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)
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.
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