Afternoon News Brief
Written by Doug Thompson on October 7, 2022
Quality Inn Palm Island Indoor Water Park
The Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC) board has accepted an initial resolution. It’s for the proposed $12 million investment by 8250 Park Road, LLC for extensive renovations to the Quality Inn & Suites and Palm Island Indoor Water Park (at its board meeting last night). 8250 Park Road, LLC would renovate the facility’s hotel rooms, lobby, event spaces, water park, and restaurant. The re-development proposes to create 38 new full-time jobs. The project is estimated to generate $32 of economic activity for every $1 of local public benefits. They are requesting sales tax exemptions estimated at $458,400, a property tax abatement of approximately $659,521, and a mortgage tax exemption estimated at $80,000. A public hearing for the initial application will be scheduled in the town of Batavia.
Jakubonis being arrested – July 2022
The Fairport man accused of attacking Long Island Congressman Lee Zeldin a few months ago has made another appearance in court. David Jakubonis was back in front of a judge yesterday as his lawyer attempted to have him placed in a Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and alcohol recovery program through Veterans Treatment Court and the Bath Veteran’s Administration. The judge did not make a decision because she wants more information about how the program would work. In July, Jakubonis approached Zeldin with a weapon in his hand while he was making a campaign stop in Monroe County. Zeldin, the Republican nominee in the race for New York governor, wasn’t hurt.
70-year-old Gerald Freeman of Batavia has been arrested and charged with grand larceny. It’s alleged he stole a Ford water truck from the Genesee County Fairgrounds. Freeman was issued an appearance ticket and is scheduled to appear in Batavia Town Court on October 18th.
The latest data from the state shows the spread of COVID-19 has once again risen in our region. Right now, the 7 day average infection rate is sitting at 8.4% percent. At this time one week ago, the average infection rate was 8.0%. Anyone who hasn’t been vaccinated against the virus or is interested in receiving the vaccination or a booster shot can find an immunization clinic in our area by visiting vaccines.gov.
Tim Hens
County Highway Superintendent Tim Hens says he thinks the Wings Over Batavia air show would cost nearly $13,000, which include costs for Sheriff’s Office deputies and Emergency Management Services staff to provide security, traffic and crowd control. The breakdown was estimated to be $5,400 for offsite traffic control; $2,055 for EMS presence; and $5,250 for pre-show preparations by highway and facilities maintenance staff. Hens noted that, although a profit would be ideal, breaking even would be fine, too. His main hope is that people who come to the airshow would shop in Batavia and sales tax would make back that cost and possibly more. The County Legislature is set to vote on approval for the Airshow later this month.
Josh Allen – during a game against the Colts – January 2021
After playing their last two games on the road, the Buffalo Bills are going to be back in front of their home crowd on Sunday. The Bills are set to host the Pittsburgh Steelers at Highmark. Buffalo is coming off a 23 to 20 victory over the Baltimore Ravens last week in a contest that saw the team score 20 unanswered points. The Bills have a record this season of 3 and 1 and are in second place in the AFC East. Kickoff for Sunday’s game is set for 1:00.
Gladys Knight
A legendary singer will be performing alongside members of the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra this weekend. Gladys Knight, also known as the “Empress of Soul” is set to take the Kleinhans Music Hall stage tomorrow night at 7:30. The seven-time Grammy Award winner is going to perform several of her biggest hits. There are still a limited number of tickets available for the show and they can be purchased at bpo.org, the box office or by calling 716-885-5000.
A total of $788,000,000 will be up for grabs in the Mega Millions and Powerball lottery games over the next couple of days. The prize for Mega Millions tonight is $410,000,000. And, whoever is lucky enough to pick the winning numbers for Powerball tomorrow night will be at least $378,000,000 richer. Both drawings will be streamed live online. Please play responsibly.
