Morning News Brief
Written by Tom Tharp on August 25, 2023
Ellicott Station’s future is up in the air as the construction company, Savarino Companies, has announced a ceasing of operations. City Manager Rachel Tabelski says that the company has not been in contact with the city since the announcement and the city has received calls from other developers and construction companies about continuing the work. City officials plan to meet with staff from the New York State Office of Homes and Community Renewal in September, which has been in the works since the city learned about lower-than-expected income requirements at Ellicott Station. First promised as market rate, then workforce housing, the apartment complex’s application surprised city officials earlier this year with low to very low-income levels, prompting them to reach out to HCR for assistance to see what could be done to raise those income levels to allow for workforce housing tenants. Genesee County Economic Development Center CEO Steve Hyde said Wednesday that the agency is working to determine the next steps to be taken and that the agency had already found the company to be in default of its financial agreement.
Congresswoman Claudia Tenney announced Thursday that she is in support of creating a Space National Guard as a reserve for the Space Force. Tenney is on the House Science, Space and Technology Committee. She says that under the current system, individuals who serve as de facto Space Force reservists are part of the Air National Guard. This could prevent these individuals from participating in official Space Force educational and training opportunities and cause organizational issues. Importantly, creating a Space National Guard would require no additional personnel, units, or facilities and would improve communication, reduce costs, and allow these dedicated space warfighters to continue supporting the Space Force’s missions at a high level.
Buffalo police have confirmed that Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz has been named in a domestic incident report. The alleged incident between Poloncarz and a woman happened last Saturday at a home and the woman says she was pushed against a window after seeing Poloncarz’s text messages. Poloncarz has not been charged with a crime, and he’s characterizing what happened as a bad breakup. He also said that he didn’t hit the woman.
New York State’s Labor Department is launching a process to connect migrants with jobs. Governor Hochul says the latest effort will allow asylum seekers to immediately start working once they are granted legal work authorization. She also says this move will allow new arrivals to move towards financial independence. Hochul has also sent a letter to the Biden Administration requesting the president take action to reduce the strain the migrant crisis has put on the state’s resources and facilities. Hochul also called for expedited work authorization, federal financial support in several key areas, increased facilities and resources for shelters, and reimbursement for National Guard deployments to Erie and Monroe counties.
The Buffalo Bills will be in the Windy City this weekend as they take the field for their final preseason game. Buffalo is set to take on the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field and most of the Bills starters, including quarterback Josh Allen, are reportedly going to play. Last week, Buffalo was defeated by the Pittsburgh Steelers 27-to-15. Kickoff tomorrow is scheduled for 1 p.m.
The Muckdogs have agreed to a contract extension with current coach and manager Joey Martinez for the next 2 seasons. Martinez took over in 2021 the first season CAN-USA Sports took over ownership of the Muckdogs. Since taking over Martinez has led the dogs to the playoffs in 2 of his first 3 seasons. The Muckdogs won the West Division in 2022 and fell just 1 game short of winning the PGCBL Championship that season. The Muckdogs claimed the #1 seed in the regular season in both 2022 & 2023. The Muckdogs will be hosting the Battle of the Badges this Saturday at 6pm at Dwyer Stadium, and will be hosting Muckdogs Trick or Treat on Saturday October 21st 3pm – 6pm.
