MAY
07 2021
Farm supporters rally against eminent domain in Allegany County
Allegany County Fair officials hopeful for 2021 run
File photo Attendees at the 175th Allegany County Fair ride rides and partake in concessions in 2019.
Kathryn Ross photo Michael and Connie Doyle hold signs expressing what they think of an Allegany County plan to use eminent domain to clear the way for a $500 million cheese plant.
BY KATHRYN ROSS BELMONT — It could have been a scene from 30 years ago as people gathered on the lawn at the Allegany County Courthouse to protest governmental injustice. Thirty years ago it was the fight against the federal and state government plan to site a nuclear waste facility in Allegany County. On April 29, farmers with their families and tractors and others gathered under umbrellas on the courthouse lawn as they rallied to let the County Legislature know that they aren’t happy with the proposal to take private land for economic development. Former Fillmore teacher
Roy Bielewicz organized the rally against the use of eminent domain by the county to secure nearly 229 acres from a dairy farm interest and transfer it to the Great Lakes Cheese Co. to build a $500 billion, 486,000-square-foot cheese plant in Belvidere near the Genesee River. Bielewicz told the crowd of nearly 100 people who turned out, despite the rain, “It doesn’t matter how big your farm is. It is a matter of principal. You don’t take away a man’s small farm to give it to a billionaire.” Sign-carrying members of the crowd cheered in agreement with him. Bielewicz urged those in the crowd to swamp local newspapers and radio stations with letters to the
editor, emails and calls about how they feel about the county Board of Legislators’ action in support of the Allegany County Industrial Development Agency’s plan. “This is the time for new blood in the Legislature,” Bielewicz said, adding that county lawmakers are unaware of how most county residents feel about the use of eminent domain in the process. “They don’t have their finger on the pulse of the community. We have to stop this.” Before turning the speaking over to Charlie Bares, whose Marshacres, LLC, operates Mallards Dairy, LLC, of Ellicottville and owns the farmland in question, Bielewicz pointed out, “Less than 10 minutes
south of the proposed site there is more than 300 acres of fallow farmland for sale right on Route 19.” Bares, who grows corn on the land to feed Mallards’ 3,000 dairy cattle, said, “It will greatly weaken our business if we lose that land.” He went on to tell the crowd, “I’m more than a farmer. I’m an American and this kind of thing isn’t supposed to happen in America.” The Mallards operation employs 35 to 40 workers and produces some $11 million a year in dairy products. The land is assessed at $189,500. Bielewicz noted, “It is
Eminent domain continued on page 4
ANGELICA — “The Fair with the Country Smile” is less than 80 days away, and officials are still hoping to hear guidance on this year’s operations. The Allegany County Agricultural Society, which operates the fair, has reported that officials are still planning a mid-July fair — but can not confirm it will happen yet. “We have been, and continue to, plan for our July 19th opening, pending the guidance issued,” a statement said. “Our staff and Board Members have walked through many different scenarios, looked at every part of what we do and continue to be hopeful to safely run the Fair. As we have more information regarding what the fair will look like we will let you know.” The statement came shortly after Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced the New York State Fair would operate in August at 50%
capacity. “However, we are not 100% certain that the announcement pertains to the county fairs in New York State, as not one word in the press conference made mention of them,” the ACAS reported. “We are hoping this is addressed in the very near future.” Officials also commented on calls to move ahead despite the potential for risks. “I know that each County Fair has heard “just run the event” — even without guidance,” the release said. “The reality is, that it is not feasible. Every fair will need to have a public gathering permit issued and signed off by their respective county. As in prior years, all food vendors will need health permits issued by their county health officials. It behooves each of the county fairs to continue to work with their
County Fair continued on ......page 9
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