Morning News Brief
Written by Tom Tharp on May 23, 2023
Monroe County is joining the list of those declaring a state of emergency in response to the influx of migrants arriving in New York City. County Executive Adam Bello released a statement Tuesday afternoon saying the county is dealing with “an unprecedented shortage of emergency housing available to support individuals experiencing homelessness.” Bello called it “unfair” to potentially bring busloads of migrants to Rochester without a plan in place to support them. The order prevents any hotel, motel, shelter or other multiple-dwelling unit from “entering into a contract with any municipality or entity to provide emergency shelter unless an Emergency Housing Plan is submitted to the Monroe County Department of Human Services and receives approval.”
Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz is welcoming migrants into his area. On Tuesday, he announced he has been advised an as-yet unknown number of asylum seekers will be coming to Erie County from New York City. According to Poloncarz, these individuals are all legally in the country seeking asylum and have been vetted by federal authorities prior to arriving here. Where they will be housed is still unknown, according to Poloncarz but he said he has been assured the costs associated with their housing, food, and other supportive services will be paid for by either New York State or New York City. Gov. Hochul previously said that SUNY campuses could be potentially used for housing but did not name locations. Poloncarz said a joint venture between the Erie County Department of Social Services and five area resettlement agencies known as “The Refugee Partnership” is positioned to provide additional support if needed.
The City of Batavia Fire Department will be flushing fire hydrants today from approximately 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. in the general area of south of West Main Street and West of Jackson Street. Homes and businesses nearby will be affected. These tests may result in a temporary discoloration of water in that area. Do not attempt to wash any clothing if your water appears discolored. If you do experience a discoloration, run cold water for about 5 minutes or until clear. If you have questions, or should notice a hydrant in need of repair, please contact the fire department at 585-345-6375.
Family, friends and retired law enforcement officers are invited to the second annual Flag Commemoration Ceremony for deceased members from the Batavia Police Department which will take place on Wednesday, May 31 at 1:00 P.M. This year’s ceremony will be held at the gravesite of Officer Andrew McCulley in the St. Joseph’s Cemetery. Flags will once again be installed in metal flag holders at nearly 50 graves at various cemeteries across Genesee County and plaques were affixed to deceased officers interred in the Monsignor Schwartz Mausoleum. Anyone wishing to attend should assemble by the Kelly Mausoleum at 12:30 PM as the procession will begin to the gravesite at 12:50 PM.
Wearing shorts and his familiar No. 3 blue practice jersey, Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin began easing his way back into football during the team’s voluntary minicamp on Tuesday, some five months after having a near-death experience on the field. The only thing missing was his helmet. Though held back from taking part in team sessions, Hamlin participated in individual drills and the stretching portions to open and end practice in taking the next steps toward resuming his football career.
Next time you go to the Buffalo Zoo you’ll see some new faces as the zoo announced it has welcomed two new animals. Salvador is a 12-year-old ocelot who came from a facility in California and Tater is a five-year-old black howler monkey who came from the John Ball Zoo in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Both animals can be found inside Rainforest Falls.
