Wednesday News Brief
Written by Pete Zehler on July 9, 2025
Four Projects will be Discussed at GCEDC Meeting
Four development projects are on the agenda this week for the Genesee County Economic Development Center Board.
Topping the list is a $25 million expansion by HP Hood at the Genesee Valley Agri-Business Park. The project would add nearly 8,000 square feet to the facility, increase dairy production capacity, and help retain 412 jobs. HP Hood is requesting tax incentives, and in return, the expansion is projected to generate $6.3 million in local economic impact.
Also up for consideration are two community solar projects in Pembroke.
SL Pembroke LLC proposes a $10.1 million, 4-megawatt solar farm, while SL Pembroke 2 LLC is planning a $11.8 million, 5-megawatt system. Together, they would contribute over $800,000 in tax revenues and host payments to the town, county, and school district.
Finally, smartDESIGN Architecture is proposing a $480,000 renovation of a long-vacant building in downtown Batavia. The firm plans to relocate its headquarters there, retaining 12 full-time jobs.
The GCEDC board meets Thursday, July 10 at 4 p.m. at the MedTech Center in Batavia.
Teen Bookmark Class
Teens can get creative today at the Haxton Memorial Public Library in Oakfield with a Bookmark and Button-Making event from noon to 2 p.m.
Students in grades 6 through 12 are invited to design and craft their own bookmarks and buttons using a variety of materials.
Registration is required—stop by the library at 3 North Pearl Street or call 585-948-9900 to reserve your spot.
The event is free, but space is limited!
Bethany Accident
Video News Service reports, a serious crash Tuesday afternoon in Bethany involved a semi and a sedan at the intersection of Route 20 and East Road.
Emergency crews found the sedan driver trapped, semi-conscious, and not alert.
A second ambulance was called, and one person was taken to Strong Memorial Hospital by ground.
Mercy Flight 6 was on ground standby, but did not transport.
Route 20 remained closed for 4 hours between Transit Road and Bethany Center Road as crews cleared the scene.
Road Work
Road paving begins today, Wednesday, July 9, in the Town of Batavia, with crews working on Kelsey Road and Pratt Road.
Next up: Dodgeson Road in Alexander, followed by East Bethany Le Roy Road, from Route 63 to Route 5.
One-lane closures will be in place, with flaggers directing traffic. Local and emergency access will be maintained.
Drivers should plan ahead, expect delays, and use caution. All work is weather-dependent.
Sex Offender in Batavia Arrested for Violation
The Batavia Police Department has announced the arrest of 62-year-old Kevin Q. Thomas Sr. on charges of Falsifying Business Records and Failure to Register as a Sex Offender.
According to investigators, on June 23, Thomas allegedly filed paperwork with police falsely claiming he lived at 7 Hall Street. Authorities later determined that he does not and has not lived at that address.
Thomas was arraigned on July 1 in CAP Court and committed to the Genesee County Jail on $5,000 cash bail. He is scheduled to return to City Court at a later date.
Police emphasize their commitment to public safety and maintaining compliance with sex offender registry laws.
Anyone with information related to this or any other case is urged to contact Batavia Police or visit bataviapolice.org.
Public Hearing
A public hearing will be held by the City of Batavia Planning and Development Committee on Tuesday, July 15 at 6 p.m. in the Council Board Room at One Batavia City Centre.
The hearing concerns a proposal by Bill Baskin to build a 69,000-square-foot animal feed processing facility at 20 Howard Street, replacing a structure lost to fire.
The public is encouraged to attend, learn about the project, and share comments before any decisions are made.
