EDITORIAL: Michigan City shows leadership in rail vote

It’s part of a greater plan to lay an additional set of tracks between Gary and Michigan City to speed the train commute to Chicago and its cache of jobs for Region residents.

Michigan City just punched its ticket in the plan — and in doing so has become an example of regional leadership.

The city has its share of urban struggles, including loss of population and household income since 1970.

A vote to support improvement to the commuter line could help stem those losses — and perhaps reverse the trend — by attracting and retaining young professionals.

Couple an improved commuter rail system with the amenities of a beautiful Michigan City lakeshore, and the City Council just cast a vote for a brighter future.

Council President Tim Biety noted the project will come with some discomfort.

Some homeowners and businesses may experience property loss or relocation to fix an antiquated rail line that runs across major city streets rather than in a traditional railroad bed.

But no great moves with our future in mind come without sacrifice.

Vocal naysayers who oppose all South Shore Line improvement and expansion — while offering no alternatives for Region growth — should learn from Michigan City’s example.

“This is going to advance the city in so many ways,” Mayor Ron Meer told the council Tuesday.

We agree. Michigan City officials also seem to understand that South Shore Line improvements benefit all of Northwest Indiana, not just their municipality.

Congratulations to Michigan City for stepping off the platform and boarding a greater train of regional development.

South Shore Line expansion is proving to be a potential broker of unity in an often divided Region.