The Chautauqua County Legislature held a meeting on June 25, 2025, where significant concerns were raised regarding the representation of the City of Jamestown on the County Land Bank Board of Directors. The board, which is tasked with addressing serious housing issues in the county, currently has 11 members, but none are directly from Jamestown, despite the city facing substantial housing challenges.

Legislator Bancoskie highlighted the lack of representation, noting that Jamestown comprises over 20% of the county's population and has been significantly impacted by housing problems. He expressed confusion over the board's composition, suggesting that at least two or three members should be from Jamestown to adequately represent the city's interests. Bancoskie voted against the resolution, emphasizing that the qualifications of the appointed members were not in question, but rather the need for fair representation.

In response to concerns about the board's demographic makeup, it was clarified that there are no specific requirements for representation from different areas within the county. The appointments are made by the county executive, who indicated that no one from Jamestown had reached out to express interest in serving on the board.

Legislator Scudder provided context by sharing statistics about the Land Bank's activities, revealing that 54.5% of the properties the Land Bank has dealt with are located in Jamestown. This includes over 200 demolitions, which account for 58% of all demolitions conducted in the county. Despite the high level of activity in Jamestown, the lack of local representation on the board remains a point of contention.

Legislator Larson echoed these concerns, noting that the significant number of demolitions in Jamestown underscores the city's severe housing issues. He argued that it is essential for the board to include members from Jamestown to ensure that the community's needs are adequately addressed.

The resolution was ultimately passed, but the discussions highlighted ongoing challenges related to housing in Jamestown and the importance of local representation in decision-making processes. The meeting underscored the need for continued dialogue about how best to support communities facing housing crises in Chautauqua County.