Politics & Government
Arch Enemies? Batavia Alderman Will Ask for Recall After Residents Protest $117,000 Downtown Streetscape Piece
News Nearby: Protesters convince alderman to change his vote on $117,000 downtown archway.
Batavians sounded off loud and clear in a Patch "Tri-Cities Talk" on April 3 and some took to the streets with signs on April 6. Some of the signs read, "$117,000 Arch—Cut Waste," "Reconsider" and "April 9 Vote Big Spenders Out."
Now, Batavia Alderman Dan Chanzit says he'll ask for a recall vote on the decision to build a $117,000 arch on North River Street.
"After meeting with residents this afternoon, I can say that my position has evolved on this issue, and I will be calling for a recall vote," Chanzit said by email following a downtown protest of the plan.
Find out what's happening in Genevawith free, real-time updates from Patch.
The arch issue might have had an affect on the election in Batavia, which saw three incumbents lose their seats on April 9. Jamie Saam defeated incumbent James Volk for the 4th Ward seat. Steven Vasilion beat Eldon Frydenhall for the 5th Ward seat and Nicholas P. Cerone bested 6th Ward Alderman Robert Liva.
Vasilion spoke out against the plan before it the vote was taken at the April 1 City Council meeting.
Find out what's happening in Genevawith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Lighting is likely to add another $15,000 to the total cost and the city spent more than $9,100 for the design and foundation work.
Some protesters told the Daily Herald that they didn't like the design. Most didn't like the cost. Sylvia Keppel told the Daily Herald the arch looked like "a halo on Popsicle sticks."
Chanzit said he'd call for the recall vote at the regularly scheduled April 15 meeting.
"I told protesters I wouldn't make any promises, but I believe the issue needs to be reconsidered by the Community Development Committee," he said. "In my three years on council, I cannot recall so many people — Facebook, Patch, newspaper comment boards — crying foul about anything! I'm in favor of halting the project to see if we can find a more-affordable and more-traditional design that will stand the test of time."
He added that, if the committee doesn't agree, he expects the arch will be build as previousy approved.
The arch would be financed by Tax-Increment Financing District coffers.
