Jamestown Ready To Grow

Now that the sidewalks and crosswalks have been completed in Jamestown, it’s time to move to Phase II and III.

Jim O’Neil, Commissioner with the Jamestown Planning Commission, was Thursday’s KVML “Newsmaker of the Day”.

“In Phase II, thanks to grant money, we will improve the facades of downtown business. Several businesses have shown interest in aquiring the look, which will showcase more windows and doors and even improve the signage out front.” O’Neil said.

The Planning Commission also envisions a pleasant connection from downtown Jamestown to Railtown 1897 State Park.

“In Phase III, we will create pathways by improving, repairing and repaving the sidewalks along Willow and Seco streets, ” O’Neil explained, “The utilities will be placed underground and we’ll put new 16 foot lighting posts along the corridors, which will be capable of holding signs leading people to downtown from Railtown, and vice versa.”

The business community is changing as well. As some doors close, others are opening.

“There are now two wine tasting rooms, an upscale fudge shop, a social coffee shop/bar, an Irish pub and other businesses that are opening their doors,” said O’Neil.

Outside of the downtown area, O’Neil talked about several projects on the books, including the 3000 acre Yosemite Gardens Park, Inc. project just west of town.

The developers plan to build ball fields, lodging, shopping and create a garden area similar to Butchart Gardens in British Columbia.

The Yosemite Gardens group claims that there is the potential to create 1,740 full and part time jobs with the project.

There is also progress taking place on the long planned housing/time-share/golf course project at Yosemite Junction and an eventual senior housing community along Golf Links Road.

The “Newsmaker of the Day” is heard each weekday morning on AM 1450 KVML at 6:47, 7:47 and 8:47am.