OBSERVER Photo by Gregory Bacon JCC President Daniel DeMarte, left, and YMCA interim Chief Executive Officer John Barber discuss the $43 million project at JCC’s Athletic Complex during the Chautauqua County Legislature meeting. The project would serve both entities.

MAYVILLE – A $43 million project at Jamestown Community College that would include space for the YMCA has the backing of Chautauqua County lawmakers.

On Wednesday, the legislature voted 16-1 in favor of committing $6 million of county funds to the project, following a presentation by JCC President Daniel DeMarte and YMCA interim Chief Executive Officer John Barber.

JCC’s portion of the project is expected to cost $24 million. By law, Chautauqua County must agree to contribute 25% of the project first before the New York state will consider funding its portion, which is 50%. JCC would be responsible for the remaining 25%.

For the YMCA side, that organization is responsible to raise the $19.2 million for its portion. The not-for-profit organization is applying for various grants, one of which would cover the majority of its portion if approved.

DeMarte said the proposal now goes to the state for its portion. Should it become part of the state’s 2025-26 budget, DeMarte said it’s possible design work could begin next year and construction could commence in 2026.

He said previously that he is confident the project will get the backing of the state.

The project focuses on expanding JCC’s athletic complex, including creating two multi-use turfed fields to accommodate soccer, baseball, and softball.

For several years JCC has been trying to upgrade its athletic fields. College officials have noted that some area high schools have better fields than the college does.

The college recruits internationally for its sports teams, and college athletes are often housed at JCC’s dorms and pay a higher tuition rate than New York state residents do.

Meanwhile, Barber noted they have been looking to upgrade their facilities for a while now as well.

Barber shared that their current location is 100 years old and struggles to accommodate those with certain disabilities.

Their last proposal was for a $33 million facility. They had raised about $5 million of that before the project stalled out.

Still, Barber believes this project with JCC is even better. “What we have the opportunity to do here is actually something that is more transformative, something that’s collaborative, and something that brings connections, that becomes better together,” he said.

He said they are in the process of applying for an Environmental Protection Agency federal grant which, depending on the decision, could fund a large portion of their requirement.

Last year, JCC wanted to upgrade Diethrick Park. DeMarte said between their project at Diethrick Park and YMCA’s proposal to build a new facility at Harrison Street, they were looking at $70 million for both of them. This combined project saves more than $25 million.

DeMarte also believes the project does more than just save money. “This project is not just a partnership but a unique collaboration between two organizations with complimentary missions,” he said.

He continued, “We are confident that this partnership has the potential to make a significant and positive impact on our community, the YMCA, and JCC.”

Before the vote, legislators generally expressed support but did have some questions for both DeMarte and Barber.

Barber was asked about their current facility on East Fourth Street.

He noted that on the third and fourth floor are federally funded apartments and the YMCA is committed to keep those apartments there, which are under contract for another 10 years. He said they may either rent out their old building or sell it, as long as the apartments continue to be utilized.

Another question raised is how the new location will no longer be in downtown Jamestown and would that impact YMCA’s mission.

Barber agreed that they will be “a little less central” at JCC, but noted how since there’s a YMCA in Lakewood, this new location will help them reach a new area of the city and also be closer to the Falconer community. He also said they may be able to utilize the county’s CHQ Transit buses for teenagers who need a ride.

Legislator Terry Niebel, R-Sheridan, asked DeMarte if the college would be willing to sell any of its buildings to help cover the costs.

DeMarte responded that they are considering selling the college’s Annex building, however school officials don’t think that will generate a lot of money.

Legislator Bob Bankoski, D-Dunkirk, said he’s had some of his constituents question him about supporting this project, since JCC North staff has been without a contract for five years. “I’ve heard your side and I’ve heard the other side. You need to sit down and you need to hash this out,” he said.

Bankoski still voted in favor of the project.

Niebel was the only legislator to vote against it. After the meeting, he explained his reasoning. “I just thought that a $6 million request from the county was quite a bit. I would have liked to see JCC do more to try to reduce the project cost of $43 million. Possibly they could have talked to foundations and gotten more of a firm commitment from some of those,” he said.

Besides the athletic fields, some other of the highlights of the project include:

– Shared smart classroom space for academic classes, tutoring, youth mentoring and community programming.

– Conference rooms and office suites.

– Two six-lane competition pools to accommodate JCC and YMCA swim teams and community open swim. Both pools will be American with Disabilities Act compliant and one pool will include adaptive equipment to serve those with disabilities.

– Sauna and steam room.

– Two ADA competition gymnasiums to accommodate JCC athletics, YMCA leagues and community open gym.

– High quality childcare facilities and services for infants to 5 year old children.

– After school and child watch.

– Teen center.

– Intergenerational Center.

– Family and universal locker rooms and public restrooms.

– Shared health and wellness center and group exercise studios to include free weights, universal systems, TRX stations and cardio equipment.

– Shared flexible programming space.

– Shared storage.

– Shared outdoor area with designated recreation and comfort spaces including a playground adjacent to the daycare center.