Architect Chris Cooke presents on Prendergast Landing Project to Jamestown Planning Commission (May 16, 2023)

The Jamestown Planning Commission received an update on the Shawbucks and Prendergast Landing projects at their monthly meeting.

Project Architect Chris Cooke presented on the Prendergast Landing project which is located at the corner of Fairmount Avenue and West Eighth Street. The property was formerly owned by The Resource Center before being purchased in November 2021 by Rahsaan Graham under Jade Empire LLC.

Cooke said the first floor will be retail and mixed use space, “..with a cafe in the back corner. This office level here on the second floor will be a WeWork kind of model, which is small offices for start-up businesses. The third floor will be three apartments there used for a mix of short-term and long-term rentals.”

Cooke said an elevator and ramp entry will be added to the back of the building for accessibility. He said Jade Empire is the developer of the project and that they have already worked with the New York State Historic Preservation Office to find information on the building which was built in the 1880s.

Shawbucks owner Kurt Johnson provided an update on his project to renovate the existing restaurant and bar.

Johnson said he was approved to purchase a 25-foot sidewalk owned by the city in August 2021 so that he could build a three-story balcony on the West Second Street side of the building, “Phase one is moving the bathrooms to the back of the building so that the front of the building is visible. We’ll be leaving eight feet of sidewalk on the front and the sides of the building, which is more space between the buildings than the ones around us. So, right now we’ve started relocating the bathrooms into the back of the building. We’ve got our permit, our first inspection.”

Johnson also plans to build an elevator to increase access to all floors of the building. He said the second floor will include event space, restrooms, and a second kitchen. Johnson added that a future phase of the project would be to turn the rooftop into a green space.

Both projects will likely come back before the Planning Commission in June for site plan approval.

Jamestown City Council

The seven resolutions under new business had been approved by the Jamestown Local Development Corporation, but as all the requests were over $100,000, City Council also must give their approval.

The businesses seeking capital improvements grants from the program include:
– El Greco $198,363
– Dawson Metal $198,363
– Artone LLC $192,794
– International Ordnance $198,363
– National Wire and Metal Technology Incorporated $198,363
– Colecraft Commercial Furnishings $198,363
– and Shawbucks $198,363

Council also will vote under new business on adding $500,000 of American Rescue Plan funds to the Senior Citizen Home Improvement Incentive Program. Mayor Eddie Sundquist had said there had been over $1.8 million in requests for the senior citizen program, which had initially been funded with $500,000 of ARPA funds.

Another item under new business is a resolution to spend $8,000 out of contingency for building roof maintenance at the Fenton History Center.

City Council will hear budget presentations from the Clerk and Treasurer’s Office, Finance, Assessor’s, and Corporation Counsel at a work session scheduled for 6:30 p.m. in the fourth floor Police Training Room.

The voting session will take place at 7:30 p.m. in the second floor Council Chambers. The meetings are open to the public and will be livestreamed on jamestownny.gov.

Shawbucks

Johnson said the renovations extend to the second floor, “The plan would be for to have public assembly up there so I don’t have to close to the public when I do bands, entertainment. It could be any type of public assembly, weddings, catering, conferences, it’ll be a lot more diversified up there.”

Changes to the front of the building also will make it more accessible. Johnson said his next steps are to continue working on drawings and estimates for the project.

A question had been raised whether the Planning Commission could approve the plan even though the city doesn’t own the property yet. Public Works Director Jeff Lehman said this has been done before, “We can make that a contingency of the approval that the city has ownership. Obviously, like I said it’s in the attorney’s hands, the deal has been reached, city council has approved it, it’s just a matter of the paperwork being signed.”

City Council had approved purchasing 1425 through 1505 Washington Street from Tim Shults for $400,000 at its June voting session.

The Planning Commission also approved the request from Shawbucks’ owner Kurt Johnson to purchase a city right-of-way at 212 West Second Street. This purchase will allow Johnson to build a 3-story balcony for outdoor seating for the restaurant.

The negative declaration and site plan also was approved for Lutheran Social Services Green Home project.

And the Planning Commission continued discussions on the Local Preservation Ordinance with plans to schedule a special meeting specifically to discuss LPO language and details.

Thompson said he believes the city will see a significant increase in sales tax revenue for the second quarter of 2021 relative to 2020.

Council will review a one-year lease renewal for office space with the Jamestown Renaissance Corporation. Under the lease, JRC will pay the city $500 a month for 668 square feet of space on the third floor of City Hall. This represents an increase from $200 a month last year.

Council also will review a telecommuting policy for city employees at its work session tonight. The resolution report said the creation of the policy was needed after employees worked from home during the pandemic.

Also on the agenda are a number of special event permit applications for upcoming events. There also is a request by downtown restaurant, Forte, to install a parklet as well as a request by Shawbucks owner Kurt Johnson to purchase a city right-of-way in order to build a 3-story deck onto the building for outdoor seating.

The committee meetings start in person at 6:45pm with the full work session beginning at 7:30pm in the Third Floor Conference room. All meetings are open to the public.

On Sept. 9 local, state and federal officials announced $10.5 million in federal funding to assist businesses in Chautauqua County during the COVID-19 pandemic. From left to right – Assemblyman Andrew Goodell; Joel Frushone, EDA Director – Office of External Affairs; Anthony Foti, Intergovernmental Affairs Director – U.S. Department of Commerce; Richard Dixon, CFO – County of Chautauqua Industrial Development Agency; Congressman Tom Reed; Senator George Borrello; County Executive Paul Wendel; Mayor Wilfred Rosas; Crystal Surdyk, Interim Director of Development for the City of Jamestown; Michael Metzger, Chairman of the Board for the CCIDA and VP for Finance and Administration at SUNY Fredonia.

JAMESTOWN – The Chautauqua County Industrial Development Agency has allocated more than half of the federal CARES Act money it recently received to assist businesses throughout the county during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In September, The U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) announced the county IDA was selected to receive a $10.5 million grant to establish a new, low-interest Revolving Loan Fund (RLF). Both businesses and non-profit organizations are allowed to apply for the funding as a means to respond to economic injury resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.

As currently established, the new RLF provides loans of no less than $25,000 and not to exceed $1 Million, and working capital loans of up to $250,000, with an interest rate of 2.44% (the lowest allowed).

The first round of funding – totaling more than $5.7 million, was awarded during the Tuesday IDA board meeting – going to 28 businesses and non-profit entities.

Of the 28 loan approvals, six of them covered more than half the total amount being borrowed:

• $700,000 to SKB Auto Sales (Fredonia)
• $646,650 to Big Inlet Brewing (Mayville)
• $500,000 to Cockaigne Resort (Cherry Creek)
• $494,460 to Artone (Jamestown)
• $375,000 to Heritage Ministries (Gerry)
• $375,000 to Advanced Production Group (Dunkirk)

The remaining loans were as follows:

• $322,000 to Luscombe Aircraft Corporation (Jamestown)
• $250,000 to La Quinta/ Holiday Inn Express/ Hampton Inn (Jamestown)
• $227,000 to Pace’s Pizzeria (Jamestown)
• $200,000 to Webb’s Candies, Inc./ Webb’s Motel Inc. (Mayville)
• $182,183 to Kimbert Manufacturing dba Barton Tool Inc. (Falconer)
• $125,000 to Ark Wholesale, LLC (Fredonia)
• $125,000 to Brigiottas Farmland Produce & Garden Center Inc. (Jamestown)
• $125,000 to Corvus Bus & Charter, Inc. (Falconer)
• $125,000 to Excelco/Newbrook, Inc. (Silver Creek)
• $125,000 to Falconer Hotel, LLC (Falconer)
• $125,000 to International Ordnance Technologies (Jamestown)
• $125,000 to Pucci Carpet One Furniture & Bedding, Inc. (Fredonia)
• $115,000 to Shawbucks, Inc. (Jamestown)
• $125,000 to Webb’s Harbor Restaurant and Bowling Lanes, Inc. (Mayville)
• $87,500 to Bilicki Law Firm, PC (Jamestown)
• $85,000 to Skate Shop (Jamestown)
• $75,000 to The Original Crunch Roll Factory, LLC (Westfield)
• $41,000 to Merritt Estate Winery, Inc. (Forestville)
• $35,000 to Ivory Acres Weddings LLC (Frewsburg)
• $25,000 to Uhl Ventures LLC dba Servpro of Jamestown/Olean (Jamestown)

IDA Director Mark Geise reminds businesses that the application and program details are still currently available, and urges anyone interested in applying to contact the CCIDA office at 661-8900.

This year’s festival will feature over 60 artists and will be celebrating local, regional and international talent across several venues, including Jamestown Brewing Company, Winter Garden Plaza, Shawbucks, Jamestown Wine Cellar, Labyrinth Press Company,  the Reg Lenna Center for the Arts, and 3rd on 3rd Gallery. 

This year’s festivities include multi-genre musical performances by internationally touring bands, including the high energy reggae/funk rock of  Tropidelic, fresh off 311’s Caribbean Cruise. Other acts include After Funk, LeSpecial, Funktional Flow, Witty Tarbox, Company Townes, Space Junk, Qwister, Cold Lazarus, Wanyama, Vibe Supply, The LEC, Bill Ward, Cindy & the Loves, Amanda Lynn’s Shenanigans, Smilo & the Ghost, Phantasm, Feverhawk, Trip the Deuce and the special reunion show of Jamestown’s The Audience – plus many more.

Whirlybird 2019’s comedy program will be headlined by Steven Rogers. Known for his clever, clean and hilarious comedy, Steven recently appeared on The Late Show with Steven Colbert and regularly opens for Brian Regan. Local comedy team Karate Sleepover will feature a regional comedy showcase and open for Steven along with Buffalo’s up and comer Jesse Winterhalter.

Whirlybird 2019 features a FREE, all age and family friendly Street Festival taking place on 3rd street between Main Street and City Hall as well as Winter Garden Plaza, Saturday July 20 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. The Whirlybird Street Fest will feature four outdoor stages, 25 musical acts, the Jamestown Public Market Farmer’s Market, love painting, carving and crafting, arts and craft vendors, a beer garden, local food, kids activities, a hooping workshop and more.

According to organizer Miki Girts, Whirlybird’s mission is to strengthen the thriving creative culture of Jamestown, New York through organization and inspiration.

“Whirly brings out the best in our city in collaboration with a community of incredible people, local organizations, venues and businesses for a good cause and a great time,” Girts said.

Along with spearheading a summer music program at YMCA Camp Onyahsa, Whirlybird is also partnering with local arts events including Third Thursday at Winter Garden Plaza, Karate Sleepover Open Mic, Wine Cellar Open Mic and Pulse Poetry Slam, and Jamestown Public Market.

Whirlybird 2018 succeeded in raising and donating over one thousand dollars to local non-profit youth organizations. Whirlybird 2019 is aiming to double that donation to raise funds for the Jamestown Skate Park Project & YMCA Camp Onyahsa music and scholarship programs.

For more information, including the complete schedule of events, visit www.whirlybirdmusicfestival.com.

This year awards will be presented as follows:

• New Business of the Year, Chautauqua Harbor Hotel;
• Manufacturer of the Year, Cummins Inc.;
• Retailer of the Year, Wegmans;
• Restaurant of the Year, Lena’s Pizza;
• Young Business Persons of the Year, Joe and Alyvia Town the new owners of Pace’s Pizzeria;
• Service to Humanity Award, UCAN Ministry;
• the Pride of Jamestown Award, Reg Lenna Center for the Arts;
• Business of the Year, Lake Shore Paving.

Salute to the Finest is sponsored by Ahlstrom Schaeffer Electric, Elegant Edibles Catering, and Shawbucks.

A cocktail hour with cash bar begins at 5 p.m., with dinner and the program to start at 6 p.m. The cost is $32 for Chamber members and $35 for non-members, or $240 for a table of eight.  Several meal options are available.  Reservations are requested by February 22.  Seating is limited so please register soon on our website at www.chautauquachamber.org or by calling the Chamber at 484-1101.

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The year’s biggest night of local music is happening in downtown Jamestown this weekend.

Infinity Visual and Performing Arts will hold its 14^th annual Local Music Showcase (LMS) fundraiser on Saturday, Sept. 9.

Dubbed “The Night Music Reigns,” LMS will take place throughout 9 venues in Downtown Jamestown and features nearly 50 local musical acts. Events begin at 6 p.m. and will last into the night, ending at 2 a.m.

This year’s venues include: Brazil, Forte, Labyrinth Press Co., MoJo’s, Shawbucks, The Pub, The Q, The Wine Cellar and the Infinity Arts Café.

It takes over 200 individual volunteers from the community to make Infinity’s annual Local Music Showcase event a success. All funds raised directly benefit Chautauqua County students and support music and arts education for area young people at the Infinity Center through private lessons, group classes, hands on learning experiences, and performance opportunities.

Pre-sale tickets for Local Music Showcase are currently available at a discounted rate of $10. They can be purchased online or in person at the Infinity Center until Friday, September 8.  Wristbands for $15 will be available at two ticketing kiosks on the night of the event. Kiosks will be open at Shawbucks (212 W 2^nd St) from 6 p.m. and 2 a.m. or the Infinity Arts Café (300 East 3^rd St) from 4 p.m. to 2 a.m.

For a full schedule of acts for each venue please visit www.infinityperformingarts.org or find Infinity’s 14^th Annual Local Music Showcase on Facebook!

Chautauqua County Executive Vince Horrigan

MAYVILLE – May is National Mental Health Month and this year National Prevention Week is May 14 through May 20.

In recognition of local groups’ educational efforts on drug addiction, Chautauqua County Executive Vince Horrigan has proclaimed May 2017 as Drug Abuse Awareness and Prevention Month in Chautauqua County.

Horrigan will be taking part various awareness events to discuss the county’s ongoing efforts to combat opioid abuse and he encourages residents to attend.

On Saturday, May 13, a Rockin’ for Recovery Concert and Drug Awareness Fair will be held at 2 p.m. at Shawbucks, 212 W. Second St. in Jamestown. This event is for all ages and it will showcase prevention, awareness and recovery complete with a concert starring Billboard Pop Sensation Brielle.

On May 16, Hope and Healing for Chautauqua will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Chautauqua Suites, 215 W. Lake Rd. in Mayville. This free, day-long event will feature guest speakers, presentations, and addiction resources for the community.

For more information, visit the HOPE Chautauqua Facebook page at www.facebook.com/hopechautauqua/.