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Update:

A planned public hearing at Tuesday night's City Planning & Development Committee meeting was postponed until next month to give Ellicott Station offiicals more time to deal with State Environmental Quality Review and other issues, said Duane Preston, chair of the planning board.

"We did a sketch plan review and overall it seems to be a great project," Preston said.

He said questions from the board focused on the height of the five-story apartment building -- "it will result in a bit of an up-and-down skyline," Preston said -- as well as the amount of parking and the size of a glass front facade.

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No one from the public spoke at a public hearing on Tuesday afternoon at City Hall where $1.5 million in mortgage, sales and property tax abatements for the Ellicott Station project were presented.

The hearing was officiated by Chris Suozzi, Genesee County Economic Development Center vice president of business development. The completion of the public hearing now sets the stage for the GCEDC Board of Directors to approve the tax incentives as outlined in a press release below.

Samuel Savarino, president of Savarino Companies and developer of Ellicott Station, attended the public hearing, along with Julie Pacatte, Pier Cipollone and Mary Valle of the Batavia Development Corporation.

Savarino noted that he would be at the meeting of the Batavia Planning & Development Committee tonight, along with the project's architect and site engineer.

The Buffalo businessman said he has encountered numerous "challenges" with the project, but the biggest one -- getting proper financial aid -- already has been overcome.

"We have surmounted the major hurdle, closing the $5 million gap with help from Empire State Development and new market tax credits to make this happen," he said. "Overarching development costs make it difficult to make the economics work (without state assistance)."

Savarino also pointed out that the site of the former Santy's Tire Sales and Soccio & Della Penna Construction companies also presents flood hazards, is part of the Brownfield Opportunity Area (which warrants remedial work) and sits on top of what is being called a "grand canal" or tunnel that runs from the corner of Ellicott and Jackson streets right through the Ellicott Station property.

A portion of the canal, which is being utilized by the city, is located directly under where one of Savarino's apartment/retail buildings would be constructed.

On a positive note, he said he has encoutered similar problems in his many years as a developer and is optimistic that engineers will be able to work around this water-filled obstacle.

Savarino added that he has lined up investors and lenders, and hopes to start demolition and construction by this fall, with an eye on being "open for business" in the fall of 2018.

The mixed-use development will consist of a retail brewery/restaurant operated by Resurgence Brewing along with 16,800 square feet of office space and a five-story apartment building.

Savarino said rent for a one-bedroom, top floor corner unit will be around $1,200 per month while a two-bedroom unit with two full bathrooms will go for around $1,600 per month. Each apartment will feature a washer and dryer and a balcony, and the 51-unit building will include a fitness center and ground floor parking.

Pacatte said the BDC is looking at Ellicott Station as its "beacon of hope" for the city's bid to receive a $10 million Downtown Revitalization Initiative award (see story below).

"We're using Ellicott Station as the anchor for our DRI proposal, focusing on the quality of life piece -- especially on the south side of the city," she said.

Valle, owner of Valle Jewelers on Jackson Street, said that major improvements on Ellicott Street "will raise the bar for all of us" in regards to building upkeep and maintenance.

Press release:

The Genesee County Economic Development Center will hold a public hearing at 4 this afternoon to consider financial incentives for the Savarino Companies for the redevelopment of Ellicott Station in downtown Batavia. The public hearing will take place at City Hall.

The approximate 64,000-square-foot development will be a mix use of residential, office and retail spaces; a brewery; small beverage warehouse and hops processing facility; entertainment and event area; outside seating; and integration of the new Ellicott Trail pedestrian pathway.

The $17.6 million project is estimated to create up to 60 good paying full-time jobs.

The proposed incentives include $897,293 in sales tax savings, $128,232 mortgage tax savings and $537,398 in property tax savings. 

The project is being done through the “Batavia Pathway to Prosperity” (BP2) program which was created through an inter-municipal agreement between the City of Batavia, Genesee County, the Batavia City School District, the Batavia Development Corporation and the GCEDC.

BP2 was conceived to pool resources in order to invest in distressed areas in the City of Batavia. The BP2 program will be implemented though PILOT increment financing (PIF), referred to as the “BP2 fund,” which is the first of its kind in New York State where all local taxing jurisdictions are participating. 

Supported by the redirection of 50% of new project PILOT payments, the BP2 fund will play a critical role in generating development within the Batavia Brownfield Opportunity Area (BOA), a 366-acre area within the City of Batavia containing five strategic redevelopment sites.

Think back to when you were in grade school. Would you have missed your principal if she retired? Would the thought of her leaving bring you to tears? Oh no, not to me. I would not have missed her at all.  But maybe that is because Diane Bonarigo was not my principal.

Some of the children of Jackson Primary did cry as they said goodbye to the only principal they have known. Principal Bonarigo is retiring after being a principal for 12 years.

The Children of Jackson primary chanted Principal Bonarigo’s name and sang a song in her honor at their last “Family” meeting of the year. The school staff also thanked Mrs Bonarigo in making Jackson Primary a special place and a family.

Judging by the reaction of the children she will surely be missed by those lucky enough to have been at her school.

Tesla Renee Plantiko, 25, of Seven Springs Road, Batavia, is charged with endangering the welfare of a child. It's alleged that on Feb. 1, at 9:50 a.m., at a location on West Main Street, Batavia, with an outside temperature in the low 20s, Plantiko allowed her two small children outside unsupervised with inadequate clothing. Plantiko was reportedly sleeping at the time.

Gregory Seppe, 59, of South Swan Street, Batavia, is charged with public intoxication. Seppe was charged after Officer Jason Davis responded to a complaint that Seppe was stumbling through yards and onto the street on South Swan at 2:40 p.m., Saturday. Davis reportedly observed Seppe stumbling through yards and bouncing off a telephone pole. Davis is a trained drug recognition expert and determined Seppe was allegedly impaired by drugs. Seppe was transported to UMMC and issued an appearance ticket on the charge.

Jamie L. Broadbent, 34, of East Main Street, Batavia, was arrested on a warrant. Broadbent was arrested following a crewfew check on her at her residence. She was jailed on $2,000 bail or $4,000 bond.

David T. Loucks, 37, of West Garden Road, Rochester, is charged with aggravated unlicensed operation, 2nd, speeding, unlicensed operation, reckless driving, and unlawful possession of marijuana. Loucks was stopped at 6:20 p.m. Friday on Pearl Street, Batavia, by Officer Mitchell Cowen.

Charles J. Rodriguez Sr., 40, of North Spruce Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Rodriquez is accused of stealing $44.95 worth of merchandise from Dollar General. Rodriquez was arrested on a warrant, pled guilty and was sentenced to jail concurrent with a guilty plea to an unrelated charge of endangering the welfare of a child.

Heidi L. Harder, 42, of Montclaire Avenue, Batavia, is charged with kidnapping, 2nd, endangering the welfare of a child, and unlawful imprisonment, Harder is accused of taking a child of a relative, locking herself and the child in her apartment and refusing to return the child. The child was returned to a caretaker unharmed.

Jordan S. Thomas, 18, of Elm Street, Batavia, is charged with assault, 3rd. Thomas allegedly injured another person during a fight on Vine Street at 8:30 p.m., June 11.

Deborah S. Rodriguez, 49, of Farnsworth Avenue, Oakfield, was arrested on a warrant out of Batavia City Court for alleged failure to appear on a traffic violation.

Micheal J. Vanbuskirk, 43, of Myrtle Street, Le Roy, is charged with felony DWI, felony driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, aggravated unlicensed operation, 1st, operating without an ignition interlock device, and on a suspended registration. Vanbuskirk was stopped at 8:16 p.m. June 13 on Vine Street, Batavia, by Officer Chad Richards.

Press release:

The Genesee County Economic Development Center will hold a public hearing at 4 this afternoon to consider financial incentives for the Savarino Companies for the redevelopment of Ellicott Station in downtown Batavia. The public hearing will take place at City Hall.

The approximate 64,000-square foot development will be a mix use of residential, office and retail spaces; a brewery; small beverage warehouse and hops processing facility; entertainment and event area; outside seating; and integration of the new Ellicott Trail pedestrian pathway.

The $17.6 million project is estimated to create up to 60 good paying full-time jobs.

The proposed incentives include $897,293 in sales tax savings, $128,232 mortgage tax savings and $537,398 in property tax savings. 

The project is being done through the “Batavia Pathway to Prosperity” (BP2) program which was created through an inter-municipal agreement between the City of Batavia, Genesee County, the Batavia City School District, the Batavia Development Corporation and the GCEDC.

BP2 was conceived to pool resources in order to invest in distressed areas in the City of Batavia. The BP2 program will be implemented though PILOT increment financing (PIF), referred to as the “BP2 fund,” which is the first of its kind in New York State where all local taxing jurisdictions are participating. 

Supported by the redirection of 50% of new project PILOT payments, the BP2 fund will play a critical role in generating development within the Batavia Brownfield Opportunity Area (BOA), a 366-acre area within the City of Batavia containing five strategic redevelopment sites. 

Andrew Underhill's passion for growing strawberries took him across the world to Eisenberg, Germany, to work on a strawberry and asparagus farm. 

The 15-week internship was required for his graduation from SUNY Morrisville, Underhill said.

“I love growing strawberries and it was a 35-acre farm there,” Underhill said. “It was my dream farm.”

Underhill said when deciding where to complete his internship, he knew wanted to be on a large strawberry or asparagus farm.

“I wanted to go somewhere farther than New York,” Underhill said.

His college roommate had family in Switzerland, who ended up having a connection at the farm in Germany. 

Erdbeer Land, the farm he interned at, has 35 acres of strawberries and 15 acres of asparagus, with 385 employees.

While at Erdbeer Land, Underhill learned new cultivation methods for strawberries and asparagus, and how to extend strawberry seasons.

Underhill said he also learned how to grow white asparagus while in Germany, but doesn’t plan to grow it here.

“It’s harder to grow,” Underhill said. “It’s the same plant, but it grows under the soil.”

The Elba resident works on his family farm, Underhill farms, located on 4847 Batavia Elba Townline Road. He is the fourth generation of Underhill men to farm on the same fields.

Now an alumnus of SUNY Morrisville, he said he plans to take over Underhill farms one day.

Press release:

Victor Roberts, veterans benefits advisor, NYS Division of Veterans' Affairs, will be at the Downtown Batavia Public Market this Friday from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. to distribute NYS FreshConnect Checks to local veterans.

FreshConnect Veterans Checks are a component of Governor Cuomo's "New York Fresh Connect Farmers' Markets" (FreshConnect) program. The program is designed to assist New York farmers by increasing the sale of locally grown food in communities.

FreshConnect checks will be issued as a one-time annual benefit: 10 - $2 checks ($20) -- one packet per household, per season. Checks will be issued on a first-come, first-served basis to veterans and current members of the Armed Forces of the United States, members of their immediate families, including un-remarried surviving spouses of a veteran.

Employees of New York State and veterans or service members with immediate family members employed by New York State are not eligible for FreshConnect checks.

"Recipients will not require ID," Roberts said, "but they will need to sign a form accepting the program's rules and regulations."

"The checks can be used to purchase fresh produce from participating vendors at the Market," said Market Manager Mike Bakos. "The Market is excited to be a distribution point for FreshConnect Veterans Checks and we thank all of our veterans for their service to our great country."

A 17-year-old resident of Maple Road, Basom, is charged with unlawful surveillance, 2nd. The youth is accused of placing a mobile phone with its video camera operating in a locker room at Oakfield-Alabama High School. He was arraigned and released under supervision of Genesee Justice.

Nathan Gerald Safford, 27, of Broughton Road, Silver Springs, is charged with unlawful fleeing of a police officer, reckless driving, speeding (over 55 mph), speeding (in a 40-mph zone), and failure to stop at red light. Safford was arrested once stopped at 8:25 p.m. Friday on Main Road, Corfu, by Deputy Jeremy McClellan. He was jailed on $25,000 bail or $100,000 bond.

Philip Michael Arcuri, 31, of Oak Street, Warsaw, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, criminal possession of a hypodermic instrument, unlawfull possession of marijuana, moving from lane unsafely, and failure to use designated lane. Arcuri was arrested following an investigation into a property-damage accident at 4:40 p.m. Friday on Lake Road, Pavilion, by Deputy Micheal Lute. Arcuri was allegedly found in possession of heroin, a needle and marijuana.

Mark Anthony Constable, 28, of Meigs Street, Rochester, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana, aggravated unlicensed operation, 3rd, and no front plate. Constable was stopped at 12:30 p.m. Friday on Route 33, Bergen, by Deputy Chris Erion.

Glenn Vincent Gerold, 27, of County Route 26, Carthage, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, aggravated unlicensed operation, 1st, and inadequate headlights. Gerold was stopped at 9:37 p.m. Friday on West Main Street, Batavia, by Deputy Richard Schildwaster.

Joshua Adam Locurcio, 37, of Stenson Avenue, Rochester, three counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th, aggravated unlicensed operation, 3rd, driving on a suspended registration, unlawful possession of marijuana, operating an uninspected vehicle. Locurcio was stopped at 8:06 p.m. Sunday on Route 33, Bergen, by Deputy Ryan DeLong. 

Patrick Frances Donaldson, 47, of Harvard Street, Hamburg, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, and failure to stop at stop sign. Donaldson was stopped at 10:33 p.m. Friday by Deputy Ryan DeLong.

Press release:

The Batavia Lions Club recently presented its annual scholarships and awards for the 2016-2017 school year. 

This spring,more than 20 graduating seniors at Batavia High School and Notre Dame High School applied for scholarships and were interviewed by a committee of Lions Club members; four were chosen to receive $1,000 each toward their college education. In addition, selected students from both schools were awarded the Art Roth Fine Arts Award and the Bill Cook Scholar Athlete Award. 

The final award is the Batavia Lions Club Award in Communications, which is presented to a Genesee Community College student in memory of two former Batavia Lions and local media legends – Paul Bostwick, the former managing editor of the Batavia Daily News, and James H. Gerrity, the former news director of WBTA.

During the high school football season each fall, members of the Lions Club man the food stand at Notre Dame Stadium to sell snacks during each home game. The proceeds are used exclusively for the scholarship and awards program at Notre Dame. The BHS Scholarships, Bill Cook and Art Roth Awards as well as the Bostwick/Gerrity Award are funded through money set aside by the Batavia Lions Club.

This year’s winners are (from left):

Kelvin LaPierre – Paul Bostwick/James Gerrity Award and is currently attending Genesee Community College. Serena Strollo-DiCenso – BHS Scholarship, will be attending the University of Buffalo to begin her path to law school. Hannah Bowen – ND Scholarship, will attend Clarkson University to study Psychology.  Angelina Miconi – BHS Scholarship, will attend Genesee Community College to begin her program in Art Education. McKenna Dziezmian – BHS Art Roth Fine Arts Award, will attend the University of Rochester to study Biomedical Engineering. Campbell Anderson – BHS Bill Cook Scholar Athlete Award, will attend the Air Force Academy. Jacob Weatherwax -- ND Scholarship, will attend Alfred State to study Welding Technology and Business. Christopher Lemley – ND Bill Cook Scholar Athlete Award, will attend Case Western University to study Civil Engineering. Keara Zerillo – ND Art Roth Fine Arts Award, will attend the State University of New York at Fredonia to study Music Education.

The Lions Club congratulates all of this year’s winners and wishes them success in all of their future endeavors.

The following people were arrested by the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office during the Florida Georgia Line concert at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center on Friday:

A 17-year-old, of Seeley Road, Williamson, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana after allegedly being found in possession of marijuana.

Tyler D. Pemberthy, 22, of Lillybrook Court, East Amherst, is charged with criminal trespass, 3rd, after allegedly jumping a fence into the concert venue.

A 16-year-old, of York Street, Honeoye Falls, is charged with criminal trespass, 3rd, after allegedly jumping a fence into the concert venue.

Brandon M. Erskine, 24, of State Route 21, Hornell, is charged with disorderly conduct after allegedly engaging in a fight while exiting the concert.

Jaymi R. Seitz, 26 of Whitney Road, Ontario, Canada, is charged with criminal mischief, 4th, after allegedly using a key to scratch another person’s vehicle.

The Ramble Music & Arts Festival will be held on July 1 this year on Center Street, with music, vendors and activities.

The Ramble is an annual reunion of musicians and artists that at one time or another, called Batavia or the nearby areas, their home. The event includes craft vendors, food vendors, a designated kid zone with rides and activities, and music.

This year, there will be 33 bands and performers at the Jackson Square and Center Street Stage.

Paul Draper III, the event coordinator, said there will be a larger, second stage to look forward to.

“There have also been major expansions for vendors this year,” Draper said. “There’s a duck pond and a dedicated kid zone. It is very family oriented.”

The performers include Audibull, Bad Luck, Batavia All Stars, Bluesway, Dave Holnbeck, Driven, Eagle Creek, Genesee Ted, Ghost Riders, Kevin Moyles, KoKo & The Moon Crickets, Kruppner Brothers, Loosely Tight, Mark Grover, Me & Red, Mitty & The followers, Nichols Brothers Band, Noah's Reign, Steve Kruppner, Paul Almeter, PD3 & Co., Red Creek, Rhythm Collision, Rich Lullo Band, Rock Soulgers, Ryan & Scott, Ryan Consiglio, Savage Cabbage, Sierra, Soul Craft, TONK!, Trolls, Unruly, and Zero.

Draper said they are still accepting vendors and sponsorship opportunities. If anyone is interested, contact thebataviaramble@gmail.com

Doug Forsyth is counting down the days until he rides his bike across the country to raise money for cystic fibrosis.

On July 9, Forsyth, a Le Roy native, will be flying to Portland, Ore., where he will begin his 30-day journey, eventually ending up in New York City.

Although it was part of Forsyth’s bucket list to ride his bike across the country, he was inspired to take the journey and raise money by his best friend’s child, who is living with cystic fibrosis.

“It’s a terrible disease,” Forsyth said. “Kids are just born with it and there’s nothing you can do.”

Forsyth said he found a foundation, Claire’s Place Foundation Inc., that gives money directly to the families who have kids that have been in the hospital for more than two weeks.

“I heard from them and the money that I’ve raised already has been given to a family in Minnesota,” Forsyth said.

He has raised almost $4,000 so far through his GoFundMe page and donations made directly to the foundation.

His cycling mentor, Douglas Sawyer, from Ossining, will be riding with Forsyth. Sawyer will be raising money for traumatic brain injuries.

It will be an unsupported ride, meaning he will be towing a bike trailer filled with camping supplies. Forsyth plans on camping two-thirds of the time and getting hotels the rest of the way to wash up.

“I’m very excited about it,” Forsyth said. “I just hope I can have the stamina to do it.”

Updates about his journey will be posted on his Facebook page and donations can be made here.

A microwave caused a two alarm fire on 20 Swan St about 9:30 am.There was the smell of smoke but no visable flames.Two children were sent for observation for smoke inhalation. No other injuries were reported. All units are back in service. 

"Huckleberry" was last seen on North Bergen Road near Route 237. He is chipped and belongs with Cindy Matthews and Chris Oehler. Call Chris at (585) 315-2995 or Cindy at (585) 455-9377.

UPDATE: Huckleberry is home safe, thanks to an alert reader.

A resident on Slusser Road, between Pratt and Killian roads, reports his neighbor's dog took off last night around 8:30. He answers to "Ruben." If you have information about the dog, call Amy at (716) 998-1860 or Tom at (585) 993-2163.

UPDATE: Ruben is home safe.

Award recipients are nominated by their high school guidance counselors, teachers or administrators.

Each exemplifies the colleges' motto "To Be, To Know, To Do."

Award winners are guaranteed a minimum of $40,000 in scholarship during the four years of study at Russell Sage College or The Sage College of Albany in recognition of their academic achievements and community involvement.

Yesterday, we reported that State Police had opened an investigation into a pickup truck that had been stolen earlier in morning from MY-T Acres Farm in Batavia.

The truck was returned at 4:20 a.m. today. It was undamaged with all the property still in the vehicle.

The owner credits publication of the theft on The Batavian with the return of the vehicle.

For the first time since 2011, Marty Stuart was back at The Ridge tonight along with his band, The Superlatives.

The Superlatives are:

• Kenny Vaughan, lead guitar
• Chris Scruggs, bass
• Harry Stinson, drums

As part of Gay Pride Month, the Richard C. Failla LGBTQ Commission of the New York Courts is sponsoring a speaker series in courts in the state to help train judges and others in the courts system about gay rights and LGBTQ issues.

Today's speakers in the County Courthouse in Batavia were Brooke Barone, a plainteiff in a landmark case that expanded the rights of non-biological parents, and her attorney, Margaret Canby.

Marc Levine, executive director of the commission explained after the meeting (I had other business to finish and didn't make it on time for the speakers) what the commission is about and about the progress the LGBTQ community has made in the courts over the past 15 years.

"We went across the state doing things and it was beautiful to see the changes in the court system," Levine said.

Levine started a volunteer alliance in 2003 and the commission was formed at the start of this year and during that time, he said, he's seen more people in the court system come out and seen more judges, clerks, and administrators appointed to top positions.

Yesterday, Gov. Andrew Cuomo named the first openly gay man appointed to the Court of Appeals, Paul Feinman.

"This is something we thought was going to be so far off, we didn't even know if we'd live to see that happen," Levine said. 

There were judges from throughout the region at the event, including every full-time judge from Chautauqua County.

The turnout was both significant and important, Levine said.

"Sensitivity Training is a beautiful thing," Levine said. "It's one thing when you look at someone in a textbook; it's a completely different thing when you come and you see people and you listen to them and they become real and you get to see why it's important, and you care and you take that out into the courts with you and set a tone that the courts know that people need to be treated with respect. They are sensitive to the needs of the community."

Levine is clearly a passionate advocate for the LGBTQ. I asked him one question and he spoke uninterrupted for nearly 10 minutes. Here's the full audio (mp3).

Photo: Judge Edwina Mendelson, left, Margaret Canby, Brooke Barone, Marc Levine, Judge Paula Feroleto, Andrew Isenberg, district executive for the Eighth Judicial District.

Two motorcyclists were reportedly traveling at a high rate of speed eastbound on Route 5 in Pembroke and disregarded law enforcement attempts to pull them over. They "blew through the light at (Route) 77," one continued on and the other made a right turn to go southbound on 77. Law enforcement is continuing the pursuit.