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The Sunday Post Journal, Jamestown NYFront Page - three-column, left - Closer to Reality - Momentum Building For National Comedy Center - “The National Comedy Center is the place you can take the next generation so they know these artists and their respective contributions to the art form, because what they did matters. It's important.” - Journey Gunderson, Lucy-Desi Center for Comedy Executive Director - by Dennis Phillips - “An experimental attraction, performance venue and center for the comedic arts that may attract more than 120,000 visitors annually is being planned for downtown Jamestown. The development of the National Comedy Center is progressing, with the goal to make Jamestown the Cooperstown of comedy. A master plan has been completed for the center, to be located in what is currently the Jamestown Gateway Train Station. The team of stakeholders is led by the Lucy-Desi Center for Comedy, the Gebbie Foundation, the Oishei Foundation, Jamestown Renaissance Corporation, the City of Jamestown, Chautauqua County, the Chautauqua County Visitors Bureau, and additional community and regional representatives are preparing to head into the next phase of development, the construction of a riverside park at the train station. The Gateway Park would have an outdoor plaza, railroad crossing system and landscaping improvements to the area behind the train station. The park would connect to the Greater Jamestown Riverwalk along the Chadakoin River, [see informations also: 5/18/1894; 6/1/1812; 10/1/1859; 10/1/2004; 10/14, 16 /2013, 1/13, 17, 22/2014], to be completed by the fall,” published for this date in 2014. [Research: Coincidentally, published on Desi Arnaz' 97th birthdate!!]

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I wonder if the Master Plan i available anywhere. I'd love to read it.

 

Brock:  Help is on the way; and you may be able to find something on the .org reference below; good luck...JK:

 

 

The Post Journal, Jamestown NYMoving Beyond The Magic Bullet - by Gregory Lindquist and Peter Lombardi - Jamestown Renaissance Corporation [renaissance reflections is a biweekly feature with news and commentary from the front lines of Jamestown's revitalization. Learn more: jamestownrenaissance.org] - [research: article, only partially quoted] “Cities frequently fall prey to the seduction of the 'magic bullet', the project that promises to solve a slew of civic ailments in one fell swoop. Evidence suggessts that public investments in certain projects have a track record of disappointing returns. There's something different, though, about the National Comedy Center, the big new project underway in Jamestown spearheaded by the Lucy-Desi Center for Comedy. The Center would develop space in and around Jamestown's restored train station to house cutting-edge exhibits honoring comedy icons; would build on the programming accomplishments of the Lucille Ball Comedy Festival, by providing a platform for contemporary talent; and a training ground for aspiring comedians. Even though the Center is still in the developmental stages, it shows clear signs of transcending the isolated and short-term impacts that plague many large civic projects with numerous partners at the table, work already underway to meld the project to wider community goals, and a solid understanding of direct and indirect linkages to further development. This goes well beyond the 'magic bullet' mentality,” [see further information: 3/2/2014], published for this date in 2014.

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In today's Post-Journal, in part:

 

 

The Post-Journal, Jamestown NY - Planning Commission OKs Gateway Park Project, Lays Groundwork for Comedy Center, by Dennis Phillips - The Gateway Park Plaza has been approved by city officials. A plaza and park project will be located behind the Jamestown Gateway Train Station connecting with the Greater Jamestown Riverwalk along the Chadakoin River. The park will be located across train tracks with green space, trees and landscaping, intended for picnics and activities. Once the National Comedy Center is built along W. 2nd St., the park could be a place for attractions; i.e. an amphitheater for live entertainment. The National Comedy Center is scheduled to be open in July of 2016. Approval from the National Parks Service is anticipated, since the State Historic Preservation Office approval has already been received. Jamestown City Council approved the Consolidated Funding Application for the National Comedy Center, whose officials have submitted an application requesting $6 million from the state for construction, with additional anticipated funding in miscellaneous other public and private funding, and from various local and regional foundations. The anticipated total project is 33.5 million dollars. A groundbreaking ceremony for the Gateway Park Plaza will be held during the Lucille Ball Comedy Festival, starting Wednesday, August 6,” published for this date in 2014.

 

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Brock:  You posted you would be interested in a Master Plan; did you investigate same, or would you like me to try?  JK

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7/17/14:

 

The Post Journal, Jamestown NY - Tom Cotter To Perform August 8 Comedy Show At Reg Lenna, by Gavin Paterniti - "Tom Cotter has no qualms playing second fiddle to Jay Leno when visiting Jamestown performing in the Lucille Ball Festival of Comedy next month.   Cotter, stand-up comedian, best known for a second place finish in 7th season of NBC's "America's Got Talent", 2012, will appear at the Reg Lenna Center for the Arts Friday, August 8," published for this date in 2014. 

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Today's Post-Journal - The 'historic' PUB will re-open Tuesday, July 22, 2014!

 

The Post-Journal - 7/23/14:

 

Triumphant Return - The Pub Reopens in Downtown Jamestown - by Dennis Phillips - "A downtown tavern where friends, family and co-workers meet is open once again.  The Pub, located at 209 N. Main St., Jamestown, reopened Tuesday for the first time since a January fire damaged the inside of the business.  Thanks to the collective collaboration of the family, several Jamestown area businesses, city officials and the Jamestown Renaissance Corporation, The Pub has been restored....."; Local 'family' and patrons:  "It feels like being back home again;" "Coming over for a cold one after work;" "It feels like the old place, but with a new look;"  It's a familiar place to go.  You always know someone.  It is so comfortable, you don't have to be on guard.  It's just very comfortable..." published for this date in 2014.

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The Post-Journal, Jamestown, NY - Region - No Laughing Matter - Community Foundation Donates $200K To Comedy Center - [Photo] - The National Comedy Center project received a $200,000 grant from the Fund for the Region, administered by the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation.,” published for this date in 2014.

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The Post-Journal Information Center – In Years Past – 25 Years Ago – “In 1989, Susan Wolfe* of Sherman was the only artist invited for six consecutive years to display her paintings of horses at the New Jersey Meadowlands. 'It makes me feel more confident that my work is interesting enough and clients have been happy with it,' she said. 'they seem to appreciate the fact that my work appeals to all different people, from the racing fans and owners to the drivers.” During Hambletonian Week earlier in the month at the Meadowlands, Wolfe was commissioned to do a large oil painting of world champion, Matts Scooter, the fastest Standardbred of all time.” [Research: Wolfe* painted beautiful Lucille Ball portraits, one while Melody Thomas Scott, (b. 4/18), of the Young and Restless fame, and one of the original Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz Museum board of directors members, 2002-2007, who, upon its stage revealing, and seeing her own face on an oil with Lucille Ball, immediately purchased same, tearfully thankful; see also: 8/13/2009, for other Wolfe information], published for this date in 2014.


     [note:  8/13/09 entry, for your reading enjoyment; some of you may not


       have been in the audience that day - it was charming:]


The Post-Journal, Jamestown NY – Local Artist On Display At Adams Gallery – Dunkirk NY - “Nationally-recognized artisan, Susan Wolfe, is a local resident, best known for portraits, including numerous commissions for private and corporate clients from around the world, including Lucille Ball's daughter, Lucie Arnaz; Melody Thomas Scott, former Board of Directors' Member of the Center, and many others. Ms. Wolfe's works will be on display through mid-August,” published this date in 2009.


 


[sorry, had no entry for Susan's appearance at LucyFest that year; for those of you not in the audience that day, perhaps someone who WAS can remember the year - BROCK????]


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The Post-Journal Information Center – In Years Past – 25 Years Ago – “The McCrea Point Boat Landing was a constantly expanding recreation area at Eighth Street and Jones and Gifford Avenue in Jamestown. The latest expansion program was made possible by a $75,000 grant from the Ralph C. Sheldon Foundation, Inc., according to Russell E. Diethrick, Jr., director of Jamestown's Parks, Recreation and Conservation Department. Historically, the area had been known as the boat landing. The city now owned that property. It also acquired McCrea Point and the land adjacent to it. The Park boasted waterfront access and picnic facilities, including a pavilion. The following spring, playground equipment would be installed at the park,” [see related Riverwalk and Celoron area history articles: 7/16,23/1749; 9/15/1797; 6/1/1812; 10/1/1859; 5/18/1894; 10/1/2004; 8/9/13; 10/14,16/2013; 1/13,17,22/2014; 3/2/2014; 4/14,19/2014; 5/15/2014; 7/16/2014; 8/6,8,9,11,26/2014], published for this date in 2014.


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The  Post-Journal, Jamestown NY, Saturday - Ready to Explore - Visit The Pocono Mountains Any Time Of Year by Frederica Dunn - "Any time of the year is a good time visit the Pocono Moiuntains, New York State, located within a few hours driving distance of most East Coast cities.  The Shawnee Inn  was sold to Fred Waring in 1943 and became a favorite retreat for celebrities, such as Lucille Ball, Art Carney, Perry Como, President Eisenhower, Eddie Fisher and Ed Sullivan, among others," published for this date in 2014.

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What appears below is a shortened version of the article in this morning's paper:

 

The Post-Journal, Jamestown NY - Planning Commission Approves City Property Sale to National Comedy Center, by Dennis Phillips - "Pending all 'conditions being met', Jamestown's City Planning Commission has approved sale of land to the National Comedy Center.  The land currently being used as a substaton by the Jamestown Board of Public Utilities, Second Street, next to the Jamestown Gateway Train Station, and Rose Alley in the same area will become property for the Center.  The BPU transformer is scheduled to be dismantled next year.  The properties' market value is in the area of $130 thousand.  The Center would become the eastern part of the Railway Station, since it is presently on the list of national and state Register of Historic Places, and the center part of the train station will remain the same, historically," published for this date in 2014.

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Didn't get around to pulling this over yesterday's (10/28) Post-Journal: [continuing saga surrounding the Riverwalk et al, and its connection to the Comedy Center/Train Station saga:]

The Post-Journal, Jamestown NY – Walk This Way - City Receives $1.6 Million Grant For Greater Riverwalk Pedestrian Bridge, by Dennis Phillips - “Jamestown residents will soon have more ways to cross the Chadakoin River. State officials announced a grant for pedestrian/bicycle bridges that will cross the Chadakoin as part of the Greater Jamestown Riverwalk. Pizzarelli Park, near the Jamestown Board of Public Utilities, to the north shore extension; and around the Warner Dam between north and south shore downtown. Said designations will enhance future tourist opportunities from the National Comedy Center and the Gateway Park Plaza, behind the Jamestown Gateway Train Station,” published for this date in 2014.

 

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The Post-Journal, Jamestown, NY - [Photo by Gavin Paterniti - representatives of area organizations behind the construction of Comedy Center Park] - Just Warming Up - Comedy Center Park Progresses Despite Weather Delays, by Gavin Paterniti - “Despite early snowfall, construction work is ongoing behind the Jamestown Gateway Train Station. The park is phase one of the Comedy Center project, groundbreaking August 9, just prior to Jay Leno appearance. Tom Benson is chairman of the National Comedy Center. The Comedy Center Executive Summary embodies Lucille Ball's vision of celebrating comedy and supporting the comedic arts in her hometown. This phase scheduled completion is May 1, and is part of the Greater Jamestown Riverwalk Project - Phase IV.  This park connects to and serves as an extension of the north shore extension, incorporating handicapped access over the railroad tracks, as well as patio seating, pedestrian and bicycle traffic and stairway to second level, that of Second Street without having to walk through the Station itself,” published this date (12/2) in 2014.

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  Beyond incensed NOW, after reading the article, 12/4/14 Post-Journal, Jamestown NY:

 

 

The Post Journal, Jamestown NY -  Focus on Entertainment - An Event for the Ages - Carol Burnett to Perform At Chautauqua Institution for First Time August 21, by Gavin Paterniti **** [3/4 full page article]

 

" . . . [next-to-last-paragraph, back page of article] . . . "She also has a connection to Jamestown and the surrounding area in that she was good friends with the late Lucille Ball."

 

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The Post Journal, Jamestown, NY - Region - City Council Approves Funding For Pedestrian Bridges, by Dennis Phillips - “It is going to be a busy summer for the Greater Jamestown Riverwalk. Council approved acceptance of $1.6 million in federal funding for two pedestrian bridges; city match: $400 thousand, consisting of grant and in-kind services; no local taxpayer $ used for the project. One bridge, Panzarella Park, by the Board of Public Utilities; the second, Route 60/Washington Bridge. Phase V will start; construction will continue for Phase VI next summer. Phase VI includes designed connectivity to the city, eventually connecting Riverwalk through the city to McCrea Point (Jones-Gifford & 8th & Fairmount Landing).  Phase VII of the Riverwalk is a trail from McCrea Point Park to Lucille Ball Memorial Park in Celoron. $ gramted from the State for the Trail is $965,200,” published for this date in 2014.

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The Post-Journal, Jamestown NY - Focus On Entertainment - Lucie Arnaz - Joins Cast of 'Pippin' for eight Shows in Rochester [NY], by the Post-Journal editorial staff - "Rochester - Lucie Arnaz has joined the production of the Tony Award-winning musical 'Pippin' coming to Rochester Auditorium Theatre, January 13-18.  Eight shows are scheduled.  Arnaz opened for late-night legend, Jay Leno, at the Jamestown Savings Bank Arena during the Lucille Ball Comedy Festival in August, and since has become Berthe in the national touring production of 'Pippin'.  Tickets on sale NOW, ranging in price from $32.50 to $72.50.  For more dates and times information, 585-222-5000 or visit rbtl.org," published for this date in 2015.


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Sorry - didn't get to this one yesterday; last day of the month & errands; just in case we got the 'storm and high winds' THEY promised - we didn't...

 

The Post-Journal, Jamestown NY - Region - The Top Five Articles On The Post-Journal's Website, by P-J Editorial Staff - "1.  Fire Hits Restaurants [this for those of you who have been in Jamestown - The Pub and Lisciandro's Restaurants, Main Street; now rebuilt and open] - "5.  Closer to Reality - Momentum Building for National Comedy Center - An experimental attraction, performance venue and center for the comedic arts that may attract more than 120,000 visitors annually was gaining momentum as the 3/2 (Desi's birthday) edition of the P-J hit the presses.

 

The development of the National Comedy Center was progressing with the goal to make Jamestown the Cooperstown of Comedy.  The chairman said a master plan had been completed and will be built where a BPU substation scheduled for dismantling is currently located.  The Jamestown Gateway Train Station would be the anchor of the proposed facility. 

 

Update:  A recenty-announced $1.5 million Empire State Development grant is expected to assist in the construction of the National Comedy Center.

 

The N.C.C. Park broke ground in August.  First phase of project includes development of the Park, and consists of construciton of a stamped concrete patio behind the Train Station, a stair sysstem connecting the patio to Second Street and the installation of winding pathways between the train station and the Chadakoin River.

 

Second phase, boosted by the grant, funded at least half, for the Center itself.  Stakeholders plan to raise money to fund the balance. 

 

As envisioned, the NCC will be a celebration of comedy, honoring the craft [of Lucille Ball] and the artists' respective contributions through exhibits.  The Center is expected to open July 2016," published for this date (12/31), in 2014.

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