FALCONER – A proposal to create a scrap metal and used auto parts plant in the village was met with more backlash during this week’s Village Board meeting.
In February, Rick Kress spoke to trustees during a work session meeting about bringing a new business to Falconer. He is looking to purchase a property at 20 Cross St. to coincide with the acquisition of approximately 5 acres of adjacent land currently owned by Falconer for metal processing.
Some village residents expressed concerns last month about the additional vehicle traffic and noise the business could bring to that part of the community.
Kress was not present Monday, and his offer to acquire village-owned land was not taken up by village board members during the public portion of the meeting.
Mindy Zoghlin, a Rochester attorney representing a group she called “Falconer’s Friends”, emailed a seven-page letter to all trustees and the village attorney and was present Monday. She believes that scrap recycling is not allowed in an industrial district, where the facility is under surveillance by Kress.
Zoghlin also noted that the object is “not consistent with the village’s Comprehensive Plan.”
In her letter she states: “One of the guiding principles of the compromise plan is to make roads comfortable, safe, interesting and useful for pedestrian travel and to provide safe and efficient travel for motorists without compromising the safety and convenience of cyclists and pedestrians.”
She further said that the sale and site plan review will be subject to review under New York “State Environmental Quality Review Act.”
Zoghlin suggested the village-owned land on Cross Street would be better suited for a dog park. The village is still in the process of finding a site for a dog park after a plan to put one in Falconer Village Park was scrapped.
Village Board members did not address Zoghlin’s comments during the public comment portion of the meeting. The trustees went into executive session at the end of the meeting to discuss “Proposal for village development” although at least one other project has recently been taken up at Falconer.
In other Village Board business:
¯ Trustees were notified that several juveniles had caused damage to a security camera and structure at Falconer Village Park. The event happened on the night of February 20, Presidents’ Day.
“Bored on a beautiful day,” Carl Caprino, village DPW supervisor, said of the youth. He added that the structure was damaged by a fire that was set under it.
Det. Kevin Pierce with the Ellicott Police Department told The Post-Journal that six juveniles have been charged with fourth-degree criminal mischief as a result of the vandalism incident. Police are trying to find a seventh person who may have been involved.
The six minors appealed to the Family Court.
¯ The 27th annual Village Spring Cleanup Day will take place from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 6, rain or shine. The bins will be located in the Village Highway Garage; items that cannot be thrown away include electronics or tires of any kind, while refrigerators must be marked that all freon has been removed.
The event begins at 9 a.m. at the Falconer Fire Department. Villagers are asked to bring rakes, brooms and gloves. Garbage bags will be provided and lunch will be available for all workers.
¯ The Falconer Public Library will host its escape room on Friday to encourage middle and high school students to visit the young adults area at the facility. Added additional time periods “as the response has been beyond what we expected,” Laurie Becker, library manager, said in her report to administrators.
