batavia

Press release:

On Wednesday, Feb. 22 from 7– 9 p.m. czb will present the final community improvement plan with their findings and recommendations to the community regarding the City of Batavia housing market, neighborhood vitality, and downtown.

czb is a nationally recognized planning practice specializing in neighborhood redevelopment and community planning. The City of Batavia engaged the consulting services of czb to assist with developing a community improvement plan.

Over the summer months, czb met with various stakeholders throughout the community such as volunteers, property owners, property managers, Realtors and business owners in order to better understand the challenges and demands facing Batavia. On Oct. 5 and Dec. 6, public meetings were held at city hall to share and present the initial findings and to receive feedback from the community.

The meeting on Feb. 22 will be held in the Batavia City Council Board Room on the second floor of city hall. The czb team will make a presentation to share their final draft of the community improvement plan.

Press release:

Batavia Downs Casino Raceway added over $18 million to the Genesee County economy and generated over $24.5 million annually in revenues for the region and the state, according to a new economic impact analysis conducted by an independent firm.

This analysis also estimates that nearly 460 local, full- and part-time jobs are supported by Batavia Downs Casino. The New York Gaming Association (NYGA) released part one of the two-part report today to outline the positive economic impact gaming has had on the local economy.

A second report, which will be released next week, will show projections for future regional job growth and revenues that will be generated if enhanced gaming is authorized in New York. Governor Andrew Cuomo and the State Legislature will consider passing a constitutional amendment to authorize enhanced gaming.

“As a facility we are excited at the possibility of having enhanced gaming at Batavia Downs Casino,” said Mike Kane, president of Western Regional Off-Track Betting, which owns Batavia Downs Casino. “Not only does it mean more jobs for our area, but it means more monies can be generated for the New York State Lottery and for the 15 counties and two cities that our public benefit corporation serves.”

According to estimates from the analysis, in 2011 Batavia Downs Casino provided 457 local full- and part-time jobs, with 313 of those jobs representing direct employment by the casino. Batavia Downs supported 90 jobs for racing and breeding. Wages and salaries for employees totaled more than $5 million.

Additional findings from the report show that in 2011, Batavia Downs Casino:

• Accounted for over $18 million in economic output for the region;
• Reinvested nearly $3 million into the local economy with the purchase of goods and services (including construction) from businesses in Genesee County;
• Accounted directly and indirectly for over $3 million in revenues for Genesee County municipalities, and;
• Generated nearly $20.5 million in state revenues, of which $16 million went toward education in New York State, which is the equivalent of paying the salaries of more than 231 elementary and secondary schoolteachers throughout New York State.

Since 2005, Batavia Downs Casino provided $3.65 million in aid to municipalities and contributed $94.5 million to New York State education and has never missed a payment.

The nine racetrack casinos comprising the New York Gaming Association include:

• Batavia Downs Casino
• Empire City Casino at Yonkers Raceway
• Empire Resorts at Monticello Casino & Raceway
• Finger Lakes Casino & Racetrack
• Hamburg Casino at the Fairgrounds
• Resorts World Casino New York at Aqueduct Racetrack
• Saratoga Casino & Raceway
• Tioga Downs Casino
• Vernon Downs Casino & Hotel

The New York Gaming Association members have contributed $1.96 billion to the state in 2011. Over $830.5 million has gone to fund education in New York State which is the equivalent of paying the salaries of more than 11,900 elementary and secondary schoolteachers throughout New York State. The nine Racetrack Casinos employ nearly 5,500 New Yorkers directly and have created a total of 17,400 jobs both directly and indirectly across the state.

The economic impact analysis study was conducted by Appleseed, Inc., a New York City firm that specializes in providing economic and social research analysis.

Download: Appleseed report (PDF)

Patricia M. Anderson is indicted on two counts each of criminal sale of a controlled substance, 3rd, possession of a controlled substance, 3rd. Anderson is accused of selling cocaine March 4 at 355 W. Main St., Batavia, and again on March 16 at 312 Ellicott St., Batavia.

Shuvon J. Williams is indicted on counts of criminal contempt, 1st, criminal contempt, 2nd, and endangering the welfare of a child. Williams is accused of violating an order of protection on Sept. 22 and acting in a manner likely to be injurious to the physical, mental or moral welfare of a child.

Tremaine J. Halftown is indicted on a charge of criminal contempt, 1st. Halftown is accused of violating an order of protection on Dec. 24.

Christopher M. Lambert is indicted on a charge of burglary, 2nd. Lambert is accused of illegally entering a property in Elba on Aug. 14 with the intent of commiting a crime.

John W. Hackett is indicted on counts of felony DWI and driving with a BAC of .08 or greater and aggravated unlicensed operation. Hackett is accused of driving drunk Oct. 8 in the City of Batavia.

Photographer Ameka Cooper has decided it's time or her to focus on her family, rather than the daily responsibilities of running a studio, so Wyoming-based Carlson's Studio is closing its Jackson Street location.

Owner Kevin Carlson said Carlson's will continue to provide photography services to its Genesee County clientele at its expanded "Photo Park" in Wyoming County.

Cooper took maternity leave several months ago and during her time off decided to dedicate her time to her baby girl, Autumn, and husband, Ron.

"Ameka’s unique style, passion for the art of photography, and involvement in the community, have made her clientele loyal and eager for her work," Carlson said. "It is with admiration, deep appreciation and pride that we say farewell to Ameka Cooper after 12 years of devoting her life to the Carlson family."

Meanwhile, Carlson is expanding the company's studio -- founded by his father in 1950 -- in Wyoming County. The studio is more than just a room in a building. It is a 23-acre park-like setting.

The expansion in Wyoming will triple the number of sets available to clients, Carlson said.

"I talked with photographers from across the country and brought back some amazing background ideas for our seniors this year, combined with techniques and inventive approaches to photography," Carson said "Innovative indoor sets will come to life as you step in them. Traditional backgrounds will be transformed into edgy sets with dramatic lighting, unique flourishes and imaginative props. It will all be unveiled this Spring."

The full press release after the jump (click on the headline to read):

It is true in photography, as it is in life..…the one constant is change. Carlson's Studios is evolving with the changing times, as it celebrates over 60 years of dedicated photography service in Western New York.  "We remain devoted to providing our customers with the most creative images. We utilize the newest technological advances, and maintain the highest quality standards in the industry." say Kevin Carlson, second-generation owner of Carlson's.

Kevin returned from the National Professional Photographers Association's National Convention, Imaging USA in New Orleans, brimming with enthusiasm. We are bursting at the seams, with so many new ideas to integrate into our already burgeoning variety of offerings. The energetic staff at Carlson’s is hard at work, preparing for an exciting summer!

Change comes to our Batavia location, where we celebrate our evolution, while embracing our roots. In 2004, Ameka Cooper enthusiastically accepted the challenge of running, managing and assuming the role as the main photographer of the Jackson Street studio. Her passion, talent, and personal connection to her clients invoked a bond of trust that inspired works that become a part of a person’s history in images.  Ameka’s unique style, passion for the art of photography, and involvement in the community, have made her clientele loyal and eager for her work.

It is with admiration, deep appreciation and pride that we say farewell to Ameka Cooper after 12 years of devoting her life to the Carlson family.  These days, you can find Ameka happily focusing on her family. Autumn, her precious daughter born in August, and her husband, Ron, are the main subjects of her devotion now. She is looking forward to living and experiencing all the moments that she has captured for other families. There is no replacing Ameka and all she brought to the studio to make it a success and so we have decided to close the doors.

However, I’m excited about expanding our original location in Wyoming and bringing all that made that studio special to the Wyoming location. Be assured Carlson’s will still provide service to the Batavia area, and are hopeful that clients will make the small trip south to experience all that Carlson's Wyoming studio has to offer. Kevin and Ameka would both like to take this opportunity to thank everyone’s loyalty and patronage in Batavia over the last eight years. While we won't have a physical presence in Batavia, if you need us, we are just a phone call away."

Carlson's Wyoming Studio is where it all started back in 1950. Located just 17 miles south of Batavia on 23 acres, it offers an abundance of outdoor backdrops. The "Photo Park" as it is often called, includes a white sand beach, a pond and dock, wildflower field and a winding country road among client favorites. Constantly evolving, new and novel elements are added every year and this year will be no exception.

Our biggest news however is the expansion of our indoor sets/backgrounds, tripling the offerings we now have.

"I talked with photographers from across the country and brought back some amazing background ideas for our seniors this year combined with techniques and inventive approaches to photography. Innovative indoor sets will come to life as you step in them. Traditional backgrounds will be transformed into edgy sets with dramatic lighting, unique flourishes and imaginative props. It will all be unveiled this Spring.

"Look for the "Steam Punk" set coming soon and keep checking out Carlson's Studio facebook pages over the next few months to see all the progress. This consolidation and transition will further cement Carlson’s commitment to the art of photography. As a 'thank you' for past and future business ALL new and existing Batavia clients will be given a $50 gift certificate on their first visit to the Wyoming studio.

Adapting to change seems to be a theme over my last 30 years. Carlson's creativity, quality and service will continue to insure that the Carlson’s vision lives on for years to come.

Leaders of Western Regional Off-track Betting Corp. are lining up support to turn Batavia Downs into a full-service casino and they took their case to the Genesee County Legislature on Wednesday.

In a meeting with the Ways and Means Committee, three representatives of Batavia Downs told the committee that getting Genesee County's support for the plan is crucial to lining up support from the other 15 counties that co-own Western Regional OTB.

"You're the key," said Mike Nolan, VP of administration for Western Regional OTB and Batavia Downs. "You're the host county and the place where we live. You gain the most to benefit from what happens at Batavia Downs. We're hoping you can be the leader so we can go to the other municipalities and say we have your support."

The committee unanimously approved a resolution supporting Batavia Downs becoming one of the nine racing facilities in New York to offer table games along with slot machines.

Legislator Mary Pat Hancock said she isn't fully supportive of Gov. Andrew Cuomo's push to legalize casino gambling across the board in New York, but she could support this resolution because it limits gaming to just the existing racing and video-terminal facilities (often called "racinos").

The earliest Batavia Downs could offer table games -- such as blackjack and poker -- would be January 2014.

For that to happen, the current State Legislature and the next one seated must approve a constitutional amendment to legalize casinos, and then the amendment would be voted on in a statewide referendum.

During the process, state lawmakers would need to also pass enabling legislation that would government how the casinos are run.

If all of that could happen by November 2013, then Batavia Downs could start offering new games and begin construction expanding the existing facilities -- creating 1,000 construction jobs and leading to more than 400 new full-time jobs at the casino.

Nolan (top photo), who met with the committee along with Mike Kane, president and CEO, and OTB Board Member Richard Siebert, said there is still opposition from Senecas, but that is an issue for the governor's office to deal with. In the meantime, Batavia Downs needs to line up its own support and make its own plans in the hope that casino gambling is approved in New York.

City Fire Department is responding to Dollar General at 577 East Main St., Batavia, for the report of the smell of electrical burning inside the store.

UPDATE 7:07 p.m.: City fire clearing the scene and responding to a medical call. Power has been shut off and maintenance called in.

A car-into-pole accident is reported at 147 Bank St. in the City of Batavia. Unknown injuries. City firefighters and Mercy medics are responding. The location is between North and Washington avenues.

A third suspect accused of stealing the wallet in September of a United Memorial Medical Center employee is in custody, the Batavia Police Department announced today.

Held without bail is Keith S. Carter, 29, of 5 Stuntz St., Rochester.

Previously arrested were Brianne K. Alston, 18, and Kiara K. Asante, 21, both of 478 Tremont St., Rochester.

The trio is accused of coming to Batavia Sept. 11, entering UMMC and taking a wallet from the purse of a UMMC employee and then trying to use a credit card they found inside at local stories.

Carter was already being held in the Monroe County Jail.

The three Rochester residents are suspected of perpetrating similar heists in other hospitals.

All three are charged with forgery, 2nd, criminal possesion of stolen property, 4th and 5th, and attempted petit larceny.

Previously:

• Woman accused of stealing employee's purse at UMMC in September
• Three people accused of stealing wallet, using credit card

Michael A. Nicometo, 27, of 37 Lake St., Le Roy, is charged with four counts of criminally possessing a hypodermic instrument and one count of criminally using drug paraphernalia, 2nd. Nicometo was allegedly found in possession of the instruments after police and EMS responded to his residence for a report of an unresponsive male.

Cheri Monea Patterson, 19, of Cottage Street, Lockport, is charged with petit larceny. Patterson is accused of stealing $45.46 in merchandise from Kmart.

Ryan N. Bartholomew, 18, of Adams Street, Batavia, is charged with two counts of petit larceny. Bartholomew is accused of shoplifting from Kmart.

Rebecca Jean Viedeffer, 43, of Franklin Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny and criminally possession of stolen property. Viedeffer is accused of stealing two official 2012 NYS trailer inspection stickers and possessing them in the Town of Pavilion.

Apparently, the citizens of Batavia don't object to a 2.4-percent increase in property taxes.

Monday night, the city council conducted a public hearing on the proposed 2012/13 budget and only one person showed up to make a statement.

That person was John Roach, who suggested that the $2,500 set aside for GO-ART! be redirected to the Veterans Memorial Fund.

Roach also thought the city was dipping too much into its reserve funds in this budget.

Otherwise, crickets.

The council will vote on the budget Feb. 17.

A water-rate increase got even less public attention. The public hearing for that budget proposal had no speakers.

The plan calls for the average customer to pay $13.50 more annual for city water.

Barry R. Robinson, 29, of 16 Park Ave., Brockport, is charged with promoting prison contraband, 1st, unlawful possession of marijuana, DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, aggravated unlicensed operation, failure to stop at a stop sign, failure to keep right, unsafe tires and unlawful possession of marijuana. Robinson was arrested at 1:54 a.m. Sunday on Clinton Street by Officers Darryl Streeter and Marc Lawrence following an accident in which Robinson apparently lost control of his vehicle and drove off the roadway. Robinson's driver's license allegedly had 19 prior suspensions. He was jailed on $2,000 bail. At 8:29 p.m., Sunday, while in the Genesee County Jail, Robinson was allegedly found in possession of six bags of marijuana in his sock and underwear. Investigators said the marijuana appeared to be packaged for sale. Robinson is scheduled to reappear in Batavia City Court at 1:30 p.m., Tuesday.

Paul Hipolito Colon, 29, of Marne Street, Rochester, is charged with possession of untaxed cigarettes and failure to stop at stop sign. Colon was stopped at 9:31 a.m. Friday on Akron Road, Pembroke, by Sgt. Brian Frieday for an alleged traffic violation. Colon was allegedly found in possession of 400 untaxed cigarettes.

Delmus M. Holton, 35, of Clinton Street, Rochester; Preston L. Lawrence, 38, of Afton Street Rochester; and, Ray M. Little, 49, of Langham Street, Rochester, are charged with trespass. At 10:56 a.m. Friday, a resident in Bergen reported seeing a suspicious vehicle in the area of 7427 Clinton St. Road, Bergen. The vehicle was located, parked off the road, across the street from Demo's Truck Parts. The three men allegedly entered the Demo's property without permission. (Initial report)

Jason M. Norton, 39, and Michelle T. Norton, 51, of 7198 Pekin Road, Oakfield, are charged with trespass (both), disorderly conduct (Jason only) and resisting arrest (Jason only). The husband and wife duo were arrested following an alleged incident at a West Main Street business.

A 17-year-old resident of Le Roy is charged with petit larceny, criminal possesion of stolen property, 5th, and burglary, 3rd. The youth was arrested Saturday morning after Le Roy PD received a report of a person going through several vehicles in the parking lot at 18 Genesee St., Le Roy. The youth was apprehended following a brief foot chase. Property was found at the scene and Le Roy PD is asking anybody who may have missing property to contact the police department. Le Roy PD did not release the name of the suspect.

Timothy James Ziminski, 19, of Walden Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of stolen property, 5th, and displaying forged inspection certificate. Ziminski was allegedly found to have a forged and stolen inspection sticker on his vehicle.

A car has crashed into a tree at 5018 Clinton St. Road near Terry Hills Drive. Because the Town of Batavia's fire crews are working a structure fire, a unit from Bethany is called to the scene, along with Mercy medics. A person is complaining of back pain.

UPDATE 11:42 a.m.: One person was transported to UMMC Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester.

(Pictured are the Smiths, from left, Michelle, Alex, Tom and Matt.)

Tom Smith has a simple goal: To be known as -- "The Sub King of Batavia."

Smith, with help of his brother, Matt, and wife, Michelle, opened New York Subs and Deli at 234 Ellicott St., Batavia, on Friday.

It's a shop that Smith has been planning for 20 years.

He said he always felt he couldn't get a good sub outside of Rochester, and he thought, "I can do that, too."

"There's an art form to a good sandwich and I've mastered the art form," Smith said.

There's at least one convert in Batavia -- a local resident stopped into the shop this afternoon to report back that he and his wife were duly impressed with the subs they had just eaten for lunch.

"I'll definitely be back," the customer said.

Smith said he spent a lot of time traveling to Rochester, buying subs, bringing them home and deconstructing them -- measuring out every ingredient.

Besides getting the amount of ingredients right, the other secret to a great sub is fresh bread, meat, cheese and vegetables.

"I figured out what they were doing and how to make some improvements," Smith said.

Liz, 13, was downtown with her mother this afternoon in her fine winter hat she bought at JCPenney.

It was a bit like winter in Batavia today, with a couple of inches of snow falling so far.

More snow is on the way, with less than an inch expected overnight, but then tomorrow, three to five inches is expected, some of it in "squalls," with winds up to 20 or 30 mph.

Today's weather seems to have contributed to more than a half dozen, or more, property damage and minor injury accidents around the county.

Maddie, 8, on the left, with Maranda, 9, and Tess, 9, decorate cookies this afternoon at the Holland Land Office Museum.

The Valentine's-themed event was put together by Tonisha Price, owner of Sweet Ecstasy Baker in Stafford.

Children were invited to HLOM throughout the afternoon to decorate heart-shaped cookies.

Below, Tess with her cookie.

Funeral services for Alyce M. Huntoon, the 24-year-old Batavia woman who died under undetermined circumstances Wednesday night, will be at 10 a.m., Monday, Grace Baptist Church.

Huntoon, originally from Elba, leaves behind two small children, Ava and Maddox. She was a 2005 graduate of Batavia High School.

From her obituary:

She was a secretary at Zirbel Automotive and had just begun working part time at Tully's. A shy, family oriented person, Alyce had a great love for her family and her world was being a mommy to her sweet babies, Ava & Maddox. She loved holidays, baking, family dinners and family traditions.

Calling hours are today from 6 to 9 p.m., and Sunday, from 1 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 9 p.m. at Michael S. Tomaszewski Funeral & Cremation Chapel, 4120 West Main Street Road, Batavia.

Previously: Batavia woman's cause of death not yet known

A caller reported seeing people trying to break into a house and an RV at or near 23 Central Ave. in the City of Batavia. There are three suspects being sought, one of whom was seen wearing a red hoodie. They were last spotted walking eastward on Ellicott Street.