Jamestown (CSi) Work is progressing on Jamestown’s new bus depot. Jamestown City Councilman Charlie Kourajian, says the reconstruction of the former garage at 119 2nd Avenue, Southeast on the property of First Congregational United Church of Christ should be finished by the end of October this year.

  • Jms Bus Depot construction CSi photo Jms Bus Depot construction CSi photo
  • Jms Bus Depot construction CSi photo Jms Bus Depot construction CSi photo
  • Jms Bus Depot construction CSi photo Jms Bus Depot construction CSi photo
  • Jms Bus Depot construction CSi photo Jms Bus Depot construction CSi photo
     

Kourajian also a board member of Jamestown Bus Stop Inc., a nonprofit organization that was created to build a bus shelter and ticket office for Jefferson Lines, says, with $13,000 of the $20,000 construction budget goal met, work has started to convert the 23-by-19-foot garage into a depot.

He adds, that there are still some grant applications available. If not enough dollars are on hand the organization will charge to its account and pay the rest as donations and grants are received.

Kourajian sent out 160 letters to businesses around town to explain the project and asked for a $100 gift. The response was good but not strong.

The only bus line to currently serve Jamestown is Jefferson Lines, which makes morning and afternoon stops to pick up and drop off riders on 1st Street West near Babb’s Coffee House.

The new depot would be open from 90 minutes to two hours prior to and after daily scheduled bus arrivals.

Jefferson Lines will stop along 2nd Avenue Southeast, requiring riders to walk the approximately 80 feet to the street from the depot.

The Jamestown City Council awarded $5,000 to the project in August to be used for bringing sewer, water and plumbing into the building along with installing and furnishing a restroom. The remaining budget includes $4,000 in electrical work, and $8,000 will go for walls and insulation, electrical heating and cooling, windows and shelving. The work is provided by volunteers with $3,000 going to professional services and supervision of laborers.

Jefferson Lines, hasn’t signed a formal contract, but did commit to the project by saying it would provide signage, a computer and ticketing machine with Internet service.

Jamestown Bus Stop Inc. will also serve as a ticket outlet and earn 10 percent from all sales.

There is a three-year contract with the church.  Public parking is also available across the alley from the bus stop.