Department of Development

The City of Jamestown Department of Development is committed to providing economic, social, and cultural opportunities through a variety of public and private partnerships and resources to engage, educate and empower our citizens, create vibrant and safe neighborhoods with decent and affordable housing options, and to generate new investment that will improve the overall quality of life, well-being and sustainability of the entire community.

The Department of Development also aids business owners, both small and large, with grant and low-interest loan programs in the hopes of creating jobs within the city. This department is also in charge of administering Community Development Block Grant and HOME Program funds.

The DOD includes the Jamestown Local Development Corporation (JLDC) and the Jamestown Urban Renewal Agency (JURA).

COVID-19 Alerts and Information

As concerns about the COVID-19 outbreak continue to evolve, the Department of Development will operate on a limited office schedule.  Any permits or in office meetings shall be filed with Larry Scalise, Building Code Enforcement Officer, by appointment only.  Residents may call during normal business hours for all other questions and concerns.

All code enforcement officers are directed to limit inspections to external buildings only.  Inside building inspections are no longer permitted during this time, except for emergency situations only.

Click here for Resources for Businesses & Workers Impacted by COVID-19.

STATE OF EMERGENCY AND LIMITING ACTIONS

Mayor Sundquist has declared a Local State of Emergency in the City of Jamestown, effective 9:00 A.M. on March 17, 2020.  This will remain in effect for a period of 30 days. This follows Chautauqua County declaring a State of Emergency, which went into effect March 15, 2020 at 5:00 P.M. No further limiting actions or orders have been declared and filed. However, the following limiting actions have been imposed by Governor Cuomo following New York state’s Emergency Declaration on March 7, 2020:

NEW YORK STATE WORKFORCE REDUCTION MANDATE

AS OF 8:00 PM, 3/22/20 ALL ‘NON-ESSENTIAL’ BUSINESS AND NONPROFITS WILL BE REQUIRED TO SEND 100% OF THEIR WORKFORCE TO WORK FROM HOME, UNLESS THEY FALL UNDER THE ESSENTIAL SERVICES AS ESTABLISHED BY NEW YORK STATE.

For a full list of essential businesses and services, click here.

If you believe that your business is essential or provides essential services, you can request designation from Empire State Development as an essential business by clicking here.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Sales tax deadline has not been extended (Due 3/20/2020), however there will be no penalty or interest for paying late.

Governor Cuomo has announced a 90 day moratorium on residential and commercial evictions.

Restaurants and bars may serve take out or delivery only. Waivers have been issued for beer and liquor take out. We will note that consumption of alcohol in a vehicle or on the street is still illegal under New York’s Open Container Law. Please take it home and enjoy responsibly. More information from the State Liquor Authority can be found here: https://sla.ny.gov/Restrictions-in-Response-to-COVID-19 

The only additional limiting action being taken by the City is the the suspension of downtown and alternate parking regulations until March 31, 2020, to allow businesses downtown to participate in take-out and curbside pickup services.