The Batavia Development Corp. helped create 12 new full-time jobs in Batavia in 2012, according to a report given to the city council by Economic Development Coordinator Julie Pacatte.
The BDC invested $146,555 in local businesses to leverage another $131,787 in private investment, for a total investment in business growth of $278,342.
The effort helped fill about 20,000 square feet of retail and office space downtown.
The agency also administered the city's building improvement program, based on a state grant.
The $460,000 grant program is being combined with a projected $1.4 million in investment by property owners. So far, four of six projects have been completed, including brick work on the Masonic Temple and a new facade on the PennySaver building at the corner of Liberty and East Main streets.
Among the priorities for the BDC in 2013:
- Carr's warehouse redevelopment
- Advance the Batavia Opportunity Area
- Co-host creative thinking and entreprenuerial workshops
- Recapitalize loan funds
- Help businesses navigate planning and zoning
- Advance the "Vibrant Batavia" efforts
Among the specific items discussed is an effort to use the Harvester Center to incubate food-processing businesses that might some day move up to the Genesee Valley Agri-Business Park or provide support for businesses in the park.
