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Patty Lamb chosen for IDA seat as resident objects; new "Live the Dream" sports-entertainment business presents plans
Summary
Jamestown council appointed Patty Lamb to the Industrial Development Authority board. A resident objected to the selection and promoted his father as an alternative; attendees then heard a presentation from Live the Dream, a sports-oriented entertainment business that aims to bring local jobs and attractions.
Jamestown City Council voted on Feb. 20 to appoint Patty Lamb to the city's Industrial Development Authority (IDA) seat beginning in March after nominations and a roll call.
During public comment a resident (S8) objected to the nomination process and urged the council to appoint his father, Roy Lee, instead. The resident described his father's business experience and argued the county and city's development boards should select members with negotiation and deal-making experience. "It's kind of a slap in the face," the resident said, criticizing what he described as a "good ol' boy" approach to appointments. Council members responded that nominations were publicly solicited at the prior meeting and that they had considered candidates before the vote.
After the appointment, Jamestown heard a presentation from representatives of a proposed business called Live the Dream. Courtney Fuller (S9) introduced the venture and framed it as a community- and family-oriented enterprise that would offer sports simulations, entertainment, and amenities intended to bring visitors and local jobs. "We are very community oriented, family oriented, sports oriented people," Fuller said. Another presenter described the facility as a "baseball, softball, golf simulation type of facility with a sports bar" and said outdoor amenities such as pickleball courts and movie nights were planned.
Presenters said they had encountered typical startup obstacles but asked for local support and partnership; council members and other residents offered to help promote the project and requested updates as plans firmed up.
The appointment and the public objections highlight local tensions between longstanding community relationships and calls for new economic outreach; the Live the Dream pitch underscored interest among entrepreneurs to add recreation and hospitality capacity in Jamestown.
Council follow-up actions included filing appointment paperwork and outreach to the IDA; presenters agreed to return with more specific plans and to work with city staff on approvals and promotion.
