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‘Overcome Any Challenges’

Mayor Ecklund Releases State Of The City

Mayor Kim Ecklund

Mayor Kim Ecklund is setting an ambitious agenda for the coming year – including settling union contracts, redevelopment of the former Crawford Furniture site on Allen Street and helping forge partnerships to deal with the city’s homelessness crisis.

Ecklund’s 2025 State of the City report was released Thursday morning, reflecting on the progress the city has made, the challenges it continues to face, and the initiatives set to strengthen Jamestown’s economy, public safety, and overall quality of life. The address highlights key significant areas for the city.

“While the work ahead will undoubtedly be demanding, I am confident in the direction we are moving,” Ecklund said. “With the unwavering support of our dedicated public servants, business leaders, and residents, we will continue to work together to overcome any challenges and build a Jamestown that is not only stronger but also a model of growth and opportunity for future generations.”

UNION NEGOTIATIONS

The city is currently working on multiple contract negotiations with several unions that represent city employees, three specifically whose contracts expired at the end of 2024; The Civil Service Employees Association, Inc., the Jamestown Professional Firefighters Association Local #137, and the Kendall Club Police Benevolent Association. Of these three, it is noted in the state of the city that the negotiations have stalled in regards to the Kendall Club, due to reaching an impasse with them, though the city is resolved to continue negotiating with them.

The city is also preparing for upcoming discussions with three unions whose contracts will expire at the end of 2025; the Jamestown Urban Renewal Agency, the Jamestown City Administrative Association, and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Local 418.

In her address, Ecklund said that these unions represent key segments of the workforce in the city and the negotiations will play a vital role in shaping the city’s financial outlook, something that is currently an issue due to many ongoing challenges after the approved 2025 budget.

“As the City of Jamestown faces ongoing union contract negotiations, it is important to highlight the severe financial strain currently affecting the City,” Ecklund said in her address. “To balance the 2025 budget, taxes for residents were raised above the state’s 2.0% tax cap, placing Jamestown among the top 10 highest-taxed municipalities in New York, according to the New York State Comptroller’s Office. This increase, while necessary, has already placed a significant burden on our residents, and further financial demands are simply unsustainable.”

Ecklund also noted that all capital projects were eliminated in the budget except for those related to CHIPS funding, and that financial pressure will continue throughout the year for the city but the city will continue to work on achieving agreements that not only address the financial realities the city faces but also honor the contributions of the workforce.

HOMELESSNESS

The homelessness issue in Jamestown has been on the minds of many throughout the year, and was another big issue outlined in the State of the City. Ecklund addresses the state of emergency that was declared over the summer, receiving no financial assistance federally or from the state, even while homelessness continues to be a rising issue across the state, and collaboration with county social service programs that are working to address the issue.

The city spent $124,576.57 in unbudgeted expenses related to cleaning up illegal encampments, a number that doesn’t include staff time for the city’s code enforcement public works, parks, development, police and fire departments. Bills for reimbursement sent to the governor’s office have not received a response, leading Ecklund to call for increased state support for cities dealing with homelessness.

Ecklund also said it is important for the city to have a role in dealing with homelessness, but can’t deal with the issue itself since it receives no funding to help the homeless. That money flows to Chautauqua County and to non-profit partners, including Chautauqua Opportunities Inc., which is the federal Housing and Urban Development department’s designated Continuum of Care agency.

“The City of Jamestown cannot bear the financial and logistical burden alone,” Ecklund said. “Without coordinated action, we risk further entrenching the crisis. It is essential that everyone, government leaders, service providers, local businesses, and residents–play a role in building lasting solutions. Only by pooling our resources, expertise, and commitment can we break the cycle of homelessness and provide individuals with not just temporary relief but long-term support to thrive. Everyone’s involvement is crucial to ensuring our community offers every resident the chance to live with dignity, stability, and opportunity.”

REDEVELOPMENT OF CRAWFORD FURNITURE

The cleanup and redevelopment of the former Crawford Furniture facility at 1061 Allen Street is another item addressed in the State of the City. Ecklund gives a brief background of the building, first established in 1883, with most of the structure consumed by fire in November 2022. In 2024 the city officially acquired ownership of the property.

“The journey of the Allen Street site–from its industrial prominence to neglect, disaster, and now, renewal–underscores the resilience and proactive spirit of the Jamestown community,” Ecklund said. “Through collaboration with federal agencies like the EPA, we have transformed a site of potential peril into a beacon of opportunity. We eagerly anticipate the positive impact this redevelopment will have on our city’s landscape and the well-being of our residents.”

RAMSAY AGRICULTURE

Ecklund then announced the upcoming development of Ramsay Agriculture in Jamestown, set for two locations; 65 River Street and 40 Winsor Street, the former Crawford Furniture facility. Ramsay Agriculture is still in the development stages but will bring a state-of-the-art indoor hydroponic farm with a reliable supply of fresh, nutrient-dense leafy greens, baby greens, and microgreens. Ramsay Agriculture is committed to sustainability and will bring more job opportunities to Jamestown, contribute to the city’s economic growth, and aims to make a lasting impact on the region’s agricultural sector, creating jobs, increasing food security, and boosting the local economy.

ALTERNATE PARKING

The consideration of changing the date of when alternate winter parking starts from Oct 1 to Nov 1 is another issue discussed by Ecklund. This potential change comes following public input and after shifting weather patterns have made it so the Oct 1 start date may not be the most practical. The later start date is said to help ensure that the regulation is implemented when snow and colder temperatures are more likely to affect the city, making it more relevant to the actual conditions on the ground. This adjustment will also give residents more flexibility in managing their vehicles in the fall when snow is less likely, ultimately reducing unnecessary disruptions.

“The city is actively reviewing these concerns and is committed to ensuring that the alternate parking regulations better reflect the realities of modern weather patterns. As part of this update, the city plans to update signage to clearly communicate the new dates and ensure that residents are well-informed,” Ecklund said.

POLICE AND FIRE MANPOWER

Additionally, areas of the Jamestown Police and Fire Department are addressed in the State of the City, specifically in regards to manpower. In 2024 the Fire Department welcomed 12 new firefighters, and while at the end of 2024 the Jamestown Police Department was facing a shortage of officers, they are now working towards the hiring of five more to help with that.

Ecklund also addressed training and funding opportunities for both.

“With a strong focus on increasing manpower, securing necessary funding, and expanding training capabilities, the Jamestown Police Department is well-positioned to continue its vital work in ensuring the safety and security of the community in the years to come,” Ecklund said.

Ecklund’s full 2025 State of the City can be found on the city’s website, jamestownny.gov.

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