Jamestown’s Director of Development Crystal Surdyk gives an update on city projects on Aug. 21 during a meeting of Western New York Regional Economic Development Council, at the National Comedy Center. P-J photo by Michael Zabrodsky

The Downtown Revitalization Initiative helps the City of Jamestown in different ways.

“Firstly, the DRI transforms downtown neighborhoods into vibrant centers that serve as magnets for redevelopment, business and job creation,” said Ben Bidell, revitalization specialist with the Department of State.

Bidell gave a DRI update on Aug. 21, during a meeting of Western New York Regional Economic Development Council, at the National Comedy Center.

Bidell noted that urban revitalization is a marathon, not a sprint. The DRI program is a plan then act program, and the reality is that it takes time to get projects done, particularly in the post covid economic climate, where there is increased labor, material and capital costs.

“That’s the reality of economic development today, but we are making progress,” Bidell said.

Bidell said that with the DRI, streetscape improvements were made along Third and Cherry streets.

“We made investments in sidewalks, planters, landscaping, bike racks, trash receptacles, and benches. So these are the types of investments that really set the stage for response by the private sector, Bidell said.

The total investment was $610,000 and funding from DRI was $610,000. Streetscape improvements are now complete, Bidell said.

Bidell noted that another completed project is Wicked Warren’s in Jamestown. The total investment was $3.4 million and DRI funding was $830,000.

DRI, Bidell said, is another way to get people to think differently about the downtown.

“It says we have a reason, and I’ll say reasons to come down more often, to spend money and to partake in the restaurant, the festival, the events and the performances that are taking place, not just on the street, but in our wonderful theaters as well,” Bidell said.

Crystal Surdyk, the city’s Director of Development said the city’s roots were built in industry, and the city has experienced some challenges. Some of those challenges were experienced by other communities in Western New York as well

“So transitions and challenges, again, are not different than other cities. Throughout Western New York and our region, we’ve had some, some challenges, and disinvestment.

There’s with the loss of industry, loss of population, loss of jobs – we’ve experienced some tough times, economically,” Surdyk said. “We’re turning it around.

Surdyk said the turnaround is coming with the help of the state and Empire State Development partnerships.

Surdyk said some of the funding the city has received has already made a visible impact.

In 2024, the city secured more than $52 million in grants across all departments to support transformative projects that enhance residents’ quality of life.

The city’s department of development:

– Houses code enforcement, economic, development, housing initiatives city planning and more

– Creates and implements the city’s annual action plan, consolidated plan, and comprehensive plan

– Oversees grant and loan programs, promoting investment and job creation

– Promotes initiatives to enhance the city’s overall stability and progress

– Facilitates business development and administers funding programs

– Supports local economic growth and community improvement

– Provides various resources for homeowners and renters.