Promoting tourism and enhancing the medical and manufacturing aspects of the city are some of the next steps in the Chadakoin River Revitalization process.
The second public meeting addressing the City of Jamestown Chadakoin River Revitalization Study was held at the Robert H. Jackson Center on Tuesday.
The Chadakoin River Revitalization Study is a 16-month planning effort focused on identifying opportunities for economic development and recreation along the Chadakoin riverfront through Jamestown.
Article Photos
Recently, Jamestown was awarded three state planning grants targeted at the Chadakoin River and properties near the river. Included are two Brownfield Opportunity Area studies and a Local Waterfront Revitalization Program study.
In April, the first meeting was held. The meeting served as a forum for public discussion about the riverfront and its potential to become a greater community asset.
Tuesday, LaBella Associates, the lead consultant on the study, as well as several of the project's subconsultants, provided an update, which incorporated many of the suggestions from the first meeting.
The groups presented several themes, which they had learned by conducting interviews with people in the area, as well as by performing additional studies and analysis. They found that people were interested in enhancing the use of the river as well as its connection to parks. Additionally, they found people wanted to integrate downtown more into the plan, as well as manufacturing and medical opportunities.
"Much like a thoroughbred horse, bone structure is important. Jamestown has good bones," said Dave McCoy, principal at TVGA Consultants.
Expanding upon the medical corridor in Jamestown was discussed during the meeting, as well as promoting tourism to Jamestown. Additionally, specific areas for restoration were noted.
Once again, the floor was open to the public for discussion on the project. Members of the public made suggestions such as holding weeklong festivals around the Chadakoin River. Additionally, suggestions for getting both locals and tourists into the downtown area were made.
The next steps for the Chadakoin River Revitalization Study include conducting additional interviews with members of the community about the river, as well as identifying catalyst projects to begin developing.
For more information on the project, visit www.chadakoinrevitalization.com.