JAMESTOWN – The Jamestown Strategic Planning and Partnerships Commission is focusing on the issue of downtown aesthetics and trying to get more uniformity in things like sidewalks, trashcans, bike racks, trees, and even artwork.
The discussion comes as several downtown destinations look to redevelop their properties with the help of funding from the state’s $10 million Downtown Revitalization Initiative grant, which was awarded to Jamestown a year ago. Much of that many will soon be released and the commission felt that now is the time to consider recommendations on aesthetics and appearance that would create a standard for the entire downtown to follow and adhere to.
Among the money that will be released as part of the DRI is $610,000 for improving the city’s “Streetscape and Pedestrian Experience.” Officials said it would be good to have some recommendations in place before that funding is put to use. City planning commissioner Bill Rice says the New York State Department of State is the agency that will release the funding but has yet to say when that would happen.
The Jamestown Strategic Planning and Partnership Commission, which is a group of volunteers who meet at least once a month to study and discuss various methods of improving life in the community, will continue the discussion in the coming weeks.
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