The Department of Development is looking to apply for funding to help with the next stage of the Chadakoin River Basin Project. P-J file photo

The Department of Development’s work to revitalize the Chadakoin River Basin continues, with the next step of the project looking to get some funding help through a grant from the Department of State.

During Monday’s City Council work session, Councilman Doug Scotchmer, D-Ward 4 and chair of the council’s Finance Committee, began the discussion with the overall City Council, saying that Jamestown is eligible to apply for Environmental Protection funds administered by the Department of State’s Office of Planning, Development and Community Infrastructure for a Local Waterfront Revitalization Program grant made available through the New York State Consolidated Funding Application. This is something the city has also received in the past.

Kasie Foulk, deputy director of development, gave an overview of what the funds will be for, to both the finance committee and overall work session.

“In 2023 we got $2 million to do the south part of the basin and moving forward with this funding we will be able to complete the North part of the basin,” Foulk said.

The application for this round of funding will also be for $2 million, according to Monday night’s agenda, which also states that the city has been working to activate the Chadakoin River Basin as an active recreation space and community waterfront park in downtown Jamestown. The city and their partners are currently implementing Phase I of a multi-phase activation project on the south side of the Basin that includes improved dock at Panzarella Point, kayak launch, welcome signage, lighting, improved parking and ADA improvements.

“Previously we did a kayak launch and a dock over by Panzarella, so with the next round of funding we will be able to complete the basin part of our Chadakoin plan,” Foulk said.

The plan for the North side of the basin includes improvements such as signature gardens, tiered terrace seating, as well as improved access, circulation, safety, connectivity, and placemaking initiatives intended to create a unique destination for residents and visitors to the city. The resolution supporting the DOD’s application for this funding was approved by the council’s finance committee Monday night.