Jamestown Downtown Revitalization Initiative

City of Jamestown
Downtown Revitalization Initiative

See Revitalization Area
Curved pedestrian bridge with red metal railings crossing the Chadakoin River on a sunny day, with trees, waterfront buildings, and a highway bridge in the background.
Aerial view of downtown Jamestown with mixed-use buildings, roads, parking lots, and surrounding tree-covered areas extending toward a Chautauqua Lake in the distance.
Wayfinding sign in downtown Jamestown pointing to local attractions, with an American flag in the background.
Trees along the Chadakoin River with colorful autumn foliage reflecting along a calm waterway, with downtown Jamestown buildings visible in the background.

Core to Shore

$10 million towards revitalization

The Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) is a comprehensive approach to boosting local economies by transforming communities into vibrant neighborhoods where the next generation of New Yorkers will want to live, work, and raise a family. The downtown districts that receive funding are chosen at the recommendation of each of New York State's 10 Regional Economic Development Councils (REDCs).

The City of Jamestown was nominated by the Western New York Regional Economic Development Council and selected by New York State to receive a $10 million award through the State's Downtown Revitalization Initiative. The DRI investment will allow Jamestown to develop a Strategic Investment Plan and implement catalytic projects that advance the City's vision for revitalization. Projects selected for DRI funding will transform the community and support a vibrant local economy. This is the second DRI award for Jamestown, which recognizes the City's progress in revitalizing its downtown as well as opportunities to expand revitalization efforts to other parts of downtown. The motto "Core to Shore" represents the City's efforts to expand downtown revitalization to the waterfront and other key downtown areas.

To learn more about the DRI program and planning process, visit https://www.ny.gov/programs/downtown-revitalization-initiative.

Projects selected for DRI funding will transform the community and support a vibrant local economy.

City of Jamestown DRI

Local Planning Committee

The DRI accomplishes its goals through a unique state and local partnership that includes a Local Planning Committee (LPC) nominated by the mayor, state agency representatives, a consultant team, and municipal staff. The LPC is led by two co-chairs, the Mayor and a representative from the Western New York Regional Economic Development Council. The LPC is responsible for representing the interests and priorities of the community. The state agencies involved with the DRI process include the New York State Department of State (DOS), Empire State Development (ESD), Homes and Community Renewal (HCR), and the New York State Energy Research & Development Authority (NYSERDA). The state agency team ensures that the process and deliverables are consistent with the goals, priorities and requirements of the DRI program.

The Local Planning Committee participate in LPC meetings open to the public, provides direction on planning efforts and feedback on planning documents, advises regarding community outreach and engagement activities, reviews and evaluates projects submitted for funding consideration, and recommends a final slate of projects to New York State for funding. The planning process culminates in a Strategic Investment Plan that outlines community issues, opportunities, and needs; establishes a vision and goals for downtown; summarizes public feedback received during the planning process; and identifies a list of priority projects that will help achieve the City's goals for downtown revitalization.

The members of the Local Planning Committee include:

  • Hon. Kimberly Ecklund, Mayor (LPC Co-Chair)
  • Laura Smith, WNY Regional Economic Development Council (Co-Chair)
  • Nathan Aldrich, Chautauqua County Department of Planning & Development
  • Michael Edwards, Jamestown Renaissance Corporation
  • Kurt Eimiller, Slone Melhuish Insurance
  • Patricia Graves, Project Management Institute
  • Daniel Heitzenrater, Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce
  • Hillary Meyer, The Reg Lenna Center for the Arts
  • David Niles, Robert H. Jackson Center
  • Anna Powell, Chautauqua County Health Department
  • Patrick Smeraldo, Allied Industries
  • Solimar Vazquez, Chautauqua Region Community Foundation
  • Joelle Washer, Northwest Bank

Revitalization Area

Boundary

To be eligible for Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) funding, projects must be located within the City of Jamestown DRI boundary. The boundaries may be amended following review of project proposals submitted during the Open Call for Projects.

Aerial map comparing the 2026 Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) boundary and the 2016 DRI boundary in downtown Jamestown, New York. The 2026 boundary is shown with a solid magenta outline and extends north along the Chadakoin River, while the 2016 boundary is shown with a blue dashed outline concentrated around the downtown core. Numbered destination markers identify seven key community assets: Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum, Northwest Arena, National Comedy Center, Chautauqua Sports Hall of Fame, McCrea Point Park and Public Boat Launch, Monument to the Underground Railroad, and Prendergast Library. Major streets, the Chadakoin River, a north arrow, and a scale bar from 0 to 1 mile are included. The map illustrates the expanded 2026 DRI study area relative to the 2016 boundary and highlights important cultural, recreational, and historic destinations within the district.

News & Events

The Jamestown DRI Strategic Investment Plan will outline priority projects that will help achieve the City's vision for downtown revitalization.

City of Jamestown DRI

Documents & Resources

Survey

The following survey has been prepared to help identify issues, opportunities, and needs for downtown revitalization. Your input will help shape the Jamestown DRI Strategic Investment Plan.

Contact Us

For more information on the Jamestown DRI, contact the lead planning consultant:

Stephanie Camay, WSP

stephanie.camay@wsp.com  |  (212) 465-5178

Aerial view of McCrea Point Park with walking paths, docks, picnic shelters, and green space along the Chadakoin River, surrounded by roads and nearby buildings.