SUNY Jamestown Community College is awaiting answers to numerous questions submitted to the owners of the Graf Building as it looks to establish a new presence in downtown Dunkirk.

College trustees this week received an update on its application for a share of Downtown Revitalization Initiative funding that Dunkirk received earlier this year.

Board Trustee Lou DiPalma said a series of questions regarding the Graf Building, located at 319 Central Ave., have been submitted to Peter Krog and his staff. The questions relate to the property, its size and cost as JCC is eyeing a move from the North County Center on Bennett Road to downtown Dunkirk.

“It’s going to be important us, Jamestown Community College, to make a proper assessment as to the financial feasibility of this project and how we continue to go forward,” said DiPalma, who serves on an ad-hoc committee for the North County project.

He said the information received from Krog also will go toward a DRI project profile.

“That profile is going to be key for the local planning committee to take into consideration, make an assessment and evaluation, as to the ultimate ranking of this project … and what’s ultimately going to be recommended to New York state come December,” he continued. “We’re looking for that further information so that we can complete that piece of the process.”

JCC President Daniel DeMarte said there are 22 projects seeking a share of $10 million in DRI funding. He said the “vetting” on the projects begin next week.

If chosen to move forward in the DRI, the new space inside the Graf Building could bring access to workforce training and certificate programs within walking distance of local schools.

JCC first established the North County Center in 1988 as an effort to develop and offer non-credit training courses to northern Chautauqua communities. The center was first housed in the Dunkirk Chamber of Commerce, at the time located on Lakeshore Drive.

The center was relocated to the first floor of its current address on Bennett Road in 1991.

DiPalma said three roundtable meetings were held Monday at the North County Center. The purpose of the meetings, he said, was to get feedback from the local business community.

Talks included the barriers business owners are currently experiencing; the impact of childcare on business; and workforce development needs, among others.

DiPalma said the meetings were well-attended Monday.

“Businesses are struggling with trying to get employees, staff members,” he said, noting there was an emphasis on needing to train for soft skills, communication skills and problem solving.

“Overall, at least from what I could see, there was some good dialogue — some excellent feedback,” DiPalma said of the meetings. “Obviously, we’ll work that in as we take a look at our workforce development needs going forward.”

He also alluded to a survey given to Dunkirk High School juniors and seniors to gauge the impact the project might have on interest in attending JCC. It was found that changing the North County Center’s location increased the number of students who would consider attending the college by 8.4%. Further, 81% of the students thought relocating the center would increase attendance.