To the Reader’s Forum:

It is commendable that the city of Jamestown is taking positive steps towards revitalization and attempting to transition from a manufacturing identity to a tourist/entertainment venue. The creation of the Comedy Center, the introduction of new restaurants and arts centered themes in city projects is needed but misguided in it’s priority. The problem lies in the fact that as you enter the city you are immediately confronted with the real Jamestown and not the hoped for Jamestown.

Jamestown is a dictionary description of a city in decline. A prosperous steady working populace has been replaced by a welfare state. A low cost of living area so appreciated by hard working families that thrived here is now the main attraction for people with little or no skills, with no job opportunities, a government support state of mind , that spirals into hopelessness, dysfunction and crime. I applaud the struggling families who are honestly trying to make a better life for themselves and their families here and who sometimes need to avail themselves to various social welfare programs to pick themselves out of poverty, that is what those programs were designed to do. Unfortunately, that description fits an ever decreasing segment of the population today. The reality is that this area has become a haven for drug dealers who take advantage of cheap housing, government programs and a weak criminal justice system to advance illegal gain at the expense of a benevolent community. Study the “most wanted” section of the P-J for a year or more and you will see the same names with the same charges appear over and over again, along with the addition of those who have been made aware of the “easy pickings” in Jamestown.

Our law enforcement agencies in this county are doing an unbelievable job in trying to keep our communities safe. They are the best of the best, but until local laws, codes, and policies are adopted that discourage and repel those who would cause harm here nothing will change, and will continue to put our law enforcement officers and the public at risk. I no longer live in the city. I moved out when I saw the same changes happening in Jamestown that I witnessed in my neighborhood  on Long Island, which caused me to move to Jamestown 30 years ago. My hometown on Long Island now boasts one of the highest crime rates in New York state.  I welcome the Comedy Center, but the foundation upon which it sits is no joke.

JR Naughton

Westfield