The Downtown Jamestown Gateway Train Station

JAMESTOWN, NY – The acquisition of the Gateway Train Station (formerly “Erie-Lackawanna Train Station“) and its surrounding property by the National Comedy Center in the Summer of 2017 was the culmination of a 25-year renovation and development effort that featured a combination of public and private investment, as well as coordinated efforts on several local fronts.

That’s according to Jamestown Mayor Sam Teresi, who provided WRFA with his timeline of events going back more than 25 years to help clarify any confusion over the project, as well as to highlight the numerous steps involving the city’s acquisition, development, and eventual disposition of historic property.

Teresi is familiar with the history of the development of the structure because prior to being elected mayor in 1999, he had served as the city’s Development Director throughout the 1990s, meaning he was there in 1992 when the dilapidated structure first came on the city’s radar.

1992 – JURA ACQUIRES TRAIN STATION PROPERTY

According to Teresi, in March 1992 the Jamestown Urban Renewal Agency (JURA) purchased the train station from the property’s previous owners, John Evan with about $120,000 in funding from the federal Community Development Block Grant program. The mayor said even at that time, the train station was in poor condition and would have required significant money for restoration and development.

A photo from Pinterest shows how the train station appeared prior to redevelopment

It’s worth noting that around the same time JURA was working to acquire the train station, a group of local stakeholders, including the Arts Council for Chautauqua County, were developing a concept to make Jamestown a national comedy attraction, building off the Lucille Ball connection and the recent success of the Festival of New Comedy at the time.

According to Teresi, the project being developed was a “National Comedy Center and Hall of Fame,” with the train station serving as a possible location. However, none of the local foundations at the time felt confident enough in the project to support it, and it eventually was shelved and the celebration of Lucy moved in another direction over the next several years.

Meanwhile, JURA maintained possession of the property for the next 14 years as officials worked to identify and secure enough funding to begin the restoration effort.  During that period the train station was placed on both the New York State Register of Historic Places and the National Register of Historic Places in 2003.

2005 – MAJOR FEDERAL INVESTMENT LEADS TO REBIRTH OF LOCAL LANDMARK

According to the mayor, in 2005 JURA was able to secure a total of $6 million through the federal transportation bill that was secured with the help of Senators Charles Schumer and Hillary Clinton, along with Rep. Brian Higgins.

A media release from Congressman Higgins at the time says the number was actually $2.6 million, although that could have been funding for just one year, while Teresi’s figures were the funding totals over multiple years.

The funding was the leverage needed to help raise other money from not just the state, but local funders as well, including the Gebbie Foundation.

2008 – CITY ACQUIRES TRAIN STATION, THEN PASSES ON NEWLY CREATED FOR-PROFIT CORPORATION

In May 2008, the ownership of the train station was transferred from JURA to the city of Jamestown at no cost, which allowed the city to raise more funding for development that it would have been unable to qualify for otherwise. That year the city also entered a property management agreement with the Downtown Jamestown Development Corporation (DJDC).

According to Teresi, the city felt that it could maximize renovation funding by utilizing the federal Historic Tax Credit (HTC) program, but only for-profit entities are eligible to participate in that program. They mayor said that in April 2010 the property was transferred to a spinoff for profit-entity called Downtown Jamestown Revitalization, LLC (DJR), which was created in 2004.  DJR was be controlled by a board of directors that included the Mayor of Jamestown, the DJDC board president, and the president of the Gebbie Foundation. Each voting member also had a designee to act in their place when necessary. The designees were the city development director, the Gebbie Foundation executive director, and another board member from DJDC.

Once incorporated, DJR served as a holding company for the train station and would be able to apply for and then sell off HTCs to investors to help with the redevelopment effort. In order to avoid paying taxes on a property, the DJR received a tax abatement from the Chautauqua County Industrial Development Agency (IDA) that would continue during the lifetime of DJR ownership.

2010 – DJR ESTABLISHES PLAN TO DEVELOP TRAIN STATION ONCE RENOVATION IS COMPLETE

Congressman Brian Higgins (second from left) and Sen. Charles Schumer (right of Higgins) were both in Jamestown in 2010 to welcome the start of renovation work for the long-dilapidated train station. Mayor assistant Matthew Hanley (far left) and then-city councilman Vince DeJoy (far right) are also pictured. (Image from Higgins.House.gov)

Once in possession of the train station property, DJR initiated its plan for how it would eventually use the property. That plan involved marketing the soon-to-be renovated train station to private development. But because it participated in the HTC program, DJR was required under law to maintain ownership of the property for at least five years from the time the HTCs were sold to investment groups.  The plan was to have DJR identify developers and, if one was found before the five-year requirement was up, it would lease the train station to the developer with an option to transfer ownership.

Teresi said at the time DJR developed its plan, it didn’t have the National Comedy Center in mind, considering it hadn’t even been conceptualized yet by the officials with the Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz Center for Comedy. Instead, DJR hoped to have developers come forward and present plans until a viable plan was presented.

By August 2010, enough money had been raised to begin the train station renovation and ground was broken. In October 2012, the renovation was complete and the ribbon was cut on the new facility.

2010-2012 – LUCY DESI FINDS SUCCESS, ANNOUNCES ‘FOUR PILLARS OF COMEDY’

During the time period between 2010 and 2012, the Lucy-Desi Center had transitioned to a new board and new executive director (Journey Gunderson). The new leadership worked to re-energize the organization and put it on a new path. As a result, it developed a strategic plan featuring its Legacy of Laughter “four pillars,” which included the Lucille Ball Comedy Festival, a comedic arts education program, comedy film festival, and the establishment of the first national comedy museum and hall of fame.

Both 2011 and 2012 were successful years for the Lucille Ball Comedy Festival and in the fall of 2012, Gunderson and Lucy-Desi Center board president Tom Benson shared their plan for developing a national comedy attraction with the Jamestown City Council and mentioned the train station as one of the possible locations.

In January 2013, the DJDC merged with the Jamestown Renaissance Corporation and former DJDC executive director Lee Harkness was hired by DJR as the train station general manager. His role was to find rentals, plan events, and find other uses for the space to help generate enough revenue to pay utility costs and other overhead, while DJR continued to seek out development opportunities.

2014 and 2015 – NCC SEES SIGNIFICANT FUNDING, GROUND BREAKING

NCC Executive Director Journey Gunderson (far left) and Melissa Rivers (third from left) helps shovel dirt at the groundbreaking for the National Comedy Center in 2015. (image from AP)

In December 2014, the NCC was awarded $1.5 million by the 2014 NYS Regional Economic Development Council. At the time, a description of NCC project said it is comprised of the adaptive reuse of both the train station in and a public utility / former trolley station building, along with construction of a new connecting building on the corner of Washington and 2nd Street to provide the necessary total square feet of exhibit space.

In March 2015, the NCC purchases the Jamestown Board of Public Utilities former trolley substation at the corner of Washington and W. 2nd Street for $130,000 from the city of Jamestown.

In July of that year, a groundbreaking for the NCC takes place during the 2015 Lucille Ball Comedy Festival. In December the NCC received $2.025 million from the 2015 NYS Regional Economic Development Council.

2016 – NCC SIGNS LEASE AGREEMENT TO TAKE OVER OPERATION OF TRAIN STATION

State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli (left) listens to National Comedy Center director Journey Gunderson explain the mission and vision of the center, which is being built in Jamestown. DiNapoli was in Jamestown in October 2015 to tour the location for the National Comedy Center and learn about various economic development projects in the city.

In February 2016, the NCC enters a lease agreement with DJR and moves into the Gateway Train Station.  The lease included zero dollars in rent and in exchange, the NCC would assume all operations of the property, including utilities and insurance, along with any needed structural repairs as well as scheduling events and activities. The mayor said the lease also included an option to transfer the property once the HTC five-year waiting period is over. Because of the federal funding tied to the project, the terms of the lease say the NCC must also keep the train station’s center concourse open to the public and available for public transportation usage.

Once the NCC takes over operation, it decides to not keep the position of Train Station General Manager when assuming operations and Harkness is terminated.

At the end of 2016, the NCC is awarded another $834,000 by Empire State Development. The additional funding follows awards of $2.025 million in 2015 and $1.5 million in 2014, bringing the total amount awarded by New York State to approximately $4.3 million. $600,000 of the awarded funds from Empire State Development are for continued development of the Center and adjacent Comedy Center Park, and $234,000 of the grant dollars are Market NY tourism capital funds.

2017 – NCC RAISES NEEDED FUNDING TO FINISH DEVELOPMENT, ASSUMES CONTROL OF TRAIN STATION

In February 2017 The IDA extends the PILOT agreement with DJR for one year to give the NCC an additional year to transfer the train station over to the non-profit.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo at the National Comedy Center in Jamestown, NY on Aug. 3, 2017.

By April 2017, the NCC received a $3 million grant from the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation and a $5 million grant from New York State which was unveiled by Governor Andrew Cuomo in his State of the State Address as part of the Buffalo Billion II program.

By May of 2017 the NCC secured all funding for its capital budget with the closing of a Federal New Markets Tax Credit transaction that provided the Project with approximately $5 million of equity funding. The $8 million from a month earlier provided the leverage that was required as the New Markets Tax Credit closing was predicated on having all other necessary funding in place.

With enough funding secure and the 5-year HTC waiting period over, Teresi said the DJR board officially transferred ownership of the train station property over to the NCC at no cost in June 2017. The property value was listed as $500,000, but Teresi said because of the financial contributions the NCC had made between utility costs, insurance, and building upkeep – in addition to the NCC serving as an economic driver for other downtown development projects, the DJR board gave the property to NCC at no cost.

The transfer was then finalized in August and with the property transfer complete and the DJR plan from 2010 realized, the for-profit corporation is no longer needed and dissolves.

Despite the culmination of more than 25 years of effort to renovate and develop the train station, the seven years of work by DJR and its board spent toward finding a viable project for it, and the amount of fundraising required by the NCC to realize its vision and own the train station property, there was no public announcement by mayor Teresi, nor any media release announcing the property transfer or dissolution.

2018 – GRAND OPENING OF NCC TO TAKE PLACE IN AUGUST

The National Comedy Center in Jamestown, NY will open on Aug. 1, 2018.

In April 2018, the NCC announced its grand opening will take place on Aug. 1, 2018.

The Center, which comes with a combined cost of $35 million between the money invested in the Train Station, as well as the NCC build out,  is expected to attract more than 100,000 annual visitors and have a $23 million annual stabilized economic impact on the region.

WRFA plans to tell more about the history of the National Comedy Center’s development in the summer of 2018 when we talk with NCC board chair Tom Benson.

The Jamestown celebration will be held at the newly renovated former Erie Lackawanna Train Station located at 212-217 West Second Street on May 11, 2013 from 10 am to 5 p.m.

In addition to the actual celebration, the Jamestown Train Station will be open for inspection and tours. There will be train displays and exhibits, presentations and work cars and artwork.

Those participating in the event, at this time, will be the Western New York and Pennsylvania Railroad, the Western New York Railroad Historical Society and the Buffalo Cattaraugus and Jamestown Scenic Railway Company Inc. Exhibitors and railroad enthusiasts are all invited to participate.

Potential exhibitors need to call the Jamestown Station at 716-483-3041 to register for the event.

The singular organization will continue to focus on implementing the Urban Design and Neighborhood Revitalization plans, a robust slate of downtown events and developing the downtown area. The consolidation took effect recently, with DJDC board members invited to become members of the Jamestown Renaissance Corp. board.

The new structure will also create a more efficient organization that still addresses the needs of downtown and the surrounding neighborhoods. The DJDC’s focus on downtown revitalization is a natural fit with the Renaissance Corporation’s charge to implement the Urban Design Plan. The DJDC will remain in existence as a single-purpose entity that owns the Jamestown Gateway Station. Former DJDC Executive Director Lee Harkness will now serve as the General Manager of the Station.

Other staff will include Peter Lombardi as the Renaissance Corp. Executive Director, Tiffani Conti will serve as the Jamestown Renaissance Corp. events and marketing associate, Jim Goodling will be the Renaissance Corp. downtown project associate, Mary Maxwell is the new neighborhood project associate and Frank Besse will serve as office administrator and assist with a wide range of special projects.

According to Renaissance Corp. co-chair Lillian Vitanza Ney, the creation of a unified organization will set the stage for a united vision and mission, synergy of efforts, greater efficiencies, and the achievement of a high level of performance towards the renaissance and the vibrancy of Jamestown.

Congressman Brian Higgins

As we welcome one representative in Congress, we say goodbye to another. Congressman Brian Higgins – the Democrat from South Buffalo who’s represented Chautauqua County since winning election in 2004 – took time out Thursday to thank the residents of the County for the opportunity to represent them in Congress.

Higgins said that it is difficult to express in words the fondness he has for Chautauqua County and how he will miss representing the good people in the 27 towns, 15 villages and 2 cities that stretch across that region.

Higgins also pledged to continue to work with Chautauqua County’s new representative, Congressman Tom Reed (R-Corning), on matters critical to the region.

Congressman Higgins also outlined the accomplishments he helped to deliver to Chautauqua County during his eight years of serving the region:

• Tourism/Economic Development:
  – Nearly $300,000 toward construction of the SUNY Fredonia Technology Incubator
  – $500,000 to restore and improve Bemus-Stow Ferry landings
  – Significant federal support toward the recently opened $8.5 million project transforming the historic Erie Lackawanna Train Depot in Jamestown

• Outreach/Community Development:
  – More than 840 Congress on Your Corner events in Chautauqua County alone including specialized events for local veterans and small businesses
  – Over $310,000 toward rehabilitation of the Sinclairville Senior Center for improvements to the kitchen which facilitates Meals on Wheels and changes to make the facility handicap accessible

• Transportation/Infrastructure:
  – $17 million federal investment in reconstruction of the Washington Street Bridge in Jamestown
  – Over $10.5 million toward improvements to the Dunkirk and Jamestown Airports

• Public Safety:
  – Over $1.8 million for Construction of & Improvements to Children’s Safety Village
  – Over $4 million in federal fire grants to fire departments in Chautauqua County including funding toward the purchase of a new truck at the Gerry Volunteer Fire Department

• Health:
  – Close to $400,000 to provide state-of-the-art equipment and training for nursing students attending Jamestown Community College
  – More than $26 million to various WNY partners, including Chautauqua County Health Network, working to expand and improve electronic medical records at local doctors’ offices and hospitals
  – Federal grant to provide a new “S-miles to Go” van, which serves the dental needs of elementary school children in Chautauqua County.

Ribbon Cutting. From Left to right: Assemblyman Andy Goodell, Current DJDC Executive Director Lee Harkness, Congressman Brian Higgins, Senator Charles Schumer, County Executive Greg Edwards, Jamestown Mayor Sam Teresi and city councilman Paul Whitford. (Photo courtesy of office of Brian Higgins)

JAMESTOWN – A historic landmark in downtown Jamestown is once again open to the public. On Friday morning, U.S. Senator Charles Schumer (D-Brooklyn) and Congressman Brian Higgins (D-South Buffalo) joined Jamestown Mayor Sam Teresi and other local officials to mark the completion of the historic Erie-Lackawanna Train Depot restoration in Jamestown. Hundreds of people attended the grand opening to hear the dignitaries speak and tour the facility, which saw more than $11 million in renovations during the past four years.

During his remarks to the audience, Senator Schumer said the project is an example of what can be accomplished when the people of Jamestown work together toward a common goal.

A total of $5.3 million in Federal funding helped to make the renovation effort a reality. The man largely responsible for getting the ball rolling in receiving that funding was Congressman Higgins, who talked about why it was an important project.

Completion of the train station restoration was made possible thanks to a community effort, having received additional federal and state funding, along with more than $850,000 from the Gebbie Foundation.

• LISTEN TO GRAND OPENING REMARKS (45:00)

• VIEW MORE PHOTOS ON FACEBOOK

The train station was once a stop along the Erie Railroad’s main line from New York to Chicago, transporting both passengers and cargo. The last passenger train went through the station in January 1970. In 2003, the Erie-Lackawanna Station was added to the National Register of Historic Places.

Now that it is open, DJDC Executive Director Lee Harkness says he and other officials will be working to find ways to utilize the space of the facility, including several thousand square feet of commercial space that will be made available for business. The train station will also be used as a welcome center and a reception area for various events.

• LISTEN TO GRAND OPENING REMARKS (45:00)

• VIEW MORE PHOTOS ON FACEBOOK

JAMESTOWN – It’s promising to be an historic day in downtown Jamestown. After several months of delays, the time has finally arrived for the official grand opening of the newly renovated Erie Lackawanna Train Station on West Second Street. The festivities begin this morning at 10:30 with an official ribbon cutting ceremony, with local, state and federal officials on hand to officially mark the concussion of the $10 million dollar renovation project.

The Downtown Jamestown Development Corporation has led the effort in seeing the project along. During a past interview with WRFA, DJDC Executive Director Lee Harkness said the grand opening would be the culmination of more than a decade’s worth of work, when the Fenton Historical Society worked to get the train station on the state and federal list of historic places. Once that was accomplished, the train station became eligible for various state and federal grants to help with its renovation. Much of the funding for the project came from a $5 million Federal Transit Authority Grant, that was made possible with the help of Congressman Brian Higgins (D-South Buffalo) and U.S. Senator Charles Schumer (D-Brooklyn). Grants and investments from several other various sources helped to offset the remainder of the cost.

• AUDIO: 2011 WRFA ‘COMMUNITY MATTERS’ INTERVIEW ABOUT TRAIN STATION

Prior to the ribbon cutting, the Western New York and Pennsylvania railroad will also providing an actual train and engines that will arrive at 10:30 a.m. Dignitaries will step off the train and proceed to the newly renovated station for a ceremony honoring the completion of the extensive restoration project. Among those expected to attend the event are Schumer and Higgins, along with Jamestown Mayor Sam Teresi.  The public is also encouraged to come out and take part in the festivites.

DJDC Executive Director Lee Harkness says they will have a full complement of both state and federal officials on hand to welcome the opening of the newly renovated former Erie-Lackawanna Train Station. Any questions on the event can be answered by calling 664-2477.

During Monday night’s Jamestown City Council work session, Lucy-Desi Center Executive Director Journey Gunderson and Board President Tom Benson gave the city council an update on the success of the 2012 Comedy Festival, along with how the organization would like to proceed with future events and the creation of a comedy hall of fame in Jamestown.

Benson said right now, the organization is looking into possibly establishing the Hall of Fame in the renovated Erie-Lackawanna Train Station and is getting local support, including interest from two area foundations. In addition, Benson said the organization has also received the support of Luci Arnaz and other potential stakeholders in creating the Comedy Hall of Fame. Benson added, though, that the organization would like to see further support from the city, including financial support to help keep the event and hall of fame project moving forward. He said while he didn’t want to get into specific details, he was hoping the presentation would initiate further discussion between the Lucy-Desi center and the city.

According to a recent study, the Lucille Ball Festival of Comedy had a $3.6 million dollar impact on the local economy in 201l and officials believe the event had a similar impact this year.

WRFA will present the full presentation from both Gunderson and Benson this Thursday night at 6 p.m. during our Community Matters program.

CHARLOTTE – Three people were sent to the hospital Sunday afternoon after an accident on Route 60 in the town of Charlotte. Chautauqua County Sheriff Deputies say the driver of a northbound minivan had stopped to make a left-hand turn into a driveway and was waiting for southbound traffic to pass.

The van was rear-ended by another car, sending the van into the trailer of a passing semi. Despite wearing a seatbelt, a front-seat passenger in the van was ejected from the vehicle by the impact, though she was wearing a seat belt.

Both the driver and the passenger of the van were transported from the scene to the Erie County Medical Center in Buffalo by air with serious injuries. The driver of the car was transported by ambulance to WCA Hospital with non-serious injuries. The driver of the semi was uninjured.

The investigation is ongoing, and names are being withheld as a result. Charges are pending. Cassadaga, Sinclairville and Gerry fire departments responded to the scene, along with Alstar Ambulance.

CITY COUNCIL TO HOLD MONTHLY VOTING SESSION TONIGHT

JAMESTOWN – Jamestown city lawmakers will act on a pair of resolutions tonight dealing with establishing a Whistleblower policy and a Conflict of Interest policy.

The purpose of the Whistleblower policy is to allow city officials and employees an opportunity to report their questions, concerns, suggestions, or complaints with someone without it having a negative impact on their position or job. The resolution also states that it is the responsibility of all city officials and employees to report legal or ethics violations.  The conflict of Interest Policy is to help ensure public confidence. The purpose of each resolution is to bring the city into legal compliance.

The council will also act on a resolution requesting the state allow the city to increase the amount of money the city charges for the producing copies of birth and death certificates.

Tonight’s meeting begins at 7:30 p.m. on the 2nd Floor of City Hall.

TRAIN STATION COMPLETION DELAYED

JAMESTOWN – An article in the Jamestown Post-Journal this morning says residents may be waiting longer than anticipated for the grand opening of the renovated Erie-Lackawanna Train Station. During a Tuesday morning meeting of the Downtown Jamestown Development Corporation, the progress of the train station was discussed and it was determined that renovation may be close to a year behind schedule.

One reason why revitalization of the train station is behind schedule is that an attempt to make the station as authentic as possible has taken more time than expected.

Further progression of the train station will be discussed again at the next meeting of the DJDC.

STAR DEADLINE IS THURSDAY, MARCH 1

ALBANY – A reminder that the application deadline for the New York State School Tax Relief Program – also known as STAR – is March 1, 2012.

For qualifying seniors, Enhanced STAR provides an increased benefit for the primary residences of senior citizens (age 65 and older) with qualifying incomes.  The program exempts approximately the first $60,000 of the full value of their home from school taxes.

Residents interested in learning more or to see if they qualify may contact their assessor’s office for an application or download an application from the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance website at www.tax.ny.gov.

BASEBALL MANAGER MEETING IS TONIGHT

JAMESTOWN – The City Parks, Recreation and Conservation Department would like to announce a meeting of all managers in the City Recreation Baseball League on Monday, February 27th at 6:00 p.m. in the offices of the Parks and Recreation Department at 145 Steele Street (back entrance – off Sprague St).  Those interested in managing a team should plan to attend.  A good knowledge of baseball and its rules is mandatory.

If you have any questions, please feel free to call the Recreation Office at 483-7523.