3rd Quarter 2005
ECONOMIC & BUSINESS
Paychex - In their fiscal fourth-quarter earnings report, Paychex posted a record $101.4 million net income, up from $61.4 million for the same time last year. For the year, Paychex earned a net income of $368.8 million, compared to $303 million in 2004. This was the 15th consecutive quarter of record revenue and earnings for the Penfield based payroll service provider. (6/28)
Constellation Brands - Constellation Brands reported a $75.7 million net income for their fiscal first quarter, up from $51.3 million for the same time last year. Net sales were $1.1 billion, up 18% from 2004 earnings of $927.3 million. The world's largest wine maker, Constellation Brands attributed part of its growth to the acquisition of the Mondavi wines. (7/1)
Xerox - In their second quarter report, Xerox reacted with a 4.4 workforce cutback worldwide and dropped expectations of the revenue projections. Sales of the higher-end office copiers and presses were lower than expected. 2,600 jobs in technical service and manufacturing were eliminated worldwide. Xerox currently employs 8,450 in Monroe County, down 183 from the same time last year. (7/12)
Bausch & Lomb - The second quarter postings for B&L reported earnings of $45 million and worldwide earnings of $608 million, 7% increase over the same time last year. B&L's success is due partly to the revenue growth in Latin America, Asia and Europe, with a 12.7% increase in sales. The eye care company has increased its projected revenue for fiscal 2005 as a result of its successful 2nd quarter. (7/28)
Home Sales - Homes sales for the month of June rose just 0.6% over the same time last year for the 11-county greater Rochester area. There were 1,342 closings, up slightly from June 2004; median sales price for single-family homes was up 3.2% to $114,000. Year-to-date sales are up 4.3% to 5,669. For July, sales continued to grow with 1,362 properties sold, up from 1,255 homes sold in July of 2004. The median sales price for July, 2005 was $120,000. In August, sales were 19.9% higher than in July with 1,633 homes sold. The market has been favorable to homes under the $200,000 price range, while it has slowed for higher priced homes in the area. (7/15; 8/9; 9/14)
Eastman Kodak - One year after its announcement to shed one-third of its assets, Kodak has successfully demolished 19 buildings, revitalized 17, and have 8 buildings for sale. The 4-year revitalization plan expects to reduce Kodak Park by 12%; equivalent to 7 million square feet of space. Costs for the overall reduction will be more than $600 million. The company expects cost savings of $800 million to $1 billion at the end of the project in 2007. Kodak Park is the oldest and largest of the companies manufacturing facilities and the largest photographic manufacturing facility in the world. The Kodak Park complex covers 1,300 acres, spreading from the city to Greece, stretching nearly 4 miles. (7/1)
Rochester - Eastman Kodak has decided to consolidate paper production to its factories in Colorado and England and will close its facilities here in Rochester resulting in the loss of more than 450 jobs. The layoffs are part of Kodak's plan to shift its focus towards digital imaging. As of the second quarter, Kodak has eliminated 13,000 jobs around the world and plans to reduce its workforce by a total of 25,000 by 2007. (8/26)
Monroe County - In a detailed report, Monroe County showed a strong economic recovery for the first half of 2005. Loans, grants and other incentives were provided to 82 projects with $273 million in investments. Monroe County was able to help create 2,841 new jobs and retain 7,370 in the area. Developing projects include a new research laboratory at Bausch & Lomb, a storage warehouse for CooperVision and Xerox is building a new factory for manufacturing toner. (7/19)
Corning Glass - Corning, Inc. posted a 53% increase in second-quarter profits, earning $165 million, compared to last years second quarter earnings of $108 million. The success was attributed to the high demand for its ultra-thin glass used in flat screen, high definition computers and televisions. Corning's display technologies sales also rose 50% to a record $415 million in revenue as they try to keep up with the demand for liquid crystal display glass. (7/27)
Rochester Institute of Technology - With a campus 2 miles away from anything, RIT has decided to develop a 90-acre parcel on the northeast corner into its own college town. The $50 million project includes retail space, upscale housing and wetlands for trailways. Plans are for 90,000 square feet of retail and townhouses and apartments for 800 residents. Approval for the project needs to come from the DEC and the Henrietta Town Board. (8/12)
Eastman Kodak - Sales of its digital camera bested its rivals for the third straight quarter as Kodak secured 24% of the market. According to market research, 1.25 million Kodak cameras were shipped in the second quarter. The Kodak EasyShare was also ranked first in customer satisfaction for cameras in the $200 to $399 market. (8/17)
Fast Ferry - The Mayors of both Rochester and Toronto officially opened the International Marine Passenger Terminal at the Port of Toronto after a short ceremony. The new $8.9 million terminal is a two-story, 38,244 square foot building where passengers will be screened by the Canadian Border Services. The new terminal is part of a long-range plan spanning the next 30 years and $17 billion in lakefront development. For now, the terminal is used by five to seven other ships which peruse the Great Lakes. (6/28)
Fast Ferry - Passenger numbers on the Rochester Fast Ferry have doubled since the re-startup in June. Weekend riders have averaged 700 plus passengers which has a capacity of 785. Operation managers, Bay Ferries, has submitted a request to the ferry board to reduce the number of trips to offset the rising gas prices, along with other changes. Any change needs the consensus of the ferry's executive committee. (8/30)
JP Morgan Chase - JP Morgan Chase announced that it will be cutting 300 jobs from its downtown home equity office this year. Rochester will remain one of Chase's home equity center's, servicing 3,000 mortgage loan officers and home direct sales nationally. The Chase office is located in the Seneca Building of Midtown Plaza. Even with the cuts, Chase will remain the largest financial employer in the area with more than 1,000 workers. (7/19)
Renaissance Square - A conceptual design was introduced to city leaders by lead designer Moshe Safdie. The biggest change in the plan was the relocation of the bus terminal, originally set to be built underground. The bus terminal would a glass structure at ground level and located off of East Main Street, north of the MCC campus and performing arts center. The MCC campus and arts center would be along East Main Street with a combinations courtyards, retail space and gardens. The project is satiated to cost $230 million, with $160 million all ready secured. (9/8)
OFFICE
Henrietta - Staples office supplies will be adding 50 workers to its staff at its Henrietta call center. Currently, Staples employs 300 people at the call center, including drivers and sales people, and approximately 200 retail employees in the six stores located in the Rochester area. Based out of Framingham, Mass., Staples delivery business grew 17% in 2004 with $4.2 billion in sales. The retail division of Staples posted $14.4 billion in sales for 2004. (9/9)
Pittsford - Macerich Properties has set up offices in the Powder Mills Office Park after purchasing 13 of Wilmorite Properties malls and shopping centers. The new office hired 30 of Wilmorite's former employees and will oversee leasing and legal matters. The Santa Monica, California investment company, Macerich owns malls throughout Washington, California, Colorado, Texas and Arizona, as well as Connecticut and Virginia. (8/10)
Pittsford - A stop-work order has been issued to a building project on Schoen Place. The historic Pittsford Flour Mill building is being renovated into office space, along with a large silo on the property. The Village Board charged developers with deviating from the approved plans and with failing to save brick from the demolition of the warehouse. The original foundation was supposed to be preserved with its original fieldstone, but was covered with cement instead. The developer will now have to submit proposals explaining plans to remedy any problems to get the stop work order lifted. (8/25)
Rochester - Regional Distributors Inc. will be doubling the size of its offices after two recent acquisitions. The new facilities include 90,000 square feet of offices on Lexington Avenue and a new warehouse on Mt. Read Boulevard. This past year, the company acquired two janitorial supply companies and added 15 employees; and a new product line. Over the next 3 years, Regional plans on growing by 50% and adding 10 to 20 employees. (8/19)
Victor - High Point Business Park received Town Board approval for the rezoning of 106 acres on Route 96 to a planned development district. Originally proposed 4 years ago, the plan can now go forward for final site approval from the Planning Board. Residents and County officials had protested the development and its rezoning. The park will have premium office space, 72 townhomes, a Starbucks Coffee shop and an Olive Garden restaurant. (7/26)
RETAIL
Henrietta - BJ's Wholesale Club on Brighton-Henrietta Townline Road will be moving to the former Kmart site at 400 Jay Scutti Blvd. The new site will have 20,000 square feet of additional space with more services will be added including a pharmacy, a deli and a gas station. The new store will open in December or early January. (7/2)
Hopewell - A new Wal-Mart Supercenter has been proposed for 87.5 acres between Lowe's Home Improvement Center and the current Wal-Mart Plaza on Route 5 & 20. The 207,000 square foot store could be started by the end of July with completion in 2006. The current 92,000 square foot store would be turned over to a new tenant once the superstore opens. A supercenter is also being built in Macedon and plans for a supercenter in Victor have not yet been approved. (7/10)
Irondequoit - The former Irondequoit Mall, now known as the Medley Center, could be the site of a new Target store. A new 127,000 square foot building would be built in the southwest corner of the mall parking lot. Pending approval, building could begin as soon as October 1st with completion being in September, 2006. (8/23)
Penfield - Walgreen's has submitted plans for a 14,560 square-foot pharmacy at the corner of Panorama Trail and Penfield Road where a former Denny's Restaurant and car wash is located. Plans call for razing the vacant buildings and increasing the green space with landscaping, trees and flowerbeds. The Town Board is waiting for feedback from other advisory committees after further review. Walgreen's have stores under construction in Gates and Irondequoit and approval to build in Brighton and is in the process of receiving approval in Webster. (7/12)
Pittsford - With the facade at Pittsford Plaza complete, a new steak and seafood restaurant, named Black & Blue will open at the former KB Toys store. After its major renovation, the 7,000 square foot, 215-seat restaurant will boast a modern interior with a spiral staircase to the 2nd floor and a wrap around bar. An industrial oven included in the kitchen can sear meat at 1500 degrees. Entrees cost between $17 and $32. (8/2)
Rochester - Another upscale steak and seafood restaurant has opened next to The Inn on Broadway in the east end section of downtown. Torundos Restaurant is the third steak restaurant to open in the area this year. The restaurant is part of The Inn on Broadway hotel with 23 guest rooms. Breakfast, lunch and dinner will be served 7-days a week. Entrees include a 40-ounce steak for $80.00. (8/25)
Victor - The area's first Apple Store opened at Eastview Mall. The store will sell the popular Apple products, such as the iPod digital music players and PowerBook, and will also include workshops and expert service. The 3,600 square foot store is one of 112 worldwide. (7/21)
Victor - The Atlanta Bread Co. on East Henrietta Road is moving to a new location near Eastview Mall in Victor. Owners of the franchise believe the move will attract to more customers, drawing shoppers and local office workers from nearby office parks. Atlanta Bread also has a bakeries located downtown and on Monroe Avenue near Pittsford Plaza. (8/26)
Webster - Target and Barnes & Noble opened at the Webster Towne Center shopping plaza. A 120,000 square foot Target store features a larger electronics department, Starbucks coffee and will employ 200 pull and part-time employees. Barnes & Noble needed 6 tractor trailers to unload 150,000 books in its 25,000 square foot store which will offer wireless access to the internet for shoppers with laptops. The other 2 stores for Barnes & Noble in the Rochester area are two of the best in sales and traffic for central and western New York. (7/13)
Webster - A downtown staple, World Wide News, is opening a 5,000 square foot store at the Webster Woods Plaza at Five Mile Road and Ridge Road. WWN has been known to have the largest selection of magazines and newspapers in the state. The new store will have 24 employees. The Webster Woods Plaza is a 48,000 square foot, 2-story plaza with office and retail space. (7/15)
Webster - A proposed shopping plaza near Jackson and Ridge Road is meeting resistance from the neighboring Pepper Ridge homeowners. Walgreens is planning to build a store along with two restaurants, a bank and retail space on the 10 acre property. Zoning regulations for the property and set back regulations have the residents concerned. The property is currently zoned as multi-residential use with a 75 foot set back. Developers of the plaza said they would extend the set back to 100 feet and build a 10 foot beam. (7/20)
INDUSTRIAL
Henrietta - Unisys will be moving its 250 existing workers from Farmington to their new 51,000 square foot facility being built on Calkins Road. The IT company also plans to hire 90 additional new workers over the next five years as part of the tax break agreements for the $5.2 million project. The new building is expected to be completed in October. (6/21)
Henrietta - MWI Inc., is investing $3.1 million in its Brighton-Henrietta Town Line Road facility by building a 20,000 square foot expansion. The local company makes components for aerospace, automotive semiconductor and alternative energies. An additional 24 jobs will be added to the current 63 employees. Monroe County IDA and the Empire State Development Corp. supported MWI with tax breaks and incentives to stay in New York, rather than relocate to another state. (8/11)
Henrietta - Frito-Lay has opened a new state-of-the-art, energy efficient distribution center on Ridgeland Road as part of a $9 million investment. The 41,000 square-foot facility features solar-powered electricity, a recycling center and water conserving devices. In the back parking lot, electric boxes were installed for employees to plug-in their vehicles while at work. About 80 people work at the distribution center which supplies snacks to retailers between Rochester and Syracuse. (6/23)
Rochester - An automotive parts factory on Lyell Avenue will shut down after 53 years in business. The Valeo SA will close its 1.6 million square foot plant which makes automotive wiper systems. The company hopes to keep the factory open until its contract with the local electric union expires in 2008. Currently, there are 500 workers at the facility. Work done at the plant will be transferred to a factory in Mexico. Costs of materials, pricing and competition affected the plant; and reported a loss of $13.5 million in the first six months of 2005. Valeo bought the plant in 1998 from GM and had 3,500 employees. (7/29)
Rochester - Instead of building another facility for $45 million, Kodak will be converting its building #319 to house a machine to make heat-based printing supplies. Building #319 was shut down earlier this year and slated for demolition. Now, plans include building a 1,600 square-foot loading dock and a 3,000 square foot equipment pad as well as additional parking and utilities. Fifty employees will work with the new machine, which is to arrive in November. The building will also have a chemical treatment unit along with a 75-foot stack. Nearby, Building #324 will be torn down and be replaced with a berm, including landscaping and trees. (8/11)
Scottsville - CooperVision of Perinton will be consolidating its manufacturing of specialized contact lenses to its factory in Scottsville this year. The company will be transferring production from its California and New Mexico sites to the factory in Scottsville, adding about 100 new manufacturing jobs. The adjustment is in part of the purchase of Ocular Sciences which CooperVision bought for $1 billion in January, 2005. The Scottsville plant currently employs 200 workers. CooperVision has become one of Monroe County's fastest growing employers, forecasting 1,500 employees by 2006. (6/25)
Webster - Xerox Corp. announced plans to build a $59 million toner manufacturing plant at its Webster campus. The 120,000 square foot building will be six-story's high and create 40 jobs and save 50. The factory will make a newly developed toner which produces sharper images, is more energy efficient and uses less toner per page. Building will begin this fall, with completion by 2007. The Webster campus of Xerox produces more toner than any other place in the world. (6/24)
RESIDENTIAL
Canandaigua - Two Canandaigua developers received preliminary approval for proposed subdivisions located in the northeast section of the city. Both subdivisions will be building homes in Canandaigua Classics and will eventually be connected by roadways. Grande Meadows East will have 66 single-family patio homes on 18 acres off of Stewart Place. The patio homes are attached homes geared towards couples without children. Covington Place will have 57 single-family homes on 26.5 acres off of DeSeyn Drive. Several conditions must be met by each builder before final approval can be obtained. (7/28)
Farmington - The 470-home subdivision being proposed for 300 acres off of Route 332 has been postponed again by the town Planning Board. Auburn Meadows needs to obtain updated agreements to purchase land from 3 property owners in order to continue. If approved by the Town Board, the subdivision will be built in phases over 10 to 15 years with homes ranging from patio-style to larger, upscale homes. (7/7)
Henrietta - The Town Board rezoned 45 acres on the corner of East Henrietta and Erie Station Road which will allow for multiple housing units. A new senior complex has been proposed, and will include a two-story building with 96 apartments for independent living and another 29 buildings with 104 townhouses. Construction would begin this fall and open in the spring of 2006. The complex, called Legacy at Erie Station, will also include a fitness facilities, music rooms, library and hair salon. (7/27)
Hilton - Federal funding will help build affordable housing for seniors on Keith Lane. Owner, Unity Health Services, is building a 69-unit complex for adults 55 years old and older. The $7.2 million project will be completed sometime in 2006. Each apartment will be complete with a full kitchen, air conditioning and a patio. The apartments will also have an emergency call system. Unity Health operates 3 senior housing communities in Monroe County. (8/18)
Hopewell - Public water will be available to 101 homes later this year after the Town received a federal grant and loan to pay for the project. A total of 33,000 feet of water main will be installed on several rural roads for a total of $1.2 million. Homeowners can expect to pay an additional $642 per year which does not include the one-time hook-up charge. (3/30)
Indian Land Claim - 25 years after filing a lawsuit for lands lost 200 years ago, a three-judge federal appeal court threw out the $248 million Indian Land Claim ruling from 2000. The Cayuga Indians had won a decision in 2000 to reclaim their 64,000 acres at the north end of Cayuga Lake. The appeal decision was based on another court action by the Oneidas, an Iroquois nation, seeking lands in Oneida County. The ruling sited that too many years had passed for the Oneidas to gain control over the land. (6/29)
Penfield - The Town Board has reviewed a proposal for a town home development near Irondequoit Bay. The property would need to be rezoned for planned unit development and in exchange, the developer has offered to purchase property to expand LaSalle's Landing, a park adjacent to the town homes. Plans are for 120 townhouses on 22 acres on Woodhaven Drive. The property is currently vacant and overgrown. Plans are still in the conceptual stages. (8/4)
Perinton - Preliminary approval was given for the development of 216 acres between Monroe Wayne County Line Road and Wakeman Road for 155 homes. The builder included the donation of 90 acres of land to the town for open space, which will eventually connect the Trails of High Acres and Crescent Trails system. The development will be built in 7 phases and include patio-style homes and single-family homes. Final approval is needed before work can begin. (8/4)
Perinton - A subdivision was approved by the Planning Board east of Sunnybrook Lane. Local residents had concerns about water run-off and the number of new homes. A revised plan has been submitted by the builder with an additional access road, fewer homes and rerouting the storm water. The plans include 23 patio-style homes priced in the mid to upper $200,000. (8/11)
Pittsford - A developer has proposed building 32 homes on one of the last undeveloped pieces of land in the Town of Pittsford. The town board has already approved initial plans for the 48-acre site, formerly known as the Aldridge Farm. The next phase will be reviewing the grading, sewers and utilities, while trying to preserve the pastoral landscape and wetlands. (9/7)
Rochester - The first phase of the $28 million revitalization of the Kennedy public housing site is ahead of schedule and should be completed by April, 2006. Homes are being built on 33 vacant city lots and 6 homes have been rehabilitated in the South Plymouth and Exchange Street area. The multi-level plan also includes the renovation of The Kennedy Tower, an 80-unit senior citizen high rise; and demolishing the 76-unit Olean complex. The second phase of the project includes the rebuilding of the Olean complex with 77 apartments. In the end, 144 families will be placed in the homes. (9/2)
Rochester - The city approved the plans for the development of 1.5 acres to build 6 carriage-style homes behind the Tudor mansion at 1475 East Avenue. The six homes will mimic the mansion and surrounding neighborhood. Each home will be 2,500 to 3,000 square feet and cost upwards of $450,000. Building should begin this year. (8/19)
Shortsville - An apartment complex is being built in the village that will offer housing to lower income families and seniors. Shortsville Meadows is a $2.2 million development that will be built on East Avenue. Two buildings will have one and two bedroom apartments available for families with incomes between $23,000 and $28,000. Senior citizens rent rates will be calculated according to a federal housing expense guideline. The complex is expected to be completed by next spring. (7/14)
South Bristol - The proposed subdivision that was withdrawn in June because of zoning problems and local resistance has been revised. Ketmar Builders stepped through a loophole and has found a way to build 20 homes and 30 boat slips on Seneca Point Road without Planning Board review. Originally, plans were submitted for 37 homes and 38 boat slips, that would have needed a planned development district designation. At that time, residents had protested the proposal and Ketmar scrapped the plans. With an additional 10 acres, and new boundaries for 5 parcels, the project can move forward without a Planning Board review. Approval does have to come from the DEC for a State Environmental Quality Review before building can begin. Homes will have a minimum of 3,000 square feet and cost between $250,000 and $500,000. (7/26)
OTHER
Henrietta - Facilities at Patrick Pontiac are expanding with a multi-million dollar expansion on West Henrietta Road. The 60,000 square foot facility will feature a 12,000 square foot showroom with a 24 x 24 foot skylight; 55 bays for service and collision; a detail center and a lot big enough to hold 1,000 cars. Patrick Pontiac was rated 6th by Rochester Business Journal and sold 3,500 cars in 2004 with $80 million in revenue. (6/24) Henrietta - The Town Board unanimously granted a special permit for the proposed waterpark and hotel to be built near Interstate 390 and Hylan Drive. The resort will be built on 18 acres and include a six-story hotel. The project is estimated to cost between $60 million to $70 million to build and could be completed by late 2007. (6/16)
Henrietta - The owners Holidome of Henrietta are spending $9 million to completely renovate the 20 year-old hotel and will rename it "Doubletree Hotel." The 250-room hotel on Jefferson Road at Interstate 390 will have each room refurbished, a new restaurant and ballroom, and new meeting rooms. The agreement with Holiday Inn expires in mid-September and will switch to Doubletree, a brand of Hilton Hotels. (7/19)
Henrietta - After announcing plans to hire Nicklaus Design for development and course improvements; and a name change, Belfry International is back to square one. The estate of the original owner has taken back ownership as Cypress Investment Corp. backed out of the project after other investors balked at new plans. The new plan was to acquire an additional 130 acres adjacent to the golf course to build hundreds of single-family homes. Cost of the project, which would include a new clubhouse and improved greens, are estimated to be $10 million. Currently, the golf course is open for limited play. (8/10)
Manchester - Last year, plans were to demolish the former Red Jacket school and build a retail complex. After a year of removing the asbestos, plans have been reconsidered and the 3-story brick building will become part of a retail complex with a 20th century railroad theme. Originally, the plans were to tear down the building and build a 60,000 square foot complex. The school was built in 1915, and has been vacant for some time. (8/21)
Mendon - Opposition of the neighborhood tennis club has not waned since being dismissed in State Supreme Court last December. The Tennis Heaven Swim and Tennis club on Topspin Drive was found to be in accordance with zoning, but the Mendon Ponds Neighborhood Association filed a notice of appeal. The Association believes the club does not meet zoning criteria and is detrimental to a local nature preserve. The tennis club currently has 350 members and operates year round. (6/13)
Ogden - The Arrowhead Golf Course located along the Erie Canal was sold for close to $1.4 million. The 18-hole public golf course is hoping to attract business from travelers on the canal the new owners are involved in the statewide development and marketing of the 524-mile canal. Plans include increasing membership, additional dock space, a clubhouse and keeping the facility open year round. (8/26)
Pittsford - After 1 ½ years of construction, the $9 million, 30,000 square foot library will be having a ribbon-cutting ceremony on September 17th. Visitors will find meeting rooms, a periodical room, a learning center and a young adult area. The children's area has a stone archway entry with a craft area and a secret door and a playful wall mural. Comfortable seating is scattered throughout the library, including a reading area with a gas fireplace. The old library was torn down in the spring of 2004 and relocated temporarily to space on Monroe Avenue. (8/31)
Naples - The Finger Lakes Land Trust is raising $150,000 to buy and preserve a 26 acre parcel off of a residential street. Grimes Glen has been a hikers destination for years and may now become part of the public park system of Ontario County. The property is a mile deep glen including a creek with two waterfalls and a wading pool used by residents since the 19th century. In 1882, the world's oldest fossilized tree was found in Grimes Glen. The fossil was 18 feet in diameter at approximately 350 million years old. The tree is now housed in the NYS Museum in Albany. (7/6)
Rochester - The oldest buildings in Monroe County has been sold for an undisclosed amount to the Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired. The property known as the Old Stone Warehouse at 1 Mount Hope Avenue was built in the 1820's as a wheat mill and stood vacant for many years. After a total rehab, the building now houses offices for several businesses. Although no purchase price was made public, ABVI will assume two mortgages totaling $1.2 million. (8/5)
Rochester - Del Monte Corp. has transferred $12 million of land to Monroe No. 1 BOCES in a 20-year lease and purchase plan. Various properties have been conveyed to BOCES which will allow them to ease space limitations at their administrative and academic sites. BOCES provides vocational education to 10 east-side school districts. In 2001, Del Monte donated their Marriott Thruway Hotel to RIT, valued at $14 million. (8/26)
Sodus - A local developer has agreed to purchase the former Myers Community Hospital from ViaHealth for an undisclosed amount. Plans include renovating the property into an 80-apartment assisted living and senior facility. Tenants could move in by the end of 2006. The developer hopes to be able to acquire additional property surrounding the site to expand their project. The former hospital closed in 2003 after ViaHealth consolidated operations. (8/5)
GENERAL
Canandaigua - The Town Board has passed regulations for updating septic-systems when renovations and new construction are being proposed. The town can now require the homeowner to update or install a septic system to specific regulations. The new law also clarifies the relationship between the Code Enforcement Officer; the Watershed Inspector and the County Soil and Water Conservation Office. All would be working together to establish procedures and guidelines. (7/19)
Canandaigua - The Canandaigua Lake Watershed Council has formed a committee that will evaluate local laws regarding the development of lakefront property in each municipality and will suggest a uniform guideline for each to follow. After Ketmar Builders bypassed zoning regulations to build 20 homes on Seneca Point and 30 docks, the council was approached by citizens concerned about lakefront development. Armed with new standards and guidelines, towns will be able to effectively address issues such as subdivisions, construction and docking and control the lakefront development. (8/3)
Hopewell - Public water will be available to 101 homes later this year after the Town received a federal grant and loan to pay for the project. A total of 33,000 feet of water main will be installed on several rural roads for a total of $1.2 million. Homeowners can expect to pay an additional $642 per year which does not include the one-time hook-up charge. (3/30)
Indian Land Claim - Twenty-five years after filing a lawsuit for lands lost 200 years ago, a three-judge federal appeal court threw out the $248 million Indian Land Claim ruling from 2000. The Cayuga Indians had won a decision in 2000 to reclaim their 64,000 acres at the north end of Cayuga Lake. The appeal decision was based on another court action by the Oneidas, an Iroquois nation, seeking lands in Oneida County. The ruling sited that too many years had passed for the Oneidas to gain control over the land. (6/29)
Manchester - Plans to demolish and replace an old railroad bridge have been finalized with $2.5 million in federal money. After six years of discussion, the demolition will take place next summer with the new roadway being graded to meet the new tracks. Trains use the bridge about twice a week. Work could continue into 2007. (7/14)
Ogden - The Arrowhead Golf Course located along the Erie Canal was sold for close to $1.4 million. The 18-hole public golf course is hoping to attract business from travelers on the canal the new owners are involved in the statewide development and marketing of the 524-mile canal. Plans include increasing membership, additional dock space, a clubhouse and keeping the facility open year round. (8/26)
Perinton - Money magazine rated the town of Perinton as the 62nd, out of 100, Best Places to live. Using data for areas with populations of 14,000 or more, Money compared household income, population growth and real estate appreciation over the last 5 years. Perintons' average price for a home was $159,000 and household income was $75,600. The report listed Perinton as having 1,700 restaurants, 57 golf courses and 17 movie theaters, plus an extensive park system for outdoor recreation. (7/12)
Rochester - Del Monte Corp. has transferred $12 million of land to Monroe No. 1 BOCES in a 20-year lease and purchase plan. Various properties have been conveyed to BOCES which will allow them to ease space limitations at their administrative and academic sites. BOCES provides vocational education to 10 east-side school districts. In 2001, Del Monte donated their Marriott Thruway Hotel to RIT, valued at $14 million. (8/26)
Rochester - The Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor Commission is hoping to inspire tourism and development along the entire 524-mile canal system. In a draft-plan, the commission sites Pittsford and Fairport as ideal representations of enhancing, supporting and emphasizing the Erie Canal in their communities as well as the Genesee River in Rochester, which links to the canal. Proposals in the plan will preserve historic and cultural resources, promote recreation and develop tourism. Gov. Pataki must approve the plans before being put into effect. (6/30)
Victor - In a statewide census, Victor placed second as the fastest growing town in upstate New York, according to a new study. From 2000 to July, 2004, the town's population grew 17% to an estimated 11,500. Victor was the only Rochester region town to have double-digit growth. In the 1990's, Victor grew 37% and if the trend continues, will pass that figure this decade. The census estimates that 2,600 residents have moved to Victor since 2000. (6/30)
