That is one reason why city officials are working on three streetscape pilot projects that will, hopefully, make downtown Jamestown a more walkable destination for city residents and visitors. Earlier this year, it was announced the city would be receiving $610,000 in funding from the $10 million Downtown Revitalization Initiative program for three streetscape projects.

A streetscape is the visual elements of a street, including the road, adjoining buildings, sidewalks, street furniture, trees and open spaces, that combine to form the street’s character.

Vince DeJoy, city development director, said the projects will bookend each other with two of the projects happening on the west side of the city along West Third Street between Washington and Cherry streets, and along Cherry Street between Third and Fourth streets. The third project will take place on the east end around the Reg Lenna Center for the Arts block along East Third Street.

“Physically, what is going to happen is a redesign of walkways and what is on the sidewalks in some downtown areas. Whether it will be cobblestone or a brick surface for the streetscape where the sidewalks are is yet to be determined,” DeJoy said. “We will be in the design phase this spring. It will really play in terms of wayfinding for pedestrians. Improving the streetscape for walkability so people want to be on the streets and walking around.

The view down Third Street between Cherry and Washington streets.

“They can let their curiosity and signs guide them to where attractions and restaurants are located. With more visitors, there will be more foot traffic for businesses.”

DeJoy said if the pilot projects work out, the streetscape design will be duplicated along all streets downtown so there is a more uniformed look in the urban core.

“We are working on the bookends right now, on the west and on the east. If it works out, we will have the same palette downtown in the middle section of Third Street,” he said.

In May, 10 downtown projects were selected by state officials for Jamestown’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative. The funding and projects for the Jamestown Downtown Revitalization Initiative include $2.4 million for the Hilton Double Tree Hotel refurbishment; $1.5 million for Robert H. Jackson Center upgrades; $1.5 million for the Reg Lenna Center for the Arts revitalization; $830,000 for the Jamestown Brewing Company development; $ 1 million for the redevelopment of the former Key Bank Building; $670,000 for the excursion train infrastructure and depot; $610,000 for streetscape and pedestrian improvements; $600,000 for downtown programming and activities; $325,000 for Greater Jamestown Riverwalk enhancements; and $265,000 for Little Theater upgrades.

Last year, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced the DRI to invest $100 million into 10 communities — one municipality from each of the Regional Economic Development Councils. The initiative is to assist communities with transformative housing, economic development, transportation and community projects to attract and retain residents, visitors and businesses.

For more information on Jamestown’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative, visit ny.gov/downtown-revitalization-initiative/western-new-york-jamestown.