The city of Jamestown has adopted a “Pro-Housing Communities” pledge that may put it in line to receive critical housing funds in the future.

City Council members on Monday approved the pledge, announced in July 2023 by Gov. Kathy Hochul to reward local governments that are working to address New York’s housing crisis.

Jamestown followed the city of Dunkirk, which adopted the housing pledge last September. Dunkirk learned it was among the first 20 municipalities in New York to receive a designation that may provide funding down the road.

As noted by the governor’s office, localities that achieve a Pro-Housing Communities designation receive priority in their applications for key programs, including the Downtown Revitalization Initiative and the NY Forward program.

Councilman Jeff Russell, R-At-Large, remarked on the pledge prior to the City Council vote. He noted that in Florida, where he recently vacationed, apartments can cost $2,000 a month to rent.

“I don’t think, necessarily, the problem here in Jamestown is affordable housing,” he said. “I think the issue is quality housing around the city of Jamestown and the condition of the housing that we have.”

During a council Housing Committee meeting earlier this month, Crystal Surdyk, city director of development, said municipalities across New York state have been encouraged to “take the pledge” on Pro-Housing Communities program. As stated in the resolution that the committee eventually approved, the program encourages the streamlining of permitting for different housing; the adoption of policies that further promote fair housing; the incorporation of regional housing needs into planning decisions; and the enactment of policies that encourage a broad range of housing development.

“As we are all aware across the state and across the country, housing is a hot topic issue, particularly affordable housing,” Surdyk said. “As our housing needs change — and we’ve been able to evaluate housing needs for multiple generations, various different types of needs, accessibilities, that sort of thing — the state has embarked on making housing a priority and making access to affordable housing a priority.”

Jamestown’s current housing situation has been well-documented and is likely to play a big part in the city’s next comprehensive plan.

At present, 56% of the city’s homes are at least 100 years old; 76% are at least 75 years old; and the median housing value is $66,000.

According to information compiled by the state, there were 14,430 properties that made up the city’s housing stock in 2020, with all but 1,789 of those properties considered occupied.

In 2000, the city had more than 15,000 properties in its housing stock, with about 1,469 considered vacant.

“As we start to look at different housing project opportunities, being a pro-housing community and pledging that we are a pro-housing community, will position us well for those funding opportunities with the state,” Surdyk said.