3rd Quarter 2003
ECONOMIC & BUSINESS
Eastman Kodak Company-- The photograph company announced that it will help users of Nokia Corp. camera phones in Europe convert images on their handsets to photographic prints. Under the deal, Nokia's wireless customers will be able to upload pictures to a Kodak-operated web site where they may pick their favorites and order prints in a variety of sizes. Nokia and Kodak will work together to develop printing services for wireless customers using self-service digital imaging kiosks. The deal with Nokia is just one money-making venture, as they also plan to allow cell phone users to transfer their pictures wirelessly to self-service digital imaging kiosks that are linked to fast-moving printers. Kodak sold 50 kiosks to The Cellphone Warehouse of Great Britain for retail stores in three European countries. (6/17)
Xerox-- Officials at the copy company announced second quarter earnings of 9 cents per share including a 5 cent previously announced charge for the remaining unamortized fees associated with its terminated 2002 credit facility. According to Anne Mulcahy, total revenue from the company's targeted growth areas - office digital, production digital and value-added services - grew 10 percent and now represents about 70 percent of the company's revenue. Xerox is looking to be the fore-runner into the industry's leading digital player with black and white and color digital systems integrated with robust portfolios of services at lower cost. Second quarter net income of $86 million or 9 cents per diluted share included a $45 million after-tax loss, compared with the same quarter in 2002, with net income of $87 million or 11 centers per diluted share. (6/30)
Xerox-- Xerox Corp's board of directors declared quarterly dividends on the company's preferred stock, payable October 1, 2003, to shareholders of record September 12, 2003. Payment on the Series B convertible preferred stock issued in connection with the Xerox employee stock ownership program will be $1.5625 per share. Payment will be $1.6667 per share on the outstanding 6.25 percent Series C mandatory convertible preferred stock. Ordinarily, the dividend rate for the third quarter would be $1.5625, however, the first dividend also covers the period from June 25, when the Seies C stock was issued, to June 30, 2003. (8/26)
Xerox-- According to their press release, the company accelerated funding to the company's U.S. pension plans by contributing $450 million this morning to its plans, representing an increase of $325 million from what was initially scheduled for 2003. Xerox's strong operating cash flow for the first half of the year -- $841 million - and the success of its recent $3.6 billion re-capitalization including the sale of stock and notes, provided the company with financial flexibility to accelerate its pension funding. Xerox reported that its U.S. pension plans for the most recently completed plan year are now well over 100 percent funded on the current liability basis under government funding rules. (9/15)
Xerox-- Xerox is vacating buildings in Faiport, Brighton, East Rochester, Webster and downtown as part of an effort to save about $23 million a year in rent, according to company officials. The strategy is to better organize workers around Rochester and continue to look at their base of leased space and consolidate where feasible. According to company officials, Xerox is about two-thirds of the way through a process of shrinking its local real estate holdings from 10.3 million sq.ft. to 7.9 million, shedding nearly all the space it rents here - roughly 6 percent of the rentable commercial property in Rochester metro area. Spaces the company has left are the Atrium/Gateway 110,000 sq.ft. office space, one 25,000 sq.ft. floor at City Center building, 250,000 sq.ft. of warehouse space at Publishers Parkway, one 50,000 sq.ft. building at Canal View Office Park, various buildings in Linden Oaks, three buildings with 50,000 sq.ft. at Woodcliff and Techniplex Mall vacating 170,000 sq.ft. total. These moves will put significant amounts of office space on the market at a time when Rochester already faces a glut of vancant commercial space, driving down prices and forcing landlords to be more aggressive at finding new tenants. (8/31)
Paychex-- Officials at the payroll company announced net income of $71.3 million, or 19 cents diluted earnings per share, for the quarter ended May 31, 2003, a 4 percent increase over net income of $68.7 million or 18 cents diluted earnings per share for the same period last year. Total revenues were $289.8, a 19 percent increase over $244.3 million for the fourth quarter last year. For the twelve months ended May 31, 2003, the company reported record net income of $293.5 million, or 78 cents diluted earnings per share, a 7 percent increase over $274.5 million or 73 cents diluted earnings per share for the same period last year. Total revenues were $1,099.1 million, an increase of 15% over $954.9 million for the same period last year. Advantage and InterPay, two companies Paychex acquired within the last year, contributed $26.5 million in combined revenues. (6/24)
Bausch & Lomb-- The company reported earnings per share of 53 cents for the quarter ending June 28, 2003, representing a 33 percent increase over the 40 cents per share in the prior-year period. Worldwide sales of $512.5 million grew 12 percent over the $458.4 million reported in 2002. Company officials reported these financial results were slightly ahead of expectations on a currency-neutral basis and they expect full-year 2003 sales growth and earnings per share to be higher than previously communicated. The lens company declared a regular quarterly dividend of 13 cents per share on the Common stock of the company, payable October 1, 2003, to shareholders of record at the close of business on September 2, 2003. (7/24, 8/13)
Area Bankruptcy Filings-- Cases filed in US Bankruptcy Court in Rochester jumped 18 percent in June 2003, reporting 466 filings compared with 395 for the same period a year ago. Through the first six months of this year, 2,644 filings were recorded, compared with 2,543 last year. (7/10)
Area Home Sales-- The median price of Rochester area single family houses could break $100,000 this year for the first time in at least 14 years. Through August, the median sale price of an existing single-family house for the 11- county area was $100,950, rising 5.7 percent since the beginning of the year and 16 percent since January 2001, according to The Realtors. Although median sale prices increased, sales volume dropped a slight 3.7 percent in August compared with the same month in 2002 and 3.4 percent compared to July - still beating pace of 2002. Through August, $961.1 million worth of houses sold, 4.7 percent better than the same period in 2002, when a sales volume record was set. (9/10)
Area Unemployment-- According to Employment in NYS, a monthly economic publication, In May 2003, New York's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 6.1 percent, unchanged from April - equal with the national unemployment rate. Monroe County's unemployment rate decreased from 5.7 percent in May of 2002 to 5.6 percent reported this May. The introduction of the North American Industry Classification (SIC) system in January, offers a valuable opportunity to re-examine the Western NY region in light of the new structure by which its business establishments are categorized. Despite adjustments made by this changed, manufacturing remains a vital component of the economy, for reasons ranging from the relatively high wages of blue-collar workers without college credentials to the way in which industries engaged in the manufacturing process. Using numbers from the 2000 census, the White House Officeof Management and Budget in June issued the new definition, under which the Rochester Metropolitan statistical area no longer includes Genesee County. Genesee and Batavia county are now grouped under "micropolitan". The new statistical areas impact population, economy and employment reports. (7/03)
Perinton-- Xelus Inc., a Perinton-based company, has landed a contract to provide maintenance software at a military facility in San Antonio run by Lockheed Martin Corp. and General Electric Co. Under the deal, Xelus will provide software that tracks parts for aircraft such as the C-5 Galaxy and C-130 Herrcules cargo aircraft at Kelly Aviation Center. Xelus specializes in software that tracks inventory, such as landing gear and engine parts, using probability calculations to predict when supplies could run low or become over-stocked. With this deal, 20 percent of the company's total sales would come from military and aviation clients. The company did not disclose financial details, but officials did comment it was a multi-million-dollar contract. (8/5)
Rochester-- Three quarters into the government's fiscal year, loans in the agency's 504 loan program are up 56 percent, compared with a 22 percent increase nationally. The 504 program is for existing businesses seeking to expand or move to a new location. The loan, which can be up to $1 million, is split three ways: The bank puts up 50 percent of the loan, the SBA, 40 percent and the borrower 10 percent. For every $35,000 the SBA lends a business using a 504 loan, the company must create one new job. Loans in the 7a - which are for working capital and debt payment - are up 8 percent locally and 37 percent nationally. Mike Sisson, chairman of the Rochester Business Alliance's Small Business Council says the results are not surprising because a lot of people starting out need some kind of assistance and this is a great option. Sisson added the increase in use of government loans is not an indication of economy only that people are taking advantage of various loaning options, other than the traditional bank loans. (7/24)
OFFICE
Rochester-- AAA of Western and Central New York is selling its building at 777 S. Clinton Avenue, but they are considering leasing back the portion they need, according to Gary Tschaepe, regional public affairs manager for AAA. With member walk-in offices in Greece and Penfield, the company will also be closing its Canandaigua office this month. (8/28)
RETAIL
Henrietta-- One of the town's largest commercial vacancies may soon have a new tenant filling its void. Located near the intersection of W. Henrietta and Jefferson Roads, the 155,562 sq.ft. plaza may soon be the home of a Kohl's department store. According to Supervisor Jim Breese, Hechinger's Plaza is one of the most visible, talked-about vacancies in the area, as its been vacant for years. In 2001, the Town Board passed a resolution intended to force incoming businesses to examine the possibilities of using vacant property before erecting new buildings. The town has dealt with a long lived perception that the Hechinger's Plaza is a failure and would not attract business. Officials believe if the vacancy were filled with a store like Kohl's, it would bring life to the plaza again, as well as create hundreds of jobs in the area. The department store is expected to take up about two-thirds of the plaza and officials hope this will draw other retailers to fill the rest of the space. As part of the deal, Vornado Realty Trust, the NYC based development company that owns the plaza, has agreed to completely renovate the buildings exterior. (7/30)
Hopewell-- Luther Sharp, chairman of the Planning Board, stated all of the local and state agencies involved in the review have signed off on the development and building permits have been issued for the 354,600 sq.ft. Lowe's home center and outparcels on routes 5 & 20. The developer, Widewaters Group Inc. of DeWitt will own the land and lease the sites to Lowe's and other tenants. The development site, more than three times the size of the nearby 108,000 sq.ft. Wegmans supermarket is expected to start early this fall. Included in the development is a 130,000 sq.ft. Lowe's, 125,000 sq.ft. retail space for several smaller stores and five outparcels along 5 & 20 for individual businesses such as restaurants or banks. Opening of Lowe's home center is expected in the spring of 2004. (8/28)
Pittsford-- Some major changes and improvements are in store for the Pittsford Plaza on Monroe Avenue. Recently, the parking lot was repaved at a cost of about $300,000 and more flowers were planted as well. New plans include an Applebee's Restaurant, to occupy the former Firestone tire store who's lease was up July 31. Once they receive a building permit, the company may start construction and open early next year, according to Mark Foerster, executive vice president of the plaza's owner, Wilmorite Properties, Inc. The facelift the plaza was to receive, is expected to take place early next year. Total project cost was not disclosed. (9/8)
Victor-- Owners of an ice cream shop and automotive service company on West Main Street have renewed their leases for next year. If Dunkin Donuts has it their way, they will be relocating. According to Leslie Bamann, executive director of Local Development Corp., Dunkin Donuts has made a purchase offer to John G. turner, owner of the 167 West Main Street location of May's Automotive Service and Papa Jack's Ice Cream. In the meantime, the donut shop is looking for other locations within the Village. (7/8)
INDUSTRIAL
Gates-- Heidelberg Digital will receive about $140,000 in county and state tax breaks to expand in Rochester Technology Park. The incentives follow the company's announcement earlier this year to move some production of printing equipment from sites in Germany to the existing site in Gates at 2540 Manitou Road, adjacent to its existing facility. The company plans to add 67,000 sq.ft. to its already 1 million sq.ft., creating 212 positions, according to papers filed with Monroe County Industrial Development Agency. COMIDA has approved about $70,000 in sales-tax breaks to assist Heidelberg with the expansion and the site also qualifies as a NYS Empire Zone project, anticipating to receive about $72,000. According to company officials, this expansion will bring employment at the tech company back to current levels. (7/17, 7/18)
Greece-- Infotonics Technology Center Inc. has sold a 106-acre parcel in the Canal Ponds office park to the town of Greece's economic development agency rather than develop the property itself. The deal involves a transfer price of $1.85 million, though the town is not required to pay that money upfront. Instead, the town's economic development agency will take possession of the property and pay cash to the Infotonics center only as portions are sold to developers. Eastman Kodak Co. previously owned the land in Canal Ponds and donated it last year to the center as part of the company's support for the laboratory. Ed Marianetti, Greece commissioner of public works is hopeful they will see new development, new building, commercial and light industrial business and states there are several developers already interested in the property. (9/12)
Newark-- Ultralife Batteries Inc. has received yet another order valued at $545,000 for its HiRate D-size lithium cells from one of its battery assembly customers, a contractor to the US Army. The army also contract Ultralife for its largest contract ever -- $28 million. The lithium cells will be assembled into supplied to the Army Communications and Electronics Command for their use in the sights of thermal weapons. This is the third contract the company has received within two weeks; the other being a multimillion dollar private-label contract. (7/31, 8/6)
Rochester-- Klein Steel Service, Inc. president, Joseph Klein and Mayor Johnson Jr. broke ground on Klein's $9.25 million expansion project, adding 132,000 sq. ft. to its plant at 105 Vanguard Parkway. The company speculates the first phase could add 170 jobs over time. (7/24)
Victor-- Construction Co., Inc. and Lewison Development Corp. are planning the construction of a 15,000 sq.ft. multi-use building on Canning Parkway. 3,500 sq.ft. will be upscale office space and 11,500 sq.ft. will be manufacturing/warehouse space. Two loading docks with hydraulic dock levelers have been incorporated into the design. Cost of the project is $900,000 and is expected to be completed in October. (7/11)
Victor-- O'Connell Electric Co. is counting on blowing their competition away and boosting the firm's top line over the next 18 months with wind power. With the recent acquisition of Syracuse Merit Electric Inc., company officials expect to add 100 more jobs and boost their revenues to $110 million within two years. Syracuse Merit's wind power niche was an attractive buy, stemming from state efforts to initiate environmentally friendly energy projects. According to Walter Parkes, president of the Victor based company, they plan to bid on at least two other wind turbine projects within the next year or two; a proposed $80 million wind farm straddling the towns of Prattsburg and Italy. Officials at the well-respected electric company are looking to increase the amount of electricity supplied by renewable energy to 25 percent by 2012. Currently, O'Connell Electric employs about 410. (7/15)
RESIDENTIAL
Henrietta-- Town officials have reacted positively to the proposed Rivers Run senior living complex on RIT's property, but are withholding a special use permit until an environmental study has been completed. The proposed complex is an assisted living facility with 70 single-story cottages and 80 one- and two-bedroom apartments. Since the property is owned by RIT, it is exempt from local property taxes, however, the senior living complex would not be. Christa Development vice president Patrick Tobin said the intention is to maintain the theme already established in the area they will be leasing from RIT and keeping with the concept of the boathouse currently there, hence the name Rivers Run. Rents are projected to run from $1,750 to $2,300 a month; cottages may run from $2,400 to $2,500 per month. Residents questioned whether this was affordable housing and town officials believe all types of senior living are needed in Henrietta and this specific complex is assisted living. Financing and dates have yet to be set. (7/23)
Perinton-- The state has given preliminary approval to The Northfield, a joint venture between Fairport Baptist Homes and Family Services of Rochester. Two more state boards must clear the senior housing project for it to receive final approval. The state took another step in the form of a $6 million state loan for project construction. The proposed project is a state-licensed enriched housing facility that will provide full tenant services, including three meals per day, recreation programs, housekeeping, laundry, transportation and on-site 24 hour staffing, located on Nine Mile Point Road. Consisting of 69 units at an approximate cost of $2,200 a month, 14 of the units are scheduled to be subsidized for low-income residents, with cost based on the ability to pay. Fairport Baptist Homes also took a step forward to help science - selected to participate in the National Nursing Home Quality Initiative, the Fairport nursing home is one of 100 in the state to participate in the study of ways to improve conditions for patients who suffer from chronic pain and pressure ulcers. (7/31)
Rochester-- A new housing development, the largest of its kind in the city in more than 20 years, Newcroft Park, is set for construction to start in June. The development, consisting of 22 single-family houses that will sell at market price, will be built on six acres off Atlantic Avenue, once a contaminated industrial site. The city spent more than $4 million to clean the land the homes will be built on. Exact sale prices have not been set, but the estimated rates are significantly higher than the $59,000 median sale price for the city home in 2002. Homes could be ready by spring. (6/27)
Rochester-- According to a new survey released by the Rochester Downtown Development Corp. (RDDC), downtown housing is downright hot, indicating a vacancy rate for housing downtown is 3.5 percent - below the national average of 5.7 percent. There are 77 units currently downtown and 93 more under construction. Developer of one of the loft projects, Jim Costanza believes the demand will continue for the next few years. Paul Foti, vice president of Mark IV Construction agrees the resurgence will continue and the company has plans to start construction on the 125-unit Cornhill Landing complex on the Genesee River later this summer. RDDC's survey represents more than 2,000 units in High Falls, Cornhill and downtown, both rentals and owner-occupied, with 280 more in various stages of development. (7/10)
Rochester-- A proposed townhouse project to be built behind the Todd Estate, 1475 East Avenue by is faced with opposition and concerns from nearby neighbors and the Landmark Society of Western NY. Flower City Management wants to build eight large and high-priced townhouses behind one of the mansions, which it owns. They are interested in raising the carriage house in the back yard of the mansion to make room for two sets of four townhouses, costing at least $250,000 each. The townhouses would include private entrances and two-car garages, according to John Billone Jr. with Flower City Management. Flower City still needs approval from the city. Peter Siegrist, director of preservation services with the Landmark Society and a consultant to the preservation board has raised several concerns about the project, including the loss of green space and the carriage house. The 1100 Park Avenue Homeowners Association opposes the project, stating its too large for a small piece of land. The city Planning Commission and Preservation Boards are holding meetings to discuss this project. (7/21)
Rochester-- Construction on the $2.75 million townhouse project on Gibbs Street is heading into the home stretch. Seven of the nine new townhouses are sold - a sign, the projects developer says, of continuing strength in downtown housing and a possible precursor to further development. The new townhouses come with a hefty price tag starting at $275,000 and two owners have already moved in. The Grove Place neighborhood is home to several similar projects Macon Chaintreuil has planned over the past 20 years. Chaintreuil's partner, Craig Jensen, believes their project will make way for more moderately priced homes in the future. (8/30)
OTHER
Canandaigua-- The City School Board members unanimously gave the district the go-ahead to further research the feasibility of an indoor sports arena. The proposed facility would be built on a site next to the Academy and is a joint effort between the district and Canandaigua Sports Group, a non-profit organization made up of parents, politicians and business owners. The proposal calls for an 80-by-50 yard turf playing field, three multi-purpose hard-court areas and a track, team rooms and a concession stand. The estimated construction cost of $2 to $3.5 million would be privately funded - the Sports Group would raise the money needed to build the facility and run it and the school district would cover the cost of utilities and supplies and minor maintenance problems. The Sports Center is intended for youth sports groups, such as indoor soccer, lacrosse and basketball, however, the school district would have first dibs on the use for fall practices during inclement weather and marching band practice. The cost for a group to use the facility is expected to be $100 to $150 per hour. (6/20)
Canandaigua-- Under a plan now being studied, Canandaigua Airport's 3,200 ft. runway for propeller-powered planes could be expanded to a 5,500 ft. landing strip, accommodating small jets as early as 2006. Ontario county hired consulting firm, McFarland-Johnson of Binghamton to conduct a federally funded $100,000 feasibility study of the expansion plan. Michael Manikowski, director of the county Industrial Development Agency, said a larger landing site is needed to expedite the travel of corporate executives whose enterprises would stimulate the growth of high-tech, high-paying jobs in the region. No mention of project cost was mentioned (9/2)
Fairport-- Falvo's Funeral Home is in the midst of adding a new building to their site located at 1295 Fairport Nine Mile Point Road. The building features a showroom, attached four-car garage, service elevator, second floor apartment and detailed early 28th-century style interior woodwork at a cost of $1.8 million. October completion is anticipated. (7/11)
Gates-- Officials of the YMCA of Greater Rochester announced plans to construct two full-service branches costing about $15 million. One would be a 64,000 sq.ft. facility on 51.6 acres of land on Route 250 in Penfield with a price tag of $9 million. The other, at 920 Elmgrove Road in Gates, consists of a 35,000 sq.ft. addition to the existing YMCA Child Care Center, with an estimated cost of $6 million. The Penfield location will include a climbing wall, indoor running track, standard swimming pool and rehabilitation pool. The new building in Gates includes an indoor pool and a fitness and exercise center. This is the first time since the late '60s that the YMCA has developed new facilities for new service areas, according to George M. Romell, YMCA president and CEO. Work in Gates is expected to start in October and be completed within one year. Construction of the Penfield facility is expected to begin September 2004 with a completion date of October 2005. (6/24)
Henrietta-- The Executive South Family Golf Center could soon come under new management. The Henrietta Foundation, a not-for-profit group bent on preserving open space, is hoping to raise $500,000 for the purchase by next fall. The foundation is looking to corporate, philanthropic and private sectors to donate the funds needed for the sale. The foundation's president, Bud Snyder says he thinks this purchase will keep the preservation of the land as well as offer a revenue stream for their future projects and expand the center's extensive golfing programs for youth, the disabled and other programs. (7/03)
Henrietta-- According to Dan McGuire, a member of the ambulance's board of directors and town officials, plans are proceeding to break ground on the expansion of the Henrietta Ambulance's Calkins Road headquarters this fall. Since the Town Board voted to donate $100,000 to the new base project last May, the ambulance company has commissioned additional architectural plans for the 11,000 sq.ft. expansion. Plans have been passed by the town's Conservation and Zoning boards and is awaiting final approval from the Planning Board. Upon being approved, the project will be put up for bid. Initial estimates for the project are $1.37 to $1.5 million, which should be covered by the town's $100,000 donation, $390,000 set aside for the project and a low interest loan. The current quarters consist of a converted house with several additions, built to house 30 volunteers, now housing 130, has a laundry list of structural problems, including water damaged foundations, crumbling floors and bad electrical systems. The project is expected to expand garage, storage and administrative space, as well as sleeping quarters for emergency medical technicians and paramedics who work overnight. (8/27)
Ontario County-- The new Ontario County Jail, a 185,000 sq.ft., 278-bed correctional facility, will be divided into seven housing units with 48 to 60 beds a piece and recreation areas built adjacent to each housing unit. Core facilities are built to support up to 500 inmates to accommodate future expansion. Cost of the new correctional facility is $28 million and is expected to be completed in September. (7/11)
Penfield-- Mario Daniele, owner of Mario's Via Abruzzi, has purchased the roughly 25-acre Bounty Harbor Marina and former Bounty Harbor restaurant at the south end of Irondequoit Bay in Penfield. Although terms of the deal were not disclosed, Mario plans to tear down the existing restaurant building on Empire Boulevard and replace it with a new restaurant of which he has not decided the style of yet. He intends to keep the 186 boat slip marina operating. (6/20)
Pittsford-- Structures are appearing at King's Bend Park, the new park the town is developing off Jeferrson Road near Clover Street. Workers with LeFrois Builders and Developers have started work on the second of two enclosed, winterized picnic pavilions planned for the park. The pavilions are expected to be completed by the end of July and then town crews will start their work, such as grading, planting, landscaping, adding picnic tables, benches, fencing and paving the parking lot. The park project is slated for September completion at a cost of $500,000 -- $50,000 of which is a grant from the NYS Department of State and the remainder from existing town funds. (6/18)
Pittsford-- The town's proposed $8.5 million new library wowed residents at the unveiling of the project. Supervisor Bill Carpenter and project architect Rick Perry of DeWolff Partnership Architects unveiled plans for the 32,000 sq.ft. facility. Using a rotating computer model, drawings and other tools, Perry went through the proposed design element by element, including increased parking, having a view of the canal and being closer to State Street. The plan also includes two entrances, one on State Street and a second off the back. Adjacent to the back entrance would be a 24-hour book drop, a 150-person meeting room, 2,500 sq.ft. of commercial space leased to a café, book store or other businesses and future library expansion. The second floor consists of large windows overlooking the canal and exposure over the garden area, with a reference area, childrens area and general collection books. Residents will vote on the project this fall. (7/16)
Rochester-- The construction of a new golf course clubhouse, Durand Eastman Golf Course Clubhouse, is set to commence in July. Included in the plans are a new clubhouse, separate snack bar and restroom facility. Cost of the project is reported to be $1.5 million with a completion date of December, 2003. (7/11)
Rochester-- The building located at 4449 Lake Avenue will soon be converted into a post office. The U.S. Postal Service has purchased the building and plans to renovate the existing interior into a post office at a cost of $511,000. An October completion date is expected. (7/11)
GENERAL
Brighton-- Soon, those interested in properties in Brighton will be able to locate the information from their home computer. The town is set to digitalize all maps on record and all information relating to maps with a system called GIS, or Geographic Information System. The town received a $50,000 state grant in June to make the switch from paper to high-tech. To go digital, the town will scan all of the maps, photographs and documents into digital files ready for viewing at another computer. Town officials are pleased with the grant and the GIS system and believe it will be a tremendous gain of time and efficiency, and acknowledge the GIS will be good 20 years from now. (7/23)
Farmington-- Residents will have an opportunity to speak out on the proposed $10 million upgrade of the sewer treatment plant, before the Town Board votes on the plan, which would be the largest capital project the town has seen to date. The upgrades include two digester tanks, primary, secondary and final-stage treatment tanks and construction work in two of the facility's five buildings. If passed, the current sewer rate of $48 per quarter per unit could climb by as much as $41.50 per quarter per unit. In addition to voting on the sewer treatment proposal, the Town Board will vote on an amendment to its town code, making residents responsible for keeping brush, grass and weeds to six inches or below. (9/9)
Greece-- A land deal of about 110 acres of protected land to Braddock Bay could be near. State and local officials are interested in preserving the marshy area along Lake Ontario, as part of Monroe County's Green Space Initiative Program. Along Salmon Creek, the purchase would provide public access to 3,500 more feet of shoreline and the Dahlhim property, a farm located at 107 Hogan Point Road would be allowed to revert back to its wild state. The town is set to buy 37.64 acres of the property for $505,000 -- $250,000 from the Green Space Initiative grant and the remainder from its Recreation Trust Fund. NYS Department of Environmental Conservation will buy 73.17 acres with $587,218 from the Environmental Protection Fund. The property, if purchased, would fill a gap between the state-owned Burger property to the east and protected acreage to the west owned by the Genesee Land Trust. A contract date has not been set. (6/14)
Greece-- The town's planning department is under scrutiny, as they under go a townwide zoning change. Tami Farnand, an independent realtor, sold a multiple-family home to a couple in a single-family neighborhood and has been unable to close the deal because of zoning changes. Tami along with many residents have gathered at meetings with the Town Board to express their concerns about the details. Many residents found out about the zoning changes when they tried to sell their properties. The zoning changes are intended to slightly decrease commercial, industrial and residential zones and increase the town's public land holdings. According to town officials, the goal of new zoning rules is to make the town's zoning code conform to its master plan. (6/26)
Perinton-- After nearly two years of negotiations, Perinton is set to buy the development rights to 40 acres of the Wagner family dairy farm in the northeast section of town. A purchase agreement puts a price tag of $320,000 on the parcel at the southeast corner of Carter and Furman roads. The agreement is contingent on Town Board approval and a public hearing will be held before a decision is made. The Wagner family will continue to own the property and to use it for dairy farming. This is the second time the town has bought development rights to a farm. The proposed purchase is one more step in Perinton's plan to preserve dwindling green space. The money to buy the rights will come from a town reserve fund specially set aside for open space acquisitions. (6/19)
Rochester-- The Erie Canal was designated in 2000 by Congress as one of only 23 National Heritage Corridors in the U.S. and two architectural firms have teamed up to devise strategies and recommendations to preserve historical aspects of the canal and promote development along its shores. The Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor Commission and National Park service hired Beyer Blinder Belle Architects & Planners LLC of NYC and Sasaki Architects, Landscape Architects & Professional Engineers PC of Watertown, MA to work with existing canal groups and communities in developing its latest plans. A final report worth $874,000 is expected in about two years. Beyer and Sasaki are quite familiar with the canal, which opened in 1825 and later expanded, as they created a master plan for the state Thruway Authority in 1995, that promoted trails and boating along the waterway. The firms will work with existing canal groups and communities in developing its latest plan, including the 27-member commission created last year to oversee it and promote tourism, recreation and economic development in an area that includes more than 200 cities, towns and villages. The commission can receive up to $1 million a year in federal funding for 10 years and additional money can be obtained for specific projects through requests from Congress. (9/9)
Rochester-- Genesee Transportation Council members voted to reallocate some $30 million in federal funding toward the proposed $60 million downtown transit center. William Nojay, chairman of the Rochester-Genesee Regional Transportation Authority, said the agency has approximately $42 million to go forward with the project. A date has not yet been set to begin this project. (6/27)
Rush-- Local businessman, Rick Dorschel, owner of Dorschel Automotive Group, is asking, for the third time in so many years, for the Rush Town Board to rezone 9.1 acres of property from residential to commercial along the northeast corner of Routes 251 and 15. In 2000, Dorschel wanted the land rezoned to build an additional car dealership. In 2002, he wanted rezoning to open senior housing and stores. Both requests were withdrawn in the face of largely hostile reactions from residents. Currently, Dorschel is seeking rezoning for retail, office space and a gas station. The plan includes a 4,000 sq.ft. restaurant, a 4,675 sq.ft. bank and 2,800 sq.ft. convenience store. The plan also calls for 6,000 sq.ft. of additional retail space and two 5,200 sq.ft. office buildings. The 9.1 acres is part of a larger vacant 27-acre plot owned by Dorschel and is just off the exit of Interstate 390, kitty-corner to his existing dealership. The Planning Board reviewed the plans and advised the Town Board to reject the rezoning request. Board officials stated the plan did not fit into their Land Use Plan. Upon hearing the Planning Boards recommendation, Dorschel rescinded his request. (7/30, 9/3)
