CITY OF JAMESTOWN DECLARES STATE OF EMERGENCY DUE TO UNAUTHORIZED CAMPING THROUGHOUT CITY
JAMESTOWN, NY – July 25, 2024 – Today, the City of Jamestown has declared a State of Emergency caused by an estimated 300 unauthorized people camping on both public and private land, creating severe impacts on public health, safety, and city resources.
Health & Safety Concerns:
The crisis in Jamestown is causing severe health and safety challenges. Individuals residing in encampments frequently contend with mental health issues and substance abuse, leading to hazardous behaviors such as the improper disposal of needles and defecation on public properties, including in the Chadakoin River. This situation exposes city employees—ranging from Police Officers and Firefighters to staff from the Department of Development, Public Works, Parks, and Sanitation—to dangerous conditions daily, including the handling of thousands of carelessly discarded needles and human waste.
The improper disposal of needles significantly heightens the risk of transmitting blood-borne pathogens, such as HIV and Hepatitis B & C. These needles are found in public spaces, parks, and residential areas, posing a serious hazard to residents, city workers, and visitors who might accidentally come into contact with them. Additionally, the accumulation of human waste along the Riverwalk and public pathways further aggravates the situation, as human feces may contain various pathogens, including bacteria such as Salmonella and E. coli, viruses like Hepatitis A and Norovirus, and intestinal parasites.
The presence of encampments also increases the risk of spreading infectious diseases within the broader community. With limited access to sanitation and hygiene facilities, all campers are at an elevated risk of contracting and transmitting illnesses such as Hepatitis A, tuberculosis, and COVID-19. This exacerbates the burden on public health resources and heightens the overall risk of disease outbreaks, with potentially severe consequences for the entire community.
Environmental Impact:
Encampments are causing substantial environmental damage, with garbage and debris littering public spaces and attracting rodents, roaches, and other pests. These rodents, roaches, and pests are spreading from encampments to residential areas. Unlawful fires in wooded areas also pose a serious threat to neighborhoods and infrastructure. The negative impact extends across the city, affecting all residents and areas.
Fire Hazards:
In May of this year alone, the Jamestown Fire Department (JFD) responded to fires at four vacant, condemned properties, all of which were occupied by campers. To date, there have been 21 fires involving vacant and condemned structures, along with 45 investigations into illegal burn complaints. In one notable incident, a camper residing in a garden shed, unknown to the property owner, ignited fires inside the shed. Additionally, fires have been deliberately set in wooded areas and left unattended, creating severe risks to both life and property. The Department of Development and the Fire Department secure condemned properties daily, incurring significant costs for materials and labor. Despite these efforts, disruptive campers continue to break into these properties, using specialized tools to remove security boards and engaging in hazardous behaviors. This ongoing issue not only endangers the campers but also places Department of Development personnel and Firefighters at continual risk.
Crime & Security Issues:
This crisis has also been marked by a rise in criminal activities, such as theft, violence, harassment, trespassing, and vandalism. Reports from downtown patrons and employees reveal frequent harassment, with individuals being targeted by aggressive behaviors and having personal belongings thrown at them. While not all campers cause issues, a significant subset engages in violent and disruptive conduct, leading to domestic disputes, thefts from both residents and businesses, and acts of vandalism. Specific incidents include the theft of city-owned garbage and recycling bins, bicycles from porches, shopping carts from stores, and metal components such as electrical wiring and air conditioning units. The Jamestown Police Department (JPD) is stretched thin as officers are diverted from essential duties to manage these camper-related issues. This redirection of resources delays responses to other critical community needs and exacerbates the city’s broader challenges.
Economic Burden:
The financial impact of the crisis on the City of Jamestown is profound. Essential city resources are being reallocated to address this issue, resulting in increased expenses for police overtime and the ongoing costs of trash and debris removal. Efforts to revitalize areas such as the Riverwalk are being undermined by the rapid growth of encampments. Daily cleanups have become increasingly unsustainable, as city employees frequently discover these areas re-littered with substantial amounts of debris, trash, human waste, and potentially hazardous items within hours of clearing them. This places a significant burden on taxpayers, as the added labor and disposal costs are ultimately borne by the city.
The adverse effects on local businesses are becoming increasingly apparent. Reports of issues stemming from the encampments and disruptive campers are prompting some businesses to reconsider their presence in Jamestown. A number of businesses are contemplating relocating outside the city limits or even out of Chautauqua County, putting their properties up for sale in the process.
This crisis also hampers efforts to attract new businesses and investments, as potential investors are deterred by the visible and pervasive issues associated with encampments and the related illegal activities. The decline in both tourist and business activity is further straining the city’s finances. A continued exodus of businesses would be catastrophic for Jamestown’s economy, undermining efforts to foster economic growth and stability. The ongoing presence of encampments and disruptive campers jeopardizes these efforts, risking a harmful downward spiral that affects all residents. Additionally, improper disposal of waste, such as needles, is contributing to severe plumbing issues for local businesses, with one establishment alone incurring $800 in weekly remediation costs.
Impact on City Departments:
The financial and operational strain on city departments due to this crisis is considerable. Resources across various departments, including the Department of Development, Parks, Public Works, Sanitation, Police, and Fire, are being reallocated to manage the escalating situation. This shift in focus has led to the Department of Development being overwhelmed, unable to address over 1,000 case files, which impedes their ability to tackle urgent safety, property value, and community concerns. The relentless demands placed on city employees—ranging from frequent cleanups of hazardous debris and needles to responding to safety risks in encampments—have significantly affected their morale and heightened anxiety. Staff are regularly exposed to dangerous conditions, which not only impacts their well-being but also their efficiency. The ongoing presence of encampments and disruptive campers in vacant, condemned, and abandoned properties has further deteriorated the quality of life across neighborhoods, contributing to a pervasive sense of insecurity and stress among both residents and city employees.
Community Compassion & Unintended Consequences:
Jamestown residents are known for their empathy and generosity, often providing food, supplies, and money directly to campers. While these acts of kindness are commendable, they can inadvertently perpetuate a cycle of dependency and deter individuals from seeking long-term solutions. The city encourages residents to channel their goodwill through structured programs that offer sustainable support and promote self-sufficiency.
Encouragement to Seek Available Resources:
The City of Jamestown urges all campers to utilize the extensive resources available through government and non-profit organizations. Many campers have declined assistance, but embracing these opportunities is crucial for achieving long-term stability.
Call for Government Assistance:
Despite the gravity of the situation, the City of Jamestown lacks the essential funding and resources to effectively manage this crisis. Chautauqua Opportunities, Inc., designated by HUD as the continuum of care provider, is tasked with addressing homelessness throughout Chautauqua County. However, Jamestown, being at the heart of this crisis, urgently requires comprehensive support from all levels of government. The city, along with its personnel and departments, is neither sufficiently equipped nor adequately financed to tackle the issue on its own. The responsibility for managing the crisis ultimately rests with Chautauqua County and HUD’s contracted partner, Chautauqua Opportunities, Inc. By declaring a State of Emergency, Jamestown seeks to secure the critical additional funding and resources necessary to address this pressing issue. This declaration is essential for safeguarding the health and safety of the nearly 29,000 residents and mitigating both the immediate and long-term impacts on the city’s infrastructure and environment.
Complexity of the Homelessness Issue:
Addressing this crisis is a multifaceted challenge that demands a comprehensive strategy. The City of Jamestown has engaged with non-profits, government agencies, and elected officials at all levels to tackle this crisis. Despite these collaborative efforts, the number encampments and campers continue to rise alarmingly. A significant obstacle is the lack of mental health evaluation facilities, with only one such facility available in the entire county, located in Jamestown. This facility serves individuals transported from Northern Chautauqua County, Erie County, and Cattaraugus County. Many of these individuals are left stranded in Jamestown without means to return home after their evaluations. The city has been actively pushing for the establishment of more mental health evaluation centers throughout Western New York to address this issue more effectively and provide crucial support to those in need. In collaboration with UPMC Chautauqua, the City of Jamestown is urging the Governor to assess the need for an additional 939 facility in Western New York or a neighboring county.
New York Mental Hygiene Law § 9.39, 941 & 945:
New York Mental Hygiene Law § 9.39 permits the involuntary commitment of individuals with mental health conditions who are deemed a danger to themselves or others. However, this law has inadvertently magnified the crisis in Jamestown. Individuals subject to § 9.39, as well as those transported under § 941 and § 945, are often brought to UPMC Chautauqua, the sole designated mental health evaluation facility in Chautauqua County. With at least 100 such transports each month from all parts of Western New York—including northern Chautauqua County, Cattaraugus County, and even Erie County—UPMC Chautauqua is overwhelmed by the volume, struggling to manage the immediate safety and stabilization needs of these individuals.
Following their evaluations, many individuals are discharged without adequate follow-up care or means to return to their original locations. This practice frequently leaves them stranded in Jamestown, lacking the support needed to reintegrate into society or address their mental health needs. Consequently, many individuals join the growing encampment population, further straining the city’s resources and complicating efforts to manage the crisis. This situation not only increases the burden on the city but also fails to provide the critical care and treatment these individuals urgently need. The lack of sufficient hospital capacity and mental health professionals underscores the urgent need for additional mental health evaluation centers and resources to support UPMC Chautauqua and address the growing demands of the community.
Crisis Stabilization Centers & Funding Delays:
According to New York State regulations, specifically 14 NYCRR Part 600, Crisis Stabilization Centers (CSCs) are specialized facilities designed to provide immediate, short-term intervention and stabilization for individuals in the midst of a mental health crisis. These centers aim to create a secure and supportive environment where individuals can receive urgent care, undergo assessment, and stabilize before moving on to long-term treatment or returning to their community.
In 2022, New York State enacted comprehensive legislation to establish and fund Crisis Stabilization Centers as part of a broader mental health crisis intervention strategy. This bill was intended to address the increasing demand for accessible mental health crisis care and to support organizations like Recovery Options Made Easy (ROME), which was allocated funds to set up a CSC in the region. However, the release of these funds has been delayed by the Governor, stalling the implementation of these vital services. This ongoing delay is creating a significant gap in the support infrastructure for individuals experiencing mental health emergencies.
The delay in CSC funding is directly impeding the efforts of the city, hospital, and other organizations working to address this crisis. Without adequate CSCs, individuals with severe mental health issues lack immediate and effective intervention, which exacerbates their situation. As a result, many remain in encampments, further destabilizing their conditions and increasing their vulnerability. The lack of timely crisis intervention not only intensifies the crisis but also hinders efforts to deliver essential mental health support and help individuals transition into stable housing and care. This funding delay not only undermines the essential mental health services but also affects broader efforts to mitigate homelessness within the city.
Addiction Treatment Gap:
The crisis in Jamestown is significantly worsened by the inadequate support for individuals struggling with addiction. Despite the pressing need for comprehensive care, Jamestown and the wider Chautauqua County lack sufficient inpatient facilities to offer the intensive treatment required for those with substance abuse disorders. According to New York State Mental Hygiene Law § 22.09, individuals with substance use disorders are entitled to receive thorough care and treatment. While several outpatient facilities exist in Jamestown, these services fall short for individuals needing more intensive, 24/7 care. Currently, Chautauqua County has only one facility with very limited capacity, leaving many without access to essential services necessary for overcoming addiction. This shortage in inpatient care not only sustains the cycle of addiction and encampments but also places an increased strain on city resources, as many individuals end up on the streets or in precarious, temporary shelters. Immediate steps are needed to expand inpatient addiction treatment facilities and services to address this critical issue and offer a path to recovery and stability for those in need.
Legal Context:
Local governments are empowered to declare states of emergency to address public health crises, which enables access to additional resources and protective measures. In response, the city will implement enhanced policing, stricter enforcement of public space regulations, and rigorous adherence to city codes starting immediately. This will include deploying extra law enforcement personnel to areas with high incidents, conducting regular patrols to deter illegal encampments, and strictly enforcing property maintenance, trespassing, and sanitation codes. These actions are designed to restore order and safety while safeguarding the rights and well-being of all residents.
Conclusion:
The City of Jamestown is unequivocally committed to addressing this crisis with the urgency it requires. 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. Swift action is crucial to avert severe consequences for Jamestown, ensuring the preservation of our current safety and quality of life, as well as the future prosperity of our valued community. This crisis encompasses urgent health, safety, and environmental issues that require immediate action to maintain our city’s integrity and ensure it remains an exceptional place to live, work, and raise a family, while also securing ongoing support for both individuals in need and our residents.
