West NY News

The Chautauqua County Legislature has endorsed a proposed collaboration between Jamestown Community College (JCC) and the Jamestown YMCA. The project aims to develop an expanded athletic complex at JCC.

In a 16-1 vote on Wednesday night, legislators supported the inclusion of the $45 million project in SUNY’s capital budget request for the 2025-26 fiscal year. Legislator Terry Niebel was the only dissenting voice.

According to JCC President Dr. Daniel DeMarte, the initiative will merge services from the downtown Jamestown YMCA with a new 70,000-square-foot facility at JCC. The plan also involves converting existing tennis courts and a parking lot on Curtis Street into two turf fields with overlays for baseball and softball.

Dr. DeMarte detailed that the total cost is estimated at $43.2 million. JCC plans to contribute $24 million, while seeking $12 million in state funding through SUNY’s 2025-26 budget, $6 million from Chautauqua County, and an additional $6 million through fundraising efforts by the college and its foundation.

John Barber, interim CEO of the Jamestown YMCA, stated that they have already secured $5 million towards their $19.2 million share. The YMCA intends to apply for federal grants, seek more state funds, and collaborate with local foundations to meet their target.

Barber highlighted the project's potential benefits including expanding regional childcare services, improving accessibility, and enhancing workforce readiness. He mentioned that their current building on East Fourth Street might be sold or leased to other organizations while maintaining HUD apartments on its third and fourth floors under a federal agreement for another decade.