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Batavia Park District is Invited Into a Private/Public Partnership to Redevelop Downtown Batavia

The Batavia Park District has recently been invited by Preferred Development, a Chicago-based development and management company, to participate in a downtown Batavia redevelopment project designed to generate foot traffic with the construction of a new recreational facility. Preferred Development has entered into a purchase contract for the shopping center at the west side of Island Avenue and has asked the park district to come to the table with plans for an anchor facility that would promote commerce, satisfy recreational needs, support the city's vision and revitalize the heart of downtown Batavia.

Plans have not been formalized but there is a Community Development Committee meeting taking place on Tuesday, January 12 at the City Council Chambers to roll out concept plans. "The park district is excited about this invitation," said Executive Director Mike Clark. “This proposal is in its infant stages and the park board has made no decisions as to how we will proceed. We value the community’s feedback and will be certain to listen to their voice before deciding whether to move forward.”

"This in no way impacts the park board or staff's commitment to the Hall Quarry Beach and is not related to that facility in any way," Clark said. “Given the results of our most recent referendum, the park district is committed to doing everything possible to preserve Hall Quarry Beach for generations of Batavians to come.”

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