By James D. Wolf Jr., Post-Tribune correspondent
VALPARAISO -- A commuter bus line into Chicago, a precursor to a hoped-for train line to the city, moved a step closer to reality Thursday as the Redevelopment Commission looked at acquiring land and partnering with a private bus firm.
The commission members voted to get two appraisals on about 1.5 acres of land around the southwest corner of the Campbell Street and Lincolnway intersection.
The land, if bought and developed, would hold a bus depot north of Franklin House pub and south of the Stolpe real estate offices, plus almost 100 parking places and a "pocket park," the Commission's Executive Director Stu Summers said.
With street parking places, there would be about 110 parking spots, and the bus would take an estimated 150 passengers on three early morning commutes.
Mayor Jon Costas has also secured $2.1 million in funding for buses from the Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority, and the city would sell the buses to the Regional Bus Authority and lease them back until the train becomes a reality, Summers said.
That would take 12 to 18 months.
However, the commission is also looking at reissuing its call for proposals for a private company to run the bus line.