Jamestown Planning Commission (March 21, 2023)

The Jamestown Planning Commission has finally approved the sale of two city-owned parcels.

The Commission, lacking a quorum at its meetings in January and February, was unable to take action until this month.

The two parcels include property on Crescent Street that originally was going to be used for the Department of Public Works‘ Central Garage with the other parcel being a vacant lot on Pennsylvania Avenue.

The Crescent Street parcel received a bid for $25,000 from Falcon Conveyor owner Scott Clark, who owns the building on the adjacent property. Clark plans to use the lot for access to his building, where Falcon Conveyor is located.

The parcel on Pennsylvania Avenue received a bid for $4,900 from Kim and Shane Collins, who have a house next door. The parcel is too small to meet code requirements for building on it.

The sale proposals must now be approved by Jamestown City Council and are expected to appear under new business at its voting session on March 27.

Jamestown Planning Commission members meet (January 17, 2023)

The Jamestown Planning Commission reviewed two proposals to sell city-owned land at its monthly meeting.

The Commission did not have a quorum, so no action was taken.

The two parcels include property on Crescent Street that originally was going to be used for the Department of Public Works’ Central Garage with the other parcel being a vacant lot on Pennsylvania Avenue.

The Crescent Street parcel is proposed to be sold for $25,000 to Falcon Conveyor owner Scott Clark, who owns the building on the adjacent property. Clark plans to use the lot for access to his building, where Falcon Conveyor is located.

The parcel on Pennsylvania Avenue is proposed to be sold for $4,900 to Kim and Shane Collins, who have a house next door. The parcel is too small to meet code requirements for building.

The Planning Commission is expected to take action on both items at its February meeting as long as quorum requirements are met.

Welch Administration Building, Westfield, New York

The former Welch Administration Building redevelopment project in the village of Westfield has moved another step forward.

The Chautauqua County Industrial Development Agency Board approved a PILOT and tax lease incentives for adaptive re-use of the $11.5 million project being undertaken by 2 Portage, LLC. This includes real property, sales tax, and mortgage recording tax abatements.

The entire 48,000 square foot building will be renovated to create a mix of residential apartments and commercial tenant space.

Subject to additional approvals needed, acquisition is anticipated in 2022 with an 18-month construction period and an estimated occupancy in mid-2024.

The IDA board also approved a $154,000 Al-Tech Loan to Falcon Acquisitions.

The loan is part of a $472,500 finance package for the purchase and renovation of 111 Cheney Street by Falcon Conveyor Owner Scott Clark. Clark plans to open a steel belt conveyor manufacturing facility. The Jamestown Local Development Corporation approved a $93,750 loan in November and the Greater Jamestown Empire Zone Capital Corporation approved a $50,000 loan as well for the project.

Jamestown Local Development Corporation meeting. (Far Right) Falcon Conveyor Owner Scott Clark

A new manufacturer of steel belt conveyors is planning on opening in the City of Jamestown.

Falcon Conveyor will receive a $93,750 loan from the Jamestown Local Development Corporation as part of a $472,500 financing package. That package also includes $50,000 from the Zone Capital Corporation and a requested $154,000 loan from the Chautauqua County Industrial Development Agency.

City Economic Development Coordinator Stephanie Wright said Falcon Conveyor Owner Scott Clark purchased 111 Cheney Street, which is a five-story brick building in the city. He comes to the area after working in the material handling field for over 30 years, with 27 of those in the conveyor industry.

She said Clark was attracted by Jamestown’s low cost of living and the space available in the building, “He’s going to be able to test these conveyors before he sends them out to the clients which is almost unheard of. Right now, everything is made and then sent out in hopes that it’s going to work but now he’s actually going to be able to build them, try them, and then send them out. And he’s also working on some patents that is going to improve the efficiency of these conveyors.”

Wright said over 20 manufacturing jobs are expected to be created with the company.