4th Quarter 2003
ECONOMIC & BUSINESS
Eastman Kodak Company-- Jobs from related offices in Fremont, Calif. and Allendale, New Jersey will be moved to the Rochester in hopes of consolidating its health care information operations. Kodak paid $42.5 million for Algotec Systems Ltd. of Israel a software company that writes high speed programs that power the x-ray imaging networks. The purchase is viewed as a way to enhance research and development and sees no major boost to earnings. With this shift of resources, along with acquisitions and consolidations, Kodak intends to increase spending on research and development for health care information systems next year, more than any other product group. Hospitals need help in linking the x-ray images to other hospital systems, and to be able to distribute these images via the internet . Roughly 60% of U.S. hospitals intend to purchase such a system in the next 3 years at a cost of $500,000 to $3 million each.
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)
Eastman Kodak Company-- IBM Corp has been enlisted to provide, among other things, computer storage for Kodak's picture archiving and communications systems. Kodak is targeting health care information technology for one area of growth as doctors and hospitals change to a film-less x-ray. The company has recently signed contracts for installing such systems at the National Institutes of Health and similar facilities in Italy and France.
Eastman Kodak Company-- In partnership with Rochester General Hospital, Kodak will help the hospital convert its radiology to digital imaging. The new Kodak machines capture and store medical images which are networked and linked to physician reports and other data electronically. Aimed at improving patient care, Kodak hopes to bring health care institutions from around the world to witness its products in use. Also, Rochester General will be asked by Kodak to test its products and offer feedback and insights. This is just one example of Kodak shifting its focus from chemical to computerized imaging. Kodak is exploring new products and services as it watches its film sales and earnings decline steadily as digital cameras storm the market. (9/15)
Xerox-- Xerox reported a third-quarter profit of $117 million, or 11 cents per share, up from $99 million, or 4 cents a share, from last year's figures. Effective cost-cutting and upbeat sales of color equipment have Xerox poised to record a second profitable year in a row. Layoffs increase as Xerox might consider outsourcing some of its operations.
Xerox-- Xerox will end its sponsor partnership with the Olympics after the summer games in 2004 . One of 11 companies that paid for the right to use the well known Olympic rings in marketing, Xerox officials decided not to extend this 40 year relationship. Xerox first became a sponsor in 1964, and then expanded its support in 1994, having provided both financial contributions and services, including document systems, daily schedules, ranking and scores. Such top level sponsorships cost $55 million or more over a four year period. The sponsors find the best marketing use if they sell goods to the consumer and Xerox is now wanting to promote its professional and consulting services.
Albany-- According to a study by Cornell University and Brookings Institute, 425,000 acres of rural land was converted to urbanized development between the years 1982 and 1997. More acres are devoted to housing subdivisions, large housing lots and commercial strip malls while there's less crop land and fewer pastures in upstate New York. The population figures show a lessening of density from 4.94 people per urban acre in 1982 to 4.24 people per acre in 1997. The population also become more dispersed in other upstate areas during this 15 year period. According to the study, when people spread out, so do businesses. The researchers found that upstate cities lost 2,200 business establishments during the 15 year period, while non-city gained 2,800. Vacant office space, malls and housing are prevalent in cities, the study said.
Paychex-- Paychex Inc. announced first quarter income of $80.3 million, an increase from last year's $75.9 million. The company acquired two more payroll companies in the past year, which contributed to the growth in income.
Bausch & Lomb-- Bausch & Lomb reported that favorable exchange rates and active sales of new products helped more than triple its third-quarter earnings. Sales rose 9% to $508.8 million compared to $466.7 million in last years third quarter. Up 60 cents a share, net income was $32.3 million, up from the 17 cents and $9.4 million in the same quarter a year ago. B&L employs 11,500 people worldwide, including 1,300 in Rochester. 40 to 50 scientists expect to be added to the North Goodman plant as the company increases research. New product sales increased 20% in the quarter.
Bausch & Lomb-- Bausch & Lomb Inc.'s refractive-surgery business fell 5% in the third quarter to $28.5 million as compared to last year's $30.2 million. Still, the company expects to post a 10% increase in the fourth quarter with the launch of the Zyoptix system for personalized vision correction last month. B&L expect to market the system to consumers directly through television advertising in the new year. Skeptical analyst's are keeping a wary eye on the refractive-surgery forecast citing unrealistic expectations for such a competitive market. In other ventures, B&L is launching its daily disposable lens in Japan. The Lens care revenues for the third quarter grew 8% to $131.2 million. Bausch & Lomb posted a 13% increase in its pharmaceuticals to $116.7 million. In the cataract surgery business, B&L reported a 6% increase of $77.5 million from last year. Products for cataract surgery are expected to be released in Europe and Asia in the next few month.
Bank of America-- Bank of America paid $47 million for the purchase of Fleet Boston Financial Corp. The acquisition will create an institution reaching from California through the South to New England. The new company will have around 5,700 branches and close to 180,000 employees. The combined company would have an annualized revenue of $27.9 billion, with 33 million customers, 16,551 ATMs and be the No. 1 banking institution in the United States.
Corning, Inc.-- Corning, Inc. plans to cut jobs in its Charleston, S.C. and North Brookfield, Mass. plants and move them to Upstate New York. The closings will cost 135 people their jobs. Corning will move its manufacturing of crystal lenses to Canton, while the finishing operations of the lenses will move to Perinton. The plan will create about 70 new jobs between the two areas. The Corning lenses are used in sophisticated assemblies for the production of computer chips.
Global Crossing-- After reporting losses in 2000 and 2001 of $25.7 billion, Global Crossing Ltd. secured a net income in 2002 of $635 billion on revenue of $3.12 billion. The company is selling 61.5 percent interest to Singapore Technologies Telemedia Pte., an investor owned by the republic. The Global Crossing workforce was cut by half and is trying to sell more services to rebound from its falling value due to its fiber-optic sales slump. The company employs around 700 in the Rochester area.
University of Rochester-- University of Rochester was chosen by the National Institutes of Health as one of three new cooperative research centers to develop ways that will prevent and treat muscular dystrophy, a genetic disease. U of R will receive $5 million over the next 5 years from NIH and the Muscular Dystrophy Association will add $1.5 million more. The U of R team will work closely with the other research centers located at the University of Pittsburgh and University of Washington in Seattle.
Rochester, Gas & Electric-- Through negotiations and red-tape, Rochester Gas & Electric closed its bidding for potential buyers of the 490-mega-watt Ginna nuclear power station located in Ontario, Wayne County. The sale is contingent upon the Nuclear Regulatory Agency extending Ginna's operating license to 2029. RG&E has asked the Public Service Commission for permission to raise electric rates 15% and its natural gas rates 7.4%.
Verizon Wireless-- Verizon Wireless will hire 320 employees to handle calls from the expanding numbers of cellular customers. One of the largest U.S. cellular providers, Verizon Wireless is expanding to handle significant growth in its customer base. Locally, Verizon employs 700 people in the Rochester area, including 400 at its call center. That number has doubled in the last two years and the operation handles more that 35,000 customer service calls each month. The company is expected to refit its buildings to handle the expansion but knows that it may need larger quarters if there is another round of hiring.
House Sales-- House sales increased 1% ahead of 2002's pace in the 11 county region. The first part of 2003, sales in the city were 4.2% ahead of last year as the median sales price continues to grow. Total sales for November were $1.35 billion with a median price of $102,000. House listings were up 3.3% fueled by mild weather and steady interest rates.
Unemployment Rate-- In August, the Rochester area had a half-percent drop in the unemployment rate. Experts are reasoning the drop was mostly due to seasonal employment. In the 6-county area, unemployment was 5.4 percent compared to July's 5.9 percent. Unemployment in Monroe County dropped to 5.5 percent from 6 percent in July. The City's unemployment rate went from10.5 percent in July to 9.8 percent. All of New York State fell to 6 percent, but was higher than the August 2002 rate of 5.9 percent. As of October, new applications for unemployment dipped below 400,000 for three straight weeks. Economists hope this will be viewed as a turnaround for the job market and that companies are easing the pace of layoffs.
Jobs-- $17 million will be invested and more than 500 jobs will be created as two technology companies plan operate out of the Henrietta area. A start-up company, Current Link, which develops and manufactures broadband power line communications equipment and networks will open in the Henrietta business park creating 400 jobs over the next five years. Current Link, of Maryland, is planning to hire 25 people immediately as it prepares to open operations in its 11,000 square foot space. Another company, Integrated Nano-Technologies, plans to invest $15 million and add 105 to its workforce within the next three years. INT is expanding from research to manufacturing their system, called Bio-Detect. The Bio-Detect is an electronic detection system of DNA binding to a computer chip. The results can be used to detect biological warfare agents or to monitor air for disease-carrying bacteria or viruses.
Taxes-- The biggest tax increase in 19 years was approved by a Republican 16 to 13 party-line vote. Democrats were not in chambers when the vote was taken. A bipartisan coalition did not occur as the Democrats couldn't come up with a plan of their own. The budget would raise the property tax rate 13.3 percent, an increase of $107 for a $100,000 home. Cuts include several county departments and county funding for school nurse programs in city schools. A $41.7 million budget gap was closed by making steep budget cuts and transferring some county costs to localities. Forcing the tax increase is partly due to the rising costs of mandated services, such as Medicaid.
OFFICE
Perinton-- A.G. Edwards & Sons, Inc. is expanding and will be moving this summer to a new building under construction at the intersection of Pittsford-Victor and Fishers Road. The Route 96 corridor has become a popular area with high visibility. Christa Development Corp. recently renovated a 54,000 square foot building next to the A.G. Edwards site to accommodate an expansion of Lenel Systems, International, a security firm. A.G. Edwards currently employs about 40 people locally and plans to add 10 more. The move comes at a time when the economy is showing signs of a turnaround and more clients are focusing on the stock market.
Rochester-- Efforts to revive Midtown Plaza have been frustrating for developer Lawrence Cohen, although he insists progress is being made. In a telephone interview, Cohen said it would take $30 to $40 million to bring the plaza into the 21st century. A recent study showed that while retail uses can succeed, capital improvements need to be implemented, improvements that have not been done since 1962. Cohen and his partners aren't ready to invest without some guarantee of return and current economic conditions are not favorable for growth. Office vacancy is 51 percent, up from 43 percent in 2002, and the Midtown Tower office building is more than 90 percent empty. Large tenant Clear Channel Radio recently made plans to move from the McCurdy building to a building in Greece. Yangtze Buffet and A Dollar moved in to Midtown this year and two other tenants may be added to the roster taking sizable retail space.
Rochester-- The Hiram Sibley Building located on East Avenue is being sold to a group of partners. The four story historical building has 37,000 square feet and is assessed for $1.1 million. Built in 1925 by a premier architectural firm in Boston, the Sibley building was intended to be the entrance of the upscale East Avenue neighborhood. Kitty-corner to the building is the former residential home of Hiram Sibley, and across the street is the Fitch building designed in similar appearance, although not as grand. Office space is located on the top three floors and two bars are next to each other on the street level.
RETAIL
Canandaigua-- A number of businesses have chosen Canandaigua recently, including an upscale beauty salon, a piano showroom and an number of new restaurants. In the past year, downtown Canandaigua has welcomed Image Audio and Electronics, Emerald City Jewelers and Flowers by Stella. Specialty businesses have also joined in on the market, namely Panorama Outfitters, an art studio and a pet grooming storefront. Three restaurants have recently been announced to the community with two already open. Eddie O'Brien's Grill and Bar opened around the same time as a Mexican eatery, El Rincon, opened. Sam's Restaurant plans to open at a new location downtown sometime next year.
Greece-- The Town Board voted to rezone 21.59 acres being considered for a Kohl's Department store and several other parcels for a variety of commercial development. The developer's next step is to present site plans to the Planning Board. The new Kohl's store could create 130 to 150 new jobs, and 50,000 square feet of additional retail space. Local residents were disappointed in the board's vote voicing concerns of safety, lighting, noise and traffic, to name a few.
Henrietta-- Valley Cadillac Hummer of Henrietta is spending upwards of $1 million to expand and redesign their complex. The Cadillac division will expand as it introduces a new line of luxury cars aimed at the younger, hipper crowd. The Hummer expansion will be a 10,000 square foot "Quonset hut" designed to emphasize Hummer's rugged reputation. Also included in the expansion are added service bays, an expanded parts department, body shop and accessory installation department. A new carwash and customer lounge will also be at the site. The Cadillac portion will be completed by the end of the year and the Hummer construction will begin in early spring.
Henrietta-- The Town Board of Henrietta rejected Wegman's Food Markets Inc. request to build a superstore on Calkins Road. A vote of 3-2 denied the application to rezone a 30 acre parcel and build a 130,000 square foot grocery store. Both for and against the proposal, Town Board members and residents were divided on this issue. Many thought the addition of a superstore would boost the area with jobs and a variety of products, while others dreaded the impact a big store would have on the environment and neighborhoods. Wegman's had also proposed building a 60 to 80 unit senior housing facility and two 5,000 square foot buildings for banks, restaurants or offices. The 57,000 square foot Wegman's store already located on Calkins and East Henrietta Roads is not expected to be closed.
Hopewell-- Ground has been broken at the $16.5 million home improvement store located along Routes 5 & 20. Lowe's is scheduled to open next summer and will offer 175 jobs. An additional retail space of 125,000 square feet will be available next to the 130,000 square foot Lowe's building. The do-it-yourself retailer will feature 40,000 products. The developer will be able to extend Recreation Drive which will eventually connect with the entry drive off Route 5 & 20.
Irondequoit-- A Chinese bakery has opened on East Ridge Road, the only one of its kind in upstate New York. The display cases will be filled with such delicacies as red bean buns, roast pork rolls, bean paste crisps and sesame balls. The owners have also bought the small plaza that holds their new bakery. A new facade to the plaza will hopefully attract other Asian-themed businesses and create a user-friendly shopping plaza.
Irondequoit-- The Irondequoit Mall is feeling the pinch as Eastview Mall opens a $25 million expansion. The JC Penney Co. wing of the mall is empty while other anchor's, such as Kaufman's, Sears and BonTon remain open. At Irondequoit Mall, there are 130 storefronts inside, with 85 of them vacant. Owners are looking for a solution that involves mixed use redevelopment for the ailing mall. The town is working with mall owners and managers to use the space for housing, corporate, government and medical offices. A non-retail approach to the 64 acre site might work to generate a flow of traffic. Additional facilities, such as a community and health center, have been proposed with costs ranging from $10 to $12 million. Other suggestions include a reduced-sales tax zone to lure retailers.
Victor-- Eastview Mall has opened its $25 million expansion with sales far exceeding expectations. Two stores reported their grand opening topped any other in their company. The three new restaurants have a 3 hour wait for tables. Mall management has used the success of the new wing to lure upscale tenants. More stores will be opening in 2004.
INDUSTRIAL
Henrietta-- The Planning Board approved final plans for a 14,800 square foot building for JSR Ultrasonics. The town owned land, at the end of Karenlee Drive, was approved for sale in 2002 along with the proposal to rezone. The last step in the purchase will be the approval of sale from the DEC. Because of an abandoned sewage treatment plant on the property, the DEC needs to officially rule it safe and uncontaminated before the sale.
RESIDENTIAL
Canandaigua-- Rural Opportunities, Inc. wants to tear down five run-down buildings near the old Thompson Hospital on North Main Street to build low income housing. The old boarded up buildings have been vacant for 5 years with little hope of renovation. The project would consist of 10 two and three bedroom town homes. 80% of the building would be financed by low income housing tax credits and federal money.
Canandaigua-- Developers and the city are planning 2 projects that will have new homes located within Ward 1. Cayer Builders will be building 15 new homes in the northern portion of Canandaigua Classics Subdivision called Grande Meadows. Cayer is also planning to build 31, 2-unit town homes on vacant land west of Steward Place. Homes by Diamond will build 75 single family homes in the southeast corner of Canandaigua Classics, with homes in the $175,000-$250,000 price range. Both builders are satisfied with a proposed street grid that needs to be approved by the city and would have to be followed by the developers.
Chili-- The proposed construction of Vista at the Links includes a 27-hole golf course, 193 luxury homes, a restaurant and clubhouse on 430 acres. The developer has been pushing the Town Board to make an impact declaration along with final site plan approval even though the DEC had raised some concerns. Many residents were denied access to the letter and once it was read the vote was tabled. The DEC letter noted the 7.92 acres of wetlands that would be affected by the project and that the site needed several sites filled.
Chili-- A request to rezone 36 acres of land was approved by the Town Board for a proposed retail/residential development called Chili Meadows. The proposal, for property located at 741 Paul Road, entails 3 retail stores, apartment buildings and single-family homes. The vote enables the developer to seek site plan approval by the Town Planning Board. Area residents are concerned that the development could worsen flood problems and encroach upon some 6 acres of wetlands.
East Bloomfield-- Residents at the Fish Brook Run's subdivision have been complaining to the builder and Town about their failed septic systems and soggy leech fields. Improper drainage has also caused the subdivision's road to cave-in and crumble. Builder Fred Haeflein will work free of charge to remedy the problems that plague the new subdivision. Lakeside Engineering is taking responsibility for the failed septic systems and is also involved in the repairs.
Naples-- The Reservoir Creek Golf Course wants to build 16 homes in a plan submitted to the Naples Town Board. A 47 acre parcel next the golf course would be developed for cluster homes, hiking trails and roads. The land was zoned for agriculture and has been rezoned to planned unit development. Final plans by the developer will be submitted at a later date. Hopes are to break ground this spring.
Rochester-- $16 million from a coalition of lenders boosted a city program that buys and redevelops vacant and foreclosed properties in the city. The Rochester Housing Development Corp. will use the money to buy and sell 185 homes in the city over the next 30 months. Formed in 2001, the Corporation has spent $9 million in the selling of more than 100 city homes. Generally, the Corporation buys a house for $10,000, puts in a new kitchen, bath and roof. A city family with an income of 80% of the median income can purchase a home for $45,000 to $65,000.
Rochester-- A developer is proposing to take vacant city-owned property and invest $100 million into a "world class waterfront destination." Charlotte Harbour Group has condominiums, apartments, and townhouses included with streets, parks and plazas in their plans situated on 10 acres where the Genesee River and Lake Ontario meet. Construction could start early next year.
Rochester-- Housing units for two State Street building are planned by its new owner, Singer Real Estate, L.P. The properties located at 139 and 155 State Street are to be converted into 18 market-rate housing units. Both buildings are four stories and plans for the conversion are still in the works. One tenant has taken the space formerly occupied by the Bangkok restaurant. Sue's Downtown Diner opened October 20th with $25,000 in improvements and equipment. The restaurant is situated in a 3000 square foot area and can seat 98 customers.
Rochester-- An vacant motel was demolished in the city's south wedge neighborhood to make way for a for a residential and retail complex. Downtown Motor Lodge was closed by the city in 1997 due to repeated reports of drug dealing and prostitution. The neighborhood has been trying to redevelop the area for the last 8 years. Planners and developers hope to build a six-story structure which could begin as soon as next year.
Rochester-- A $3.2 million plan from Unity Health System will turn part of the former offices at St. Mary's Hospital into 33 low-income apartments for senior citizens. The plan includes 30 one-bedroom and three two-bedroom independent living apartments. Rents will vary between $360 to $435 per month. Support services for health care will also be available with an additional fee.
Rochester-- Christa Development Corp. has leased 37 acres on East River Road from R.I.T. and plans to build a $20 million senior housing complex. The site is located between R.I.T.'s boathouse on the Genesee River and two student-housing buildings. Rivers Run will be built at the Racquet Club apartment site with 70 homes and 80 independent-living apartments. The river-edge area will be used as a park for residents' use. Patio homes will rent for around $2,500 and the apartments will range from $1,850 to $2,200 a month. Services will include housekeeping, groundskeeping and transportation to and from the R.I.T. campus. Christa will have access to the college's databases full of names of alumni and retirees to use in their marketing strategies.
Rochester-- The Granite building co-owners are thinking of converting the top floors into loft-style housing. The developers working with the co-owners are planning five to six units located on each of the buildings top four floors. The 12-story building is located at 130 East Main Street, across the street from the Hyatt Regency hotel. The building dates back to 1890 and is assessed for $5 million. Nearly half of the Granite building is empty. Harris Beach occupied the top seven floors before it moved in October, 2001 to Perinton, leaving offices only on the sixth and seventh floors. A proposed transit center on Main Street and Clinton Avenue could revitalize the neighboring area.
OTHER
Brighton-- Construction of the Clay Road Extension will begin in November and should finish by December, 2004. Drivers will be able to drive over CSX railway tracks and the busy East and West Henrietta Roads with a new bridge included in the project. The bridge and highway will cost $2 million, and $1 million will be used to move utility lines.
Canandaigua-- The proposal for a 20 year plan of the Canandaigua Airport is on hold until next year. Meetings with planners and the public are on hold until the FAA has reviewed its comments and proposals regarding the changes. The changes include extending the current runway from 3,200 feet to 5,500 feet to accommodate incoming jets. The extension and expansion is expected to increase jet activity at the airport. The airport planners believe that the expansion is needed to keep up with the economic development in the county. Concerns over noise, traffic patterns and other issues will be addressed once the FAA has made recommendations.
Fairport-- The unveiling of the proposed streetscape plan was met with mixed feelings. Many village business owners favored the plan, while others were concerned about traffic and pedestrian problems during the construction. If approved, Faiport Mayor said the plan would probably be phased in over time because of the amount of work and the cost, which is estimated at more than $2 million.
Farmington-- $10.5 million is being spent on plans to build a gaming hall with more than 1000 slot machines at the Finger Lakes Race Track in Farmington. The "racino" will open February 11, 2004 with a 28,267 square-foot gaming hall, the first to be offered in the Rochester area. The expansion is expected to create 250 full time jobs and be a boost to area tourism. Other New York racetracks are following suit with Finger Lakes as they install similar amenities. Batavia Downs will spend $6.5 million to expand as tracks in Boston and Saratoga plan to open new facilities in 2004. In 2001, the state legislature approved the largest expansion of gaming in the State's history. Finger Lakes racetrack revenue could reach $60 million in the first year.
Greece-- The Northeast Family YMCA is looking at 48 acres of undeveloped land located on Latta Road. An existing permit allows limited day camp activities, but a new special permit would allow the YMCA to operate the day camp and build camping facilities, including a pool. The Y master plan includes, among other things, an outdoor pool, athletic fields, nature trails, a tower, and low and high ropes courses.
Perinton-- The Town of Perinton has plans to purchase another 40 acre farm for $320,000 and an agreement this month to purchase development rights of 6 acres on Ayrault Road for $60,000. The dollar per acre is more expensive than other recent purchases, but the cost could not be avoided. The town wanted the land, despite the amount to preserve its park and open space.
Perinton-- The rezoning of 1.3 acres of land located on Moseley Road from residential to restricted business as proposed by Eastman Savings and Loan has caused concern among area residents and Town Board members. ES&L wants to install an ATM kiosk on the property. Residents who oppose the project say that the property is wetlands and needs to be protected. Traffic is also a concern because the nearby intersection of Route 31 and Moseley Road is already problem. ES&L has offered to donate 5 acres of wooded area adjoining the area to the town to ensure its character. Town Board members expect to vote in favor of the rezoning, although reluctantly.
Pittsford-- A $9 million bond proposal was approved to build a new library. Plans are for a new facility with almost 30,000 square feet of library space. An enlarged computer center, several conference rooms a children's library and a café will be included in the new building. The design will be incharacter with the historic architecture of the village. Having moved into the current library in 1974, a former Star Market, and existing in only 12,000 square feet since then, the new building is long overdue.
Rochester-- The Rochester Broadway Theater League has gotten approval from the U.S. Bankruptcy Court to buy the Auditorium Theater. The purchase price is $1 million and other terms are still being negotiated. RBTL moved from its headquarters on Gibbs Street to the East Main Street Auditorium Center. State monies have been promised to cover the purchase price and RBTL will be financing the renovations. The 2,500 seat auditorium will receive new carpeting, seating, a sound system, heating and air conditioning and restrooms.
Rochester-- A new athletic facility at the Aquinas Institute should be completed in September, 2004. A 2,000 seat lighted stadium for football and soccer will also have an eight-lane track, four tennis courts, and practice fields for softball and baseball. A $10 million donation by Robert Wegman in May, 2002, was allocated for a fine arts center for $5 million and the other $5 million earmarked for scholarships. With the tuition needs being met, Mr. Wegman and Aquinas have agreed to used the scholarship money for the athletic facility. Mr. Wegman is a 1937 graduate of Aquinas and has said that the school prepared him for college and beyond.
GENERAL
Bushnells Basin-- A new fire house will be located on a 4.8-acre parcel at 661 Kreag Road. The current facility was built in 1961 when it was established for a much smaller fire department. The new plan must meet the approval of the Perinton Town Board as well as the Conservation and Planning Boards. Any zoning variances required will need to be approved by the Zoning Board as well.
Greece-- The town approved a bond of up to $990,000 for the purchase of 116 acres of open space located on Manitou Beach Road and North Greece Road. $125,000 would be contributed by Monroe County's green-space initiative, $250,000 from the state and the Town's portion of $480,000 to be paid by bonds. The areas contain significant wetlands and a natural habitat for wildlife, including migratory birds.
Henrietta-- The town's recently re-created Comprehensive Land Use Plan calls for a village like town center in the Hylan Drive and Calkins Road area surrounding the Dome Center. The master plan also includes a Senior Center, Town Hall and Henrietta Public Library. The comprehensive plan also recommends land that be reserved for senior housing, and mixed use buildings for apartments, retail and professional offices. The plan also recommended that larger commercial developments be restricted to the eastern portion of the town center district. The town hopes to convey a small village-like feel with more sidewalks, smaller shops and restaurants.
Honeoye-- The DEC purchased 890 acres located at the southern end of Honeoye Lake that will become part of the Honeoye Inlet Management Area. The wetlands portion of the land filters water entering into Honeoye Lake. The parcel includes open meadows and an oak-hickory forest.
Irondequoit-- Plans for a 4.7 mile trail system from Sea Breeze to Thomas Avenue have been put together. The $2.3 million Irondequoit Lakeside Trail construction could begin next fall. A pedestrian and bicycle path will connect to the Genesee River, Lake Ontario and Irondequoit Bay. The Town is also working on a plan for a water taxi along the lake, and turning the entry way to Seabreeze into a two-lane boulevard.
Pittsford-- Three towns have joined with the Genesee Transportation Council to extend a trail system some eight miles from Fishers and Victor to Route 65 in Pittsford. Under this plan, the trail would wind past Powder Mills Park, the Southeast YMCA, Schoen Place and Monroe Avenue in Pittsford. Portions of the trail are abandoned railways formerly of the Auburn Line Corridor. The cost is expected to be $29,500, with $18,000 being contributed from Genesee Transportation Council, $1,500 from Perinton and $5,000 each from Victor and Pittsford.
Pittsford-- Construction is expect to begin in February, 2004, for the Schoen Place face lift. Improvements include a pedestrian plaza, a wooden dock and pavilion, and more landscaped trail areas. The village is also looking for ways to solve parking problems. Two grants of $100,000 will help fund the improvements while the village will put up another $100,000.
Rochester-- Founder and chief, Thomas Golisano, donated $5 million towards the $45 million expansion of Nazareth College. The "B. Thomas Golisano Academic Complex" building will be created from the donation. The former Sisters of St. Joseph motherhouse on campus will now become the academic hub of the expanded campus.
Rochester-- Home Properties Inc. announced that the new president and chief executive, Edward Pettinella, will take over as of January 1, 2004. Founders Norman and Nelson Leenhouts are slowly moving away from their company. In a turnaround move, the brothers announced their buyout of Home Properties commercial property management business. This means that they will still have a hand in the best known properties in the city of Rochester, including Midtown Plaza and Clinton Square.
