It appears one of Jamestown's parks is in line for a new name, possibly by the end of the year...
A group of northside residents -- and others -- has petitioned the city to rename Chadakoin Park after three northside residents known for their public service. One of the organizers of the effort, Wanda Cooper, says they want to rename the park "Jackson-Taylor Park." Cooper says the "Jackson" is for late Jamestown Community College leader Isabelle Jackson.
Cooper says the "Taylor" is for Lula and Vivian Taylor. Vivan was a long-time Jamestown City Council member who represented the northside ward, while his wife, Lula, represented that area for many years on the Chautauqua County Legislature. Mayor Sam Teresi says he's pleased to see the petition come forward, and asked lawmakers to put priority on getting the measure approved.
In addition to serving the community politically, the Taylors were also active in preserving local African-American history. At-Large City Councilwoman Kim Ecklund sits on the city Parks Commission and said she would bring a resolution forward to rename the park after Isabelle Jackson and the Taylors at their next meeting.
Governor Andrew Cuomo has announced the nomination of Eric Gertler to serve as the new President and Chief Executive Officer of Empire State Development, the state's chief economic development agency....
He will replace Howard Zemsky, who will remain Chair of the ESD Board. Chautauqua County Executive George Borrello says he is pleased that Zemsky will continue to play a role with ESD.
Gertler is executive chairman of U.S. News & World Report and, worked as co-publisher of the New York Daily News from 2015 to 2017. While he is pleased that Gertler comes from the private sector, Borrello says he will reserve judgement until he sees whether Gertler will carry-on Zemsky's work.
New York state officials are asking the public to help choose a new license plate design....
Governor Andrew Cuomo says people can vote on the governor's website now for one of five plate designs. Four of the designs include the Statue of Liberty while one features the Mario M. Cuomo Bridge over the Hudson River. Voting runs through September 2nd. The design with the most votes will become available in April. They will replace the state's blue-and-white plates, most of which are more than 10 years old. As vehicle owners renew their registrations, owners with license plates 10 years old or older will be issued new plates for a $25 fee.
Chautauqua County's top-elected official says he has a "unique perspective" to bring to Albany and, that's why residents should elect him for the State Senate....
County Executive George Borrello brought his campaign to the Noon Rotary Club meeting at the Doubletree in Jamestown yesterday afternoon, and, says the county "cannot afford" to have lack of representation now that Cathy Young has taken a position in the private sector.
Until he became executive, Borrello says he owned his own marketing business in the north county for about three decades. He is now into his second-year as County Executive. Borrello says more leaders with that kind of experience are needed in Albany. He says there are several people that serve in Albany that have business experience but, only one other in the Senate who has been a county leader. Borrello's Democratic opponent is Austin Morgan of Delevan. Morgan spoke to the Noon Rotary Club last month.
The invasive Water Chestnuts discovered earlier this month in the outlet area of Chautauqua Lake were in the early stages of growth... but, lake groups and others are being vigilant to make sure they don't take hold....
That from Chautauqua Lake and Watershed Management Alliance Executive Director Erin Brickley, who says employees of the Western New York Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management -- or PRISM -- found two full grocery bags of Water Chestnuts earlier this month.
Brickley says the aquatic plants were found in the outlet area between Carlson's Boat Livery in Celoron, and McCrea Point Park Boat launch in Jamestown, where they had been first detected in 2015. She says there's a lot of information at the state Department of Environmental Conservation's website. She adds there are two ways to contact officials if you see Water Chestnuts in the lake. Brickley says you should call the Roger Tory Peterson Institute at 665-2473 or Western New York PRISM at 878-4708.
The newest business in the village of Celoron has made another contribution to the community, one that's already been embraced by basketball fans....
The owner of the Chautauqua Harborfront Hotel, David Hart, and his partner, Peter Krog, decided they wanted to donate a new basketball court to replace the old one near the lake, which was small, and aged. Hart hosted an unveiling of the court Monday afternoon and, says he and Krog approached Mayor Scot Schrecengost about the idea about a year ago.
Schrecengost thanked Hart for their latest contribution, and says it's really a "great enhancement" to Lucille Ball Memorial Park, in addition to the new Boardwalk, which was on full display during the recent Dragon Boat races on the lake.
A groomsman was arrested for petty larceny for allegedly stealing the newlywed's cards with gifts inside them...
Jamestown police were called to investigate the theft, which occurred last Friday at 120 Chandler Street. Officers determined 30 year-old Kevin Klemens, of Jamestown, took the items. He was taken into custody to the city jail and is held on bail.
