Soon, an eyesore on Dewey Place will be no more.
Local developers Gary Proctor and Andrew Jarrett recently purchased 16 Dewey Place, a home that was previously a run-down rental property for more than a decade.
"We're just thrilled to have developers Gary Proctor and Andy Jarrett here with us today, who recently purchased a longtime rental property here on Dewey Place and have made the commitment to turn it into an owner-occupied home," said Lori Cornell, Chautauqua County legislator.
Article Photos
In back, from left are: Matthew Hanley, executive assistant to the mayor; Gary Proctor and Andrew Jarrett, local developers; and Alvan Johnson, Dewey Place resident. In front are: Mayor Sam Teresi; Peter Lombardi, director of neighborhood initiatives for the Jamestown Renaissance Corporation; Laura Johnson, Dewey Place resident; Todd Peterson, target area code enforcement officer; and Lori Cornell, Chautauqua County Legislator.
P-J photo by Liz Skoczylas
Proctor, Jarrett and Cornell were at the Dewey Place residence Tuesday afternoon, along with Mayor Sam Teresi; Todd Peterson, code enforcement officer; Matthew Hanley, executive assistant to the mayor; Peter Lombardi, director of neighborhood initiatives for the Jamestown Renaissance Corporation; and several additional Dewey Place residents.
"We are planning on bringing in a crew, and we are going to redo the entire house. We are looking at improving the curb appeal dramatically with new landscaping, new paint. We're going to do similar projects on the inside. Our ultimate goal is to get an owner-occupant in here that can help improve the entire neighborhood," Proctor said.
Proctor and Jarrett are both Realtors. According to Proctor, both became interested in revitalization projects such as this, and decided to team up. The efforts the two are making are in keeping with Jamestown's neighborhood plan.
"Dewey Place, it's actually in the neighborhood plan as being a block where a little bit of investment can go a long way, it's a high-value block. So, this model of neighbors working with the new owner to reinvest in the property to find a stable ownership helps to remove a troubled property that otherwise is lowering the assessed values of every home around it, lowering the tax base of the city, which makes everyone else in the city pay a higher tax rate. So, taking care of the most troubled house on every block in the city can really go a long way to really turning values around in Jamestown's neighborhoods. I think what's going on here is perfectly in line with Jamestown's neighborhood plan. It's nothing flashy, it's simply restoring an older property so that it can once again add value to its neighborhood," Lombardi said.
Projects like this, according to Teresi, can inspire others in other neighborhoods to also take initiative in cleaning up their areas.
"I think Dewey Place is an example that can be, should be and, to tell you the truth, is being replicated all over the city more than anybody understands," Teresi said.
Although they were being recognized for the work they will be putting into 16 Dewey Place, Proctor and Jarrett will not be receiving funding for their project.
"I think it is of key importance to mention that this particular project by Mr. Proctor and Mr. Jarrett is a complete private initiative. As government leaders and as the leader of the neighborhood initiative opportunity in Jamestown through Peter, we are supporting it with public resources, but not at all with public dollars," Cornell said.
Proctor and Jarrett are still looking for a buyer for 16 Dewey Place. The home can be made to order by a buyer as well - a buyer would be able to make requests for the home, and Proctor and Jarrett will provide the work.
For more information on 16 Dewey Place, contact Proctor at 450-0071.