MAYVILLE, N.Y. — The Chautauqua County Legislature has thrown its support behind a proposed joint project between Jamestown Community College (JCC) and the Jamestown YMCA, aimed at creating an expanded athletic complex at the college.
Legislators voted 16-1 on Wednesday night to request the inclusion of the $45 million project in SUNY’s capital budget request for the 2025-26 fiscal year. Legislator Terry Niebel cast the sole dissenting vote.
The proposed project would integrate services from the downtown Jamestown YMCA with a newly expanded 70,000-square-foot athletic facility at JCC, according to college President Dr. Daniel DeMarte. The plan also includes converting the existing tennis courts and parking lot on Curtis Street into two turf fields, with overlays for baseball and softball.
DeMarte outlined the project’s financial breakdown, estimating a total cost of $43.2 million. JCC would contribute $24 million, while seeking $12 million in state funding through SUNY’s 2025-26 budget, $6 million from Chautauqua County, and $6 million through fundraising efforts by the college and its foundation.
John Barber, interim CEO of the Jamestown YMCA, said the YMCA has already secured $5 million toward its $19.2 million share. The organization plans to apply for federal grants, seek additional state funds, and partner with local foundations to reach its goal.
Barber noted the project’s potential to expand regional childcare services, improve accessibility, and boost workforce readiness. He added that the YMCA’s nearly century-old building on East Fourth Street would either be sold or leased to other organizations. The building’s third and fourth floors house HUD apartments, which must remain under a federal agreement for another decade.
