A group attending a recent developer’s forum in Jamestown is pictured on a walking tour of downtown. Submitted photo

More than 100 developers, investors, agency representatives, and community stakeholders took part in a recent developer’s forum in Jamestown.

Co-hosted by the Gebbie Foundation, the Jamestown Board of Public Utilities (BPU), and the Jamestown Renaissance Corporation, the event was themed “Constructing Hope, Inspiring Growth” and served as a platform to highlight development-ready opportunities and major infrastructure initiatives across the city.

Mayor Kimberly Ecklund opened the forum with a keynote address focused on the city’s strategic and future-driven approach to revitalization. She emphasized Jamestown’s commitment to removing development barriers and positioning the city for long-term economic success through several high-impact initiatives, including:

– The Chadakoin River Basin Activation Project, transforming the city’s riverfront into a year-round destination

– An update to the Comprehensive Plan, followed by a full rewrite of the City’s Zoning Code

Jamestown’s designation as a New York State Pro-Housing Community, strengthening access to state housing resources

– The upcoming Safe Streets for All (SS4A) initiative, which will enhance pedestrian and transportation safety citywide

– Investments in district heating, municipal fiber broadband, and the planning of a microgrid for energy resilience

Jamestown’s participation in the National League of Cities’ Good Jobs, Great Cities initiative, advancing workforce development and equitable economic growth.

“These are not just concepts; they are happening right now,” Ecklund said. “We are planning, funding, and building for the future – while staying rooted in community needs and collaborative opportunity.”

Attendees heard presentations from key local, state, and regional agencies offering insight into funding programs, planning tools, and development incentives. Speakers included: Karen Utz and Jerome Nagy of Empire State Development; Leonard Skrill of the state Homes and Community Renewal department; Benjamin Bidell from the state Department of State; Stan Radon, of the state DEC; Mark Geise and Rebecca Wurster from the county Department of Planning and Development; Crystal Surdyk, city development director; and Ellen Ditonto of the Jamestown BPU.

Following the presentations, attendees took part in one of two curated “Opportunity Tours”–a downtown walking tour or a trolley tour through Jamestown neighborhoods. These tours spotlighted a mix of buildings currently for sale, vacant lots suitable for infill housing, and other sites with strong redevelopment potential.

Walking tour locations included the Furniture Exposition building, Blackstone NEY Ultrasonics, the former Key Bank and Marine Midland Bank buildings, Willow Bay Building and El Greco on First Street. Trolley tour stops included Fluvanna Avenue, Spring Street, Fulton Street, Vega Street, Eagle Street, Johnson Street and Cross Street.

“This is a city aligned and prepared for growth,” Surdyk said.. “Whether you are a first-time investor or an experienced developer, Jamestown has the vision, the properties, and the leadership to support your next project.”