Major Improvements Are Planned For The Chadakoin River

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JAMESTOWN, NY (WNY News Now) – Plans to make major improvements to the Chadakoin River basin in Jamestown are in the works.

Known as the Chadakoin River Activation plan, the effort is a collaboration between several government and non-profit partners including the City of Jamestown, Chautauqua County Industrial Development Agency and Chautauqua Watershed Conservancy.

Phase one of the project aims to increase public access to the water, providing jobs during implementation and supporting economic growth following completion.

The project is broken down into three parts, addressing the river as a whole and its north and south basins.

The north basin plan touts a redesigned shoreline behind the National Comedy Center featuring signature gardens, tiered seating, placemaking items and a mural.

As for the south basin, planned improvements include a kayak launch, welcome kiosk and boat dock.

Furthermore, river corridor projects are also in the works including navigation aids and obstacle removal efforts.

“Economic activity is always centered around the water, whether it’s for business, or industry, or recreation,” explained Jamestown Director of Development Crystal Surdyk in a promotional video released online. “So, opening up the waterfront and providing opportunities to really recreate on the water, is so important to the revitalization of our community.”

The strategy also includes plans to foster business development, specifically in the south basin where a restaurant and watercraft rental company could operate at McCrea Point Park.