main Street in Batavia.

Press Release, GCASA

BATAVIA – Genesee/Orleans Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse announced today that its new 20-bed detoxification center is scheduled to open for business on Jan. 10, 2022.

An “open house” for the public to view the two-story, 20-bed facility, which is attached to the rear of the Atwater Community Residence at 424 East Main St., will take place on Jan. 6, said John Bennett, GCASA executive director.

“This is truly ‘A Place of Help’ in the GLOW Region – providing a continuum of care under one roof that enables local residents in need to stay close to home for their treatment,” Bennett said.

The 8,600-square foot detox center will be fully staffed by medical and substance use counseling professionals, specially trained and certified to assist those who require short-term services.

Javen Construction of Penfield was the general contractor for the project, which broke ground last January. The design of the center complements the look of the historic Atwater Community Residence.

Photo by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Orleans County Legislator Don Allport, rights, presents a proclamation to leaders of Supportive Care of Orleans in recognition of the organization’s 30^thanniversary and also for National Hospice and Palliative Care Month.

Dave Schubel, back right, is chairman of the board of directors for Supportive Care. He is joined by, from left: Elisa Chambery, chief executive officer; Pat Eick, secretary of the board; and Maura Pierce, a member of the board of directors.

Supportive Care of Orleans provides care for all those living with life-limiting illness in Orleans County, as well as support for their caregivers and loved ones. The organization provides patients and their families with personalized medical treatment, counseling, spiritual support and bereavement coordination.

Village of Albion proposes regulations for solar energy

ALBION – The Orleans County Planning Board voted in support of several projects, including a bakery in Gaines, an auto repair shop in Ridgeway and farmworker housing in Gaines.

• Planners last Thursday recommended the Town of Gaines approve the site plan and issue a permit for Brian Ettinger to operate a bakery from his home at 3009 Brown Rd. There won’t be on-site consumption or serving. Sales will be through pickup or delivery.

• In Ridgeway, planners recommended approval for a permit for Kyle Morgan to operate a motor vehicle repair shop at 3925 Salt Works Rd. The 2,760-square-foot building includes a 3-bay garage. It has been used as an auto repair shop for more than 50 years. Morgan plans to run the business, KJM Kustoms, on a part-time basis.

• In Gaines, Haylett Farm Enterprises is proposing to build a 30-person labor house at 3147 Kenyonville Rd. for seasonal farmworkers. County planners recommended the Town of Gaines approve the site plan and issue a permit for the project.

• The Planning Board also backed the Village of Albion’s proposed regulations for solar projects in the village. The village will allow roof-mounted and ground-mounted solar projects.

For large-scale projects (bigger than 25 kW), the village establishes regulations for setbacks and lot sizes, as well as a decommissioning plan. Applications for solar projects also will require blueprints, proposed changes to landscape, description of the solar farm facility and an operation and maintenance plan.

The large-scale projects that are ground-mounted shall not exceed 12 feet in height, and need to maintain a front setback of at least 75 feet in a retail business/airport/commercial and/or recreational area with rear and side setbacks at least 25 feet in those areas.

The front setback should be at least 100 feet for residential and light industrial areas, and rear and side setbacks at least 200 feet when abutting residential property and 100 feet when abutting business and commercial zones.

The large-scale projects need to be on a minimum lot size of 10 acres, with the ground-mounted solar energy system not exceeding more than 80 percent of the lot size. The systems also will need to be enclosed by fencing.

Orleans and Genesee counties have no intention of following Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz with a mask mandate in all indoor, public facilities. That mandate, announced Monday, took effect today.

Poloncarz took the action in response to a surge in Covid cases in Erie County.

Orleans and Genesee have among the highest positivity rates for Covid in the state. In the Erie County the percentage of Covid tests that have been positive the past seven days is 9.4 percent. It’s 10.0 in Genesee and 10.6 in Orleans.

Orleans and Genesee aren’t moving forward with an indoor mask mandate for public places.

“While we remain committed to the health and safety of our communities, Genesee and Orleans County will not be creating or implementing any new mask or vaccine mandates at this time,” according to a statement from Rochelle Stein, Chair of the Genesee County Legislature; Lynne Johnson, Chair of the Orleans County Legislature; Matthew Landers, Genesee County Manager; Jack Welch, Orleans County Chief Administrative Officer; and Paul Pettit, Public Health Director for Genesee and Orleans counties.

“We believe new mandates will only push residents into private settings where spread will still continue but local businesses will suffer. For almost two years, businesses across the region have taken various measures to protect their workplaces and we trust them to do the same at this time.”

The joint statement from the Genesee and Orleans officials continues:

“We recognize and are concerned about rising infection and hospitalization rates, which is why we continue to strongly encourage our businesses and residents to continue to follow CDC recommendations and mitigation strategies such as practicing social distancing, wearing masks, and getting vaccinated, including booster shots. It is also important to note that those who become infected and those who are symptomatic should immediately isolate.”

“Finally, the state needs to provide greater testing resources for our schools and community as a whole, both for symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals. This is important as those we can identify as Covid-19 positive can be quickly isolated to help prevent spread. Local governments alone cannot be expected to find and procure all of the test kits needed between the school and community needs.”

Photo courtesy of Assemblyman Hawley’s Office – Pictured from left include Chairwoman of the Genesee County Legislature Shelly Stein, State Sen. Ed Rath and Assemblyman Steve Hawley, who unveil a sign dedicating SP4 C. Jay Hall Memorial Highway in Pembroke.

Press Release, Assemblyman Steve Hawley

PEMBROKE – Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) joined State Sen. Ed Rath and local officials today to unveil a sign designating the section of State Route 77 between Pembroke Town Park and the intersection of Indian Falls Road in the town of Pembroke, county of Genesee, as the “SP4 C. Jay Hall Memorial Highway.”

Hawley and Rath worked throughout the year to get legislation they sponsored passed to make the designation official, and the legislation was signed by Gov. Kathy Hochul in October.

Specialist Four Clarence “C. Jay” Hall served as a rifleman in the U.S. Army in Binh Duong, Vietnam. On October 7, 1969, Specialist Hall exposed himself to hostile fire with a complete disregard for his personal safety while his comrades were able to obtain cover. During this action, he was mortally wounded. Specialist Hall earned the NYS Conspicuous Service Cross, the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal with One Bronze Star, Vietnam Campaign Ribbon, Combat Infantryman Badge and the Silver Star, which is the nation’s third-highest award for valor.

“The story of ‘C. Jay’ Hall’s sacrifice and bravery in the face of danger encapsulates the selfless spirit of our service members and is one that should be remembered for generations,” said Hawley. “Seeing the sign honoring his sacrifice unveiled today was a proud moment after working for so long to make it a reality, so I want to thank all of the local and state legislative partners I’ve worked with in the last year who helped make it happen for their dedication to getting this bill passed, as well as our local veteran organizations, who were of tremendous assistance in advocating for its creation. Thanks also goes out to our military service members for their dedicated service to our nation, because we can never take for granted the fact that their service enables us to peacefully gather as we did today.”

“The story of Specialist Four Hall’s bravery and courage is truly awe inspiring and his sacrifice should never be forgotten,” Rath said. “I am honored to have had a role in bringing this proposal to reality and am excited to be here to celebrate the official unveiling of “Specialist Four (SP4) Clarence ‘C. Jay’ Hall Memorial Highway’. I hope this highway will inspire motorists to learn more about this local hero for years to come. This designation is a lasting and appropriate tribute to C. Jay Hall and a reminder of the selfless service that he and so many other veterans have made for our country. The legislation to make this possible will always have a special place in my heart as it was the first piece of legislation of mine to be passed in the Senate. Thank you to everyone involved for sharing Specialist Four Hall’s story with me, especially the Pembroke students who initiated this project several years ago.”

Press Release, Albion Police Benevolent Association

ALBION – On behalf of the Village of Albion Police Department and the Village of Albion Police Benevolent Association, I would like to invite members of the community to Coffee with Cops.

On Saturday, December 11, from 1 to 4 p.m. members of the Village of Albion Police Department, along with members of the Orleans County Sheriff’s Department will be hosting Coffee with Cops at The Coffee Joint at 59 North Main St.

So come join us for coffee and baked goods. All expenses are paid by the Village of Albion Police Benevolent Association. If you have questions, concerns, or requests, feel free to stop in and address them with our officers. Or if you just want to come hang out in a relaxed setting and chat, please don’t hesitate to stop by.

Let’s all take a break from the constant stress of daily life, relax and get to know each other.

We look forward to see you all there.

Thank you,

Daniel Baase, President of Albion Police Benevolent Association

Press Release and photo courtesy of Medina Police Department

MEDINA – The Medina Police Department’s Police Benevolent Association has used donations collected from “No Shave November” to purchase Thanksgiving meals for some local families.

Pictured from left to right are K9 Handler Jacob Reeves, Pastor Rich Damey with his children and School Resource Officer Dustin Meredith.

Members of the Police Department were allowed to grow facial hair during “No Shave November” and collect donations to be given to a good cause.

For the second year in a row, the PBA chose to purchase Thanksgiving dinners for local families. Faith Bible Baptist Church helped to select recipients. The meals were purchased and delivered by MPD police officers to Pastor Damey to be distributed to the selected families for the upcoming holiday.

George Lacey planning several upgrades at site along Oak Orchard River

File photo by Tom Rivers: George Lacey is shown in May 2017 in the former store at Captain’s Cove. The building was emptied and torn down after being flooded from the high waters.

CARLTON – The owner of Captain’s Cove wants to demolish a building that is currently used for a store and replace it with a 60-by-40-foot pole barn that would be set farther away from Route 18.

George Lacey, owner of Captain’s Cove since 2015, said the project would make it safer for customers who wouldn’t be so close to the road and would also provide more parking.

Captain’s Cove used to have the store down by the Oak Orchard River but that building was flooded and badly damaged in 2017 when the water levels were at all-time highs. Lacey took down that building and raised the parking area by the river. He relocated the store to a house that is more than a century old on the upper bank.

The former house isn’t well suited to be the store, Lacey told the Orleans County Planning Board last week.

“It makes no sense to put more money into it,” he said.

Lacey has applied for funding through the Lake Ontario Business Resiliency Program. In addition to the new pole barn for the store, Lacey wants to replace fixed docks with floating docks, elevate the utilities by relocating, and fix destroyed blacktop and ramp and add a fuel station in the parking lot for boats.

He has applied to the Town of Carlton for a use variance, site plan review and special use permit for the pole barn and to relocate the store to that new structure.

Planning Board members said Lacey needed more details in his application to show the project meets the threshold for getting a variance, that the hardship wasn’t self created and the project would be an improvement to the neighborhood. Lacey needs to show an “unnecessary hardship exists” to warrant the variance.

County Legislator Ken DeRoller said the need for a variance is clear. Lacey’s property was inundated from the high waters in 2017, through no fault of the business owner.

That flooding forced him to tear down the original store and relocate it on the upper bank, in a building not intended to be used as a store.

“There have been unusual conditions with the high water and an old building,” DeRoller said. “It would be a hardship to renovate it and bring up to specs.”

Lacey said he would update the application to state the impact from the high waters in 2017 and 2019, and would explain the benefits of the project for the community.

The Planning Board said it expects it will give its support to the project during next month’s meeting when Lacey submits an application with more information.

Lacey said he is very optimistic about the Point Breeze area. He said his lodging at his motel has seen increased demand the past two years.

His planned upgrades at Captain’s Cove would bring more people to the community, he said.

“It would improve the area,” he said. “It will improve the county and the town.”