Wendel touts fiscally conservative budgeting for surge in development, maintaining county services in State of the County Address...
Fiscally-conservative budgeting has triggered a surge in business growth and development... and, allowed Chautauqua County to maintain quality services for it's residents. That from County Executive P.J. Wendel during his annual State of the County Address during last night's county legislature meeting in Mayville. Wendel highlighted the 34 economic development projects supported by the Industrial Development Agency, along with the Chautauqua County Partnership for Economic Growth. He says the $842-million in total investment is helping to add 574 permanent jobs, and preserve over 2,300 existing positions. Wendel says much of the investment comes from expansion projects at Cummins Jamestown Engine Plant... and, Wells Enterprises in Dunkirk. With more jobs coming on line... the Lakewood Republican also addressed the need for more housing...and touted new housing projects in Silver Creek, Dunkirk, Jamestown and Westfield. Looking ahead to 2024... he says the county hopes to take a big step foward on development of the new, Ripley Industrial Park site, which will involved 150-acres of land and provide "significant developmental potential." Wendel also announced the launch of "Vision 2024..." which will involve the upgrading of county facilities to bring them into the 21st Century. He especially highlighted the need to make improvements to working spaces in the Gerace Office Building, and the Hall Clothier Building.
County Legislature approves agreement with NYSERDA to assess developing renewable energy project...
During it's regular monthly meeting... the county legislature approved a Memorandum of Understanding with the New York State Energy Research and Development Agency to assess development of a renewable energy project at the Dunkirk Airport. The vote was 14-4 with one lawmaker absent. It would involve the possible construction of a utility-scale Solar Renewable Energy project.
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Lawmakers agreed to withdraw a motion to oppose Governor Kathy Hochul's revenue bill regarding the siting of major electric transmission facilities. Legislator Marty Proctor says parts of the RAPID Act to streamline the siting of wind turbines has been changed... and, a new motion will be brought forth.
City man arrested for being in vehicle with person who had a "stay away" order against him...
A Jamestown man has been arrested for allegedly being found inside a stopped vehicle with a person who had a "stay away" order of protection against him. City police say they stopped a car on the westside just after 1:30 p.m Wednesday for an observed traffic infraction. Officers say they found that 41 year-old Carlton Allen was one of the people inside... and, was with a woman who had an order of protection against him. Allen was arrested for second-degree crimial contempt... and, was taken to the city jail pending arraignment.
Jamestown man arrested on drug charge following street check...
A city man faces a drug possession charge after being found with a quantity of methamphetamine in his possession late last week. Jamestown police say they did a street check on a man found on South Main Street shortly after Noon on Thursday, Apr. 18. Officers say 28 year-old Jordan Baca had a confirmed, city court bench warrant for petty larceny... and, he was taken into custody. Police say they then found the quantity of meth on Baca's person. He was additionally charged with seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance... and, taken to the city jail pending arraignment.
Earthfest at JCC moved indoors due to weather conditions Wednesday...
The weather wasn’t the best, so hundreds of students from Jamestown Community College and nearby high schools were inside at the Hamilton Collegiate Center at JCC Wednesday for the annual Earthfest. It’s organized by the Earth Awareness Club. One of its members, Matthew Wisler of Frewsburg, said ‘invasive species’ was a key focus this year, and he says if you see them, let local officials know about it. A number of organizations with a keen interest in invasives had displays at Earthfest including Cornell Cooperative Extension, the Audubon, and the Chautauqua Lake Association. Jace Aleo is another member of the club. She’s had firsthand experience with a nasty invasive downstate -- the Spotted Lanternfly -- which she says is an "increasing problem." The Spotted Lanternfly is one of the invasive species local authorities are on the watch for. The Buffalo area is infested with the destructive insect, but it’s not yet made it to the Southern Tier. JCC Science professor, Andy Pitoniak, was the faculty organizer for Earthfest this year. He says ‘micro-plastics’ is another major concern, worldwide. Fundraising proceeds from this year’s Earthfest will go to the Chautauqua Watershed Conservancy and The Invasive Species Center.
Santos drops out of Dist. 1 race for Congress...
Former New York Congressman George Santos says he is dropping his longshot bid to return to the U.S. House... months after he was expelled while facing a slew of federal fraud charges. Santos, who was running as an independent candidate for the 1st Congressional District in New York, said he was withdrawing from the race in a post on the social media platform X. The announcement came after the disgraced former congressman's campaign committee reported no fundraising or expenditures in March, raising speculation that his campaign had failed to get off the ground.
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