×

Arson Attacks Spark Complex Support From Spring Street Residents

Darlene Pangborn, Spring Street resident, speaking in favor of the proposed Jackson Spring apartments and housing complex that might be built along North Main and Spring streets. Pangborn and Donald Paine, Spring Street resident, wore matching hats that stated ‘‘Make Our Neighborhood Great Again’’ while speaking in favor of the Jackson Spring project. P-J photo by Dennis Phillips

Concern has exponentially increased for those who live near abandoned houses in the city.

On Monday, four Spring Street residents spoke to Jamestown City Council in favor of the proposed Jackson Spring apartment and housing complex, which would be constructed along North Main and Spring streets. One of the main reasons they approve of the proposed project is that it will lead to the demolition of eight vacant houses in the area.

Following a rash of arson attacks Thursday, Friday and Saturday when five vacant houses — 621 E. Sixth St., 650 E. Sixth St., 220 Crossman St., 30 W. 10th St., and 22 W. 11th St. — were set ablaze, the Spring Street residents said they are concerned about what will happen to the condemned houses on their street.

Donald Paine, Spring Street resident, called on Sen. Cathy Young, Assemblyman Andy Goodell, Mayor Sam Teresi and City Council to make sure the Jackson Spring project gets funded by the state. The developers for the apartment and housing complex – Citizen’s Opportunity for Development & Equality Inc. and The NRP Group – have applied for $12 million in funding from the state Division of Homes and Community Renewal to assist in funding the project.

”We need this more than ever. I have five condemned buildings in sight of my house on Spring Street. I have an arsonist walk right by my house between his fires. I don’t want the next fire to be across the street from my house,” Paine said. ”That is why everyone on my street and in my neighborhood supports Jackson Spring. We want this now more than ever and we need Cathy Young to deliver this funding to this city. Cathy is one of the most powerful people in the state and she needs to use her power to help her people.”

Paine and Darlene Pangborn, Spring Street resident, both said they are concerned that the Gebbie Foundation is not in favor of the project. Paine and Pangborn had a copy of a letter from Daniel Kathman, Gebbie Foundation Board of Directors president, written Dec. 6, 2016, addressed ”To whom It may concern,” stating the Jackson Spring project will not help in rejuvenating the city.

”We do not object to any effort to provide necessary and appropriate housing opportunities for the disabled members of our community. This is not the basis for our concern,” Kathman stated. ”We do have doubt the merit of further concentrating subsidized housing for economically disadvantaged citizens in an already impoverished neighborhood within our community.”

Ronald Reichardt, Spring Street resident, said he wants Jackson Spring because it will mean CODE will install security cameras in the area similarly to what they installed around the Apple Yard Terrace Apartments on East Second Street. Reichardt said additional security cameras in that section of the city would help the police department catch those responsible for arson.

Darrell Sisak, Spring Street resident, said the abandoned houses area a prime location for addicts to use drugs. He said the vacant houses will either burn down or fall down because they are beyond saving.

Marie Carrubba, Ward four councilwoman and Housing Committee chairwoman, said she works in the Spring Street area at Southwestern Independent Living Center and is also concerned about the vacant houses being a target for arsonists.

”I’m totally behind (Jackson Spring) project,” she said.

If Jackson Spring is approved for funding, The Southwestern Independent Living Center officials would move their offices to the new complex. Southwestern Independent Living Center assists people with physical disabilities with housing needs. CODE will also be working with the Chautauqua Blind Association to assist the visually impaired attain housing.

Anthony Dolce, Ward 2 councilman, thanked the Spring Street residents for displaying pride in their neighborhood. Both Paine and Pangborn wore hats stating ”Make Our Neighborhood Great Again.”

”We hope things can work out … so things can improve,” Dolce said.

If CODE and The NRP Group receives state funding for Jackson Spring, there will be two complexes built. One building will have 36 units, with 28 one bedroom and eight two-bedroom apartments. Across the street, the second complex will include seven town houses, five with two bedrooms and two with three bedrooms.

Newsletter

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *
   

COMMENTS

Starting at $4.62/week.

Subscribe Today