Jamestown makes disaster declaration as homelessness swells

The disaster declaration is being declared in part to bring additional resources into the city to deal with its burgeoning homeless population. The city doesn’t have a mental health or social services department, with those areas led by Chautauqua County. Chautauqua Opportunities Inc. contracts with the county and largely leads efforts to help the homeless. City officials say the emergency declaration will be used to secure additional funding from the county, state and federal governments to deal with the homeless crisis in the city.

While Jamestown police weren’t necessarily clearing out an encampment in Brooklyn Square on Wednesday night, Thursday’s disaster declaration does give the city the authority to begin addressing encampments that violate city codes.

“In response, the city will implement enhanced policing, stricter enforcement of public space regulations, and rigorous adherence to city codes starting immediately,” the city said in a news release late Thursday afternoon. “This will include deploying extra law enforcement personnel to areas with high incidents, conducting regular patrols to deter illegal encampments, and strictly enforcing property maintenance, trespassing, and sanitation codes. These actions are designed to restore order and safety while safeguarding the rights and well-being of all residents.”

Jamestown officials are asking the homeless to use resources available through the county and non-profits. The Post-Journal has reported in the past that some homeless are declining assistance for various reasons, and county officials have told The Post-Journal they constantly encourage the homeless to use existing Social Services programs. City officials are now asking city residents to stop taking upon themselves to help the homeless and instead support existing programs that attempt to help those in need.

Pictured is growing piles of trash under the South Main Street railroad viaduct.

“Jamestown residents are known for their empathy and generosity, often providing food, supplies, and money directly to campers,” the city said in its release. “While these acts of kindness are commendable, they can inadvertently perpetuate a cycle of dependency and deter individuals from seeking long-term solutions. The city encourages residents to channel their goodwill through structured programs that offer sustainable support and promote self-sufficiency.”

City officials say the increase in homeless camping throughout the city is creating health and safety concerns that include human waste accumulating in public spaces, needles being disposed of carelessly and trash and debris strewn throughout homeless encampments. City officials said they have also seen increases in littering, with garbage and debris littering public spaces and attracting rodents, roaches, and other pests. Rodents, roaches, and pests are spreading from encampments to residential areas, they said, while unlawful fires in wooded areas pose a threat to neighborhoods and infrastructure. City officials said the improper disposal of needles significantly heightens the risk of transmitting blood-borne pathogens, such as HIV and Hepatitis B and C. Needles are found in public spaces, parks, and residential areas, posing a serious hazard to residents, city workers, and visitors,

“Additionally, the accumulation of human waste along the Riverwalk and public pathways further aggravates the situation, as human feces may contain various pathogens, including bacteria such as salmonella and E. coli, viruses like Hepatitis A and norovirus, and intestinal parasites,” the city’s news release states. “The presence of encampments also increases the risk of spreading infectious diseases within the broader community. With limited access to sanitation and hygiene facilities, all campers are at an elevated risk of contracting and transmitting illnesses such as Hepatitis A, tuberculosis, and COVID-19. This exacerbates the burden on public health resources and heightens the overall risk of disease outbreaks, with potentially severe consequences for the entire community.”

In May, the Jamestown Fire Department responded to fires at four vacant, condemned properties, all of which were occupied by campers. To date, there have been 21 fires involving vacant and condemned structures, along with 45 investigations into illegal burn complaints. One fire was started by a homeless person living in a city resident’s garden shed without the homeowner’s knowledge starting several fires. Fires have also been started and left unattended in wooded areas throughout the city.

The Department of Development and the Fire Department secure condemned properties daily, incurring significant costs for materials and labor. Despite these efforts, disruptive campers continue to break into these properties, using specialized tools to remove security boards and engaging in hazardous behaviors.

“This ongoing issue not only endangers the campers but also places Department of Development personnel and firefighters at continual risk,” the city said in its release.

The city is also paying for city staff to clean up after the homeless. The rise in homeless camping throughout the city is also increasing crime, the city said, including theft, violence, harassment, trespassing, and vandalism.

“Reports from downtown patrons and employees reveal frequent harassment, with individuals being targeted by aggressive behaviors and having personal belongings thrown at them. While not all campers cause issues, a significant subset engages in violent and disruptive conduct, leading to domestic disputes, thefts from both residents and businesses, and acts of vandalism,” the city said in its news release. “Specific incidents include the theft of city-owned garbage and recycling bins, bicycles from porches, shopping carts from stores, and metal components such as electrical wiring and air conditioning units. The Jamestown Police Department is stretched thin as officers are diverted from essential duties to manage these camper-related issues. This redirection of resources delays responses to other critical community needs and exacerbates the city’s broader challenges.”

City officials said there are also growing challenges for downtown businesses and attempt to garner additional investments to fill vacant storefronts. Downtown businesses have reported severe plumbing issues, with one business paying $800 a week to deal with issues caused by improper disposal of waste, including needles.

“Reports of issues stemming from the encampments and disruptive campers are prompting some businesses to reconsider their presence in Jamestown. A number of businesses are contemplating relocating outside the city limits or even out of Chautauqua County, putting their properties up for sale in the process,” the city said. “This crisis also hampers efforts to attract new businesses and investments, as potential investors are deterred by the visible and pervasive issues associated with encampments and the related illegal activities. The decline in both tourist and business activity is further straining the city’s finances. A continued exodus of businesses would be catastrophic for Jamestown’s economy, undermining efforts to foster economic growth and stability. The ongoing presence of encampments and disruptive campers jeopardizes these efforts, risking a harmful downward spiral that affects all residents.”