4th Quarter 2002

Economic & Business Office Retail

Industrial Residential Other General

ECONOMIC & BUSINESS

Eastman Kodak Company-- The company confirmed its conservative financial strategy while alerting Wall Street to the better-than-anticipated performance the last three months, however, the company continues to predict lackluster sales for 2002. The photo company is executing their plan to restore their earnings growth this year as promised according to Kodak Chairman and CEO, Daniel A. Carp. The company reported third quarter net income of $334 million, or $1.15 per share, compared with $96 million or 33 cents per share in the same quarter 2001. According to company officials, Kodak's pension plan may sell its holding of Kodak stock as a result of a recommendation from a consultant, Wilshire Associates. The only block of stock that qualifies is 7.4 million shares of Kodak that the company contributed to the plan in 1995. Kodak was expected to buy the shares over a period of days in November and Wilshire found that their plan is fully funded and will not require new cash contributions for at least five years. (10/18) (11/11)

Eastman Kodak Company-- Essie Calhoun, a Kodak Vice President said it's important for the company to be supportive of the city. To show their support, the company handed out over $91,000 in neighborhood grants as part of the company's five-year effort to support the city's urban revitalization initiative. The company has pledged to hand out $500,000 over five years in support of the city's Renaissance 2010 plan. This is the third year the grants have been handed out. The grants are given directly to the neighborhood groups and not the city. (11/22)

Eastman Kodak & Xerox-- According to company officials, annual health costs will increase $40 million in 2003. Depending on what plan they subscribe to, some employees can expect anywhere from a 14% to 36% cost increase. Those who subscribe to Kodak's Blue Advantage and Preferred Care EPOs, and individual members of its Preferred Care POS Max Plan will incur no increase. Employees subscribing to Kodak's ViaHealth EPO Plan and Kmed will see the increases ranging from 15% to 36% and those couples and families in the Kodak Preferred POS Max will incur a 14% increase. (12/23)

Eastman Kodak Company-- While net income surged for the period, and the company produced more with less, plans are still in the works to cut 1,300 to 1,700 more jobs, most by the end of the year according to reports. This is the fourth time in six years the company has cut employment to improve finances. County officials were informed the company will close the single-use camera facility on Lee Road, affecting approximately 400 jobs. No time line has been provided of when a shutdown would occur. Kodak will still manufacture the single-use camera but by workers in either Xiamen, China or Guadalajara, Mexico where pay rates are lower. Kodak's competitor, Fuji still manufactures single-use cameras in the U.S. (10/23) (11/12) (11/13)

Xerox-- The company announced another strong quarter of operating cash flow and earnings driven by improved margins and increased product demand in key growth markets, reporting third quarter earnings of 5 cents per share including restructuring charges of 6 cents per share. These results are a 10 cent improvement from the third quarter of last year, reflecting the company's strategy to strengthen its business. Xerox and General Electric Vendor Financial Services announced an eight-year agreement for GE to become the primary equipment financing provider for the document company's customers in the U.S. through monthly advances against Xerox's new U.S. lease originations. The agreement takes effect immediately. (10/21) (10/23)

Xerox-- According to reports, a company document was sent to employees indicating they can no longer afford to provide the rich level of retirement benefits currently available. As a result, major changes are being made to employee benefits that will affect 40,800 workers and about 6,000 retirees. This step is expected to save the company money and some employees could receive more retirement benefits over time, if they manage their accounts well. Some of the money the company saves will be shifted to a new 401(k) program in which the company will match employee contributions, up to 6 percent of their total pay. Health coverage will also change, as employees in Rochester will pay an additional $100 next year for plans administered by Preferred Care and Blue Cross/Blue Shield of the Rochester area. Annual premiums will range from $1,523 to $2,259 a year depending on the plan and the employees can continue to apply their "benefits allowance" to health insurance benefit costs. The health benefit cost for retirees is being revisited to help ease the burden of these costs for retirees. An open enrollment period will be added in December for retirees. (11/1) (11/22)

Xerox-- Continuing an effort to reduce their workforce and increase productivity, the document company announced in early November 750 company-wide administrative positions will be cut; late November announced 915 jobs in North America will be cut by March and 165 additional cuts were announced in mid-December. Approximately 1,045 employees in Monroe County will be affected by the cuts. This move will shrink Xerox employment to below 10,000 - a level not seen since 1999. (11/6) (11/20) (12/12)

Paychex-- The Board of Directors of Paychex, Inc. has declared a regular quarterly dividend of 11 cents per share, payable November 15 and a net income of $75.9 million, or 20 cents diluted earnings per share for the quarter ended August 31, 2002. This is an 8% increase over net income of $70.2 million or 19 cents diluted earnings per share for the same period last year. The company also announced for the first time they will surpass the $1 billion in sales mark during the current fiscal year. According to CEO, Thomas Golisano, they will be a billion dollar company in 2003. (9/18) (10/25)

Paychex-- The payroll and human resource outsourcing company announced it entered into an agreement to acquire Advantage Payroll Services, Inc. for an approximate purchase price of $240 million in cash. Expected to contribute an estimated $75 million in revenue over the next 12 months, Advantage was founded in 1967 with a client base of small to mid-sized businesses located throughout the U.S. In addition to acquiring Advantage, Thomas Golisano said they are close to acquiring a small payroll processor in either France or Germany. (9/18) (10/18)

Bausch & Lomb Inc.-- The company announced third quarter net earnings of $9.4 million and earnings per share of 17 cents compared to prior-year reported earnings of $23.3 million or 43 cents per share. Sales of $466.7 million, up 11% from the same quarter last year but restructuring charges cut into that profit. Restructuring costs included severance packages and relocation of manufacturing for Pure Vision contact lenses from Rochester to Ireland. (10/17) (10/18)

Area Bankruptcy Filings-- Figures compiled by the U.S. Western District Bankruptcy Court Clerk show bankruptcy filings have remained virtually steady for the three months in the third quarter. In August, 446 area individuals and businesses filed for bankruptcy petitions, less than 1% increase over the 425 filed in the same month last year. Area totals of 3,400 filings for the first eight months of this year also show a 1% increase over 2001. (9/20)

Area Home Sales-- Year-to-date sales are 2% ahead of 2001's pace in the 11-county Rochester area, according to figures from The Realtors association. Sales in the city are 12.6 ahead of the same period in 2001, while Monroe county as a whole is 0.8% ahead of 2001's pace for the 10-month period. Sales are closing in on the 1999 record but its too soon to say that mark can be eclipsed with 2002 sales falling short thus far by 1,528. Year end sales would have to reach 12,004 to break the record. John Piper, chief executive of the Realtors, a local trade group, said its been a great year and the low interest rates have been a driving force behind the lofty levels of sales. (11/16) (12/13)

Area Unemployment-- As reported by NYS Department of Labor, NYS's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 5.6%, down from 5.9% in August. Monroe county figures were 5.7% as compared to 5.0% for the same period in 2001. Although manufacturing jobs in New York have dwindled quickly, they remain the anchor for the upstate economy, accounting for 50% of upstate's nongovernment work force, according to reports. While rates were down in Buffalo, NYC and statewide, Rochester bucked the trend with an increase in unemployment rates from 5.4% to 5.7%, totaling some 30,700 unemployed people in the Rochester area. According to reports, Kodak and Xerox have quite an impact on the numbers this quarter and year.(9/18) (10/18) (11/02)

Area Economy-- Two of the area's leading economic forecasters say there is reason to be optimistic about the national and local economies in 2003. Charles I. Plosser, dean of the University of Rochester's William E. Simon Graduate School of Business Administration and Marc M. Goloven, senior regional economist for JP Morgan Chase told 450 people of area businesses at a luncheon we should expect more sunshine in 2003 as the forecast is based on expected improvements nationwide. 60% of area small businesses are considering expanding within the next six months according to a survey by the Open Small Business Network. More than 25% of small business owners as reported plan to add three full-time workers. (10/28) (12/12)

Brighton-- First American Real Estate Tax Services, which provides tax reporting, redemption and disbursement services to banks and mortgage companies across the country, is investing more than $660,000 in machinery and equipment to expand it's Brighton office. First American currently employs 60 people and completion of the project will result in the creation of 100 new jobs. In consideration of the company's investment, they are eligible for a $150,000 capital grant from Empire State Development. A date was not given for the expansion. (11/6)

Buffalo-- M&T Bank has agreed to purchase the Maryland-based portion of Allied Irish Banks in a deal worth $3.1 billion, creating the 18th largest bank in the United States with combined assets of $49 billion. There will be more than 700 branches in six states including more than 30 in the Rochester area. The sale has been in the works for nearly a year due to Allied's alleged involvement in a criminal investigation for fraud related activity. M&T CEO, Robert Wilmers expects no problems digesting the acquisition and believes the merger will be a smooth one. No date was reported for the merger to take place. (9/27)

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OFFICE

Brighton-- The town board is expected to receive and discuss the impact of a proposed 340,000 sq.ft. office complex on about 52 acres adjacent to Winton Road where developer Charles Mills from Crosskeys Corp. wants to build. Town Planner, Ramsey Boehmer said the Planning Board requested further information from Mills in a July meeting; the board was looking for existing features in relation to what's out there and how the proposed complex would work with the whole area, not just the building site. Currently, the land is zoned residential and would need to be rezoned for professional office space, Boehmer said, which will be taken into consideration upon review of the advisory report from the planning board. The plan submitted by Mills received criticism from residents who would like to see the land remain as open space. (9/25)

Penfield-- Fairport Savings Bank broke ground and construction has begun on the banks first branch office which will be located in the Wegmans Plaza on Route 250. The bank is constructing a 4,500 sq.ft. facility to provide service in Penfield and has been serving Fairport since 1888. (11/14)

Rochester-- Downtown's recognizable Times Square building, located at the corner of Broad Street and Exchange Boulevard was sold for $600,000 to attorney and real estate owner Richard A. Calabrese Sr. and his sons, Richard Jr. and Christopher from the Farash Corp. who bought the building in 1980 for $780,000. The Calabrese's plan to renovate the buildings lobby, power wash the exterior limestone, install new doors to the building and upgrade the heating and cooling system. Additionally, the family plans to illuminate the Wings of Progress that adorn the top of the building. There is no estimate yet as to the cost of the renovations. The building is currently 20% vacant and is in the Renaisance zone which could qualify for a tax break. With a little TLC, the new owners are optimistic it will draw people to the building. (11/1)

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RETAIL

Canandaigua-- Benderson Development is building Tops Markets on Route 332 and have proposed to add an Eckerd drugstore and a Tim Hortons on the former site of John and Bob's Restaurant and three neighboring parcels at the corner of North Main Street and North Road, currently owned by Keith Glover. No permit applications have been submitted, however, the city Planning Commission took a look at an artists' appealing rendering of the project and are awaiting further information from Benderson. The east corner of the intersection straddles the city-limits line and approvals would be required from both the town and city in order to build there. Tim Hortons, a subsidiary of Wendy's International has more than 2,250 stores across Canada and the U.S. and four opened in the Rochester area in September. Eckerd, based in Clearwater, Florida has 2,640 stores in the U.S. according to the company's web site. Currently, there are two other Eckerds located in Canandaigua. Benderson Dev. was not available for comment but it was reported they were considering relocating one of the existing Eckerd stores. (12/1)

Manchester-- With the recommendation of the Ontario County Planning Board, the Town Board voted 3 to 1 to rezone a five-acre property on Route 96 next to Prestige Landscaping and Acres and across from Ashton Place from agricultural and residential to commercial. Gerald and Sandra Davison, interested in opening a car repair and used car sales business, now have to get a special use permit; one more review process to ensure compliance. (9/24)

Penfield-- Don's Original, a local hots and ground round restaurant, is opening its third store in the Rochester area at 2055 Fairport-Nine Mile Point Road, near Route 441. The store is run as a partnership between Terry Klee - who owns the Monroe Ave. and Sea Breeze locations - and Greg Facinelli, a Penfield native. The original institution began at the Sea Breeze location in 1945. (11/7)

Victor-- Traffic concerns have muddled McDonald's plans for building a new 4,300 sq.ft. restaurant on the Harris Seed site just northwest of Eastview Mall on Route 96. Members of the board told Dean Collins from FRA Engineering PC of Henrietta they would require further information before approving the project. Chief among the concerns the board expressed was motorists being allowed to only turn right upon exiting the fast-food restaurant - meaning motorists would not be able to head northwest toward Bushnell's Basin due to the heavy traffic volumes. The board didn't think the proposed 39 to 49 parking spaces was adequate and code officer, Floyd Kofahl indicating state and local regulatory codes require having adequate room in the parking lot for emergency vehicle access. (9/25)

Victor-- An environmental review is expected for the proposed 6,800 sq.ft. TGI Friday's restaurant and 3,470 sq.ft. IHOP located on Route 96 at the Hampton Inn and Suites site to make sure the project won't negatively affect the environment. Developer, the Widewaters Group of Dewitt, is currently working with the town's Architectural Review Board, hoping to reach a consensus on the appearance of the restaurants. (9/25)

Victor-- After unanimously approving plans for a 63,000 sq.ft. addition to the front of EastView Mall, the Planning Board extended an invitation to an upscale retailer, Nordstrom to join the mall. The project, which includes adding a new front entrance on the east side of the mall, upscale retail stores and restaurants and valet parking is slated to cost between $20 and $25 million and create 200 construction jobs and 150 retail jobs. (9/25)

Victor-- Mead Square Pharmacy is hoping to provide the prescription downtown Victor needs for their economic ills. The community's newest retailer is the first drugstore to open since a fire two decades ago and is owned and operated by Pharmacist Christopher Casey, who also owns Naples Pharmacy. Casey decided to expand because the community has long awaited a pharmacy and he's confident the business will be profitable. The 5,000 sq.ft. drugstore is located off Main Street adjacent to a suite of physicians' offices. (10/29)

Victor-- By a margin of five to two, the Planning Board approved the 5,791 sq.ft. Perkins restuarant project to be built just south of the existing Pizzeria Uno restaurant on Route 96. The board approved the construction pending another meeting with town traffic consultant, Steve Ferranti regarding placement of the driveway and a 150-foot emergency access area southeast of the driveway. Concerns about traffic at the already congested Route 96 and High Street were raised, but Chairman Chris hart is confident Ferranti's recommendations are sound. No date was announced for the commencement of the project. (11/27)

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INDUSTRIAL

Canandaigua-- -- In July, Gov. George Pataki announced the $43 million in state funding for the Center of Excellence in Infotonics; by late August, two area photonics businessmen, Chris Cotton and John Hart purchased a small office on Brighton-Henrietta Town Line Road and started ASE Instruments with the help of a $118,000 grant from the center. ASE plans to commercialize local photonics and optics technology, but the first project will be to build an optical monitoring device to measure power levels in telecommunications systems. Cotton and Hart plan to start small utilizing ideas deriving from the Center and other sources to grow and expand. (9/18)

Canandaigua-- According to a company spokesperson, the 42,000 sq.ft. addition to Canandaigua Wine's division headquarters is well underway with the foundation poured and the steel structure erected, and is expected to be completed in April. Construction on a planned 247-car parking lot is underway as well. The $5.5 million addition at 235 N. Bloomfield Road will nearly double the headquarters in size, making room for the approximate 115 employees from other Wine offices on Parkside Drive, Route 332 and North Street. (10/24)

Dansville-- Foster Wheeler Ltd., a subsidiary of Foster Wheeler Energy will close their Dansville operations by February. Company spokeswoman, Sherry Peske said high costs, particularly labor costs, forced the closing. The company had discontinued boiler manufacturing at the plant and turned it into a service and repair facility. The plant is believed to employ about 140 people, down from 350 in 2001 and the company will work with the state Labor Department to provide outplacement services. Officials said the company will take a $6 million charge against earnings to cover the costs associated with closing. (12/5)

Honeoye-- Custom Air Design, Inc. has agreed to clean up the former J&S Conveyor site across the street from their property at 8642 Route 20A in exchange for using it as a second location for their fabrication of stainless steel for the medical industry. The J&S building will add about 40,000 sq.ft. to operations and with the expansion, the company hopes to double its business within the next couple years. J&S went bankrupt in 1995 and in accordance with their deal, CAD will pay back taxes of $126,000 - excluding interest and penalties - and begin paying taxes and all other real property charges beginning the 2003 town and county tax bill. (12/12)

LeRoy-- Pittsford Capital Group Inc. will help raise $35 million to support a new fruit processing and juice-packaging plant that will be located in the former Pro-Fac Agrilink building. International Fruit Processing North America New York has partnered with the financial services firm in an effort to create 300 jobs, with expectations of taking in more than 3 million bushels of apples annually. The company won Empire Zone status and entered an agreement with Cornell University to develop 100% not-from-concentrate apple juice, which will be developed at the state Agricultural Experiment Station in Geneva and made and packaged at the new plant. An opening date has not been reported. (11/6)

Rochester-- The University of Rochester's Gen*NY*sis (Generating Employment Through NYScience) program is expected to receive a $30 million NY state grant by year end and a home for start-up biotechnology companies at Rochester Technology Park, according to reports. $5 million of the grant will be set aside for biotech start-up research ventures needing to lease space at the Tech Park. Brad Cohen, CEO of Cohen Asset Management purchased the tech park Eastman Kodak in 2000 and has been marketing the facility's space for lease over the past year. The park can accommodate a variety of uses including office, high tech manufacturing, biotech, telecommunication/data centers, and retail. According to reports, Cohen has invested several million dollars this year in improving and enhancing the park's road surfaces, access roads and signage. The park also offers centralized security and its own power plant. Cohen is enthusiastic to join with the U of R in supporting local economy and giving home to new venture biotech companies. (11/11)

Rochester-- 14621 Industrial Park, created by the city following the demolition of Silver Stadium in 1998, could add another tenant to its roster. Spex-Precision Machine Technologies wants to buy land from the city of Rochester for $25,380 and move into a 15,000 sq.ft. plant by March and would be the park's third tenant, leaving two lots remaining on the 11-acre site. Spex, currently at 1281 St. Paul Street employs 15 manufacturing and supplying precision machine parts to the medical, electronics and transportation industries. With annual sales growth of 20 - 30%, Spex plans to add up to 7 employees and the company's president, Mike Nolan believes this move will support and enable their growth. (10/1)

Victor-- Two local companies will receive a total of $750,000 in federal money to expand facilities and create new jobs. Horizon Aerospace LLC and Gypsum Systems Interiors Ltd will receive $550,000 and $200,000 respectively. Horizon, currently located on Blossom Drive manufactures airplane and aerospace instruments, will buy a 26,000 sq.ft. building on Gateway Drive to accommodate the influx of operations and addition of about 100 positions and will buy equipment and machinery as well as renovate the new building. According to assistant Ontario County economic development director Roberta Hutchinson, Gypsum plans to use its funding to move from its Victor-Manchester Road location to a 26,000 sq.ft. facility to be constructed on 16 acres on Loomis Road in Farmingston, allowing for the creation of 50 new jobs. (10/25)

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RESIDENTIAL

Brighton-- New-Mark Development Inc. seeks approval from the Planning Board to build a 221-unit senior living complex on Clover Street, called The Legacy at Mercy Park. If the board approves the plan, crews will start construction in the spring. The plan was first proposed in 1995 and since then, the development company has revised its plans at the request of neighbors, cutting the size of the project, adding green space, proposed a second entrance off Blossom Road and other design changes. The project consists of 39 townhouses on the 30-acre site, a two-story building with 115 independent-living units and 67 assisted living units. Monthly rents are reported to range from $1,500 to $2,500 per month, including rent, medical care, activities, transportation and cleaning services. The complex is slated to open in the fall of 2004. (11/20)

Canandaigua-- Ground has been broken and graders and bulldozers are clearing the site for the expansion of the Old Brookside housing development, located just west of the city line on Buffalo Street Extension. Long-range plans include 172 single-family homes and 168 other apartments; only 31 lots have been approved thus far for the initial phase of the project. Developers are still seeking approval from the county and town for the proposed 168-unit apartment complex; each building will have eight units. Cost of the homes will be dictated by the first 10 to 15 people who buy homes when they are completed in late spring. (9/24)

Fairport-- According to village officials, efforts to turn the Crosman Center on East Avenue into a low-income senior housing complex are on time and on budget and the developer started receiving applications for residents to occupy the complex in mid-November. Rents for folks who are participating with the Section 8 program will pay 30% of their monthly income; those ineligible or not participating will pay the $380 or $455, which includes all utilities except electric - estimated to be around $15 per month. In order to qualify for occupancy, a prospective resident must be 62 or older with an income not exceeding $19,200. Two-person qualifications require one member of the couple being 62 or older and combined income must not exceed $21,950, including social security benefits. Bill Durdel, owner of Baldwin Real Estate, said he expects the income caps to be adjusted upward as the median income of the area increases. (9/19)

Greece-- The Town Board voted unanimously to rezone the 710 Latta Road property that the historic, 100-year old Yates-Thayer mansion rests on from single-family residential to multiple-family residential-senior citizens. Despite concerns by the Historical Society about preserving the property as a whole, the barn and tenant house will be removed from the property, as the barn was not the original structure according to reports. Colson and Colson Construction Co. wants to build a two-story, 115-unit facility for senior citizens on the parcel to be operated by Holiday Retirement Services, an Oregon firm. Holiday expects to rent the suite-style apartments to seniors who are not yet ready for nursing assistance. (9/19)

Greece-- The planning Board unanimously approved Masi Enterprises' final map of the first two sections of The Woods at Canal Park subdivision to be built on 22 acres at 2825 and 2839 Ridgeway Avenue. Neighbors are concerned construction will destroy their goldfish ponds and town engineer, John Gauthier said at a town meeting that no one can guarantee whether they have water or not and blamed the recent drought and failing siphons for the water problem the neighbors are experiencing. 30 luxury homes costing $400,000 to $800,000 each are planned and since approved, work will begin on the first 14 lots. (10/24)

Greece-- Canal Place on Mule Path Circle is a sprawling canal-front development consisting of 40 apartments strictly for low-income families - the fist of its kind in Greece. The commonplace townhouse-style buildings are upscale and will blend nicely with the rest of the community, according to Esther Thullen, director of tenant services for the Rochester-based Housing Opportunities. Rents will be determined on family incomes; they will pay either 30% of the household's gross income or a developer-designated base rent, whichever is higher. Neighbors have been assured residents will take pride in the townhouse apartments and Housing Opportunities will manage the property, following regulations for accepting candidates. (11/21)

Henrietta-- Construction on the 64-unit Autumn Woods senior living facility located on Lehigh Station road, between Matthews and Fields Lumber and Florendin Drive, has been on hiatus for the past six months, due to the bank pulling out of the financing deal. Tony Meleo of Country Estates Homebuilders reported he is now in final negotiations with a different bank and if all goes well, construction could be finished by this time next year. (9/18)

Hilton-- Unity Health System is interested in building an apartment complex for senior citizens in the village - the first Unity complex of its kind built outside Greece. Unity officials will soon submit plans for a $4.8 million, 49-unit affordable apartment complex off Route 259 behind the Unionville Station subdivision. Unity Health operates independent and assisted-living complexes next to Park Ridge Hospital and another location off Island Cottage Road. The company received an 11-acre gift from Anthony and Cornelia Cortrone, who developed Unionvillage Station's patio homes; the land donated was worth $385,000 according to reports. The two-story building will have one and two-bedroom apartments with rents of about $595 per month. Unity hopes to open in 2004. (11/30)

Perinton-- Residents in the Hamlet of Egypt feel the character of their neighborhood would be jeopardized if an apartment complex were to built at the Ranney farm, a 40-acre property at the intersection of Mason Road and Route 31. The proposal on the Ranney property is for 186 apartments and a second proposed development , nearly across the street on Mason Road is 23 single-family homes. A third proposal is south of Route 31, off of Thayer Road and calls for a mix of residential and commercial property. All of the proposed projects require rezoning by the town board and residents say that is where they would like to stop the Ranney development. Before rezoning, the town is required to get input/advisement from the planning board. Once the planning board reviews the proposals and forwards their findings to the town board, a decision may then be made whether they will consider rezone or not. A December planning board meeting is expected. (11/14)

Rochester-- SWBR Architects is providing design services to Providence Housing Development Corp. for St. Andrew's Apartments on Buffalo Road. The $1.2 million project includes 12 independent residential apartments for adults with special needs, all of which will be grade level and handicapped accessible. Construction is expected to begin in November and be completed in April, 2003. (11/11)

Rochester-- In April, 1999, city officials and developers announced plans to build a major housing and retail complex along the Genesee River in the Corn Hill neighborhood and was to be completed by July, 2002. More than three years later, construction of the $20 million waterfront project that includes luxury apartments, offices and retail space is expected to start in October or November. Mark IV Construction, the developer, blames the delay on a petroleum spill at the site, a complex application process to receive financing from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and a complicated new state building code. Upon clean up of the petroleum spill, Mark IV is planning to construct 127 one, two, three and four-bedroom apartments just south of the Interstate 490 bridge over the river. The development will also include a 6,000 sq.ft. restaurant. (9/17)

Rochester-- An award of $4.8 million in state funds and federal tax credits for eight local affordable housing projects was announced by NY Secretary of State Randy A. Daniels at a ceremony held at a large lot on Brower Road, near Culver Road - a location for one of the projects. Rural Opporunities Corp. will receive $1.8 million in state funds and $459,885 in tax credits administered by the state to help build the project. The county contributed funds - including $400,000 -- to the project Rural Opportunities is heading up. The seven other projects funded are Unity Senior Housing, St. Andrew's Apartments, Brooks Village, Heritage Christian Home, Whalen Road Apartments, Lynn's Place and Seldon-Square Phase II. (10/16)

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OTHER

Henrietta-- The Town Board named the two-acre plot of land at the corner of Winton Road and Pinnacle Road extension Hoskins Park. The newest addition to the town, the park gave the area a face-lift with new landscaping, benches and a short trail. The park is named after Harley Hoskins, a former Henrietta resident who donated the land to the town in 1999. (9/25)

Henrietta-- The Town Board unanimously approved a five-year rental deal with LeFrois Development last week for 5,000 sq.ft. of flexible office space at 95 Methodist Hill Drive. Starting this January, the facility will house the town recreation classes, as well as the orphaned gymnastics program which hasn't had a home since the closing of the FunQuest building last August. The town will pay $58,500 per year for the rental space according to Supervisor, Jim Breese. Programs in the new building should be up and running for 2003 winter programs starting in January. (10/9)

Irondequoit-- The town will receive a $50,000 state grant through the Main Street NY Downtown Development program, to build a small park on the site of a Sea Breeze eyesore - a former service station at 4535 Culver Road. The park will eventually link to a trail system that will stretch from the Seneca Park Zoo in Rochester to the Sea Breeze area near Lake Ontario and Irondequoit Bay. The town ordered landowner Gilbert E. Knapp Jr. to demolish the water-damaged building that stands on the gas station site; if he fails to do so, the town will tear down the building and apply the cost to his property tax bill. The town does not yet own the land but hopes to acquire it after the county forecloses on the parcel for nonpayment of taxes, according to Town Planner Kris Mago. (11/1)

Palmyra-- Pending revision of engineering plans, the state Department of Environmental Conservation is almost ready to approve a more than $100,000 trail project along the Erie Canal that would link Palmyra and Buffalo. A DEC spokesperson said a revision to the engineering plans is needed to more clearly identify state-protected wetlands to prevent any unintended disturbance. Village officials are debating whether to put the project up for bid or do it in-house, using municipal road crews and recycled materials from a major road reconstruction project underway in the village. Construction could begin as early as next fall. (9/25)

Perinton-- The Girl Scouts of Genesee Valley tentatively agreed to sell just over 3 acres of land to the town. While the town hasn't drafted a formal offer yet, Supervisor Jim Smith said the agreement calls for the town to pay $13,000 plus expenses for the property located at 2222 Turk Hill Road, abutting Girl Scout Camp Piper Wood; Smith estimates in total, the town will pay approximately $20,000. Purchase of the property by the town would add a new section to the 25-year-old Crescent Trail, forming a continuous link. This would offer continuous linkage from Bushnell's Basin and the new Lyndon Road bridge and of course, along the south bank of the canal there's a path that leads into the village of Fairport. Next on the agenda would be getting easements for the trail on property north of the canal. (9/26)

Pittsford-- -- Work began on the 17,000 sq.ft. St. Bernard's School of Theology and Ministry after a ground-breaking ceremony. The graduate school will be located on 4 acres on French Road next to an access road leading into Nazareth College, relocating from its Colgate Rochester Divinity School's Goodman Street campus in Rochester. According to school spokesperson Linda Barton, they expect to hold five or six full-time instructors with a graduate program of about 125 and a certificate program of 150. The new campus is expected to be completed by August 2003. (10/16)

Sodus-- Citing growing financial losses and declining use by patients, ViaHealth will close Myers Community Hospital, including the emergency and operating rooms, six in-patient beds, physical and occupational therapy and the cardiac rehabilitation program. ViaHealth will consolidate services at Newark-Wayne Community Hospital, 15 miles south of Sodus, a devastating loss for the community; losing jobs and loss of convenient access to medical care. Doctors offices on the Myers campus will remain open. The state Department of Health has 90 days to review ViaHealth's closure and before the department will permit the move, they must ensure the Myers' patients will be able to receive care elsewhere, according to Rob Kenny, spokesman. (11/15)

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GENERAL

Brighton-- Town residents will vote in December on an $8 million plan to buy up to 376 acres to preserve an open space. Town Board members voted unanimously to put a $5 million bond measure up for a vote as the town's share of the project - the town will pay $2.9 million from a reserve fund and Monroe County has offered a $122,725 grant. Targeted parcels for the open space plan include 82 acres adjacent to Brighton Recreation Area, 82 acres across Westfall Road from the area and 98 cares between West Henrietta Road and the old Lehigh Valley Railroad. If approved by boters, the referendum would result in a tax rate increase of about $.21 per $1,000 of assessed valuation, or $21.25 a year for the owner of a $100,000 home over 20 years. A December 17 vote is scheduled. (10/17)

Canandaigua-- The $17 million, 58-acre family attraction - Roseland Waterpark -- that opened last year has defaulted on its construction bonds and is for sale, as Paradise Waterparks Inc. were unable to make payment on their debt service. The bond company decided to sell the facility according to Mayor Ellen Polimeni. The Mayor is confident the park will be sold and reopened by a different owner and foresees it operational for the summer of 2003. (11/21)

Canandaigua-- The area's 52-acre Victorian estate, Sonneberg Gardens, formerly the home and gardens of Frederick Ferris Thompson and the founder of what is now Citibank, may close January 1 due to financial distress. Adding to their woes, like many cultural attractions during the recession, the gardens have seen its admissions drop by 10%. Last November, the estate was placed on a list of sites the state may want to preserve and acquire; the estate was valued at $3.2 million and includes the 1887 mansion. Since the CEO was charged with embezzling roughly $400,000 and the establishment running short on cash, it has been run by a volunteer committee who has been making efforts to raise funds and reduce expenses as well. Canandaigua National Bank president and CEO George Hamlin said the bank's goals are the same as Sonneberg's - to preserve a regional treasure that is unique in the nation - however, the bank has presented Sonneberg with an issue of demand letter, meaning if the loan remains unpaid, the bank will appoint a referee who will begin the process of selling the site. (9/27)

Canandaigua-- The three-year, $27 million construction project on Route 332 will be completed by the end of September but not without concerns raised by the town. The town is discussing with the state Department of Transportation how the medians will be maintained - mowing of the grass and taking care of trees - the state normally mows medians twice per year but the town doesn't think this is enough. It is a possibility the state will hire the town to mow, according to Art Andrews, engineer in charge of the project. The once rural Route 332 has been transformed into a divided superhighway connecting Canandaigua with the state Thruway. (9/24)

Fairport-- A Zoning Board of Appeals decision to renew sign variances at the Packett's Landing office complex for three years rather than ten is a cautious but necessary decision. The Board understand the village sign law may very well be changing within the next three years and realized setting a variance for ten years would not be advantageous at this point as laws do change over time. Each business in the Packett's Landing complex, located off Main Street, has two signs - the first is a group of small signs indicating the businesses within the complex and the second sign hangs outside each business' door. The variance is needed because only one permanent sign is allowed under village law. (10/10)

Faiport-- The Fairport Fire Department has moved back into is original home on East Church Street, after being displaced to Whitney Road so their station could be revamped with many needed improvements. Feature improvements include meeting and training rooms, a ventilation system lessening firefighter's exposure to diesel exhause, improved record-keeping systems and a bunk room accommodating six firefighters which allows for faster response times. Also improved is the radio communication and alert system that automatically turns on an audible alarm, bunk room lights and unlocks the garage doors. The Whitney Road station is next to be renovated, expected to be completed around the beginning of the year at a cost of approximately $1 million. (10/3)

Farmington-- The $27 million expansion project of Route 332 connecting Canandaigua to the state Thruway, has spurred new town plans for this Ontario County town. Consideration of their long-term plans and visions are being revisited because of the now-divided highway. Among immediate planning issues the town must consider the southeast corner of the intersection of Route 332 and County Road 41, which will be restricted by sites reserved for future access roads and planners will also study revisions in zoning coes that will discourage further development of industrial enterprises just off Thruway exit 44 in favor of commercial and retail services that cater to commuters and tourists. (10/23)

Geneva-- Serving as the hub of research and data about the Finger Lakes Region, Hobart & William Smith Colleges' Finger Lakes Institute is starting with a $1 million state grant, announced in October by Senator Michael Nozzolio. While serving as a data-server and compiler of information, the Institute will start with an environmental focus and branch into economic, social and cultural issues. Total cost of the institution is not known but John Halfman, director of the college's environmental studies program believes with help from the federal government and private foundations they could have a half-dozen on staff within a decade. Efforts will be coordinated with a smattering of schools that do research such as Geneseo, Brockport, Cornell and Syracuse universities. (10/1)

Greece-- The Chamber of Commerce will relocate to a larger more visible office at Greece Town Centre, 2696 W. Ridge Road and vacate their current quarters in the Country Village Plaza, 1100 Long Pond Road. The move means separate work spaces for each staff member, two new conference rooms and a board room. The new office is in the storefront between Pizza Hut and Leichtner Studios, facing Long Pond Road. (9/26)

Pittsford-- The county Water Authority closed on a purchase of the historic, 19th century, 2,700 sq.ft. L-shaped barn at 449 Thornell Road, paying $160,000 for the Pittsford landmark. Officials of the county state they will install a pumping station inside the barn to increase water pressure in that area and at the same time, preserve this part of the town's heritage. A timetable has not been set for the project. (11/20)

Rochester-- State and local officials say they have completed months of negotiations and a ferry service between Rochester and Toronto is now set to launch in May 2004. With financial issues out of the way, the focus will turn to making Rochester and Toronto ready to receive the ferry; Deputy Mayor Jeffrey Carlson said the city would start work on building a port as soon as possible which will be located at an abandoned warehouse along the Genesee River. A $42.5 million catamaran from Australian shipbuilder Austal Ltd. is on order. (11/21)

Rochester-- The City Council has adopted a new Zoning Code and Map which will become effective January 1, 2003, as a culmination of three years of review and revision of the 27 year old zoning ordinance last revised in 1975. The revision process was initiated by the Department of Community Development Zoning Division in response to the adoption of The Renaissance 2010 Plan. The zoning map and codes may be viewed on-line. (10/15)

Rush-- The Town Board delayed ruling on a rezoning request made for 27 acres of land near the intersection of Route 15 and 251 until it receives more information. Rush Associates LLC, landowner, wants to build a strip-mall inclusive of retail shops, a restaurant, and a bank on 10 acres of the property; the remaining 17 acres are designated for a potential 144-unit senior housing development. In August, the town Planning Board recommended that the Town Board reject the rezoning request, citing a lack of clearly defined plans for the property by Rush Associates and failure to provide access to the site from Route 251. A petition signed by 167 residents was delivered opposing the rezoning as well, concerned about the increase of traffic. No action will be taken on this request until the landowner meets their criteria and supplies the information the Board has requested. (9/18)