Council members, officials, and the public will meet at 6:30 p.m. at the corner of West Second and Lafayette Streets across from the National Comedy Center gift shop entrance.

There will be discussion regarding the arena addition and the purpose of each floor. There also will be a discussion on the history of the train station renovation and the National Comedy Center project development.

No resolutions will be discussed at the work session and no action will be taken by Council members.

The Jamestown City Council held a virtual work session on Monday, Feb. 9, 2021 and a portion of the meeting focused on the National Comedy Center as the Ward 3 voting location for the primary and general election. NCC Executive Director Journey Gunderson was also in attendance to discuss the matter and answer questions.

JAMESTOWN – The executive director of the National Comedy Center says organization wants what’s best for the Jamestown community and said that everyone is on the same team, working toward the same goal.

Journey Gunderson appeared during the Jamestown City Council’s Monday night virtual work session to address concerns that were raised the previous week regarding the NCC Gift Shop, located in the former Jamestown Gateway Train Station, no longer wanting to serve as a Ward 3 Polling site for Primary and Election Day.

“We earnestly believe that it is possible that cultural institutions like our’s, as nonprofits, may have a civic responsibility to serve as a polling site if it can be done without significant hardship to its operation,” Gunderson said. “We’re very willing to sit down with the (Chautauqua County) Board of Elections commissioners and work through this. We want to find a way forward and to resolve the polling site issue quickly and amicably and do, ultimately, what is best for the residents of Ward 3.”

Gunderson added, however, that the NCC does have some concerns and issues to work through. That includes getting clarity from the New York State Board of Elections about whether or not voting can take place at a location that also holds a state liquor license, since that appears to be prohibited in state election law. She said the NCC has reached out for clarification and is awaiting a response.

It’s worth nothing that there are other voting locations across New York State that also hold liquor licenses, including in Cattaraugus County, where the New Albion District 1 Polling Site as at the Cattaraugus Fireman’s Club, which has a bar.  Meanwhile in Stueben County, three voting districts in Hornell all vote at the Hornell VFW, while two district in Corning vote at the American Legion.  And in Chemung County, voting in Horseheads is held in an Elks Lodge, while voting in Elmira is conducted at the Italian American Veterans Club.

It’s not known if a possible State Board of Elections ruling prohibiting the NCC from being a polling site due to its liquor license would also set a precedent and also impact those other polling sites around the state.

OTHER CONCERNS BESIDES SERVING LIQUOR

Beyond the liquor license, Gunderson said there are other factors that come into play that involve the NCC’s request to relocate the polling site. She said primary voting occurs in June, near the peak of the city’s tourism season and that severely compromises the NCC’s ability to retain retail operations.

She also said that during the pandemic, on-site election inspectors can not force a voter to wear a mask to vote, although the NCC currently requires masks for all patrons who come into the facility. That’s another concern moving forward, especially for 2021 and maybe even next year as well.

“This compromises our ‘Laugh Safe’ health and safety program, and that’s a pretty integral part of our brand and communication to the public about making a visit right now. If guests don’t feel safe and fully protected at the Comedy Center, then the just won’t visit,” Gunderson said.

Gunderson also responded to concerns from some council members and citizens about the NCC’s obligation to keep the former train station space available for public use, due to a multi-million dollar Federal Transportation Grant the building received for its renovation 10 years ago.

“We make that space more accessible to the public than it ever was prior to the National Comedy Center’s operation of it,” Gunderson said. “There was a comment made, and I shudder to even repeat it, that Comedy Center deemed constituents of Ward 3 – not my words but someone on the council – ‘not good enough to come through our doors.’ The opposite is true. The assertion was also made last week, and it ended up in the press, that we don’t provide the public access. That is 100% factually inaccurate.”

Gunderson said the NCC actually wants residents to come into the facility and experience all it has to offer, and that’s evident by the discounts it offers to local residents.

But Gunderson added that despite the challenges the NCC faces with hosting the Ward 3 polling location, it would be willing to continue serving as a location if the State Board of Elections says it is okay.

Following Gunderson’s comments, members of the city council were able to ask questions of her.

Ward 3 council woman Vickye James, who mentioned last week there is a perception that residents feel unwelcome, doubled down on her comment, saying regardless of what the NCC is trying to do, the negative perception from residents still exists.

“My constituents do not feel welcome. That is the perception. The truth may be something different but that is the perception,” James said. “I don’t know if a lot of people know about the discounts. Again, it could be miscommunication. Is that communicated well? Do people know that? I don’t think it’s being communicated well to the community.”

James also noted that because of the Ward 3 polling location being moved several different times during the past two decades, it only adds to residents feeling displaced and unwelcome.

Gunderson acknowledged James’ concerns and said the NCC would work to better engage with those residents so they no longer feel unwanted or unwelcome.

Councilman at Large Jeffrey Russell also asked several questions regarding the requirements the NCC has to adhere to in order to comply with the federal grant stipulations – including the building serving as a transportation hub for the public.

Gunderson responded by saying that the CARTS buses operated by the county relocated their downtown hub because of periodic closing on 2nd street in front of the train station throughout the year due to events. That created inconsistencies in the CARTS bus schedule, and that’s why the CARTS hub was moved to a new location, based on a decision by the county and not because the NCC demanded they relocate, as some in the community have suggested.

After an hour of discussion, the council wrapped up its portion of the meeting with Gunderson. Council president Tony Dolce said the concerns and subsequent discussion on the issue does have a silver lining.

“The Comedy Center is great for Jamestown and we want to partner with them and we want this to be a positive situation for them and for the city of Jamestown, both financially and just from a standpoint of community building,” Dolce said.

During Monday’s Jamestown City Council meeting, county election commissioners Norman Green and Brian Abram discussed the Ward 3 polling site situation with council members. The discussion came after the National Comedy Center (NCC) notified the commissioners it no longer wanted to host voting inside its gift shop, which was previously the center concourse for the Jamestown Gateway Train Station.

The  BOE is permitted to select any location owned by a non profit that is suitable to hold elections and the NCC is a non profit organization. However, city attorney Elliot Raimondo explained that state election law doesn’t permit voting to take place inside establishments that also hold a liquor license, which would preclude the NCC.

But Green said that’s not always the case in New York State and said there are several examples of voting taking place at locations that also hold a liquor license. He said as he understands it, the law primarily focuses on having voting take place in the same room that alcohol is being served, and that’s not the case at the NCC.

Green also said that this is the first instance in his 22 years at the Board of elections where a location has said it no longer wants to host voting.
Some council members, including Vickye James (D) who represents Ward 3, said they would prefer the polling site stay where it is, adding that her constituents feel like they are not welcome by the NCC. Councilman Jeff Russell (R-At Large) also spoke out against moving the polling site, saying the building was renovated 10 years ago with public money, and it should remain accessible to the public – even if on a limited basis. Other council members who spoke in favor of keeping the polling location at the NCC were Tamu Graham Reinhardt (D-at large) and both Marie Carrubba (D-Ward 5). Carrubba said that with redistricting planned for next year, there could be need to move the polling location again to conform with new Ward 3 boundaries. As a result, the BOE should wait until that process is over before making any moves.

However, Council President Tony Dolce (R-Ward 2) said it’s up to the BOE and the NCC to come to a conclusion on the issue, but did say there were other locations to consider. Those locations included both the Lucille Ball Little Theater and the James Prendergast Library.

The BOE will now have to decide if it wants to keep the polling site where it is, with the NCC possibly challenging that decision. Or respect the wishes of the NCC and move to a new location.

Following the council meeting, the NCC released a statement pointing to the state law involving polling sites not being at a location that also sells liquor, and saying the consulted with the New York State Board of Elections, and it advised the organization due to its liquor license, the entire facility is prohibited from being a polling site.

Comedian Lewis Black takes the stage at the Reg Lenna Center for the Arts during the 2016 Lucille Ball Comedy Festival in Jamestown, NY. The comedian returns to the festival in 2017 with an appearance as a morning lecturer at the Chautauqua Institution. (Jamestown, NY; National Comedy Center​)

JAMESTOWN – The annual celebration of comedy in Jamestown begins this week with a new twist to the Lucille Ball Comedy Festival.

The National Comedy Center will be presenting a week of comedy performances and dialogues this year, and partnering with world-renowned Chautauqua Institution on a week titled “Comedy and the Human Condition,” which begins today and continues into next week.

Jim Gaffigan, Kevin James, Robert Klein, Lisa Lampanelli and more than twenty others will perform later this week in Jamestown, while Lewis Black, David Steinberg, W. Kamau Bell, Kelly Carlin and more engage in dialogues in the 4,000 seat amphitheater series.

Lewis Black will deliver a lecture this morning at the institution to kick off the week-long series of activities.

George Carlin (1937-2008)

Meanwhile, a special event will also take place today in Jamestown with the unveiling of a FREE special George Carlin exhibit, “Stuff I Saved”, featuring items from Carlin’s personal archive that were recently donated to the National Comedy Center and being presented at the Gateway Train Station, starting at 10 a.m.

This week’s programming also includes the nationally and critically-acclaimed children’s comedy troupe, The Story Pirates, Late Night Comedy and a Stand-Up Showcase free to members of the U.S. Military past and present.

Shuttles will be leaving to and from Chautauqua (Main Gate Welcome Center) and Jamestown (Fest HQ – 211 W 2nd Street) all this week.

Tickets for all performances and dialogues during the Lucille Ball Comedy Festival, including Lisa Lampanelli (August 5 at the Reg Lenna Center for the Arts) are available by visiting lucycomedyfest.com, calling 716.484.0800.

Friday Night Block Party before Trevor Noah’s performance in Jamestown, NY during the 2016 Lucille Ball Comedy Festival. Details of the 2017 Comedy Festival will be announced on Tuesday afternoon, Dec. 20. (Jamestown, NY; National Comedy Center​)

JAMESTOWN – A major announcement regarding the 2017 Lucille Ball Comedy Festival will be made on Tuesday.

Officials with the Lucy-Desi Center in Jamestown will hold a press conference at the Jamestown Gateway Train Station to provide an update on the National Comedy Center, including an announcement of a comedian coming to Jamestown in August 2017 to perform at the comedy festival.

Past festivals have featured Jerry Seinfeld, Jay Leno, Lewis Black, Trevor Noah, Joan Rivers, Ellen DeGeneres, Paula Poundstone, Nick Offerman, Ray Romano, and Bob Newhart.

Tuesday’s press conference begins at noon and WRFA will post updates on our Facebook page at Facebook.com/WRFALP.

The 2016 Lucille Ball Comedy Festival Headliners: Lewis Black, Trevor Noah, and Brian Regan.

JAMESTOWN – The 2016 Lucille Ball Comedy Festival headliners have been announced!

During a media conference Wednesday afternoon at the Jamestown Gateway Train Station (and future location of the National Comedy Center), Lucy-Desi Center executive director Journey Gunderson announced that comedians Lewis Black, Trevor Noah, and Brian Regan will be in Jamestown for this year’s festival, which will take place Aug. 4 through Aug. 7.

LEWIS BLACK

Black is a nationally recognized and award winning comedian known as the comedic king of the rant, skewering anything he sees—usually of the political variety. With the presidential election season expected to be in full swing this summer and fall, bring Black to Jamestown is a major coup for the comedy festival, said Gunderson.

This is actually Black’s return trip to Jamestown. He originally performed in the city during the early days of the Comedy Festival in the early 1990s when it was known as the Lucille Ball Festival of New Comedy. Black’s show will take place on Thursday, Aug. 4, 2016.

TREVOR NOAH

South African-born Trevor Noah is an international stand-up comedian who in 2015 was named host of ‘The Daily Show,’ succeeding Jon Stewart. In 2012 Noah made his U.S. TV debut on The Tonight Show With Jay Leno, becoming the first African comedian to appear on the program. The following year Noah had his own comedy special on Showtime, Trevor Noah: African American. And in late 2014, Noah landed yet another major gig, debuting as a correspondent for The Daily Show With Jon Stewart.

After Stewart announced in February 2015 that he would be leaving The Daily Show, it was revealed in March that Noah would be his replacement. Noah had appeared on the program three times previously. Noah will perform in Jamestown on Aug. 5, 2016.

BRIAN REGAN

Brian Regan is a comedic workhorse who spent 25 years touring and building his act. During that time he’s become a huge success just for being a stand-up without ever branching off into sitcoms or movies. He primarily works clean, making his comedy accessible to all audiences, and specializes in observational comedy, commenting on shared experiences and questioning behavior and language. Regan’s high-energy delivery and tendency to push a joke to its breaking point could be seen as an influence on Dane Cook. Regan will be in Jamestown on Aug. 6, 2016.

Lucy-Desi Center Executive Director Journey Gunderson, announcing the 2016 Lucille Ball Comedy Festival headliners during a media conference Wednesday, April 13, 2016.

OTHER EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES

In addition to the headliners, dozens of other events, activities and attractions will be taking place, including five separate late-night comedy shows featuring the best up-and-coming comedians from around the country.

Two special events seen only in Jamestown and recorded for the National Comedy Center archives will also take place this summer. One will be a look at the string of cinematic comedy movies directed by the Farrelly Brothers (Dumb and Dumber; There’s Something About Mary; Me, Myself and Irene), and will feature both Peter and Bobby Farrelly.

A roundtable discussion on the comedic influence of Lenny Bruce, George Carlin and Richard Pryor will also take place, featuring the children of those legendary comedians discussing their impact on the world of standup comedy.

Lucy Arnaz announced she will move the entire collection of Lucille Ball’s estate memorabilia to Jamestown this summer, where it will remain and where it will be exhibited at the Dykeman-Young Gallery in August, where it will be show in celebration of I Love Lucy’s 65th anniversary.

Gunderson announced that NBC’s cozy TV will also return to conduct a contest for the next great comic of the United States, with the prize being a spot to perform in Jamestown during the Comedy Festival.

There will also be the return of the Story Pirates program, comedy classes, and a variety of other events happening during the weekend with details to be posted at the Comedy Festival’s website.

Tickets for all festival events go on sale later this month at www.lucycomedyfest.com.

Lucy-Desi Center Director Journey Gunderson will be joined by other officials during a media conference at noon, Wednesday inside the Jamestown Gateway Train Station.

The announcement will not only include who will be the featured comedians for this year’s four-day event, but also details on other related programming.

Last year’s headliner was none other than standup and TV legend Jerry Seinfeld, who performed at two sold out shows at the Jamestown Savings Bank Arena. Other past performers include Ellen DeGeneres, Lewis Black, the late Joan Rivers, Nick Offerman, Ray Romano and, Bob Newhart – along with many others.

The 2016 Lucille Ball Comedy Festival will take place in Jamestown on August 4 through August 7.

More details on the event will be posted at www.lucycomedyfest.com following today’s announcement at noon.

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The 2016 Doors Open Jamestown event is scheduled for Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at varying locations across the city.

Doors Open Jamestown features free admission to greater Jamestown area attractions, raffle prizes at each location, restaurant specials, and more. The event is sponsored by Jamestown Up Close, Jamestown Renaissance Corporation, and Jamestown Community Chamber of Commerce with support from the participating attractions and merchants.

“Not everyone knows that the exhibits and features of our local attractions change quite regularly,” said Edwin Rodriguez Jr., events and marketing associate for Jamestown Up Close. “This event is for our area residents to get out and about with their friends and family to learn about some of the great features we have to offer here,” said Rodriguez.

Sixteen local attractions and nearly two dozen restaurants and retail stores partner together for this annual event to celebrate the region.

The Roger Tory Peterson Institute on Curtis St. in Jamestown is one of several organizations offering free admission on Sat., Jan. 16 as part of Doors Open Jamestown.

By visiting one or more of the participating attractions, guests have the opportunity to win gift baskets at each location. Those locations include:

• Busti Grist Mill
• Chautauqua Sports Hall of Fame
• Dykeman Young Gallery and Vintage Emporium
• Fenton History Center
• Infinity Visual and Performing Arts (Open 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.)
• James Prendergast Library
• Audubon Nature Center
• Jamestown Gateway Train Station
• Jamestown Savings Bank Arena
• Lucile M. Wright Air Museum
• Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum
• Lucille Ball Little Theater
• Martz Observatory (Frewsburg)
• Reg Lenna Center for the Arts
• Robert H. Jackson Center
• Roger Tory Peterson Institute of Natural History

The former Fenton Mansion, home of the Fenton History Center in Jamestown NY.

“It’s great to see so many local residents learn something new about their hometown,” said Joni Blackman, executive director for the Fenton Historical Society. “This has turned into a festive day for Jamestown and the greater region. I have yet to hear a complaint, even when the weather is stormy,” said Blackman.

Area attractions aren’t the only ones who participate in Doors Open Jamestown. The event also encourages various restaurants, bars, and retail shops to work together to co-promote one another now and in the future.

“Doors Open Jamestown is a day to celebrate the wonderful amenities our community has here all year long,” said Frank Besse, co-owner of Brazil Craft Beer and Wine Lounge. “I think Brazil complements these amenities well with our unique selection of great beer and wine in a relaxing and characterful setting,” said Besse.

Participating restaurants and retail locations are encouraged to offer unique menu items and special pricing for the day.

For more information on Doors Open Jamestown or for a list of participating venues, restaurants, and stores, please visit www.DoorsOpenJamestown.com or call check out the event’s Facebook page.

The Jamestown Renaissance Corporation and Jamestown Up Close are organizations that support downtown and neighborhood revitalization in Jamestown, NY, by promoting reinvestment, stakeholder engagement, and innovation.

Some of the individuals who are involved with National Train Day events at the Gateway Train Station on May 9 include (from left to right): Train Station manager Lee Harkness; Jamestown Trolly Car project coordinator Bob Johnston; Train Robbery Reenactor Brian Teagarden; and noted train historian and author Ken Springirth.

JAMESTOWN – National Train Day is Saturday, May 9 and local organizers have several activities planned for throughout the day.

The event will start at 10 a.m. Saturday at the Jamestown Gateway Train Station, with Jamestown Mayor Sam Teresi and other local officials expected to be on hand to kick off the celebratory day.

Other activities include:

• 10:30 a.m.- the railroad motor cars will arrive
• 12 p.m. and 5 p.m. – a presentation on the restoration of trolley car No. 93
• 12:30 p.m. – a steam engine and caboose will arrive at the station
• 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. – the ”Great American Train Robbery”
• 4:30 p.m. – Western New York and Pennsylvania train cars will arrive
• 6 p.m. – Community Reception (RSVP required)

Other planned events include refreshments by Elegant Edibles Catering, a cash bar by Miley’s Old Inn, an appearance by local railroad author Ken Springirth, a toy train show and sales, a trolley No. 93 exhibit, and information tables presented by the regional historical societies and a classic car show.

With the exception of the reception dinner, all events are free and open to the public.

Doors Open Jamestown 2015 is scheduled to take place on Saturday, Jan. 17 with 15 different participants. According to event co-coordinator and Fenton History Center executive director Joni Blackman, the day will provide residents with free admission to a number museums and attractions in and around the city.

“It’s a great way to get people in the door that normally wouldn’t come,” Blackman said. “For some reason, our admission is a barrier to a lot of lcoal people and I think for some they think we’re always going to be here, so we’re not high on their priority list. So when Doors Open provides free admission, it seems to get everybody out and about and going to all the attractions.”

Blackman said that in 2014, more than 600 people stopped by the Fenton for Doors Open Jamestown and she’s expecting just as many this year.

The Fenton History center is one of the 15 participants this year, and Blackman explained that folks who stop by the museum will be able to see the museum’s 2014 Holiday exhibit one last time before it gets taken down.

The former Fenton Mansion, home of the Fenton History Center in Jamestown NY.

“That is our big enticement to have people come in,” Blackman said. “Also, all the sites are doing a free raffle and we’ll be giving away a popular book from our gift shop, along with a couple of other small things to go along with it. And we also have a raffle that’s $3 per ticket or two for $5 for a $150 gift certificate from the Hollyloft.”

Other attractions taking part this year include:  Busti Grist Mill, Chautauqua Sports Hall of Fame, Infinity Visual & Performing Arts, James Prendergast Library, Jamestown Audubon Center & Sanctuary, Jamestown Gateway Train Station, Jamestown Savings Bank Arena, Lucile M. Wright Air Museum, Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Center for Comedy, Lucille Ball Little Theater, Reg Lenna Center for the Arts, Robert H. Jackson Center, and the Roger Tory Peterson Institute of Natural History.

In addition to the attractions, many local restaurants will be open with specials offered for customers that day. Doors Open Jamestown runs at various times throughout the day. For more information visit Facebook.com/DoorsOpenJamestown.