Norm Green addresses Chautauqua County Legislature (February 22, 2023)

The Chautauqua County Legislature is urging New York State to release funds to help get a new Brooks Memorial Hospital constructed.

The Legislature unanimously passed a motion requesting Governor Kathy Hochul release the $74 million toward the project.

Former Democratic Board of Election Commissioner and County Democratic Committee Chair Norm Green spoke at privilege of the floor, calling the project the biggest issue in Chautauqua County, “This isn’t a Dunkirk problem. It’s not a Fredonia problem. It’s not a Brocton problem. It’s not a Silver Creek problem. It goes way beyond those borders and only the County of Chautauqua can be the ones who assist. So I hope tonight, after you pass this motion, that the work won’t stop.”

Green brought up the idea that the County should even consider taking over the hospital.

Legislator Kevin Muldowney said he agreed with Green’s comments, which is a rare thing, and that it’s vital the legislature presents a united front in asking governor to release the funds issued in 2016, “It’s an economic development motivator. If we do want to recruit and continue to recruit businesses into Chautauqua County, we have to have a viable, state of the art hospital. And this is a regional issue. Stop thinking parochial and start thinking regional.”

Muldowney said access to a hospital is also important for north county residents from a safety standpoint.

County Executive PJ Wendel said in his monthly interview with WRFA that his biggest fear is that the state will release the funds for the construction of the hospital, and then the money will run out, “The model has some questions, as far as their sustainability financially. And my biggest concern is that they get the funding and the monies run out and the hospital isn’t finished. You know, prior to this large sum of money that Governor (Andrew) Cuomo first put aside from Brooks, and now Governor (Kathy) Hochul has it as well, they were supporting Brooks quite substantially, the Department of Health, with funding for two years prior to that.”
Wendel said the state required that the hospital have a sustainable financial model moving forward, which he doesn’t believe has been presented.

He said the blue ribbon task force he formed with Dunkirk Mayor Willie Rosas, State Senator George Borrello, Assemblyman Andy Goodell, and numerous health experts have worked with Brooks Hospital officials on moving forward with the proposed new hospital building.

Wendel added the hospital board is aware of the guidelines set by New York State and that they shoulder the responsibility in getting a completed plan to them.

Governor Kathy Hochul with Dunkirk Mayor Willie Rosas and other officials for the Downtown Revitalization Initiative Award announcement (January 23, 2023)

The City of Dunkirk has been awarded $10 million in Downtown Revitalization Initiative monies.

Governor Kathy Hochul announced the funding from Empire State Development Corporation at the Clarion Hotel Monday.

Dunkirk Mayor Willie Rosas said the plan presented to the EDC has ten different projects including work on the marina, an indoor waterpark, Jamestown Community College having a presence downtown, and renovations to the Clarion Hotel.

Dunkirk will now begin the process of developing a Strategic Investment Plan to revitalize its downtown with up to $300,000 in planning funds from the $10 million DRI grant.

A Local Planning Committee made up of municipal representatives, community leaders and other stakeholders will lead the effort, supported by a team of private sector experts and state planners.

The Strategic Investment Plan will guide the investment of DRI grant funds in revitalization projects that will advance the community’s vision for its downtown and that can leverage and expand upon the state’s $10 million investment.

Democratic Committee Chair Willie Rosas, who assumed the duties as chair following the resignation of Norm Green, said the committee has started fielding candidates even though the redistricting of Assembly and Senate districts hasn’t been completed yet by the State Legislature.

Rosas stated that those who are interested should contact Democratic Committee Secretary Donna Karcz at CHQDEM@gmail.com.

The deadline for submissions, which might be moved depending upon the decisions regarding district lines, is February 14, 2022.

In addition to New York State Assembly and New York State Senate candidates, the Committee also will consider people interested in running in the redrawn congressional district and Chautauqua County Sheriff.

Norm Green

The Democratic Challenger for Chautauqua County Executive has received endorsements from the county’s two city mayors and the largest town’s supervisor.

Jamestown Mayor Eddie Sundquist, Dunkirk Mayor Willie Rosas, and Pomfret Town Supervisor Dan Pacos announced their joint endorsement of Norm Green, citing his experience and leadership.

They called out the county administration’s lack of transparency and outreach in obtaining feedback from the community on the proposed plan. They also were critical about how the two large metropolitan cities were left out of the funding process, even after meeting with county officials.

Both mayors called on the County Executive and County Legislature to implement a transparent public feedback process for the planned use of ARP funds. Jamestown and Dunkirk both held public input sessions on proposed ARP fund spending that were facilitated by the local community foundations.

The full statement by Mayor Sundquist and Mayor Rosas is below:

As chief executives of local government offices, we fully understand the challenges  that all levels of government have faced over the past year and a half in response to  the COVID-19 pandemic. We continue to be proud to work together with County  Executive Wendel during this time, demonstrating that all of Chautauqua County  can come together for the greater health, well-being, and safety of all our residents.  We also recognize the enormous assistance that the ARPA Local Recovery Funds  will provide to local governments recovery efforts as well as the opportunity to  improve the quality and effectiveness of our municipal services in impactful and  sustainable ways. 

When the County Executive presented his plan for the use of ARPA funds to the  Chautauqua County Legislature last week, we were disappointed to see that no  projects in either of the County’s two largest population centers were proposed.  While we believed that there were worthy projects where County and City  investments could be combined for greater impact, ultimately the County took a  different approach. Both Jamestown and Dunkirk were granted funds, to which we  are pleased to invest in our communities. However, all municipalities in the County received Local Recovery funds through ARPA. While we participated in multiple  meetings with the County to find potential common areas for coordinated investment, and came away from those meetings hopeful, we were not invited to  submit a formal proposal to request use of these funds. We can only speculate that 

other municipalities may have been invited to formally request projects, but neither  the City of Jamestown nor the City of Dunkirk was made aware of any such process. 

Most critically, a clear and transparent public outreach plan from the County Executive’s office on the use of ARPA funds as well as a process for feedback from  the public, businesses, non-profits, and municipalities has been lacking, and is a  dereliction of the duty bestowed upon our elected officials by all those who call  Chautauqua County home. We strongly believe that the public should have the  opportunity to participate in the planning process regarding the proposed spending  and utilization of these unprecedented funds and we have shown our commitment  in our own public process. As municipal leaders, we are stewards of our city’s  resources, and we have the moral and ethical responsibility to seek and take into  consideration the input and feedback of our residents, businesses, non-profits and  local stakeholders with regard to how our plans should direct spending allocations  to projects and programs that will provide the greatest impact and address the most  critical needs of our communities.  

The City of Jamestown launched a public input tour and hosted several business  round table discussions over the past 2 months to present the City’s proposed ARPA  plan to local residents, non-profits, businesses, and stakeholders. The Chautauqua  Region Community Foundation stepped up as an independent organization to assist  us with the collection and distillation of feedback received, and will provide  Jamestown City Council with a report and recommendations. The City of Dunkirk has partnered with the Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation, has engaged  its residents and business owners with a detailed survey to help the City formulate  a plan for future investment, as well as holding multiple public meetings to receive  feedback. Jamestown and Dunkirk have established a roadmap for local  municipalities to engage with their communities in a positive way, not only  presenting the public with our draft plans, but providing them with opportunities  to share input to strengthen our plans so they are holistic and benefit everyone in  the community. 

We call on the County Executive and the County Legislature to follow our lead and  implement a transparent public feedback process for the planned use of ARPA  funds, as both Jamestown and Dunkirk have effectively demonstrated. This is a  once in a lifetime moment to invest in our communities. For that reason, this is not  the time to dodge accountability.

According to health officials, there are now 134 active cases in the county, with 25 of the 32 new cases involving students at SUNY Fredonia. There are also 5 people hospitalized who’ve been diagnosed with COVID-19.

Officials add that from Aug. 16 to Sept. 1, there have been 56 cases of COVID-19 involving Fieldbrook Foods Inc. employees.

And health officials say a total of 517 cases under quarantine/isolation orders, while another 655 people are under domestic traveler quarantine.

To date, there’s been a total of 442 confirmed cases in the county since the start of the pandemic in mid March. Just two weeks ago on Aug. 19, there were 277 confirmed cases reported. That means the total cases have gone up by 59.57% in just two weeks (from Aug. 19 to Sept. 2).   Of the total 442 confirmed cases since the start of the pandemic, 298 (67.42%) are now reported as recovered. There’s also been 10 death connected to COVID-19.  Nearly 35,000 negative test results have also been reported to date.

OFFICIALS ASK PUBLIC TO HELP REDUCE SPREAD

With the recent spike in new cases during the past couple weeks, County and local officials are urging all Chautauqua County residents to take precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

In a media release sent out Wednesday afternoon, County executive PJ Wendel said the recent outbreaks of COVID-19 at Fieldbrook Foods Inc. in Dunkirk and now at the SUNY Fredonia means the county is again asking all residents for their support in fighting the spread.

“With the recent outbreaks of COVID-19 at Fieldbrook Foods Inc. in Dunkirk and now at the State University of New York at Fredonia, we are calling on all residents for their support by following the recommended safety precautions,” said Wendel. “Our public health staff has been working tirelessly to isolate those testing positive and identify and quarantine the close contacts of all positive cases so we can help contain the virus, but we need all county residents to do their part by being responsible citizens and following preventive measures 24/7. Not only are we working together, we are in this together and we need everyone’s help especially with the upcoming Labor Day Weekend.”

SUNY Fredonia and the Chautauqua County Health Department issued a joint statement to the college’s students and faculty on Sept. 1 about the recent uptick of cases at the campus and several scenarios they believe have contributed to the spread of the virus on campus. In the statement, they call for individuals to:

• Limit assembling to less than 10 minutes in common areas, even outside, when face coverings are not continuously worn;
• Have no visitors in the residence halls; and
• Not attend large off-campus gatherings that are in violation of the State’s Executive Orders.

“The Chautauqua County Health Department continues to work collaboratively with SUNY Fredonia and Fieldbrook Foods to reduce the spread of COVID-19 at these facilities, but we need the public to do its part too,” said Christine Schuyler, Chautauqua County Public Health Director. “Just because you are no longer at work or in class, it doesn’t mean that you can let your guard down, attend large gatherings, or be in close contact with others without wearing a face covering. We all need to remain diligent.”

The public is reminded to:

• Stay home if you feel ill;
• Wear a mask or covering over your nose and mouth when you cannot maintain a physical distance of at least six feet from others;
• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water or use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol;
• Avoid large gatherings;
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and objects;
• Avoid international travel or travel to states listed in the New York State Travel Advisory; if travel is unavoidable, quarantine for 14 days upon returning to Chautauqua County.

“I urge city residents to take precautionary measures to not only protect themselves, but to protect others in our community who are more vulnerable to having complications if they contract this disease,” said Willie Rosas, Mayor of the City of Dunkirk. “If you have any of the symptoms of COVID, such as a fever, cough, and shortness of breath, do not go to work–stay home and contact your primary care provider. Also, please remember that if you are tested for COVID-19, you must quarantine and isolate yourself from others until you receive your test results.”

“Our residents and students need to ensure they are not having unnecessary gatherings that could lead to additional cases of COVID-19 in our community,” said Doug Essek, Mayor of the Village of Fredonia. “We also all need to do our part and be courteous to others by wearing a face covering when we are in close proximity to others.”

For more information about COVID-19 in Chautauqua County, visit https://chqgov.com. For general information about COVID-19, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html.

A rendering of what the future Athenex facility in Dunkirk will look like once completed.

DUNKIRK, NY – Governor Andrew M. Cuomo Thursday announced a major expansion of Athenex that will create 1,400 jobs throughout Western New York, including 900 in Dunkirk.

This announcement, made possible by a partnership with the SUNY Polytechnic Institute, includes a major expansion of Athenex’s North American headquarters at the Conventus Building in Buffalo, as well as the creation of a state-of-the-art, 300,000 square foot manufacturing facility in Dunkirk. The combined projects are expected to yield a $1.62 billion investment over ten years from Athenex, along with $225 million from New York State.

“Western New York’s economic transformation has captured the attention of companies and investors around the globe,” said Governor Cuomo. “The business development environment in and around Buffalo has made it clear to cutting-edge companies that this is the right place to put down roots and thrive. Whether it’s pharma-based development, medical research, clean technology or advanced manufacturing, this region is defined by incredible opportunities and potential for growth. I am proud to congratulate Athenex – which could have gone anywhere – on beginning this exciting new chapter, creating good-paying jobs and further strengthening the region’s and state’s economy.”

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Athenex was founded at the University of Buffalo and expanded in 2003 with a ten-year funding stream committed by more than one hundred local business and medical leaders in upstate New York.

Dr. Johnson Lau, Athenex CEO and Chairman said: “We have been incredibly impressed by Governor Cuomo’s leadership to attract significant new jobs within New York State. His commitment to economic development has successfully permeated an impressive ‘Open for Business’ culture we have not seen anywhere else. We also want to thank Dr. Alain Kaloyeros at SUNY Polytechnic Institute. This collective leadership in New York is accelerating the transformation of the State’s economy into a global leader of next generation manufacturing across many industries. With this partnership, millions of cancer patients around the world will benefit from the oncology drugs made in New York.”

Dr. Alain E. Kaloyeros, founding president and CEO of SUNY Polytechnic Institute, said: “This one-two punch for Buffalo and Western New York by an established and respected home-grown company like Athenex is another clear sign that Governor Andrew Cuomo’s innovation-driven economic development strategy is powering job creation and revitalization across Upstate New York. For a company that already operates around the world to make the business decision to grow in New York speaks volumes about what Governor Cuomo has built. The workforce, attitude, and momentum in Buffalo and across Upstate has New York competing – and winning – on a global scale.”

Howard Zemsky, President, CEO and Commissioner, Empire State Development said: “This significant expansion by Athenex, through a combined state and private investment, not only reinforces the dynamic business climate that has taken hold in Buffalo and Western New York, but it validates Governor Cuomo’s vision for the creation and development of a local economy that attracts outside business interests and, in the case of Athenex, keeps a homegrown company in the community that fostered its initial development. This is a perfect example of the Governor’s determination to support business development in our region through unique public/private partnerships that will provide cutting-edge, good-paying jobs that are sustainable.”

Athenex will invest a minimum of $1.62 billion in Western New York over the next ten years in labor, materials and supplies. 1,400 new direct and indirect jobs (500 jobs in Buffalo and 900 in Dunkirk) will be created in areas such as: high-tech manufacturing, product formulation, regulatory, pharmacovigilance, headquarter staff and suppliers and providers of service to the company. New York State, through the SUNY Polytechnic Institute, will invest a total of $225 million in the Buffalo and Dunkirk locations. Specifically:

• Dunkirk: The state will invest $200 million to create the High Pharmacy Oncology Manufacturing Facility, which Athenex will use to manufacture sterile high potency oncology drugs in a specialized, controlled environment for shipment around the world. These drugs are some of the most important oncology drugs globally for patients suffering from cancer. The plant will also specialize in manufacturing oncology pharmaceutical products, which often show up on the FDA’s drug shortage list. A specialized plant such as this has not been built in North America in over 15 years. The facility will be located off Lake Shore Drive East (Rte. 5), just northeast of the Dunkirk city line.Athenex will invest a minimum of $1.52 billion in the High Pharmacy Oncology Manufacturing Facility and it will create 900 jobs in the Dunkirk area. The state will own the facility and tools purchased for it. A renderings of the facility can be viewed here.
• Buffalo: The state will invest $25 million to expand and improve the sixth floor of the Conventus Building on the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus. Athenex will occupy 51,000 square feet under a long term lease for its North American Headquarters, a formulation product development center and a pilot plant, where oncology products are perfected and refined before the technology is transferred for large scale production in Dunkirk. Athenex will invest a minimum of $100 million and is expected to create a total of 500 jobs in Buffalo. The state will lease the 6th floor space and sublet it to Athenex for a ten-year term with an option by Athenex to add on an additional ten years. Construction in the office space started August 2015; lab work will begin soon and is expected to be completed this fall.

The partnership with New York State secures the Athenex’s presence and growth in the state and provides for significant high paying new jobs in multiple locations in Western New York. This partnership also accelerates the goal of converting investments made in medical research into long term sustainable manufacturing jobs in high tech pharmaceutical products.

Today, Athenex is global with multiple offices and manufacturing facilities located in: Buffalo and Clarence, NY; Cranford, NJ; Taipei, Taiwan; Hong Kong; and Chongqing, China. Athenex’s large investors include some of the most successful technology entrepreneurs in the world such as Ma Huateng, named in 2014 by Time Magazine as one of the most influential people in the world and one of China’s most successful investors. The Athenex Board of Directors reflects its global presence and includes such participants as Kim Campbell, the 19th Prime Minister of Canada and Song-Yi Zhang, former Vice Chairman, Managing Director and Department Joint Head of Morgan Stanley Asia.

Congressman Tom Reed said: “We care about the working families that hope to make Chautauqua County and the rest of Western New York a place to call home for generations to come. For too long, these families have borne the brunt of a struggling economy and thankfully that is about to change. It’s only right that we work together across party lines and all levels of government to make New York State, and Chautauqua County, more competitive. Today, we can celebrate these efforts and be glad that we will bring over 900 quality, family sustaining jobs back from out of state, and around the world. We couldn’t be more pleased by the news and want to thank Governor Andrew Cuomo, State Senator Cathy Young and State Assemblyman Andy Goodell for standing with Chautauqua County and making this investment in Western New York.”

Senator Catharine Young said: This announcement – hundreds of jobs being created and more than a billion dollars being invested right here in Dunkirk – is proof that things are moving forward in Western New York. Our region is stronger, more prosperous, and more competitive today because of Governor Cuomo, and I am thrilled that we are continuing to build on that progress not just today – but in a way that will have a positive impact for years and years to come.

Assemblyman Andy Goodell said: This is easily one of the most exciting announcements for Dunkirk and Chautauqua County that I’ve seen as a state legislator, and I’m sure the same is true for many of you who have lived in the region for years like me. Athenex’s expansion will create hundreds of good-paying jobs and bring more than a billion dollars of private sector investment right here to Dunkirk. I’m proud to stand with Governor Cuomo today for this exciting announcement that will continue to bring future growth and prosperity to Chautauqua County.

Chautauqua County Executive Vince Horrigan said: I am thrilled to see Athenex staking their future successes right here in Chautauqua County. This announcement will mean benefits to our community years into the future, and it puts us on the map for other private sector businesses to see in a way that is truly unparalleled. Governor Cuomo’s support in making this happen has been tremendous, and I look forward to working with him again in the future to continue growing the economy in Chautuaqua County.

Dunkirk Mayor Willie Rosas said: “This is a tremendous day for Dunkirk and our part of Chautauqua County. I’m excited to see Athenex move in, bringing with them more than a billion dollars in investment and nearly a thousand new jobs. This shows that the state and Governor Cuomo truly are committed to helping our region succeed, and I can’t wait to see the economy continue to grow for future generations.”

Races of note include the Democratic primary for Mayor of Dunkirk, with challenger Willie Rosas defeating incumbent Anthony J. Dolce 568 to 380. Dolce will remain on the ballot as a working families candidate.

Also in the Pomfret Town Justice Race, with acting village of Fredonia Justice Nancy Dietzen defeated Amy Hontz in the Republican primary by an unofficial vote of 200 to 78.

Meanwhile, Dietzen also won the primary for the conservative party, defeating former Chautauqua County Legislator and attorney William Coughlin 28 to 15. Dietzen also defeated Coughlin in the Independence Party primary 45 to 37. The two also tied in the Working Families primary with a vote of 4 to 4. Coughlin will remain on the ballot as the Democratic candidate for Pomfret town justice.

And in the race for Sheridan Town Justice for the Republican Line, Craig Sutton Jr. defeated Sheryl Mays 84 to 70.