Wednesday News Brief

$11 Million Distribution Center Proposed for Batavia’s Gateway II Park

A new $11 million distribution center could be coming to the Town of Batavia.
The Genesee County Economic Development Center Board will review an initial resolution this Thursday, August 7, for Mega Properties, Inc.’s proposed 165,000 square foot facility at the Gateway II Corporate Park.
The project is expected to create 28 full-time jobs and generate nearly $19 million in community benefits, including $17.5 million in new payroll and $1.2 million in future tax revenue.
Mega Properties is requesting tax incentives totaling just over $2.1 million, including sales and mortgage tax exemptions and a property tax abatement.
Located just north of the New York State Thruway, Gateway II is a shovel-ready site ideal for regional logistics and distribution.
If the application moves forward, a public hearing will be scheduled in the Town of Batavia.
The GCEDC board meets Thursday at 3 p.m. at the MedTech Center. Meeting materials and a livestream are available at gcedc.com.

HLOM

Happening tonight at 7 p.m., the Holland Land Office Museum in Batavia welcomes guest speaker John Dwyer as part of its ongoing series.
Dwyer will present his new book, “From the Front Porch to the Back Patio,” sharing memories of growing up on Batavia’s North Side during the 1930s through the 1950s, including stories from World War II and beyond.
Admission is $5, or $3 for museum members. To attend, call 585-343-4727 or email hollandlandoffice@gmail.com.

Rabies Bait Vaccine

Throughout August, Genesee and Orleans counties are participating in a multi-state effort to fight the spread of raccoon rabies.
Between August 13 and 24, weather permitting, oral rabies vaccine baits will be dropped by plane and helicopter as part of a field evaluation.
The baits are safe for people and pets—if you find one, just leave it alone.
This initiative is part of a coordinated effort across 13 states to protect both public and animal health. For more info, contact your local health department.

Complications with Bank Street Project Leads to Further Closures

A construction update for Bank Street in Batavia—due to unexpected underground utility conflicts, the entrances to the Jerome Center Apartments and the Office for the Aging parking lots will remain temporarily closed through at least Monday, August 11th.
Crews discovered conflicts with underground cables and piping, requiring extra time to fully remove, replace, and cure curbs and sidewalks in the area. The closures come in addition to the ongoing lane restrictions already in place on Bank Street.
Motorists and pedestrians are strongly urged to avoid Bank Street and nearby sidewalks when possible. Jefferson Avenue and Summit Street are nearby alternate routes that remain construction-free.
Work is also expanding to include sidewalk replacement near the south side of the Office for the Aging entrance. Crews are currently demolishing curbs and sidewalks in the affected areas.
The city hopes to reopen the entrances by mid-week next week, pending safe completion of the work.

Tourism Workshops

The Genesee County Chamber of Commerce invites residents and business owners to help shape the future of local tourism and identity through two key events.
On Tuesday, August 19 at 3 p.m., join a virtual presentation sharing findings from Genesee’s countywide tourism assessment.
Then, on September 23 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., attend an in-person workshop at the Generation Center in Batavia to help define Genesee’s brand and strategic direction.
Both events are free—register now at BrandGenesee.com.