Ypsi Planning Commission announces agenda for Nov 18 meeting

Next Wednesday evening, the Ypsi Planning Commission will be holding a public meeting to discuss a number of major initiatives that are in the works. The meeting will begin at 7:00, in the City Council chambers. Following is a breakdown of these projects by city planner Richard Murphy.

1. East/West Cross Streetscaping: The City and DDA have secured MDOT funding for streetscape work along Cross Street, running from the railroad tracks in Depot Town to the water tower. MDOT will be starting engineering designs this winter, with construction anticipated in early 2011. The Planning Commission meeting will be hearing public comment on the conceptual plans in order to provide MDOT’s engineers with direction as they prepare construction plans.

This will be the official forum for providing comment on these plans. The concepts will be on display beginning at 6pm, with City, DDA, and MDOT staff available; the Planning Commission will hear comments during their meeting, beginning at 7pm.

Background information and conceptual drawings are available here.

2. Reimagining Washtenaw Avenue: Washtenaw Avenue is the main transportation link of the eastern side of Washtenaw County. Development patterns in this area have generally been disconnected, auto-oriented uses, creating congestion and failing to take advantage of the central place of this corridor in the County. Improving transit and non-motorized transportation and encouraging redevelopment on this corridor could help all of the communities along it.

Over the past several months, the County’s planning department has been coordinating discussions between the City, Ypsilanti Township, Pittsfield Township, and City of Ann Arbor stakeholders about the potential for joint planning work on this corridor. City and County staff will be presenting the results of these discussions and some of the recommendations for potential collaboration.

More information on this project is available here.

3. Non-Motorized Plan Draft: The City’s planning department has been working on a non-motorized plan for the City, to address infrastructure and policy issues around biking, walking, and similar transportation modes. A draft plan has been completed, and will be presented to the Planning Commission for review. The plan will also be distributed to surrounding communities and regional agencies for their review and comment prior to final adoption.

The most recent draft of the plan is available here.

I haven’t followed any of the links yet, so I don’t have much to offer in the way of analysis. As it sounds like this may be the one time for community input on a lot of this, though, I’m thinking that it probably makes sense for us to spend some time with it. If you have thoughts or questions, please leave a comment.

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29 Comments

  1. What's In a Name
    Posted November 11, 2009 at 12:14 am | Permalink

    Well the West & East Cross St. plans are the same ones that have been in the works for over 4 years. Nothing much new there. Just the same project made possible on E. Cross by over $60,000 contributed by the Depot Town CDC (yup, they do good things for the City) when the Depot Town DDA and City said they didn’t have the cash to help out with the project.

    The Washtenaw Ave. study: it’s important to note that the Washtenaw County Commission is throwing around the idea of pretty much eliminating the County Planning Dept. How the Washtenaw Ave. study will be implemented without them is beyond me.

    The Non-Motorized Plan is another plan that’s been in the works for a bit (but less that the Cross St. project). The funding for the study from the State via the County can partly/largely be credited to the work that the Ypsi DDA did with the toDowntown program under the former Director, Brian Vosburg. The County and State were impressed with the cost effective, fast and high-profile toDowntown initiative which lead to the funds for the Non-Motorized Plan. A good document and one that hopefully becomes adopted and implemented. Once again, an amazing job done by the City’s Planners on a shoestring budget.

  2. Steph's Dad
    Posted November 11, 2009 at 9:16 am | Permalink

    This is the plan that calls for Cross changing to two-way traffic, right?

  3. What's In a Name
    Posted November 11, 2009 at 10:24 am | Permalink

    No

  4. Joe
    Posted November 11, 2009 at 7:40 pm | Permalink

    The Depot Town CDC wants to build a boulevard from Cadys to Aubrees. IF THE PLAN DOESN”T HAVE THAT THEY WON”T GIVE THE MONEY.

    They want to ruin the car show nights because Linda is behind them.

    THIS WILL PUT CAFE LUWACK OUT OF BUSINESS!

    Andy Ypsilanti is right! GET ALONG OR GET OUT!!!! ONE YPSILANTI!!!

  5. Posted November 11, 2009 at 8:31 pm | Permalink

    What do you mean by “boulevard from Cadys to Aubrees”? I’m having a hard time imagining it.

  6. Andy Ypsilanti
    Posted November 11, 2009 at 9:15 pm | Permalink

    Joe, so you get behind my one city statement, but you say the CDC is trying to ruin the car shows to spite Linda French and is trying to put Cafe Luwack out of business. I don’t really think you understand what I’m promoting here. Making wild accusations against the CDC pretty well flies in the face of “One Ypsilanti” (my trademark is pending on that) Also, I was talking with Linda French and Erik from the CDC about the Water Street Park project just the other day; how does that fit into your conspiracy theory? Yes, the CDC wants to help build a boulevard, but to say they are trying to ruin the car shows, spite Linda, and put Luwack out of business is inflammatory, miss informative, and ridiculous. If you are going to use my (TM pending)slogan, make sure you are actually promoting something that supports city unity, not division.

  7. Andy Ypsilanti
    Posted November 11, 2009 at 9:20 pm | Permalink

    Boulevard is misleading. What is being talked about is extending the center island on Cross Street further east and west. It would make it like a mini Michigan Avenue.

  8. dp in ypsi
    Posted November 11, 2009 at 11:06 pm | Permalink

    Andy- how is the Water St. park project coming along?

  9. Andy Ypsilanti
    Posted November 12, 2009 at 12:32 am | Permalink

    The Water Street park plan is moving ahead. I have had some great meetings with folks from the city, the DTCDC, and the Friends of the B2B Trail. I hope to have a full outline of the plan finished this weekend, then start gathering letters of support, volunteers, and if I am lucky, some funds. I will say now that the scope of the plan has grown slightly, and I think it is going to develop into a longer term but further reaching project. I still plan to start in early spring, but I think that the work will take several days throughout the spring and summer. I will be posting the outline for the project when it is complete.

  10. Neil
    Posted November 12, 2009 at 8:58 am | Permalink

    How would widening that island stop the car show or put Luwak out of business? I must be missing something.

  11. dp in ypsi
    Posted November 12, 2009 at 10:21 am | Permalink

    Neil: I’m scratching my head and asking the same question.

  12. One Voice
    Posted November 12, 2009 at 10:33 am | Permalink

    According to the design drawing that was attached, it doesn’t look like the island would be widened but rather lengthened going east toward the tracks. I would think it would make it easier for customers parking in the lot, to cross the street to get to Luwaks’ yummy breakfast. I think any thing that makes it safer to cross the street is terrific, especially if the train stops in Depot Town.

  13. Carole Boomer
    Posted November 12, 2009 at 1:53 pm | Permalink

    First of all, the email that went out yesterday to the DTA is misleading. I don’t believe that they have more than 6 members. The DTA no longer represent Depot Town. They are only a stage for the CDC. The CDC is about getting grants and telling merchants what they need. What they need is the truth. Why would a Boulevard work in Depot Town went it was a huge mistake for Down town. Why would anyone want two new Bump outs that would only prohibit parking in front of Cafe Luwak, the flower shop, the hair shop and the computer store. Interesting enough, that would allow for a sidewalk from Aubree’s and Cady’s. Ask your self just who is all of this benefiting.
    A Concerned citizen.

  14. roots
    Posted November 12, 2009 at 3:05 pm | Permalink

    Argh. I don’t follow all the code language, friends! I do read this blog regularly, and I am trying my best to keep up with what’s going on, but I feel like Ypsi’s got all these secret societies that scheme against one another…seriously, Mark, can you help with some clarity? What’s going on behind all these comments? I need Cliff’s Notes!

    A character map?

    A flow chart?

    Help?

  15. Andy Ypsilanti
    Posted November 12, 2009 at 3:32 pm | Permalink

    So, just wondering, but has any one taken into account THAT CADY’S IS CLOSED AND HAS BEEN FOR LIKE A YEAR? There is a for sale sign out front. Check your facts. This conspiracy theory is stupidity of the highest order. And, Carole, why is the Michigan Avenue Median a failure? Personally, I feel much safer crossing the street now than when there was a turn lane. And what is the DTA? Do you mean the Depot Town Development Authority? They were merged with the Downtown Development Authority, so that there is now one board to represent ONE YPSILANTI (don’t forget that’s my trade mark)

    Let me ask it this way. When the DAY shuts down Washington Street for Crossroads, are they trying to put Beezy’s, Biggie’s, and Dreamland out of business because Crossroads gets support from Pub 13? Is the Heritage Festival trying to put the shops on Michigan Avenue out of business with the all the merchant booths that they bring in? Is the Tap Room trying to put the Elbow Room out of business when they set up a patio that blocks most of the sidewalk? Is Luwack trying to put the Bomber out of business by becoming a breakfast spot? Is Beal trying to bring down all of Depot Town because he wants to save the Thompson Block? Am I trying to ruin Candy Cane Park by trying to build a park and trail on Water Street? Do you get what I’m saying here, Ypsi conspiracy theorists? Just because you don’t agree with a proposed plan does not mean it is being put forward to spite you or ruin your business.

  16. Andy Ypsilanti
    Posted November 12, 2009 at 3:42 pm | Permalink

    Um, also, are those 12 or so parking spots going to totaly break all of the buisnesses in Depot Town (clearly excepting the French-owned ones, right?) if they are lost by a new street scape? What do the tatoo parlor, music store, bakery, motorcycle shop, jewlery store, and costume shop think about it? Or do they not count as part of Depot Town?

  17. notoneofthecoolkids
    Posted November 12, 2009 at 6:12 pm | Permalink

    Andy, I think you have some great ideas. I think you should start your own blog.

  18. Oliva
    Posted November 12, 2009 at 7:01 pm | Permalink

    “One Ypsilanti” (my trademark is pending on that)

    Like it a lot, like that it’s “OY” for short.

  19. Posted November 12, 2009 at 8:52 pm | Permalink

    Sorry, Roots, but I don’t know if what you’re asking for is even possible.

  20. Posted November 12, 2009 at 8:56 pm | Permalink

    And, I haven’t read all of this yet, but all this talk of parking spaces reminds me that we’re still talking about having a rail stop in Depot Town. One wonders how, if at all, these plans would need to change if the stop becomes a reality… In other words, all these traffic estimates may be outdated once we start attracting commuters.

  21. Erik Dotzauer
    Posted November 12, 2009 at 9:23 pm | Permalink

    For those of you who didn’t take the time to read the link to the background information that Mark provided, this is the very first line:

    A cooperative study of the Cross Street neighborhood was completed in May 2002 by the City of Ypsilanti, the Depot Town Downtown Development Authority (DTDDA), Eastern Michigan University (EMU), and the Washtenaw Area Transportation Study (WATS).

    Here is a little history. This project has been in the works for quite awhile, and has been approved by the city, DDA (formerly Depot Town DDA), EMU and MDOT. This is not a plan created by the Depot Town Community Development Corporation or the Depot Town Association. However the city lacked the funds for the matching end of the grant , so they asked the Depot Town Association if they could put money on the table. And they did, to the tune of almost $60,000. The Depot Town Association is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that raises all of their own funding. In 2007 the Depot Town Association created the Depot Town CDC – which is in essence, the development arm of the DTA. I know, all these acronyms in this city make it tough…. So to be clear, the DTA and Depot Town CDC are one organization, operating under the same 501(c) license. They just have different purposes and are operated independently of each other.

    The DTA and the Depot Town CDC are supportive of this project as it was originally drawn up. There were certain elements to the plan that the DTA found beneficial, such as traffic calming and creating a more pedestrian-friendly environment. If the project didn’t serve the needs of the DTA, it would logically make sense for them to use their money on another capital project that advanced their interests. With consideration to the commuter rail stop coming in less than a year, here is what the draft Non-Motorized Transportation Plan says (note this study was conducted by the city and will also be presented at next weeks meeting):

    “Provide special attention to the area within a half-mile radius of the planned Ann Arbor to Detroit commuter rail stop in Depot Town. The Federal Highway Administration identifies one half-mile as a reasonable outer bound for walking trips to access commuter rail. All of Depot Town, as well as parts of downtown and Eastern Michigan University, are within this distance. Thus, this area has a high potential to become an entry point and focus of activity for non-motorized users. Ensuring that maintenance, signage, and facilities are consistent and excellent throughout this area will help facilitate their movement.”

    And whoever is suggesting that this is a boulevard to connect properties owned by the French family. Seriously? It is a well thought plan that aims to slow traffic, make the neighborhood safer and give it a little more curb appeal. It also includes green elements such as rain gardens to help filter storm water runoff, and even features a demonstration rain garden with interpretive signage. I think that is a nice compliment to go along with Ypsi’s increasing number of buildings showcasing solar panels.

    Like I was told when I started my job, you can’t make everyone happy…. But it never hurts to try.

    Erik Dotzauer
    Executive Director
    Depot Town CDC

  22. A concerned Citizen
    Posted November 13, 2009 at 5:13 am | Permalink

    For those who want to know.
    DTA= Depot Town Association
    CDC= DTCDC Depot Town Community Development Authority Corporation.
    (Uses the Depot Town Association 501C3 and their President. Gary McKeever.)
    DDA= Downtown Development Authority. Used to be Downtown DDA and Depot Town DDA. Now just the DDA is representing both.
    Facts: the $57,000 the CDC wants to spend is in the DTA treasury, funds earned by The Elvisfest. These funds should be used to open the Freighthouse for the train stop. But wait a minute, then the long awaited by some, boulevard and bump out’s will not be installed. I vote to use the money for the Freight House. Hey, new DDA, don’t you have any power?
    Also those in the know, know that Cady’s is now Celebrations, those who don’t, needed the referenced point by using the old name. P:S: (post script) (Cady’s) Celebrations is a Frenchie’s clone.

  23. roots
    Posted November 13, 2009 at 9:25 am | Permalink

    Wow…such hostility.

    Thanks a bunch!

  24. Michelle
    Posted November 13, 2009 at 10:57 am | Permalink

    “…would allow for a sidewalk from Aubree’s and Cady’s. Ask your self just who is all of this benefiting”

    I would suggest if you would like to figure out a person’s motives look at their previous behavior. Bill and Sandee French, through their work with the DTA, were instrumental in raising the funds necessary to bring the clock tower to Depot Town, building the Signal Tower, and sold the bricks to create Market Alley. In my opinion all of these projects benefited the district and not just Aubree’s and Cady’s.

    I would also suggest we get the opinion of professional urban planners so the merchants will know what they can expect from traffic calming.

    “One Ypsilanti”

  25. wetdolphinmissile
    Posted November 13, 2009 at 12:17 pm | Permalink

    I like the idea of angle parking, then more people can park in depot town. Many downtowns have such a set up and it works on cruise nights. The train will be great, no more hour commutes to Ann Arbor during rush hour.

  26. Andy Ypsilanti
    Posted November 13, 2009 at 12:29 pm | Permalink

    So called “Concerned Citizen”: Let’s do it by the numbers.

    1. Clearly you skipped reading Erik from the CDC’s post, where he explains how the DTA and the CDC are related. That would lead me to believe you are trying to spread rumor and dissention, not civic concern.

    2. If you read the links or Erik’s post, you would know that the City asked the CDC to put up money for this project, money the city didn’t have.

    3. Again, if you read, the project was proposed by The City, EMU, and the Washtenaw Ave. Transportation Study. So what you are suggesting that all of these people are conspiring to aid the French family, and only the French family, in their businesses.

    4. The Freight House has its very own 501C3 (FOYF) that has been doing a great job of raising funds and finding grants for that project. (A project the French’s have been very supportive of) Are they not good enough? Are you suggesting that any Ypsilanti 501C3 should be throwing their money at the Freight House? What about the DAY, why isn’t any of their money fixing the Freight House? Community Records? Why hasn’t the DDA used their considerable power to make it happen? Should we cancel Heritage Fest and divert the funds to the Rail Road and Freight House? Do you get to tell every organization of which you are not a member how to spend their money?

    5. I’m not really sure on how the new Rail stop would be funded, but I’m pretty sure that it doesn’t need the help of a small 501c3 to make it happen. (Oh, wait I looked it up. SEMCOG is leading the project and providing the funding, including possible stimulus money. And didn’t the Freight House get some stimulus money, too?)

    6. What does Elvis Fest (a CDC produced fund raising event and lots of fun) have to do with it? The CDC also put on the Jamboree and is instrumental in the Brewer’s Festival. Is there a problem with having fun, family friendly events to raise money and benefit the community?

    7. You are right. Cady’s is now Celebrations, a banquet hall. It may be another French-run bar in the future. (There is a for sale sign up, however) Your French conspiracy theory is still ludicrous. You are keeping the old feuds alive. Get over it and start helping the city. Read Michell’s post above. The French’s are not evil. They are success full business people and you seem to hate them for that.

    8. Where are the other Depot Town Businesses on this? Can we get an opinion poll of business owners? The DTA has the contact info for all Depot Town businesses on their website. If I get a chance, I’ll ask. No promises on that one though, I’m pretty busy right now with the park project and my actual job. As for a planner, maybe Murph can weigh in. (though I would understand if he wants to stay 100 miles from this debate)

    9. Why do some people continue to write off the CDC as evil? They have done a lot of good around the city. I have spoken to them about helping with my park project and have gotten some much needed advice from Erik. And let’s not forget, the project we are talking about was not proposed by the CDC or the DTA, but by the City, EMU and the WATS. The CDC agreed to put up money because the city couldn’t afford it.

    10. A more pedestrian friendly environment only serves to help any business without its own parking area. It means people can safely walk from a public lot to all the businesses along the street. Look at Michigan Avenue. It’s a pain in the ass that you can’t turn left when you are driving, but it sure is safer and more comfortable to walk. And there has been a huge upswing in the number of successful businesses since the island was put in place.

    I am going to take a stand against anyone who spreads the old bickering, battle lines and lies that have kept Ypsilanti divided and held it back for decades, whoever you are. That time is past. If you don’t agree with something, let’s talk it out, not crank up the rumor mill and try to start a fight. The state of Michigan is in dire straits. They won’t be helping any cities, schools or individuals any time soon. This means we must stand up as a community if we want to preserve our services and our way of life. We are going to need more groups like Friends of Prospect Park to take the burden off the city. (I won’t even get into the stupidity of City Council’s park/CDC decision in regards to Ypsi’s looming budget crisis) We will need groups like the DTA, CDC, DAY, and FOYF to fund projects all around the city. And we will need business owners and citizens to stop bickering, talk it out, and cooperate if we want to have any chance of being a viable and growing community.
    OY, OY, OY! (That’s ONE YPSILANTI, abbreviated three times)
    (I really liked Olivia’s suggestion, plus it makes me feel like ska is cool again)

  27. Murph
    Posted November 14, 2009 at 12:04 pm | Permalink

    Andy, I see my name invoked, but not a particular question?

    As far as background, there are at least a few pieces of past work being referenced here semi-accurately. Let me try to provide a few of the historical footnotes, without getting drawn into any fights:

    1998-1999, the Ann Arbor Urbanized Area Transportation Study (UATS) hired the engineering firm of Hubbell, Roth & Clark to perform the Depot Town Circulation Study, looking at car and pedestrian traffic and safety conditions on Cross, River, Forest, Huron, and Rice streets. That study included consideration of half a dozen different streetscape reconfigurations of East Cross through Depot Town, with goals of maximizing safety and attractiveness with minimal reduction in parking or traffic capacity.

    2000, the Depot Town DDA was expanded to include the West Cross area, from the river to Normal Street.

    2001-2002, the City, DTDDA, EMU, and Washtenaw Area Transportation Study (WATS, formerly UATS) prepared the (West) Cross Street Neighborhood Improvement Plan, in part to help inform the DTDDA’s future work in the expanded area. The CSNIP included several recommendations that have been completed, such as the creation of a bike lane and on-street parking on West Cross, the overhaul of the residential permit parking program, and rezoning much of the residential area around West Cross. It also recommended streetscaping work on West Cross, to further improve the pedestrian environment, as well as eventual conversion of West Cross to two-way traffic.

    2003, the DTDDA adopted its West Cross TIF/Development Plan, which included streetscaping work on West Cross as the major expected investment in this area.

    2004-present, the DTDDA and City made application to MDOT for Transportation Enhancement funding to aid in streetscaping work on East and West Cross. The conceptual drawings linked to in Mark’s post (my e-mail) were prepared for that application by planning/landscape architecture Hamilton/Anderson, using the streetscape considerations in the Depot Town Circulation Study, CSNIP, and West Cross TIF/Development Plan for guidance.

    (2007, MDOT, WATS, and the various Cities and Townships prepared the M17 Access Management Plan, which included recommendations for curb cuts and similar features on West Cross that will be included in final design consideration.)

    There were a few revisions, re-applications, etc, of the funding request (some will recall that earlier iterations included closing College Place and turning it into a pedestrian mall); at present, the City/DDA have received a “conditional commitment” from MDOT of funding, with matching funds provided by the City, DDA, DTA/CDC, and MDOT. This is not yet a final approval or award of funding by MDOT.

    The next step is the transition from “conceptual plans” to “construction plans”, during which the road engineers and landscape architects take the attractive pictures and turn them into buildable, functional plans. As noted in the top-level post, the intent of public comment at this point is to ensure the engineers preparing construction drawings are operating with all the information they need.

    What I would see as the most useful inputs into this process are NOT comments like, “Clearly these plans won’t work, because a fire truck cannot navigate such-and-such point.” That may or may not be the case, but I am not a civil engineer, so cannot and won’t try to argue one way or the other on that. Instead, consider the comment, “Make sure that the engineers receive dimension and turning radius specs on the City and Township’s fire truck fleets, so that they can insure during the construction design process that these vehicles will not be impeded by the planned improvements.”

    Considering that MarkMaynard.com is not a formal location for public comment, I would encourage that you (additionally) provide written comments by Tuesday to my city e-mail address, rmurphy@cityofypsilanti.com , if you are unable/uninterested in attending the meeting on Wednesday, so that I can make those comments available to the Planning Commission and MDOT.

  28. Richard Reid
    Posted November 15, 2009 at 4:40 pm | Permalink

    Richard Reid, owner of “The McPherson House” since 1990, which now houses a flower shop, a hair salon, a computer repair shop and six residential apartments.

    I have a personal as well as a business interest in Wednesday’s meeting concerning the proposed CSC project. Unfortunately I will not be able to attend due to some medical issues. Having been a strong advocate and participant in many previous projects in the past twenty years, I appreciate the efforts of the committee. However, I need to express my concerns.

    In the very first paragraph of the project description, (“The study identified many potential improvements including the ADDITION OF PARKING and a bike lane on West Cross Street completed in 2005, as well as those improvements proposed here in this non-motorized enhancement project…etc.)

    The lack of parking has always been an issue in Depot Town and has been escalating as the businesses become more customer-friendly. I do not see any additional parking in this plan and in fact the proposed curb bumpouts will eliminate at least twelve existing parking places, contributing to this problem. Pedestrian safety is certainly a concern, but these pedestrians will also need a place to park their cars within a reasonable walking distance in order to patronize our Depot Town businesses. If people can’t park close enough to a store they will find someplace else to go, especially during cold winter months. I strongly urge you to ask the business people on West Cross Street if they still think it was in their best interest to remove street parking in front of their businesses and were their customers able to find suitable parking.

    Ask the business owners on East Cross Street about losing twelve on-street parking spaces. Perhaps a few changes need to be made in the final plan, i.e. do not remove any on-street parking.

  29. Andy Ypsilanti
    Posted November 16, 2009 at 3:23 pm | Permalink

    Murph, sorry to invoke you name. Michelle suggested the input of a professional city planner, and you were the first person that came to mind. (though when I thought about it, I know a couple of city planners)

    Richard Reid; thank you for your well thought out post explaining why you would oppose this project. I got another by email, that said in part:

    I hear you in being stretched too thin!

    I too have big concerns about parking being lost since [a place] right in the middle of Depot Town. There are only 21 spaces available on the street total for all 3 blocks and all the businesses that don’t have their own lots.

    The only businesses that have their own lots are Aubree’s, Cady’s/Celebrations, Coin Shoppe and Sidetracks.

    In my opinion, every other business will be hurt by taking away spaces. And, ultimately, as a business owner of years down here…I just don’t see a need. there are ‘never’ accidents or even traffic stops down here and only a few folks who go past the 25 MPH speed limit.

    Most are already forced to slow down due to the clock tower and that works for me!

    I am someone who likes the business from the car shows and also spends a lot of time at other businesses like Café Luwak, Tattoo shop, Ypsi Radio, Creation Station hair salon and fantasy attic and I know if I had to park back behind Aubree’s or in the Frog Island lot every time I came down it would be a drag :+(.

    I think the boulevard is already sufficient and pretty and I, too, would LOVE to see One Ypsilanti…..I’d like to see the CDC take on a project that REALLY needs to be done for the betterment of this entire city and that’s the Freighthouse.

    The Freighthouse needs $25,000 in order to get its Stimulus $500,000 grant that will go a LONG way towards getting that operational by the time the train stops here next year.

    I am a firm believer that we need a sweet-ass little depot station for riders to get coffee, have the farmer’s market, and be a general gathering place for the city and surrounding communities.

    This person also goes on to say thay they would rather see a little CDC money go to the frieght house. Another well informed opinion on this project. This is how we can come to an agreement that works for every one involved. “The French’s are at it again” is old, dumb, and unproductive. If you don’t agree with a project, tell us why, don’t just rave like a spoiled child about it.

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