Committee advances purchase of three public‑art benches made from recycled windmills for River Street plaza

The Batavia Committee of the Whole on Oct. 28 advanced a resolution authorizing the purchase of three public‑art benches manufactured from recycled windmill material for installation at the River Street plaza and farmers market area.

Staff described the benches — supplied through Noble Wind — as a higher-priced public-art element that will be primed for painting or vinyl wraps and will reinforce Batavia’s manufacturing history while providing seating and shade near the planned public restrooms. The benches will be accompanied by planter seating, concrete seating areas, a drinking fountain and bike amenities in the plaza design.

Max (city staff) told council the order for public restrooms already has a multi-month lead time and that benches were selected in consultation with the Batavia Public Art Commission. “These are benches made out of recycled windmills, as well as they really facilitate public art,” Max said during the presentation. Staff said the purchase would be funded with remaining TIF dollars allocated to the plaza project and that the bench price, while higher than standard benches, remains within the overall project budget.

Aldermen asked for additional photos and suggested a local call for artists to design wraps or painted finishes. Staff said they would circulate images and coordinate the artwork process with the public art commission liaison, Laurie Botterman.

A motion to forward Resolution 2025‑123R to the full council with a positive recommendation passed by voice vote.