The Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC) board of directors accepted a final resolution for GSPP Route 262, LLC’s 5-megawatt (MW) community solar project at its board meeting on Thursday. The project’s total capital investment is estimated at $13 million and will be located in the town of Byron.

Agreements negotiated for GSPP Route 262, LLC’s project PILOT would generate $4,000/MW (AC) + a 2% annual escalator of revenue to Genesee County, the Town of Byron, and Byron-Bergen Central School District. 

This project is estimated to generate a $627,303 increase in property-tax type revenues to host municipalities resulting in $5.14 in revenue for every $1 generated from the property’s current use.

GSPP Route 262, LLC requested a sales tax exemption of $1.056 million, a mortgage tax exemption of $70,993, and a property tax exemption of $778,344.

The State University of New York at Potsdam will recognize the Class of 2023 during the College's 203 Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 20. During Commencement, SUNY Potsdam honors students who have either earned their degree or are eligible to graduate during that calendar year.

Local graduates include:

• Harmony Parker of Pavilion, who is set to graduate magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Archaeological Studies
• Erin Parnapy of Byron, who is set to graduate with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre
• Paola Perez Matos of Oakfield, who is set to graduate summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and Criminal Justice Studies
• Megan Privatera of Leroy, who is set to graduate summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Music degree in Music Education

South Byron Volunteer Fire Company President Reggie Macdonald presents Melody Stone with his choice as Member of the Year during the annual fire company banquet.

The South Byron Volunteer Fire Company celebrated a year of achievements during its annual banquet Saturday night at South Byron Fire Hall.

Tim Yaeger, Genesee County fire coordinator, served as master of ceremonies and introduced guests during an evening filled with memories, recognitions and honors bestowed on members past and present.

Theresa Hammer gave the firematic membership report, in which she announced they have 48 members, 23 of which are active, and four new members. John Leaton is a life member.

South Byron lost one member, Jeremy Bateman, who died this year. His achievements included being Member of the Year in 1998 and was a past president.  Bob Fite read the Firemen’s Prayer in honor of Bateman. Fite added this year marks the 50th anniversary of South Byron’s fire hall.

In the membership report, Michelle Dougherty announced Melody Stone as a 20-year member.

In the absence of chief Brian Hickey, deputy chief Jacob Yasses presented the annual firematic report. The department responded to 79 calls, a steady increase from the previous year. These included fire calls, motor vehicle accidents, mutual aid, service calls and one natural disaster.

Jacob Yasses, Jeremie Rassel, Allison Gurgel, Vito Muoio and Matthew Dougherty were recognized as top responders.

The department completed more than 2,400 hours of training during 2022. Topping the list was Nicole Boldt, followed by Vito Muoio,  Jeremie Rassel and Allison Gurgel.

Jeremie Rassel announced Allison Gurgel as Firefighter of the Year.

“She is a huge asset to the department,” Rassel said. “She strives for excellence in everything she does for us.”

In choosing a Member of the Year, president Reggie Macdonald said it’s not about being at every call.

“Sometimes it’s what you do behind the scenes, stepping up whenever you’re needed and being there for our community, as well as the fire company,” he said.

He chose Melody Stone for the honor.

“I don’t know what to say,” Stone said. “I didn’t expect this, but I really appreciate it.”

Stone said she is following in her father’s footsteps.

Gurgel and Jacob Yasses presented a special Recognition Award to his mother Michelle Yasses.

“She has supported Allie and me at our training on Monday nights or during fire calls in the middle of the night,” Yasses said. “She helps watch the kids when Jake and Allie run calls on the rescue squad. I couldn’t run the number of calls I do without her.”

The final presentations were citations for “going above and beyond,” presented by Assemblyman Steve Hawley. They were presented to Jeremie Rassel, Vito Muoio and Brian Hickey for responding for assistance in the severe December 2022 snow storm which hit the area; Nicole Boldt and Vito Muoio, who responded to a call for a woman in labor, and delivered her healthy baby; and to Allison Gurgel and Nicole Boldt for their fast thinking in saving the life of a child who was choking.

Firematic officers for 2023 are Brian Hickey, chief; Jacob Yasses, deputy chief; Jeff Starowitz, assistant chief; Allison Gurgel, captain; Jeremie Rassel, 1st lieutenant; Vito Muoio, 2nd lieutenant and engineer, Chase Cone.

Administrative officers are Reggie Macdonald, president; Jeremie Rassel, vice president; Fred Klycek, treasurer; Katie Rassel, secretary; and Theresa Hammer, membership chair.

Members of the Auxiliary board are Michelle Dougherty, president; Andy Stone, vice president; Katie Rassel, treasurer; and Melody Stone, secretary.

The evening concluded with awarding of door prizes and benediction by the Rev. Harold Coller.

Members of the South Byron Volunteer Fire Company who were recognized for hours of training are, from left, Allison Gurgel, Jacob Yasses, Jeremie Rassel, Vito Muoio and Nicole Boldt.

Three top responders in the South Byron Volunteer Fire Company are Allison Gurgel, Vito Muoio and Matthew Dougherty.

Michelle Yasses, right, excitedly accepts a Special Recognition Award from her son Jacob Yasses and his fiancée Allison Gurgel at the South Byron Volunteer Fire Company banquet.

Photos by Virginia Kropf.

Unknown injuries.

Byron and South Byron fire departments dispatched.

UPDATE 10:22 p.m.: Law enforcement on scene reports a vehicle a couple of hundred yards off the roadway in the field.

UPDATE 10:29 p.m.: Mercy Medic 2 is put back in service.

UPDATE 10:54 p.m.: Byron and South Byron assignments are back in service.

Matthew Jacob Zon, 41, of East Main Street, Byron, is charged with criminal contempt 1st and criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th.  Zon is accused of violating a stay-away order of protection at 9:17 a.m. on March 32 at a location in Byron. He was allegedly found in possession of a controlled substance at the time of his arrest by Deputy Travis DeMuth.

Scott Earl Clark, 62, of Main Road, Stafford, is charged with DWI, failure to obey a police officer, and driving left of pavement markings. Clark was stopped at 6:37 p.m., March 10 on Ford Road in Elba by Deputy Nicholas Chamoun. Clark was held in the Genesee County Jail pending arraignment.

Anthony Jason Gostomski, 35, of Fredro Street, Buffalo, is charged with DWI, DWI with a child in the car, and endangering the welfare of a child. Gostomski was stopped at 6:57 p.m. on April 3 on Route 20 in Darien by Deputy James Stack.

Andrew William Taylor, 35, of West Main Street Road, Batavia, is charged with criminal mischief 4th. Taylor is accused of damaging a metal bed frame in the Genesee County Jail at 10:51 p.m. on April 3. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Thomas H. Hayes, 76, of Byron, is charged with DWI and driving with a BAC of .08 or greater. Hayes was stopped by State Police at 6:36 p.m. on April 4 in the Town of Byron. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Frank W. Landseadel, 63, of Attica, is charged with DWI and driving while impaired by drugs. Landseadel was stopped at 3:01 p.m. on April 3 by State Police in the Town of Alexander. He was released on an appearance ticket.

David E. Brege, 36, of Medina, is charged with criminal impersonation 2nd and identity theft 2nd. Brege was arrested by State Police in connection with an incident reported at 11:20 a.m., March 29, in the Town of Batavia. He was issued an appearance ticket. No other information released.

The Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC) board of directors accepted GSPP Route 262, LLC’s initial resolution to construct a 5 MW (AC) community solar project in the town of Byron at its board meeting on Thursday, March 30, 2023.

GSPP Route 262, LLC would generate $4,000 per MW with a 2% annual escalator of PILOT revenues for Genesee County, the Town of Byron, and Byron-Bergen Central School District. 

The project also includes a proposed 15-year host agreement for the town of Byron at $2,000 per MW with a 2% annual increase which would generate approximately $172,934 to the town over the life of the agreement.

In total, GSPP Route 262, LLC is estimated to generate a $627,303 increase in property-tax type revenues to host municipalities resulting in $5.14 in revenue for every $1 generated from the property’s current use.

GSPP Route 262, LLC has requested a sales tax exemption of $1.056 million, a mortgage tax exemption of $70,993 and a property tax exemption of $778,344.

A public hearing on the proposed project will be scheduled in the town of Byron.

The Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC) board of directors will consider an initial resolution for GSPP Route 262, LLC’s 5 MW community solar project at its board meeting on Thursday, March 30, 2023. The project’s total capital investment is estimated at $13 million and will be located in the town of Byron.

GSPP Route 262, LLC’s project is aligned with New York's goals for renewable energy, energy efficiency and greenhouse gas reductions, and will offer customers a 10% discount vs. average market rates for the generated power.

Agreements negotiated for GSPP Route 262, LLC’s project PILOT would generate $4,000/MWAC + a 2% annual escalator of revenues with Genesee County, the Town of Byron, and Byron-Bergen Central School District.  This project is estimated to generate a $627,303 increase in property-tax type revenues to host municipalities. 

If the project application is accepted, a public hearing will be scheduled on the proposed project agreement in the town of Byron.

The March 30, 2023, GCEDC board meeting will be held at 4 p.m. at the MedTech Center’s Innovation Zone, 99 MedTech Drive, Batavia. Meeting materials and links to a live stream/on-demand recording of the meeting is available at www.gcedc.com

Route 237 is being closed to traffic.

The call started with a report of a tree down leaning against wires.  Shortly after a chief arrived on scene, the transformer blew.

Since, additional wires have come down.

A crew is needed to cut down the tree, and National Grid is being notified.

UPDATE 12:42 p.m.: If there is a power outage in the area as a result of this transformer going out, the information is not yet available.  There is a power outage from this morning in the area, along Byron Road, on each side of Cockram Road, affecting about 19 customers.

Lorenzo Baker, 20, of Dellinger Avenue, Batavia, is charged with operating a motor vehicle while impaired by drugs, unlicensed operator, using cannabis in a motor vehicle and criminal contempt 2nd. Baker was stopped on Feb. 20 at a time undisclosed by police in the City of Batavia at a location undisclosed by police by Officer John Gombos. Baker is accused of driving without a license and of driving while smoking marijuana.  He was also allegedly in violation of a stay-away order of protection with the protected party in the vehicle at the time of the traffic stop. He was arraigned in Centralized Arraignment Court, and his release status is unknown.

An 18-year-old male from Washington Avenue, Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt 1st. The youth is accused of being involved in a disturbance at a location in the city not disclosed by police on Feb. 16. He was arraigned in City Court and released.

Lyndsay T. Young, 39, of North Main Street, Warsaw, is charged with criminal contempt 1st. Young was arrested on a warrant after allegedly contacting a person, violating a stay-away order. She was arraigned in City Court and ordered held on $1 bail.

Enrique J. Pellot, 42, of Avenue A, Rochester, is charged with menacing 2nd, criminal possession of a weapon 3rd and coercion 3rd. Pellot is accused of using a knife to threaten a woman in the parking lot of Batavia PD on Feb. 15. Pellot was arraigned in Centralized Arraignment Court, and his release status is unknown.

Christine M. Caplis, 42, of Clinton Street Road, Batavia. Caplis is accused of failing to appear in court as ordered on Nov. 5, 2021, to answer to a charge of theft of services. He was arrested on Feb. 18 on a warrant. Prior to this arrest, he was arrested five prior times, according to police, on warrants issued on Dec. 28, 2021, June 26, 2022, Aug. 13, 2022, Sept. 18, 2022, and Oct. 7, 2022. He was arraigned in Centralized Arraignment Court, and his current release status is unknown.

Christopher H. Monfort, 50, of Hidden Valley Trail, Webster, is charged with switched license plates, aggravated unlicensed operation 2nd and criminal possession of a controlled substance. Monfort was arrested on Feb. 18 after Officer Joseph Weglarski was dispatched to a local gas station to investigate a report of a vehicle parked at the pumps for about an hour. Monfort was issued an appearance ticket. Anna L. Roberts, 35, of Lincoln Road, East Rochester, and Jose M. Baez, 41, of Lake Avenue, Rochester, are also charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance.

Henry L. Banks, 52, of Vine Street, Batavia, is charged with operating a motor vehicle while impaired by drugs. Banks was topped on Feb. 21 at a location in the City of Batavia not disclosed by police by Officer Wesley Rissinger. Banks allegedly failed a field sobriety test. He was issued traffic tickets.

Paul A. Inostroza, 32, no permanent address, is charged with two counts of criminal contempt 2nd. Inostroza, already in custody on an unrelated charge, was arrested on Feb. 21 on a warrant that stems from a disturbance reported in the City of Batavia at a location not specified by police on Dec. 23.  He was ordered held on bail.

Christine M. Sanchez-Anderson, 34, of E Main Street, Batavia, is charged with failure to appear. Sanchez-Anderson was arrested on Feb. 16 on a warrant. On Oct. 4, Sanchez-Anderson was charged with obstructing governmental administration and issued an appearance ticket. She was accused of running from police when officers attempted to arrest her on previous warrants. She was held pending arraignment.

Kelly J. Mungo, 47, of East Main Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Mungo is accused of shoplifting at a local convenience story (location unspecified by police) and issued an appearance ticket.

Tiesha D. Smith, 36, of Montclair Avenue, Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt 2nd. Smith is accused of failing to respond to a subpoena as a witness in a case heard in City Court on Aug. 19 and was arrested on a warrant on Feb. 16. Smith was arraigned in Centralized Court, and her current release status is unknown.

Patrick J. Woodrich, 52, of West Main Street Road, Batavia, is charged with Failing to exercise due care to avoid pedestrian, operating a motor vehicle without insurance, failing to stop at a stop sign and improper right turn, failing to keep right on a two-lane road, and leaving the scene of an accident. Woodrich is accused of striking a pedestrian on Washington Avenue on July 24 and leaving the scene of the accident. He was arrested on a warrant on Feb. 16. He was arraigned in City Court and released on his own recognizance.

Ashley J. Delong, 36, of Rolling Circle, Batavia, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .18 or greater, and no tail lights. Delong was stopped in the City of Batavia at a location unspecified by police by Officer John Gombos. Delong was issued an appearance ticket.

Misty R. Schutt, 33, of Exchange Street, Attica, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance and failing to stop at a stop sign. Schutt was arrested on Feb. 7 following a traffic stop in the City of Batavia at a location unspecified by police by Officer John Gombos. She was allegedly found in possession of crack cocaine. She was issued an appearance ticket.

Christian Philip Voigt, Jr., 23, of Valle Drive, Batavia, is charged with criminal mischief 3rd and harassment 2nd. Voigt is accused of damaging property and placing his hands on another person during a disturbance reported at 11:16 a.m. on Feb. 26 at a location on Valle Drive, Batavia. He was held pending arraignment. 

Evan F. Maynard, 22, of Batavia, is charged with falsely reporting to a law enforcement officer 3rd. Upon an investigation into a report by Maynard into a crime, Investigator Joseph Loftus reportedly found that Maynard made a false report and that he pawned several items at a pawn shop on Feb. 25. Maynard was issued an appearance ticket.

Gary Michael Herrmann, Jr., 44, of Caswell Road, Byron, is charged with DWI and driving with a BAC of .08 or greater. Herrmann was stopped at 3:30 p.m. on Feb. 27 on Caswell Road, Byron, following a report of a disturbance by Deputy Zachary Hoy. He was issued traffic tickets.

Allison A. Gersbach, 33, of Manchester, is charged with grand larceny 4th. Gersbach was arrested on Feb. 28 by State Police in connection with an incident reported at 7:13 p.m., Aug. 16, in the Town of Batavia. Gersbach was issued an appearance ticket. No further details released.

Jason L. Lincoln, 46, of Albion, is charged with criminal possession of stolen property 3rd and aggravated unlicensed operation 1st. Lincoln was arrested by State Police at 3:19 p.m. on Feb. 26, in Elba. Lincoln was ordered held in custody. No further details released.