Thursday News Brief

Fatal Crash in Pavilion After Deer Struck on Route 19

The Genesee County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a fatal crash that happened around 6:38 p.m. Tuesday on Route 19 in Pavilion.
Deputies say 68-year-old Sheree Panek of Pavilion was driving north in a Honda CRV when she hit a deer that entered the roadway. The impact sent the deer airborne and through the windshield of a southbound Chevy Silverado driven by 80-year-old Michael Vaccaro of Rochester.
Vaccaro suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. The occupants of Panek’s vehicle were not injured.
The Pavilion and Le Roy Fire Departments, Mercy EMS, the Genesee County Coroner’s Office, and Le Roy Ambulance all assisted at the scene. The investigation remains ongoing.

Tonawanda Seneca Nation, Sierra Club Declare Victory in STAMP Lawsuit

The Tonawanda Seneca Nation and the Sierra Club have dropped their lawsuit against the Genesee County Economic Development Center—calling it a major victory for environmental protection in Alabama, New York.
The decision follows GCEDC’s move to rescind its approvals for a proposed 900,000-square-foot Stream Data Center at the STAMP industrial park, along with $472 million in subsidies. The Nation and Sierra Club had argued the approvals violated state environmental law.
Leaders from both groups said the reversal proves GCEDC must follow environmental rules and that local communities will keep watch over future projects.
While GCEDC may still consider a revised proposal, any new plan would face a full environmental review.
The Nation called the outcome a historic first—and another sign that STAMP’s decades-long industrial ambitions continue to falter.

Batavia Committee Approves Zoning Change for Former Days Inn

The City of Batavia Planning and Development Committee has unanimously approved a zoning change for 200 Oak Street — the former Days Inn Hotel — from a General Commercial District to a Planned Development District, paving the way for a mixed-use and residential redevelopment.
Under the new P-5 designation, at least 15% of the property must remain open space, lot coverage is capped at 50%, building height cannot exceed 40 feet, and residential dwellings must be spaced at least 40 feet apart. A proposed self-storage facility must also be located at least 100 feet from any residential area.
City Manager Rachael Tabelski said the project would transform a long-troubled property into a revitalized neighborhood asset. Developer Jayesh Patel and Rudra Management plan to add market-rate townhomes, green space, and small-scale retail while converting part of the old hotel into an indoor storage facility.
The next Planning and Development Committee meeting is November 18th at 6 p.m.

Hunters Encouraged to Report Harvests and Donate Venison

With hunting season approaching, the DEC reminds hunters to report their game harvests — details are available at dec.ny.gov. Hunters are also encouraged to donate a deer through the Venison Donation Coalition, a nonprofit that provides venison to food banks across New York State. Founded by sportsmen and women in 1999, the program helps feed families in need while supporting the state’s proud hunting tradition.

Soccer Sectionals

Boys: In Class C1, eighth-seeded Addison eliminated ninth-seeded Pembroke 2-0 in the first round. Sixth-seeded Williamson advanced with a 3-0 win over 11th-seeded York/Pavilion. In Class B, sixth-seeded Wayland-Cohocton cruised past 11th-seeded Attica/Alexander 5-0, while third-seeded Le Roy/Cal-Mum dominated 14th-seeded Waterloo 7-1.

Girls: In Class D, eighth-seeded Notre Dame defeated ninth-seeded Lima Christian 7-1 and will face top-seeded Fillmore next. In Class A, fifth-seeded Batavia rolled past 12th-seeded Rochester Prep 8-0 and will take on fourth-seeded Greece Olympia in the quarterfinals.