Jamestown,NY
Part I of Series
This is the first in a series of articles that will focus on Jamestown’s Downtown Revitalization 2.0, as the City of Jamestown will receive $10 million in funding as the Western New York winner of the ninth round of the Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI),
The first Jamestown DRI 1.0 focused entirely on funding projects/infrastructure/programs within downtown Jamestown, turning $10 Million in DRI funding into $56.7 million in public and private investment.
Jamestown’s DRI 2.0
Building on the success of its first DRI award, the City’s next phase of revitalization will extend from its historic core to the shores of the Chadakoin River. This “Core to Shore” vision will connect downtown’s commercial, residential and cultural assets with its growing waterfront district. The vision for the City of Jamestown’s DRI 2.0 is to advance “Core to Shore”, extending downtown revitalization toward the Chadakoin River while creating a more unified downtown and riverfront that supports continued growth and opportunity.
Jamestown has pulled out all the stops for this DRI, as the Local Planning Committee (LPC) was nominated by the mayor, state agency representatives, a consultant team, and municipal staff. The LPC is led by two co-chairs, the Mayor and a representative from the Western New York Regional Economic Development Council. The LPC is responsible for representing the interests and priorities of the community. The state agencies involved with the DRI process include the New York State Department of State (DOS), Empire State Development (ESD), Homes and Community Renewal (HCR), and the New York State Energy.
Approximately 24 funding proposals were submitted to the LPC totaling $36,445,000. However, the total funding needed to complete all proposed projects exceeded $155,147,000. The project types included 17 redevelopment/ renovations of buildings; five public improvement projects; two branding and marketing projects; and 13 small funding interest forms. The funding gap would be covered by anticipated outside sources.
The vision and strategies of the LPC to grow the local economy and increase employment include but are not limited to:
- Redevelop historic and underutilized buildings to create ready-to-occupy downtown spaces that attract and support businesses.
- Invest in existing businesses to help maximize their potential, while attracting new businesses that create jobs and draw visitors downtown.
- Improve downtown amenities and infrastructure to create an environment that supports businesses, employees, and continued investment.
Expand and improve Downtown housing:
- Convert underused upper floors of existing downtown buildings into quality residential units, while retaining ground floors for active commercial uses.
- Support quality housing that serves residents of various ages, incomes, and family types
Reconnect Downtown to the Chadakoin River
- Improve connections between the downtown core and the Chadakoin River by addressing barriers and creating more seamless access between the two.
- Enhance greenspace and create additional riverfront recreation opportunities, including water access, gathering areas, and space for programming.
- Position the riverfront as an economic asset, by supporting businesses and tourism opportunities that build upon the river as a downtown amenity.
- Expand the Riverwalk, improving accessibility to accommodate more users, and strengthen connections to surrounding neighborhoods and the regional trail network
Strengthening Downtown’s identity as a cultural destination:
- Strengthen downtown’s identity through cohesive branding, placemaking, and wayfinding that builds connection among residents, businesses, and visitors.
- Support the arts, cultural institutions, historical assets, and heritage that distinguish and define Jamestown.
This comprehensive approach to revitalizing Jamestown’s “Core to Shore” will occur over several years as organic and incremental growth will gain traction as each of the funded projects comes to fruition. Ideally as this round of Jamestown’s DRI moves forward a critical mass and tipping point of development and economic growth will usher in a new and much needed era for the city of Jamestown.
Initially employment in the commercial and residential construction trades will be increased followed by a boost in retail spending and employment as each project finishes its interior build outs with furniture, fixtures and equipment.