Jamestown, NY mayor addresses emergency declaration over homeless camps

( WJET/WFXP ) — The City of Jamestown Mayor Kimberly Ecklund addressed the public on the decision to declare a public state of emergency over homeless camps around the city.

Mayor Ecklund released a video on the city’s Facebook page calling the decision “a direct response to the severe and escalating impact of illegal encampments” throughout the city.

She also said the number of encampments has tripled since taking office in January and has led to a rise in crime and public disturbances.

“Our residents and businesses are feeling the effects. We are receiving daily calls from concerned taxpayers who are afraid to visit certain areas of our city. Brooklyn Square and downtown, once vibrant and welcoming, are now places some avoid due to the presence of these illegal encampments and the illegal activities associated with them. Businesses are closing and even going up for sale as they can no longer sustain the impact of this crisis. This not only affects our local economy but also jeopardizes our city’s tax revenue, which is crucial for funding essential services,” she said.

However, Ecklund said the crisis doesn’t stop with the encampments echoing what was said in the emergency declaration’s words about city resources and workers being overwhelmed by the amounts of trash left behind.

“Our city workers are overwhelmed and anxious as they clean up trash and debris from these illegal encampments, with their concerns reaching beyond their own safety and health to include the well-being of the entire community. Hazardous materials, such as carelessly discarded needles and human waste, present serious health risks,” she stated.

Ecklund called on the New York State Government to recognize the city’s situation and provide support.

“We need immediate and decisive action. I call upon our State Government and Governor to release the funds earmarked for Crisis Stabilization Centers (CSCs) and awarded to Recovery Options Made Easy (ROME) without further delay. These resources are essential for addressing this crisis and will provide the immediate support we need for Jamestown,” she said.

Finally, Ecklund said the city urgently needs another mental health facility with UPMC Chautauqua being the only mental health evaluation facility in the region and is overwhelmed.

However, Ecklund went on to reaffirm her commitment to improving the city.

“As Mayor, I am dedicated to preserving and enhancing the character of our beloved city while striving for a bright future. The residents and taxpayers of Jamestown deserve a city that reflects their values and aspirations, and I am firmly committed to taking decisive action to protect and improve our community,” Ecklund stated.

You can watch Mayor Ecklund’s full video online here.

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