Morning News Briefing
Written by Dan Fischer on June 5, 2020
Say good-bye to J C Penney in the City Centre Mall.
The Batavia location is reported to be among 856 stores the iconic retailer will close as part of its bankruptcy.
The Batavia location was the original anchor store in what was then known as the Genesee Country Mall.
With the exception of a handful of small retailers and professional offices the mall has become a ghost town with a perpetually leaking roof.
A number of local restaurants are ready to serve customers on premise.
The state is now allowing restaurant to open outdoor dining – with restrictions. Customers must wear masks until seated, wait staff also has to be masked.
So far, O’Lacy’s Irish Pub is opening at Noon today, Batavia’s Originally Pizzeria is opening their patio and the new Roman’s Restaurant downtown is also opening their outdoor space.
Latest COVID-19 report from the health department:
Genesee County reports one new positive case of the virus,
Orleans County had no new cases.
There has been another death at the Villages of Orleans Health and Rehabilitation Center in Albion.
Batavia is cautiously awaiting a peacefully rally for social justice expected this Sunday.
The rally is to begin at 8 Sunday morning and be followed by a march through the community.
Batavia Police Chief Shawn Heubusch said he is ready to participate in the demonstration but he remains vigilant for outside agitators who could turn the rally violent.
The Batavia Post Office says they will close the lobby of its building at 5 Saturday night and it will remain closed until Monday morning.
The Post Office is located right next door to the police station.
Governor Cuomo is urging people who took part in recent protests against police misconduct to get screened for the coronavirus.
An estimated 30-thousand New Yorkers have been involved in demonstrations this week, leading to concerns there could be a spike in cases over the next few days.
