The statewide program is known as the Downtown Revitalization Initiative, which was started in 2016 by Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who announced the $100 million investment into 10 downtown communities – one municipality from each of the Regional Economic Development Councils. Jamestown won the competition in the Western New York Regional Economic Development Council during the first year of the program.

In February 2017, a local committee selected 12 projects to receive funding, with the state in May 2017 approving funding allocations to 10 — $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.

So how successful was the injection of $10 million into the city’s urban core? According to local officials, it’s difficult to judge the success of the program at this point.

“Obviously, (the projects) were a big boost in the arm to local businesses and the economy, but how they go forward is unknown. With COVID-19, everything has been pushed back,” said Anthony Dolce, the president of the Jamestown City Council. “It’s hard to assess the long-term effect they are going to have because the timing is not good. It’s hard to assess how successful the economic impact was in the long-run because of the pandemic.”

Kim Ecklund, At-Large councilwoman and Finance Committee chairwoman, agrees with Dolce on how to judge the success of the DRI because of the 180 degree turn of the economy because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“It’s tricky because of COVID,” she said. “The water is muddy because the projects haven’t gained the momentum they could have because of COVID.”

County Executive PJ Wendel said the projects are all worthwild and sparked investment in the city.

“The more we can have to attract people to the county, like the Double Tree and the Jackson Center, brings individuals and tourism to the city and the county,” he said.

Not all of the 10 DRI projects have been a success. The $670,000 for excursion train infrastructure and depot project never started, with the funding being diverted to another projects like the renovation of the Warner Dam, which was part of the Greater Jamestown Riverwalk enhancements project. People haven’t been able to witness whether the $1 million allocated to the former Key Bank Building project is a success because the building hasn’t opened yet. The building renovation project once it’s concluded will include a dinner theater on the main floor where a theater company will do live performances. Also on the main floor there will be office space for computers that will be used by a local nonprofit entity.

In the basement there are three vaults, one of which will be used to store wine for a wine tasting lounge. The other two vaults in the basement will be used for kitchen supplies and storage.

The third floor will contain apartments and office space. On the fourth floor, there will be apartments.

The $830,000 for the Jamestown Brewing Company was a success for a short while, but a delay in attaining a liquor license, COVID-19 and a legal dispute between the owner of the building and the business tenant led to the brewery closing earlier this year.

“One disappointment is the Jamestown Brewing Company,” Ecklund said. “Hopefully a solution for the owner and the property and all the equipment will be found that will benefit the city.”

Dolce said the brewery closing was out of city officials hands.

“We are hoping to find a tenant and continue to push the project through,” he said. “I’m hoping the book isn’t closed on them and down the road we hope to find another tenant, and get that moving forward.”

Dolce said whether it’s a worldwide pandemic or a squabble between building owners and business proprietors, sometimes it’s difficult to determine if economic development investments will work out.

“Some you hit with and some you don’t,” he said. “Sometimes it’s hard to see the longterm viability of a project.”