Multiple grant applications are up for discussion by the City Council at tonight’s meeting, including one for funding to help improve conditions of the North Main Street viaduct and another to paint a mural alongside the Washington Street bridge.

The North Main Street Viaduct Public Safety Placemaking Project seeks to transform the viaduct into a public parklet featuring lighting, seating, landscaping and public art. The parklet will add much needed lighting and placemaking elements to this particular block and will improve the aesthetic appearance of the underpass that currently detracts from the visual appeal and pedestrian experience of the streetscape, according to the city council agenda.

The project also looks to improve the approach to the viaduct’s neighboring properties and therefore attract developers, but it is noted in the agenda that phase one of the project focuses on lighting and public safety.

The potential funding for this project comes through Project For Public Spaces and General Motors and the grant the city is looking to apply for is for $100,000.

Another funding application up for discussion at tonight’s council meeting is from the Chautauqua County 3% Occupancy Tax Tourism Grant Program for a Pictorial Map Mural project in the city. The council agenda states that this project will result in the creation of a large-scale scenic map that highlights key tourist destinations, outdoor recreation sites, historic landmarks, and the unique character of Jamestown in the Chautauqua region. This effort is meant to build upon existing efforts near the Chadakoin River Basin and provide an engaging gateway between the Riverwalk Trail and Brooklyn Square commercial district. The Jamestown Pictorial Map Initiative offers numerous benefits that support regional tourism development, placemaking, and community engagement by creating a visually appealing mural and map situated near the Washington Street Bridge.

The project will look to increase tourism in the city by highlighting historical aspects of the city such as Lucille Ball and Robert H Jackson, as well as other attractions like the Roger Tory Peterson Institute, National Comedy Center and Chadakoin Riverwalk. Funding for this project from the county through the grant that the city is looking to apply for is $20,000, and is said in the council agenda to further support the nearly $2 Million of existing investments in the Chadakoin River Basin and enhance the area’s visibility for locals and visitors.

The council’s work session begins at 7:30 p.m. tonight in the police training room on the fourth floor of city hall. Council committees meet before the work session. The Housing Committee meets at 6:30 p.m. in the police training room with the Finance Committee at 7 p.m. in the mayor’s fourth floor conference room, the Public Safety Committee in the police training room at 7 p.m. and the Public Works Committee in the Development Department conference room at 7 p.m.