Final Public Input Meeting on Chadakoin River Study Scheduled for Wednesday Night

JAMESTOWN – Wednesday is the final day for residents to weigh in on the future development of the Chadakoin River through the City of Jamestown Chadakoin River Revitalization Study. The informational meeting – hosted by the city of Jamestown’s Department of Development – will take place Wednesday at 7 p.m. at the Robert H. Jackson Center and is open to the public.

The study is a 24-month planning effort focused on opportunities for economic development and community recreation along the Jamestown riverfront.

The City of Jamestown recently completed draft documents during the implementation of three NY State planning grants targeted at the Chadakoin River and the properties near the River. These grants include two Brownfield Opportunity Area (BOA) studies and a Local Waterfront Revitalization Program (LWRP) study.

The purpose of the BOA studies are to advance the redevelopment of underutilized, abandoned, or contaminated commercial and industrial sites within two designated study areas, and the purpose of the LWRP is to provide a framework for the revitalization of Riverfront properties and to enhance connections between the River and other parts of the City.

To make the most effective and efficient use of the grant funds, the City elected to merge the separate studies into one project. As part of the planning project, the City has sought community input at various times during the project. Wednesday’s meeting will serve as the final meeting in this stage of the project. It will provide a brief overview of the project scope and results of various analyses, and discuss the proposed redevelopment plans that resulted from these efforts. The public will be given an opportunity to comment on the plans during the meeting.

The meeting will be conducted by LaBella Associates, P.C. in conjunction with the Jamestown Urban Renewal Agency and the City of Jamestown Waterfront Advisory Committee. The effort builds upon existing plans, including the City’s Urban Design Plan.

Completion of the additional planning efforts will help the City, as well as businesses and property owners in the area, with obtaining grants and financial incentives for riverfront redevelopment.