Midday News Brief
Written by Dan Fischer on January 11, 2022
Batavia City Firemen remain on the scene of a working house fire on Porter Avenue. The house is located between Washington and West Main.
That blaze broke out shortly before Noon.
Two alarms have been sounded.
Initial reports said all occupants had escaped.
Upon arrival, firefighters were greeted by flames from the second floor that quickly spready to the attic.
National Grid and National Fuel have been called to the scene to shut off utility service to the house.
The fire was declared nearly out by 12:15pm.
The City of Batavia’s is proposing a 78-cent decrease in the property tax rate. City Manager Rachel Tabelski unveiled her proposed budget last night. It totals $17.7-million.
The proposed tax rate for the coming fiscal year stands at $8.94 per thousand. The City Council now reviews the financial plan and can either increase or decrease the proposed budget.
With the State’s eviction moratorium, expiring on January 15th, landlords may start the legal process of evicting tenants who have not paid rents. Although both democrats and republicans have expressed concern about the moratorium and what it does to landlords in business who are receiving reduced or no income, advocacy groups are expecting Governor Hochul to extend the moratorium again. The same advocacy groups believe housing should be a right and if tenants cannot pay landlords, then the state should.
Genesee Community College is preparing to launch a new program of study, Solar Electric Technician. The courses will provide students hands-on learning opportunities, as well as theoretical foundations in tools, safety and testing equipment. Students will be able to register for the program beginning on April 1.
The Buffalo Sabres will try and avoid another loss tonight, but they’ll have a tough task in front of them. The Sabres are hosting the defending Stanley Cup champions the Tampa Bay Lightning at KeyBank Center. Buffalo hasn’t played since last Thursday when they fell to the San Jose Sharks. The Sabres are in sixth place in the Atlantic Division with 26 points while the Lightning are in second place with 51 points. Face-off for tonight’s game is set for 7pm.
