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Both Jamestown and Falconer are accepting proposals for both the city's $10 million Downtown Revitalization Initiative and the village's $4.5 million NY Forward grant.
An open call for DRI projects in Jamestown is being held from Aug. 21 through Sept. 25. Projects submitted during the open call in Jamestown will be considered for a share of the nearly $10 million available through the Jamestown DRI 2.0 program. Funding is available for projects that expand existing businesses, attract new businesses, improve public space, create more housing opportunities, attract visitors, expand recreation and entertainment options, improve the quality of life for residents and visitors. An informational meeting will be held Thursday, August 27, 2026, at the Robert H. Jackson Center, 305 E Fourth St., Jamestown, from 1 to 3 p.m.
A public survey has been launched to gather input on downtown development priorities. Feedback will be used to identify issues, opportunities and needs for downtown development. It will also help shape the final slate of projects to be recommended to New York state for DRI funding as part of a Strategic Investment Plan for downtown. A Local Planning Committee nominated by Mayor Kim Ecklund will review, evaluate and recommend projects based on their potential to transform downtown Jamestown. The public survey is available online at www.surveymonkey.com/r/jamestowndri. Hard copies will also be available at City Hall and other locations soon. The survey will be open until Sept. 25.
There are other opportunities to participate, as well. A public workshop for the Jamestown DRI will be held on Wednesday, Aug. 26, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Reg Lenna Center for the Arts. The workshop will include a brief presentation on the DRI program and the city's DRI application. The presentation will take place from 5 to 5:30 p.m. and will be followed by a walking tour of the projects funded through Round 1of the DRI program as well as potential projects for Jamestown DRI 2.0. Copies of the public survey will be available to complete during the workshop.
In addition, representatives from the Jamestown DRI team will be present at the Whirlybird Festival on Saturday, Aug. 29.
The city's Local Planning Committee will meet from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 26, at the Robert H. Jackson Center. The meeting will include a recap of recent public engagement activities; a summary of past plans and recent investments in the community; a review of proposed changes to the DRI boundary area; a discussion of the vision, goals, and strategies for the DRI area; and an overview of the process for soliciting and evaluating projects to be considered for inclusion in the Jamestown DRI Strategic Investment Plan. This is a working meeting of the LPC but there will be an opportunity for public comments at the end.
FALCONER COMMITTEE TO MEET AUG. 26
Falconer's NY Forward program is also hosting an open call for project proposals for the $4.5 million NY Forward grant, which is to be used for transformational projects in Falconer's village center. The village is seeking proposals for public, private, and nonprofit projects that have the potential to bring about significant transformation, while also providing economic and community benefits for the entire village. Eligible projects include new construction, renovation or redevelopment of existing buildings, public improvements, community branding and marketing, and public art. Projects must be located within or near the Falconer NY Forward boundary. Projects funded through the NY Forward program will help expand existing businesses, attract new businesses, improve public space, create more housing opportunities, attract visitors, expand recreation and entertainment options, and improve the quality of life for the community.
Both novel ideas and established project concepts are welcome. Project sponsors should provide detailed information about their proposed projects to showcase their feasibility and the impact they will have on Falconer. After submitting their proposals, project sponsors will work with the Falconer NY Forward Local Planning Committee and a consultant team led by LaBella Associates, who will assist project sponsors in refining and further developing their proposed projects. Local Planning Committee members will ultimately review, evaluate and recommend a final slate of projects to New York state for a share of the $4.5 million in available funding.
The open call for projects begins Aug. 27, with an information session at 5:30 p.m. Sept. 1 at the Falconer Public Library, 101 W. Main St., Falconer, as well as through Zoom. Project submissions are due by 4 p.m. Sept. 28.
In addition, the second meeting of the Falconer NY Forward Local Planning Committee will be held at 5 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 26, at the Falconer Fire Hall, 115 Davis St. The committee, which is composed of community members nominated by Mayor Jim Jaroszynski, is working with a team of state agency partners and consultants to craft the final Strategic Investment Plan. The Aug. 26 meeting will include updates on the planning process and public engagement efforts, a summary of past plans and investments, overview of what makes a strong NY Forward project, discussion on project evaluation criteria, development of a vision statement, goals and strategies, an explanation of the open call for projects process and public comment.
A survey is also available to get the public's thoughts on the village, as well as the types of new businesses and public improvements desired. The survey can be accessed at www.surveymonkey.com/r/FalconerSurvey. Hard copies will be available at various locations in the village.