Current initiative position
City and downtown outreachTrack responses, log every outreach move, and push the initiative into direct review conversations.
Process
What we have done, what we are working on, and what comes next.
This page tracks the initiative like a working process board instead of a vague summary. Open any phase to see who is involved, what tasks are inside that phase, when each part started, and which updates have already been logged.
Initiative process board
Interactive project workflow
The workflow runs top to bottom. Click any phase node to open the full step, then open the task bubbles inside it for detailed work, owners, dates, and logged updates.
Phase 101CompletedConcept package and dossier assemblyThe proposal package, condensed public case, and dossier structure were assembled into a form that could be circulated.
Phase 101
CompletedThe proposal package, condensed public case, and dossier structure were assembled into a form that could be circulated.
Working with
Internal project team, Dossier and concept-development materialsThis is the stage where the proposal shifted from an internal concept into a presentable package with public-facing structure, clearer scope, and the material needed for direct outreach.
Current focus
Keep the package current as new visuals, revisions, and outreach notes are added.Continue revising the package as more feedback and supporting material come in.
Tracker state
The proposal has already been sent out digitally and followed up in person with the main development office.- Working nowLogging responses, tightening the public case, and pushing the proposal into active review conversations.
- Next recorded stepRecord replies, confirm review status, and schedule the next round of direct outreach.
Task flow inside this phase
Lock the public program scopeCompleted
The program list was condensed into a clearer public scope covering the Arcade Building, district strategy, upper rooms, themed spaces, youth/community uses, and later riverwalk connection.
- Task itemDefine the Arcade Building reuse mix
- Task itemSeparate current city work from initiative work
- Task itemPresent the National Scare Center as the flagship inside the larger Arcade plan
Assemble the dossier packageCompleted
The proposal package, supporting visuals, and public dossier were brought into one organized package that could be circulated to city and partner contacts.
- Task itemCompile proposal narrative and supporting materials
- Task itemPrepare a public-facing dossier file
- Task itemMove the concept into presentation-ready form
Keep the concept package revision-readyActive
Even after the first finished package, the concept still needs revision space for better visuals, cleaner language, and follow-up material added after outreach.
- Task itemFold in updated proposal files
- Task itemTighten the public wording
- Task itemAdd new support material as it is created
Latest update
April 12, 2026 - Printed update delivered to Crystal Surdyk's officeOn April 12, 2026, a paper update for the project was dropped off at Crystal Surdyk's office so the proposal had an in-person follow-up alongside the April 9 email outreach.
Previous logged updates
Phase 202ActiveCity and downtown outreachThe dossier has been sent out, followed up in person, and is now in the documented review-and-follow-up stage.
Phase 202
ActiveThe dossier has been sent out, followed up in person, and is now in the documented review-and-follow-up stage.
Working with
Crystal Surdyk, Department of Development, Mayor's Office, Downtown and civic contactsThis node covers the formal outreach trail to city development leadership and downtown contacts. It is where public support, direct follow-up, and clear documentation matter most.
Current focus
Track responses, log every outreach move, and push the initiative into direct review conversations.Record replies, continue follow-up, and log any meetings or acknowledgements as they happen.
Tracker state
The proposal has already been sent out digitally and followed up in person with the main development office.- Working nowLogging responses, tightening the public case, and pushing the proposal into active review conversations.
- Next recorded stepRecord replies, confirm review status, and schedule the next round of direct outreach.
Task flow inside this phase
Send the first formal outreach emailCompleted
The initial proposal email was sent to the city development office, the mayor's office, and additional downtown/civic contacts to establish the formal review trail.
- Task itemSend the proposal package digitally
- Task itemInclude the main city and downtown contacts
- Task itemLog the send date for the public process record
Drop off a physical office updateCompleted
A physical update was delivered to Crystal Surdyk's office so the outreach trail did not rely only on email.
- Task itemPrepare the paper follow-up
- Task itemDeliver it to the development office
- Task itemLog the action into the tracker
Track replies and review movementActive
Every acknowledgement, reply, or meeting request needs to be logged so the process page reflects actual movement instead of vague progress language.
- Task itemRecord who responds
- Task itemLog review status changes
- Task itemAttach notable follow-up actions to the workflow
Push toward direct review conversationsPlanned
After the first contact trail is documented, the next goal is to move the proposal into actual review conversations and decision-facing follow-up.
- Task itemSecure a direct conversation or acknowledgement
- Task itemClarify who is reviewing the material
- Task itemSet the next outreach checkpoint
Latest update
April 12, 2026 - Printed update delivered to Crystal Surdyk's officeOn April 12, 2026, a paper update for the project was dropped off at Crystal Surdyk's office so the proposal had an in-person follow-up alongside the April 9 email outreach.
Previous logged updates
Phase 303ActiveWebsite, dossier access, and supporter funnelThe platform is live and is being tightened so people can understand the proposal, review documents, and submit support without dead ends.
Phase 303
ActiveThe platform is live and is being tightened so people can understand the proposal, review documents, and submit support without dead ends.
Working with
Website build-out, Public supporter intake, Project messaging and designThis is the public-facing operating layer of the initiative. It handles dossier access, contact routing, support capture, and the project narrative people see first.
Current focus
Refine content, remove friction, improve layout, and make the process tracker readable and credible.Keep publishing revisions, process updates, and better conversion pathways.
Tracker state
The public platform is live with a clearer initiative narrative, supporter capture, and direct dossier access.- Working nowOngoing content refinement, supporter conversion flow, and milestone publishing.
- Next recorded stepKeep the platform updated as new milestones, outreach steps, and partner conversations are logged.
Task flow inside this phase
Rebuild the site structure around a real landing flowCompleted
The public site was reworked away from stacked placeholder sections into a clearer flow with simpler navigation, better page separation, and stronger dossier access.
- Task itemSimplify the page structure
- Task itemSeparate Arcade Plan, Community, Progress, Support, and Contact
- Task itemReplace dead-end sections with usable actions
Build the public process trackerActive
The tracker is being upgraded from generic summary cards into a more interactive workflow board that can reflect what is active, completed, and next.
- Task itemReplace vague progress language
- Task itemShow initiative steps as a readable workflow
- Task itemKeep admin-updatable detail attached to each step
Tighten support, contact, and city-action conversionActive
The public funnel still needs continuous refinement so supporters can either submit to the site or open the city-support email/call actions without confusion.
- Task itemKeep contact routing form-based to the site
- Task itemPush city support actions into prefilled user email/call flows
- Task itemRemove false direct-email references to the initiative
Continue mobile and layout cleanupPlanned
The site still needs constant layout cleanup as new modules are added so the mobile experience stays centered, readable, and not overstuffed.
- Task itemCheck every major page on mobile
- Task itemTrim oversized filler sections
- Task itemKeep major calls to action visible without crowding
Latest update
April 14, 2026 - Landing-page and tracker rebuild moved into refinementOn April 14, 2026, the site moved into a cleaner rebuild focused on a centered landing page, clearer page separation, progress tracking, and stronger mobile behavior.
Phase 404Active3D current-state modeling and visual trackingCurrent-condition models of the area are being prepared so the project can show real conditions and later document visible change.
Phase 404
ActiveCurrent-condition models of the area are being prepared so the project can show real conditions and later document visible change.
Working with
Current-state site photography, Render pipeline, Future visual comparison toolsThe visual pipeline is meant to show what exists now, not speculative fantasy imagery. It becomes the base layer for later before-and-after tracking.
Current focus
Stabilize the first model passes and connect them to the public-facing site.Publish the first reliable current-state visual set and fold it into the proposal presentation.
Tracker state
Current-state models of the district are being prepared for presentation and future progress tracking.- Working nowProcessing current conditions into a usable model pipeline and deciding how later updates are shown visually.
- Next recorded stepPublish the first stable current-state model and connect future revisions to on-site progress updates.
Task flow inside this phase
Assemble current-condition source materialCompleted
Photo and source material are being gathered to support current-condition modeling of the building and surrounding district.
- Task itemCollect the current photo set
- Task itemOrganize source images by area
- Task itemPrepare the base material for modeling
Build the first stable current-state model passesActive
The immediate goal is a stable current-state model set that can be shown publicly and used as the reference layer for later updates.
- Task itemProcess the first current-state geometry
- Task itemCheck that the Arcade area reads accurately
- Task itemPrepare a web-ready presentation version
Connect later revisions to visible site change trackingPlanned
Once the base model is stable, later updates can show site changes over time instead of treating each visual as a disconnected render.
- Task itemDefine revision checkpoints
- Task itemConnect updates to dates and notes
- Task itemUse the model to document visible change over time
Latest update
April 14, 2026 - Current-state model pipeline is in progressAs of April 14, 2026, current-state models of the area are being rendered so the visual layer can later show ongoing site changes and project movement.
Phase 505PlannedDistrict packaging and partner-facing expansionThe next phase is to tighten how the Arcade project, downtown foot traffic, and the larger entertainment district story are packaged together.
Phase 505
PlannedThe next phase is to tighten how the Arcade project, downtown foot traffic, and the larger entertainment district story are packaged together.
Working with
Potential attraction partners, Combo-ticket packaging ideas, Future riverwalk and district programmingThis node is about moving beyond a single-building pitch and presenting the broader district strategy in a way partners, supporters, and future operators can act on.
Current focus
Define the next partnership, investor, and district-programming materials needed after the current outreach phase.Turn the district story into cleaner partner-facing material and later-step operating logic.
Tracker state
The district case is being framed around longer stays, walkable movement, and future combo-ticket packaging.- Working nowRefining how the three destinations reinforce each other instead of competing as isolated stops, including later-night facade projection and event-layer programming.
- Next recorded stepTranslate the district story into partnership and programming material that supports travel-in demand.
Task flow inside this phase
Shape combo-ticket and cross-district visitor logicPlanned
The district story gets stronger when the Arcade, Comedy Center, and later riverwalk pieces are presented as one walkable visitor pattern rather than isolated stops.
- Task itemDefine anchor-to-anchor travel logic
- Task itemFrame the combo-ticket concept
- Task itemShow how downtown walking traffic grows from it
Package facade projection and district-night programmingPlanned
Projection mapping and event-layer programming on exterior facades should be positioned as later district features that help build nighttime presence.
- Task itemList likely facade-programming opportunities
- Task itemTie projection concepts to events and attractions
- Task itemKeep it aligned with the wider district story
Turn the district logic into partner-facing materialPlanned
The later-stage package needs to explain why multiple anchors, walkable movement, and district programming matter to operators, investors, and local partners.
- Task itemPrepare district-facing pitch material
- Task itemDefine likely partner conversations
- Task itemConnect the district case to future operating logic
Current city work
City-led work already underway in Jamestown.
This section stays separate from the initiative workflow above. It covers the city and partner projects already in motion.
Downtown and Economic Activity6 projects
Projects already pushing downtown reuse, private investment, and destination activity forward.
Chadakoin River Basin Activation (Phase 1)Construction underway
More than $1.9 million in state and federal funding is supporting gardens, a mural, a kayak launch, and a visitor center along the river basin.
- SourceCity of Jamestown / 2026 State of the City
- Current stateRiver-basin activation is already in the visible implementation stage with site elements moving from planning into installed public improvements.
- Working on nowLandscape, public-art, launch, and visitor-facing elements that make the river corridor feel more usable and more intentional.
- Next stepComplete the first visible round of basin improvements and connect them to stronger public programming.
Prendergast LandingAdaptive reuse in progress
106-108 Fairmount Avenue is being turned from a long-vacant building into cafe, retail, office, and loft space through Restore NY and private development support.
- SourceCity of Jamestown / local reporting
- Current stateAdaptive reuse planning and redevelopment work are active on a long-vacant corridor property.
- Working on nowMoving the building toward cafe, retail, office, and loft uses through restoration and build-out.
- Next stepPush the project into fuller construction and tenant-readiness milestones.
Jamestown Renaissance Corporation RevivalRestructuring in 2026
The organization has been restructured with Gebbie Foundation backing and is planning a new downtown building inventory.
- SourceProPublica / local reporting
- Current stateThe organization is in a restructuring phase with renewed backing and downtown inventory work being prepared.
- Working on nowRebuilding operating structure and clarifying the next downtown building and reinvestment pipeline.
- Next stepFinish the renewed inventory and turn it into a sharper downtown action list.
Municipal Fiber BroadbandRolling out in 2026
The Board of Public Utilities is bringing community-owned fiber online to improve long-term infrastructure and business competitiveness.
- Source2026 State of the City
- Current stateCommunity-owned broadband rollout is underway and already shaping the city's long-term infrastructure position.
- Working on nowNetwork expansion, service readiness, and business competitiveness gains tied to reliable fiber access.
- Next stepExtend availability and translate infrastructure gains into stronger business recruitment value.
South Chautauqua Federal Credit Union BranchOpening in 2026
The former Rite Aid at 8th and North Main is being converted into a full branch with community room space.
- SourceLocal reporting
- Current stateThe former Rite Aid conversion is well into the reuse cycle with a community-facing branch taking shape.
- Working on nowInterior conversion, branch readiness, and the community-room component of the project.
- Next stepMove the branch through final fit-out and opening preparation.
Cummins Engine Plant ExpansionActive through 2026
A $452 million private investment is expanding advanced engine production and sustaining major employment in the city.
- Source2026 State of the City
- Current stateMajor private investment is already reinforcing Jamestown's industrial employment base.
- Working on nowExpansion work tied to advanced engine production and longer-term plant competitiveness.
- Next stepCarry the investment through active build and production milestones.
Infrastructure and Public Realm3 projects
Transportation, flood resilience, and corridor work already underway in the city.
East 2nd Street / Route 394 ReconstructionActive in 2026
The corridor is receiving traffic signals, accessible ramps, sidewalk upgrades, and paving through NYSDOT funding.
- Source2026 State of the City
- Current stateThe corridor is in the middle of a visible public-realm and transportation upgrade cycle.
- Working on nowSignals, ramps, sidewalks, and paving improvements that improve access and corridor presentation.
- Next stepAdvance the reconstruction toward finished corridor segments and cleaner final presentation.
Stormwater Channel MaintenancePlanning stage
A $1.25 million federal grant is supporting flood-risk reduction work along the Chadakoin River.
- Source2026 State of the City
- Current stateFlood-risk reduction work is still in the planning and engineering stage rather than field execution.
- Working on nowChannel-maintenance scope, grant-backed resilience planning, and the path to implementation.
- Next stepTurn planning into a concrete construction and maintenance schedule.
Minnow Brook CulvertBidding planned for 2026
A $1.5 million Bridge NY award is supporting culvert repair between Allen Street and the Chadakoin River.
- Source2026 State of the City
- Current stateThe project is still early, with funding secured and bidding preparation driving the timeline.
- Working on nowFinal scope preparation before bid and repair activity can move forward.
- Next stepOpen the bid process and move into repair execution.
Housing and Blight Work Already Underway3 projects
These projects are the direct answer to the question of what housing work Jamestown is already doing.
Gateway LoftsPermit submitted, late-2026 target
A $77 million adaptive reuse project at 31 Water Street is planned to deliver 110 affordable and supportive housing units.
- SourceWRFA / 2026 State of the City
- Current stateThe housing project is in the permitting and pre-development stage, not just concept discussion.
- Working on nowPermit path, financing stack, and readiness for major adaptive-reuse delivery at Water Street.
- Next stepSecure approvals and move the project into a more construction-facing phase.
Blooming GardensActive now
A $3.2 million project creating 48 housing units across 12 sites for residents experiencing homelessness or serious mental illness.
- Source2026 State of the City
- Current stateThis housing effort is already active across multiple sites and directly adds supportive units in the city.
- Working on nowSite delivery, supportive housing coordination, and occupancy progress across the portfolio.
- Next stepComplete the remaining site work and stabilize operations across the full set of units.
New York State Pro-Housing GrantAwarded March 2026
Jamestown received $250,000 to accelerate redevelopment of abandoned and blighted properties with the Chautauqua County Land Bank.
- SourceCity of Jamestown press release
- Current stateThe award has been secured and now shifts into deployment against blighted-property redevelopment work.
- Working on nowHow the city and Land Bank convert the award into measurable abandoned-property action.
- Next stepApply the grant into a specific property pipeline and visible redevelopment outputs.
Civic Capacity and Community Pipeline3 projects
The city is also investing in planning, youth engagement, and professional capacity to execute more effectively.
Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Code UpdateActive community input
Jamestown is updating its comprehensive plan and zoning code for the first time since 1998.
- Source2026 State of the City
- Current stateThe citywide planning update is active and still in the community-input and policy-shaping stage.
- Working on nowComprehensive-plan language, zoning modernization, and public feedback needed for adoption.
- Next stepRefine the policy package and move it toward final approval.
Strengthened Department of DevelopmentExpanded in 2025
New planning, zoning, and economic-development positions were added to improve execution capacity.
- Source2026 State of the City
- Current stateThe staffing and execution-capacity expansion has already happened and is now part of current city operations.
- Working on nowUsing the stronger department bench to move more planning, zoning, housing, and development work forward.
- Next stepTranslate added staff capacity into faster execution and better project follow-through.
NextGen JamestownActive through June 2027
A youth civic-engagement program is connecting local students with city government and public problem-solving.
- Source2026 State of the City
- Current stateYouth civic-engagement programming is active and building a longer pipeline between students and city problem-solving.
- Working on nowStudent participation, city-facing learning, and practical civic project experience.
- Next stepExpand program impact and connect it to longer-term civic and workforce participation.
Shared update intake
Submit a city project update through the website.
Messages to the initiative go through the site. Community project updates stay in review until an organizer approves them.