Press release:

The membership of SCOPE, Genesee County Chapter, has had the opportunity to interview both candidates running for Genesee County Court Judge, to replace retiring Honorable Charles Zambito -- Melissa Cianfrini and William Zickl.

Both individuals have impressive educational credentials and work records. Cianfrini has an extensive history mostly in civil litigation with some experience at the Genesee County’s District Attorney’s Office. Zickl's major area of expertise has been in criminal law working with the Genesee County District Attorney’s Office for several years and recently moving to the County Court as Judge Zambitos’ assistant. 

Being an independent organization, SCOPE reviews qualifications and work history only. Bearing this in mind, and after a thorough review of both individuals' history, we have made the following determination.

As a result of his work experience, and knowledge of criminal law, along with his longstanding service to the community, we would rate Zickl with an A+. Cianfrini's lack of work experience in this field would be rated at a C level. 

We wish both candidates good luck in their future endeavors.

Data Update –

• Genesee County received 20 new positive cases of COVID-19.
  • The new positive cases reside in the:
    • Central Region (Alexander, Batavia, Bethany, Elba, Oakfield) 
    • East Region (Bergen, Byron, Le Roy, Pavilion, Stafford)
• The individuals are in their 0-19s, 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s, and 70s.  
• Twenty-one of the previous positive individuals have recovered and have been removed from the isolation list.  
• Twenty-two of the current positive individuals are hospitalized.
• We are very sad to report the COVID-related death of one of our county residents. The individual was over the age of 65. We will not be reporting any further information to protect the privacy of the individual and their family. We extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of this individual at this very sad time.
• We are saddened to report the COVID-related death of a resident of the Batavia VA Medical Center. The individual was over the age of 65. We extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of this individual at this very sad time.

Orleans County received 30 new positive cases of COVID-19.  

• The positive cases reside in the:
  • West Region (Yates, Ridgeway, Shelby)
  • Central Region (Carlton, Gaines, Albion, Barre)
  • East Region (Kendall, Murray, Clarendon)
• The individuals are in their 0-19s, 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s.
• Four of the new positive individuals were on quarantine prior to testing positive.
• Ten of the previous positive individuals have recovered and have been removed from the isolation list.
• Four of the current positive individuals are hospitalized.
• Seven of the new positive individuals are residents at Orchard Rehabilitation & Nursing Center.
• One of the new positive individuals is a resident at the Villages of Orleans Health & Rehab.
• One of the new positive individuals is an inmate at the Albion Correctional Facility.

Press release:

Congressman Chris Jacobs (NY-27) joined the entire New York Republican Congressional Delegation in sending a letter to Acting Attorney General (Robert M. "Monty") Wilkinson requesting the Department of Justice immediately issue subpoenas for Governor Cuomo, the Secretary to the Governor, the New York State Commissioner of Health, and their staff on all documentation and communications related to their nursing home policies during the COVID-19 pandemic, in addition to a thorough update on the Civil Rights Division's inquiry into New York State's handling of the COVID-19 crisis in nursing homes.

"Attorney General (Letitia “Tish”) James’ report proved what we have suspected for months," Congressman Jacobs said. "The actions of Governor Cuomo, Commissioner (Howard) Zucker, and administration officials have obscured the toll of the Governor's mandate forcing COVID-positive patients back into nursing homes with other high-risk elderly individuals.

"He had a duty to ‘follow the science’ and protect the most vulnerable in our population. Instead, his order can only be categorized as a failure in leadership and a betrayal of public trust. Rather than take responsibility for his actions, and work transparently to correct such a disastrous mistake, Governor Cuomo and his administration have tried to shift blame and obstruct elected officials pursuing the truth. A full and thorough federal investigation into this cover-up must be conducted, and those responsible must be held accountable.

Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (NY-21) said "Today, my colleagues and I continue the fight towards justice for the people of New York. We will work to ensure that Acting Attorney General Wilkinson and President Biden support this pursuit for the truth about Governor Cuomo and his administration, considering the scathing evidence presented in Attorney General James' recent report. Tens of thousands of innocent people in our great state died, and unlike the Governor, we care.” 

Congressman Lee Zeldin (NY-1) said "The families and loved ones who lost parents and grandparents and so many other New Yorkers care deeply about the Governor's attempts to cover up the true consequences of his fatally flawed nursing home policy. In light of the Governor's own Attorney General's report, it's clear that what happened here is criminal. These families and New Yorkers demand further answers and accountability, and we won't rest until they get it."

Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11) said “For months, my colleagues and I have pushed for an independent investigation into Governor Cuomo’s mishandling of nursing homes that led to thousands of deaths during this pandemic. Even after there were alternative facilities to treat COVID-positive patients, the governor mandated nursing homes take COVID-positive patients even if they couldn’t care for them.

"Now, we learn that his department of health covered up the true number of lives lost and underreported it by thousands. In October, the Department of Justice announced that it was administering an inquiry into this matter, and I sincerely hope their investigation continues independently without any interference from the Biden Administration.” 

Congressman Andrew Garbarino (NY-2) said “I am grateful that the Department of Justice launched an investigation into Governor Cuomo’s reckless handling of the COVID-19 nursing home outbreak. The great people of New York’s 2nd Congressional District sent me to Washington to fight for them, and I am proud to join my colleagues in demanding justice for every Long Islander who lost a loved one due to these failed policies."

Congressman Tom Reed (NY-23) said “Thousands of New York families who lost a parent or grandparent due to New York’s disastrous nursing home policies deserve nothing less than full transparency and accountability. If the Biden administration and their Department of Justice are truly committed to following the spirit of independence and impartiality, they should join with us as we work to further uncover the depths of Governor Cuomo and New York State’s incompetence. It is the only remedy to ensuring such horrific public health mistakes never happens again.” 

Press release:

On Thursday, Feb. 11^th at 7 p.m. the Holland Land Office Museum will be hosting its next edition of its Virtual History Trivia Night at the Museum. The topic for the month of February will be Abraham Lincoln, in honor of his birthday and President’s Day.

The program will be conducted via Zoom. If you would like to join and test your knowledge of the 16^th President visit the museum’s Facebook page or website, www.hollandlandoffice.com for the login details.

On Thursday, Feb. 25^th at 9 a.m. the Holland Land Office Museum will be hosting its next edition of its Virtual Java with Joe E. morning presentations. This month we welcome back local author Greg Van Dussen as he shares excerpts from his latest works on the early Methodist Church.

His latest works that will be covered are: "Circuit Riders on the Road to Glory" and "Circuit Rider Devotions Vol. 2." Both books are also available for sale in the museum bookstore.

The program will be conducted via Zoom. Please visit the museum’s Facebook page or website, www.hollandlandoffice.com for the login details.

For more information please call the museum at (585) 343-4727 or email at:  hollandlandoffice@gmail.com

Press release:

Western New York Independent Living Inc. (WNYIL) is participating in the New York Association for Independent Living (NYAIL)’S 2021 Virtual Legislative Education Week from Feb. 8 to 12.

People with disabilities in the Western New York area will have the opportunity to speak with local, state, and federal elected officials and make their representatives aware of the issues that are important to them!

Elected officials confirmed to participate so far include: Assemblymembers Crystal D. Peoples-Stokes, Stephen Hawley, Pat Burke, Angelo J. Morinello, Karen McMahon, David DiPietro, Monica Wallace, Michael Norris, William Conrad, and Jonathan Rivera and State Senators Patrick M. Gallivan and Robert G. Ortt.

Even before the coronavirus pandemic prompted restrictions on businesses which greatly decreased employment and tax revenues, New York State had a multi-billion-dollar budget shortfall, which the leaders seemed intent on reducing somewhat by cutting back on programs, services and legal protections for the State's citizens with disabilities.

That temptation has only been increased by the pandemic’s circumstances. Legislators will soon be meeting to hammer out details of the State Budget, which is due to be finished on April 1.

Participants wishing to hear from, and talk to, their representatives can use the Zoom Meeting online platform OR call in to speak with the elected officials participating. Register by Feb. 6 for these virtual meetings by contacting Jillian Moss at (716) 836-0822, ext. 146, or by email at jmoss@wnyil.org.

The Western New York Independent Living Inc. Family of Agencies offer an expanding array of services to aid individuals with disabilities to take control of their own lives.

Submitted photo and press release:

Some life choices are difficult and some are simple. For eight students who attend the Western New York (WNY) Tech Academy, their choices are leading them in the next step toward their career goals.

On Jan. 26 and 28, these eight WNY Tech Academy 11^th-grade students selected their college pathway in which they wish to concentrate on: Accounting, Entrepreneurship, Marketing and Social Media, and Supply Chain Management.

Due to a hybrid schedule, the event was held over the course of two days with two students joining remotely.

“Each student completed a number of self-interest surveys and personality quizzes to learn more about themselves and how they like to work," said Lindsay Warner, the WNY Tech Academy Work-based learning coordinator and a Business teacher. 

"Although the pandemic has prevented us from exploring careers on site this year, this group has prepared for the essential steps in securing a job by developing resumes and cover letters. Each student applied and completed a mock interview with the help of HR professionals, program mentors, and longtime supporters Rebecca McGee of Liberty Pumps and Michelle Hoffman of Bonduelle.”

Joe Englebert, interim principal of the WNY Tech Academy, noted how these students have advanced their skills and are ready to move to the next step in their academic track.

“These eight students are ready to advance their academic career with the selection of their college pathway," Englebert said. "I am confident that each of these students will be a success as they pursue their college degree."

The WNY Tech Academy is a Pathways in Technology Early College High School (P-TECH), supporting students grades 9-14. This school serves 13 regional school districts through a curriculum that places a strong emphasis on hands-on, project-based learning to prepare students for high-skill, financially stable careers in growth industries.

Students attending the WNY Tech Academy will complete all necessary coursework for a New York State Regents Diploma as well as earn an Associate of Applied Science degree through Genesee Community College at no cost.

The Genesee Community College (GCC) Accelerated College Enrollment Program (ACE) is a partnership between GCC and Western New York high schools to provide college courses to secondary students during the school day. These programs offer accelerated high school students the opportunity to enroll in college level courses and to earn college credits from GCC while still in high school. 

“After about two years of learning about the degree programs offered through WNY Tech Academy and GCC, the students are now making the commitment to one program and what we hope will be a very successful career," said Ed Levinstein, GCC ACE programs associate dean.

"This is a huge step for anyone to take, especially for an 11^th-grader. Once they finish 12^th grade at WNY Tech Academy, these students will take the rest of their courses at GCC. With the help of the WNY Tech Academy administration, the ACE Programs staff and several dedicated faculty advisors, students will complete their degree and be ready for work.

"GCC’s role in this is to provide whatever support we can to WNY Tech Academy and each student including tutoring, advising and encouragement. We are proud to be part of this program that has already graduated several students who are now working in their chosen field or furthering their studies.”

Preston Bell is an 11^th-grader from Dansville Central School who is enrolled in this program.

“When I learned about the WNY Tech Academy from my home school, I thought this would be a good opportunity for me," Preston said. "I plan to finish my college degree and then enter the military."

The WNY Tech Academy is a program of Genesee Valley BOCES (Board of Cooperative Educational Services).

The academy students and their home schools are: 

• Preston Bell (Dansville)
• Isabelle Bradshaw (Avon)
• Jesse Churchill (Caledonia-Mumford)
• AJ Galligan (Warsaw)
• Koi Hennig (Dansville)
• Mackenzie Jacobs (Dansville)
• Erik Schwab (Le Roy) and
• Emma Will (Byron-Bergen)

Photo, from left, WNY Tech Academy 11^th-graders: Preston Bell, Mackenzie Jacobs, Isabelle Bradshaw and Erik Schwab.

Press release:

Following the completion of the DRAFT City of Batavia Police Reform Plan it was presented to City Council for their input and subsequently made available to the public for further input.

The City has created a feedback form on the City’s website to receive written comments. The Plan and form can be located here:

https://www.batavianewyork.com/police-department/webforms/city-of-batavia-police-reform-plan

Please take the time to review the Plan and submit your comments as they relate directly to the plan.

A winter storm watch has been issued for Western New York starting Friday, with Genesee County included in the area that could see as much as nine inches of lake effect snow.

The watch is in effect from Friday afternoon through late Saturday night, with the heaviest lake effect snow expected Friday night into Saturday.

Wind gusts could reach 45 mph, which could mean considerable blowing and driving snow making travel difficult.

Visibility could also be reduced.

Press release:

Building on the company’s comprehensive efforts to help slow the spread of the virus, CVS Health (NYSE: CVS) will begin to administer COVID-19 vaccines to eligible populations on Thursday, Feb. 11, at 32 CVS Pharmacy locations across New York, including Batavia.

For CVS Pharmacy locations that will begin to offer COVID-19 vaccinations on Feb. 11, appointments will become available for booking as early as Feb. 9 as stores receive shipments of vaccine.

Supply for the limited rollout in the state, which is sourced directly from the federal pharmacy partnership program, will be approximately 20,600 total doses.

Participating CVS Pharmacies are in communities throughout New York, including Batavia, Bethpage, Clinton, Cooperstown, Eastchester, Glenville, Hamburg, Hudson Falls, Kingston, Mattituck, Owego, Queensbury, Saratoga Springs, Stony Point and Westfield.

As more supply becomes available the company will expand to more locations and offer additional appointments. 

“One of our greatest strengths as a company is our presence in communities across the country, which makes us an ideal partner for administering vaccines in a safe, convenient, and familiar manner,” said Karen S. Lynch, president and chief executive officer, CVS Health. “We continue to be grateful for the commitment of our frontline colleagues whose dedication has allowed us to deliver care and peace of mind throughout the pandemic.”

Vaccines at participating CVS Pharmacy locations in New York will be available to individuals meeting state criteria, which will confirmed by the state in advance of the rollout.

Patients must register in advance at CVS.com or through the CVS Pharmacy app, and people without online access can contact CVS customer service: (800) 746-7287. Walk-in vaccinations without an appointment will not be provided.

The availability of COVID-19 vaccines in New York is part of an initial 11 state rollout and includes approximately 335 CVS Pharmacy locations across California, Connecticut, Hawaii, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Jersey, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Texas and Virginia. Vaccines will eventually be available at CVS Pharmacy locations throughout the country subject to product availability, with the capacity to administer 20 – 25 million shots per month.

In addition to making COVID-19 vaccines available in local pharmacy locations, CVS Health continues to make progress in its effort to vaccinate residents and staff at more than 1,200 long-term care facilities across New York. As made clear by regularly updated data CVS Health makes publicly available, first doses at all facilities in the state that selected CVS Health to provide COVID-19 vaccinations will be complete by mid-February with second doses well underway.

Multimedia assets, including b-roll and still photography from long-term care facility and in-store COVID-19 vaccinations, are available here. More information on steps CVS Health has taken to address the pandemic is available at the company's frequently updated COVID-19 resource center.

About CVS Health

CVS Health is a different kind of health care company. We are a diversified health services company with nearly 300,000 employees united around a common purpose of helping people on their path to better health. In an increasingly connected and digital world, we are meeting people wherever they are and changing health care to meet their needs.

Built on a foundation of unmatched community presence, our diversified model engages one in three Americans each year. From our innovative new services at HealthHUB® locations, to transformative programs that help manage chronic conditions, we are making health care more accessible, more affordable and simply better. Learn more about how we're transforming health at www.cvshealth.com.

Sheriff's deputies are responding to the railroad tracks behind Ralph & Rosie's Delicatessen at 19 N. Lake Road, Bergen, for a report of children playing on the tracks.

Of course, trains have been running there today.

UPDATE 2:13 p.m.: The deputy is clearing the scene and says CSX is in the area.

Press release:

As 2020 has drawn to a close, the City of Batavia Fire Department has evaluated the services and programs provided throughout the year in its continuous quality improvement process.

According to Fire Chief Stefano Napolitano, “the current pandemic has forced the department to implement a number of significant changes to our operational model and service delivery. Our service to the public remains our main mission.

"We are here to serve and these changes ensure that we are able to continue to provide the highest levels of service during this most unsettling time. Our ability to maintain our core mission and essential services such as fire protection and emergency medical services hinges on the ability of our staff to respond in the most efficient and sensible way possible while ensuring the health and safety of fire department staffing.”

Here's the summary for 2020:

• Total Incidents -- 2,264
• Fires -- 55 (vehicle, cooking, chimney, vegetation, forest, brush, rubbish, dumpster, outside equipment)
• Building Fires -- 7
• Overpressure Rupture, Explosion, Overheating -- 8
• Rescue & Emergency Medical Services -- 1,451
• Motor-vehicle Accidents -- 68
• Elevator Rescue -- 3
• Ice Rescue -- 1
• Swift Water Rescue -- 2
• Hazardous Conditions -- 120
• Service Calls -- 120
• Good Intent Calls -- 85
• False Alarm & False Calls -- 310
• Special incident Type -- 5
• Mutual Aid Given -- 29

Busiest Month -- January

Busiest Day -- Wednesday

Busiest Time of Day -- 7 to 8 p.m.

Slowest Month -- April

Slowest Day -- Saturday

Slowest Time of Day -- 2 to 3 a.m.

Response Time (dispatched to on-scene arrival)

8 minutes or less -- 100 percent

6 minutes or less -- 88 percent

4 minutes or less -- 53 percent

Number of times of two or more simultaneous calls -- 454

In addition to answering calls for service, the City of Batavia Fire Department conducted the following Community Risk Reduction (CRR) services and programs.

• Fire Prevention Programs -- 1,656 Points of Contact
• Fire Extinguisher Training -- 720 Points of Contact
• Smoke Detector Installations -- 27
• Carbon Monoxide Detector installations -- 7
• Smoke/Carbon Monoxide Detector Battery Installs -- 25
• Car seat Inspection/Installation -- 72
• Car Seat Replacements -- 7
• Fire hydrants Flushed & Maintained -- 128
• Fire Hydrants Flow Tested -- 12
• Inspections, Commercial -- 354
• Inspections, Multi-family -- 42

Overall, the total call volume for the year was down by approximately 5 percent as a result of the coronavirus pandemic especially during the first and second quarters of the year. However, at this time, call volume for the current year are trending higher.

Lastly, the Fire Department would like to express their thanks to the many individuals and businesses who have shown support throughout the past year.

As always, you can contact the City of Batavia Fire Headquarters for any questions that you may have at (585) 345-6375.

Pandemic protocols at schools have been devastating on students, a pediatrician told reporters during a Zoom videoconference call on Tuesday.

Dr. Lalit Jain, chief of pediatrics at United Memorial Medical Center, said some students are falling behind and that the resumption of winter sports considered "high-risk" for the spread of COVID-19, such as basketball, will be of significant benefit to participants.

"(Taking students out of sports) affects them because you are getting social isolation, and like I mentioned, it affects them academically," Jain said. "Just by going out, they will be seeing friends in a safe environment. I think just participating and more activity is going to be very beneficial for the mental health ... of our students."

Local school superintendents seem to agree that the increase in available athletics for students will benefit the children.

"The return of sports safely is a tremendous help for our student-athletes' psyche and those benefits will translate into other areas of their school and community experience," said Anibal Soler Jr., Batavia City School District superintendent.

"I wholeheartedly agree that participation in sports and extracurricular activities helps students in every way," said Matthew Calderon, superintendent of Pembroke Central schools.

Jain expressed concern about the decrease in physical activity, the lack of social contact, and the general academic performance of students participating in distance learning.

Superintendents we spoke with shared mixed views on the impact of distance learning on students.

Jain said, "What we see is that kids are having problems with the online platform, a lot of them, because the kids who were before doing fantastic, who were A students, are now having difficulty sustaining attention from home and almost have seen some become school failures, or like grades going from the 90s to almost the 60s.

"And these are the kids without academic difficulties. So we are not even talking about the kids who are challenged, who need special help, and they are even more affected."

Le Roy Central School Superintendent Merritt Holly characterized Jain's quote as "loaded." 

"I think some students have adapted well to the challenges of online learning," Holley said.

He said there are "some who struggle somewhat (would rather be in the classroom), and others who this system does not fit their learning style (struggle big-time). Really a student-by-student situation."

During the school board meeting Monday, while discussing reconfiguring the use of space in schools, Soler suggested distance learning might remain an option for some students after the pandemic subsides. In response to Jain's comment, he said some students do well while others struggle.

"The pandemic has impacted all of our students and our staff and we continue to try to find ways to support everyone either academically or socially," Soler said. "Social-emotional learning is one of our district goals and we knew that the lack of socialization would ultimately have an impact on our kids and staff.

"The numerous COVID rules that we have to implement have changed much of the experience for both our students and staff, but we continue to do as much as we can safely to bring a sense of normalcy."

In Pembroke, Calderon said, where most students participate in classrooms five days a week, the students who do participate in distance learning seem to struggle the most.

"By no means is online learning or the hybrid model anywhere close to providing students the sound basic education that the New York State Constitution entitles them to receive," Calderon said. "While teachers and support staff throughout our region are doing an amazing job within those parameters, and many students are holding their own, there is no substitute for organic in-person learning."

Calderon said about 20 percent of the district's students are participating in online learning and he's thankful the option exists for those who need it but the situation isn't ideal.

"Our in-person learners love being in school, and many of them shed tears when they're told they need to go online for 10-14 days due to mandatory quarantines," Calderon said. "In regard to those who chose the 100-percent online option, a very small percentage are actually flourishing as they could be, and too many choose not to log on consistently despite all efforts to engage them. This may prove to be most problematic for some seniors who will not graduate as a result."

Calderon didn't mince words sharing his opinion about online learning.

"There is no way anyone will ever convince me that online learning is good for kids. and it certainly isn't sustainable," he said.

At the same time, he said, the district obviously takes seriously the need to help reduce the spread of COVID-19 and the district does all it can to keep the community safe.

"However," he said, "CDC hospitalization data seems to suggest that school-aged students are least at risk to be hospitalized, and therefore, I'm not sure why schools have some of the greatest restrictions in place.

"I'm obviously not a medical professional or in charge of public health, and in my role as a state-funded public school leader, I make sure our school district adheres to all the rules. At the same time, when I look at the data with my own eyes, I certainly scratch my head and wonder."

Citing similar data, Jain said he anticipates the return of "high-risk" sports to be safe for participants.

"Just following the guidelines by physicians and the authorities, I think of that will be really important," Jain said. "I don't think we're going to see that much increase in the (positivity) rate. The schools have been very safe so I think we'll do fine."

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The Batavia Town Planning Board was introduced to another community solar project on Tuesday night – a plan to install a 1.65-megawatt system on vacant land owned by the Genesee Gateway Local Development Corp. on R. Stephen Hawley Drive (College Road) – and, right away, was peppered with comments about the need to shield the array from a nearby home.

Planners held a public hearing in connection with a special use permit request by Batavia Solar LLC to put the ground-mounted solar farm at 99 Med Tech Drive, near the Genesee County Economic Development Center office.

James Taravella, senior civil engineer with LaBella Associates, Orchard Park, told the board that 5.63 acres of the 7.95-acre parcel, located in a Planned Unit Development district, will be fenced in for this solar array. He said the project calls for the installation of approximately 4,500 modules using a fixed access racking system.

Other features of the project include an access road with a 13- by 20-foot equipment pad and a 6 foot high chain-link fence around the entire layout. Taravella said all setbacks are in line with requirements of the PUD District – 50-foot front setback, 30-foot side setback and 40-foot rear setback.

As soon as he finished, Tim Morrow, a resident of Ellicott Street Road, asked if the owners of a home near the proposed solar array have been contacted about the project, stating that he is “looking out for the town and the community because I have the situation out by my house.”

Morrow has spoken out at previous public hearings and meetings against the Trousdale Solar I and Trousdale Solar II projects proposed for land owned by Donald Partridge at 5117 Ellicott Street Road.

Taravella: 'We're Communicating with the Neighbors'

Taravella said that representatives of Batavia Solar LLC are communicating with Robert and Michelle Wood of 8244 Batavia-Stafford Townline Road, whose home is in close proximity to the proposed solar array.

Morrow then asked if the developers planned to shield the solar farm with a berm or trees.

“At this early stage we have not put any screening but it is typical for a screening plan to be implemented as the project progresses,” Taravella said, adding that he plans to work with the Woods to “develop something that they will be happy with.”

Town Building Inspector Dan Lang informed those on the Zoom call that the Town of Batavia has specifications for its solar projects, including a decommissioning bond and a call for trees, berms and surface vegetation to ensure a view “that is as natural as possible in accordance with our code.”

At that point, Michelle Wood spoke up, acknowledging that she and her husband are the landowners.

“We really would like a berm put along the back of it – it protects us and our house,” she said. “We’re OK and in favor of a solar farm there. We would prefer a solar farm versus a cement industrial building there, so we don’t have a real problem with it. We would just like for them to come to us with what their ideas are and what they’re planning to do.”

Planners Want Extensive Screening

Later on, during the regular meeting, planners asked Taravella to develop a screening plan that shields the Wood house “not only from looking out their back window but also from their side window, over to the driveway” and asked him to create visual simulations showing as such.

Furthermore, board members requested screening around the entire project, including the view from College Road. Taravella said that is an early consideration as developers have to make sure that some of the fixed-angle panels are not shaded by trees or berms.

Going forward, Town Engineer Steve Mountain advised that developers should submit a long-form State Environmental Quality Review to provide as much information to the planning board, which then voted in favor of seeking lead agency status for the project.

Planning Board Chair Kathy Jasinski said the board will invite Taravella back after getting the SEQR form, which takes about 30 days, and talk about the special use permit.

In other action, the planning board:

• Following a public hearing, approved a special use permit for Janice Smith, 9149 Creek Road in the Town of Batavia, to convert an existing barn in an agricultural-residential district as a venue for weddings and other events.

“I have a large barn; I have property,” Smith said. “We went through this last year with my son where he got married, and he didn’t have a place to have it, so I would like to offer that (option) to other people. We don’t really have anything like that around here so …”

Discussion centered around the number of parking spots available on the property and whether the surface would be paved or left as grass.

Smith said there would be 157 parking spots on a grass surface, adding that the ground was “completely flat” and that she didn’t anticipate any problems being that the barn would be used during the warm weather months.

Town Building Inspector Dan Lang said that he has made several visits to the site and found “no difficulties” as the ground was solid, and there also were areas of stone and gravel.

Smith also responded to a question about possible noise issues related to music being played at the venue but said there are no neighbors for miles to the east or west and the closest neighbor otherwise were her parents.

Previously, the referral was recommended for approval by the Genesee County Planning Board with modifications that the applicant provide a revised site plan with the location and number of parking spots serving the party venue; and applies for 9-1-1 Address Verification to the Genesee County Sheriff's Office to ensure that the address of the proposed event venue meets Enhanced 9-1-1 standards*.

*Enhanced 911, E-911 or E911 is a system used in North America to automatically provide the caller's location to 9-1-1 dispatchers. 911 is the universal emergency telephone number in the region.

• Approved a site plan and SEQR and declared itself as lead agency for the construction of a LandPro (John Deere sales and service company) sales, storage and maintenance facility at 4554 W. Saile Drive, near the Volvo Rents equipment building.

The venture initially came before the board in December and was also reviewed by county planners.

“I think you might be pretty familiar with the project by now. Obviously, we’re looking to go ahead and build on approximately 14 and a half acres on West Saile Drive,” said Project Designer Andrew Schmieder.

Schmieder said the project consists of a 28,000-square-foot maintenance building with about 15 bays for work on agricultural equipment and another five or six bays for work on turf equipment. He said that the main sales and parts storage facility is around 22,000 square feet and it will include office space to accommodate the transfer of administrative employees to the site.

Additionally, there will be about 7,000 square feet allocated to parts storage and LandPro officials are proposing to erect a 200- by 75-foot pole barn for cold storage, Schmieder said.

“This site lends itself very well to what’s being proposed – we’ve got a lot of room out there,” he said. “There’s an area out front to display some of their turf and ag equipment.”

Responding to concerns over increased traffic, Schmieder said he didn’t expect a significant change. He said during peak hours, they expect 10 to 15 vehicle customers per hour, and three to four cargo deliveries per day to the facility that will house about 65 employees.

Schmieder reported that there will be a minimum of 70 parking spots for employees and another 40 for retail customers, including six handicapped parking spaces.

Final approval is contingent upon final town engineering review and approval. Work is anticipated to be completed in the spring or summer of 2022.

Rendering at top (taken from Zoom meeting) shows the proposed solar project on Med Tech Drive off R. Stephen Hawley Drive (College Road), The Wood residence is at the right.

Michael S. Tomaszewski, the funeral home director accused of stealing money from customers, is apparently set to accept a plea offer from the District Attorney's Office but COVID-related delays in town courts are holding up the process.

Tomaszewski made a virtual appearance in Genesee County Court yesterday.

He faces one SCI (Superior Court Information, like an indictment but without a grand jury hearing, which Tomaszewski waived) with more than 200 criminal counts and there is another SCI coming but he has not been arraigned on those counts because courts in the towns of Batavia and Oakfield have been closed due to the coronavirus pandemic. 

Judge Charles Zambito indicated that he could possibly arraign Tomaszewski on those counts under specific circumstances, but said he would need to check with the court supervisor to ensure those circumstances are met in this case. Zambito said these are uncharted waters and the rules are changing a lot. 

Tomaszewski is accused of taking money people used to prepay for funerals and, instead of depositing the money in appropriate accounts, he allegedly used the money for other purposes.

The SCI indicates the majority of customers lost from more than $2,000 up to $15,500 each.

The charges include 67 counts of third-degree grand larceny, 28 counts of fourth-degree grand larceny, four counts of falsifying business records, 93 counts of failure to deposit, seven counts of petit larceny, and counts of offering a false instrument for filing in the first degree, and scheme to defraud.

Attorney Thomas Burns, representing Tomaszewski, said his client intends to accept the plea offer. Tomaszewski would admit to a Class D felony, a Class E felony, and a misdemeanor public health law offense. There is no cap on Tomaszewski's possible sentence but his time would run concurrently on all three counts. 

The case is adjourned until 1:30 p.m., March 8, and will resume virtually.

Alecia Kaus/Video News Service contributed to this story.

The City of Batavia Republican Committee tonight endorsed five incumbents -- three on the Batavia City Council and two on the Genesee County Legislature -- in their bids to retain their seats in the November 2021 election.

Committee Chair Rich Richmond reported on the selections following a meeting, adhering to all COVID-19 protocols, at Godfrey's Pond.

Endorsed for Councilperson-At-Large positions are Eugene Jankowski Jr. (the current City Council president), Robert Bialkowski and Jeremy Karas.

On the Genesee County Legislature, the committee is backing Gary Maha, who represents wards 4 & 5 in the city (District 9), and John Deleo, who represents wards 1 & 6 in the city (District 7).

Data Update –

• Genesee County received nine new positive cases of COVID-19.
  • The new positive cases reside in the:
    • Central Region (Alexander, Batavia, Bethany, Elba, Oakfield) 
    • East Region (Bergen, Byron, Le Roy, Pavilion, Stafford)
• The individuals are in their 0-19s, 30s, 50s, 60s and 80s. 
• Twenty-three of the previous positive individuals have recovered and have been removed from the isolation list.  
• Twenty of the positive individuals are hospitalized.

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Orleans County received 25 new positive cases of COVID-19.  

• The positive cases reside in the:
  • West Region (Yates, Ridgeway, Shelby)
  • Central Region (Carlton, Gaines, Albion, Barre)
  • East Region (Kendall, Murray, Clarendon)
• The individuals are in their 0-19s, 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s, 70s and 80s.
• Four of the new positive individuals were on quarantine prior to testing positive.
• Eleven of the previous positive individuals have recovered and have been removed from the isolation list.
• Four of the current positive individuals are hospitalized.
• Two of the new positive individuals are residents at the Villages of Orleans Health & Rehab.
• Two of the new positive individuals are inmates at the Orleans Correctional Facility.

Press release:

Congressman Chris Jacobs (NY-27) joined colleagues in calling on the Biden Administration to resume payments for the Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP).

“Throughout the pandemic, farmers have supported the American people with dedication, despite facing severe hardships as a result of COVID-19," Jacobs said. "The CFAP program has been one of many successful programs developed by the previous administration to ensure American farmers, producers, and processors have access to the resources they need to continue to support the American people.

"The Biden administration’s decision to halt this program is irresponsible given the ongoing pandemic, and many farmers are in urgent need of this assistance.”

The letter signed by 15 representatives specifically calls on the Biden Administration to immediately resume the processing of applications and payments for the second round of the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP) while the new USDA conducts its regulatory review.

The Coronavirus Food Assistance Program was created by the CARES Act of 2020, and the first round was implemented in May. It assists producers of agricultural commodities marketed in 2020 who face continuing market disruptions, reduced farm-level prices and increased production and marketing costs due to COVID-19.

Additional funding for CFAP was appropriated by the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021, signed into law on Dec. 27th.

“Supporting American farmers is critical to stabilizing the United States’ food supply during the pandemic," Jacobs said. "CFAP has been a key support to farmers and has received bipartisan support in Congress. I urge the Biden administration to immediately resume the processing of applications and payments for this program to provide critical relief to American farmers."

Additional Info: Agriculture.com