The City of Jamestown is among number of Western New York communities selected to receive grant funding in Round XI of the Regional Economic Development Council Initiative (REDC) through Empire State Development (ESD). The City and its partners have secured $1.83 million in funding, with over $1.28 million for Chadakoin River Basin Enhancements and $99,000 for a new Comprehensive Plan.
The Chadakoin River Basin Enhancements advance the City’s Local Waterfront Revitalization Program (LWRP) by designing and constructing enhancements along the Chadakoin River to improve and increase public access to the waterfront and spur economic activity in Jamestown. Proposed enhancements include signature gardens, mural, amphitheater style tiered seating, placemaking items, a kayak launch, dock, and welcome center for visitors. To improve navigation and safety, obstacles will be removed and safety buoys and navigation aids will be installed.
The City of Jamestown’s new comprehensive plan will be guided by smart growth principles. The new plan will address community and economic development; housing; health and well-being; equity and inclusion; and energy and the environment. The plan will provide a roadmap to develop policies that foster the creation and enhancement of community assets, and cultivate viable economic, social, wellness, and professional pathways for its residents, workers, and visitors.
The REDC also awarded $450,000 to the Jamestown Center City Development Corporation for TheZone, a new indoor activities venue for children in Downtown Jamestown. TheZone will be located in Northwest Arena and will create a new youth attraction that utilizes technology in play and encourages kids to explore STEAM principles through physical activity. The center will enhance the visitor experience in Downtown Jamestown by diversifying available programming and leveraging existing outdoor recreational amenities.
The City would like to recognize and thank the Gebbie Foundation, the Chautauqua County Partnership for Economic Growth, the County of Chautauqua Industrial Development Agency, Chautauqua Region Economic Development Corporation, and the Board of Public Utilities, for their partnership in the development of the Chadakoin River Strategic Business Plan, which was paramount to the success of the City’s grant application.
