We would like to delve into train station project just a little more.
We have talked about the ribbon cutting and the basic ideas with regard to the proper use of the station. I think we should also point out how very complicated this project has been and the fact there was a very large number of people and organizations involved.
From the financial standpoint there were many involved. This included Federal Transit Administration, Federal Highway Administration, New York state Department of Transportation, New York state Environmental Protection Fund, Empire State Development, CDBG, HUD, Five Star Bank and the Gebbie Foundation. All of these entities worked together to make this project work.
There were some who worked pretty much behind the scenes to pull this very difficult project together and bring to fruition. Each week there was a small committee that met, without fail, to steer this project toward completion. They spent much personal time.
This committee was comprised of Kristy Zabrodsky of the BWB Group, Tom Benson of the Vineyard Group, Mark Schlemmer, Jamestown DPW engineer, Ray Fashano, retired Jamestown Public Schools superintendent, John Merino of the Gebbie Foundation and Lee Harkness of the DJDC.
This was a real work committee, committed to this project, in a sincere manner, not normally taken part in by any community event or activity. In addition, Mike Goldman spent countless hours on the legal process of the project and Greg Lindquist was, without question, an extremely important liaison with government entities and paper work. All of the above spent countless hours on this project and without question deserve a great deal of credit.
There was some local financing required for this project. Five Star Bank really stepped up to the plate to help with this project. I do not know how else to say it but they bent over backward to accommodate the needs of this train station project.
They not only provided funding, but advice on how to best complete the work at hand. The team headed by Jeff Kenefick, regional president in commercial banking and commercial marketing executive, included Steve Swanson and Tim Dole of the Lakewood Five Star location.
Working with this very professional group helped synchronize the financial efforts of the project itself.
Additional financial support was provided through the Gebbie Foundation and the Jamestown Local Development Corporation. Each and every person and entity I have mentioned above had a huge part in the renovation process.
Sometimes these people go without mention, and I can assure you that it is not an intentional thing. When giving credit to any project, not just this one, it is hard not to miss someone or somebody. I can assure you it is not our intention to miss anyone.
We care about all those that were involved and sincerely appreciate all the tireless efforts provided by everyone involved. I guess the only true way to define this would be a heartfelt thanks to all.