New Brownfield Site Designated In Jamestown

ALBANY – An area of land surrounding the Chadakoin River near the outlet at McCrea Point Park has been designated a Brownfield Opportunity Area.
Governor Andrew Cuomo made the announcement Wednesday of the two new designations, one in Jamestown and one in Dunkirk.
The designations cover more than 1,200 acres of neglected, dormant and blighted properties in the two communities and help the localities implement revitalization strategies to rebuild the affected areas and spur economic growth.
“These designations will equip local leaders with the necessary tools to turn these community blights into engines of economic opportunity and revitalization,” Cuomo said.
The designations are based on nominations or plans that reflect local conditions in the community. Projects developed in the designated areas will be given priority status for grants and may be eligible for additional Brownfield Cleanup Program tax credit incentives.
Prior to receiving this designation, Jamestown received planning grants through New York’s Brownfield Opportunity Areas Program. These grants were used to complete the nomination, which developed revitalization strategies to promote sound redevelopment and enhanced environmental quality within areas affected by the presence of brownfields. The Department of State accepted the nominations for these Brownfield Opportunity Areas and determined they meet the necessary requirements and criteria for designation.
The city site, Chadakoin River West BOA, consists of a 710-acre area characterized by at least 11 brownfield sites concentrated in an area with a mix of residential and historically industrial land uses as well as wetland areas along the Chadakoin River. The primary community revitalization objectives include creating a riverfront destination to connect and enhance the greater Jamestown Riverwalk and increase tourism opportunities, improve walkability and safety of the area, increase recreational activities and amenities and enhance economic viability of the area as well as a $269,100 Brownfield Opportunity Area Program grant financed planning activities for the area.
“By investing in our environment, we are preparing our community for revitalization and increased economic activity. Our designation as a new Brownfield Opportunity Area will continue our momentum toward creating a new and improved Jamestown,” Jamestown Mayor Samuel Teresi said.

The designation will revitalize the areas in question and promote new uses for the properties, Chautauqua County Executive George Borrello said.
“I am pleased that two new areas are being designated in our county. These two new Brownfield sites will assist with the revitalization of these communities while promoting productive reuse of those sites and protecting our region’s most precious resources.,” Borrello said. “Thank you to Governor Cuomo and to New York State for investing in our communities and for working to restore our county to its fullest potential.”
Senator Catharine M. Young said it is difficult to make economic progress with blighted properties in the area.
“Contaminated sites in these communities have previously made economic progress difficult. These opportunities have the potential to bring new life to even more neighborhoods by revitalizing underutilized properties, creating jobs for residents in Jamestown and Dunkirk,’ Young said. “With these two new designated areas in Chautauqua County, Governor Cuomo and the Legislature are making an important investment in our county’s future and giving these communities a second chance to flourish and thrive.”
“The Brownfield Opportunity Area program has been extremely successful in Western New York and I am glad to see two more communities being designated. I am confident that these designations will result in increased economic growth for these communities and the entire region” Assemblyman Andrew Goodell said.
The Dunkirk site is the Chadwick Bay Village Master Plan BOA. It consists of a 537-acre area on Chadwick Bay along Lake Erie that is characterized by 14 potential brownfield sites located in surrounding neighborhoods and the central business district.