Morning News Brief
Written by Tom Tharp on December 2, 2022
There is a high wind watch for Genesee, Orleans and Wyoming counties starting at 8am Saturday and going 7pm. Southwest winds 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 60 mph possible. Damaging winds could blow down trees and power lines. Widespread power outages are possible. Travel could be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. Make sure to secure any loose objects outside that could blow around or out into roadways.
The DEC makes a controversial decision to allow the Seneca Power Partners to draw extra water from the Batavia city well. The permit has been granted for five years, with the option for Seneca Power Partners to reapply when that time is up. The city and town of Batavia and Genesee county had filed letters of protest with the DEC saying that the amount of water the company wanted to pull, 26 million gallons a year, would overstrain the aquifer and cause collateral environmental impacts. The DEC reviewed the data from the area and disagreed. Seneca Power Partners is using the water to cool their equipment, create steam to create electricity, and for system maintenance.
Governor Kathy Hochul announced on Thursday a Request For Proposals to redevelop the building known as Terminal A on Buffalo’s Outer Harbor, an approximately 550,000-square- foot building that has been vacant for years. This RFP presents an opportunity for experienced real estate developers to purchase and transform the main terminal and three adjacent buildings into a unique waterfront destination, located at 901 Fuhrmann Boulevard. Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation, a state entity, envisions that the project could potentially include residential, restaurants, office space, cultural attractions and parking. Proposals are due by 8 p.m. on Thursday, March 30, 2023.
Western Region Off Track Betting’s revenues for the year broke records again. CFO Jacquelyne Leach said that Batavia Downs made between 8.5 and 9 million dollars in 2022. That is more than 3 million dollars above what was expected for the year. This means that the casino will be distributing even more money to municipalities as part of their operating deal with the county and towns. Leach reported that $54,370 will be distributed to municipalities, including Genesee County, from October’s activity
Batavia Downs is looking into adding on to the Hotel on Park Road in 2024. They want to add on 24 rooms to keep up with increased business. According to CEO Henry Wojtaszek the hotel operated at 70 percent of capacity in November. Right now the hotel has 84 rooms.
The most haunted place in western NY is getting a grant to fund roof repair and replacement of part of the building. Rolling Hills Asylum in Bethany is getting 50 thousand dollars for restoration as a national historic place. The Ghost Tour venue is planning on replacing the roof of the East wing and the Ice/Dairy House and then turning part of the building into an inn and restaurant.
If you find yourself heading to the Genesee county Park and Forest on Saturday you can stop into the interpretive center to take part in Create-a-Critter. With a touch of imagination and some hot glue, you can turn pine cones, seed pods, and other natural materials into your own unique critter or work of art. Session 1 is from 10 to noon and session 2 is 1 to 3. Cost is 5 dollars per person or 10 for the family. Call 585 344 1122 to preregister.
Rochester Mayor Malik Evans says the city is going to be providing five-million-dollars for a new anti-violence initiative. The money will go to organizations such as the Action for a Better Community, Hope Initiatives, Community Resource Collaborative and Conflict Management Solutions. The funding will be used to help those groups launch programs that are aimed at helping prevent violence. The money is coming from the American Rescue Plan.
The Buffalo Bills are back on top of the AFC East following a dominant victory on the road. Quarterback Josh Allen threw for 223 yards and tossed two touchdown passes as the Bills beat the New England Patriots 24 to 10 at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Massachusetts last night. Devin Singletary also had a rushing TD for Buffalo whose record this season is now nine and three. Up next for the Bills is a home game against the New York Jets on December 11th.
The Buffalo Sabres have come up short of winning their second straight game after a defeat at the hands of the defending Stanley Cup champions. Tage Thompson, Dylan Cozens, JJ Peterka and Alex Tuch all scored a goal but the Sabres still fell to the Colorado Avalanche six-to-four at KeyBank Center last night. Buffalo goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen had a tough night in net and only stopped 28 of 33 shots. The Sabres next game is Sunday at home against the San Jose Sharks.
