1st Quarter 1999

So is the umpire, the customer, the judge, and the President of the United States. When it comes to a decision involving you, or your property, you may choose to disagree.

About this time every year, we receive inquiries from property owners, from one town or another, who have received an impact notice informing them of increases in their real estate assessments. Often these are the result of a town wide reassessment program and don't necessarily result in a higher tax burden on the individual property.

The job of an assessor differs from that of a real estate appraiser. Both estimate the value of a property. The assessor comes up with an assessed value. The appraiser is most often asked to estimate market value. Although it's possible that both values may be the same, they generally are not. Many towns in New York State have gone to a "full value" assessment. Some communities still base their taxes on a fractional assessment, which is a percentage of full value.

An assessor has a difficult job of having to value a very large number of properties (often several thousand) at one time. This is really done over a period of time; but, they all have the same effective date of valuation. When you consider an assessor who works 40 hours a week, for 50 weeks a year, that's 2000 hours. If a town has 4000 parcels, that works out to half an hour per property, assuming there is nothing more to the job. Most municipalities are made up of many different types of properties (single family, commercial, industrial, apartments, etc.). As the assessor spends less time focused on each property, there is a greater possibility of error on any one property.

An appraiser doing a single family subdivision appraisal spends several hours in the appraisal process. I've seen Kevin and Chris spend more than a week doing just one commercial property. As such, a more detailed analysis is made on each property.

All of the principals of BTRC&L serve, or have served, on a Board of Assessment Review. I currently serve on the one in the town of Canandaigua. In my years on this board, I have found that a very low percentage of all property owners actually bother to file a grievance. However, of those that do, a fairly good number seem to get a reduction. Does this indicate that the "squeaky wheel gets the grease?" Perhaps, it might indicate that our assessor is doing a good job.

If you feel that your assessment is too high, the first step might be to set up a meeting with your local assessor to discuss the situation. This would also provide you with a good opportunity to review the data the assessor has on your property. You should also find out how the assessor arrived at the assessment. If you aren't satisfied with the results of your meeting, pick up a copy of the state publication titled: "How to File A Complaint on Your Assessment." It's published by the New York State Board of Real Property Services; and, is available from the assessor. It contains all of the forms you will need, along with samples of completed forms, and the instructions needed to file your complaint. There is no cost for the publication or for filing a grievance before the Board of Assessment Review. The information is also available on the internet at the following site,).

There can be several grounds for your assessment complaint.

An unequal assessment might be considered if assessments in your community are not at "full value." As assessments are set at some percentage of market value, you must first determine the market value of your property. The next step is to figure out at what percentage of market value your property is assessed. Look over the tentative assessment roll. You'll want to review your property assessment, as well as, that of houses you feel are similar to yours. Finally, look at the assessments of recent property sales as a percentage of their sales prices.

An excessive assessment might be considered if you think your property's assessed value is higher than the its full value. Again look at the assessments of properties, particularly those that have sold recently that you feel are most similar to yours.

An unlawful assessment may be claimed if you feel that you are entitled to a whole exemption (typically for churches, colleges, etc.).

Misclassification would apply to properties in towns that have elected to establish separate tax rates for homestead and non-homestead properties. Check with your assessor to see if this is the case with your town.

In addition to the property owner, a tenant who is required by a lease, or written agreement to pay property taxes, is also eligible to file a complaint.

In most New York State towns, the Board of Assessment Review meets on the fourth Tuesday in May, which is Grievance Day (May 25, 1999). Be sure to check that is the date for your town. Grievance Day is different for cities, villages that do their own assessing, and towns in Suffolk, Nassau, Westchester and Erie Counties.

You can file your complaint form up to Grievance Day. However, I recommend you file it in advance, so that it arrives at your assessor's office before Grievance Day. Some municipalities assign appointment times, so that you know when to come in and are not waiting around all day for an opening (check to find out what's done in your town). It's suggested that you form should arrive four days before the Grievance Day; otherwise, the assessor can obtain an adjournment to have time to prepare a response to your complaint.

The Board of Assessment Review consists of residents from your community, who are appointed by the town governing body on staggering terms, and have a general knowledge of property values (often these are real estate salespersons, appraisers, bankers, farmers, etc.). The hearings are open to the public. Minutes are taken of the meeting. The assessor is required to be in attendance, though not as a part of the board. However, the assessor has a right to be heard and defend the assessment.

You are not required to appear in person, you may send a representative, or allow your complaint form to stand on its own, along with any proof you've submitted. I've found that some property owners can be very convincing in presenting their case. Being there in person also gives the board members an opportunity to ask you questions. If you refuse to answer any questions or refuse to provide additional evidence requested by the board, your reduction request will be denied.

The burden of proof is on you, as the assessor has already set the property value. You should bring in a recent appraisal, proof of a recent purchase of the property, sales of similar properties, copy of a current listing of the property, or other evidence supporting your position that the assessment is incorrect. Be prepared to provide income and expense information, if the property is commercial, or industrial, or rental information if the property is a multi-family. There is no limit to the amount of the reduction in assessment; however, it can be no lower than the amount you indicate on the complaint form. You will be notified of the decision of the board, by mail.

If you're not satisfied with the Board of Assessment Review decision, you may qualify to file a Small Claims Assessment Complaint. To do so, your property must be a one, two or three family house, which is used exclusively for residential purposes. Also, you cannot claim a larger reduction in your assessment that was originally requested from the Board of Assessment Review. There is a $25 charge for this appeal; however, all, or a portion of it may be returned to you, if you win a reduction.

Cases are assigned to a hearing officer by the Assessment Review Clerk of the State Supreme Court, who will contact all parties regarding the date, time and place of the hearing. You, or someone representing you, will appear for the informal hearing, along with the assessor, or other representative of the municipality, where the property is located. Evidence is heard from both sides. The decision made by the hearing officer is final. If you loose here, there's always next year. If you win, you may agree that the assessor isn't always right.

Xerox Corporation-- Xerox reported that net income for the fourth quarter rose to $615 million, or $1.69 a share, from $525 million, or $1.46 per share, in the fourth quarter of 1997. The company stated that fourth-quarter profits rose 17% and revenues for the quarter rose 7%, to $5.8 billion from $5.4 billion. For the year ending 1998, Xerox earned $1.69 billion before a $1.1 billion charge for the restructuring. Including the charge and discontinued operations, Xerox earned $395 million last year, compared with $1.4 billion in 1997. Revenues for 1998 grew 7%, to $19.4 billion. Xerox stated it plans to deliver per-share profit growth of 15-18% in 1999. (1/26,1/27) For the fourth consecutive year, Xerox announced its 50,200 U.S. employees - 13,700 in Rochester - will receive a bonus of 10% of their annual salary. Half will come in cash or a contribution to their 401(k) plan, the other half in stock options. The bonuses will be paid in March. (1/27) Xerox Corp. plans to hire 700 engineers in the next year for its fast-growing digital business. Approximately 400 of the jobs will be in Rochester. 85% will be software engineers. For the first time last year, sales of digital products, such as networked printers and multifunction copiers, accounted for more than half of Xerox's total revenue. (2/9)

Eastman Kodak Company-- Eastman Kodak Co. reported earnings of $272 million or 83 cents per share during the fourth quarter, up from a loss of $2.29 a share a year ago. For the year, Kodak earned $1.39 billion, or $4.24 a share, up from the $5 million left in 1997 after the costs of 20,000 layoffs and restructuring. Revenue totaled $3.563 billion during the quarter and $13.4 billion for the year. Chief Executive Officer George Fisher projected that 1999 earnings will increase between 10-20%. (1/15)

Home Properties of New York Inc.-- Home Properties, the Rochester-based real estate investment trust reported fourth-quarter funds from operations were $17.9 million, or 66 cents a share. That represents a 101% increase in total funds from operations from the quarter a year ago, and a 13.5% increase on a per-share basis. Funds from operations for the full year grew 131%, to $56.3 million. On a per-share basis, funds from operations grew 15.7%, to $2.45. Occupancies for the 17,128 apartment units acquired in 1997 and 1998 averaged 94.7% in the fourth quarter, at average monthly rents of $647. (2/5)

Banking-- FNB Rochester Corp. reported fourth-quarter net income of $1.4 million, up from $1.3 million, in the quarter a year earlier. The net income for 1998 was up 11% to $5.04 million. The parent company of First National Bank of Rochester boosted net income for the year 9% to $23 million, and assets totaled $588 million vs. $522 million at the close of 1997. In December, M&T Bank Corp. agreed to purchase FNB Rochester Corp., parent of First National Bank of Rochester, for $120 million. The transaction is expected to be completed in the second quarter of 1998. This was the third takeover of a locally owned bank in a little more than two years. (1/27) M&T Bank Corp. reported net income of $208 million last year, up 18% from the previous year. M&T had cash net income of $237.9 million, up 30%, from $182.4 million the prior year. The earnings did not include expenses of $14 million related to costs associated with M&T's merger with ONBANCorp. (1/13,1/27)

Restaurant Acquisition-- Denny's Inc., a subsidiary of Advantica Restaurant Group of Spartanburg, S.C., has obtained 30 upstate Perkins franchises owned by Perk Development. Denny's outbid Perkins for the bankrupt Perk chain. The winning bid in U.S. Bankruptcy Court was $4.11 million. Perk filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection from creditors last May, listing $6.1 million in assets and $22.9 million in liabilities. At the time of the bankruptcy filing, Fleet Bank, owed $8 million, was the largest unsecured creditor. The lawyer who represented the debtors, stated the total deal, including assumption of mortgages and leases, is worth ~ $44 million. Denny's president and CEO stated that 28 of the 30 restaurants would reopen after undergoing extensive remodeling. Current Perkins employees will be offered employment opportunities with Denny's. The 37 Denny's company-owned and franchised restaurants across upstate New York will continue to operate as usual. (1/26,2/5,2/10,2/26)

Supermarket Acquisition-- Royal Ahold bought the Pathmark supermarket chain for $1.7 billion. Ahold, which already owns the Tops Market, Giant Food and Stop & Shop chains, reached an agreement with SMG-II Holdings Corp., to buy its outstanding shares for $250 million. It also agreed to assume $1.5 billion of Pathmark's debt. The Pathmark stores' estimated 1998 sales were $3.7 billion, and the chain employs 28,000 people. The acquisition positions Ahold to be the No. 1 drug and food retailer in the eastern United States. (3/10)

Drugstore Acquisition-- Tops Markets Inc. sold Vix Deep Discount drugstore chain to Ohio-based Drug Emporium Inc. for $32.5 million. Tops currently operates three Vix stores in the Rochester area. All current Vix associates have been included in the transaction and will become Drug Emporium employees upon completion of the sale. Drug Emporium currently has 132 company-owned stores and 53 franchise units in 22 states. Revenues for the 1998 fiscal year reached $1.6 billion. (1/20)

Home Sales-- According to data released by the Greater Rochester Association of Realtors, 11,552 homes sold in the 11-county Genesee region, representing a 12.6% increase from 10,256 in 1997. Sales of existing single-family homes in January totaled 784, an increase of 5.5% from January 1998. The number of homes listed for sale in the region dropped to 1,597 in January from 2,312 in the same month a year earlier. Purchase offers accepted rose 26% in December. The median sale price rose 4.6%, from $85,000 to $89,900. The dollar volume on sales last year topped out at $1,223,518,810, a 17% increase from $1,046,146,319 in 1997. Statistics complied by the National Association of Realtors showed sales of existing single-family homes reached a record 4.78 million in 1998. (1/14,1/21,1/26,2/9)

Mortgages-- In 1998, 41,062 mortgages were processed compared to 46,049 in 1997. Real property transfers reached a record 20,910, up from 18,730 in 1997. The deed value also hit a record, topping out at $1.61 billion from $1.49 billion. The Monroe County Clerk's office collected $27 million in mortgage taxes, almost $10 million more than 1997. The county also collected $1.6 million in mortgage filing fees, an increase of $590,000 over 1997. (1/21,1/25)

New Home Market-- Last year area homebuilders broke ground on 1414 new homes, up from 1260 in 1997. Wayne and Ontario Counties have experienced a 30-35% increase in building permits while Monroe County experienced a 20% increase. (2/19)

New Construction-- According to the F.W. Dodge Division of The McGraw-Hill Co., the value of new construction contracts in December were reported at an annual rate of $371.4 billion. For all of 1998, total construction contracts advanced 5% to $375.3 billion. Nonresidential building in December increased 1% to $117.4 billion. Moderate improvement was shown by church construction, up 18%; stores and shopping centers up 6%; and warehouses up 1%. On the down side, construction of new manufacturing plants fell 14%, office construction was down 12%, healthcare facilities down 11% and school construction down 3%. (2/2)

Commercial Market-- The national office vacancy rate dropped .9 percentage points during 1998, to 8.8%. Class "A" properties are at 7.2% vacancy, down from 7.8% a year ago. The suburban Monroe County office vacancy rate fell from 5.9% in 1997 to 2.5% in 1998. More than 250,000 square feet of office space went up along Route 96. According to the Rochester Downtown Development Corp., downtown vacancy rates were 19.95%.

Unemployment-- According to the state Labor Department report, 20,500 people, or 3.6% of the six-county area's work force, was jobless compared with 3.5% the previous December. New York's unemployment rate at 5.5% remained higher than the national average of 4.3%. In 1998, Rochester lost 6,100 jobs in the manufacturing employment industry, with an average payroll per worker of ~ $50,000. The majority of the decrease came through layoffs at Kodak, Xerox Corp. and B&L. (1/22)

Agricultural-- New York state lost 13.8% of its farmland in 10 years. That's a loss of 6,000 farms covering nearly 1.2 million acres. The state has 32,000 farms covering 7.7 million acres, or 25% of the land. In Monroe County, 480 farms grew crops worth nearly $48 million in 1997, employed approximately 3,000 full-time workers, and contributed $144 million to the economy. The county lost 31,573 acres, or 23% of its producing land, mostly to shopping malls, roadways, houses and lawns. (2/20)

Bankruptcy-- In the nine-county region, 236 bankruptcies were filed vs. 319 in January 1998, a drop of 26%. The 4,959 total filings in 1998 were an increase of only 0.6% over the previous year. (2/5)

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Brighton-- The Sear-Brown Group has designed and constructed new quarters for more than 70 of its 260 Rochester-area employees. The new 20,000 square-foot facility at 2250 Brighton-Henrietta Townline Road houses the firm's corporate services staff and several technical groups. Together with an existing 40,000 square-foot facility at 85 Metro Park, the buildings form a complex connected via a common parking lot. Construction of the project was completed in eight months. (1/13)

Henrietta-- Calkins Corporate Office Park, located on Calkins Road across the street from the Golden Bear Golf Center, was awarded site plan approval for a proposed 152,000 square-foot office building located on Red Creek Drive. The area is zoned for industrial development. (1/20)

Rochester-- The Triangle Building, a 102 year-old architectural landmark, located on East Main Street is now vacant. The Arts & Cultural Council for Greater Rochester, the buildings last tenant, has relocated to new offices at 277 N. Goodman Street. County records show the owner David Flaum paid $50,000 for the five-story building in December 1997. John Summers, the previous owner, paid $1.275 million for the property in 1987. Flaum, has been renovating the building and demolishing interior walls so that one tenant can occupy each floor. (1/14)

Rochester-- Cleveland-based Charter One Bank has moved its office and branch operations out of Midtown Plaza. Rochester Community Savings Bank, which Charter One acquired last year, had maintained its main office and branch in the plaza for nearly three decades. The bank decided to combine its Franklin Street and Midtown branches at 40 Franklin Street, about a block from Midtown. The 14 full-time Midtown branch workers will keep their jobs. The banks other downtown branch at the Times Square building at Broad St. and Exchange Blvd. will remain open. (1/12)

Rochester-- Attorney James Philippone of James V. Philippone P.C., bought the Central Trust building from a New Jersey investor for $1.1 million. The five-story structure is located at 44 Exchange Street on the corner of Broad Street. Philippone, who owns nearby buildings at 55 Troup Street and 37-41 East Main Street, hopes to attract the legal community as prospects for the largely vacant Exchange Street building. (2/12)

Rochester-- Reconstruction of the county's Hall of Justice is scheduled to begin the end of January. The goal of this state-mandated renovation project is to improve security and public access. The project will include relocating the main entrance, increasing the number of security screening stations and better defining circulation in the building. It will provide an additional 67,000 square feet of space for the courts and an additional 12,000 square feet of space for supporting court functions. (1/20)

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Brighton-- Developer, Fred Rainaldi has received Planning Board approval for a new Rite Aid drugstore at the corner of Elmwood Avenue and Winton Road South. The site plan, which calls for the demolition of the vacant Princess Restaurant and the building currently occupied by Mail Boxes Etc. and the old Bagel Bin, has already received approval by the town Zoning Board of Appeals and the Architectural Review Board. Both buildings would be replaced with a 15,230 square-foot multi-use building that would house a new 11,350 sq. ft. pharmacy, a 1,400 sq. ft. Mail Boxes, Etc. Rainaldi's design is for a plaza with redbrick walls and a shingled roof. It will include a 90-seat restaurant he identified as a Kopper Kettle. (1/22)

Brighton-- The Altier Shoes store at 12 Corners has closed. Shoe Show, the North Carolina-based company that owns the Altier chain, said it was a financial decision and exercised a lease option to close the location. The Altier stores in Irondequoit, Eastview, Greece Ridge and Marketplace malls, and in Canandaigua will remain open. (2/26)

Bushnell's Basin-- The Perinton Planning Board approved a request from the Pomodoro Grill and Wine Bar to operate a two-floor restaurant with outdoor tables and a deck. It will be located in the Hitching Post Plaza on Route 96 in the former West Coast Café space. Sami Mina, owner of the new eatery, also owns the Pomodoro Grill and Wine Bar, located on University Avenue in Rochester, and Aladdin's Natural Eatery, which has locations in Pittsford, Rochester, Ithaca and Syracuse. Mina expects his latest location to be open by May. (2/24)

Canandaigua-- Richard Garvotta purchased the Colonial Inn, a 159-year-old, three-story landmark from Dr. John Garnish for $150,000. The city Planning Commission gave the new owner its approval on the design concepts for a MacGrgor's Grill & Tap Room. Carvotta hopes to open the new restaurant by the end of May. (1/22)

Canandaigua-- A private investor has purchased the 44,000 square-foot Wickes building on Route 332. The building has been empty since February 5th when Wickes closed the doors as part of a reorganization effort. The investor plans to construct a new façade and renovate the space to house retail businesses. Two prospective tenants for the building are already interested in the location. The investor has spoken with town officials but has not submitted anything to the Planning Board yet. (1/31)

Farmington-- An unnamed developer has asked town planners for permission to construct a 5,000 square-foot Express Mart, which would include a deli and a 1,100 square-foot car wash in the back, and two fast food restaurants on the northwest corner of Route 332 and Collett Road. The 11 acres of land is zoned for industrial use. The two restaurants proposed for the site are part of the project's future phases and no timeline has been set. Mike Curry, a representative for the developer, indicated to town officials that Cracker Barrel is a top contender for the property. The proposal comes as the state prepares for a reconstruction of Route 332 into a four-lane highway. The three-year roadway project is expected to begin this summer. (3/4)

Gates-- Officials of Cinemark USA, the Dallas-based company that owns the Tinseltown movie theater complex, announced that construction of the new Imax theater is scheduled to begin in April. The theater will be about 8,500 square feet with seating capacity for ~ 260 people. The screen, measuring 52 feet high and 70 feet wide, will feature two-dimensional and three-dimensional movies. Construction costs are estimated at about $2 million. (12/12)

Geneseo-- The village Planning Board has approved site plans for the construction of a Wendy's fast-food restaurant at the intersection of Route 20A and Reservoir Road. An old Columbia Bank building will be demolished to make room for the 2,700 square-foot restaurant. Construction is scheduled to start this spring. (1/17)

Geneseo-- The Big Tree Inn, owned by Campus Auxiliary Services Inc. of Geneseo, currently undergoing a huge restoration project, reopened for business on January 11th. The CAS has spent roughly $800,000 so far on the restoration. That is in addition to the $314,000 paid for the building when they bought it at a foreclosure sale in March 1998. CAS is a nonprofit food service corporation operated at the college since 1952. (1/12)

Greece-- The Town Board has approved a rezoning request for a 124,000 square-foot Target store to be build on 4.26 acres of land that was previously zoned for single-family homes. The land, now zoned commercial, is owned by Wilmorite and is located adjacent to the Mall at Greece Ridge Center. The new store will cost approximately $12 million to build, will have between 150 and 200 full and part-time employees, and an annual payroll of $2 million. The Minneapolis-based retail chain has two stores in the region, one in Henrietta and one in Victor near EastView Mall. (1/21,1/28)

Greece-- RainBros Associates, LLC, is requesting approval to demolish an existing Rite Aid and Mr. Shoes Pizza on the corner of Dewey Avenue and Stone Road. The company has already demolished McBride's Tavern to make room for the proposed 11,348 square-foot Rite-Aid pharmacy. The site is zoned properly, but the plan's approval depends on RainBros' ability to create good traffic flow within the site. (1/7)

Henrietta-- Chicago-based Theatreplex Entertainment Properties Inc., has purchased the Regal Cinema 18 from Tennessee-based Regal Cinemas. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Regal will continue to operate the theater under a long-term lease. (1/27)

Henrietta-- Monroe Tractor, owned by Henry Hansen, was given approval for a 24,439 square-foot commercial building on Lehigh Station Road between West Henrietta Road and Route 390. The 10-acre parcel is located in an industrial district and is located on the other side of the road from its existing location at 942 Lehigh Station Road. (1/20)

Irondequoit-- Home Depot will apply to build a 142,000 square-foot store on the Caldor site near the intersection of East Ridge Road and Portland Avenue. Engineers do not know whether they would renovate the old store or build a new one. Construction of a new Home Deport is subject to the Planning Board's approval. The proposed store represents a move toward redevelopment on and near East Ridge Road. (2/11)

Mendon-- The Mendon Farms Big M grocery store will close leaving the area without a neighborhood supermarket. The 10,500 square-foot store in a mini-mall on Assembly Drive, of Route 64, opened in 1989. The Penn Traffic Co. is taking over the assets and inventory of the franchised store to satisfy debts the store owed the supplier. (3/4)

Mendon-- Bears Management Group Inc. is seeking a special use permit from the Planning Board to operate a coffee house with two, second floor, one-bedroom apartments to be located at 1384 Pittsford Mendon Road. The board has made no decision on the application pending discussion on landscaping, lighting details, plans and signage specifications. (3/3)

Pittsford-- MJDesigns Inc. will close its five remaining New York stores, including one in Pittsford Plaza, by the end of May. The struggling Dallas-based chain of craft stores, which is in Chapter 11 bankruptcy, closed its Henrietta location in December. (2/12)

Rochester-- Syracuse-based, Empire Brewing Co., has cancelled plans to tear down the former Empire Trailways Bus terminal at 1636 East Henrietta Road and build a 250-seat brewery and restaurant. The brew pub-style restaurant, with locations in Rochester and Syracuse plans to open its third location in Buffalo. An operator or company can own a maximum of five brewpubs statewide. With the Buffalo project under way, the partners can select only two more sites for expansion. (1/6)

Rochester-- Fuel Pizza Café, a New York-style pizzeria, is scheduled to open in the Phoenix Mill building at Platt Street and Browns Race around March or April. The restaurant will offer both counter and sit-down service and replace the Phoenix Mill Publick House, which closed last August. The Phoenix Mill is considered a key location because the building serves as one of the gateways to High Falls. (1/7)

Rochester-- Two Rochester developers are converting the former Patrick Media Group building at 745 Park Ave. into a retail and office complex. Four storefronts will occupy a 7,600 square-foot stucco arcade in the front and offices will fill a 5,600 square-foot building in the back. Baker Street Bread Co., based in Philadelphia, will become a tenant in the $1.2 million redevelopment at the corner of Park and Somerton Street. In addition, a computer and clothing store may rent the retail space. (12/26)

Rochester-- 2 Vine, which specializes in European county food, will open in the renovated auto repair shop at 24 Winthrop Street. The owners, Jerry Vorrasi and Jerry Serafine, spent six months rehabilitating the building, which was the former Hallman Chevrolet care preparation building. (1/12)

Rochester-- Tops Friendly Market has opened a 42,000 square-foot store at 450 West Avenue. The West Avenue supermarket is the prototype store for the new Tops philosophy aimed at time-pressed shoppers and two-worker households. The West Ave. store is the third, of the five stores that Tops agreed to build or renovate in an economic development plan negotiated between Tops and the city in 1996. The company broke ground in January for a new store on Lake Avenue and has plans to remodel its location at Winton and Blossom roads. (2/9)

Rochester-- The city of Rochester has settled its case with C&A Playmates, paying the two owners $10,000 in damages and conceding it could not block the proposed nude juice bar from operating at 1845 Mt. Read Blvd. U.S. District Judge, Charles J. Siragusa, citing a case involving the Klassy Cat Tavern in the town of Henrietta, concluded the section of law requiring a special permit for adult entertainment establishments was unconstitutional. The property in question lies within the city of Rochester and the town of Greece. Greece code requires that adult-entertainment businesses locate in areas zoned for industrial uses. The proposed site is located in an industrial zone, therefore a special use permit is not required. (3/9)

Rochester-- The Good Company General Store, a worker-owned cooperative located in the Genesee Coop building at 715 Monroe Avenue, is going out of business. The 4,000 square-foot eclectic store will close after 23 years in the retailing business. The store sells jewelry, clothing, body care products, gifts, and housewares. The liquidation is a result of a disagreement with former partners. (2/12)

Wheatland-- The McDonald's restaurant in the Shurfine Food Market Plaza, 3992 Scottsville Road, closed after approximately two and a half years of operation. The restaurant was opened in June of 1996 and was operated by Jim Kmet, who also operates McDonald's restaurants on Monroe Ave. in Rochester and on East Ridge Road in Irondequoit. McDonalds has a twenty-year lease on the site. According to corporate officials, the shutdown was based on business factors. All the employees were offered employment at other McDonald's in the area. (12/19)

Victor-- Laura Ashley announced it will close its 6,000 square-foot store in EastView mall. The store, opened in March of 1997, was the first of its large format stores in upstate New York. The closing is part of a downsizing of the British firm's North American retail operations. The company announced it would close, reduce in size or relocate 19 of its large North America stores. (1/22)

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East Rochester-- GRA Inc., announced plans to relocate its business from Monroe Avenue in Pittsford to 465 W. Commercial Street. The 47,000 square-foot building is about double the size of its current site. The business has approximately 25 employees and plans to expand to ~ 40 employees. The zoning and planning boards approved new loading docks and the reorganization of parking to make room for large trucks. Frank Perticone, owner of the former Sofas & Chairs building, plans to redo the façade of the vacant building. (12/20)

East Rochester-- The Planning and Architectural Review Board approved plans to expand the E.J. Del Monte Corp. corporate headquarters. The company will put an 11,000 square-foot addition on the front of its building at 909 Linden Avenue. The company manufactures Delcret Building Systems. The three-story addition is needed because the company has outgrown its 130,000 square-foot facility. Del Monte Corp. expects to create 50 new jobs within the next year. The building has been expanded at least four times since it was built in the 1970s. (12/16)

Farmington-- A proposed expansion of Tenneco Packaging Corp. would add 33 jobs over the next three years. The expansion is geared to the packaging company's Slide-Rite product, a zippered feature that's used on flexible packaging. The company, whose division headquarters are in Lake Forest, Ill., is negotiating to buy a manufacturing facility on Plaster Mill Road. The building is currently being used as a warehouse. The IDA is applying for $600,000 in federal funding to help finance the expansion. The overall cost of the project is $4.6 million, which includes equipment purchasing and fabrication. (1/27)

Farmington-- Unisys Worldwide Telesales Services on Collett Drive will be eliminating between 40 and 50 jobs. The cutbacks, primarily in financial administration, are part of Unisys' plan to streamline its operations. Some employees will be offered early retirement, others will be offered jobs at other Unisys sites or given help in finding jobs outside the company. Approximately 250 people work at the Farmington site. Unisys moved into the former Videk building in 1995, signing a 5½ year lease to occupy 51,000 square feet of the 70,000 square-foot, multi-million-dollar facility that had been empty for more than a year. (2/9)

Gates-- COMIDA - County of Monroe Industrial Development Agency has granted tax breaks to Dayton Rogers Corp. of Rochester. Dayton plans to build a 45,000 square foot, $3 million facility for metal stamping on Manitou Road. (1/20)

Henrietta-- Rochester Institute of Technology has withdrawn its application for a zoning change from residential to industrial on 181 acres of land at the corner of John Street and Bailey Road. RIT wanted to attract a microchip manufacturing or fabrication factory to the site, which would create about 5,000 jobs for Monroe County. In addition, a fully developed chip factory would contribute $2 million in taxes annually to the Rush-Henrietta Central School District and about $150,000 annually to the town. The university plans to submit a new application after listening to town officials and neighbors. Upon obtaining Town Board approval to change the lot's zoning, RIT would then need two special-use permits to proceed with the project. (12/16)

Henrietta-- Konar Enterprises was granted a permit to build a 45,825 square-foot office facility on Thruway Park Drive. It will be located at the future intersection of Erie Station Road and Thruway Park Drive. The permit is required because the business, ADT Call Center, is a commercial operation, and the nine-acre parcel is zoned as industrial. ADT Security Systems, based in Boca Raton, Fla., will receive $2 million in state grants and tax credits for the expansion. The company, which employs 200 workers in a center on Summit Point Drive, will move to the new f$11 million customer call center by September. The company has committed to employing 500 people there by June 2000 and an additional 200 by the following June. ADT, with $1.4 billion in annual sales and 13,000 employees, does around-the-clock monitoring of commercial and residential security systems from customer centers across the country. (1/20,2/20,3/10)

Henrietta-- A U.S. Bankruptcy Court approved the $1.785 million bid of two Western New York entrepreneurs, Brian Geary, an attorney for Danka Business Systems PLC, and Christopher Collins, of Clarence, N.Y., for Quaker Maid/Bloch Industries Inc. The company located at 140 Commerce Drive, manufactures kitchen and bathroom cabinets, including the Quaker Maid line. The business has been under financial stress since the company's owner committed suicide amid a Securities and Exchange Commission investigation. Bloch had nearly 20 liens filed against it, and although most have been resolved, the sale cannot be completed until written consent is obtained from the parties who continue to make a claim against the business. (2/10,2/12)

Henrietta-- Hammer Lithograph Corp. is building a $4 million, 90,000 square-foot plant on land bought from Rochester Institute of Technology in an industrial park next to the school. Last year, Monroe County and New York state offered ~ $1 million in aid and incentives over 10 years to Hammer, including a $500,000 state grant, to keep it here. (1/12)

Honeoye-- Alstom Transportation Inc. plans to build a new $7 million - $10 million factory if it wins a contract for building rail cars for the Long Island Rail Road. The planned expansion may bring 1,200 new jobs to New York State over the next three years. Alstom now employs 1,200 people at its Henrietta, Hornell, and Hawthorne facilities. (2/17)

Palmyra-- The Paul T. Freund Corp. plans to invest approximately $4.5 million into equipment and upgrades at its 216 Park Drive plant and a new 35,000 square-foot facility on Division Street. The new building located in the Division Street Industrial Park will be used for its box-folding operation and will add 70 jobs over the next five years. The box firm, located in the town since 1906, had considered moving out of state. They received incentives of ~ $500,000 in grants and tax breaks to remain. The town will apply for a $400,000 federal grant to help pay for the sewer system at the industrial park. (1/31)

Penfield-- Linden Tech developer John Smith was granted a building permit by the town to start work on a 54,000 square-foot computer-assembly plant in Allen's Creek Valley. Ormec Systems Corp. and Smith's company, Ntrinsic, are slated to move in when the building is complete. The Allen's Creek/Corbett's Glen Preservation Group is appealing the decision by the state Supreme Court upholding Penfield's 1996 approval of the project. (1/15)

Rochester-- Danka Business Systems Plc announced that ~ 450 administrative and operations employees will lose their jobs during the next two months as the company begins to restructure after its failed copier deal with Eastman Kodak Co. Danka, which once employed nearly 1,400 workers in Rochester, will be left with between 350 and 450 employees after the latest cuts. The layoffs come as Danka prepares to reveal details of a larger company wide restructuring that could include cutting jobs and selling off divisions. The company does not expect additional layoffs here. (1/23)

Webster-- The County of Monroe Industrial Development Agency granted tax breaks to Imaging Realty Group LLC. The company is spending $3.9 million to renovate the former Thomson Publishing facility at Publishers Parkway for Xerox Corp.'s Channels Group. Xerox will lease ~ 120,000 square feet of space in the building for 180 full time employees and 120 contract workers; the workers are now at various sites around Monroe County. (1/20)

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Brighton-- The Town Board has approved an incentive-zoning proposal for Arden Courts of Brighton, a facility for Alzheimer's disease patients. The 29,000 square-foot facility is slated for a 3.8-acre site on Blossom Road, west of Interstate 590, near the city border. Manor Care Health Services Inc., a Gaithersburg, Md. health care company, is seeking to build a 60-bed housing complex for senior citizens that suffer from Alzheimer's Disease. If the Planning Board approves Arden Courts, it will be the sixth incentive-zoning project approved since the town's law was established in 1994. (12/16)

Brighton-- Developer Elliott Press is preparing to start the second phase of Barclay Square, a proposed upscale "community" of 73 homes on 30 acres off Westfall Road. Phase 2 will include the construction of 28 single-family homes that will be in addition to the 24 homes built during the first phase of the project, which began in 1994. Final site plan approval of Barclay Square is scheduled to go before the Planning Board on January 21st. Homes in Barclay Square are selling in the range of $200,000 to $400,000. The largest home is approximately 3,200 square feet, with most averaging 2,500 to 2,800 square feet. Of the 24 homes already built in Phase One, 21 have been sold. (12/23)

Canandaigua-- Cayer Builders Inc. purchased 7.74 acres, assessed at $65,000, in the Canandaigua Classics subdivision. The land, located on the northeast end of the city between Canandaigua Avenue and Cribb Street, represents some of the last undeveloped land in Canandaigua. The developer plans to build 26 single-family homes valued from $140,000 to $160,000. The Zoning Board of Appeals has approved Cayer's development project. City Planning Board approval is still required. The subdivision was created in 1987 but came to a halt with the death of owner Donna E. DeSeyn in December of 1995. (2/23)

Canandaigua-- F.F. Thomson Health Systems has received Planning Board approval on conceptual drawings for Ferris Hills at West Lake, the 44-acre community to be built between West Lake Road and Middle Cheshire Road. Thomson's architects have to go through the building permit process. The community will feature 84 "independent living" units, and 48 "enriched living" units for seniors needing more assistance with meals and personal care. Construction is expected to start in 1999 with occupancy anticipated for 2000. (2/16)

Canandaigua-- Chrisanntha Inc. plans to begin construction on Quail Summit, a middle-income seniors community to be located off of Parrish Street, this spring. Plans for the 108-unit, Phase I include - 58 apartments for independent living, 28 units designed for assisted living and 22 units providing care to those in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease. The 29-acre site off Parrish Street Extension has received approval for up to 234 units. (2/16)

Gates-- Rochester Christian Church is seeking Town Board approval to rezone part of its property for construction of a senior citizens apartment building. The two-story, 52-unit building would be located on a five-acre site at 3177 Lyell Road. The property currently is zoned single-family, but the church needs the land to be zoned multi-family for the apartment complex. The Town Board denied the church's first request in December. (2/27)

Greece-- Giuliano Development Corp. is seeking Town Board approval to rezone approximately 15 acres of land at the corner of Fetzner Road and Maiden Lane from single-family homes to multi-family housing. The Town Board has postponed a decision on the rezoning request because the board needed more time before making a ruling. The "Fetzner Square" plan calls for 80 apartment units and 80 townhouses, which would rent for ~ $850 a month. In addition, the company wants to "move" an area of commercial zoning from one area of the open land to another spot, where a private office building and a retail outlet would be built. SRF & Associates of Rochester have completed a traffic study in response to neighborhood opposition regarding an increase in traffic flow. (12/17)

Greece-- Sunrise Development Inc. wants to build a 51-unit adult-care facility for the elderly at 1700 Long Pond Road. The Massachusetts-based company is proposing to rezone eight acres of land east of Long Pond Road and south of the Erie Canal from commercial to residential. Sunrise also needs a special permit from the Town Board to operate such a facility at that location. The Victorian-style building would be located on about 3.86 acres and have the capacity to assist 68 residents. A room or suite at the proposed facility will range from 250 to 550 square feet. (2/25)

Greece-- Crescent Park, an adult-care facility, to be built by Newmark Development Co., is being proposed for 13 acres of open land located at 3330 Mt. Read Blvd. Newmark is proposing 330 beds, divided among rooms and suites for assisted-living and a "memory care" facility. The land is zoned for single-family residential use so the town would have to approve a special permit before the project moves forward. The development would have 180 assisted living suites, the majority would be one bedroom, and 59 suites for people with Alzheimer's disease or similar illnesses. None of the suites would have kitchens. The monthly rent for the assisted living suites would range from $1,350 to $1,450, and $1,800 to $2,000 for the memory care units. (12/20)

Greece-- Heritage Christian Home has been awarded approval to operate a group home at 80 Kentucky Crossings. The house will be home to six developmentally disabled men; five of them already live in town. Hunter's Crossing, an upscale subdivision, where houses sell for $170,000 to $229,000, is off Long Pond Road, just north of Latta Road. Hunter's Crossing residents plan to appeal the decision. (12/31)

Henrietta-- Konar Enterprises received Town Board approval to build an apartment complex for senior citizens. The apartments designed for seniors ages 55 and older that can live on their own, will be located near the northwest corner of Erie Station and West Henrietta roads. One bedroom apartments will have a monthly rent between $325 and $395, while two0bedroom apartments will rent between $350 and $425. Construction of the West Town Village Apartments is scheduled to start by October 1999 and be completed by June 2000. This is the first new independent-living, non-health-related facility for seniors approved in Henrietta in 10 years. (2/10)

Henrietta-- Tony Meleo, owner of Country Estates Home Builders in Spencerport, is seeking Town Board approval to rezone land at 1256 and 1278 Lehigh Station Road, between Matthews & Fields Lumber and Florrendin Drive. The 11 acre parcel, currently zoned industrial and single-family residential, is owned by Henry Hanson. Meleo plans to construct 10 buildings, each with eight apartments, for senior citizen use. A special-use permit would be required from the town for this use. (3/3)

Lakeville-- Developers of Lakeville Village Estates, a 71.9 acre senior citizen housing development, plan to break ground in January. Once complete, Lakeville Village will be 175 units of manufactured homes for residents ages 55 and older. Residents will own the homes and rent the land on which they sit. Costs have not yet been determined. (12/30)

Mendon-- The Planning Board granted sketch plan approval for a proposed eight-lot subdivision on approximately 61 acres of land located on the west side of Clover Street. The site involves approximately 17 acres of land that is being offered to the town for dedicated parkland. (3/3)

Ogden-- Ogden Center Development is seeking rezoning for land along Spencerport Road to allow houses and apartments designated for senior citizens. Plans call for 97 single-family houses and two apartment buildings with 40 units each. The houses would be small; patio-style ranch homes and would be limited to purchase by or rental to people 55 or older. Some of the houses will be sold for between $80,000 and $120,000. Others will be available to rent. The apartments will rent for between $430 and $650 a month. (1/22)

Palmyra-- Sermar Management Corp. of East Rochester is seeking preliminary approval for a planned senior apartment complex. The proposal calls for a two-story, 24-unit building on the south side of Vienna Street. The apartments would all be one-bedroom with an elevator as well as a community room in the building. The complex is geared toward people 55 and older. If all approvals are obtained from the town, Sermar will apply to the state for a low-interest loan. If approved, construction would begin in October and the apartments would be ready for occupancy by June of 2000. (1/10)

Penfield-- Heartwood Development Co., an Albany-based development firm, is proposing to build three multi-residential building on a site between the Browncroft Community Church and the Faith Lutheran Church. The parcel is currently zoned for single-family residential homes, requiring the 5-acre parcel rezoned for the project. If approved by the Zoning Board and Town Board, the project would include building two one-story buildings and one two-story building at the site. The development would provide 66 one-bedroom independent-living apartments for people 62 and older. Approximately one quarter of the units will be handicapped accessible. Rents would range from $400 to $525 per month, including utilities. Income requirements are tentatively set for seniors earning between 45-60% of the median household income. In Monroe County, that is set at about $36,000. (1/20)

Perinton-- Metrose Builders is in the preliminary stages of creating 38 single-family house lots in the Leander Creek Subdivision. The concept and design for the planned subdivision, which would be located on the east side of Aldrich Road between Pittsford-Palmyra and Ayrault roads, have not receive Planning Board approval. The Conservation Board has raised some concern over the location of the subdivision relative to federal wetlands. (2/24)

Perinton-- Bierworth-Reidman Homes, Inc. and the Wegman Co. is seeking approval to rezone 24 acres on Moseley Road from residential to apartment zoning. The 240 units would sit on the east side of the road across from the intersection with Boxwood Lane. Units would be in 32 buildings no higher than two stories. The site, owned by local developer Jay Birnbaum, is near the Southern Hills subdivision. The Town Board approved the project with a few conditions: the developer must build townhouses between the apartments and nearby single-family homes; the buildings must be no closer than 70 feet from the side of any existing home or 125 feet from the rear of any existing home. (12/12)

Pittsford-- Marriott International Inc. is proposing to build an assisted-living facility for senior citizens on East Avenue. Marriott wants to build a 20,000 square-foot structure on an undeveloped 4.9 acre plot next to the Maplewood Inn. The project requires town board approval since the parcel's current zoning does not permit such a facility. Marriott is offering the town $100,000 to build sidewalks along East Avenue to consider an incentive zoning application. For $90 a day, residents would receive three meals, housekeeping services, transportation, social, cultural and educational programs. (1/20)

Pittsford-- Jeffrey Smith, chief executive officer of Woodstone Custom Homes, has asked the Town Board to alter its zoning laws so he can build a new subdivision on a 136-acre parcel. The local developer is asking the Town Board to let him build 135 single-family homes on 60% of the Schoen and Manno land off Mendon Center Road. In exchange for the incentive zoning approval, the town would receive more than 80 acres of wetlands, wooded area, and open space. The incentive-zoning law, adopted in 1996, allows developers flexibility when adhering to standard zoning laws. If the proposal is approved, the development would include 2,000-to-3,000 square-foot homes costing $240,000 to $280,000 and larger , higher priced homes in the $400,000 range. (1/19)

Pittsford-- Pittsmere Inc., a holding company for Wegmans Food Markets Inc., wants to build 25 upscale homes off Mendon Road near Thornell Road. Ketmar Development of Pittsford presented a conceptual plan for the 109 -acre site to the Town Planning Board. It is the first time a developer has proposed building on land fully within the town's Greenprint, a plan adopted in 1997 to protect farmland and manage growth. The company's proposal would split the parcel in two, leaving alone about 25 acres on the west side of Mendon Road. Pittsmere is proposing 25 homes on ~ 42 acres, leaving the wood lot and stream area intact. A formal application has not been submitted to the town. (2/3,2/25)

Rochester-- DePaul Community Services has proposed building an 85-bed facility for the mentally ill on Dewey Avenue. The $5 million development on the three-acre lot across from Edgerton Park has been eagerly welcomed by the neighborhood. The facility will be Rochester's first single-room occupancy project, which provides studio apartments for its clients. Construction will start next March and be completed by January 2000. (12/28)

Rochester-- The Frederick Douglas Village revitalization project was initiated by a local church and is supported by Corn Hill residents. In development are: 23 single-family houses ranging in price from $88,000 to $110,000 and a 50-unit senior citizen apartment complex at a cost of $7 million, most of which the city and federal government are funding. The city invested $500,000 to build two new roads and infrastructure. The Federal Department of Housing and Urban Development awarded $3.7 million to the senior citizen complex, and another $800,000 to subsidize the rents. The housing development will be completed by August 29th and the senior complex will open October 15th. (3/9)

Rochester-- City crews began demolishing West Square Manor, an obsolete housing project at West Main and Troup streets. The project, formerly F.I.G.H.T. Square, will be replaced with 26 rental town houses and 25 single-family, owner-occupied homes. The demolition work is expected to take at least three months. (2/4)

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Brighton-- The Town Board has approved the purchase of Corbett's Glen, 18-acres of land which straddles the Penfield-Brighton border near Route 441. In a partnership with the Genesee Land Trust, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving open space, Brighton will buy the land from Brigadoon Corp. and preserve the land as a wildlife park. The project will cost $287,000, with the town contributing $260,000 from its Open Space Acquisition Fund. The rest of the money will be raised through private donations and pledges from the Genesee Land Fund. (1/6)

Canandaigua-- The VA national headquarters in Washington, D.C. has announced a reduction-in-staff proposal for its medical centers because of cutbacks in federal funding. Job cuts for the Canandaigua facility include the number of registered nurses to be cut from six to five, nursing assistants to be cut from 25 to 17, and the number of licensed practical nurses to be cut from 11 to six. The VA has been reduced from ~ 1,200 employees to 835. The number of inpatient beds has decreased from 750 to 308. The news comes as the VA implements an adult day health care program for its veterans. The daily cost of caring for a veteran in a VA nursing home, including pharmaceuticals, is $230. Day care at a community facility ranges from $45 to $90. (12/28)

Canandaigua-- Developer, Steven Satterwhite has proposed a $10 million Roseland Waterpark on West Muar Lake. The "public-private venture" has been submitted to the City Council for approval. Satterwhite's plan has two phases: the construction of Roseland WaterPark and a privately funded resort hotel with an indoor waterpark. Ontario County Developers are seeking a separate entity to obtain the funding for the project. Rochester businessman Cortland Brovitz is the principle owner of the two properties that make up the 133-acre Park project, which is assessed at $858,000. (1/17)

Canandaigua-- Thompson Hospital has received approval for a 40,000 square-foot addition. Included in the expansion is a new 10,000 square-foot cancer center. Thompson will collaborate with Rochester based Strong Health to build the center at the hospital's site on Parrish Street. The center will be on the ground floor of a four-story addition on the west side of the hospital. Final cost estimates for the project are not yet available. Thompson Hospital, Interlakes Oncology and Hemotology, and Strong Health will jointly finance the addition. (1/26)

Fairport-- The Restoration Fellowship Church, 70 W. Church St., is considering the Crosman Center, at 42 East Ave., as its new home. The village of Fairport owns the building that is assessed at $55,000. Another party interested in the Crosman Center is the Fine Arts Multimedia Education Center. The FAME Center would use the building to hold dance, theater, and music classes. The building had been vacant since October of 1997.

Greece-- The town announced plans to construct a new 30,000 to 40,000 square-foot library on the campus of Town Hall, 1 Vince Tofany Blvd. Work on the estimated $3.5 million project is expected to begin this fall and be completed during 2000. The new library, to be funded through a capital improvement project bond, will be located southwest of the current Town Hall. The town announced its decision to close Mitchell Road Library at 2505 W. Ridge Road and eliminate the Paddy Hill branch to make room for a new central library. The Barnard's Crossing branch will remain open. (2/4)

Henrietta-- Town officials are considering selling Riverton Golf Club, a public nine-hole golf course on Scottsville-West Henrietta Road, to DiMino family. The DiMino's have been managing the golf club under a 20-year lease agreement with the town. The golf course is assessed at $252,400 and provides the town 10% of the course's greens fees - approximately $15,000 to $20,000 a year. The DiMino family plans to expand the course to 18 holes. (3/1)

Henrietta-- Rochester Institute of Technology plans to build a boathouse for its rowing crew on Fairwood Drive adjacent to the Racquet Club student apartment complex. Currently, RIT and the University of Rochester share a boathouse in Genesee Valley Park. The project will cost $665,000 and will financed completely by private donations. Before RIT can begin construction, the school needs to obtain a zoning variance from the town. (1/21)

Hopewell-- The Rochester Broadway Theatre League, as part of its three-year contract proposal to Ontario County and Finger Lakes Community College, is negotiating with county and college officials to increase the shell's lawn seating by 2,500. The facility, including the shell and lawn, has a total seating capacity of 12,737; 3,000 seats under the shell. (1/12)

Irondequoit-- The Helmer Nature Center has received a donation of 1.2 acres off Oakridge Drive from a town resident. The land connects with another donated five-acre parcel, called the Beech Knoll. The nature center, run by the West Irondequoit school district, primarily teaches environmental and historical programs. (2/3)

Naples-- Work is under way on an 18-hole public golf course that will open in the spring of 2000. The 169-acre facility will feature a clubhouse with dining area, pro shop, maintenance building and snack shop. Owner, Diane Kochendorfer of Ontario, Canada, received site plan approval in March of 1997 on the $400,000 parcel. Kochendorfer has received special financing through a Federal Economic Development program aimed at assisting women and minorities in purchasing businesses. (12/19)

Palmyra-- The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will build a Mormon temple on the border between Manchester, Ontario County, and Palmyra, Wayne County. It is expected to regularly draw thousands of Mormons from throughout Western and Central New York. The Palmyra Temple is the 100th temple to be built by the faith since its founding in 1830. (2/15)

Penfield-- The Planning Board granted approval for Tennessee developer Gary Price to build (2) five-story hotels on six acres off Panorama Trail, just north of Route 441. The Hilton Garden Inn will be a 158-room, full service hotel. The other will be an 82-room, extended-stay Mainstay Suites. Both hotels will be built on the site across the highway from a Marriott Courtyard. Developers still need architectural and layout approvals. (1/29)

Penfield-- The new 20,000 square-foot post office has opened at 2080 Nine Mile Point Road, north of the intersection with Route 441. The building features a 24-hour-a-day lobby, making access to post office boxes and stamp vending machines more convenient. (2/17)

Pittsford-- The town has revealed a plan for the construction of a $1.8 million courthouse on North Main Street in the village. A purchase agreement for $209,000 was signed with Dr. Lawrence Tilis for the vacant property at 10 N. Main Street. An 8,400 square-foot, two-story structure is proposed for the .23 acre site. Plans are still in the preliminary stages. (1/13)

Rochester-- The performing arts task force, a committee studying the feasibility of a downtown performing arts center, has presented their recommendations to County Executive Jack Doyle and Mayor William A. Johnson Jr. The report suggests building a new art facility in an area bordered on the west by Main Street and Clinton Avenue and on the east by the Inner Loop. The area extends the East End cultural district west to include Midtown Plaza. The committee stated the Eastman Theatre should be fart of the complex. Doyle and Johnson must now decide whether to proceed with the project and to lobby New York state for $40 million of the estimated $90 million venture. (2/20,3/4)

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Canandaigua-- The Ontario County Arts Council and BID, the downtown business improvement district, are hoping to turn the former Hollywood Harry's at the corner of Main and Niagara Street into an arts and cultural center. The estimated renovation cost for the empty storefront is between $100,000 to $200,000. BID is currently leasing the building for an undisclosed amount of money. The building measures ~ 20,000 square feet on each floor. (1/31)

Livingston County-- According to the Genesee/Finger Lakes Regional Planning Council, Livingston, the county in which agriculture has always been the prime industry, is expected to be one of the fastest-growing in the Rochester region over the next 20 years. Between 1990 and 2020, the population will grow at a rate of ~ 10.3%, roughly the same as Ontario and Wayne counties. The biggest and fastest-growing population center in the county is the town of Livonia. The town adopted tougher zoning rules in an attempt to limit most new construction to specific areas. The town of Geneseo is seeking county economic development infrastructure funds to prime more than 200 acres of land on the east side for business growth by putting in utilities and roads. According to the Greater Rochester Association of Realtors, the median price of homes bought and sold in the county over the past two years is ~ $73,000. (2/21)

Macedon-- A draft of the town's master plan includes maintaining 41%, or 9,371 of the town's 23,901 acres preserved as open space. Most of the land marked for potential preservation is north of Route 31F and in the southern portion of the town. Macedon's population of about 8,900 is a 23% increase from 1980 figures. (3/10)

Pittsford-- Gov. George E. Pataki announced a $750,000 grant to help preserve 1,200 acres of land in the town's land-preservation plan, "Greenprint for the Future". The matching grant goes into the town farmland protection fund. The town received a $200,000 federal grant last week and $1 million in federal and state grants earlier this year. The Pittsford grant, one of only three upstate awards, was the fourth largest. (12/29)

Webster-- Xerox Corp. has won the tax battle with the town over the assessment on their 1,000 acre complex. A judge ruled its property assessment should drop $66.7 million. The ruling means the county, town, village and school district must pay Xerox a refund of more than $6 million. Xerox fought the town assessed the property at $215 million. Xerox felt the property was worth $125 million. The decision could eventually cost local government millions in future tax revenue and could mean higher taxes or fewer services for the town's 31,000 residents. (1/28)