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Erie
Lackawanna Railroad Passenger Station
City
of Jamestown
threat: demolition
The passenger station of the
Erie Railroad, built in 1931, was central to Jamestown’s
bustling daily life and served as the gateway to the city, and
to the outside world. Both historically and architecturally significant,
the station stands as a reminder of the cultural and economic impact
of the railroad on the development of Jamestown. Currently vacant,
the station suffers from general neglect and, given its condition
and location, if it continues to deteriorate, it is in danger of
being demolished.
The building suffers from water infiltration,
vandalism and general neglect of both its interior and exterior.
Due to the train station’s condition and proximity to this
new development, there have been serious discussions of the station’s
future. One idea put forward is its demolition for a parking lot.
The
Downtown Jamestown Development Corporation, Fenton History Center,
City of Jamestown, Chautauqua County and Chautauqua County Visitors
Bureau have all come together to try to save and restore the Station.
The threat of demolition can be eliminated if funding can be secured
to, at a minimum, land bank the building for future development.
This would protect the building from further deterioration while
the local community explores options for additional funding to
redevelop the station. With proper planning and adequate funding,
the Erie-Lackawanna Railroad Passenger Station can become an anchor
facility and public asset, complementing the exciting redevelopment
underway in downtown Jamestown.
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