Tuesday News Brief

WROTB Chairman Calls for Higher Service Standards as Strategic Planning Begins

The chairman of the Western Regional Off-Track Betting Corporation is calling for higher service standards — even before a new strategic plan is finalized.
During board meetings this week, Chairman Dennis Bassett said customers should expect “a standard of excellence” across all operations. Bassett specifically raised concerns about valet parking service at Batavia Downs, calling the current level of service unacceptable for a contract costing roughly three-hundred-fifty-thousand dollars a year.
Bassett said long wait times for vehicle retrieval are a problem, adding that customers should not be waiting 30 minutes for their cars.
Board members directed management to address concerns with the valet company, noting customers ultimately hold WROTB leadership accountable.
Meanwhile, a strategic planning committee led by Director Paul Bartow has been formed and is expected to complete its work by April. Priorities include potential hotel expansion, a new event center, future gaming platforms, and enhanced live entertainment.
The board also approved advertising, concert, and food service spending for 2026.

Office for the Aging Services Temporarily Relocated

The Genesee County Office for the Aging remains closed at its Bank Street location, with services continuing at alternate sites.
Beginning Monday, December 15, OFA staff will operate out of County Building Two, located at 3837 West Main Street Road in Batavia. Services will continue at that location until further notice.
Residents with questions are encouraged to call the Office for the Aging at 585-343-1611. Walk-in visitors should follow posted instructions and call the listed OFA extension upon arrival.

STREAM Data Centers Seeks Major Expansion at STAMP

STREAM U.S. Data Centers is seeking approval for a major expansion at the Western New York Science and Technology Advanced Manufacturing Park in the Town of Alabama.
Documents submitted Friday to the Genesee County Economic Development Center outline plans for more than one million additional square feet of data center space. The revised proposal, known as Project Double Reed, would span 90 acres and include three two-story buildings totaling about 2.2 million square feet — more than double the size originally proposed.
The expansion would also include land previously designated for Plug Power, which recently announced it is backing away from its planned hydrogen facility at STAMP.
GCEDC President and CEO Mark Masse says the filing begins the State Environmental Quality Review process. Directors will consider reestablishing GCEDC as lead agency during meetings on December 18.
If approved, the project would move into detailed environmental review, public meetings, and agency input. STREAM says the facility would support a Fortune 50 tenant and create about 120 permanent skilled jobs.

Bianco Receives NFF Leadership Award

Former Notre Dame High School principal Wade Bianco received the 2025 National Football Foundation Northeast Leadership Award at the Scholar-Athlete Awards Banquet Sunday at the RIT Conference and Convention Center.
Bianco, president of the Rochester chapter of the National Football Foundation, also served as master of ceremonies. He is a longtime football coach and Section V Hall of Famer.
More than 135 students were honored at the event. Locally, Pembroke’s Jacob Johnson and Le Roy’s Addison Tonzi each earned silver awards and 250-dollar scholarships.

Genesee County High School Basketball Scores — Monday Night

In girls action, Oakfield-Alabama stayed perfect, beating Caledonia-Mumford 49–33 as Raine Denny knocked down five threes and scored 17. Elba rolled past Barker 87–27, Byron-Bergen edged Albion 43–39 to move to 4–0, and Dansville defeated Pavilion 36–26.
In boys play, Albion picked up a narrow 59–58 win over Le Roy, while Oakfield-Alabama topped Barker 47–42.