Posted by TDavis on 3/8/2002, 8:44 am By the way, at the downtown association meeting, the consultants and many attending believe the best spot for the GN depot is north of the river along the trail, perhaps even closing a block or two of Third Avenue Northwest and placing the depot basically on the site of the Luce Line depot While I would hate to see the depot moved, I'd rather see it moved than torn down. And they do make some sense that it is somewhat hidden now where it is (I've talked to people who have been in Hutchinson for 5-10 years and they have no clue there is a depot in town.) The consultants suggest using part of it for a trail head for the Luce Line Trail, and perhaps bike rental I'm not sure where that would leave the club in the process. Perhaps as a far back is a plan to save part of Park Elementary. There might be space (a classroom or two) in that for a group like ours. Might require a lot less work preparing it leaving money and energy for the actual construction of layouts (since I'm assuming members will want more than just an HO layout.) As for what Larry has talked about the Rail Authority idea, it sounds good, but I'd be very surprised if the Chamber of Commerce goes for it. For one thing, it might not be situated well for them. It likely requires massive repairs that the chamber doesn't have money for. If they don't go for it, where does that leave us. We don't have the money to tackle the project on our own. Do we have the resolve to carry the project ourselves, what with having to reorganize as a true 501C nonprofit in order to raise money, then having to fund-raise like mad (Based on what Montevideo did with $130,000-plus state grant, I would expect this depot to require $250,000 in repairs because it is in a lot worse shape than Monte's. Dues and train shows won't pay for that.) Also, If the chamber does go for it, I'd be surprised if they don't need most of it. They likely would use the front room for the public, the office area for their offices, and the big meeting room for their board meetings, etc. We'd be lucky to be left with the freight room, which would be fine for a layout, but that would leave no room for a combination meeting/work/or crew lounge room. I'm trying not to be negative, but I think we have to keep our eyes and ears open and remain flexible. Two classrooms at Park one for a layout and one for a meeting/work/historical display room might actually be better for the group than a expensive freight room that leaves us cramped. For me, as long as the depot is preserved and put to use (where it is or moved) is more important than the club having a part of it but being unable to do much with it.
Dear LLRC members"
Sorry guys for having to postponed the operating/work session for 3/7. I had a downtown association meeting that went to 7:30 p.m., so it was a good thing I did change the HO layout session to 6:45 p.m. Thur., March 14.
Just my view, and I realize it is likely in the minority so be it.
Terry
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