JAMESTOWN, NY – May 1, 2025 – On Wednesday, April 30, 2025, the City of Jamestown hosted a well-attended Developer’s Forum that brought together more than 100 developers, investors, agency representatives, and community stakeholders. Co-hosted by the Gebbie Foundation, the Jamestown Board of Public Utilities (BPU), and the Jamestown Renaissance Corporation, the event was themed “Constructing Hope, Inspiring Growth” and served as a platform to highlight development-ready opportunities and major infrastructure initiatives across the city.
Mayor Kimberly Ecklund opened the forum with a keynote address focused on the city’s strategic and future-driven approach to revitalization. She emphasized Jamestown’s commitment to removing development barriers and positioning the city for long-term economic success through several high-impact initiatives, including:
- The Chadakoin River Basin Activation Project, transforming the city’s riverfront into a year-round destination
- An update to the Comprehensive Plan, followed by a full rewrite of the City’s Zoning Code
- Jamestown’s designation as a New York State Pro-Housing Community, strengthening access to state housing resources
- The upcoming Safe Streets for All (SS4A) initiative, which will enhance pedestrian and transportation safety citywide
- Investments in District Heating, Municipal Fiber Broadband, and the planning of a Microgrid for energy resilience
- Jamestown’s participation in the National League of Cities’ Good Jobs, Great Cities initiative, advancing workforce development and equitable economic growth
“These are not just concepts; they are happening right now,” Mayor Ecklund said. “We are planning, funding, and building for the future—while staying rooted in community needs and collaborative opportunity.”
Attendees heard presentations from key local, state, and regional agencies offering insight into funding programs, planning tools, and development incentives. Speakers included:
- Karen Utz & Jerome Nagy, NYS Empire State Development
- Leonard Skrill, NYS Homes & Community Renewal
- Benjamin Bidell, NYS Department of State
- Stan Radon, NYS Department of Environmental Conservation
- Mark Geise & Rebecca Wurster, Chautauqua County Department of Planning and Development
- Crystal Surdyk, Department of Development, City of Jamestown
- Ellen Ditonto, Jamestown Board of Public Utilities
Following the presentations, attendees took part in one of two curated “Opportunity Tours”—a downtown walking tour or a trolley tour through Jamestown neighborhoods. These tours spotlighted a mix of buildings currently for sale, vacant lots suitable for infill housing, and other sites with strong redevelopment potential.
Walking tour locations included:
- Furniture Exposition Building
- Blackstone NEY Ultrasonics
- The former Key Bank & Marine Midland Bank buildings
- Willow Bay Building
- El Greco (1st Street)
Trolley tour stops featured:
- Fluvanna Avenue
- Spring Street
- Fulton Street
- Vega Street
- Eagle Street
- Johnson Street
- Cross Street
Each participant received development materials and property information, including real estate listings and key contacts to support continued engagement. The forum underscored Jamestown’s readiness to partner with developers and investors to meet housing demand, revitalize neighborhoods, and drive sustainable economic growth.
“This is a city aligned and prepared for growth,” said Crystal Surdyk, Director of Development. “Whether you are a first-time investor or an experienced developer, Jamestown has the vision, the properties, and the leadership to support your next project.”
For more information on development opportunities, contact the Department of Development at (716) 483-7541 or visit www.jamestownny.gov.
