JAMESTOWN, N.Y. — The City of Jamestown is now declaring a State of Emergency due to what the city says is around 300 unauthorized people camping on both public and private land.
In a release sent Thursday night, the city details a litany of issues, including health and safety concerns, environmental impacts, and security issues.
Some of those issues include:
Discarded needles and human waste
Litter attracting rodents, roaches, and other pests
Fires at vacant and condemned properties
Illegal fires
Strain on city departments, including Police, Fire, Public Works, and Parks
2 On Your Side sent a team down to Jamestown Thursday evening, which found an encampment spanning half a mile along the Chadakoin River.
Upon arrival, the team also spoke with Paul Martnez, who is staying in the encampment while he recovers from addiction. He told 2 On Your Side a number of the people staying in the encampment were suffering from addiction.
“All I see is addiction. All I see is trauma. All I see is misery,” Martnez said. “But I’m here to be a friend to them.”
Officials call this a complex issue but noted the problem is compounded by a lack of mental health evaluation facilities, New York Mental Hygiene Law, and an addiction treatment gap.
The Mayor's Office says it doesn't have the resources to properly address the issues, and they need comprehensive support from all levels of government. In the release, Jamestown called on Chautauqua County to provide financial assistance and additional resources to help them address the problem.
“The declaration of a State of Emergency is a vital plea for immediate support to protect the health, safety, and well-being of all residents. We urge all government authorities to fully grasp the gravity of the situation and provide the essential resources and assistance needed to tackle this issue effectively,” the release said.
2 On Your Side attempted to speak with the mayor Thursday night but was unable to schedule an interview.