The Urban Design Plan 2.0 is expected to increase downtown programming and events in an effort to support local businesses, attract visitors to Jamestown and help the downtown community thrive. Pictured is a former cruise-in located in downtown Jamestown. P-J file photo

The Jamestown Urban Design Plan 2.0 emphasizes the need for Jamestown to continue to expand downtown events and programming.

Patrick Smeraldo, owner of Collaborative Children’s Solutions, explained that downtown programming is essential for Jamestown’s community to be able to thrive.

According to Smeraldo, funding distributed through the Jamestown Local Development Corporation has allowed the community to host events such as Hello Summer and Christmas in July, as well as bring in national speakers like Gary Brooks last fall.

“That type of funding has been able to bring things here and will continue to bring things here,” he said.

Asked what additional steps he would like to see taken to expand to more events and more programs downtown, Smeraldo said it is important to “cater” to the needs of the downtown community and determine “what works” for local businesses and residents in Jamestown. He also emphasized the need to make sure the community is connected.

“I teach at Fletcher Elementary School,” Smeraldo said. “I can hit one icon on my computer, and I can email everybody at Fletcher Elementary School with one push of a button. Are we connected downtown where we can stay in touch with our downtown people more, like our stores or restaurants to feel their pulse?”

One way Smeraldo suggested that downtown programming and events could improve is through increased transportation for local events. Smeraldo told The Post-Journal that three trolleys have been purchased in Chautauqua County that are available for rent. He added that he is looking into renting a couple of the trolleys to be able to use for transportation for downtown events.

“I think you just have to make downtown as accessible as possible,” he said. “It’s hard when some of the streets are one way or people aren’t familiar with this town. I think you have to make it accessible and you have to include the businesses of downtown more too.”

Asked how important the downtown programs and events are for the local community and local businesses, Smeraldo explained that downtown events are “pivotal” for the community, especially for local families. From his perspective, Smeraldo believes that increased events and programming downtown has the potential to “save the city.”

“I believe that the waterfront that the CCPG and the IDA are trying to build behind the Comedy Center, I believe that saves the city if we can create a waterway or a floating stage or things like that,” he said. “I’d like to see people move here instead of leave here for the things we have versus the things we don’t have.”

Eric Hagglund, owner of 4 Below Bar and Grill, said told The Post-Journal that local businesses would like to see more events held downtown. However, he emphasized the importance of the city hosting events where “all businesses” would be able to participate, instead of “just Third Street” businesses.

“It should be all Second, Third and Fourth streets,” Hagglund said. “The more events downtown, the more foot traffic for all of us. It will keep people in town versus going to other locations to have fun, such as Bemus, Erie or Warren.”

Chris and Patti Larson, owners of Lisciandro’s Restaurant said it is important for “more doors” to be open in Jamestown that would allow the community to be involved. By expanding downtown programming and events through the Urban Design Plan 2.0, the Larsons are hopeful that Jamestown will be able to attract people from the “surrounding areas” to visit downtown businesses.