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The Post-Journal, Jamestown NY - Destined For Development - National Comedy Center Awarded $1.5 Million, by Dennis Phillips- The ball is really rolling now for the National Comedy Center, Inc., construction project.  Thursday, state officials announced the project will receive $1.5 million from an Empire State Development grant.

 

By receiving $1.5 million  from the state, Journey Gunderson, National Comedy Center executive director, said it demonstrates the project's importance among state officials for future tourism plans.  'This speaks volumes for the success of the project,' she said.  'The state and Western NY have giiven stamps of approval, which will be key for fundraising the rest of the project,.'" published for this date in 2014. 

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The Post-Journal, Jamestown NY - Capital Of Comedy - National Comedy Center The Focus Of Annual Chamber Meeting, by A. J. Rao -"Even though Lucille Ball has been a treasured commodity of Jamestown for years, many still believe her legacy has untapped potential. Indeed, the National Comedy Center, slated to open in the city in 2016, is expected to take the 'Lucy brand' to a whole new level, with planners hoping to draw thousands of visitors, build the city's reputation and, perhaps most importantly, boost the local economy. On Wednesday, the Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce welcomed Benson and Gunderson to its 2014 annual meeting. The duo took the opportunity to both thank community leaders for their support and discuss their ambition to rebrand Jamestown as a capital of comedy," published for this date in 2014.

The Post-Journal, Jamestown NY - Capital Of Comedy - Officials Hopeful Following National Comedy Center Funding - 2015 - A Look Ahead Before The New Year - by Eric Tichy - "Jamestown Mayor Teresi has been a longtime believer it takes more than one project to promote and encapsulate an entire region. However, recent news of a $1.5 million influx for the construction of the National Comedy Center project - has local elected officials downright giddy. An Empire State Development grant, which totals $709 million to 10 Regional Economic councils, is expected to assist in the rehabilitation and construction of the National Comedy Center at the site of a Jamestown Board of Utilities substation. The National Comedy Center broke ground in August behind the Jamestown Gateway Train Station, a first phase including development of the park, consisting of a stamped concrete patio, a stair system connecting the patio to Second Street and installation of winding pathways between the train station and the Chadakoin River," published for this date in 2014.

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  • 2 years later...

Received via e-mail from NCC this morning:

 

National Comedy Center and CNN Partner To Present Live Tour in Promotion of “The History of Comedy” - CNN TO PREMIERE “THE HISTORY OF COMEDY” ON THURSDAY, FEB. 9, AT 9PM ET/PT – New CNN Original Series Features Interviews with Comedy Icons Norman Lear, Carol Burnett, Larry David and Betty White among others

 

“The History of Comedy,” executive produced by Sean Hayes and Todd Milliner (Hazy Mills) with Emmy Award winners Mark Herzog and Christopher G. Cowen (Herzog & Company), will premiere Thursday, Feb. 9, at 9 p.m. ET/PT on CNN, following a world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival. Using archival footage punctuated by contemporary interviews with comedy legends, scholars and current stars, the new eight-part CNN Original Series explores what makes people laugh and how comedy has affected the social and political landscape throughout history.The History of Comedy” also features interviews with Judd Apatow, Sarah Silverman, Senator Al Franken, Margaret Cho, Samantha Bee, Jimmy Kimmel, Kathy Griffin, George Lopez, Keegan-Michael Key, Conan O’Brien, Patton Oswalt, Dick Cavett, Ali Wong, W. Kamau Bell and more. The premiere episode, “Going Blue,” looks at groundbreaking comedians like George Carlin, Dick Gregory and Lenny Bruce who dared to embrace the risqué side of comedy.  Additional episodes look at women in comedy, political humor, parody and satire, comedy ripped from the headlines, the dark side of comedy, comedy in race and culture, and comedy found in everyday life.

In support of the series launch, CNN Original Series in partnership with the National Comedy Center, the first national non-profit cultural institution dedicated to comedy, will present a four-city live tour. The “Stand-Up Live!” national tour will feature some of today’s freshest and funniest stand-up comics and hit legendary comedy clubs in New York City, Boston, Chicago and Los Angeles. Tickets can be purchased via the National Comedy Center’s website.

 

“The History of Comedy” will be available On Demand the day after the linear premiere on cable VOD and on CNNgo via iPad, Roku, AppleTV, Amazon Fire, and desktop at www.cnn.com/go.

:fabrary: 

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The Post-Journal, Jamestown NY, 'Upstate New York actually has greater needs than downstate.' State of Upstate, Cuomo Proposes $7.5M for NCC, City, by Dennis Phillips, "Gov. Andrew Cuomo has proposed funding the city $7.5 million for two initiatives in the 2017-18 state budget during his State of the State speech in Buffalo Monday. He announced his proposal to fund $5 million toward the NCC for 'gap funding.' Mayor Teresi says this is dependent on state budget process, the Legislature having an April 1 deadline to pass an 'on-time' spending plan. Teresi said $5 million to close the gap for the NCC is significant for more than just the future national attraction based on the celebration of comedy.  He said the new proposed funding will also 'take pressure off' other funding sources for the NCC like the $10 million Downtown Revitalization Initiative. December's announcement of $600 thousand 'gap funding' toward general construction, part of consolidation funding application process through the Regional Economic Development Council program; and it's unknown at this time if that $600 thousand already awarded is separate or included in the $5 million proposed." published, 2017.


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The Post-Journal, Jamestown NY, '$5M State Funding for NCC Stuns Chairman, by Dennis Phillips, "I was totally flabbergasted,' Tom Benson, NCC Board, following Gov. Cuomo announcement there would be $5M included in the 2017-8 state budget for the NCC.  'The board was invited, being told the governor was going to feature the comedy center somehow. We had no idea he was going to feature us by unveiling a brand new award.' The fund goes toward NCC for 'gap funding to close out the money necessary for the $20M project;" published, 2017.

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  • 2 weeks later...

This is just a verification of my post the other day in which Benson, NCC Board chairman gets flabbergasted!

 

The Post-Journal, Jamestown NY, City Projects, Future Touted By Hochul During Visit, by Dennis Phillips, "With so many ongoing development projects and improvement initiatives," 'Jamestown has a bright future'; message delivered by Lt. Gov Kathy Hochul at Jamestown Gateway Train Station Friday. [Joyce interjects opinion: In spite of Center e-mail FLASH ANNOUNCEMENT of $5 million coming insinuating ANOTHER $5 million; brunch to be offered volunteers; blah, blah, blah]  Hochul again re-announced the $ proposal included in Gov Cuomo's $162 million state budget; the inclusion of $2.5 million in budget and additional $5 million for Jamestown gap funding for economic stability. She also reiterated prior $ also handed out by other state agencies, this is simply 'a game changer' for Jamestown publicizing gap funding to ensure project will be completed;" published, 2017.

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  • 2 weeks later...

The Post-Journal, Jamestown NY, NCC to Host Alberstadt, Kaplan, 2/11 'Evening of Comedy'.

by Gavin Paterniti, "Tropicana Room hosts evening of comedy weekend nearest to Valentine's Day. Continuing tradition of comedy events, great opportunity for couples and singles alike to enjoy spirit of Valentine's Day with $37.50 per person, dinner, drinks [cash bar extra] and laughs.  6:30 and 9:30 performances, ADULT COMEDY"; published, 2017.

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  • 1 month later...

The Post-Journal, Jamestown NY, Close to Complete, Comedy Center Nears Capital Financing Goal,

by Dennis Phillips, "If all goes as planned NCC officials will soon have all the financing necessary to complete its $25 million project.  Board chairman Benson says as soon as April 15, it could have all funding necessary to finish the NCC; however, $10 million is still in 'budget process' state of NY, $5 million of which MUST be financed before it is eligible for the $5 million Federal New Market Tax Credit, at which time all funding will be in place; all contracts are finalized; 'we're ready to sign;'" [Research Note:  Benson says this NCC creation comes from the 2006 Jamestown Urban Design Plan; and a wished-for influx of 100,000 people a year], published, 2017.

 

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  • 2 weeks later...

April 8, 2017:

 

 

The Post-Journal, Jamestown, NY, Editorial Page, Thumbs Up, Thumbs Down Column, “Thumbs up to National Comedy Center nearing its $25 million financing goal. Center chairman Benson recently said all funding could be in place by April 15; depending on the NYS budget passage. That would then make available the $5 million proposed for the NCC; as would $5 million in Federal New Market Tax Credits, and all funding would then be in place. He also announced $3 million has been granted by Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation. A good forecast for downtown Jamestown; Chautauqua County;” published, 2017​.

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  • 1 month later...

May 20, 2017 - Article shortened for effect.

 

The Post-Journal, Jamestown, NY, Officials Eye Construction, Funding For Comedy Center, by Dennis Phillips, "NCC officials now look to finish construction; raising sustainability funds for attraction based on celebration of comedy. The new entrance addition and connector between former Jamestown Board of Public Utilities building and Jamestown Gateway Train Station will be complete during next couple months. Construction begins on plaza area between NCC entrance and former Erie-Lackawanna Train Station. Work has begun within on 74 different component attraction exhibits [construction off-site] and underway at full speed, including electronic connections and lighting fixtures throughout building. If all goes well, a 'soft opening' will occur Memorial Day 2018, grand opening during Lucille Ball Comedy Festival first week August 2018. $25 million has been raised; but, not done for Center. An additional $15 million makes sure facility is self-sustaining for foreseeable future. A 3-piece endowment fund; sustainable operations; replacement of equipment, electronic devices; and, to remain current. A training program, with operations manual, similar to Disney experience, are planned bringing additional people on board;" published, 2017.

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By way of explanation:  Lucille Ball travelled many times from NYC; to outskirts, Buffalo, NY, (Depew, NY) by train when coming 'back home' for visits during 20s,* 30s and 40s; to the historic Erie-Lackawanna Train Station (site:  National Comedy Center) Jamestown, NY; and for years many groups have sought to resurrect that mode of travel.  I should add MUCH WORK (and millions of $$) needs to be done for this to EVER come to pass!!!!  Historically, it would be a GREAT THING [in my and many others' opinion(s)]  for the AREA to bring rail travel back to our region!  [i'll keep y'all posted of all further developments; see 5/24, IDA info, Poultry, this Lounge - jrk.]  *I believe she and DeDe also brought her father home via train to Jamestown for his burial; so, I'm adding 20s, as well.

 

May 22, 2017:

 

The Post-Journal, Jamestown NY, Excursion Train Travel Experiences Is On Track, by Dennis Phillips, "There are several interested groups working in collaboration to bring excursion train travel back to Jamestown. One:  Local Planning Committee [LPC] for Jamestown's Downtown Revitalization Initiative [JDRI].  The LPC requested $670,000 of the $9.7 million allocated to Jamestown for DRI projects. Proposal is for Jamestown Gateway Train Station, at adjacent location local officials are working to redevelop former engine building into the Jamestown Area Railway Heritage Center;" published, 2017.  [shortened for effect: jrk]

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From a bit of research I've figured out Lucy only passed through that current station in 1944 and I believe in 56'. All other travel Lucy did was from other stations that predate this one. It was still the same train line though.

 

Lucille and Desi arrived by helicopter in 1956; keep researching; I've run out of time.  JK  :fabrary:  

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May 23, 2017:

 

The Post-Journal, ​Jamestown, New York,  Lt. Gov DRI Announcement Postponed, by Dennis Phillips, "Hochul's visit to Jamestown for $10 million announcement related to DRI* has been postponed, due to state of emergency flooding, re-construction shoreline re-stabilization projects Great Lake Ontario, counties:  Cayuga, Jefferson, Monroe, Niagara, Orleans, Oswego, St. Lawrence, Wayne, with no re-scheduled date;" published, 2017.

 

*final list projects of DRI, Reg Lenna Civic Center for the Arts, $1.5 million; Lucille Ball Little Theater upgrades, $265,000; property for Riverwalk, $1.4 million; as well as Greater Jamestown Riverwalk enhancements, $325,000.

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May 22, 2017: 

Received via e-mail from NCC:

 

National Comedy Center - Tickets for Kevin James, Robert Klein, Jim Gaffigan and more on sale tomorrow, May 23, at Noon EST;

 

 

"Tickets for Kevin James, Robert Klein, Jim Gaffigan, and 50+ events,

4 days, Lucille Ball Comedy Festival, go on-sale to the public tomorrow, May 23, noon EST. Additional events and performers yet to be announced;" posted, 2017.

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56' train was out of Buffalo. Just remembered that.

 

Difficult to acknowledge what you are attempting to get across here; BUT, BUFFALO/DEPEW [a suburb of Buffalo] was ALWAYS the route to Jamestown Station. 

 

1956 Lucy and Desi did NOT travel to Jamestown by train; they arrived in 3 helicopters, I think that route was from NYC appearances the night before arrival in Jamestown, for 2-day visit; not sure what mode of travel from Jamestown; I believe Trains were no longer travelling to and from Jamestown by then.  They may have left by private car to Buffalo for flight to next destination on Forever Darling p.r. touring campaign. 

 

You may be correct train from Buffalo; don't know about that; flying would have been much quicker.

 

Sorry, I just don't have the time to research this right now; trying to get editing done to submit the work before it puts me in a rubber room.  If I run across information in my editing time, I shall bring the 'poop' over here to the Lounge.  JK :fabrary:

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They came in to buffalo via train. Somewhere along the line they got the helicopter for the fly in. They got back to Buffalo in the late evening and waited for the train aka the Forever Darling Express. There is a photo of Lucy and Harriet in a buffalo train station at 1am.

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  • 3 weeks later...

6/21/2017:

 

 

The Post-Journal, Jamestown NY, Region, High Five, City Officials Discuss Endorsements of CFA Projects, by Dennis Phillips, “City narrows down Consolidated Funding Applications endorsing state grant funding. One, of several downtown improvements, the 5th grant application of several, creating public piazza between Jefferson, Washington Sts., around Northwest Arena and National Comedy Center, changing surface of street to cobblestone; closed to traffic during events at Arena or NCC, estimated cost: $600,000;” published, 2017.

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  • 2 weeks later...

Pedestrian Riverwalk Bridges Work Starts at Panzarella Park, by Dennis Phillips, "Preliminary work started on bridges crossing Chadakoin River along the Greater Jamestown Riverwalk.  Ground levelling at Panzarella for crane foundation installing bridges later this summer or early fall.  One bridge connects north shore Riverwalk w/Panzarella; second below the Washington St. Bridge connecting both sections Riverwalk along the Chadakoin.  NYS, 10/2014 gave $1.6 million of $2 million project;"[see: 7/16,23/1749; 9/15/1797; 6/1/1812; 10/1/1859; 5/18/1894; 10/1/2004; 8/9,18/2013; 10/14,16/13; 12/12/13; 1/13,17,22/2014; 3/2/14; 4/14,19/14; 5/15/14; 7/16/14; 8/3,6,8,9,11,26/14; 9/9/14; 10/22,28/14; 12/2,12,18,27,30/14; 1/10/2015; 3/4,6,19,28/15; 6/11,24,26,28/15; 7/3,11/15; 8/12,18,19,29/15; 9/22/15; 10/3,6,9,28/15; 1/18/2016; 2/21/16; 3/2,16/16; 7/4/16; 6/30/17];  published, 2017.

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