Tom Witney with Southern Tier Environments for Living gives a virtual presentation to the Chautauqua County Planning Board of the Gateway Lofts project. P-J photo by Gregory Bacon

Five years ago, the Chautauqua County Planning Board gave its support for the proposed Gateway Lofts housing project in the city of Jamestown.

On Tuesday, the planning board reiterated its support.

Southern Tier Environments for Living is proposing to renovate the Gateway Center, which is the former Chautauqua Hardware factory, at 31 Water St., into a 110 unit, multi-family affordable housing complex, which will be anchored by supportive wrap-around services. The multi-million project is a collaboration among Community Helping Hands, the YWCA of Jamestown, and STEL, and has been in the works since 2020.

Tom Whitney with STEL attended Tuesday’s meeting virtually to discuss the project.

Whitney noted the property is a contaminated site. Clean-up work will begin once they obtain the necessary financing. “It’s been admitted to the Brownfield Clean-Up Program for that purpose,” he said.

Of the 110 units, 56 units will be for individuals with special needs.

Whitney noted they were ready to start construction in May of 2020, but the investor pulled out due to the COVID-19 pandemic. “It took us this long to get back to where it is now,” he said.

Whitney said they want to start construction in January, 2026.

Before the original investor pulled out, Whitney said they had the backing of the county Planning Board, as well as variances required from the city.

“These things expired, so we’re getting them renewed, which is why we’re back in front of you,” he told county Planning Board members.

Whitney said in 2020, the project was expected to cost $42 million. Since then, the project cost has risen to $77 million.

“It’s surprising how little time can go by and the price goes up so much,” he said.

Whitney said they had a market study done, which shows a need for this type of housing in the city.

“We don’t anticipate any trouble filling this at all,” he said.

The Gateway Center project was one of five projects on the county Planning Board’s referral log. The other ones were for a 197 foot temporary meteorological tower at 6226 Baker Road, North Harmony; the use of a camper as a temporary dwelling at 10362 Chestnut Road, Pomfret; operate an alcohol serving bar business at 186 S. Erie St., Mayville; and updating 11 exterior advertising signs at Crosby’s as part of a renovation at 14 N. Erie St., Mayville.

The board voted to approve all five projects, adding that they were of local concern. If the county Planning Board voted against any of the projects, it would require a supermajority by the municipality’s local planning board. Board member Jeff Gossett, who has worked with STEL, abstained.