A member of the public speaks during Monday’s Jamestown City Council meeting, voicing her concern about a proposed plan to de-dedicate a portion of Lafayette St. on the city’s north side.
JAMESTOWN – The Jamestown City Council had its monthly voting session Monday night and for the second consecutive month, a number of residents from the city’s north side were on hand to express their concerns about a proposed plan to abandon a city street.
About 20 residents were in attendance with more than half a dozen speaking out against a plan to de-dedicate a section of Lafayette St. between Tenth and Eleventh Streets. The parcel would then be sold to the Dave Warren Autogroup to allow for expansion of the dealership.
However, many north side residents are against the idea because of the parcel’s proximity to Chadakoin Park. They say the dealership would encroach onto a pavilion area that sees regular use. In addition, they are concerned that the de-dedication is a safety issue, because it would make it more difficult for emergency vehicles to gain access to the park.
City resident and former county legislator Vicki James was one of those who addressed the council, expressing her concern for city officials going over the details of the plan with community leaders, rather than the entire community.
“We really would like to have some other information,” James explained. “We understand that some of our pastors were invited to an information meeting, but that’s kind of a 60s tactic. We were told that we would be presented with a presentation but, come to find out, the pastors were invited to come back to us and tell us what to do.”
James said that she would prefer seeing the plan presented in a community forum that is open to the public, so that anyone who wants to know more details can attend and learn more.
“It would ease a lot of people’s minds, at least to know, because we’re still in the dark,” James said. “So I think that if we just invite the community out collectively you’ll have the opportunity to give the information all at one time. If there are those who don’t want to come, then that’s on them.”
While some of the comments were pointed directly at the Lafayette St. de-dedication plan and wanting more information, there were others who criticized the plan for not taking the needs of the largely African American community into consideration, saying it was an issue of race.
Another speaker also said that if Dave Warren wanted to make a real investment in the community – he would reach out to youth who use the park and also hire men and women living in that community – rather than simply expand his operation.
Following the meeting, City Council President Greg Rabb emphasized that the plan is not a done deal and that the city council first must approve the de-dedication of the street prior to the property being transferred over to Warren Autosale. He said currently there is no timeline for such a resolution to come before the council for a vote. He also said that city officials will be reaching out to community members to let them have an opportunity to learn more about the plan.
As for some community members saying it is a race issue, Rabb said he doesn’t believe that is the case but does understand why some might think that.
“I understand that some folks could perceive that they’re being treated differently,” Rabb said. “I don’t think I am. I don’t think the mayor is. I don’t think my colleagues are. But I’m not going to discount their feelings. If some of the folks think they’re being treated differently because they are African American, I truly regret that and would apologize for them even having that feeling, but I’m not going to discount it.”
Earlier this month, several religious leaders in the community met with local elected politicians, city officials and Warren to learn more about the plan.
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