To the Readers' Forum:
I don't think asking Jamestown City Council (or anyone else for that matter) what they would like to see or propose for downtown Jamestown is what we're really looking for.
When it comes to the upcoming study and the firms that are participating, it shouldn't be their focus either.
What it should be about, in a nut shell:
How can we build a vehicle" or "path" that is so solid, so forward thinking and so bold that new businesses will fight for a piece of the action and prime real-estate in the City of Jamestown?
If we build this vehicle - the businesses jockeying for a piece of this pie will spend their money researching, studying feasibility, growth, competition and everything they need to make the investment. Let's be honest, no one can tell these national players more about their business than they already know.
Our study should be: Can we make 4,800 feet of the Chadakoin River from the Outlet to Brooklyn Square navigable?
There's enough room for a small boat harbor in Brooklyn Square across from the newly refurbished train station. If we can make it navigable:
Imagine a Chautauqua Lake boater having the ability to navigate to downtown Jamestown on a Saturday afternoon or evening.
Imagine 300 boats docked down the river walk on a Saturday.
Now imagine all the commerce and all the jobs it took to get us here.
Now is when you start asking what would be nice if the limitations were gone and all the ideas of City Council and the public fit within the project.
Jim Sirianno
Falconer