Press Release:

The City of Batavia has been notified by the New York State Department that it has been awarded a $266,508 New York State Brownfield Opportunity Areas Program Grant. Please see http://www.dos.state.ny.us/press/2011/BOA_Grants.html

The city applied to the Brownfield Opportunity Area (BOA) Program for $266,508 to develop a Nomination Study for a 250-acre area downtown that has the potential for redevelopment. 

The primary community revitalization objectives to be achieved by this project include the redevelopment of underutilized, vacant and Brownfield properties, cleanup of contaminated properties, continued revitalization of the downtown business district and neighborhood stabilization.

Anticipated community benefits resulting from this project include the creation of jobs, private and public reinvestment, increased tax revenue and increased property values. The expected time frame for completion of this project is 24 months.

GCC makes a substantial contribution to the regional economy, according to a new study that will be presented at a public meeting at 1 p.m., Wednesday, in the Conable Technology Building.

The direct impact of college spending, salaries and goods and services is more than $22 million, according to the study, and former students add another $104 million.

Since 1966, 22,000 people have earned degrees and certificates from GCC. The lifetime earnings of a GCC graduate is $415,700 more than a peer with only a high school diploma.

About 70 percent of GCC's graduates remain in the GLOW region.

GCC's overall fiscal impact on the GLOW region is about 2.5 percent of the total economy.

To assist in arranging seating and refreshments, please RSVP attendance to the "The Economic Impact of Genesee Community College" presentation to Patty Hume in the External Affairs office at (585) 345-6809 or pahume@genesee.edu.

Full press release after the jump:

BATAVIA, NY  -- The results of a recently completed study entitled, "The Economic Impact of Genesee Community College" will be presented to the public on Wednesday, April 27, by Kjell A. Christophersen, Ph.D, of Economic Modeling Specialists, Inc. (EMSI), the president of the internationally acclaimed research organization.

Sponsored by GCC in cooperation with Genesee County Chamber of Commerce, the Genesee County Economic Development Center, and Genesee Community College Foundation, the public presentation will be held in Conable Technology Building at GCC's Batavia Campus in room T-102 from 1 to- 2:15 p.m.

A synopsis of the presentation will also be given to the Genesee County Legislature Committee of the Whole at 6 p.m. the same evening within the Genesee County Legislative Chamber in Old Courthouse, Batavia.

"The Economic Impact of Genesee Community College" will feature results of EMSI's recently completed economic impact study which utilizes state-of-the-art, field-tested research techniques to report and analyze the investment that both students' and taxpayers' have in the college.

With great precision, the EMSI model records the college's economic value in terms of job and income formation, higher earnings captured by the students, the return to taxpayers for their college support, and a broad collection of social benefits and avoided costs through reduced crime, improved health habits, and lower expenditures for welfare and unemployment by GCC graduates and former students.

The economic impact study measured the flow of money through area communities resulting from college spending, faculty and staff spending, and student spending. The annual direct regional spending by the college on goods and services (other than housing) was $22.1 million, while spending by former Genesee students directly attributable to their education totaled $104.1 million annually. Together, these make a total current contribution of $126.2 million annually to the local economy, and comprise 2.5 percent of the entire GLOW region economy.

Since its founding in 1966, about 22,000 people have earned degrees and certificates from GCC, of which approximately 70 percent live in the GLOW region. Additionally, the lifetime earnings of a GCC graduate are $415,700 more than their peers with high school diplomas.

While the $126.2 million represents direct economic impact, the college also has an indirect economic impact on the community as college graduates tend to become good citizens investing in their homes, becoming involved in their communities and relying far less on taxpayer funded health and social service programs. The EMSI study shows that taxpayers save an annual $1.2 million through indirect benefits such as lower criminal justice costs, a decrease in employee-related absenteeism, and less health care spending for smoking, drug and alcohol abuse.

Christophersen has 30-plus years of experience as a senior economist developing and analyzing economic models in Africa, Asia, the Near East, Europe, the Caribbean, and the U.S. He has served as team leader on many assignments to carry out activities that include economic modeling, project appraisal, assessments, planning, design and evaluation, feasibility and recurrent cost studies, and training in economic and financial analysis.

To assist in arranging seating and refreshments, please RSVP attendance to the "The Economic Impact of Genesee Community College" presentation to Patty Hume in the External Affairs office at (585) 345-6809 or pahume@genesee.edu.

Press Release from GCEDC:

On April 14, during a board meeting of the Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC) a resolution to approve the Draft Generic Impact Statement (DGEIS) for the Western New York Science Technology and Advanced Manufacturing Park was approved. The DGEIS has been completed and accepted by the GCEDC as Lead Agency for the proposed action.

On February 10, reports to the public of the preliminary findings of the DGEIS were presented at a public information meeting at the Town of Alabama Fire Hall.

The completed DGEIS, which was approved by the GCEDC board, includes an economic impact study, environmental studies, master plan update, traffic impact study, utility plan summary, proposed Comprehensive Plan amendment and farmland protection plan. The contents of the completed DGEIS have not changed significantly from what was presented in February.

The proposed action being examined by the DGEIS is the construction and operation of approximately 6.1 million square feet of advanced technology manufacturing and ancillary facilities, along with on-site utility improvements, on 1,337.20 acres of land in the Town of Alabama.

The WNY STAMP site is located along New York State highways 77 and 63, approximately 5 miles north of the I-90 New York State Thruway. The proposed action will involve rezoning the property pursuant to the Town of Alabama Zoning Laws. 

According to the DGEIS the buildable area of the WNY STAMP project is 46 percent of the entire site. The remainder of the land would remain as open space. The intent of the master plan design is to blend the manufacturing park into the existing fabric of the community.

The Hamlet of Alabama is separated from the STAMP site by a subtle ridgeline and gracious landscape setbacks from existing uses. As part of the open space system, only 9.5 acres of wetlands would be impacted by the current design, and the site will retain its rural nature.

The park will be built to high-tech industry standards, in line with employee expectations, and will respect its surrounding context and environment. 

The WNY STAMP site has seen several interested companies who were looking for locations on the East Coast and close to Canada. The companies were excited about the site, but it was not “shovel-ready” enough for their purposes.

“Planning, preparing and developing a shovel-ready site designed for appropriate industries, and having local community approval will help to secure companies at the WNY STAMP site,” stated Steve Hyde, president and CEO of the GCEDC.

"Developing the necessary infrastructure to attract investment from outside the region is one of the most important roles that the GCEDC takes on for our county. A site zoned for a particular purpose, where a company can begin building quickly, at the speed of business, is the best way to bring jobs to our community.”

A public hearing is scheduled for May 12 at the Town of Alabama Fire Hall. The hearing will begin at 7 p.m., and residents are welcome to attend and comment on the DGEIS. Postcards will be sent to the residents of the Town of Alabama next week as a reminder of the meeting. 

Copies of the DGEIS are available at <http://www.gcedc.com>, in print at the GCEDC offices, located at 99 MedTech Drive in Batavia, and at the Town of Alabama office.

Submitted by GCC Golf Coach Tom Tucker:

The GCC Golf team placed 2nd at the 2011 Western NY Athletic Conference Championship. Matt Ferdinand was named 1st Team All Star, Corey Kocent and Mark DeCook get the nod as 2nd Team All Stars.

On Saturday, the GCC Golf team competed in the Western NY Conference Championship at a soggy Willowbrook golf course in Lockport. On an unseasonably warm and sunny day, GCC finished second to MCC once again, as they posted a 323 score to MCC’s 299.

Matt Ferdinand, a second-year player at GCC, was named a WNYAC  First Team All Star with a fine score of 78, GCC’s Corey Kocent, a former Batavia High School standout, was named a Second Team All Star with an 80, and Mark DeCook shot a season low 81, which also got him onto the Second Team All Star squad. Kyle Harman rounded out GCC’s scoring with an 84, and Adam Bishop also competed for GCC.

The tournament medalist was MCC’s Anthony Colosi with a 73.

On Friday, the GCC team travelled to Highland Park GC in Auburn, NY, for the Cayuga CC Invitational.

GCC finished a disappointing fourth in an 11-team field shooting 331, as, to a man, they just couldn't seem to figure out the greens. Tee to green GCC played strong during tough conditions, but they left a higher finish on the short grass. Kyle Harman and Matt Ferdinand each shot 81, Corey Kocent shot 83, Alex Muench and Mark DeCook each shot 86, and Adam Bishop also participated.

MCC won the event with a score of 307, Onondoga CC finished second with 318, and Mohawk Valley finished third with a 323.

GCC plays Friday at the Corning CC Invitational at the Corning Country Club in Corning, NY, and on Sunday at the Tompkins Cortland CC  Invitational at the Elm Tree Golf Club in Cortland, NY.

Photo: GCC's Corey Kocent, former Batavia High standout golfer, blasts from a buried lie under the lip of a trap on hole # 4 at the Highland Park GC in Auburn, NY, during the Cayuga CC Invitational on Friday. Kocent got the shot up and down on his way to an 83.

A young C.M. Barons -- regular contributor to The Batavian and former State Assembly candidate -- was a journalism student at GCC when the north side of Main Street, Batavia, was demolished to make way for the Genesee Country Mall.

Over the weekend, Barons found his old photos for a story he did in college.

The bottom photo is of David J. Gordon, who was the urban renewal planner in charge of the project. Barons sent it along in case anybody needed new dart board material.

All proceeds from a chicken BBQ on Saturday planned by the Batavia Area Jaycees will go to help the Colby family.

The group's board of directors decided to use the money to help the family of Jonathan Matthew Colby, 37, of Batavia, who died earlier this month in a car accident on West Main Street.

The BBQ is scheduled from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on April 30.

Cost for the dinner is $8 pre-sale or $8.50 the day of the event and includes half a chicken, cole slaw, salt potatoes, roll & butter.

Pre-sale tickets are available from 1 to 6 p.m. Wednesday at the Jaycee Office located at 31 Batavia City Centre. Or they can be bought at Genesee County Chamber of Commerce, (210 E. Main St.), T-Shirts, Etc., (438 E. Main St.) or by calling 585-343-5775; or by asking any Jaycee for more details.

Dinners can be picked up at Clor’s Meat Market at 4169 W. Main St., Batavia. If you have any questions about the chicken BBQ, contact the Jaycees at 585-343-5775.

This information comes from Genesee Community College.

Two unique new opportunities will make Genesee Community College's Batavia campus the place to be on May 6 and 7.

That weekend, there'll be a reunion for WGCC disc jockeys, as well as a community walkathon fundraiser for student scholarships -- "Trek the Trail."

RADIO REUNION

The idea for a Radio Reunion came about at GCC's Homecoming event in October earlier this academic year, said Valerie Bello, instructor of Media Arts and Communication. About 25 WGCC alumni got together and had so much fun on the air together that they wanted to come back in the spring.

"For a lot of these alumni coming back, it's all about how the station represents fun memories for them," Bello said. "When these guys come back, it's like they are kids in a candy store. They are excited to get on the air and tell stories about what they did when they were students here."

Bello said that when a few alumni got to meet up with a few of their former instructors, the conversations made for some great radio time.

The Homecoming Reunion was "a huge hit" in October according to recent Alumni Hall of Fame recipient, Matt Locker. He was an integral part of the success of WGCC when he was a student and continues to work hard to keep in touch with other Communications and Media Arts alumni and support WGCC with in-kind contributions of his time, talent and resources.

Locker prepared an exciting radio-spot to advertise the reunion this spring, saying, "Voices from years gone-by return to the air to reminisce, rekindle and play a wide variety of music – it's an on-air time machine and you're invited to tune in!"

Hear Locker's WGCC ad by going to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sOuJWWW0lWc.

All GCC graduates who may be interested in being part of the WGCC Radio Reunion from 1 to 10 p.m. on May 6-7 are asked to e-mail: wgccfm907@gmail.com <http://wgccfm907@gmail.com> with the time slots for preferred airtime that weekend.

Or, tune in to 90.7 FM to hear some college alumni tell colorful stories of "back in the day" when they enjoyed their time at GCC. For WGCCFM's Web site with a listing of the current schedule, shows and DJs go to www.wgcc-fm.com <http://wgccfm907@gmail.com>.

TREK THE TRAIL

Saturday, May 7 marks the debut of another event featuring outdoor fun and festivities for the whole family. The Alumni Trek the Trail offers an exciting opportunity for community members, alumni and/or current students to take a two-mile trek around the Batavia campus while raising funds for future students and programs.

Individuals or teams can sign up for the walkathon to support Genesee Community College Foundation's scholarship fund. Everyone is encouraged to participate -- no matter what their running, walking, hiking or trekking abilities may be. The main objective is to have fun! Come dressed up in innovative themes to celebrate the college with prizes awarded to the best outfitted walkers!

Registration for Trek the Trail begins at 9:30 a.m. in the Theatre Lobby and the walk is scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. Participants will have the opportunity to check out many hot spots on campus along the designed Cougar Paws Pathway.

Various "Trek Treats" will be given to walkers as they make their way from the Nature Trail, to the new soccer stadium, baseball fields, new lighted tennis courts, College Village and the newly renovated gym.

Trek the Trail winds up on the East side of campus where the enjoyment continues! A lunch featuring hotdogs and hamburgers, with an awards ceremony concluding the event and fundraising festival. Prizes will be given to individuals and teams with the most creative costumes and the most pledges. For the youngest trekkers, Mr. Scribbles will be on hand for additional entertainment.

Alumni Affairs Coordinator Jackie Christenson said it feels great to be able to offer community members a chance to tour the campus themselves and enjoy a festive event that also supports the college.

"I'm excited to offer the alumni, business owners and residents of the community a chance to check out all our new facilities in person, and to bring family, friends or even colleagues in on a fun and casual opportunity," she said. "People will be impressed when they tour the campus and see it with their own eyes."

Registration for Trek the Trail is $15 per person or $50 per team, with no limit on the number of team members.

Individuals who raise $100 or more in pledges will have their registration fee waived, and teams that raise $500 or more in pledges will also have their registration fee waived.

All participants will receive a T-shirt, lunch and "Trek Treats" as part of their registration fee. Details are posted on the GCC Alumni Web site at www.genesee.edu/Alumni.

Sponsorship opportunities for Trek the Trail are still available and can be arranged by contacting Jackie Christenson, Alumni Affairs coordinator, at 343-0055, ext. 6265 or <http://jkchristenson@genesee.edu>.

An ATV rider suffered a broken leg while riding at an ATV race track on Halstead Road, Alexander, on Saturday.

Michael A. Royce, 22, of 4073 Four Rod Road, East Aurora, was driving the ATV over a jump. When the ATV landed, Royce was ejected and the ATV landed on his right knee.

Royce was transported by ambulance to an area hospital (not identified in the report).

The accident was reported at 7:41 p.m. and was investigated by Deputy Kevin McCarthy.

Isaac Emmaneul Simmons, 24, of Ellsworth Avenue, Batavia, is charged with two counts of endangering the welfare of a child. Simmons is accused of leaving a 2-year-old and a 6-year-old in a car outside Walmart with the motor running while he went into the store.

Michael J. Raphael, 22, 4 Noonan Drive, Batavia, is charged with criminal mischief, 3rd. At about 1 a.m., Sunday, Batavia Police were notified that a person was in the area of Center Street attempting to fight with others. When police arrived, they were told the person had walked toward the Mancuso Bowling Center. When officers checked the area, they were advised by a witness that Raphael struck a parked car causing damage to the vehicle.

Brad Hilchey, 29, 43 Oak St., Oakfield, is charged with DWI, aggravated DWI and moving from lane unsafely. Hilchey was stopped at 1:06 a.m., Saturday, on West Main Street, Batavia, by Officer Frank Klimjack.

Ryan James Sundown, 30, Meadville Road, Basom, is charged with criminal obstruction of breathing. Sundown is accused of trying to choke a woman during an altercation at an address on Meadville Road.

Virginia Louise Miller, 46, Colony Run, Attica, is charged with assault 3rd and menacing 2nd. Miller is accused of threatening another person with a knife and of biting that person in the arm.

Robert Paul Leiser, 42, of Lockport Road, Oakfield, is charged with criminal contempt, 1st, and aggravated harassment, 2nd. Leiser was arrested following an investigation into an alleged incident at 3 a.m., April 20.

Ryan S. Richards, 21, of Medina, is charged with petit larceny. Richards is accused of shoplifting $25.05 worth of merchandise from Kmart. Richards was also cited for alleged fictitious inspection sticker, aggravated unlicensed operation, 3rd, operating without a license, switched plates and unregistered motor vehicle.

Thomas J. Torres, 48, of Albion, is charged with DWI and aggravated DWI. Torres was taken into custody in the Town of Stafford at 10:35 p.m., Saturday, by State Police.

Christopher J. Nacca, 22, of Webster, and Taylor M. Shoemaker, 18, of Williamson, are charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Nacca and Shoemaker were stopped by State Police at 4:10 p.m., Friday, on Route 5 in Pembroke.

Already saturated ground and one-to-two inches of rainfall may produce localized flooding in the region, according to the National Weather Service.

A flood watch is in effect from 5 p.m. through Tuesday morning.

A warm front is moving in from Ohio and Pennsylvania and ahead of it possibly some heavy rain and thunderstorms.

Poorly drained, low-lying areas and areas along larger creeks and rivers are susceptible to flooding.

City crews were on Main Street, Batavia, this morning, mulching the flower beds.

The top two pictures were taken from almost the same spot on Bethany Center Road, Bethany. The bottom photo was taken on Mayne Road.

Dozens and dozens of children -- from toddlers on up -- swarmed Centennial Park this morning to gather dozens and dozens of brightly colored Easter eggs.

Sponsored by Batavia Kiwanis, Batavia Police were also on hand -- including Officer Dan Coffey, whose patrol car was almost more popular than the Easter Bunny after the hunt.

More pictures after the jump:

A car has reportedly gone off the road at 6842 Randall Road, Le Roy, traveling through the yard and striking a parked car.

Unknown injuries.

Le Roy Fire and Le Roy Ambulance dispatched.

UPDATE 4:50 p.m.: Units responding can come in non-emergency. No injuries.

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A woman driving on Hutton Road early this morning lost control of her car and it overturned after striking a utility pole guide wire.

The cause of the accident was not included in the Sheriff's Office report and no citations were issued.

The woman, Hope M. Conibear, of Gibson Street, Oakfield, was conscious and alert when extricated from the vehicle and transported by ground ambulance to Strong Memorial Hospital.

Conibear was northbound on Hutton Road at 4 a.m. when her 1994 Chevy sedan crossed into the southbound lane, went off the west shoulder, striking an earthen embankment. The car continued northbound, striking the guide wire and becoming airborne. It landed on its roof on top of an old concrete bridge.

The accident was investigated by Deputy Eric Seppala.

(Initial Report)

A car has hit a tree in the area of 9546 Creek Road in Bethany. There are believed to be minor injuries. There was air bag deployment.

Bethany Fire Department and Mercy medics are responding.

The location is across from Old Creek and Putnam roads.

UPDATE 12:05 p.m.: There is debris all over the roadway. Fire police are shutting the road to traffic.

UPDATE 12:49 p.m.: The driver was transported to UMMC with minor injuries. They are cleaning up the roadway.

UPDATE 1:14 p.m.: The roadway is being reopened to traffic.

An electrical fire that is now out reported at 31 Ganson Ave., Batavia.

There is smoke in the basement.

Residents advised to evacuate the house.

City Fire Department responding.

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National Grid is dealing with two power outages effecting more than 700 customers in the northwestern part of the county.

One outage covering most of Alabama effects 578 customers and started at 3:58 a.m. Power is expected to be restored by 6 a.m.

The second outage started at 3:51 a.m. in the area of Slusser Road and stretches northwest to the Tonawanda Indian Reservation, taking in all of Ledge Road. It effects 138 customers. Power is expected to be restored by 6 a.m.

The initial call reported a female driver either partially ejected from or underneath a vehicle which rolled over in the area of 7178 Hutton Road, Oakfield.

A first responder says there's one person trapped in the car, but appears uninjured. Another person is unaccounted for.

There are power lines down in the area, but power appears to on. National Grid requested to the scene as a precaution.

Oakfield Fire Department responding.

Mercy Flight is not available due to weather.

UPDATE 5:12 a.m.: A second ambulance requested to the scene, but apparently no more Mercy EMS rigs are available, so Medina is requested to the scene.  Mutual aid response from Town of Batavia Fire requested.

UPDATE 5:20 A.M.: Medina's response cancelled.

UPDATE 5:27 a.m.: It sounds like law enforcement thinks the driver has walked away from the accident. A search is in progress.

UPDATE 5:52 a.m.: The trapped person has been extricated. No word on the location of the driver.

UPDATE 6:41 a.m.: The road is reopened.

UPDATE 4:10 p.m.: Based on the accident report, there was only one person in the car, the driver. 

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