4th Quarter 2005
ECONOMIC & BUSINESS
Paychex - Paychex first fiscal quarter for 2006 which ended August 31st had record net income of $115 million up 31% from the same quarter last year. Total revenue was $404 million up from $345 million in the first quarter Officials of Paychex noted the strong economy and higher interest rates for the success. Paychex noted an increase in the number of checks paid by its clients as companies hired more workers. Paychex also offers a HR consulting and management service that grew by 35% to $21.5 million. (9/28)
Chase Pitkin - Unable to compete with the large home improvement franchises such as Home Depot and Lowe's, Wegman's Food Market Inc. announced its intention to close all 14 Chase Pitkin stores after the first of the year. The closings will allow the grocery chain to focus directly on its extremely successful food business, with 69 stores in 5 states. Sales last year for Chase Pitkin were $200 million, down from 1996 sales of $225 million before Home Depot and Lowe's entered the Rochester market. There are currently seven Home Depots' and four Lowe's in the Rochester area, with more Lowe's planned. Chase Pitkin employs 395 full-time workers and 1,253 part-time. Workers will be given the opportunity to work at the grocery stores or receive a severance package. (10/5)
Constellation Brands - In their second quarter report, Constellation Brands Inc. reported a net income of $82.4 million compared with $80.6 million for the same quarter last year. Net sales were $1.2 billion, up 15% from a year earlier, with imported beer sales up 9% and distinguished wine sales up 35%. The wine company focused on introducing new products to the market and extensive consumer research and being active in acquisitions and mergers. Currently, Constellation is in pursuit of Canada's fourth largest winery, Vincor International. (10/7)
Eastman Kodak - In their third quarter report, Kodak reported a $1 billion loss largely caused by an accounting rule for deferred funds for financial losses. Kodak has reported a loss for four consecutive quarters and the rule requires a reserve account for deferred tax credits. The digital revenue for Kodak grew 47% to $1.9 billion in the third quarter, exceeding film revenue for the first time. Digital imaging earned $10 million, up from the same time last year when Kodak reported a $6 million revenue. This was the first time Kodak announced its earnings from its digital division. (10/20)
Xerox - Third quarter earnings reported by Xerox Corp. posted a net income of $49 million, down from last year's figure of $149 million. Figures included charges for restructuring, litigation and insurance expenses related to Hurricane Katrina. Color products and services reported revenues up 22% from the same time last year and expect continued growth. Updated employment figures as of September 30th, Xerox employs 8,330 workers locally, down 282 from the same quarter last year, and employs 56,300 worldwide, down 1,000 from 2005 second quarter. (10/22)
Bausch & Lomb - In their 3rd quarter earnings report, B&L's earnings fell, ending 14 straight record earning quarters that beat Wall Street estimates. Wall Street analysts' had anticipated a 91 cent per share earning, but due to an investigation of improper conduct at a Brazilian subsidiary, B&L reported a 32 cent per share earning, or a net income of $18 million. B&L reserved $22 million to pay taxes and penalties levied on the subsidiary that cut 35 cents per share off 3rd quarter earnings. Contact lens sales grew 10%, totaling $188 million for the quarter. B&L employs 1,500 locally and 12,400 worldwide. (10/27)
Eastman Kodak - Kodak was able to keep its #1 position during the third quarter by shipping more digital cameras to retailers than Sony or Canon. Kodak shipped 1.25 million cameras while both Canon and Sony shipped 1 million each during July, August and September. The market share of digital cameras for Kodak was up from last year's 19.8% to 21.3%. Both Sony and Canon had a 17.7% of the market. During the fourth quarter and holiday season, Kodak expects to produce fewer digital cameras in anticipation of a slow down and market saturation. (11/11)
Home Sales - Reported sales of single-family homes in the 11-county Rochester area was down in September with 1,261 closings as compared to August with 1,633 closings. Almost 10,000 homes have been sold in 2005, up 5% from a year ago. House prices rose slightly with a median sale price of $120,000 up from $119,000 in August. Analysts believe the market is changing from a seller's market to a buyer's market as prices dip and the inventory of houses for sale builds up. (10/12)
Sales of existing homes and the number of homes listed for sale continue to increase while fewer purchase offers were accepted from October 2004 to October 2005. Closings for the 11-county region were 4.4% ahead of last year's numbers, with 11,100 closings so far in 2005. Listings increased to 1,895, a 16% increase over last year, but purchase offers decline to 750, down 3.6%. Total volume of sales in the 11-county area is $1.5 billion this year, a 9.9% increase from the same time last year. (11/10)
Fast Ferry - The first detailed financial report issued by the Fast Ferry shows a loss of $4.2 million, far exceeding the projected $725,000 income for its first year. The $8 million reserve set aside for the first 2-3 years of operation has been depleted to less than $2.5 million, officials said. The report is from February 28th, when the ferry was purchased, to August 31st. Ridership between July and August had strong numbers with 45,811 passengers, up 74%, yet revenue was only $2.8 million while expenses incurred were $5 million. There were additional start up costs of $2 million with engine upgrades and other expenses. In September, scheduled trips were cut because of gas prices and low ridership. Another detailed report is expected at the end of December. (10/27)
In a survey conducted by the Fast Ferry operator, Rochester Ferry Co., 69% of the travelers were leaving Rochester as Toronto for their destination, while only 22% were coming to Rochester and the Finger Lakes region. Initially, ferry officials estimated that about half the passengers would be traveling from Canada. Also provided in the survey were the rider ship reports showing September with 25,935, passengers, the lowest numbers so far. Financial shortfalls also continued through August as ticket revenue at $1.7 million, while budgeted for $5.5 million; fuel cost $2.1 million and was budgeted for $1.6 million; and pilotage fees were budgeted for $2,500, but cost $375,450. A full financial disclosure is expected in December. (11/15) In its final 2005 expense tally, ferry operators lost $10 million, emptying their reserve account and putting themselves $2 million in debt. Numbers for ticket sales and riders were less than half of what was projected with 113,000 riders in June through December, but needed 276,400. City officials are requesting the ferry operator, Rochester Ferry Co., to sell municipal bonds in order to get money. Service was ended three weeks early and for next season, the ferry plans to run from March 31st through October 29th, 2006. (12/15)
OFFICE
Brighton - The Council Rock Greens located at 2270-2300 East Avenue was sold recently for $1.575 million. The Greens consists of 3, 100 year-old mansions and two carriage houses which all have been converted into office space and apartments. The property is also the only suburban location of an underground parking garage in the region. (9/23)
Pittsford - The developers of the old mill located in Schoen Place have filed a Notice of Claim against the village of Pittsford seeking compensation for costs of construction delays and the loss of potential tenants. A stop work order was issued in August citing deviations from approved plans. The mill is being converted into office space and is about half-way through its renovations. (9/28)
Rochester - The NYC property owner of 2 downtown buildings bought a 3rd building at 168-170 N. Water Street for $500,000. Three-Class A office buildings are located on the site with 65,000 square feet and parking for 45 cars. Plans include adding loft-style apartments and renovated office space and are expected to be ready for occupancy in March 2006. (10/7)
RETAIL
Greece - Walgreens drugstore will be building a 15,000 square foot pharmacy at the corner of West Ridge and Long Pond roads, once they receive Planning Board approval. Buckman's Bakery and Ice Cream will be moved from the site to a location down the road. The bakery has been at the corner plaza for 90 years. Walgreens currently has 2 stores under construction in Gates and Irondequoit and another 3 sites going through the approval process in Brighton, Penfield and Webster. (9/25)
Greece - A 60-acre parcel on West Ridge Road, near North Greece Road, is aimed at becoming the next retail-strip mall. A local developer is planning a 300,000 square-foot complex with major retail tenants. Part of the project is zoned residential with a few boarded up home still on the property and will need approval from the town. No site plan has been submitted to the town at this time. (10/8)
Greece - Plans to build a new Wegman's Food Market on Latta and Long Ponds Road included the existing store be converted into a Chase-Pitkin, but Wegman's enterprises announced closing all of their Chase Pitkin stores. The new Wegman's store will be 115,000 square feet and resemble a small village with a clock tower and mezzanine. Plans also include filling in 2.4 acres of wetlands to build the new store and Wegman's has agreed to create 4 to 6 acres of wetlands. A search for another retailer to occupy the Chase-Pitkin space is currently underway. (12/8)
Greece - Developers submitted a plan to the Town Planning Board to build an 119,000 square foot BJ's Wholesale Club store located within the Canal Ponds Business Park off of Lee Road. The wholesale store would also include a 4,250 square-foot gas station with eight pumps and a five-bay tire center. Objections were raised with the architectural plans and the traffic flow around the building. (12/15).
Irondequoit - A new sign marks the entry to the Medly Centre, formerly known as Irondequoit Mall, along Route 104, one of the busiest highways in Monroe County. Inside, a 2,500 square-foot play area has been added with sound and lights for children, ages 7 and up. A discount sports apparel store has been signed on to take 60,000 square foot of retail space in the mall and will open in November. A Target store is working on approval from the Town Board to build a 127,000 square foot box store in the parking lot. (9/22)
Irondequoit - Target Stores, Inc. is planning to build a 127,000 square foot retail store at the Medly Centre shopping mall. The building will cost $12.8 million and construction would begin this winter to be completed by September, 2006. Target promised to hire 30 full-time and 130 part-time employees. The store will include a pharmacy, a Pizza Hut and Starbucks. This will be the sixth Target store in the Rochester area. (10/19)
Irondequoit - Voted "hot retailer of the year" by the International Council of Shopping Centers, Steve & Barry's University Sportswear opened its doors at the Medly Center shopping mall. The bargain-priced apparel shop is the first new major tenant to take residence in the former Irondequoit Mall since new ownership took over earlier this year. The 100,000 square-foot store offers collegiate merchandise in all sizes. The grand opening marked Steve & Barry's 100th store and the company plans to have 120 stores in 30 states by year end. (11/26)
Naples - Kinney Drug has stopped plans to build a "box" store in the north end of the village after public outcry and community opposition. Plans included the razing of a historical home and existing business at the corner of Route 245 and Route 21 and build a store with a drive-thru pharmacy, photo department and selected merchandise. Area residents were up in arms over marring the quaint-tourist atmosphere that is unique to the village of Naples. (11/9)
Penfield - A proposal has been submitted to the Town Board for a new, 8,000 square foot retail building located behind Dunkin' Donuts on Penfield Road. The one-story retail complex would house up to four new businesses. Area residents were on hand to discuss concerns regarding drainage, light and noise pollution, and design. Any businesses that want to locate in the new plaza will also need to be approved by the Town Board. (12/15)
Victor- A developer is expected to submit a proposal to the Town Board for another retail complex located on 90 acres at the corner of Route 251 and Route 96. The project would be half the size of Eastview Mall with 700,000 square feet of with small and large retail stores and a proposed hotel. Access to the development would converge on Route 251 and Route 96, requiring a new signal. (12/8)
INDUSTRIAL
Geneva - Zotos International Inc. is undergoing a $15 million renovation to upgrade its manufacturing facility and purchase new equipment. Renovations include the demolition of a portion of the 600,000 square foot plant which will be rebuilt to make way for new manufacturing equipment. The new equipment will help speed up manufacturing and lower production costs. Zotos manufactures hair products for professional salons and employs 290 workers. (12/9)
Henrietta - The maker of high-quality uniforms and sports apparel expects to expand and create new jobs over the next few years. Alleson Athletic will invest $3.5 million to build a new facility, invest in machinery and develop new product lines. Alleson currently occupies 75,000 square feet on Brighton-Henrietta TL Road with an additional manufacturing plant in Geneva, Ontario County. The sportswear company was founded in 1933 and is still family-owned. (11/8)
Palmyra - Garlock Sealing Technologies held a groundbreaking ceremony kicking off their five-year, $30 million modernization project. The company's 141-acre campus will have 26 buildings overhauled, giving Garlock a worldwide, competitive edge. Union workers at the plant gave up 80 cents in hourly pay to help facilitate the project and keep the company in New York State. The 118-year old company is one of the largest employers in Wayne County, manufacturing industrial fluid sealing products. Garlock's employs 550 in Palmyra, with 1,500 employees in plants located in Texas, South Carolina, Canada and Mexico. (12/8)
Rochester - A new company has formed after buying the optical assets from Kodak, which Kodak had planned to close. Rochester Precision Optics made a $9.75 million deal with Kodak to buy a 65,000 square foot facility that employs 40 workers. The plant manufactures precision glass molded aspheres, sphereical lenses and assemblies. RPO plans to create 75 new jobs over the next 3 years. Operations should begin in January, 2006 after making $3.5 million in improvements to the property, which has been vacant for 3 years. (10/7)
Rochester - Microwave Data Systems is planning a $2.6 million expansion of its facility located in the Science Parkway business park. The company will purchase an additional 3.2 acres for $194,000 to build a 25,000 square foot building across from their current location. Construction will start in the spring and be complete by the end of 2006. MDS makes wireless networking devices and currently employs 215 workers. (11/3)
Victor - A local auto parts company that specialized in customizing high-end vehicles is moving to new facility in Victor. Stratmosphere Inc. is currently working out of the owner's garage at their home in Rush and will move to a brand new 8,600 square foot research and testing plant. Stratmosphere started 5 years ago with revenue growing 25% each year. Their specialized market includes developing and wholesaling turbo-charged motors, power boosters and other high performance technology that can boost a car's performance. (11/28)
RESIDENTIAL
Brighton -The Legacy Senior Living Communities, built and owned by Mark IV Construction, opened their latest senior housing complex in Henrietta, Legacy at Clover Blossom. Mark IV has made the senior living facilities 20% of their business, and expect that to increase to 50% in five years. There are projects in various stages in Chili, Victor, Greece and Henrietta to build Legacy senior living facilities, meanwhile the company is scouting Monroe County for additional property. Mark IV was ranked 2nd in the area as a leading home builder with more than 200 units built in 2004. (10/28)
Canandaigua - Five housing proposals are before the Town Planning Board for a total of 324 homes and one168-unit apartment development. 50 acres on Routes 5 & 20 between Parrish Street Extension and Middle Cheshire Road is the site of proposed 154 single-family homes; another 61 homes are proposed for 61 acres on the east side of Middle Cheshire Road between Foster and Wyffels Roads. The subdivision will be clustered with 41 acres left as undeveloped. The Planning Board is still working with builders on 2 proposed subdivisions in the Town. The 71 homes on West Lake Road include a clubhouse and private marina and are seeking variances; and a public hearing is scheduled for a 38 lot subdivision on Brickyard Road. The 168 apartment complex proposed for Buffalo Street Extension is also scheduled for a public hearing. (12/12)
Greece - A proposal was submitted to the Town Board to build a senior citizens housing development on 17 acres on the corner of Latta and Flynn Road. The property is currently zoned agricultural and would need a multiple-family zoning in order to build the 26 duplex townhomes. The 52-unit senior housing units would sell for $130,000. Area neighbors thought the property should be changed to a low-density single family development. (11/23)
Greece - A proposed subdivision near Frisbee Hill Road has local residents concerned about water drainage after a catch basin was installed improperly, which has caused flooding on the road. Hawks Landing will place 16 homes on 20 acres with 7 acres being donated to the town for open space. The donation allows the builders to cluster the homes and permanently preserve the open space. The developer has promised that the project will help the drainage situation. (11/24)
Henrietta - The town board voted to rezone 185 acres next to Belfry Golf Course to residential making it possible for the new subdivision to move forward. The outline is for 235 homes located on 185 acres around the golf course. Developers believe that the housing development will make the fledging golf course viable after years of financial troubles. The project goes in front of the Town Planning Board for further approvals. No start date has been set. (12/14)
Irondequoit - A developer has proposed a 12-house subdivision on a 23 acre parcel in the Seabreeze neighborhood which has local residents upset. The property consists of steep slopes and wetlands between Durand-Eastman Park and Trelawne Drive. Only 3 acres of the property is viable for the development with a one-lane road for access, which would be widened and include water and sewer lines. Neighbors are upset about the serious impact the construction would have on the area and would like to see the property kept as open space. The Planning Board delayed decision until the DEC reviews the site's wetlands. (11/29)
Perinton - Plans for the first phase of a large subdivision will be presented to the Planning Board for 216 acres on Monroe-Wayne County Line Road and Wakeman Road. Preliminary approval for the whole subdivision was given back in August, but each of the seven stages needs final approval from the town. The first phase will be 26 patio homes on 109 acres, of which, 89 acres will be donated to the town for open space. Included in the open space will be trails which will connect Crescent Trail to the Trails of High Acres. (11/23)
Rochester - RIT and Living Communities LLC are building a senior living community on the former site of the RIT's Racquet Club apartments. Demolition of 23 RIT buildings is expected to be completed by the end of October. The complex will be 38 acres and include 70 cottage-style homes located within the RIT campus. The homes will sell for $165,000 to $196,000 and available by next summer. The project also includes 80 apartments with rent starting at $1850. Residents will have access to a variety of RIT services, activities and classes at a reduced cost. (9/30)
South Bristol - A Supreme Court judge imposed a halt work order on the controversial Seneca Point Landing development in response to a lawsuit filed by local residents. The developer had superseded the approval process by dividing up the 47 acres to build 20 homes allowing each home and 30 boat slips on a steep hillside. Court papers submit that the lots lack the required 100-foot width and also meet the subdivision definition and should be subject to DEC review. (10/23)
OTHER
Bloomfield - Demolition has begun on portions of the former Agway building after years of sitting idle. The former grain elevator was built in the early 1900's and closed in 1997 after Agway went bankrupt. A portion of the grain elevator and building may be saved for renovation and preservation. The building would be used for residential and commercial purposes. The village has offered to purchase 1.2 acres of the 4.8 acre lot that would become part of the Main Street vitalization project. (12/8)
Brighton - The U of R is looking to have the town rezone 200 acres between East River and Crittenden Roads from residential to institutional for future expansion. The property is part of the master plan for the college and could be used in the next 20 to 25 years. Currently, the land consists of woods and wetlands, and also includes student housing and the Laboratory for Laser Energetics. Local residents are concerned about what the college would build on the property, but are also concerned about traffic, drainage and density. Currently, the U of R has no plans to develop or build on the property. (12/14)
Canandaigua - The Roseland Waterpark experienced its best year thanks to a hot summer. Attendance numbers were not released, but were said to be substantially higher than the last two wet summers. The water park was bought in 2003 for a fraction of its original price of $17 million. Special events and local publicity help boost attendance. A wakeboard competition is being planned for next summer at Roseland on Muar Lake. (10/14)
Canandaigua - Gov. Pataki was on hand to deliver $10 million in state money for the Infotonics Technology Center which will be used to invest in new equipment that will help expand its silicon wafer packaging. The total amount of monies committed to the research facility has now reached more than $150 million. Companies working at the facility are researching developments such as a pill-sized camera for internal medicine; devices to analyze DNA more quickly, which could all lead to the creation of more than 5,000 jobs. (11/1)
Canandaigua - Newly elected officials to the Town Board have halted the $3.8 million airport expansion project on Thomas Road until their first 2006 meeting. In a letter to the Town Board, the new members asserted that the Town Planning Board be involved in the key decision on closing a portion Thomas Road. Federal funding for the expansion will not be granted unless the town signs off on closing Thomas Road to extend the existing runway from 2300 feet to 5,500 feet. (12/13)
Geneva - The Cornell Agriculture and Food Technology Park officially opened the first phase of its 72 acre "Technology Farm." A $9 million building will house 5 tenants, including 4 startup companies and one federal research agency. The 72 acres has 9 acres of developable land which could contain 5 to 6 additional buildings. Companies have been encouraged to take advantage of the laboratory facilities and to utilize the expertise of the Agricultural Experiment Station. Politicians hope the park will generate jobs and retain graduating college students. (11/17)
Greece - Two acres at the corner of Latta and Flynn Roads is the proposed site of a Hess gas station, but will first need rezoning from the Town Board. The property was zoned commercial last year, but was changed to single-family residential. Developers need the property zoning changed to restricted business by the Town Board in order to receive any plan approvals. The Town's Planning Board has all ready recommended against the change in zoning. More than 100 local residents signed a petition opposing the gas station which was submitted to the Town Board. (11/17)
Greece - The former Don Pablo's Mexican Restaurant at 300 Paddy Creek Circle, will become the area's second Distillery sports bar. Modifications to the building will include moving the entrance, an outdoor patio and the 7,200 square foot interior of the building will reflect its sports theme. Area neighbors at the Town Board meeting raised concerns over noise, increased traffic and were assured that the new restaurant would be a first class operation. (12/1)
Henrietta - An $8 million renovation is winding down as The Double Tree Hotel at 111 Jefferson Road opens its doors with a new name, carpeting, furniture, drapes and bedding, a revamped lounge and restaurant, while the swimming pool received a face-lift. The hotel expects the renovations to increase its revenues from overnight stays and food service. The changes are also designed to give a more upscale feel, which will also attract more business. The Rochester hotel market caters to the corporate traveler during the week and the leisure traveler on the weekends. (10/28)
Honeoye - The infamous Wizard of Clay has decided to expand their operations by moving down the road and have put their geo-dome property up for sale. The 13-acre parcel includes 7 geo-dome buildings which house the retail area, workshops, warehouse and a recording studio. The property also includes a five acre nature trail. The company, which began in 1979, employs up to 14 people and uses more than 100,000 pounds of clay each year. The Wizard of Clay built the domes to draw business and estimate that 50,000 people visit each year. (10/28)
Naples - Plans to build and open a Dollar General in the village of Naples have been scrapped by the company's owner. Dollar General started looking for a location in the town of Naples in the spring of 2004, but had met delays and public outcry. The village has since discussed a temporary ban on new construction in order to adopt design standards for new buildings. (12/12)
Rochester - A popular downtown bar and restaurant will close at the end of its lease on October 14th. Barrister's Pub & Meeting Place opened in 1993, but eventually, business dropped 40 to 50% after downtown firms moved from the city to the suburbs. Located across from the Monroe County Office building, the closing leaves a gap for dining in the downtown area. (9/28)
Rochester - The micro-brewery, Bru, located in the High Falls district will close its doors leaving one brew-pub left in the city. Bru is owned by the same family that once owned the Genesee Brewing Company, famous for Genny Cream Ale. Overhead and poor sales were the demise of the small beer making establishment. Owners hop that a new restaurant will take over the space. The Distillery on Mt. Hope Avenue is now the only micro-brewery in the city of Rochester. (10/6)
Rochester - The Strong Museum and Science Center is about 70% complete with its $33 million expansion which is expected to be completed by July, 2006. The expansion will double the museum's size to 280,000 square feet. A 40,000 square foot wing will connect to the original building with a 3-story, cooper colored aluminum tube referred to as the "Caterpillar Atrium" and have a variety of exhibits. A butterfly-shaped building adjacent to the addition will house Rochester's first butterfly conservatory. And yet another facility will be a large area of colored cubes facing Manhattan Square Park for play with a theater and kaleidoscope. The museum expects to double its attendance by 2007 with 680,000 visitors. (10/28)
Rochester - A groundbreaking ceremony was held for a new 5-story hotel and adjacent restaurant to be built near Genesee Street and Brooks Avenue. The 80-suite riverfront hotel is an $18 million project on the west bank of Genesee River and will also include retail and office space. A new waterfront promenade and boat access is also included in the plans. Completion of the hotel will be in 2006, with the restaurant being completed in 2007. (11/11)
Rochester - Paetec Park, the Rochester Rhino's soccer stadium, is waiting to see if they will receive an additional $15 million from the state to begin Phase 2 of its construction. Scheduled to begin soccer games on June 3rd, phase 2 includes luxury boxes, a press box, locker rooms, a video score board and additional bleachers. The stadium will open with a turf field, stadium lights, and seating for 12,500. Currently, Rochester Rhino's plays in the United Soccer League's First Division and hopes the stadium will help them move up to the Major League Soccer division. (11/26)
Rochester - Federal funds are being secured for the design and construction of a research and educational center dedicated to the Great Lakes. The facility will have research labs and classrooms with faculty from SUNY Brockport. Property located between the fast ferry and Charlotte Beach at 60 Clinton Street will eventually be the location of the research center. An aquarium is also part of the design and be open to the public as an added attraction. The total project will cost upwards of $7 million. (12/1)
Webster - The last remaining privately owned parcel on Irondequoit Bay is for sale for just $5 million. The former Glen Edith Restaurant sits on 20 acres with 500 feet of waterfront and also includes 2 homes and many outbuildings. The restaurant opened in 1953 and closed in 1996 after the death of one of its owners. Property rolls have the property zoned for medium to high density use and is assessed for $1.45 million. The owners have specifically asked that the property be used for residential development. (12/2)
GENERAL
Canandaigua - In an announcement by the Veterans Affairs Secretary, the Canandaigua VA Medical Center will come one of three in the nation specializing in mental health care and research. The designation was passed under legislation by Congress and includes VA centers in Waco, Texas and San Diego, California. The VA also operates other medical centers that specialize in the treatment of Parkinson's disease, brain and spinal cord rehabilitation. (12/11)
Henrietta - Belfry International Golf Course has another plan to build a housing development project in hopes of getting the golf course going. Currently zoned as residential, the town wants to rezone the 160 acres near Lehigh Station Road to rural residential which requires one house per 2 acres with water and sewer, and one house per 5 acres without it. Belfry's new developer couldn't make the project viable if the stricter requirements were adopted. Belfry was supposed to open in 2002, but a series of unfortunate events have impeded its success, creating debt and a number of management turnovers. (10/12)
Penfield - A local grant and town funds will be used for the expansion of a trail system which will extend trails long Irondequoit Creek and eventually tie into Perinton's Crescent Trail network. Town officials have been working with other municipalities and will eventually be able to connect trails from Empire Boulevard to the canal and Seaway Trail. (11/23)
Perinton - After 3 years of negotiations, the town has purchased the development rights to 70 acres of farmland for $595,000. The Wagner farm is located in the northeast portion of the town and will still be owned and farmed by the family, but no owner can build on the property without the town's consent. The money will come out of the town's open-space reserve fund. (10/13)
Rochester - The Erie Canal Aqueduct under Broad Street has received $6.3 million in funding to transform it into an enclosed pedestrian walkway linking the War Memorial and the Rochester Convention Center. The historic structure opened in 1842 with 52 foot arches, allowing 2-way boat traffic and eventually became the Broad Street Subway, which closed in 1956. Included in the restoration will be a 6,000 square-foot interpretive center highlighting the Underground Railroad, abolitionist movement and the women's right campaign. (11/2)
Seneca County - Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge has acquired an additional 705 acres in a $950,000 deal with 3 landowners. Two parcels, totaling 565 acres, are located in Seneca County and the third is a 140-acre site in Cayuga County. Once covering 40,000 acres, Montezuma was once one of the largest habitats for migrating birds in the nation. As the Erie Canal was built in the early 1900's, farmers drained the wetlands until only a few acres remained. Today, nearly 1/3 of the original wetlands' acreage, providing habitat for nearly 1 million birds each year, have been reacquired. State aid and grant money will help pay for the restoration and reestablishment of the wetlands. (12/6)
