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City economic-development manager outlines North River Street revitalization, incentives for new restaurants
Summary
Anthony Isom, the city’s economic development manager, told Batavia’s Committee of the Whole on May 12 that a package of downtown projects — public restrooms, a plaza, a bike ramp, façade grants and a $150,000 incentive for a 15 East Wilson restaurant — aims to increase foot traffic and spark reinvestment in North River Street.
Anthony Isom, the city’s economic development manager, presented a broad downtown revitalization strategy for North River Street to the Committee of the Whole on May 12. He described infrastructure and placemaking projects intended to boost foot traffic and attract businesses, including a North River Street Plaza with public restrooms, a proposed bike‑ramp connection near the Peace Bridge, a public mural, and the reuse of recycled wind‑turbine material for benches and art.
Isom said the city previously invested through tax‑increment financing in the corridor and remains focused on bringing people and investment back to downtown. He described a grant structure approved by council staff: $100,000 reimbursed up front for permanent building improvements and $50,000 paid over five years if a business remains open — a $150,000 total incentive proposed for a 15 East Wilson restaurant redevelopment.
Property owners Diane Merrick and her son Danny spoke about plans for 912 Main Street and elsewhere in the downtown. Diane Merrick said the owners bought the Elms property to restore a family restaurant to the neighborhood, and Danny Merrick described a family‑friendly, counter service concept that will keep the property’s ice‑cream window and add a patio and fenced play area. “We’re just really excited to bring a family friendly place — burgers, sandwiches, salads, hand cut fries — back to the neighborhood,” Danny Merrick said.
Council members raised long‑standing concerns about vacancies and specific building‑condition issues. Staff said they are finalizing a building condition survey and expect to present a consultant contract for approval in the coming weeks. Staff also reported ongoing work with a property owner and specialty contractors to remove an unsafe chimney on a vacant downtown building; the city said it prefers voluntary compliance but may pursue legal action if repairs do not proceed.
Isom said the city is redesigning its downtown grant programs to replace expired TIF support, proposing a downtown enhancement program funded from the general fund to pay for landscaping, exterior improvements and visible parking upgrades in areas previously served by TIF. He also described steps to monitor and, if necessary, impose parking restrictions should off‑street and on‑street parking conflicts persist.
The Committee welcomed the presentation and voted to place specific planning and incentive items on the regular council agenda for subsequent action. The presentation prompted follow‑up questions about timelines for the building condition survey, contractor selection for chimney repair, and details of the proposed downtown enhancement grant.
