Jamestown Mayor Eddie Sundquist delivers his State of the City Address Monday. To watch the address, visit jamestownny.gov/live. Submitted Photo

Establishing cannabis-related industries, focusing on safety around schools, expanding the Chadakoin Riverfront and creating municipal broadband are just a few of the initiatives Jamestown officials will be focused on in 2022.

On Monday, Jamestown Mayor Eddie Sundquist delivered his State of the City address discussing new enterprises that will be focused on this year.

Sundquist said city officials have taken an aggressive approach to cultivate a business ecosystem that will support the establishment of new cannabis-related industries in the city. He said the city has received more than 250 inquiries and has conducted dozens of interviews with companies interested in seeking one of New York state’s coveted cannabis industry licenses.

“The city’s efforts have been featured in three national publications and multiple podcasts, and Jamestown is quickly becoming recognized as a future hub for the budding cannabis economy,” he said. “From small co-operatives that feature many respected local businesses, to large, multi-million-dollar developments on an industrial scale, the cannabis industry in Jamestown will add hundreds of good-paying jobs. New businesses have already bought millions of dollars worth of unused property to redevelop thousands of square feet of currently vacant and underutilized warehouse, manufacturing and commercial spaces. This will put properties back on the tax roll, which will be a piece in my goal of reducing the tax burden currently borne by residents. It is also estimated that within the first four years in operation, retail dispensaries in the city will generate upwards of $500,000 indirect tax revenue from cannabis sales.”

With recent incidents of children being hit by vehicles near schools in the city, Sundquist announced a new initiative to try and prevent such accidents from occurring.

“As one of the rare walking school districts, we must place pedestrian, student and child safety at the forefront of our efforts to make a safer Jamestown. That is why I am announcing a new Vision Zero campaign for Jamestown, which aims to eliminate fatal and serious injuries from traffic accidents through design,” he said. “Our schools are mostly located in high traffic areas with high speeds. The reality is that we can prevent these tragedies by taking a proactive, preventative approach that prioritizes traffic safety as a public health issue. Vision Zero recognizes that people will sometimes make mistakes, so the road system and related policies must be designed to ensure those inevitable mistakes do not result in severe injuries or fatalities. I have a clear goal: zero fatalities and severe injuries from traffic accidents. We are currently applying for Safe Routes to Schools grants through the New York state Department of Transportation, to improve conditions and ensure we are the path for zero serious injuries.”

Sundquist also wants to work with other community partners to expand the Chadakoin Riverfront with the $1.5 million in state grant funding to implement the Chadakoin Basin Strategic Plan. The money will be used to clear the upper Chadakoin River of obstructions so boats can easily travel to the basin, make improvements to the public spaces and the Greater Jamestown Riverwalk and for strategic land acquisition by the city to ensure that new developments can occur by the basin.

“This is some of the most valuable land in Jamestown, and it is vital that the land surrounding the basin be used for a variety of new projects, from top-tier public parks to potential mixed-use developments,” he said.

Sundquist also said the city is funding nearly $300,000 to clear out and restore the lower Chadakoin River.

“This is the section after the Warner Dam. Years of neglect and failed mitigation strategies have caused the river to seriously erode, threatening wildlife, private property and the future health of the river itself,” he said. “With this funding, the city will create a clean-up effort to clear blockages in the river to ensure it flows in its natural path, take out invasive species accelerating erosion and plant trees to stabilize the banks. This is a natural resource that we cannot take for granted, and with work being completed over the next few years, this can also become a spot for families to enjoy the natural setting and observe the wonderful wildlife that few know inhabits the Chadakoin.”

Progress is also being made to develop municipal broadband. Sundquist said that the municipal broadband feasibility study is being completed and he is prepared to create an ad-hoc Broadband Committee consisting of council members, BPU board members and community members to go over the plan, speak with experts and help determine the city’s path forward on a potential municipal broadband system.

“With the passage of the bipartisan infrastructure bill, there is money available for the rollout of an affordable, high-speed, high-quality, fiber network throughout Jamestown,” he said. “The network will address the digital divide, help in our goal of attracting those doing remote work and will ensure access to telehealth and educational resources for every resident of Jamestown. This would make Jamestown a leader in the state of New York, where currently no municipal broadband networks exist.”

Sundquist also discussed how the city has a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity because of the $28 million the city has received in federal American Rescue Plan Act funds.

“As we continue into 2022, it is the city’s priority to spend in a transparent and transformational way,” he said. “We must use the American Rescue Plan funding as a catalyst for the future by investing in our small businesses and homeowners.”

In conclusion, Sundquist said as city officials look to invest in Jamestown’s future, people must also reflect on the past to remember what made Jamestown great.

“There are many obstacles to achieve our potential, but I am confident our resourcefulness, grit and ability to adapt will drive Jamestown forward,” he said. “Jamestown’s future is brighter than it has been in quite some time, and I am excited for the opportunities that lie ahead, and to tackle the challenges along our way. Jamestown … strong roots, modern city.”

To view the mayor’s whole address, visit jamestownny.gov/live.