Dunkirk wins $1.6 million state grant for Memorial Park amphitheater; veterans raise site concerns

City of Dunkirk officials announced the city received a $1,600,000 state grant to build an amphitheater and related improvements at Memorial Park, drawing public concern over placement near veterans’ monuments.

The grant, awarded as part of state capital and placemaking funding for regional projects, will fund an amphitheater, a welcome center, restrooms, storage and waterfront improvements including seawall repairs, improved trails, lighting and security cameras, city economic development staff said. Vince, an economic development staff member, told the council the award is separate from the Downtown Revitalization Initiative and was included in the local strategic investment plan after public input.

The funding mattered to speakers during the meeting because Memorial Park contains multiple veterans’ monuments. Richard Maku, who identified himself as a representative of Disabled American Veterans Chapter 142 in Dunkirk, said the chapter objected to using grant money for an amphitheater on what he called “sacred ground” for veterans and asked for an audit and more transparency about prior administrations’ handling of city funds. “This goes to show everyone that not only the mayor, but the guy from Jamestown don't care about veterans,” Maku said.

Gary Eady, who identified himself as the chapter adjutant, said the chapter was not opposed to the amphitheater project in principle but objected to the planned site, saying Memorial Park should continue to honor the fallen. Mayor Dobias responded that “nothing is going to happen to the monuments that are inside Memorial Park. Those will remain part of our park,” and said the grant was a separate award from the DRI process and that the city would announce more details at the next economic development meeting.

Economic development staff said exact siting and project details remain under discussion. Vince said the city plans to solicit input from veterans and other stakeholders and that city staff are still determining how the various elements of the grant-funded project will be laid out. Officials said the project will include consultations with community stakeholders as design work continues.

Residents at the public-comment period suggested alternative downtown sites for the amphitheater, including a vacant lot in the downtown business district and properties behind commercial buildings, noting parking and reuse opportunities. Arthur Page, a resident and local developer, urged a broad community planning effort to align downtown revitalization, housing and other investments.

City staff said the city will present additional details and public-comment opportunities at upcoming economic development meetings. The council scheduled further discussion at the Economic Development Committee meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 11, at 4 p.m.

— Ending: The city council adopted a related DRI small-project agreement and authorized an administrator/consultant to manage the program; officials said no final site decisions for the amphitheater have been made and veterans’ monuments will be preserved.