Replies

[Southsider2k12]

http://thenewsdispatch.com/main.asp?Sectio...amp;TM=39824.82

17 crossings may be eliminated
The NICTD preliminary concept for rerouting the South Shore through Michigan City eliminates 17 of the current 34 street crossings. The 17 intersections are marked on the preliminary concept for the South Shore relocation. While the crossing at Washington Street is not Xed out, that is the proposed location for a new train station. Based on the plan, the following crossings would be closed:

Carlon Court and adjacent alley, Donnelly Street and adjacent alley, Claire Street, Kentucky Street, Tennessee Street, Elston Street, Manhattan Street, Buffalo Street, Spring Street, Cedar Street, Lafayette Street, York Street, Oak Street, Maple Street and Phillips Avenue.
More South Shore details released

Laurie Wink
The News-Dispatch

MICHIGAN CITY - Property owners with parcels south of current South Shore tracks on 10th and 11th streets await an uncertain future until plans for realigning the commuter train are adopted.

The Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District operates the South Shore and announced last week it intends to significantly re-configure more than two miles of track running through Michigan City. NICTD's preliminary downtown rerouting concept, developed by TranSystems of Chicago, shows the tracks heading south of 10th Street at Sheridan Avenue and proceeding through town to a point just east of Michigan Boulevard, where the regular route resumes.

John Parsons, NICTD spokesperson, said properties north of 11th Street will not be affected. He said the specific houses and properties that would be impacted by the change have not yet been identified. He said the project, estimated at $65 million, has been developed at a "gross level of detail" and changes could be made as the engineering process moves forward.

A map labeled "Preliminary Downtown Reroute Concept" shows a South Shore station and 775-space parking area between Franklin and Wabash streets and from Warren Street north to 11th Street. The map includes station information that lists the current 11th Street parking lot at 42 spaces and the Carroll Avenue station at 155 spaces. Those stations would be replaced with the new downtown station.

The new route is designed to eliminate the curve between 10th and 11th streets near the Amtrak intersection, and also remove the curve at Cedar and Lafayette streets. As now indicated on the map, the tracks run parallel but one row of houses south of the existing 11th street tracks between Kentucky Street and Michigan Boulevard.

At Sheridan Avenue, looking east, the proposed route angles to the right, eventually running well behind the houses on the south side of 10th Street and linking directly with the portion of track that would be just south of 11th Street.

Chicago Street would be rerouted, but it would retain a crossing of the South Shore tracks.

Depending on funding and station design, Parsons said a parking ramp could be constructed, allowing for private developers to create an activity center in the areas surrounding the station.

An environmental impact statement will be required before property can be purchased, Parsons said.

"An environmental impact statement and public hearing are required as part of the process," he said. "The specifics will follow as part of the on-going process to qualify for federal funding."

NICTD has yet to obtain funding for the detailed engineering plan that comes next, Parsons said.

Michigan City Mayor Chuck Oberlie has reviewed the NICTD preliminary downtown route and will present the plan to the City Council for its approval. Parsons expects some issues to be raised by the council at that point.

"We certainly want to develop a plan in concert with Michigan City that meets their needs," Parsons said.

Contact Laurie Wink at lwink@thenewsdispatch.com.

[Southsider2k12]

http://thenewsdispatch.com/main.asp?Sectio...ArticleID=26107

Consider alternate northern South Shore route
We've seen many comments about new South Shore routes recently. The 11th Street route is criticized as disrupting people's residences, dividing the city, street closures, safety, train traffic going at 60 mph, loss of historic properties and litter in the planned fences.

Some people also have been less supportive of one suggested northern route. Their difficulties are about the raised/elevated tracks, with additional concerns about safety, blocking the lake front views and substantial costs.

A recent economic impact study indicated an intermodal station on the North End would provide the greatest economic benefit to the city. An alternate northern route should be seriously studied because of the many benefits it offers.

This route travels south of Trail Creek, north of Eighth Street, between Michigan Boulevard and the creek, and passes under the U.S. 12 open bridge span. It has virtually none of the negatives of 11th Street or the earlier offered northern route.

This alternative northern route is simple in its concept, doesn't require large investments, gives essentially all the benefits of a northern route, and has but a few limitations. Yet it does require some to make a few compromises. Benefits include:

1. No elevated bridges or station to build/maintain. Route is basically at grade levels.

2. A very minimum of residences and businesses would be affected.

3. Interaction between NICTD [Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District, parent of the South Shore commuter line] and Amtrak - no more that at present.

4. Very few street/road closures. Possibly as few as one or two.

5. Station serving all transportation modes.

6. Attract new residents to Michigan City.

7. This route opens the possibility of an intermodal station/parking that could be located on former Pioneer Lumber property.

8. Such a station would be within walking distance of 986 residences and 55,000 sq feet of retail space mentioned in the mayor's 2000 State of the City address.

9. With the Trail Creek Corridor being a greenfield site, integration with rail would be in concert with the Transportation Oriented Development (TOD) principles in the recent economic impact study.

10. This alternate northern route would provide visitors easy access to: buses, autos, shuttles, beach, marina, museums, casino, outlet mall, zoo, conventions, festivals and parks.

11. With the above proximities, an increase in South Shore passenger ridership is certainly suggested.

Yes there are some limited considerations that would need to be addressed. These would include some compromises - re-examination of Trail Creek Corridor plans, impact on some areas used by such a route, and that this route is somewhat longer than current middle of town street route. We should be able to work together to the overall benefit of Michigan City.

It would seem that whatever plan is chosen, benefits for Michigan City and its residents should always come first. Any such plans should be examined with considerable long-term thinking and with a minimum of disadvantages for residents, traffic, total costs, and safety concerns.

Robert J. Murray

Michigan City