By Jim Stinson, Post-Tribune staff writer
VALPARAISO — The intersection of Campbell Street and Lincolnway could be moved more than 200 feet west if the city approves a general plan to construct a 70-acre development around a new train station.
The possibility of moving Campbell Street’s connection with West Lincolnway came up as consultant Chris Lannert explained his recommendations to a rare joint meeting of the Valparaiso Redevelopment Commission and the Valparaiso Plan Commission.
Lannert, who completed a study on the proposed train station, laid out his plans for a residential and commercial development area, which he officially recommended be placed just south of Lincolnway and Weston Street.
The possibility of slightly moving the intersection raised the most questions from commission and audience members, but Plan Commission President Bruce Berner said Lannert’s plan was not a blueprint to never be tweaked.
“Blueprint, to me, suggests you follow something very closely,” Berner said.
City officials said making plans for the station now will help attract more federal commuter rail funds.
Craig Phillips, city planner, said the Valparaiso City Council could officially approve the general plans in early April.
Previous plans to locate the possible train station at the old CN building at Calumet Avenue and Bush Street have all but been abandoned by city leaders and officials at the Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District.
Lannert said the 70-acre location, a public-private partnership, would help invigorate downtown.
Federal, state and local officials hope to extend the existing South Shore Line from Munster to Valparaiso, with another line stretching from Munster to Lowell.