Alabama

Sam Ferris of Judge Road in South Alabama called me this morning and said there were a pair of large butterflies hanging out in his yard and he thought it might make an interesting picture.

A butterfly with a six-inch wing span? Sounds pretty interesting and I had a little time this morning, so I drove out there.

After getting a picture, I drove out to the Interpretive Center at Genesee County Park to cover an event there. When talking with volunteers there, I mentioned the large butterfly and pulled the picture up on my camera.

A volunteer said, "That's not a butterfly. That's a moth."

It turns out it's a Cecropia Moth (Hyalophora Cecropia). I learned that the moth has no digestive system. Tonight, it will probably fly off, find a mate and then die. Typically, once they molt, they live about three days.

A car fire has been reported in front of the residence at 379 Martin Road, Akron.

Alabama Fire dispatched.

UPDATE 10:22 p.m.: Akron Fire was dispatched mutual aid, but told they can now stand down. Fire is knocked down.

UPDATE 11 p.m.: Alabama Fire back in service.

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Daniel Roger Sumeriski, 25, of State Street Road, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny, harassment, 2nd, and criminal tampering, 3rd. The charges against Sumeriski stem from an alleged domestic incident on May 18 when Sumeriski allegedly took the victim's cell phone and urinated on the interior of her car. Sumeriski was put in the Genesee County Jail where he is being held on a parole warrant.

Robert David Cummings III, 24, of Akron Road, Corfu, is charged with aggravated unlicensed operation, 3rd, unlawful possession of marijuana and no seatbelt. Cummings was stopped at 1:34 p.m. Thursday on Bloomingdale Road, Basom, for an alleged seat belt violation. Drug paraphernalia and marijuana were allegedly found in his car. He was jailed on $100 bail. The stop was made by Deputy Chris Parker, who was assisted by Deputy Lonnie Nati and Deputy Brian Thompson with K-9 Pharaoh.

Stephen Vance Recco, 20, of Hemlock Ridge Road, Medina, is charged with criminal impersonation, improper use of a mobile phone and unlicensed operation. Recco was stopped at 4:09 p.m. on Route 77, Alabama, by Deputy Chris Parker for allegedly driving while talking on a mobile phone. Recco allegedly gave a false name and date of birth during the traffic stop.

Jason Howard Freeman, 29, of Bush Gardens, Marilla, is accused of promoting prison contraband. Freeman was allegedly found in possession of a lighter and tobacco while housed as an inmate at the Genesee County Jail.

Thomas Jesse Mullen, 45, of Thorncliff Road, Spencerport, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater and speeding. Mullen was stopped at 11:57 p.m. Friday on North Byron Road, Elba, by Deputy Jason Saile.

Kate Elizabeth Brozic, 28, of Trimmer Road, Spencerport, was arrested on a bench warrant related to a DWI charge. Brozic was picked up by Spencerport Police and turned over to the Genesee County Sheriff's Office on a warrant out of Stafford Town Court. She was jailed on $500 bail.

The Swallow Hollow Nature Trail has suffered $15,000 in damage after vandals struck recently, according to WIVB.

Ten interpretive panels were removed. The vandals also overtuned a bench, toppled a port-a-john and removed other signs.

There's a $500 reward being offered by the Friends of Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge, Inc., for information leading to an arrest and conviction of the people involved.

Wallace Eugene Urf, 33, Pavilion Center Road, Pavilion, is charged with a felony count of DWI, driving with a BAC of .18 or greater and aggravated unlicensed operation, 2nd. Urf was taken into custody at 6:05 p.m. Monday on Broadway, Darien, following a complaint of a domestic incident. Urf was allegedly found driving a car on a suspended license while intoxicated by Deputy Kevin McCarthy. Corfu Police assisted in the apprehension.

David Lawrence Popielinski, 22, of Schad Road, Alden, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater and moving from lane unsafely. At 10:15 p.m. Tuesday, the Sheriff's Office received a complaint of a car off the road on Harlow Road, Darien. Deputy Kevin McCarthy investigated and arrested Popielinski.

Grant Arnold Sundown, 46, of Skye Road, Tonawanda Indian Reservation, is charged with criminal contempt, 2nd. Sundown is accused of having contact with a protected person.

A one-vehicle rollover accident with no injuries has been reported in the area of 986 Bloomingdale Road, Basom.

The driver is reportedly out of the vehicle and walking around.

Alabama Fire Department dispatched.

UPDATE 7:43 a.m.: An assistant chief on scene reports that "he didn't roll it, he just went off the side of the road." No injuries. Alabama equipment held in the hall.

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A two-car accident with injuries is reported at 665 Bloomingdale Road in Alabama.

Alabama fire and Mercy medics are responding.

UPDATE 5:34 p.m.: A second ambulance is requested.

UPDATE 5:56 p.m.: About 10 minutes ago, they called for two flatbed tow trucks.

UPDATE 6:03 p.m.: One medic is transporting to UMMC, another to Suburban Hospital in Buffalo. Alabama fire units back in service. No word on the number of victims or their injuries.

A two-car accident with injuries is reported at Allegany and Ledge roads. Alabama Fire Department and Mercy EMS are responding along with Sheriff's deputies.

UPDATE 2:38 p.m. Pembroke and Indian Falls fire departments are requested to stand by in their halls.

UPDATE 2:41 p.m.: A responder on scene reports there is one injury. Two flatbed tow trucks are requested.

UPDATE 2:58 p.m.: Pembroke and Indians Falls are back in service.

UPDATE 3:05 p.m.: Mercy medics are transporting the victim to UMMC.

UPDATE 3:17 p.m.: Alabama is back in service.

Two cars have reportedly hit head on in the area of 6758 Alleghany Road, Alabama.

Three people are apparently uninjured and a fourth person has an ankle injury.

Alabama Fire Department is on site. Mercy EMS is responding.

UPDATE: 9:40 p.m. (Billie): The scene is clear. A male with an ankle injury was taken to UMMC. All responders back in service.

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Comments will continue to be accepted until June 23 on the Western New York Science Technology and Advanced Manufacturing Park -- known as the STAMP project.

At the request of the Alabama Town Board, the Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC) has extended the deadline for residents to submit comments on the Draft Generic Environmental Impact Statement, or DGEIS.

Anyone wanting to weigh in on the Final Generic Impact Statement and what it should address or include can write to: Mark Masse, senior vice president of operations at GCEDC, 99 MedTech Drive, Suite 106, Batavia.

Last night, residents attended a public hearing at the town hall to voice their concerns, such as increased traffic, possible discharges into water during manufacturing processes and how Alabama would benefit by allowing the park to locate within its jurisdiction.

“The purpose of the meeting [last night] was to solicit comments and feedback from the public on the DGEIS which has been released for public review. The GCEDC believes that objectives of the meeting were met,” Masse said in a statement.

The site consists of about 1,300 acres along Route 77.

“The purpose of the project is to develop a high technology manufacturing center with a focus on renewable energy and to provide economic development opportunities within the region,” according to the draft plan.

While the first phase of construction could begin within the next few years, the park may not be fully developed for another 10 to 25 years.

The document says, “The DGEIS analyzes several alternatives for the STAMP site. The Preferred Alternative includes 6.1-million square feet of development, including, among other things, technology manufacturing facilities; flex space and support facilities, office space, retail support uses, a new multi-use Town Hall building site, and a network of open space and trails that meander throughout the property.”

In regard to bringing water to the proposed park, the DGEIS explains that a “phased approach” would be necessary.

“Water resources and large diameter water mains are very limited in the vicinity of the project area. This results in a challenging and complex situation to providing an adequate water supply to the STAMP site.”

Many sources were considered and studied because such a high-volume of water demand calls for more than one supplier, according to the document. A summary of the alternatives considered can be found here.

The DGEIS also includes -- in the Economic Impact Analysis -- projected decreases in property tax rates as follows:

The Town of Alabama could realize a decrease in the tax rate per $1,000 in value from $1.11 to 11 cents.

Genesee County could realize a decrease in the tax rate per $1,000 in value from $9.82 to $7.97.

Oakfield-Alabama School District could realize a decrease in the tax rate per $1,000 in value from $23.73 to $16.94.

GCEDC officials made clear in a statement that all comments received would be compiled into the Final Generic Impact Statement which, when finished, will be made available to the public at the Alabama Town Hall, GCEDC offices and online.

A tree is reportedly on fire in the area of 218 Skye Road on the Tonawanda Indian Reservation.

Alabama Fire dispatched.

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The smell of smoke is reported coming from a house at 1239 Judge Road in Alabama. There is there a power outage there and the residents have been using a generator, so the smell could be electrical in nature.

Alabama Fire Department is on scene.

The location is between Alleghany Road and Kenyon Avenue. Firefighters are going to use a thermal imaging camera to check for any hot spots, but there is no apparent fire.

UPDATE 2:30 p.m.: There was nothing abnormal found. All fire units back in service.

As a softball team alumna of Oakfield-Alabama High School, I can say with certainty that I'm quite excited to get a chance to play on the same fields I ran around on "back in the day."

But, I'm not the only one who's ready to relive my time as a high school athlete. Registration forms for the tournament are starting to come in, according to James Patric, currently a physical education teacher and baseball coach at O-A.

"More and more people are calling about the game and details so I hope we have a good turnout," he said.

Patric hopes more enthusiastic alumni turn in their registration forms so the tournament can be a "real hit" in its first year.The deadline to turn in the forms and money has been extended to Wednesday, May 4, just in case some more people decide to join in the fun.

In an attempt to gauge interest in an activity like this, a Facebook event page was put together asking Oakfield graduates to pass the link around. About 50 positive responses poured in so planning began and a date was set for the first Oakfield-Alabama Alumni Softball/Baseball Tournament.

It will take place at the softball/baseball fields at the school from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on May 14. Registration costs $40 and will include a chicken barbeque dinner, a T-shirt to commemorate the day, Gatorade during the game and a chance to "hit the one you missed" or just to enjoy the sport with some old comrades.

"It should be a really fun day for everyone involved," Patric said.

Since it's likely the reunited teammates might want to mingle after the games, an adult reception is scheduled at the Caryville Inn on Main Street in the Village of Oakfield.

For more information or for last minute registration, contact James Patric at 716-560-3438 or e-mail him at jpatric@oahornet.org.

A tractor-trailer rollover accident is reported at the junction of Alleghany and Ham roads. Alabama Fire Department is en route. Sheriff's deputies are heading there for traffic control.

UPDATE 11:25 a.m.: The tractor-trailer is a "box unit" that is empty but contained about 150 gallons of fuel, which is leaking. Mercy medics were called but cancelled.

UPDATE 11:48 a.m.: Route 77 is being shut down from Ham to Ledge roads.

At 10:54 p.m., a house fire was reported at 465 Bloomingdale Road, Basom, on the Tonawanda Indian Reservation.

The house was unoccupied.

A passerby saw flames coming from inside the house and notified neighboring homeowners who called 9-1-1.

No word on the damage to the house, but responders last night reported the house was fully involved and no interior firefighters were used to battle the blaze.

Alabama and Indian Falls fire departments were initially dispatched, with mutual aid from Akron, Batavia, Newstead and Pembroke. Also responding were Genesee County Emergency Services, the Sheriff's Office and Mercy EMS.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

(initial report)

A house fire has been reported 465 Bloomingdale Road, Basom.

Alabama and Indian Falls fire departments dispatched. Akron is asked to fill in at Indian Falls' hall.

The fire was called in by the resident and a neighbor.

UPDATE 11:02 p.m.: Bloomingdale Road is partially flooded. Units told to respond with caution. A chief on scene reports a full involved structure fire. A second alarm requested.

UPDATE 11:19 p.m.: City's FAST team was dispatched, but now put back in service. Alabama chief reports that there will be no interior firefighters used on this fire.

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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.