While the original Urban Design Plan concentrated on the downtown region near Northwest Arena, the new Urban Design Plan highlights the unique opportunity Jamestown has to develop a thriving health and wellness district that would not only benefit the physical and mental health of the community, but would also have a direct impact on the economic development of the Jamestown community.

According to the plan, “The region around UPMC Chautauqua Hospital is a regional destination for health care and other community-serving uses and is one of the most significant employment centers in Chautauqua County.”

The new plan calls for improvements to the pedestrian environment, increased walkability, the implementation of green infrastructure and additional health care services in Jamestown’s health and wellness district.

Dr. Lillian Ney, a Jamestown resident and a member of the Chautauqua County Board of Health, explained that the original Urban Design Plan was “put together” through the collaborative work of the community through a public-private partnership.

Pictured is a page from Urban Design Plan 2.0 with recommendations for the Medical Corridor.

“It continues to be a road map for revitalization, economic development and job creation, with emphasis on aesthetic appeal, walkability and a highlighting of natural amenities, including additional green space development,” she said. “It should continue to incorporate the past and the character of the community, while also preparing for its future success.”

Ney said the health and wellness district was first discussed many years ago as a “medical corridor” concept. She said the health and wellness district serves as an example of Jamestown maximizing its existing assets and creating a plan for improvements and expansions of those assets.

In recent years, the health and wellness district has expanded to include multiple health care providers in addition to UPMC Chautauqua.

Examples of health providers in the health and wellness district include The Chautauqua Center, Western New York Urology Associates, Chautauqua Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy, the Mental Health Association, Great Lakes Physician Practice. Ney said the Salvation Army, the St. Susan Center, the Boys and Girls Club, two pharmacies and two churches also contribute to the health and wellness district. The proposed relocation of the Jamestown YMCA is something she believes would benefit the health and wellness district as well.

“The designation of the district encourages a continuation of the focus on health and wellness in a strategic way, allowing and encouraging future investors to consider purchasing property and considering adding an amenity which fits the strategy of the district,” she said. “The sum of an integrated, strategic focus will add considerable value to the area and to the community members it serves.”

Revisiting Urban Design Plan 2.0

As part of the Urban Design Plan 2.0, Ney said the Riverwalk serves as an important connection between each of the health care providers and organizations in the district. By connecting each of the organizations in the region, she believes the public will have better access to the health care providers and the organizations will be able to more effectively serve the community.

“The further development of the Riverwalk and a plan to include and enhance green spaces along with the development of more walkability in the district will add an element of pleasure and peace to those seeking health and wellness care,” she said.

As Jamestown continues to implement the Urban Design Plan 2.0, Ney stressed the importance of flexibility and accommodation to any potential changes in the region. In order for the health and wellness district to continue to be successful in the future, she believes flexibility will be of central importance.