Chautauqua County Legislature approves lease to move South County offices into Lynn Building after contentious debate

Chautauqua County legislators voted to authorize a lease with 310–322 East 3rd Street Ventures to consolidate South County offices into the Lynn Building, passing Resolution 202-26 by a roll-call of 12 yes, 5 no and 2 members absent.

The decision followed more than two hours of public comment and floor debate that focused on building conditions, parking, financial terms, and impacts on nonprofits that currently occupy the Lynn Building. Proponents cited unsafe and degrading conditions at the existing South County office locations. “The windows that do not open consistently leak in many places…there’s cockroaches throughout the building,” said Corey Maxson, a Child Protection Services supervisor who urged action to protect employees and clients.

Opponents and affected tenants urged caution. Shane Hawkins, executive director of Infinity Visual and Performing Arts, said Infinity “has no interest in relocating” and warned that colocating youth programs with probation or other high-volume public traffic would create safety concerns for children who use the facility. Jamie Lee Bonfiglio Davis, representing Chautauqua Striders, said more than 400 young people use the Lynn Building each week and asked legislators to “keep children at the center of your decision.”

Concerns also focused on the lease economics. During debate Legislator Larson and others cited a projected gross rent figure of $1,275,000 in 2028 discussed during budget briefings; budget director Jennifer Swan told the legislature that, after reimbursements for human-services departments and reductions in parking costs, the county—stimates a lower local-share cost but could not guarantee how multi-year reimbursements would be structured. A tenant letter read into the record cited a reported rent rate of $23.50 per square foot and estimated annual cost of about $1,250,000 to the county; the letter urged legislators to consider nonprofit impacts.

Developers and backers of the plan emphasized community investment and tenant sensitivity. Joe Russa, who said his group has a contract on the Lynn Building, told the legislature they "are making a commitment here to the Jamestown community" and aim to preserve and invest in downtown properties. Jeff Wareski, a developer with local experience, urged support and said the developers know how to maintain properties and tenants.

Legislators split on process. Several members proposed additional study or a stakeholder committee; motions to form a committee and to refer the resolution back to committee failed (each recorded 7 yes, 10 no, 2 absent). Supporters argued committees had reviewed the material in the prior week and that delays could prolong employees—xposure to substandard working conditions. The resolution passed as amended and authorizes proceeding with the lease agreement.

The legislature did not set immediate terms in the floor debate beyond authorizing the agreement; staff and counsel will complete final contract details and report back as required.