batavia

Just 10 years ago, Batavia was a city barely hanging on. Nobody could imagine, said City Manager Jason Molino, that things would have turned around enough by 2016 that Batavia could be a serious contender for a $10 million prize in a competition for downtown revitalization projects.

Genesee County Economic Development Center CEO Steve Hyde said Batavia is certainly a top contender in the Finger Lakes Region because of the progress made, the joint initiatives underway, the recent wins in job creation in Genesee County. 

Gov. Andrew Cuomo loves competitions for economic development, Hyde said, and Finger Lakes came out on top a few years ago in a competition of the state's 10 economic development regions, winning a $500 million prize. Of that $500 million, 34 percent is earmarked for use in Genesee County, primarily at the high-tech Science, Technology and Advanced Manufacturing Park (STAMP) in Alabama. With Dairy Farmers of America taking over the $200 million Quaker Muller food processing plant in the ag park, and 1366 Technologies heading into STAMP, Batavia his hitting all the high points the governor's office looks for in these competitions.

"(At build out), we're talking about 30,000 to 50,000 direct and indirect jobs in the region," Hyde said. "In the Finger Lakes Region, what other community is poised to benefit off that job growth more than Batavia? It will be difficult for any other community."

Stiff competition may come from Rochester, which is battling one of the highest poverty rates in the nation, and fighting poverty is a key goal of the governor's office, but Rochester also got $100 million from that $500 million prize for its anti-poverty efforts. The $10 million could have a bigger impact in Batavia, which could be a factor in the prize consideration.

"The $10 million is a potential drop in the bucket in terms of explosive transformation for Rochester," Hyde said. "The state likes to look at the leverage model and when it looks at $10 million in Batavia and what it could do in Rochester when they have $100 million already committed, they will look at the marginal benefit. That's just my personal view."

Every city and several villages and towns in the Finger Lakes Region are competing for the same $10 million prize, and we should know by the end of June which community wins the award, which would be spent on projects over a five-year period.

Yesterday's panel discussion at the Generation Center on Center Street, with Molino, Hyde, Economic Development Coordinator Julie Pacatte and County Manager Jay Gsell, was a chance to share with the community how Batavia will respond to the application request and gather feedback on how the questions will be answered.

"You would think for a $10-million prize, they would have a 40-page stack of paperwork, but it's just a two-page application," said Councilman Adam Tabelski (inset photo), who moderated the discussion.

The application needs to address issues about downtown boundaries, mixed use, walkability, public gathering places and economic opportunity.

The city already has traction in some key initiatives, Molino said, most notably its brownfield program, known as the Batavia Opportunity Area, or BOA. An experienced brownfield developer has already committed to redeveloping the former Dellapenna building on Ellicott Street, and there is interest from developers in the city's other four target BOA areas.

"Over the past 18 months, we've seen the most interest yet in investment in Batavia," Molino said.

Just an announcement that the city won the prize, if it won, would generate even more interest, Molino said.

Pacatte said Batavia is getting developer attention because of its mixed-use potential. Downtown scores well on walkability ratings; it has parks and open space, both retail and business space and the city's initiative to bring quality housing to downtown has been tremendously successful. The BDC helped developers open up nine refurbished apartments downtown, and all were leased immediately. The apartments at the former WBTA building at Swan and East Main are also all rented, even though two of them have not yet been completed.

"We think that's a great testament to what can happen in our market," Pacatte said. 

Pacatte also revealed that in addition to a microbrewery and restaurant incubator being planned by Matt Gray and Jon Mager for the former Newberry building on Main Street, they are also planning a $1.5 million investment to convert the second and third floors of the building into apartments.

Gsell said the city's investment in infrastructure, notably the current work on Washington Avenue, is a further sign the city is moving in the right direction and creating an environment developers will find attractive. 

Other projects in Batavia's favor, Molino said, are the flood insurance rating program, which has helped reduce the cost of flood insurance for affected properties by 15 percent, and Batavia's first-in-the-state zombie property law. Batavia is showing tangible success in dealing with zombie properties, which is still unique in the state.

All of these efforts will give Batavia a good start on dealing with its own poverty rates, Hyde said, and putting people to work and reducing poverty is the main reason all of these economic develop efforts exist in the first place. 

"If we say we're a democracy and we're a free enterprise society, then we address the poverty issue," Hyde said. "The only way we get a society to function well is if we create opportunities for everybody."

The video below is part of Batavia's application for the prize.

Children ages 5 to 12 years old are invited to join the Batavia High School cheerleaders at their premiere cheer camp Friday and Saturday, July 29-30, at Vandetta Stadium. The stadium is located at 120 Richmond Ave. in Batavia.

Both days are mandatory. Cost is $40 and will include a camp T-shirt and pizza on Saturday.

Camp on Friday is from 1 to 5 p.m. On Satruday, it's from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., with a performance for parents at noon.

There will be a cheer merchandise booth for the participants to purchase extra apparel and bows.

Registration is due by July 8.

Questions? Call Melissa Swinehart at 202-6504 or Sherri Wahr at 356-0639.

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Mail registration fee, payable to Batavia Cheer Boosters, along with a piece of paper with the cheerleader's name, age, name of parent or guardian, phone number, and shirt size to:

Batavia High School

Attn: Cheer Booster

260 State St.

Batavia, NY 14020

Press release:

Goodwill of Western New York announced that it will hold a “Donate and Shop” event including a live remote with WBTA radio from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, June 11^th. The event will be held at Goodwill’s Batavia retail store and donation center located in the Valu Plaza at 4152 W. Main St..

The event will feature a sidewalk sale and most items in the store will be 50-percent off. The community is asked to bring donations of clothing, household goods, books, toys and furniture to help “stuff the truck” that day. Shoppers and donors will have the opportunity to spin the wheel for prizes.

“We have so many great finds in our stores as well as specials every day. We wanted to hold an event to reintroduce our Batavia store, and partnering with WBTA is a great way to do that,” said Linda Maraszek, Marketing and Community Relations Manager at Goodwill. “When you shop and/or donate at Goodwill, you get a great deal, and you help fund job training programs for individuals with barriers to employment.”

About Goodwill Industries of WNY

Since 1920 Goodwill Industries of WNY, Inc., has provided individualized job training and employment programs and services to persons with disabilities and other barriers to employment. Goodwill works to enhance the dignity and quality of life of individuals and families by strengthening communities, eliminating barriers to opportunity, and helping people in need reach their full potential through learning and the power of work. Visit www.goodwillwny.org for more information.

Press release:

Would you like to live with the next Ryan Howard or Chase Utley? 

The Batavia Muckdogs are again seeking local families to assist in housing players during the 2016 baseball season.

Anyone can help provide lodging for this year's Muckdogs by either providing space or renting a room, apartment, or home. While many host families come back year after year, the team is always looking to add to their list of availability for the players.   

Host families play a crucial role in helping young players feel comfortable in a new environment. Many who have hosted players in the past have had incredibly wonderful experiences. However, with players coming and going throughout the season, we have constant needs as far as housing goes.

The 2016 season runs from June 17 until Sept. 5 and players typically range from 18-23 years of age. Because of the players schedule, they typically spend about 40 nights in their host family home. 

Anyone in need of more information on becoming a host family is invited to contact the Muckdogs’ office at (585) 343-5454 or tsick@muckdogs.com. You can also call our housing coordinator Shirley Fanara directly at (585) 356-3411.

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The Batavia Muckdogs are the short-season, Class A affiliate of the Miami Marlins and are the last remaining founding member of the New York-Penn League, dating back to 1939. The Batavia Muckdogs are operated by the neighboring Rochester Red Wings.

Location: Dwyer Stadium, 299 Bank St., Batavia, NY 14020

Phone: 585-343-5454; Fax: 585-343-5620

Website: www.muckdogs.com

Ana M. Uribe, 22, of Tracy Avenue, Batavia, is charged with second-degree harassment. At 2:57 p.m. on June 2, Uribe was arrested after she allegedly punched a former coworker after being fired from her place of employment the day before. She is to appear in Batavia City Court on June 14. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Cowen Mitchell, assisted by Officer Christopher Lindsay.

Christina A. Cotter, 23, of Ellicott Street, Batavia, is charged with first-degree criminal contempt, second-degree criminal contempt, endangering the welfare of a child, and second-degree harassment. She was arrested on the charges June 2. They stem from a domestic incident at noon on May 28 wherein Cotter is alleged to have been involved in a physical altercation with another person who had an order of protection against her. She was jailed without bail and was due back in City Court on June 3. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Christopher Lindsay and Officer Marc Lawrence.

Gary D. Burney, 35, of Spruce Street, Batavia, is charged with first-degree criminal contempt, endangering the welfare of a child, two counts of fourth-degree criminal mischief, and second-degree harassment. He was arrested at 11:30 a.m. on June 4 following a domestic incident wherein he allegedly shoved a person and damaged the person's property all while in the presence of a child. He was jailed on $5,000 bail and is be appear today in City Court. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Christopher Lindsay, assisted by Sgt. Christopher Camp.

Jennifer N. Wenner, 29, of Hutchins Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of stolen property in the third degree. Steffon G. Philip, 30, of Madison Street, Rochester, is also charged with criminal possession of stolen property in the third degree. At 10:41 p.m. on May 30, Batavia police observed a stolen vehicle in the area of East Main and Swan streets. Officers arrested Wenner, who was allegedly found operating the stolen vehicle. She was jailed on $5,000 bail. They also arrested Philip, who was allegedly found with the stolen vehicle. Both were due in City Court on May 31. The cases were handled by Batavia Police Officer Mitchell Cowen, assisted by Officer Christopher Lindsay.

Luis D. Chavez, 23, of Lewiston Road, Oakfield, is charged with operating a motor vehicle on a pubic highway while using a mobile phone, driving while intoxicated, and driving with a BAC of .08 percent or higher. The charges stem from an accident at 9:57 p.m. on May 25 on State Street in Batavia. It is alleged that Chavez was on his mobile phone, not paying attention to the roadway, and struck a parked car on the east side of State Street, just north of North Street. During the investigation, Cahvez was also allegedly found to have been intoxicated by alcohol. He was released on appearance tickets and is due to appear on those charges in City Court June 8. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Chad Richards, assisted by Sgt. Christopher Camp.

Robert J. Donovan II, 38, of Oak Street, Le Roy, is charged with inadequate rear lamp and second-degree aggravated unlicensed operator. At 9:23 p.m. on May 22, Batavia police conducted a traffic stop on a motorcycle in the area of Oak Street and Richmond Avenue in the city and found Donovan to be operating the motorcycle with a suspended license with a total of 10 suspensions. He was arrested and later posted bail. He was to appear in City Court on June 1. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Arick Perkins.

Quinton L. Spinks, 31, of Vine Street, Batavia, is charged with first-degree aggravated unlicensed operation and failure to obey a traffic control device. Spinks was arrested at 9:32 p.m. on May 28 following a traffic stop on Washington Avenue. Spinks was stopped after allegedly driving on a closed road and was found to be operating with active suspensions on his NY ID. He was jailed without bail and was due in City Court on May 31. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Cowen Mitchell.

Benjamin D. Chudoba, 23, of Swan Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance. He was arrested around 8:50 p.m. on May 27 as the result of an investigation into a traffic offense that occurred a short time earlier. Chudoba was allegedly found to be in poessession of heroin, and subsequently charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th. He was processed at Batavia PD headquarters and issued an appearance ticket. Chudoba is scheduled to be in Batavia City Court on June 7. The case has handled by Batavia Police Officer Eric Foels, assisted by Officer Mitchell Cowen.

Benjamin G. Evans IV, 27, of Maple Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. He was arrested at 12:57 a.m. on May 20 following an investigation into a larceny complaint wherein it is alleged he stole a toolbox of items. He was released on an appearance ticket and is to be in City Court on May 31. Batavia Police Officer Matthew Wojtaszczyk, assisted by Officer Matthew Lutey.

Makayla E. Stickley, 19, of Gibsonville Road, Leicester, is charged with issuing a bad check. She was arrested on an active warrant out of Batavia City Court for allegedly issuing a bad check on Nov. 23. She did not respond to a summons and a warrant was issued for her arrest. She is to appear in City Court on June 7. The case was handled by Officer Chad Richards, assisted by Officer Arick Perkins.

Winston Ashton Lockhart, 21, of Pringle Avenue, Batavia, was arrested on two active bench warrant out of City of Batavia for failing to pay fines stemming from an incident in November on West Main Street, Batavia. Lockhard was located by Batavia Police Officer James DeFreeze while on an unrelated complaint. He was arrested then released and issued two computer-generated appearance tickets for May 31 in City Court. Officer DeFreeze was assisted by Officer Marc Lawrence.

Joseph W. Freeman, 32, of Platten Road, Lyndonville, was charged with petit larceny on Feb. 12 on West Main Street, Batavia. He had an active bench warrant for failing to appear in court as directed. He was located by police at a residence in the city and put in jail on $500 bail. He was due in City Court on June 1. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Frank Klimjack, assisted by Sgt. Dan Coffey.

Tiffany Lynn George, 29, of Council House Road, Alabama, is charged with the unauthorized use of a motor vehicle in the third degree. She was arrested at 4:18 p.m. on June 5 on Council House Road following an incident in the Town of Alabama. George allegedly took and used a motor vehicle without the owner's concent. She is set to appear in Town of Alabama Court on June 30. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Michael Lute, assisted by Deputy Chris Parker.

Kimberly M. Volk, 27, of Maltby Road, Oakfield, was arrested on May 28 on a bench warrant out of Batavia City Court. It was issued after she failed to appear on a March 31 charge of criminal use of drug paraphernalia in the second degree. She was jailed on $1,000 bail and was due back in court on May 31. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Christopher Lindsay.

Frankie Jean McQueen, 25, of Snipery Road, Corfu, is charged with failure to appear. On May 27, the Genesee County Sheriff's Office turned over McQueen to Batavia PD and she was arrested on a bench warrant issued out of Batavia City Court. The warrant was issued due to failure to appear in court in November 2014. McQueen was ordered to be in court on June 7 and then turned over to NYSP on a separate warrant out of Warsaw. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Arick Perkins.

The entire Buffalo Bills football team, along with numerous former and current players and celebrities along with well-heeled business people from throughout Western New York, are at Terry Hills today for the annual Jim Kelly Celebrity Classic.

Kelly, top center, was energetic throughout the morning, joking and posing for pictures and even making a last-minute decision to ride in Pete Zeliff's helicopter for the first-ever Rex Ryan golf ball drop, which carried a 50-50 prize of about $1,500.

The 30th annual event is a fundraiser for Kelly's charity, Kelly for Kids.

Kelly, Gary Pasco (friend of Zeliff's), Ryan and Zeliff prior to the golf ball drop.

After the drop, Kelly and Ryan joked and teased each other about the helicopter ride.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell.

Prior to the start of the tournament, Bills players played miniature golf.

Chris Berman obliged two of the women with a drink cart by posing for a photo.

Michael C. Napoleone was born May 13, 1998. He succumbed to Burkitt's Lymphoma in 2006. Had he lived, he would have graduated from Notre Dame High School yesterday with the Class of 2016. In recognition for his love of Notre Dame and the charitable work of his family through the Michael Napoleone Memorial Foundation, Michael was granted an honorary degree, accepted by his mother, Laurie, and father, Mark, pictured with Principal Wade Bianco.

Notre Dame graduated 28 seniors yesterday in a ceremony held in the forum at Genesee Community College.

Valedictorian, Luca Zambito.

Salutatorian, Jack Sutherland.

Connor Logsdon walking up to receive his diploma.

Former Principal Joe Scanlan was honored for his contributions to the school.

To purchase prints, click here.

A barn fire is reported at Area 51 Motocross, 3323 Harloff Road, Batavia.

Smoke is showing.

East Pembroke fire and Batavia fire dispatched.

UPDATE 4:08 p.m. Tankers requested from Alabama, Oakfield and Pembroke.

UPDATE 4:12 p.m.: Fire is out, checking for extensions.

Genesee Cancer Assistance hosted its annual fundraiser and festival at Batavia Downs, the Festival of Hope, which included a cross-fit competition.

Volunteers who help keep the Batavia Community Garden going, located behind the Youth Bureau off of State Street, held an open house this morning.

Pictured are Dave Graney, Louis Leone, Debbie Rosenbeck and Bob Gray.

There are only nine plots left for this growing season. 

Lease prices range from $15 to $25, depending on the size of the plot. 

For more information and an application form, visit the Youth Bureau.

Jeanna Marie Hattaway, 29, of West Main Street Road, Batavia, is charged with two counts of petit larceny. On May 31, at 8:30 p.m. Hattaway was arrested after allegedly stealing various items from two separate neighbors' yards in the area. She was issued an appearance ticket for Town of Batavia Court at 1 p.m. on July 7. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Michael Lute.

Joseph Alexander Mazuera-Cortes, 27, of Blackburn Lane, Mount Hope, Ontario, Canada, is charged with driving while intoxicated, and operation of a motor vehicle with a BAC of .08 percent or 1 percent or more. At 12:55 a.m. today, the subject was allegedly driving a motor vehicle in an area that was restricted to pedestrians at the Darien Lake Campgrounds, 9993 Alleghany Road, Darien. When questioned by Darien Lake security, he allegedly attempted to flee the area, driving erratically through the campground. He allegedly drove down a restricted lane into a heavilty wooded area before stopping. He was taken into custody by security officers. He was allegedly found to be intoxicated and arrested for DWI. The case was handled by Sheriff's Sgt. John Baiocco.

Dakota David Swimline, 19, of Trumbull Parkway, Batavia, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Following an investigation of a liquor law violation complaint on Farnsworth Avenue in the Village of Oakfield, Swimline was arrested at 1:13 a.m. today after allegedly being found in possession of a small amount of marijuana hash oil in the front pocket of his pants. He was issued an appearance ticket of Town of Oakfield Court and is to appear there June 27. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Eric Meyer, assisted by Deputy Andrew Hale.

Sterna Gettel Grunwald, 31, of McNamara Road, Spring Valley, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. The defendant was stopped following the observation of vehicle and traffic violations on Route 63 in the Town of Batavia at 11:15 p.m. on May 30. An odor of marijuana was allegedly detected emanating from the vehicle and Grunwald was allegedly found in possession of marijuana. Grunwald was issued an appearance ticket for Town of Batavia Court at a later date. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Ryan DeLong, assisted by Deputy Eric Meyer.

A deputy is responding to 7673 Bank Street Road, Town of Batavia, for a report of an eagle on the front lawn.

UPDATE 10:58 a.m.: The animal control officer returned to the shelter. No word on the eagle.

John Kennedy School hosted its annual Sons and Mothers Mud Run yesterday, with new obstacles, a DJ and a visit by the city fire department.

Press release:

Independent Living of the Genesee Region (ILGR) has announced that the overwhelming success of its "Medicaid 101" introductory seminars in May, and public demand for more, has prompted the Agency to hold additional sessions, monthly, from June to October.

Once again, the general public is invited to attend any of the FREE hour-long seminars on the benefits, requirements and application procedures for health care assistance for low-income individuals from New York State Medicaid.

The classes will take place from 2 to 3 p.m., on the first Tuesday of the month at ILGR’s office, 113 Main St., Suite 5, Batavia, starting June 7th.

Those interested can receive more information, get a Resource Packet with Medicaid materials, and sign up for the seminars by calling David Dodge at (585) 815-8501, ext. 415. But please be sure to RSVP if you are interested! If no one signs up for a particular month’s seminar in advance, it will be cancelled!

The instructor, ILGR facilitated enroller David Dodge, has described the seminars: “Medicaid 101 will be a presentation designed to help the community better understand Medicaid and the benefits that come with Medicaid coverage. In addition, our Medicaid Application Assistance Program (MAAP) will be discussed, so participants can be informed about the option to have someone assist them with their application should they choose to apply.

“This would also be an opportunity for folks to schedule an appointment with me. However, we would not be providing actual Medicaid application assistance at this event, due to its public nature and our HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) government-mandated privacy obligations.”

Free Sunglasses when you rent your prom tuxedo at Charles Men's Shop - Downtown Batavia. Click here to visit our Facebook page.

A roomful of business and community leaders heard today from Vincent Esposito, director of Empire State Development’s Finger Lakes regional office, as he talked about the economic development opportunity and effort both regionally and in Batavia.

The gathering comes prior to meeting at 6 p.m. Tuesday at City Hall were officials will discuss Batavia's application for the Downtown Revitalization Initiative, which is a regional competiton with a $10 million prize. CORRECTION: It's at 5:30 p.m., Monday, at the Generation Center.

Batavia has a good shot at the prize because of all the work already put into improving Downtown, most notably the Batavia Opportunity Area, which has 10 brownfield revitalization projects already in the pipeline.

The Finger Lakes Region has already been a big winner in a statewide competition fro regional economic development areas, receiving a grant of $500 million from the state for projects in the region.

There are three main areas of focus for those funds, Esposito said:

• Eastman Park in Rochester;
• Downtown Rochester; and,
• The STAMP project in Genesee County.

About 50 percent of the $500 million are going to projects in Monroe County, Esposito said, and the rest is spread out in the other county's in the region; however, about two-thirds of that 50 percent is going to Genesee County, he said.

The primary goals of the Finger Lakes regional office is job creation, regional wealth creation, increase private investment and reduce poverty.

In the past five years, economic development activity has created 20,000 new jobs, he said.

The projects expected over the next five years, he said, will result in $6.4 billion in private investments and a conservative estimate of 8,200 new jobs.

"We want to keep that commitment low and then over deliver," he said.

The main economic engines in growth for the region he said are optics/photonics, agriculture and food processing and high-tech wafer and chip manufacturing.

The third area is where GCEDC's STAMP project comes in and why it's attracting a big chunk of the funds from the Finger Lakes Region.

"If ever there was a time to be optimistic about your future, this is it," Esposito said.