An Ariel view showing the Weitsman Scrap Metal business and its close proximity to residential housing as well as the Chadakoin River. The Outlet Ave. paper street, which was abandoned by the city Monday night, runs along the western edge of the business’s property, next to the Chadakoin River. (Image from Google Maps)

JAMESTOWN – Several residents from the north side of Jamestown are making their concerns known about the abandonment of a city street that would help in the expansion effort of a local scrap metal business.

On Monday night, the Jamestown City Council held a public hearing on the abandonment of city-owned property known as Outlet Ave., a paper street located between Eight Street and Isabella Ave and which is located next to the Chadakoin River. The abandonment was being considered in order to accommodate an expansion effort by the Upstate Shredding – Ben Weitsman Company.

More than half a dozen city residents spoke during the hearing, most expressing concerns they had regarding the noise that comes from the building, along with the impact the business could have on public health and the environment. However, city planning director William Price also spoke, explaining that the abandonment of the property would actually help in the remediation of some of those issues.

Following the hearing, the council voted 7 to 2 in favor of abandoning the street. Both Tamara Dickey – who represents Ward III where the property is located – along with councilman at large George Spitale voting against the measure.

Local resident Rhonda Swanson told WRFA following the meeting that she was disappointed with the vote and that she and the other residents will continue to monitor the business.

“[We’re] very disappointed of course,” Swanson explained. “It’s not something we expected but we should have been here last year, we could have probably turned things around. I wasn’t aware of how quickly things were moving. But I’m here now and my neighborhood is here now and we are on the record as opposing this and we’ll see what happens. Hopefully we are proven wrong. That would be the best outcome possible.”

City Council president Greg Rabb said that he understands the concerns from the residents, but feels the business is an asset for the city, adding that he’s hopeful it will do what it can to alleviate any concerns brought forward by residents…

“We’ve got growth next to residents and I think the residents are somewhat  frustrated because they felt they haven’t been heard,” Rabb said. “I do feel and sympathize with them. I would ask Weitsman again, let’s have a neighborhood meeting. Let’s bring the neighborhood down to the facility – let [the business] hear what we just heard tonight and let’s talk about how we can have both, we can have a neighborhood get better… and we have a business that is trying to grow.”

The Weistman scrap metal business has seen an increase in business the past couple of years, as more and more people are turning in scrap metal for cash. As a result, the company – located on W. 8th Street – plans to install an automated shredding machine to handle the increased volume coming into the facility. City officials says the street abandonment is necessary to accommodate the expansion.

Jamestown Principal Planner William Rice said the commission will review four items, including a site plan for a proposed Tim Horton’s restaurant on North Main Street near the city line. In addition, the panel will review a plan for the construction of a salt barn on Steele Street and also improvements to an area of Lakeview Ave. near Buffalo St. The commission will also review the city walkability analysis that was recently completed.

The planning commission meeting will take place at 3:30 p.m. in the Police Training room on the 4th floor of City Hall and is open to the public.