City Officials Working Toward Train Depot Station
A train depot is needed if there is going to be future excursion train travel in Jamestown.
That is why city officials are now working to turn the former engine building, which is located west of the Jamestown Gateway Train Station, into a train depot.
With the renovation of the former Erie-Lackawanna Train Station, which is being transformed into the future home of the National Comedy Center, and the creation of Comedy Center Park, located behind the Jamestown Gateway Train station, Bill Stevenson, Jamestown Area Railway Heritage Center committee member, said local officials are now working to improve the area around the former engine building.
”Almost the entire area between Second Street and the Chadakoin River has been refurbished, cleaned up and opened to the public. The abandoned engine house, was a partner with the Erie Station and sits in the last part of the park with trash, debris, brush and covered with graffiti,” he said. ”Now there is much interest from some railroads in what has happened in Jamestown. With the onset of the National Comedy Center, and the Northwest Arena and Jamestown’s other attractions, the idea of excursion or sightseeing trains has emerged with Jamestown being the destination.
The National Comedy Center is using the former Erie Train Station so Jamestown does not have an arrival or departure location. The old engine house can be converted to a depot, which will allow access to nearby attractions and downtown Jamestown.”
Stevenson said local officials will continue to work toward preserving the engine house, which was built in the 1950s; work toward building a depot for departures and arrivals as well as have public rest rooms available for those using the Greater Jamestown Riverwalk and the Comedy Center Park; and be a show place for renovated Jamestown Street Railway Trolley Car No. 93 and a possibly a steam engine.
”The renovated train station drew a lot of people on its own. This same thing might happen with the engine house,” Stevenson said.
Stevenson said city officials are working on a study that will test the viability of the proposed railroad activities. In 2015, city officials announced their intent to hire a consultant to conduct an excursion train implementation study. Last year, Sam Teresi, Jamestown mayor, said the implementation study will be done to analyze the economic impact; review opportunities and potential roadblocks; form a plan for the engine house that is located near the train station; and would form a business plan. He said the reason for hiring a consultant is to find out how to attract people with disposable income into the heart of the city to support all the visitor attractions like the planned National Comedy Center, restaurants, retail businesses and hotels.
Last year, the Jamestown Area Railway Heritage Center committee established a fund at the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation to accept donation for the engine house restoration project. People interested in donating can send a check to the Community Foundation with a note stating the funds are for the engine barn renovation project. To learn more about how to donate, visit crcfonline.org or send a check to 418 Spring St., Jamestown, NY, 14701.
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