Pictured is Jose Sanchez, Los Contricantes Car Club president, as he addressed the City Council on Monday night. P-J photo by Katrina Fuller

Opinions were shared in abundance during the Jamestown City Council’s Public Safety meeting on Monday night regarding the upcoming Los Contrincantes Car Club event.

The comments bled over into the council’s work session, allowing for members of the large crowd to share their thoughts and feelings on the matter.

The event, which is slated to be held on Sept. 18 in Bergman Park, had been approved in June by the committee. At the time, the event did not draw much attention; however, after reports of a similar event being held in Dunkirk that drew many complaints from local residents, many residents of the Bergman Park area contacted their council members with concerns.

Both concerned residents and members of Los Contricantes Car Club and Bike Crew were in attendance at Monday’s meeting, with various sentiments and ideas to share. Brent Sheldon, Ward 1 councilman, addressed the crowd, reminding them that the event had been approved previously with no public comment at the time.

Sheldon said members of the council and the police chief recently held a sound test in the Bergman Park area with two cars playing their stereos as they would in the stereo competition. Little to no noise was heard from some distance away, Sheldon reported, especially when a car passed by. During the test, he said no reports were received by the Jamestown Police Department regarding noise.

“Granted, there may be louder stereo systems at the competition, but I do not believe it will be excessive or affect the quality of life that day,” Sheldon said, adding that police officers being paid by the car club will be on hand to secure the event. “I believe this committee has done its due diligence and this event should go on September 18th in Bergman Park for the residents of Jamestown and Chautauqua County.”

Tamu Graham-Reinhardt, At-Large councilwoman, also gave a statement before the public comment session. She said she wanted to make sure everyone understood that her viewpoints were her own.

“In an era of heightened misinformation that has produced rumors, innuendos, false accusations and unfounded attacks both on private citizens as well as public officials, I believe that it is imperative that we recognize that the Jamestown community is not a homogenous group of people who all espouse the same ideas and views on all topics concerning the growth and development of our city,” Graham-Reinhardt said. “We are a diverse group of people, not only ethnically and racially, but also regarding religion, age, education, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, and physical ability – each group of people having faith that their elected officials will do all that they can within their power to ensure their quality of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Therefore, I pose the question: can we agree that the phrase ‘pursuit of happiness’ can be a vague term, left open to interpretation based on our own world view?”

Graham-Reinhardt continued, highlighting the fact that residents of the downtown area have been subjected to the noise of car shows previously.

“Were the residents of downtown any less worthy of avoiding the noise simply because of where they reside?” She asked. “I don’t believe so.”

Jeffery Russell, At-Large councilman, said he was disappointed that this issue had been turned into a racial one on social media and elsewhere. Russell said it is not a racial issue; rather it is an issue of venue.

“I want to see this event take place,” he said. “It’s just a question of: is this the right place?”

Various members of the public took to the microphone to share their feelings and concerns with the members. At one point, the committee meeting was adjourned, and the city council work session was called into order, beginning with the public comment session. Some community members raised concerns regarding the noise, while others mentioned the possible spread of COVID-19 at the event.

One member of Los Contricantes Car Club, Esteban Cordova, responded later, “Any one of us can get COVID right now.” He pointed out the fact that schools would be opening directly before the event occurs, which could also allow COVID-19 to spread.

“We’re just asking for this one day,” Cordova said.

Other members and supporters of the Los Contricantes Car Club and Bike Crew shared their opinions, with many sharing that the group is focused on helping the community, giving away backpacks and other items to children in the area, and providing for those who are in need. Likewise, the group’s members also shared that there would be adequate security during the event, paid for by the group itself.

Jose Sanchez, club president, said he only wants to help the city, bring in business and support his community. Sanchez said he made “bad choices” when he was young, but his family has changed his ways. Having made this change, Sanchez said he and the members of his group focus on bringing a similar change to Jamestown in various ways, including the event.

“I love my community,” Sanchez said. “Give us the chance – you can’t judge us on something we have not done yet.”

Sanchez added that if the event is a success, it could be a great success for the community as well.

Angel Rodriguez, a member of the car club, said that everyone in attendance is a human being and that everyone should “know how to express themselves.”

“We all deserve a chance,” Rodriguez said, adding the group will continue to show love for everyone they encounter.

Marie Carruba, Ward 4 councilwoman, said she has never had so many complaints about an upcoming event before. Carruba said the residents around the Bergman Park area have continually brought up their concerns to her, which she felt needed to be shared.

“I have had nothing but concern for the noise,” she said.

She added that Bergman Park is not the largest park in the city, and the event could be held elsewhere, suggesting Jackson Taylor Park on Washington Street.

Afterward, Russell called upon Mayor Eddie Sundquist to answer if he supported the event or not. Sundquist said he was indeed in support of the event, and found the venue to be suitable as other car shows had been held there before.

“I think this club has done an incredible job working with the council to explain the process, to explain what’s going on, and doing a test of the car show,” he said.

Sundquist said he recognized the concerns regarding noises, but said that is the reason for special event permits.

“I will point out as a point of order to the council that you have every right under the charter to make a motion and second it for the revocation of that permit,” he said. “I realize there have been a lot of discussions here tonight, so in the interest of business, Mr. President, I would encourage that you guys either choose to make that motion or move on.”

“At this point, this is a work session, we wouldn’t be able to do that until next week anyway,” said Council President Anthony Dolce.