Neighbor to Sheldon House says he's "very, very pleased" with Appellate Court decision annulling ZBA approval of variance for sale...
A neighbor to the Sheldon House in Jamestown says he's "very, very pleased" with a court verdict annulling the Zoning Board of Appeals' granting of a variance for the property in 2016. Paul Leone tells Media One Group News that the move is "good for the neighborhood..." because it doesn't allow Lynn Development Group to develop business offices inside the structure at Falconer Street and Lakeview Avenue. The State Appellate Division of the Fourth Judicial Department ruled late Friday in favor of Leone and three others who appealed a lower court ruling. They argued a number of points... but, the Appellate Division specifically stated that the city and Lynn Development did not provide evidence of "an undue hardship" in making it's ruling. The property would be sold to Lynn Development for $240,000 contingent on the variance being approved. Leone -- who declined to go on tape -- and the other neighbors say they want the property to remain residential
Chautauqua announces cancellation of Aretha Franklin Concert on opening night for new Amp; Leno to now appear June 24...
Health concerns have led Artha Franklin to cancel next Saturday night's concert scheduled to open the new Amphitheater at Chautauqua Institution. The announcement was made in an on-line letter from Chautauqua's President. Michael Hill also announced that legendary stand-up comedian... and, retired Tonight Show host Jay Leno will replace Franklin on the Amp stage. Hill says Aretha Franklin's doctor has now ordered her to not travel over the next few weeks per doctor’s orders. She was to perform in Chicago this weekend... and, had already cancelled that out. He says -- if you are seeking a refund -- call the Chautauqua Ticket Office at 1-888-688-1960. Hill adds that the Institution will not sell additional tickets for opening night unless it receives cancellations from current ticket holders.
House extensively damaged in Westfield-area fire...
Firefighters from more than a half dozen departments battled a blaze that heavily damaged a home in the town of Westfield Thursday afternoon. Westfield firefighters responded to the blaze at 7578 Martin Wright Rd. around 3:30 p.m., and, got mutual aid from Brocton, Ripley, Portland, Mayville, Dewittville, East Dunkirk, and Sherman. There are reports that no one was home at the time of the blaze... but, two dogs perished in the fire that caused extensive damage to the one story structure. The Chautauqua County Fire Investigation Team was sent to the scene to determine a cause.
Prendergast Library Director says decision to sell artwork spurred by funding loss...
The Prendergast Library's board of directors has agreed to move foward on selling some 40 pieces of artwork in it's possession to raise money to keep the Jamestown institution financially viable. Library Director Tina Scott says it was a "very difficult" decision... but, one that had to be made in light of funding losses in recent years... not the least of which was a $250,000 cut in funding from the city. Scott says the board has been reviewing the situation for the past two years... and, adds there's even a question whether the library can properly care for the artwork... which she says really has not been done the way it should be for about 30 years. The maintenance issue was settled for a short time with an offer from Jesse and Cathy Marion of Houston, Texas in December of 2015 for $60,000 if the board would hold off on auctioning off the paintings. Scott says the art to be sold will be those items bought with funding left in the will of Mary Prendergast... and from the Packard Estate. Scott says the artwork will be sold by Sotheby's Auction House in New York City in the near future... and, adds the library will receive 100 percent of the proceeds.
Food Bank of WNY cuts ribbon on new, facility, truck in Chautauqua County...
The Food Bank of Western New York has a new, expanded location... and, vehicle to deliver food to more than 50 food distribution points across Chautauqua County. Food Bank Communcations Director Christine Schick says they're excited to have cut the ribbon on their new distribution center on the Falconer-Frewsburg Road in Falconer. Schick says both moves will allow them to "expand their footprint" here in Chautauqua County to meet increased demand for their services. She says -- until this year -- the Food Bank had been providing about 1.2-million pounds of food annually to families across the county. However... she says that amount rose to 2-million pounds this past year... and, the growing need required a new facility... and, delivery truck. Schick says they also unveiled their new, 26-foot long "Partners Fighting Hunger Truck..." which includes a lift-gate. She says it will allow them to increase the amount of food they can haul each time by 22-hundred pounds. Schick says the Food Bank appreciates all the support of several local foundations and community sponsors who helped make the purchase possible.
Jacobson named UPMC Chautauqua WCA Volunteer of the Year...
A woman who has been volunteering in UPMC Chautauqua WCA Hospital's Occupational Therapy Department has been named as the hospital's 2016 Volunteer of the Year. That from Volunteer Coordinator Elizabeth DeRosa... who says Maria Jacobson epitomizes what their volunteer's are all about. DeRosa says Jacobson was recognized during the hospital's annual "Volunteer Recognition Luncheon" yesterday at the hospital's main campus... after being selected by staff for the award. DeRosa says Jacobson works hard in putting patient packets together, filing, and helping to clean patient rooms. She says employees have written that Jacobson is "a joy to have around..." and, has a great relationship with the patients she works with, and she encourages patients to visit with their therapy dog. DeRosa says they currently have 102 volunteers at UPMC Chautauqua WCA... who put in a variety of hours and days putting in time at the hospital. If you are interested in volunteering... you can contact Elizabeth DeRosa at 664-8224 for more information.
