The Jamestown Local Development Corporation recently approved applications for multiple downtown events under the Downtown Revitalization Initiative Fund for Programming Grant. The JLDC also approved applications for the Business Expansion and Building Acquisition program. Pictured are members of the Jamestown Local Development Corporation at a recent board meeting. Screenshot by Timothy Frudd

The Jamestown Local Development Corporation unanimously approved multiple applications for upcoming downtown events as part of the Downtown Revitalization Initiative Fund for Programming Grant during last week’s meeting.

Micheal O Suilleabhain gave a presentation to the board through Zoom on an upcoming Irish music and poetry event for St. Patrick’s Day. The event will involve multiple Irish music workshops and a concert held at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church.

David Niles gave a presentation to the JLDC regarding the Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival World Tour, which will be sponsored by the Roger Tory Peterson Institute.

Mickey Girts gave two presentations regarding concerts in 2023 that will be sponsored by Whirlybird. The two applications submitted by Girts included the Whirlybird Music & Arts Festival and Earlybird Concert Series 2023.

Each of these applications were unanimously approved by the JLDC board during last week’s meeting.

In addition to the grant funding applications that were approved by the JLDC, the JLDC tabled an application from St. Susan Center. Cindy Saxton told the board that St. Susan Center is planning a trivia night fundraiser with Ben Bailey at the Crystal Ballroom.

JLDC board members raised concerns regarding the limited number of people who could attend the event if it was held at the Crystal Ballroom venue. St. Susan Center is requesting $42,500 for the event; however, only 230 people could attend the event if it is held at the Crystal Ballroom.

With the high cost of the event, the JLDC board expressed a desire to see more community members be able to attend the event. As a result, the JLDC tabled the vote until St. Susan Center can either justify the reasoning for the venue and the limited number of potential attendees or locate an alternative venue that could accommodate more attendees from the community.

After considering the applications for the Downtown Revitalization Initiative Fund for Programming Grant, the JLDC also had a presentation from Tim O’Dell, Department of Development grant manager, regarding the city’s Business Expansion and Building Acquisition program through the American Rescue Plan Act funds allocated by the City Council.

While City Councilwoman Kim Ecklund, R-At Large, reiterated that she would have liked to see additional businesses apply for the Business Expansion and Building Acquisition program, O’Dell and Stephanie Wright, city economic development coordinator, explained that the city made multiple attempts to advertise for the program and encourage local businesses to apply.

Following O’Dell’s presentation, the JLDC unanimously approved eight applications from local businesses. Three of the applications will be sent to the City Council for final approval at February’s voting session due to the applications exceeding $100,000 in funding.