Monday News Brief

Demolition Plan for 56 Harvester Ave Hits Snag Over Brick Removal Ordinance

Demolition plans for a long-troubled property on Harvester Avenue are being adjusted after a court appearance last Tuesday.
Attorney Michael Cole was in Batavia City Housing Court on behalf of the owners of 56 Harvester Avenue — Harvester Center LLC, with principals William Golden and John Wachter of Amerinac Holding LLC — to update Judge Durin Rogers on the demolition process.
Cole reported that six buildings have been demolished and several large piles of brick remain on site. The owners had planned to crush those bricks on location by March of 2026. However, City Code Enforcement Officer Doug Randall advised that under a city ordinance, the brick cannot be crushed or pulverized on site and must instead be removed from the property.
Randall also said jagged brick where buildings were separated must be hand-removed, wood and mortar cleared, and soil inspected by an asbestos inspector.
Cole said he expects repairs and compliance within 45 days and requested an adjournment. Judge Rogers granted it, with both sides set to return January 12th, and ordered a written game plan be submitted at that time.

Arc GLOW Volunteers Show Holiday Spirit with Community Clean-Up Efforts

Thanksgiving spirit was on full display as Arc GLOW partnered with local volunteers for a weekend of service. The Le Roy Rotary Club joined Arc GLOW’s Prevocational Services program to clean up the Route 19 Park & Ride, while on Monday, seven volunteers from Withum CPA helped with yard work at four Arc GLOW residential homes as part of the company’s Week of Caring initiative.
Arc GLOW thanked both groups and the many volunteers who supported the agency this year — 168 in total. Arc GLOW serves individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities across Genesee, Livingston, Orleans, and Wyoming counties. Visit ArcGLOW.org for more information.

Batavia Notre Dame United Splits Opening Weekend Out East

Batavia Notre Dame United hockey opened its season with a pair of road games out east. On Friday, BND fell 3–2 to Christian Brothers Academy, with goals from John Scheidt and Preston Viele, and a strong 45-save performance from goaltender Blake Laney.
They bounced back Saturday with a 3–2 win over Bethlehem. Cade Shamp scored twice, Viele added another goal, and Laney turned away 34 shots in the victory.

Batavia Councilman Renews Push for Stronger Code Enforcement

Joanne Beck with the Batavian reports, Batavia City Councilman Bob Bialkowski is again calling for tougher action on code violations, raising concerns this week about vehicles parked over sidewalks, abandoned cars, parking on lawns, and e-bikes on sidewalks. He cited examples of trucks with registrations expired for years and unregistered vehicles sitting in driveways with junk piled around them.
Bialkowski said some residents don’t report issues because they don’t trust the city to keep complaints confidential. He urged more proactive enforcement, saying some violations have gone on for over a decade.
City Manager Rachael Tabelski said 10 to 15 percent of violations end up in court, which is costly, but added that code officers respond quickly when specific complaints are reported.
Council members David Twichell and Kathy Briggs agreed they’ve seen responsive enforcement. The discussion also touched on increased policing of e-bike violations and the city’s anonymous tip line for reporting concerns.

Foxprowl Collectables Holds Ribbon Cutting at New West Main Location

Foxprowl Collectables celebrated its official ribbon cutting Saturday at its new store at 4152 West Main Street. Owners Bill and Joy Hume say they’re thrilled with the move — the new space is triple the size of their former Ellicott Street location and allows for major expansions.
The shop now features a media room, an expanded selection of trading cards like Pokémon, and live sales on Whatnot hosted by Assistant Manager Tim Schiefer. Visitors at the ceremony even got to meet characters like Darth Vader, Wolverine, the Grinch, and Santa.

Crazy Ritz, Davey Day Trader Capture Saturday Opens at Batavia Downs

A pair of $12,500 Open events headlined Saturday night at Batavia Downs, with both winners powering home from off the pace. In the Open Handicap trot, Crazy Ritz made a first-over surge to take command late and win by a length and a half in 1:56, his second straight Open victory for owner James Palladino and trainer Jeff Martin.
In the Open pace, Davey Day Trader used a perfect pocket trip before slipping up the pylons to edge Villiam by a head in 1:55, earning his 11th win of the year.
Driver Kyle Cummings had a four-win night, and the card closed with a major upset as 60-1 longshot Venier Hanover surged late to score his 63rd career victory. Live racing returns Wednesday at 6 p.m.