McGuire Group confirms Fall closing of Absolut Care of Westfield...
Another nursing home in the Jamestown-area -- and Chautauqua County -- has announced it is closing it's doors... due mainly to negotiations breaking down with their building's landlord. The McGuire Group... which operates Absolut Care of Westfield... announced -- quote -- "with deep sadness" that it is closing the facility. Officials says the decision was not made lightly... adding they they had been "actively negotiating with the landlord in hopes of renewing our lease." However... a printed statement says "despite our best efforts.. irreconcilable differences prevented us from reaching an agreement." The statement also says Absolut is "committed to providing a seamless transition for our residents through open and ongoing communication with them and their loved ones." Officials say their closure plan has been reviewed in coordination with the State Heath Department... and, they are working with residents and their families to ensure their rights are respected during the process. They add they will also be working with those people and that their "wishes... are respected when placement decisions are made." They add they are also working with employees to find placement for them at other facilities through job fairs and other means.
City man to spend 3-years in federal prison for trafficking cocaine...
A Jamestown man will spend the next three years in federal prison following his sentencing for possession with intent to distribute cocaine... and, violating his supervised release. U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo has announced that 39 year-old Omar Marrero had recently been convicted on the charges... and, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Lawrence Vilardo. Prosecutors say in November of 2023... investigators conducted two controlled purchases of cocaine from Marrero in Jamestown. He used an English Street home to conduct his drug trafficking activities. In December of 2023, a search warrant and federal probation warrant were executed at a Crescent Street residence... where investigators found $686 in cash, an iPhone, and about 42 grams of cocaine were seized. In addition... they raided the English Street residence... and seized more than $2,200 in cash... about 168 grams of cocaine and drug paraphernalia. Marrero, who was on supervised release for a prior federal conviction, was then taken into custody.
Jamestown man pleads guilty to being involved in major drug conspiracy...
A city man accused of being involved in a major drug conspiracy in Jamestown has now pleaded guilty to being involved in a narcotics conspiracy. U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo says 48 year-old Joseph Thayer faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison and a maximum of life when he is sentenced next February. Prosecutors say Thayer conspired with his roommate, Justin Yuchnitz, to sell heroin and fentanyl supplied by Jaquez Thomas. They add that Thayer was aware that Thomas’s source of supply was Joseph Zaso. During the conspiracy... they say Yuchnitz amassed a $4,500 debt to Thomas and Zaso, which Thayer tried to help Yuchnitz in paying off. Thayer is responsible for distributing at least 462 grams of fentanyl. DiGiacomo says Yuchnitz and Zaso were previously convicted and are awaiting sentencing. Charges remain pending against defendant Thomas.
City development director pleased to see council approve rezoning and infill housing measures...
The Jamestown City Council has approved a pair of resolutions... allowing the city to move ahead with rezoning for new business... and, targeted infill housing development. Lawmakers Monday okayed the changes to R-2 and C-1 in the northwest area of Jamestown... and, half-a-dozen locations for the infill housing. Development Crystal Surdyk says there are still some steps yet to be taken including environmental reviews and updating code changes formally. That northwest area of the city is adjacent to Jackson-Taylor Park. Surdyk says the C-1 areas were added due to demand from potential developers who say they can't move ahead with the current zoning. She adds she feels good about the updates that have been made for residential infill. Lawmakers also approved an ordinance.... establishing the Pilot Residential Districts for infill housing development on publicly owned properties.
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City lawmakers Monday night also approved a $250,000 Jamestown Local Development Corporation loan to Ramsey Agriculture... which is establishing a second location at 40 Winsor Street. Ramsey already has a location at 65 River St., which is their latest indoor hydroponic farm, supporting their mission of producing as many fruits and vegetables as possible while also benefitting Chautauqua County. The project on Water Street totals about $980,000... and involves purchasing new scaffolding and funding to stablize the building.
Fire damage at apartment building in Dunkirk contained to one apartment...
Quick work by Dunkirk firefighters confined a small fire on the second floor of an apartment building in the north county city late Monday afternoon. City Fire Chief Nick Barter says crews were called to the Lincoln Arms Apartments at 430 Main St. about 4:45 p.m. on a report of occupants trapped. Barter says they found smoke coming from a rear balcony on arrival. Firefighters forced entry into one apartment... and, found light smoke and a smoldering fire... which was quickly extinguished. They then cleared smoke from the building. The resident, who was in the apartment, was not hurt. Barter says the fire was caused by carelessly discarded smoking materials. Fire crews were on scene for about 30 minutes.
