UCAN, business owner provide manpower to clean graffiti on Harrison Street
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After an incident involving graffiti on city-owned property last week, guests from the United Christian Advocacy Network (UCAN) volunteered to help with the cleanup project.
The Jamestown Police Department was investigating the incident earlier this week. Mayor Kim Ecklund posted on social media about the graffiti on the Washington Street bridge over the weekend, with some of the content vulgar.
Two UCAN City Mission guests, along with support staff and Bruce Baehr, UCAN City Mission and executive director, answered the call to repaint the affected areas. Justin Dombrowski, owner of Smile Ink in Falconer, was also at the site on Wednesday helping remove the graffiti.
"The city Parks and Rec department called, and we answered," said Baehr. "This is a good way that we can partner with the city and provide a positive way for our guests to serve and give back to the community."
Dan Stone, the director of Jamestown City Parks, echoed Baehr's statement.
"UCAN fills in on jobs that we can't get to right away," he said. "This is a great partnership – mutually beneficial."
The guest who did the legwork for the project said they are happy to lend a helping hand and look forward to continuing to assist with community-centered projects.
"I'm happy to give back and help out," said Kolton (last name withheld by request). "I don't mind working."
Baehr said more guests at the City Mission, located at 7 W. 1st St., would take on additional projects in the area.
"We received a grant, and we're exploring more projects in the future to assist with. … It's good for our guests and the community,” he said.
The city will host its fifth annual Riverwalk Trick or Treat Trail on Saturday, Oct. 24, from 5 to 7 p.m. The family-friendly event will take place along the Chadakoin River, with the trick-or-treat trail running from the Washington Street bridge to Panzarella Park between the two pedestrian bridges on both sides of the river.