(WNY News Now) – Housing Affordability and Development Take Center Stage at City Meeting.
The regular meeting of the Planning Commission for the City of Jamestown, New York was held on Tuesday, January 21, 2025 at 3:30 p.m. and was livestreamed.
Members Present: Chairman Mike Laurin, Jeffrey Nelson, Tom Nelson, Greg Lindquist, Sarah Gilbert, Mark Roetzer
Members Absent:
Others Present: Principal Planner Ellen Shadle, Jennifer John City Clerk/Treasurer, Councilman Joseph Paterniti, Ellen Ditonto from the BPU
Chairman Mike Laurin called the meeting to order at 3:54 p.m.
Due to technical difficulties, the meeting began late and the presentation was delayed until 4:00 p.m.
PUBLIC COMMENT
No one from the public appeared to speak before the Planning Commission.
General Discussion
A motion was made by Greg Lindquist to approve the November, 2024 Planning Commission meeting minutes and the motion was seconded by Tom Nelson. A motion was made by Sarah Gilbert to approve the December, 2024 Planning Commission meeting minutes and was seconded by Tom Nelson. Both motions carried.
Presentation by Rebecca Wurster, Planning Coordinator of Chautauqua County on the Chautauqua County Housing Market Assessment and Development Strategy.
Following the presentation by Ms. Wurster, there was a brief question and answer period.
Mr. Paterniti asked what the development occurring in the North County is attributed to. He noted that the majority of development seems to be happening outside of the South County. Ms. Wurster answered that Dunkirk’s DRI funding is mostly responsible for their projects. She highlighted the Gateway Lofts project in Jamestown and added that those projects are the ones that she is aware of.
Mr. Laurin inquired about the correlation between median income, or household income and asked to see the slide with that information again in order to see the figures.
Mr. Tom Nelson asked what was meant by educating the public on affordable housing. Ms. Wurster replied that it is important to remember that affordable housing does not mean Section 8 housing and added that it is everyday cost-burdened people in our county that need affordable housing options at various income levels.
Mr. Lindquist asked about available sites and selection and if there would be a centralized database and how the program will be rolled out in terms of marketing and making builders and developers aware of what is out there. Ms. Wurster confirmed that there is an internal inventory list currently and that they are identifying projects that fit the parameters. She agreed that it would be great to make it sharable to all municipalities. They will be reaching out to municipalities in time and will be meeting with Crystal Surdyk and Ellen Shadle from the city. She also noted how important it is to include the code enforcement officers as they are on the ground every day and know what the needs are. They will also be working with the Land Bank and local realtors. The aforementioned housing marketing packet will be used in cold calls, emailing, mailings and getting it to big housing developers.
Mr. Lindquist noted the limited site potential in the cities of Chautauqua County and asked if any thought had been given to giving priority to a developer as it’s more difficult to build on sites within the city proper. Ms. Wurster noted that there are developers interested in using the Brownfield tax credits that are available and working on adaptive reuse projects, accessing historic tax credits and help them prioritize their focus on working within cities.
Mr. Jeff Nelson noted that there has been a broad look at the problems with housing and one of the biggest problems that usually comes up is the cost, as it is usually well beyond the ability of the person, whether elderly or younger. They may not have the amount of cash needed to back it up. Ms. Wurster agreed that it plays into the cost burden piece. If you don’t have the availability of funds to invest in your home or rental property is a huge challenge. She added that educating and creating opportunities for families is huge.
NEW BUSINESS
Mr. Lindquist noted that on Tuesday February 4, 2025 at 5:30 p.m. there will be a presentation from the BPU in the Police Training Room to discuss their microgrid grant.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.
Jennifer R. John City Clerk/Treasurer
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