1st Quarter 2003
ECONOMIC & BUSINESS
Eastman Kodak Company-- According to reports, the company will pay some $62 million for an Indiana-based independent professional photo-imaging lab business, Burrell Colour Inc. Kodak plans to sell BCI to a third party as soon as practical, rather than hold and operate their national network of labs as part of Kodak Professional. (1/10)
Eastman Kodak-- Company officials announced the donation of a 106-acre parcel of land located in "Canal Ponds", an area west of Route 390 along the Erie Canal near Lexington Ave to Infotonics Technology Center Inc. The donation is part of state, federal and other contributions to support the project involving a cooperative laboratory to develop new technologies and spin-off companies. Planned subsequent to the formation of the Center in early 2001, the state's funding has been released and other planned resources are in process. (12/24)
Eastman Kodak Company-- A trade consortium won approval last week to move forward on a process for speeding the transfer of digital images wirelessly based on technology of the company's research labs. WiMedia Alliance, launched last year by Kodak, comprised of nine other companies hope to ready a final blueprint for the technology by May. Upon approval, WilMedia Alliance would work on ways to commercialize the technology by promoting it to software developers for incorporation into digital cameras and other devices. It is Kodak's point of view the technology will allow someone to go to a kiosk and beam a photograph right into that kiosk from their two-way directional camera. (1/10)
Eastman Kodak Company-- Kodak scientists received 694 patents last year, down 3.5 percent from 2001, this being the third consecutive decline for Rochester's largest employer. Kodak trailed its competitor, Fuji Photo Film Co. Inc. of Japan, which received 695 patents. (1/14)
Xerox-- The company announced fourth quarter earnings of 1 cent per share, including restructuring charges of 34 cents per share and a one-time tax benefit of 11 cents per share related to the completion of a tax audit. For 2002, the company delivered a return to full-year profitability - evidence of Xerox's aggressive efforts in transforming its business model, according to company chairman and CEO, Anne M. Mulcahy. (1/28)
Xerox-- The company ranked 19th on the list of companies with the most patents in 2002, winning 701 U.S. patents, according to IFI Claims Patent Service in Wilmington, Delaware. With its research partner, FujiXerox, the company won 889 patents, raising it two notches in the ranking for 2002. (1/14)
Paychex-- The Board of Directors announced net income of $74.7 million, or 20 cents diluted earnings per share for the quarter ending November 30, 2002, a 9 percent increase over the same period last year. For the six-month period, the company reported record net income of $160.6 million, or 40 cents diluted earnings per share an 8 percent increase for the same period last year. The acquisition of Advantage Paryoll Services in September provided the Rochester payroll company with 49,000 new clients. (12/20)
Paychex-- The company is offering a new payroll product - a plastic bank card. The Paychex Access Visa card is an alternative to paper checks whereas employers can electronically deposit an employee's pay onto a Visa payroll card. This offered as an option for those who have no checking or savings accounts. (1/10)
Bausch & Lomb Inc.-- The company released fourth quarter reported net earnings of $32.4 million, or 60 cents per share, compared to a reported net loss of $8.0 million, or 15 cents per share in 2001. Results reported for the full-year, net earnings were $72.5 million, or $1.34 per share, compared to $21.2 million or 39 cents per share in 2001. Chairman and CEO, Ronald L. Zerella was pleased to report 2002 was a year of improving operational execution and the beginning of a turnaround for the company, as they promised it would be. (1/30)
Bausch & Lomb Inc.-- A court ruling hurt the company's future plans to market and manufacture its PureVision extended-wear lens in the U.S, according to reports. The eye-care company lost its appeal on a patent infringement suit brought by competitor, CIB Vision Corp, the eye-care unit of Novartis AG. Had B&L prevailed, the company would have resumed its manufacturing at its Goodman Street facility. (2/14)
Area Auto Sales-- According to the Rochester Automobile Dealers' Association, Monroe County new and used auto dealers realized a 14.8 percent jump in sales in December. December sales were 2,969 and 1,425 for new and used vehicles respectively, compared with 2,384 new and 1,444 used sales in the same month last year. For the year, dealers sold 64,703 vehicles, compared with 64,815 in 2001. (1/17)
Area Bankruptcy Filings-- Bankruptcy totals in the nine-county Rochester region of the Western District were up 3.3 percent - a record high -- compared with 2001 filings, as figures compiled by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court show. A total of 5,090 Rochester area individuals and businesses filed bankruptcies last year, more than ever filed before according to Bankruptcy Court Clerk Paul Warren. The 2002 total compares with 4,929 in 2001. (1/10)
Area Exports-- Despite economic slumps abroad and at home, Rochester companies that do business overseas fared better than expected in 2002, according to a preliminary verdict from the International Business Council, of the newly formed Rochester Business Alliance. With survey results from 97 of its ore than 2,000 members, the council is projecting that businesses exported $12.3 billion in goods last year, down from $13 billion in 2001. Given the economy and world events, Charles Goodwin, Alliance Vice President for International Trade is pleased with these numbers. (1/14)
Area Home Sales-- While U.S. mortgage rates hit record lows, dropping to below 6 percent for a 30 year mortgage, Rochester area home sales for 2002 was 160 shy of a record-breaking year, nearing 1999's sales of 12,004 existing single-family homes. However, sales are surging into 2003. According to the Genesee Region Real Estate Information Service, a division of The Realtors Association, 913 houses were sold in December, up 5.9 percent from one year ago. The dollar volume of sales increased 6.4 percent reaching $1,403,484,534 - the largest recorded volume since the association began tracking in 1989. Closings are up slightly from November when 903 homes sold. Both the number of mortgages and deeds filed with the Monroe County Clerk's office rose in December with a total of 4,544 mortgages and 1,968 deeds filed in December, up from November. 135 single family building permits were issued in November up from 106 for the same month last year. On a year-to-date basis, 1,668 building permits were issued through November 2002. (1/10, 1/21, 2/7)
Area Unemployment-- Area jobless rates hit a 20-year high despite gains in the service sector which were dominated by continued losses in manufacturing. New data from the NYS Labor Department suggests unemployment in the Rochester area rose in December to 5.6 percent from 5.4 percent in November and 5.3 percent in December 2001. The rate reflects 31,400 people in the area out of work, again below Buffalo rate of 5.8 percent. Monroe County's jobless rate remained unchanged from November but up from 4.9 percent in December 2001. The Rochester area lost 6,700 jobs between December 2001 and December 2002, according to the Department of Labor. (1/24)
Nothnagle-- The area's largest residential real estate company, Nothnagle, has reported the company's highest sales volume in 2002. During the past year, the real estate company had transactions worth $913 million up 6 percent from 2001. Nothnagle is a Brighton based firm with 20 branches in seven counties. (1/21)
M&T Bank-- FThe bank with headquarters in Buffalo, plans to add an undetermined number of jobs in the Rochester Region over the next 18 months. The bank anticipates 557 back-office jobs to be added in Buffalo and maybe some of those in other upstate branches as well, according to a company spokesman. (1/16)
Monroe County-- Monroe County's credit rating was lowered from A+ to BBB+, dropping the county's rating five notches since August 2001. Rating agencies Fitch Ratings, Moody's Investors Service and Standar & Poor's Rating Services have all dropped the county's credit rating over the past year in light of deficits of recent years and its uncertain outlook in troubled economic times. Although the rating has been reduced, Fitch analyst Jessalynn Moro considers the county to still be of "good credit quality" - the new rating reflects a negative outlook. James Smith, spokesman for County Executive Jack Doyle stated the rating reflects Fitch's unhappiness that Doyle has not sought a big tax increase. (1/16)
Air Fares-- Rochester's air fares are coming in for a landing and area travelers are feeling significant relief, national statistics show. The latest figures released by the U.S. Department of Transportation show that beetween April and June 2002, the Greater Rochester International Airport had the 16th most expensive air fares among 79 U.S. cities - a significant improvement from fifth place for the same period in 2001. According to Terry Slaybaugh, airport director, Rochester has ranked in the top five most expensive on the DOT's Domestic Airline Fares Consumer Report for the past six years and he credits the dropping ticket prices to the arrival of low-fare carriers JetBlue Airways and AirTran Airways. (1/7)
OFFICE
Greece-- Although a feasibility study has not yet been completed, Strong Health has tentative plans to build in Greece, possibly competing with Greece's Park Ridge Hospital. Strong envisions a two-story 100,000 sq. ft. facility for out-patient services. According to Teri D'Agostino, spokeswoman for Strong, about 35 percent of patients discharged from their Strong Memorial and Highland facilities were Greece residents, indicating a need for another facility in their area. A specific location and services offered have not been determined. (2/26)
Rochester-- Buckingham Properties has purchased the old IBM building at 150 State Street from Wilmorite Properties Inc. The building was constructed in the 1960s with more than 200 parking spaces and Buckingham will spend about $1.5 million renovating the four-story, 78,000 sq. ft. property to attract new tenants. Buckingham is considering adding two floors and linking the property to space on Front Street that is owned by RGS Energy Group. (2/11)
Rochester-- The Parazin Building in the High Falls district at 208 Mill Street is for sale. Owner Tom Dimino purchased the building in 1998 in which time, has remained vacant. Park Avenue Realtors has been retained to help sell the building or find tentants and broker-owner Joseph Cattalani said it would likely be best suited for office space, but they're open to a hotel, loft apartments or retail. (2/25)
Rochester-- Picture downtown and it conjures an image of the city's three tallest buildings -- 39-story Xerox Square, the 27-story Chase Tower and the 20-story One Bausch & Lomb Place. All three are in the midst of transformation. Xerox Square is undergoing a more than $50 million interior and exterior renovation project. Chase Tower will again be owned by a major bank and the Bausch & Lomb tower will be at its highest occupancy since opening in 1995 with new tenants moving in. The Xerox building will be seeing replacement of floors, addition of kitchenettes and refurbishing the outside cement of the buildings structure. J.P. Chase Morgan has exercised the option on a sale-leaseback of the Chase Tower and will resume ownership in 2011. Two and a half floors comprising of 25,000 - 30,000 sq. ft. are vacant. The B&L building, the youngest of the towers has seen its best year yet and is expecting its new tenant, West Group to move 250 of its 800 employees into 30,000 sq. ft. of the tower. (3/7)
Victor-- Rochester developer Rainaldi Brothers wants the town to rezone about 115 acres into a planned development district site for an 800,000 sq. ft. office complex, called High Point. The project is proposed for a plateau behind Cobblestone Court plaza on Route 96 and would comprise of an office complex,, retail businesses and possibly a hotel. Town officials will be studying the potential environmental impact of the proposed project and then will be forwarded to the Planning Board for their comments. Planning Board chairman Christie Hart said the project is in its beginning stages and has a long way to go. (1/21)
RETAIL
Canandaigua-- An unnamed local restaurateur wants to rent the city-owned Muar House as a healthy casual restaurant, but first the City Council has to approve the lease of the building. The prospective tenant wants to invest between $50,000 and $100,000 in renovations for the building, adding a kitchen, new bathrooms, a dining area as well as interior and exterior maintenance. The city is considering up to a 15-year lease, but is not interested in selling the building located on the lakefront off Lakeshore Drive. (1/20)
Canandaigua-- Tops Friendly Markets will open a new 57,000 sq. ft. store located at 5150 North Road at Route 332. The supermarket will be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week and includes a pharmacy, a carryout café and some self checkouts. (2/18)
Fairport-- A favorite East Rochester business, Dave's Village Bakery, finds a new home in the Village Landing. The bakery business closed its doors on West Commercial Street after 18 years of business and have returned to Fairport. Owner and baker Dave Dobson had 80 customers walk in his first day and 240 his second day, selling out of his tasty pepperoni bread. The bakery is located at 104 Village Landing. (1/30)
Gates-- The Town Board approved a request to continue to keep the Wal-Mart Supercenter open 24 hours. The vote allows the store to remain open 24 hours until January 5, 2004. (1/7)
Gates-- The Chili Hinchey Plaza is undergoing a redevelopment and expansion project totaling $1 to $2 million in the town of Gates. Developers David Dworkin and John August along with their partners bought the aging 67,000 sq. ft. strip mall for $1.03 million in January. The plaza, built in 1940, located at 1295-1317 Chili Avenue will see 10,000 sq. ft. addition, new windows and brick façade and the construction of a supola to attract drivers on nearby I-390 overpass. A date for completion was not given. (3/7)
Greece-- Talbots and Talbots Petite's has found a new second home in 6,200 sq. ft. of a strip mall located in Country Village. Talbots recorded sales of $1.6 billion in 2001 compared with $1.1 in 1998 and store officials believe once catalog sales reach a certain level, it is time to research another store location. 2002 sales figures have not been released yet. (2/7)
Greece-- Developers of the disputed Eckerd Drug Store on Stone Road and Dewey Avenue have withdrawn their request for relief from a code requirement that stipulates a landscaped swath between the Stone Road right of way and the proposed pharmacy's parking lot. Westlake Development has had to alter their plans to accommodate the 15-foot separation and now has to seek the Planning Board's approval of the adjusted site plan. The Planning Board voted to recommend that the Board of Zoning Appeals hold the developer to the code requirement. (3/6)
Henrietta-- Kmart Corp will close 326 more stores, including outlets in Henrietta and Geneva and layoff more than 26,000 more workers as a way to cut costs and emerge from bankruptcy this spring. (1/15)
Henrietta-- Gander Mountain, a 57-store chain that specializes in hunting, fishing and camping equipment will open a store in late May or early June. According to Andrew Dollinger of CB Richard Ellis, the store is expected to fill the vacant property on Jay Scutti Boulevard that once housed Home Place and MJ Designs. Town Supervisor James Breese said the town would prioritize the approval process once Gander signs a lease, (1/24)
Hopewell-- A Lowe's home improvement store was confirmed as the possible anchor tenant in a proposed retail development on Route 5 & 20. The store would be located directly east of the Wal-Mart store. Kevin Kane, development manager of the Widewaters Group told members of the Planning Board that his company had been working with Lowe's but stressed that no deal had yet been signed. The request for the proposed site plan will be forwarded to the Planning Board and they will continue discussions about the plan. Lowe's would employ about 200 employees. (1/02)
Irondequoit-- The Irondequoit Mall is losing three more stores - American Eagle, Lerners and San Fransisco Music Box Co - all having liquidation sales and the latest string of closings at the ailing mall. Meanwhile, a deadline is looming for Madison Marquette Realty Services to present a redevelopment plan to the mall's new owner - an investment group led by Equitable Life Assurance Society. Marquette is planning a multi-use combination featuring retail and office space. (1/24)
Pittsford-- Dibella's eatery, set to go in the old Charter One Bank building on 14 S. Main Street has decided not to open a submarine shop after all. Mayor Robert Corby said they were very surprised after doing extensive work to the inside of the building. A spokesman for Dibellas stated they pulled out due to two other stores opening; one in Perinton and one in East Rochester. They will now look to lease the building, but do not have any prospects yet. (12/25)
Rochester-- Bennigan's Irish American Grill & Tavern has opened downtown in the Four Points Sheraton Rochester Riverside hotel. The restaurant is owned by Bob Swigonski. (1/14)
Rochester-- Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. has opened its first local gasoline station and "quickmart" in front of its Hudson Avenue store. .Wal-Mart is leasing the space to Sunuco Inc. which has a contract to operate at Wal-Mart stores under the name Optims. Now, the super center store is truly a one-stop-shopping center. (12/4)
Rochester-- Midtown Mall is continuing to experience troubles, even after change of ownership a year ago. According to RDDC, about 43 percent of the 790,000 sq. ft. office space is vacant. McCurdy's is still vacant as well as smaller retail spots. The new owners acknowledge progress has been difficult but they are committed and confident Midtown can be revitalized. In an effort to do so, they have hired a national small developer, Kravco Cos., to study options for retail space at the complex. The study is expected to take six months. Kravco has successfully redeveloped 30 million sq. ft. of malls across the country. (12/4, 1/24)
Victor-- If you've driven by the Eastview Mall on Route 96, you've noticed remodeling and construction have begun on the expansion project. Among the additions will be Pottery Barn, Coldwater Creek, Champps American Restaurant and P.F. Chang Bistro. Space remains in the 62,500 sq. ft. expansion for a third restaurant. Wilmorite officials have estimated the $25 million expansion will bring an additional 350 construction and retail jobs. (1/22)
Victor-- Victor Commerce Park is a proposed 566,000 sq. ft. multii-use development project slated for 96.4 acres off Route 96, across from the Hampton Inn at the I-490 and thruway intersection. In addition to a 204,180 sq. ft. Wal-Mart supercenter, three strip malls, three restaurants, five office buildings and a hotel are also part of the proposed complex. A 3,000 page environmental impact study has been forwarded to the Planning Board for review of which some portions were not specific enough and have been returned to the developer's drawing board. Upon return to the Planning Board, if they deem it complete, it will then set a public hearing for the site plan. (1/10)
Webster-- Syracuse Developer, COR Development Co. is purchasing from Wegmans a 73-acre parcel on Holt Road between Route 104 and Empire Boulevard. COR is planning a 700,000 sq. ft. retail shopping center that could signal the arrival of hot discounter, Kohl's to the Webster area. Once the plan is approved by the town officials, the project will likely take between 18 to 24 months to complete. Target has been scouting the Webster area and Kohl's has expressed interest in the locale. Deed restrictions prevent COR from leasing space to home improvement or grocery stores. (1/11)
INDUSTRIAL
Chili-- A proposal to streamline cargo transfer in the Rochester area and help move the region's $12 billion in international exports is drawing support from the business community. Doug Charles, president and chief executive of GMI Development has proposed leasing a county-owned building at 909 Beahan Road and constructing a 300,000 sq. ft. building near the Greater Rochester International Airport, as an international cargo transfer area. The $32 million project would link the region's rail, air and truck shipments at a 57-acre site in Chili. The Rochester region exported $12.3 billion in products last year - more per capita than any other region in the country. Research shows this process adds more than $10 million in costs for local industry each year. (2/21)
Geneva-- Ontario County is seeking to be the home of it's second Center for Excellence, a state-backed center. The Cornell Agriculture and Food Technology Park in Geneva would be the second Center for Excellence in Ontario - joining Infotonics based in Canandaigua. The proposed project consists of nine buildings totaling 325,000 sq. ft. for the ag park. Construction is expected to start this year with some $4.7 million in private and public funding. An overall investment of $75 million is anticipated. Once completed, the park is expected to create 800 to 1,000 high-paying research jobs, many in biotechnology. The park will be located on 75 acres adjacent to the NYS Agricultural Experiment Station off Pre-Emption Road. (2/21)
Greece-- Ortho-Clinical Diagnostics Inc., a Johnson & Johnson company, is expected to expand its operations into Greece, occupying 26,000 sq. ft. at 155 Bellwood Drive, former home of the Sutherland Group Ltd. The owner of the building is Morgan Management LLC and said Ortho is slated to move in by the end of February. Ortho-Clinical plans to conduct extensive renovations at the facility and has some 1,200 local employees. (1/24)
Rochester-- Monroe County law makers approved a deal that will result in the sale of the county's coal-burning Iola powerhouse for $7 million. The sale results not only in the county saving money, but also switching to a less polluting form of energy. The new power generating units will be at the county's former fleet maintenance building at Iola and at the nearby MCC building 7. The new arrangement will, after the first year, cost the county about $1 million less than it now spends on energy from Iola. (12/24)
Rochester-- CPI Business Groups Inc. has purchased DeRidder Inc., a Rochester-based manufacturing, packaging and fulfillment firm. The two companies became subsidiaries of parent company of CPI Holdings Inc. CPI at 500 Lee Road has some 200 staffers. (1/31)
RESIDENTIAL
Rochester-- Christa Development unveiled plans to build a complex of condominiums in the East End that might rival the pricey digs seen in NYC. Christa is expected to begin construction this summer on a $15 million East Avenue project that will feature high-end retail stores, professional offices and 23 condominiums that are expected to sell for $350,000 and $600,000 each. The "Sagamore on East" will offer easy access to the cultural district, secure parking a full time concierge at the door. The project will be constructed on a long, narrow slice of land owned by the Cultural Center Commission with a loan from the Commission of $1.5 million from a reserve fund. It is also setting aside parking spaces for a fee in the East End Garage. Christa will finance the remainder. (2/12)
Rochester-- Winn Development met with city officials to discuss its interest in acquiring the 6.1 acre property at 185-405 Mt. Hope Avenue, just north of the Ford Street Bridge. Winn is interested in purchasing two in-city affordable housing complexes and River Park Commons is one of them they have set sights on for refurbishing and redevelopment. The company hopes to finalize their purchase by the end of June and complete redevelopment by 2004. Winn typically invests anywhere from $50,000 to $100,000 per unit in upgrades, and for River Park which has 402 units, that could mean a total long term investment of $20 to $40 million. (2/7)
Rochester-- A $1.8 million loft project is under way near Geva Theatre, the first loft development in downtown's Washington Square Park area. The five story 40,000 sq. ft. building at the corner of Capron Street was so appealing to Patrick Dandrea of American Site Developers LLC, that he decided to buy it and transform it into 13 lofts, including a fifth floor penthouse suite where he and his wife will live. With offices and retail shops occupying the first floor, there are plans for three two story lofts, each 1,000 to 2,000 sq. ft. Construction is expected to begin this summer and be completed by next spring or early summer. Asking prices are undetermined at this time, yet there is already a waiting list. (12/22)
OTHER
Brighton-- May 15th, the former King James Motel will reopen as a Holiday Inn Express. Owner of the property, Somchand Patel, located at 2835 Monroe Avenue purchased the motel in 2001 with the intent to revamp the property - he is doing just that. The $3 million project will revamp the projects two buildings into a resting spot for business people and tourists rather than troublesome patrons. Since November, crews from Rochester Craft Builders, Inc. worked to rebuild the 50-year old King James to Holiday Inn standards. (2/25)
Canandaigua-- At least three proposals to take control of the fledging tourist attraction, Roseland Water Park, located on the north side of Routes 5&20, are under review by the park's bondholder. Last fall, Roseland defaulted on its debt payments to its bondholder and the park was closed. The Canandaigua Recreation Development Corp. chairman, Dennis Morga says their role now is to find an individual or group who is sincere about getting the park back opened. No definite plans have been defined. (2/20)
Canandaigua-- Patrons can still visit the Thendara, but only if they plan on staying for the night. The ever popular restaurant and boat house has been converted into a bed & breakfast. The Thendara was purchased by the Pellicano's last year and many area residents were skeptical the hot spot may be used as a personal residence. The main house is now set to operate four bed & breakfast rooms and the boat house is ready to open this summer. Owner, Tracy Pellicano says they won't be holding any weddings there but will take on diners at the boathouse and smaller parties. The Thendara was built between 1908 and 1910 by former state senator John Raines. The current owners purchased the 3.8 acre estate for $1,175,000. (2/20)
Canandaigua-- A $35 million expansion of F.F. Thompson Hospital will triple the size of its emergency department among other renovations. Starting this spring, Thompson Health will add eight beds to the hospital's emergency department, including two trauma beds. This portion should be finished by the end of 2003, according to Jim Doran, project manager. Among other renovations will be changing the registration area into a patient access center and widening of the public corridor and adding waiting rooms off of the corridor. The ambulatory surgery center will also expand as well as enhancements to the lobby and relocation of the respiratory therapy area. The project will be funded through $20 million in bonds, $10 million in private funds and $5 million in capital lease funds. (2/28)
Geneva-- -- The owners of Belhurst Castle, White Springs Manor and White Springs Farms are developing a vineyard, winery, hotel and visitors center on Route 14 about 200 feet from the City of Geneva. An initial 8 acres of grapes will be planted, expecting the vineyard to expand to 60 acres over the next four years. A two-story wine making facility will be located in the existing barn on the farm property. Additionally, plans to build a 26,000 sq. ft. facility to house a 26-room luxury hotel including a 300 seat banquet room, a wine tasting room, gift shop and bar will be located just north of the Belhurst property. The project could bring an extra $3 million a year in taxes, wages and total spending to the area, as well as an anticipated 57 jobs. Opening is expected by Memorial Day 2004. (2/28)
Greece-- The town will put a $125,000 grant toward the purchase and protection of two parcels of land near the Braddock Bay Fish and Wildlife Management Area. Greece is one of four towns to receive a portion of Jack Doyle's latest batch of Green Space Initiative funding. The Green Space program provides towns with matching grants for protecting and preserving environmentally sensitive and agricultural properties. The parcels, on North Greece and Manitou roads, border the Braddock Bay and Salmon Creek region in the northeastern section of town, each about 60 sq. acres. Both are privately owned and are ideal for open space preservation. (1/02)
Henrietta-- Plans have been filed with the Henrietta Town Board to build X-Dreams - a 36,000 sq. ft. skate park on Brighton-Henrietta Townline Road. The park would include indoor and outdoor ramps for skate-boarding, in-line skating and free-style or BMX biking. The request also asks permission to sublease part of the facility out for a rental or skate shop - it would be based in an existing building now occupied by Tennis Club Associates. Because the proposed site is inside an industrial-zoned area, X-Dreams will have to get approval from the Town Board. A special use permit hearing is scheduled for January. If approved, construction could wrap up as soon as April, according to co-owner of X-Dreams, Chris Wilmot. (1/1)
Henrietta-- The town opened its new 9,000 sq. ft. custom-designed recreation center. The new building, located within the same series of office parks as Henrietta Town Court gives gymnasts and martial artists a place to go again for their classes. The Town Board signed off on a $585,000-a-year, five year lease deal with LeFrois Developments for use of the property in October. (1/8)
Parma-- 35-acres of prized lakefront on Lake Ontario will be saved from future development. Federal and state funding has come through so Monroe County can purchase the property, which is located off the Lake Ontario Parkway in Parma between Huffet Road and Ferguson Drive. The federal and state grants that will be used to purchase the property total $574,825; Monroe County is giving $226,225 through its Greenspace Initiative and the Monroe County Water Authority is kicking in $64,050. The property's owner, real estate broker, Edward Scharping of Albion has wanted to sell the property to a municipality or nonprofit organization for years. (12/4)
Perinton-- Constellation Brands, the worlds largest purveyor of wine, is negotiating a deal to acquire or merge with BRL Hardy, Australia's largest wine producer. If the acquisition goes through, this would solidify Constellation as a leading beverage alcohol company. A deadline has not been set for completion of the acquisition. (1/14)
Rochester-- The Rochester Broadway Theatre League Inc. plans to buy the Auditorium Theatre for a probable $1 million asking price. RBTL will need up to an estimated $2 million more for building improvements, including seating, heating, air conditioning, bathrooms. The organization has pulled together some government funds and low-interest loans to support the project. The roughly 2,000-seat Auditorium Theatre is the largest of six lavishly decorated theatres in the Auditorium Center. (12/27)
Rochester-- The city will permanently shut down its Mortimer Street garage in January, which had been used primarily by BlueCross BlueShield before the company moved in 1996. The 620-space area most recently closed will remain unused until the city decides what is best suited for the site. It isn't clear what the city intends to do with the garage after its closed, as it happens, the structure sits squarely on one of the proposed locations for a downtown transit center. According to City Councilman, Robert Stevenson, if something were to become of this property, there would be a need to remove some of those structures. The city has not yet made a decision on the bus terminal. (12/30)
Rochester-- The Rochester-Genesee Regional Transportation Authority wants to build a $40 to $50 million facility on Mortimer Street, near the corner of East Main Street and Clinton Avenue. The organization is pushing forward to obtain all the money it needs to build a long-debated transit center. The promotions will include television and radio campaigns. The transit center would not only serve as shelter for passengers, but it would trigger development in a depressed section of downtown, authority officials say. (1/17)
Rochester-- Included in Gov. George Pataki's budget cuts is the closing of nine armories, one on Culver Road - Gen. Alfred H. Doud New York Army National Guard Armory. Gov. Pataki would like to see the armory turned over to local government for use as offices. By closing the armories, the state expects to save more than $500,000 a year. The 73,000 sq. ft. Doud Armory was built in 1918 and is home to four national guard units. According to officials, if the armory closes, the guard units will likely be relocated to the armory on Weidner Road in Chili. (2/7)
Rochester-- High Falls Brewing Co. is interested in opening a visitor's center or gift shop outside its brewery as part of a plan to rebuild the High Falls entertainment district. A visitors center would display the history of the brewery and include a virtual tour of the facility. City officials announced they plan to hire The Cordish Co. of Baltimore to revamp the city-owned centers at High Falls. Years of discussions of opening a brewpub never materialized. (3/6)
Rush-- Residents can expect to see construction equipment around Town Hall as the expansion and refurbishment project get underway. When completed, the 67-year old building will have a refurbished interior, a new elevator to make the building accessible for wheelchairs and an 1,800 sq. ft. addition to the library. A brand new 22,800 sq. ft. parking lot adjacent to Town Hall is just the first part of the town's $2 million plan for the building. The town will be taking bids for the rest of the project in March and with any luck, the project could be done by the end of the year. (3/5)
Victor-- Victor Supervisor Jack Richter said he would ask Town Board members to approve a plan to purchase a vacant, 60,000 sq. ft. former industrial building on Main Street in the hamlet of Fishers and spend another $1.5 million to renovate it for use as a combined town hall and civic center. The 9-acre site offers great access and already has more than 200 paved and lined parking spaces, according to Richter. If the plan is approved, town officials could vacate the existing Town Hall on Main Street possibly in six months. The Town Board unanimously approved the project in February and the deal will go through unless within 30 days of the board's approval, they receive a minimum of 222 registered votes to sign a petition demanding a referendum.(1/20, 2/25)
Victor-- BSM Development Co. has unveiled a proposal called Victor Terrace - a mix of commercial and residential space that straddles the village and town boundary line, which may be the sticking point of the project. BSM is asking the town and village to consider an annexation of the boundary line. The project includes a two-story building approximately 33,000 sq. f t. on 3.6 acres in the town and a one-story restaurant on 2.2 acres that would be situated in the village with the parking lot situated in the town. The project is on the east side of Route 96, across from Hoffend's Liquor Store. Officials do not expect the annexation to be a problem, just a lot of paperwork. (1/14)
GENERAL
Brighton-- Town Board members agreed to hire Parrone and Associates of Penfield to survey a 34-acre parcel on Penfield Road in west Brighton. The town plans to spend $490,900 to buy the land and move ahead with park plans. The board asked McCord Landscape Architecture of Penfield to submit final design plans within two months. Preliminary plans show three ball fields, five soccer fields, playgrounds, picnic areas and a lodge. According to reports, work on transforming the parcel into a town park is slated to begin in the spring and should be completed by the fall, but athletic fields won't be usable for another year. (12/19)
Brockport-- The village has received a $700,000 grant from the state canal corporation to rehabilitate the canal wall between Park Avenue and Main Street. In addition, the state Office of parks, Recreation and Historical Preservation has granted $105,000 toward the project. The first phase of the project includes improved docking capabilities and repairing the concrete face on the existing south side of the wall. The second phase consists of a canal side visitors center. The visitors center includes showers, bathrooms and laundry facilities on the first level and an information center on the upper level. The visitors center has yet to be designed, according to Superintendent of Public Works Brad Upson. Plans are for the center to be built sometime before June, just in time for boating season. (2/24)
Canandaigua-- The Town Board forwarded a request to the Planning Board that the properties 5137 and 5135 North Road be rezoned from restricted business to community commercial. Benderson Development, which also built Tops supermarket, is building the two buildings involved in this proposal -- Tim Hortons and Eckerd Drugs. Once rezoning is approved the project will proceed. (1/14)
Fairport-- The Village of Fairport has received a $50,000 grant from the state Legislature for economic development and although they haven't identified any specific uses, they will likely use the money in the central business district to provide upgrades and replacements of aging infrastructures, sidewalks, trees, benches and park improvement, including landscaping. (12/19)
Greece-- Residential building in the county's largest town has seen a slight increase over the last three years. Newly built single-family houses jumped from 181 in 2000 to 210 in 2002, according to numbers released by the town. Additional reports indicate apartment units jumped from 40 in 2000 to 192 in 2002, largely because of more senior citizen housing being built. (1/20)
Greece-- Town officials will finish altering the town's zoning map this spring, which will include larger lot sizes for, predictably, larger houses that would be built in the town's less populated northwest area. Currently, Greece has 9,000 - 10,000 acres of agricultural and vacant land and according to officials, this makes the town appealing to new home builders and will effect the town's zoning. (1/20)
Henrietta-- A $50 million project to repave a 5.5 mile stretch of Jefferson Road is scheduled to begin this summer. The overall project, to be completed in five phases and take anywhere from 5 to 10 years, will widen, restructure and repave the busiest and most congested road in Monroe County. The project goal is to create a smoother, safer road surface and to relieve congestion . Planning for revamping the road started in 1992. (1/15, 1/30)
Henrietta-- The Town Board voted unanimously to approve the existence of West Henrietta Village Preservation District in early February. So far, 11 home owners out of a possible 48 have signed up to have their properties designated. The new district includes properties along W. Henrietta Road from Rush-Henrietta Townline Road to the north. It also includes one house on Erie Station Road. Historic district members also get benefits such as enhanced property values and added protection from state road projects. (2/26)
Perinton-- The state wants citizens to help in planning an $8 million project that officials hope will allow traffic to move more safely and smoothly on Route 31. The plans calls for resurfacing most of Route 31 from Turk Hill Road east to Hogan Road. Farther east to Aldrich Road, the road would be completely rebuilt and widened to create a third lane for left turns. Other elements of the plan include treating Turk Hill Road intersection with high-strength concrete, installing curbs and an underground drainage system, completing a system of sidewalks on the north side of Route 31 and improving hiking, biking crossways. (1/8)
Perinton-- The town board awarded 10 component bids totaling $5,269,825 -- less than the $5.9 million the town had designated for the project -- to developers for the proposed aquatics center, which will contain a lap pool, a leisure pool and whirlpool, and additional space for the cardiovascular fitness area. Funds for the aquatics center come entirely out of reserve funds, and so will have no impact on town taxes. While an official ground-breaking will not take place until spring, preliminary site work on the project is scheduled to begin in March with the construction of an access road to the site at the southern end of Town Hall. (2/20)
Phelps-- The Village Board adopted tax breaks for first-time home buyers and those owners of historic buildings under renovation. The added assessed value of the building would be fully exempt from village property taxes for the first five years. In years 6 - 10, the home would be added to the assessment in 20 percent increments until the property is fully taxed in the 10th year. Currently, the village tax rate is $5.72 per $1,000 of assessed value. (2/27)
Pittsford-- An intersection of Tobey, Calkins and Mendon Center Roads - long identified as troublesome by local officials - will get an overhaul this year. The main gist of the project is to eliminate a 700-foot stretch of Mendon Center Road from where it meets Tobey, due to poor visibility. The total project, paid for by federal and state funds, is expected to cost about $1 million, according to officials. Work should begin in July and completion is anticipated for early 2004. (1/8)
Pittsford-- The Pittsford Fire Department covers 25 square miles in the town and village of Pittsford, serving a population of approximately 21,000. Officials say the fire department is in a real space crunch, not having room for maintenance and storage equipment. There are five truck bays at Station 1 on Monroe Avenue and four bays at Station 2 - all are full. District officials want to build a 5,000 sq. ft. addition off the back of Station 2 to the tune of $965,000. The addition would include two truck bays, a garage and storage space and also an unfinished room above the garage to provide for future growth and training area. If the project is approved, residents in the district would see an increase of 6 or 7 cents per $1,000 of assessed value in the fire tax portion of their property tax bill. Officials want to start construction this spring and finish before winter. (1/29)
Rochester-- Rochester City Council is considering legislation paving the way for business improvement districts - BIDS. BIDS are self-taxing entities that allow merchants and other business owners to collect tax dollars and access loans and grants to help pay for infrastructure and facade improvements, beautification efforts and other enhancements, such as decorative lighting. Some $40,000 in start-up grant monies helped the BID pay for setup expenses such as legal and incorporation fees, computer purchases, festival and promotional materials, according to Michael Gustin, chairman of Webster BID. Among the advantages of a BID is property owners control it; no BID is formed without the majority of businesses approving it. And, once formed, the district's members decide what to spend money on and what improvements to make. (12/6)
Rochester-- The South Wedge neighborhood will soon have direct access to Interstate 490 eastbound. The state Department of Transportation plans to build an entrance ramp connecting Byron Street with I-490. The change is part of the I-490 Western Gateway Reconstruction Project - an $85 million effort that involves rebuilding and replacing bridges, constructing noise barriers and resurfacing the roadway between the Erie Canal in Gates and the Genesee River. The new ramp will help ease traffic during the highway project. (2/11)
