FALCONER — A proposal to establish a metal recycling and used auto parts facility in the village met with more pushback during this week’s village board meeting.
In February, Rick Kress spoke to trustees during a work meeting about bringing new business to Falconer. He is considering the purchase of the property at 20 Cross Street to coincide with the acquisition of approximately 5 acres of adjacent land currently owned by Falconer Metalworking.
Several village residents expressed concern last month about the additional vehicle traffic and noise the work could bring to that part of the community.
Kress was not present Monday, and village board members did not accept his offer to receive village-owned land during the public portion of the meeting.
Mindy Zoglin, a Rochester attorney representing a group she called “Falconer’s Friends,” sent a seven-page letter to all trustees and the village attorney and was present Monday. She believes scrap metal recycling is not allowed in the industrial district, where Kress is eyeing the facility.
Zoglin also noted that the facility “does not comply with the Village’s Comprehensive Plan.”
In her letter, she states: “One of the guiding principles of the comp plan is to make streets comfortable, safe, interesting and useful for pedestrian travel, and to ensure safe and efficient travel for motorists without compromising the safety and comfort of cyclists and pedestrians.” .”
She further said the sale and site plan review will be subject to review under New York’s “State Environmental Quality Review Act.”
Zoglin suggested the village-owned land on Cross Street would be more suitable for a dog park. The village is still in the process of finding a location for the dog park after a plan to put it in Falconer Village Park was scrapped.
Village board members did not address Zoglin’s comments during the public portion of the meeting. Trustees went into executive session at the end of the meeting to discuss a “village development proposal” even though at least one other project has recently been launched in Falconer.
In other tasks of the village board:
¯ Trustees were informed that several juveniles damaged a security camera and structure at Falconer Village Park. The incident happened on the night of February 20, President’s Day.
“I’m bored on a nice day,” said Carl Caprino, DPV’s village supervisor, of the youth. He added that the structure was damaged by a fire that was set under it.
Det. Kevin Pierce of the Ellicott Police Department told the Post-Journal that six juveniles were charged with fourth-degree criminal mischief as a result of the vandalism incident. Police are trying to locate a seventh person who may have been involved.
Six minors filed a petition with the Family Court.
¯ The 27th annual Spring Village Cleanup Day will be held from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, May 6, rain or shine. The containers will be located in the village garage on the highway; items that cannot be disposed of include electronic devices 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 their own rakes, brooms and gloves. Garbage bags will be provided, and lunch will be provided 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 adult section of the facility. The additional dates were added “because the response was beyond what we expected,” Lori Becker, library manager, said in her report to trustees.
Today’s breaking news and more in your inbox