Batavia plans changes for Veterans Memorial

Batavia plans to move and add to its Vietnam Veterans Memorial this year.

The project will cost about $20,000, but city officials hope to solicit donations to make the cost to the city about $15,000.

Now facing Houston Street at Island Avenue, the memorial consists of a monument, plaque and flagpoles. It would be moved to the north among several trees, and landscaping and a pathway would be added.

"It's a lot more respectful of the memorial itself," said Jerry Swanson, city community development director.

The memorial is now right next to a bike path, with no walkway up to it. Moving it will give the memorial a more private feel where people can stop and reflect, Swanson said.

The flagpoles would be moved in front of the Batavia Government Center across the street. An additional plaque would be placed at the memorial for POW/MIA soldiers, in place of the POW/MIA flag that is now at the memorial.

The city's Community Development Committee gave the city staff the go-ahead to solicit bids for the project on Tuesday.

The city has budgeted $15,000 for the plan this year. It will bid several aspects of the project separately, as the estimate for the project now is about $20,000.

The city staff may be able to do some of the work itself, which would cut costs, or the city could solicit donations or host a fundraiser, Swanson said.

Bids will likely come to the City Council in the spring, and the project should be done by the summer, Swanson said.

Change: City to solicit bids for $20,000 project