Jamestown Riverfront Development Project Given ‘Top Priority’ for State Funding

BUFFALO – Some proposed local development projects received some good news recently regarding the likelihood they’ll receive state aid.

As part of its 2018 regional Progress Report, the Western New York Regional Economic Development Council (WNYREDC) announced 16 priority projects have received its recommendation to advance the region’s growth objectives.

Four of those projects come from Chautauqua County and have been labelled as top priority projects by WNYREDC. The projects are located in Jamestown, Westfield, and Fredonia. They include:

The Riverfront Property Development Proposal in Jamestown – $100,000 recommendation
The Welch’s Building Redevelopment in Westfield – $1,000,000 recommendation
The White Inn redevelopment project in Fredonia – $220,000 recommendation
The AgriAmerica projects in Fredonia – $498,6000

JAMESTOWN RIVERFRONT PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT

The project in Jamestown focuses on the purchase and development of riverfront property along the south bank of the Chadakoin River. The application for the project said it supports smart growth by concentrating investment near the newly opened National Comedy Center (NCC).

While the details of the project don’t include a specific location, city officials have said it would likely involve acquiring and relocating the Chautauqua Brick business to another area of the city so that its present location on Harrison St. can be developed for a project that caters to downtown visitors and tourism.

According to the project details in the WNYREDC report, “The overall Riverfront Development project will help establish a new South Bank District that will become the recreational centerpiece of the community and a catalyst for economic development. The project will add to the vitality of the area and dramatically improve the Riverwalk experience which now includes two pedestrian bridges that connect the south bank to the NCC, Comedy Park and downtown area.”

It continues, “Local businesses will maximize their earning potential through the addition of waterfront activities such as “eco” tours, kayaking, paddle boats and fishing. The idea is to ultimately develop waterfront access, recreational amenities and mixed-use facilities for housing, entertainment, restaurants and open spaces to make the South Bank District a desirable destination for residents and visitors.”

The total cost of the project would be $500,000, with $100,000 coming from the CFA proposal.City officials have said that if all funding is secured, they would likely use it to help purchase the Chautauqua Brick property at 34 Harrison St., as well as help to fund the relocation of that business to another area of the city.

In addition to the 16 priority projects, dozens of other projects also received a score of 20, making them high priority projects for state development officials to consider. Locally, those projects include:

Jamestown Renaissance Corporation Unite North Main Facade Project – $390,000
Lakewood Chautauqua Ave. Green Street Retrofit – $699,511
Lakewood Lowe Park Stream Stormwater Project – $255,951
St. Luke’s Episcopal Church Bell Tower and Front Porch Stabilization – $500,000
VIEW TOTAL LIST OF PROJECTS AND SCORES

The priority designations increases the likelihood the state will award Consolidated Funding Application grant money to the projects, with an announcement expected by the end of this year of just how much money all projects across the state will receive.

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