Thursday News Brief

WALMART PROPOSES FUEL STATION IN BATAVIA

Walmart is once again looking to add a gas station and convenience store in front of its Batavia location on Veterans Memorial Drive.
Plans presented to the Town Planning Board call for a roughly 1,600-square-foot convenience store, 10 fuel pumps and additional parking. The pumps would operate around the clock, while the store itself would be staffed from about 6 a.m. until 11 p.m.
A similar proposal was rejected about 15 years ago. Much of Tuesday’s discussion focused on a proposed new entrance and exit along Lewiston Road. Board members raised concerns about traffic congestion, left-hand turns and drivers potentially using the property as a shortcut to avoid the nearby intersection.
Walmart’s representatives say a traffic assessment has already been completed, with state DOT approval still needed for the Lewiston Road access.
The proposal will return for further review and will require a public hearing before the Planning Board.

TACO BELL RELOCATION FACES NEIGHBORHOOD CONCERNS

Plans to relocate Taco Bell on West Main Street in Batavia remain on hold following a public hearing Tuesday night.
The restaurant is proposing to move from its current plaza to the former Time Buyer property near Montclair Avenue. Several nearby residents oppose the project, raising concerns about increased traffic, noise, safety and the impact on the residential neighborhood.
Genesee County planners have already recommended against the proposal, citing concerns including inadequate buffers between the restaurant and nearby homes.
The developer’s traffic study estimates the restaurant would add about 30 vehicles during the busiest hour, with relatively little additional traffic expected on Montclair Avenue. A third-party review of that study is now planned.
The public hearing and a decision on the project were tabled until the city Planning and Development Committee’s September 15th meeting.

LIVE MUSIC TONIGHT AT SMOKIN’ EAGLE BBQ

There’s live music tonight in Le Roy as Justin Williams performs at Smokin’ Eagle BBQ.
Williams will take the stage from 6 until 9 p.m., playing a mix of his own original music along with covers. Those in attendance can also make requests for some of their favorite songs.
Tonight’s performance is part of Smokin’ Eagle’s live entertainment schedule, with Williams also scheduled to return for another show in November.

DOWNTOWN BATAVIA SCARECROW CONTEST RETURNS

The Batavia Business Improvement District is bringing back its Downtown Scarecrow Contest for the fall.
Businesses, organizations and families can enter for 25 dollars, which includes supplies and a designated pole downtown. Participants can decorate their scarecrow however they choose, with a cash prize going to the most creative entry.
Supplies can be picked up September 15th through the 17th at Jackson Square. Scarecrows must be displayed by October 2nd and removed by November 8th.
Registration information is available through the Batavia BID.

TRUMP SHOWS OFF WHITE HOUSE CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS

President Donald Trump gave reporters a tour of construction underway at the White House Wednesday, highlighting a new granite helipad and other changes to the South Lawn.
Trump said the upgraded landing area is designed to impress visiting foreign leaders, including Chinese President Xi Jinping, who is expected to visit next month.
The president also discussed his planned 400-million-dollar White House ballroom, which continues to face legal challenges over whether congressional approval is required.
Trump says the ballroom will also include new security features, including anti-drone technology, and predicted the Supreme Court will ultimately allow construction to continue.

U.S. NATIONAL DEBT TOPS 40-TRILLION DOLLARS

The U.S. national debt has surpassed 40-trillion dollars for the first time, reaching the milestone just five months after crossing 39 trillion.
Federal spending on defense, Social Security, Medicare and interest on existing debt are among the major contributors, with the government continuing to spend more than it collects in revenue.
Fiscal policy experts warn the growing debt can have consequences for Americans through higher borrowing costs and reduced economic investment.
The nation is currently subject to a 41-point-1-trillion-dollar debt ceiling, which analysts estimate could be reached sometime in 2027, potentially forcing Congress to again raise or suspend the borrowing limit.

WATER SHUTOFF PLANNED IN ATTICA TODAY

Some residents in the Village of Attica will be without running water for several hours today as crews replace a hydrant on Exchange Street.
The Village Department of Public Works says water will be shut off from approximately 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. The outage will affect Exchange Street from the railroad tracks south to the Catholic Cemetery.
Residents who leave home during the outage are asked to make sure all faucets are turned off to prevent leaks when service is restored.