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I would like to respond to the local video recently produced claiming Jamestown is best known for its massive drug problem, high crime rate, and decaying infrastructure.
The title states "Jamestown, America's Sketchiest City". If that didn't give a clue as to the direction, or more importantly, the objective of the video, I don't know what would. There are 19,460 cities in America (did my homework- more on that to follow). The number of cities depends on definition but you get my drift.
It is quite apparent the lead was for the purpose of earning "clicks" on YouTube, the method of obtaining sponsorships, $$$, and near the top visibility.
That title should have ticked off every one of us including those interviewed. I have spent my entire life in Jamestown, owned a local downtown business for 52 years and supported it. To be run over by a bus with a cheap headline is juvenile and bush league.
Nearly every viewer completes the discussion with a comment something like "It ended on a positive note". That is well and good but it doesn't pass muster for fair and quality news. In fact, if she were to have brought this video to any quality newspaper or television editor the reaction would have been severe.
I start with her driving and apparent distain as she passes through the gorgeous fields of crops, grasses and quiet – possibly the reason many of us have chosen this area to raise our families.
She moves into our downtown and is treated by a wonderful tour guide who provides some great (but limited) establishments. A nice lunch, terrific gardening area by the host that 90% of us never knew existed, and discussion of the huge investment in a dilapidated building previously written off as a fire hazard waiting for a match to bring it to its misery. Thank you for your hard work City of Jamestown Department of Development. An A+ is awarded here.
A trip to Jamestown Skate Products was a real eye opener for many of us as well. "Who would have thunk?" Pete Scheira is to be congratulated on his investment in the downtown and that is exactly what we need. Give Pete an A++ for understanding the youthful needs of the city and filling that void.
Moving on to real estate – I have been the first to shout the beauty of living in Jamestown and Chautauqua County as to affordability of housing and our unbelievably reasonable cost of electricity produced and purchased by our local Board of Public Utilities.
As I've always preached, "Where else could you live and purchase a nice single family home for $70,000 and pay it off in 20 years?" Meanwhile, other areas of the country require a $600,000 to perhaps $800,000+ investment, supported by two working spouses, and realizing they will never pay it off in their lifetime – or at least know the payments will be amortized over 40 years.
I did take a minor exception to the home mentioned on Lakeview Avenue which sold for $50,000. It certainly was the exception rather than the rule as it had been condemned in all likelihood due to a previous leaky roof. I make no judgment on the visually stunning home but sometimes one needs to tell the entire story.
Now, let's hit the facts as to why others are upset as well. Our city is made up of many components including a good government with hard working police, fire and employees, dedicated volunteers, and several fabulous foundations. Those include the Gebbie Foundation, Chautauqua Region Community Foundation, Sheldon Foundation, the Carnahan- Jackson and Johnson Foundations. These foundations have poured literally millions of dollars into our community and are responsible for multiple building designs and upgrades, the Northwest Ice Arena, grants to help Shawbucks and Kurt Johnson (another unsung hero) grow his business, attract the wonderful Wicked Warren's restaurant into the former Lillian Ney Building, etc. A special kudos goes to the Gebbie Foundation which has always led the charge on beautifying our city.
The Community Foundation has spent the past 48 years extending scholarships to our youth, allowed for specialized grants to deserving areas of our community including St. Susan's Kitchen, UCAN, Salvation Army, just to name a few. We would be nothing without them. Its current assets and endowments have grown to $168,000,000 since inception, with the bulk of that growth due to donations and gifts by our local residents. Yet – not one word about them in the "Sketchiest" city video.
Let's move on to the Fenton Historical Society which features a spot-on history of Jamestown with beautifully laid out rooms from various eras. This was the home of NY Governor Ruben Fenton. Imagine – a governor coming from this small town located near the cornfields. Imagine that.
Let's talk about former Mayor of Jamestown Stanley Lundine. Wait – as I recall history shows him to have served as Lt. Governor of NYS under Mario Cuomo.
We haven't even mentioned the Reg Lenna Civic Center. Many will recall that it was a dilapidated Palace Theater. Hundreds of volunteers and donors flocked to take ownership in the rebuilding of it under the guidance of Phillip Morris. Today, it is a classic piece of history that was saved by those same people living in and around our community.
Let's discuss local bird artist and expert world renowned Roger Tory Peterson who created "A Field Guide to the Birds" along with other classic follow-ups. Somehow he never was mentioned, along with the beautiful RTPI which connects art and nature through exhibits and conservation programs.
On Riverside Drive just outside Jamestown is the Audubon Community Nature Center which builds and nurtures connections between people and nature by providing positive outdoor experiences.
Importantly, the Robert H. Jackson Center honors his legacy. He is best known as being Chief U.S. Prosecutor at the Nuremberg Trials where he introduced pivotal terms like "Crimes against humanity". He further served as Chief Solicitor General of the United States and a Supreme Court Justice.
It is important to mention Jamestown Community College which is recognized as the first "locally sponsored" community college in New York State in 1950. It provides quality education that can serve as either a starting point to a four-year college or a final stop to a nursing, electronics, welding, or business career. Special note: I am a JCC graduate who transferred all of my credits to St. Bonaventure University back in the day. It was then and is now a great institution.
Let's also note that we have a great UPMC hospital, are honored to bring the "Babe Ruth World Series" to Jamestown every few years, sponsor the "World Series of Wheels", "Juneteenth", "Swedish Festival", various church festivals, etc. etc. Jamestown residents should be especially proud of the group that literally saved Holy Apostles - SS Peter & Paul R.C. Church from closure by their hard work.
I've just touched the surface of why I love this area and why I took it personally by some individual who provided the world a half- truth about this place we call home.
I will end by stating that I apologize by insinuating on another social media site that individuals, restaurants, Air B&B apartments may have been rewarded for their participation in her video. I was assured that was not the case.
I will not apologize for standing up to half-truths and Globe Magazine headlines to sell a product. I support of the entrepreneurial spirit that lives and breathes in our great City of Jamestown. May we all work together to continue the pride we all have in this area. Furthermore, may we remember that our wonderful Lucy-Desi Museum, National Comedy Center, Chautauqua Institution and Chautauqua Lake are dependent on each and every one of us to support a positive image of those traveling across country to visit these sites.
Andrew Jochum is a Jamestown resident.