I am from Western New York. It is an area that was dying a slow death the entire 22 years I lived there. As you look to the southern part of Western New York, you will find a 17-mile body of water called Chautauqua Lake. On one end of the lake is a beautiful institute that has been modeled around the world for arts and education programs. On the other end is the City of Jamestown, the birthplace of Lucille Ball and home to the alternative rock band 10,000 Maniacs. Jamestown has historically been plagued with a tough economy and poverty. The actress-comedian and the band were symbols of hope to a community that was economically suffering while I grew up.

Jamestown has mobilized and gotten together to take care of and improve their economy. They formed a nonprofit called the Jamestown Renaissance Corporation to bring an economic vision to the city. Their efforts are on-going. The Post-Journal, the local newspaper in Jamestown, published an article this week, “City Plans New Redevelopment Tax Abatement.” This is a program aimed at encouraging redevelopment in the City of Jamestown. The program is aimed at vacant buildings and those that have outstanding code violations. Taxes will be abated on a sliding scale over a period of 11 years to encourage redevelopment. Jamestown wants to beautify their community and economically grow.