Days Numbered for GM Plant
By: Ashley Zilka
Updated: December 13, 2012
In less than three months General Motors will officially close it's fuel cell plant in Honeoye Falls. There are already signs of change.
220 General Motors employees heard the news back in October. Most of their jobs are moving to Pontiac, Michigan early next year. Some employees have already made the move, but local businesses know the worse is still on the way.
"As soon as they are out, it's going to be huge," said Martha Hoh.
Martha Hoh works at the Brewery Pub and Grill on West Main Street. Although the restaurant hasn't seen a negative impact yet, she knows it's coming.
"Even the ice cream store up the road, they line up during the summer and get ice cream. I see them walking through town. They stop and get pizza or they come here for lunch. I had a big huge group here today. It's scary," said Hoh.
For now, it's a toss up between moving to Michigan or finding another job in Honeoye Falls. Nothnagle Realtors confirmed a number of General Motors employees have put up their homes for sale.
But the Village Mayor Richard Milne says a lot of employees are staying because of the school system in Honeoye Falls.
"I've only heard about a few relocating. They still come in for lunch or after work and some of them have talked about how they are going on interviews. I have only heard of a few that are going elsewhere," said Hoh.
No matter what happens it's a big blow for the local economy. The plant is one of the largest employers in the village and the jobs are high-paying positions.
So for local restaurants it's only a matter of time until they see fewer customers.
"It's a big impact. I think a lot of people are shocked. I was shocked when I found out," said Hoh.
220 General Motors employees heard the news back in October. Most of their jobs are moving to Pontiac, Michigan early next year. Some employees have already made the move, but local businesses know the worse is still on the way.
"As soon as they are out, it's going to be huge," said Martha Hoh.
Martha Hoh works at the Brewery Pub and Grill on West Main Street. Although the restaurant hasn't seen a negative impact yet, she knows it's coming.
"Even the ice cream store up the road, they line up during the summer and get ice cream. I see them walking through town. They stop and get pizza or they come here for lunch. I had a big huge group here today. It's scary," said Hoh.
For now, it's a toss up between moving to Michigan or finding another job in Honeoye Falls. Nothnagle Realtors confirmed a number of General Motors employees have put up their homes for sale.
But the Village Mayor Richard Milne says a lot of employees are staying because of the school system in Honeoye Falls.
"I've only heard about a few relocating. They still come in for lunch or after work and some of them have talked about how they are going on interviews. I have only heard of a few that are going elsewhere," said Hoh.
No matter what happens it's a big blow for the local economy. The plant is one of the largest employers in the village and the jobs are high-paying positions.
So for local restaurants it's only a matter of time until they see fewer customers.
"It's a big impact. I think a lot of people are shocked. I was shocked when I found out," said Hoh.
