Laurie Wink, The News-Dispatch
lwink@thenewsdispatch.com
MICHIGAN CITY - An attempt is under way to put facts and figures to the long-standing debate about the best place for Michigan City's South Shore commuter rail station.
Councilman Rich Murphy, D-1st Ward, told the council last week a privately funded cost-benefit analysis is looking at long-term economic impacts of improving the current 11th Street station or moving it to the north or south. A move to the north would connect the South Shore with the existing Amtrak line, while a move south would make use of existing CSX tracks near Ames Field.
Recent studies of North End development by Andrews University students concluded that keeping the train at 11th Street was key to mixed-use development within walking distance of the station, Murphy said.
Andrews University renderings of a revamped 11th Street station show a parking garage fronted by retail establishments that mask the garage structure.
"The downtown commuter railroad, where it exists now, was identified as a major engine of economic growth for Michigan City," Murphy said in his presentation. "And to better understand and quantify this impact, we must analyze the cost and benefits of each proposed location."
The analysis is being done to get ahead of the Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District's plan - called the West Lake Corridor Expansion - to increase rail service in Porter and Lake counties, and to speed South Shore traffic from Chicago to South Bend.
Tim Bietry, Michigan City Area Chamber of Commerce president, said the city needs to know what's best for economic development in Michigan City's North End.
"It's no secret that NICTD would like to run along the CSX tracks and do away with the two existing stations," Bietry said. "The trains could go faster, speeding up travel between Chicago and South Bend, and the move would cut down on maintenance costs."
Although the decision about the location of one or more Michigan City stations ultimately rests with NICTD, Bietry said NICTD representatives have expressed a desire to work with the city.
"If the city's not supportive of a move, it could be a deal breaker," Bietry said.
The South Shore analysis is being done by Chuck D'Aprix of Economic Development Visions, Stuart Sirota of TND Planning Group and Joseph E. Cater III of Market-Economics Inc. Together, the three specialize in urban planning, economic development and transportation.
Their study will be presented in a public hearing sometime this fall. Their analysis will cost up to $15,000 and is being paid for by the chamber, the Michigan City North End Advocacy Team, Michigan City Economic Development Corp., Michigan City Mainstreet Association, Elston Grove Neighborhood Association, Michigan City Preservationists and the La Porte County Convention & Visitors Bureau, as well as residents and businesses