Friday News Brief

For the Richmond Memorial budget increase there were a total of 225 ‘Yes’ votes, and 69 ‘No.’ Trustee results: Felipe Oltramari 270; John Roach 159; Christina Mortellaro 123

 

 

 

 

On April 16, 2021, then Governor Cuomo signed the Affordable Broadband Act into law, which meant a low-income $15/month Internet cost would be mandated. The state was sued by various lobbying and trade groups, citing that the state can’t regulate Internet providers because the Federal Communications Commission is the only authority that could do so. Well, the state lost in district court so the mandate was never implemented. However, New York State appealed that decision in the court of appeals, which reversed the district court, allowing the law to take effect. Now we wait to find out if attempts will be made to appeal that ruling. Meanwhile, full-price broadband bills will continue to arrive

 

Batavia city firefighters will continue flushing hydrants next week. They’ll be working in the general area of north of Main Street and West of Bank Street from approximately 9:00am until 3:00pm, from Tuesday May 7^th through Thursday, the 9^th. They anticipate homes and businesses nearby will be affected. The tests may result in a temporary discoloration of water in that area. As is always the case, do not attempt to wash clothing if your water appears discolored. If you do experience a discoloration, run cold water for about five minutes or until it’s clear. If you have questions, or notice a hydrant in need of repair, contact the Fire Department at 345-6375.

 

The chief of the Webster Police Department has put out a statement about a recent traffic stop involving Monroe County District Attorney Sandra Doorley. Doorley has admitted to going 55 miles per hour in a 35 mile per hour zone and not stopping until she got to her home. Body camera footage showed that Doorley was contentious with the officer, something she has apologized for. In the statement, Chief Kolheimer praised the officer for handling this case with professionalism. And Doorley was the main subject of public comment at their Town Board Meeting last night. Residents expressed concern that she be held accountable and an investigation be completed into how the police department handed the traffic stop. Some also questioned why she was able to enter her home at all when she was approached by police. The New York State Commission on Prosecutorial Conduct and the Monroe County Office of Public Integrity, alongside the Board of Ethics, is conducting an investigation.

 

Tesla has announced another round of layoffs at one of its facilities located in Western New York.   The company says a second layoff notice has been posted for people who work at its plant in South Buffalo. A total of 26 employees are expected to lose their jobs starting in late July. Tesla previously said nearly 300 workers at the factory are going to be laid off as the company looks to reduce its global staff by 10%.

 

Nearly $60 million in state funding will go toward accessory dwelling units for hundreds of state homeowners. Governor Hochul says the money will provide the resources to low and middle-income New Yorkers to convert structures like garages into housing, legalize basements for apartment use and construct new detached units. Hochul says this will help increase the housing supply with more affordable options, while helping property owners. The first couple rounds of the ADU Plus One program will assist homeowners on Long Island, in Westchester County, Ulster County and the Town of Amherst outside of Buffalo.

 

Crews have started their work on planned renovations to the KeyBank Center in Buffalo. Among the upgrades coming to the home of the Buffalo Sabres include a new roof and also a new state-of-the-art scoreboard. The arena first opened back in 1996, but since then, there have been few substantial changes made. These upgrades are set to be ready for the 2024-2025 NHL season.

 

 

The Rochester Amerks lost last night to the Syracuse Crunch in overtime, the final score was 2-1; to keep hopes alive and return home for game five, they’ll need to win tomorrow night in Syracuse; face-off is at 7:00.

 

 

It’s Bicycle Safety Month, and the state Department of Motor Vehicles is urging people who drive, walk, or bike to share the road safely. The agency has issued tips to make that happen including asking drivers to check blind spots of their vehicles before turning or parallel parking. They should also reduce speed when passing a bicyclist to ensure riders aren’t knocked off balance. Additional safety recommendations can be found online at trafficsafety.ny.gov.