Pictured is the city’s Code Blue Shelter for the homeless population, located at 917 Washington Street. There have been no issues with the Code Blue shelter reaching capacity as the weather has turned colder. P-J file photo

As the winter months continue on, a City Council member has reported that so far there have been no issues with Code Blue situations in the city for the homeless population.

Councilman Bill Reynolds, R-Ward 5, reported to the city council during Monday’s work session that a question about code blue circumstances or situations and any incidents was brought up during the council’s Housing Committee meeting, and that on the coldest of nights there have been no issues.

“Apparently, people have been opening their doors and bringing people in and helping take care of them,” Reynolds said. “The shelter has the potential to house 35 people and on the coldest of nights we’re told that they’ve not been maxed out.”

Reynolds said they have not heard any stories of people being caught in hazardous or unhealthy circumstances, and that the city’s new Code Blue Shelter at 917 Washington Street seems to be helping with that.

Besides the Code Blue situations, Reynolds said another issue that was discussed — which is not only an issue because of the homeless population — has been trespassing on condemned and vacant properties.

“People are taking advantage of vacant properties, either vandalizing or building meth labs and using drugs there,” Reynolds said. “JPD has been involved in some of those calls, but it’s Urban Mining is the new terminology that’s surfacing throughout middle America or across the country that these vacant properties house copper, air conditioned metal, marble, so there’s some people trying to break into these houses and actually gain a financial resource.”

The Land Bank has also put together a list of properties for demolition, Reynolds said, with more to come on that at a later time.

Demolitions were discussed by Mayor Kim Ecklund during a recent interview with The Post-Journal. In collaboration with the Chautauqua County Land Bank, the city has completed 10 demolitions this year, with additional projects underway. Currently, three demolitions are in progress, two are out to bid, and seven more properties are slated for bidding soon, while three others are undergoing environmental and asbestos inspections. The cost of demolishing a single residential property has nearly doubled over the past decade, Ecklund said, with current averages approaching $40,000 per demolition. Emergency demolitions which are necessary for addressing immediate hazards often exceed these costs.

“Factors contributing to these rising expenses include inflation, stricter environmental regulations, hazardous material removal, and increasing labor and material costs,” Ecklund said. “Despite these financial burdens, the city remains dedicated in its commitment to removing unsafe structures to protect public safety and enhance neighborhood conditions.”

Three pieces of legislation aimed at combating the growing challenges posed by zombie and abandoned properties in the city have been passed recently; the Rental Inspection Ordinance, the Vacant Property Ordinance, and the Nuisance Ordinance. Ecklund said these ordinances represent a comprehensive effort to address housing issues and improve quality of life for residents.

The Rental Inspection Ordinance establishes a regular schedule of inspections to ensure rental properties meet health and safety standards. By holding landlords accountable, the city aims to create safer living environments and reduce violations that negatively impact tenants and neighborhoods. The Vacant Property Ordinance requires owners of vacant properties to register and maintain their buildings, helping to prevent deterioration and illegal activity. This ordinance ensures that abandoned homes are tracked and managed more effectively, reducing their impact on surrounding communities. The Nuisance Ordinance targets properties that repeatedly attract illegal activity or public disturbances. This legislation empowers the city to hold property owners accountable and take action to protect residents and neighborhoods.

“In addition to the newly enacted city ordinances, New York State’s Lead Poisoning Prevention Initiative will take effect in 2025, mandating lead abatement inspections to address the serious health risks associated with lead exposure, particularly for children,” Ecklund said. “The Chautauqua County Health Department will oversee the implementation of these inspections, focusing specifically on identifying and mitigating lead hazards in residential properties. The City of Jamestown’s Department of Development will work in conjunction with the Health Department during these inspections.”

The Health Department will be addressing lead-related concerns, while the DOD will work to identify and address other code violations in inspected properties. Together, this effort works to ensure housing in Jamestown will meet the safety and health standards, protect residents and improve overall quality of housing in the city.

“By aligning local ordinances with state initiatives, the city is taking a proactive stance to improve housing conditions, protect public health, and enhance neighborhood stability,” Ecklund said. “These measures reflect Jamestown’s commitment to addressing housing challenges comprehensively and ensuring safe, healthy homes for all residents.”

The city has included housing challenges as a part of their Five-Year Consolidated Plan spanning from 2020 to 2024, which is a comprehensive strategy developed in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. This plan outlines the city’s priorities for the use of federal funds, focusing on affordable housing development, housing rehabilitation, homelessness prevention, and community development initiatives.

“As the current plan reaches its final stages, the city is conducting a thorough evaluation of its progress, including the impact of initiatives funded through programs such as the Community Development Block Grant and HOME Investment Partnerships Program,” Ecklund said. “Achievements to date include rehabilitating aging housing stock, increasing access to affordable rental units, and supporting services for vulnerable populations.”

Development of the 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan is already underway, with the next phase being informed by data-driven analysis and robust community engagement to ensure that emerging needs are addressed effectively.

“Key areas of focus will include increasing affordable housing options for low- and moderate-income families, collaborating with developers and non-profit organizations to encourage new housing projects, and expanding resources for individuals experiencing homelessness,” Ecklund said. “Additionally, the city plans to enhance its partnerships with local landlords, landowners, and housing agencies to maximize the availability of safe and sustainable housing options. By aligning long-term goals with actionable strategies and leveraging community input, Jamestown is dedicated to fostering an inclusive, equitable, and lively housing environment. These efforts are not only critical to improving the quality of life for current residents but also vital to attracting future investments and growth in the city.”