1st Quarter 2005
ECONOMIC & BUSINESS
Eastman Kodak - Kodak announced it will spend $45 million to build a new factory in Kodak Park next year. The factory will manufacture a special dye-transfer ribbon for digital printers. The new facility will be the largest single capital investment at Kodak Park in 5 years. The new factory will open in mid-2006 and employ 50 workers. (12/21)
St. John Fisher College - Chief executive of Wegmans Food Markets, Inc., Robert Wegman, announced his intention to donate $5 million to St. John Fisher College to start the first school of pharmacy in the Rochester area. Construction of the new Wegmans School of Pharmacy will begin this fall. Classes are expected to start in the fall of 2006. The 6 year program will offer a doctor of pharmacy degree and would require hiring about 20 additional faculty. (1/19)
Constellation Brands, Inc. - Constellation Brands reported its second consecutive billion dollar sales quarter and showed a 10% increase in net sales from the 3rd quarter in 2003 of $1.09 billion. Wine sales increased 14% to $773.8 million. Earnings for the 4th quarter were up 6%, or 85 cents a share, as compared to the same time last year. (1/7)
Bausch & Lomb - B & L will be adding 100 permanent production jobs to make their Pure Vision contact lens. In 2002, a federal judge ruled that B&L infringed on a Ciba Vision patent and was ordered to stop making the contact lenses. Ciba & B&L reached a settlement which will allow B&L to resume production. B&L spent 10 years and $60 million in research before introducing the Pure Vision lens in 1999 that can be worn for 30 days. As part of the settlement, B&L will pay Ciba royalties on net sales until 2014. (1/12)
Fast Ferry - City Council approved to create a non-profit corporation to buy the Fast Ferry at the scheduled February 28th foreclosure auction. Under the new plan, an 11-member board of directors will be appointed to the non-profit entity, forming a corporation which will own and operate the ferry. $40 million would be financed for the ferry purchase through EFIC, the same corporation that has all ready financed $22.5 million in the ferry project. The new corporation would pay back the money from operating revenue over 15 years. (12/22)
Fast Ferry - The minimum bid of $22.5 million was set by a U.S. Magistrate for the foreclosure auction of the fast ferry. Two appraisals were conducted that found the vessel to be worth between $25 and $30 million. The ship was worth $47.5 million in February 2004 before it sailed. CATS bought the ferry for $42.5 million. The judge has ordered the proceeds from the auction to pay CATS creditors. (1/6)
Fast Ferry - At the federal foreclosure auction of the fast ferry, the City of Rochester placed the winning bid of $32 million. The auction lasted less than one minute, with only one other bid from mortgage holder, Export Finance & Insurance Corp. of Australia, of $29,635.400. Idle since early September, 2004, the city hopes to restart service to Toronto by Memorial Day. (3/1)
Fast Ferry - The Rochester Ferry Co. has hired a company from Canada to run the high-speed ferry service from Rochester to Toronto. Bay Ferries signed a 3-year deal and will receive $1.3 million per year to run the Spirit of Ontario. Bay Ferries will be responsible for managing the service and be required to meet performance standards set out in the contract. Estimates from Bay Ferries show that Rochester Ferry Co. will earn about $3 million in its first year. (3/9)
Delphi Corp. - The world's largest automotive supplier posted a fourth-quarter loss of $102 million. The loss includes a $15 million charge for restructuring and a $265 million charge for revaluing assets. The charges were offset by a tax release of $165 million. Delphi employs 2,300 workers at a plant in Rochester and Henrietta. (1/21)
Pactiv Corp. - Pactiv Corp, which makes Hefty bags, posted a loss in its fourth quarter. Net income of $47 million was down from $54 million for the same quarter in 2003. Net income for the year was $155 million, down from last year's income of $183 million. Pactiv employs about 1,000 workers at its Canandaigua plant. (1/26)
Bausch & Lomb - B&L posted its 12th consecutive earnings quarter with net sales of $606.6 million, a 10% increase from the same time last year. Net income was up 4% to $51.4 million for the quarter. For the year, net income was $159.6 million, up from $126.5 million. (1/28)
Constellation Brands - Shareholders of the world-renowned Napa Valley winery, Mondavi, approved a $1 billion buyout by the Perinton alcoholic beverage company, Constellation Brands. The purchase has made Constellation Brands the single-largest wine company in the United States. Mondavi had faced tough competition and planned to revitalize the company by selling off its expensive wine brands that typically sell for $125 per bottle. Now, Constellation will be acquiring all of the outstanding shares of stock and assume Mondavi's $325 million debt load. (12/23)
Paychex, Inc. - Net income for their 2nd quarter rose to $86.9 million, or 23 center a share, compared to the same time last year, the company posted a $80.7 million net income. Paychex makes money on the funds it temporarily holds for clients in interest bearing accounts. Locally, Paychex is looking to expand its operations as hiring has increased among its clients and interest rates rise. (12/22)
Wegman Food Markets - Two family members were promoted at Wegman's Food Market, Inc. and three generations are now in charge of the giant grocery chain. Eighty-six year old Robert Wegman will remain Chairman, his son, Danny Wegman becomes the new CEO, and Danny's daughter, Colleen, will be the new president. (2/05)
Area Exports - After 4 years of declines, area exports increased in 2004, according the Rochester Business Alliance. RBA estimates that goods and services exported for 2004 in the 9-county region will be $12 billion. Goods and services exported in 2004 were $11.5 billion. The record high was $15 billion exported in 1997. (12/17)
Xerox Corp. - Xerox reported earnings of $240 million, or 24 cents a share, for their 4th quarter, ending December 31st. The company's growth in digital office, digital production and services accounted for 76% of the 4th quarter revenue. Revenue from color products and services rose 21% compared with a year ago. For the full year, Xerox reported a net income of $859 million on revenue of $15.72 billion up from a net income of $360 million on revenue of $15.70 billion in 2003. (1/26)
Eastman Kodak - Kodak's digital camera business became the No. 1 supplier in the United States upseating the longtime favorite, Sony Corp. In 2004, Kodak sold the most digital cameras in the U.S., more than any other manufacturer. Kodak digital camera's accounted for 21.9% of shipments to retailers last year. Competitive products and prices are what the company is attributing to its success. The company also has the No. 1 digital camera status in Australia, Argentina, Peru and Chile. (2/3)
Home Sales - 2004 Home sales in the Rochester 5-county region were down 12,768, less than 1% from 12,884 in 2003. Dollar volume of home sales was $1.64 million. Median sales price in 2004 was $106,000, up 3.9% from 2003 median sales price of $102,000. Figures for January, 2005, show sales and prices were up 9.3% from the same time last year. The median sales price was also up 7% to $127,705. (1/21 & 2/17)
Fibertech - A Brighton company that builds fiber-optic networks, Fibertech Networks, turned a profit for the first time and set a sales record in 2004. The company experienced $91 million in contract sales for 2004 compared to $45 million in 2003. Fibertech employs 78 people locally, and 85 nationwide. (/20)
Corning Inc. - Corning Inc. expects to invest nearly $1 billion into its ultra-thin glass business this year. The glass is used in flat-screen computers and televisions and has become their most profitable business. Fourth quarter sales of $311 million were up 56% from last year, helped by an increase of revenues from the liquid-crystal-display glass. (2/6)
Renaissance Square - More money was secured for the funding of downtown's largest development project in its history, as another $8.5 million was committed. So far, $120 million has been committed to the project. Monroe County Executive Maggie Brooks and City Mayor Bill Johnson had traveled to Washington, D.C. to lobby legislators for more money. Planners of Renaissance Square are expect to announce a firm to design the $230 million downtown upgrade. The plans include a performing arts center, a MCC campus and transit center. (3/6)
OFFICE
Henrietta - Paychex has submitted plans to the Planning Board for a possible expansion of its John Street facility. The 2-story, 123,000 square foot office space would cost $15 million. The new building would connect to the existing Paychex building and have room for 1,000 more employees. (3/9)
Henrietta - Corporate office space will soon be available at the former Celltech's Jefferson Road business park. The state-of-the-art headquarters are unique as they offer corporate standards such as conference rooms, a training center and cafeteria. Celltech was bought by UCB Pharma last year and uses part of the Jefferson Road space for manufacturing and technical operations. (3/10)
Perinton - Christa Development Corp. has sold its office portfolio for $62.9 million. Eight out of the nine properties were bought by a Massachusetts company, HRPT Properties Trust. The sale included 483,711 square feet of property, including Corporate Crossing Office Campus in Perinton. (2/11)
Rochester - Two large tenants will be moving out of Chase Towers to new locations. Manning & Napier will move to Perinton after 15 years at Chase. The Manning office currently occupies 4 floors in the tower. The move to the new Woodcliff office will permit growth, give their employees clients easier access and free parking. Underberg & Kessler will be moving out of Chase Towers but remain downtown. Their new offices will be located at Bausch & Lomb Place. (12/31)
Rochester - The NCS Community Development Corp. will be buying the HSBC Bank building on Driving Park Avenue for their main headquarters. The NCS is a nonprofit organization that specializes in housing and home ownership. HSBC has closed the Driving Park branch in December and previously closed five offices in the Rochester area. HSBC is building a new branch on Dewey Avenue in Greece. (1/4)
Rochester - The Art Craft Optical Co., Inc. building at 85-89 Allen Street has been sold to a local developer for $400,000. Built in 1902, the building has housed numerous manufacturers. The 7-story building has been vacant since 2001. Plans for development may include office space on the lower floors with housing above. (1/7)
Rochester - A new tenant will moving into the Granite Building's eighth floor with plans to acquire more space as the company adds 100 to 120 workers this year. CGI Communications Inc. plans to hire every quarter this year to keep up with demand for their growing business. CGI provides municipalities with promotional materials across the country such as street banners and Web-based videos. The Granite Building is located at 130 East Main Street at the corner of St. Paul Street. The building's roof was recently replaced, along with upgrades to the electrical, fire and telecommunications systems. (2/25)
Victor - A Rochester developer has proposed a controversial office park along the Route 96 corridor. The Town Board held a workshop specifically to discuss this project that includes research, office and retail space and 79 townhomes. The 548,000 square-foot development would be situate on 105 acres which is currently zoned residential. Area residents have voiced their concern over traffic and over-development. The property would need to be rezoned to planned development in order to proceed. (2/14)
Victor - SPG Direct will be opening a subordinate company, Wave Technology, this spring in the Omnitech Office Park. SPG is a marketing consulting firm working with company sales and marketing. Wave Technology will offer software to companies designed to help market their own product. SPG moved from Henrietta to Victor in 2003 and has added 30 employees. Clients include Sony, Microsoft, Unisys and Corning. (1/4)
RETAIL
Brighton - An existing office building at the corner of Elmwood and South Clinton Avenues would need to be razed for a proposed Walgreen's drug store. The proposal in front of the Town Board calls for a 14,800-square-foot store on 2.7 acres. Developers are proposing to build new sidewalks and add green-space with more landscaping and fewer parking spaces than the current building. Area residents have voiced their concerns about traffic and aesthetics. (2/2)
Irondequoit - A Syracuse business man has contracted to buy the ailing Irondequoit Mall for $5 million. The mall was originally built in 1990 for $80 million. Currently, the mall is less than 20% occupied. The last anchor store to close was JC Penney in 2003. The buyer is seeking tax abatements from real estate taxes for 20 years in order to proceed with the purchase. Negotiations between the buyer and the town have not been finalized. (3/1)
Macedon - A proposed Wal-Mart site plan went before the Planning Board detailing the 205,000 square-foot supercenter, a separate gas station and 1,026-space parking lot. Plans also show landscaping, lighting and details of the finished store front. Wal-Mart wants to build on a 25-acre parcel at the corner of Route 31 and Wayneport Road. The Planning Board will review the site plans and wait for variances and special use permits before giving approval. (2/13)
Perinton - The owners of 3 successful Italian restaurants in the Rochester area have opened a steak house at the Brookwood Inn in Bushnell's Basin. The Brookwood Inn recently invested $2 million in renovations and wanted an upscale restaurant to complement the inn. The new 4,000 square foot eatery also offers banquet rooms for private parties and corporate functions. (1/13)
Pittsford - A 7,000 square foot restaurant with an outdoor patio will open in Pittsford Plaza in the former KB Toys store. The new restaurant will serve steak and seafood in the $15 to $30 price range and open in June. A name for the new restaurant has not yet been selected. (12/16)
Pittsford - Great Northern Pizza plans to add 50 locations over the next five years. The plans were announced at the same time the company merged with Flour City Bagels. The new restaurants will be built in New York and could employ up to 2,000 workers. Great Northern Pizza was founded in 1999 and currently has 5 locations. (1/21)
Rochester - A 90 year-old family business is closing its doors because of the owner's failing health. Berman's Fur Fashions on Joseph Avenue began in 1915 by Harold Bermans' father, a Russian immigrant. The closing will leave Held Projansky Furs in Pittsford Plaza as the only independent furrier in the Rochester area. (1/27)
Rochester - A country music bar and diner will be opening in Rochester's East End. Daisy Duke will be a 5,000 square foot bar and include a mechanical bull. Roc City Hots will be a 1,500 square foot eatery with hot dogs, hamburgers and garbage-style plates. (2/3)
Rochester - The $20 million Corn Hill Landing project is nearing completion after 6-years in the making. Located on 9 acres overlooking the Genesee River, the development will have 127 apartments, office and retail space. $2 million has all ready been spent on the Corn Hill Landing promenade which features a double wall along the river, benches, antique-style lighting and landscaping. Near Corn Hill Landing, the Troup Howell Bridge is being transformed into a 433-foot long gateway into the city. Completion of the $37 million bridge will be in 2007. (2/25)
Rochester - The city will be selling a 1.5 acre parcel to a developer for $1 that will build a themed shopping center on North Clinton Avenue. "La Marketa" will be a Hispanic market and cost $2 million or more to build. The new market will be the centerpiece of the city's La Avenida revitalization project. (3/6)
Victor - Wilmorite Properties Inc. has sold three area Malls to in a merger with Macerich Partnership of Santa Monica, California. The Eastview Mall in Victor, The Mall at Greece Ridge Center and the Marketplace Mall in Henrietta, among other properties, were sold for $2.33 billion. The transfer of ownership should take place in March. Macherich is the 9th largest shopping center owner in North America. (12/24)
Webster - Marina Dodge Inc. on Ridge Road has doubled its facility with a new 21,000 square-foot addition. The expansion includes a new showroom designed under the guidelines from Chrysler Corp. with a mezzanine and glass elevator. A larger service area and parts department were also installed with a full body shop and paint booth. The $1.5 million project was started last summer and should be completed by early spring. (2/11)
INDUSTRIAL
Greece - The Planning Board okayed the subdivision of Kodak property located at 800 Lee Road for sale to its current tenant. Building No. 601 will be bought by ITT Industries, a remote sensing manufacturer that makes satellites and global positioning equipment. ITT currently employs 2,600 workers worldwide. (3/10)
Holley - A fruit and vegetable processing company will be adding a 41,500 square-foot addition to their facility for $2 million. The controlled atmosphere facility is expected to add 100 new jobs over the next three years. MAGC Inc. is located in the Holley Business Park in Orleans County. (2/17)
Macedon - The Pliant Corp. is spending $7 million on an expansion of its food packaging plant. A new $3.5 million printing press will be added and another press will be sent to another plant in Mexico. Pliant produces plastic bread bags including Wonder Bread and Pepperidge Farms. At peak, the plant can make 8 million bags from scratch each day. (2/24)
Rochester - A maker of lenses and precision optic parts is leaving downtown for a larger facility in Pittsford. JML Optical Industries has bought 820 Linden Avenue for $2.3 million. Currently, JML employs 85 workers and expects 10% annual growth for several years. The old facility at 690 Portland Avenue could be donated to the city for use as a business incubator. (2/25)
Rochester - Eastman Kodak is purchasing a 57,000 square foot facility in Canal Ponds Office Park for digital research and development . The former Corning Rochester Photonics Corp. building in Greece has a 13,000 square foot clean-room and 10,000 square feet of lab space. A total of 100 workers are expected to work in the facility. (3/11)
RESIDENTIAL
Chili - The Planning Board finally approved phase 6 of the Park Place subdivision off of Union Street. Quorum couldn't be reached at prior board meetings, but the vote gave the go-ahead for an additional 29-lots to be built. Park Place is a 10-phase project which began in 2001. Construction of phase 6 could begin in June or July of this year. (3/9)
Greece - A proposal came before the Town Board to rezone 10 acres on Kirk Road from industrial to planned residential. Developers hope to build a 26 duplexes for senior living. The homes would range from 1,000 to 1,200 square feet. Kirk Road Villas rent would be between $900 and $1,100 per month. (12/23)
Greece - A proposal to build 50 senior townhomes off of Stoney Path Lane will need rezoning if the project is to be approved. Units would range between 1,200 and 1,500 square feet and sell for $140,000. The housing development is to be situate on 7.81 acres. If single family homes were built, only about 17 would fit. Residents have attended a public hearing concerned about density of the project and drainage. (1/20)
Palmyra - The Planning Board approved site plans for a 64-unit apartment complex to be built on the property formerly owned by the Palmyra Airport. Phase I will cost $4,400,000 and include five buildings and 40 apartments. Phase II will construct 3 buildings with 24 apartments. The developer will buy 9.55 acres for "Willow Landing" and the remaining 26 acres of the airport's property will be subdivided for building lots. (2/23)
Palmyra - Neighbors of a proposed senior housing complex have asked the Village Board not to rezone a 5.8 acre parcel to allow construction. The land is currently zoned for single-family homes and would need a variance to allow multi-family homes. A 2-story, 36-unit upscale apartment complex for people 55 and older has been proposed. Other concerns were traffic, water flow, noise and lighting. (3/9)
South Bristol - Plans for a new development were submitted to the Town Board for 41 single-family homes on Seneca Point Road. The homes of would be situate on 37 acres bought by the developer and have lake rights. Lots would range from 1/3 to one acre with 2,500 square foot of living space. The Planning Board must approve plans before building can begin. The developer hopes to get all its approval by late spring. (1/13)
Victor - A subsidized 65-unit senior apartment complex is being proposed for property off of High Street and Lane Road. Victor Senior Apartments, LLC will be situate on a 28-acre parcel and have 1 and 2 bedroom apartments. Plans call for a single building to be built on a 7.5 acres with entrances on both roads. (3/1)
OTHER
Farmington - Town officials are considering a moratorium on mini-storage facilities until 2006. The moratorium would block any building applications brought before the Town Board. Currently, Farmington has 3 self-storage locations with a total of 324 storage units. The Planning Board granted approval recently to another self-storage facility with 188 units. Each unit of a storage facility is required to be inspected by the code enforcement office. More facilities in town would require additional staff and be an additional cost to taxpayers. (3/20)
Farmington - A local developer has proposed to build a 60-room hotel on Route 96 near the race track & racino and the Infotonics Technology Center. The builder is also hoping to attract travelers from the NYS Thruway. Infotonics is planning two national conferences and has 7 startup companies moving into the site in the next few years. Construction could have the building ready by the spring of 2006. (3/4)
Fishers - Construction is expected to begin on a 105-room Holiday Inn Express in the hamlet of Fishers. The two story building will be located on a 5-acre parcel just off of NYS Route 96, next to Chili's Grill & Bar. Wendy's Old Fashioned Hamburgers is also planning to build at the corner of Main Street Fishers and Route 96 with additional retail space. (1/7)
Gates - Buckeye Pipe Line Co. signed a stipulation agreement with the DEC for a long term clean-up plan for the gas spill back in mid-December. It is estimated that nearly 30,000 gallons of fuel spilled from a broken underground delivery pipe 200 feet from the Erie Canal. About 20,000 gallons of fuel has been recovered. Cleanup will resume in the spring. (12/23)
Gates - The owner of Rochester Technology Park donated 24 acres near Elmgrove and Buffalo roads to the Town for park land. The donated parcel will be used for trails and park shelters and includes a stocked pond. Although no money changed hands, the donated value of the property was $2 million. Rochester Technology Park has gone through an extensive update of its 5 million square-foot complex. Over 30,000 trees and shrubs were planted, every building was painted and 22 miles of roadways were paved. Two new, blue and yellow, 50-foot lighted clocks will be added toward the end of March. Currently, the park has 23 tenants. (2/10)
Geneva - Construction has begun on the first building inside the Cornell Agriculture & Food Tech Park. The 20,000 square foot flex building will be available for start-up companies that could benefit from research being done at the NYS Agricultural Experiment Station next door. The flex-space will provide space for a number of businesses and is expected to create 80 jobs. When fully complete, the tech park could lead to 1000 new jobs and 375,000 square feet of research development. (12/31)
Geneva - Finger Lakes Health is building a $6.1 million Ambulatory Surgery Center which will open next fall. The 16,400 square foot facility will include three operating rooms, two endoscopy rooms and a procedure room. Doctors will be able to perform elective-surgeries on an out-patient basis with minimal interference. Hospital's are often affected by emergency surgeries requiring an operating room. (12/24)
Henrietta - A deal has been signed between Wegman's Food Markets and Monroe County Fair and Recreation Assoc. to buy the Dome Center property on Calkins Road. The land has long been sought after by Wegmans to build a superstore/plaza on its 30 acres. As of yet, the property is not zoned commercial, but Wegman's hopes to change that. The proposal includes a 130,000 square-foot supermarket with room for other developments. No purchase price has been made public. ( 12/22)
Henrietta - Heritage Christian Services has secured $3 million to build a Life Center on 16 acres at 1600 East Henrietta Road. The 8,000 square-foot building will house a fitness room with adaptive equipment, physical, occupational, speech and therapy rooms, gymnasium, a therapy pool, walking track and chapel. Construction could begin this fall. (2/4)
Henrietta - A few weeks after of announcing their grand opening, Belfry International Golf Course told its investors that they were deep in debt and need additional financing to open. Originally scheduled to open in 2002, the golf course problems include: Belfry's founder died unexpectantly, a poor economy and record rains delaying construction. Investors were asked for an additional $600,000 to finish necessary projects to get the golf course to open by this spring. (3/9)
Lyons - One of the country's oldest movie theaters will open this spring after receiving a $500,000 renovation. The Ohmann Theater was built in 1915 by the owner's grandfather, but had been sitting empty for the last 12 years. The 700 seat theater will serve as a performing arts center and events could include motion pictures and plays. (1/7)
Rochester - Seneca Park Zoo will finally have its expansion as Monroe County officials announced a $4 million plan to increase the elephant exhibit six-fold. The elephant exhibit will be located on 8 acres and include a larger viewing area, a 10,000 square foot shed and an open-air yard 4 times larger than its current facility. Zoo resident, Genny C, one of the two elephants female, is expecting to delivery the zoo's first baby elephant in March, 2006. The new expansion will allow the zoo to keep the elephants at the zoo. (12/23)
Rochester - Highland Hospital wants to spend $2.2 million to open a new outpatient Bariatric Center, for the weight-loss surgery which includes gastric bypass. Being Rochester's smallest hospital, Highland performed 600 gastric bypasses in 2004, more than any area hospital. The new Center will double in size and include more examination rooms, larger beds and larger waiting room. Staff would increase from 8 to 14 and could better handle the 7,000 to 8,000 patients in its program. (2/10)
GENERAL
Canandaigua - City planners are quickly moving on rezoning the lakefront to make the lakefront more attractive to developers and tourists. The hope is to build an access road behind Parkway Plaza and allow taller buildings on Lakeshore Drive. The current code limits buildings to 3 stories, or 40 feet. One developer had hoped to build an 8-story condominium complex on 5.6 acres, and was later denied. The developer has since abandoned the project. (1/28)
Canandaigua - Real estate tax rolls in the town have been re-evaluated and property owners will see an increase in their assessments. More than 4,000 properties were inspected in seven months. The last re- evaluation was in 2002 and the equalization rate has dropped from 100% to 87%. Property owners will have an opportunity to attend a grievance day to object to their new assessments. (3/1)
Gates - Clean up of the extensive underground fuel spill near the Erie Canal is nearing an end. Buckeye Pipeline Co. owns the pipeline that ruptured on three occasions in mid-December, 2004. About 29,700 gallons of petroleum based products was spilled. Fish or wildlife were not effected by the spill and groundwater does not show to be contaminated. The spill spread down 20 miles of the Erie Canal from Buffalo Road in Gates, to Sandy Creek in Holley, Orleans County. (12/22)
Greece - The Planning Board gave its go-ahead for a new development on the corner of Latta and Long Pond Roads. The site will include a two banks, a Dunkin Donuts and a full-service opthalmologist office. Construction should begin this spring (12/16)
Naples - The Nature Conservancy has acquired 220 acres for $145,000 which will be added to the Hi-Tor wildlife management areas. The property, called the Smith Tract, was formerly a farm located at the southern most portion of Canandaigua Lake consisting of flat meadowlands. The land will be reverted to its natural state of floodplains and wetlands. The Nature Conservancy has protected about 4,000 acres in the Finger Lakes area to help buffer and protect water quality. (12/28)
Penfield - Work will begin on the first phase of developing 70 acres of parkland on Five Mile Line Road. The Town plans to spend over $4 million building Rothfuss Park. The money will pay for new hiking trails, sport fields, a skate park, concession area, restrooms and picnic areas. Phase one will include removing two metal buildings and beginning work on an access road and parking lot. (2/24)
Rochester - The County Legislature approved the purchase of a 1,150-space parking lot located adjacent the airport on Brooks Avenue for $3.8 million. The 9.4 acre parcel was bought last year for $2.8 million and leased to the county. The property generated more than $1 million in parking revenue from air travelers traffic in 2004. (3/9)
Seneca County - Legislation was proposed by Gov. Pataki that would settle the land claim by Seneca-Cayuga Indian nations over thousands of acres across New York state. Seneca County has rejected the proposal, which would allow five casinos to be opened in the Catskills in exchange for dropping the land claim suit. Seneca County officials are concerned about the Cayuga's receiving sovereignty and selling untaxed goods. The proposal needs to pass through the state legislature and Congress in its next steps. (2/4)
Victor - Area residents and Town officials have called for a moratorium on development along a 2-mile stretch of Route 96. Benderson Development Corp. of Buffalo has proposed to build Victor Commerce Plaza on Route 96 near the on-ramp of 490. The plaza would include a Wal-Mart Super Center, retail shops and restaurants. A temporary building ban would give Town officials time to complete their work studying land-use and planning reviews. (1/17)
Victor - A $1 million state grant has been awarded towards the building of an $8 million recreation center being proposed for the town and school. The complex would be built on the school campus and include a fitness center, athletic fields, gymnasium and more, Construction would start in the spring of 2006 if voters approve the plans. (3/8)
