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Prospects for a new Tacoma Amtrak station are in jeopardy
Interesting that the government can convey the power of using eminent domain for taking private property for private developments and infrastructure (such as pipelines and power lines), but seems unable to use or consider it when a purely public project such as this is held hostage by a greedy developer who will benefit greatly from the final result.
Can someone please explain what the last two paragraphs mean? “…planned to demolish the section the warehouse would buy…”. How can a warehouse buy something? And how can Amtrak stop at the existing station if they are being re-routed off the existing line? Otherwise, this is the usual sad story that seems to only happen with a passenger rail project. If an interstate highway or an airport expansion needed that land, building or site this guy wouldn’t have a choice.
IF, emphasis if, WSDOT has the rights, in this case, to use eminent domain it would likely take 6 months to a year in the Washinton State Superior Court system to get possession and use of the property, likely a year or more to complete the condemnation process.
Current Amtrak Station is likely less than a mile from Freighthouse Square. It would likely not be a long bus ride. Tacoma’s transit center is either a part of Freighthouse Square or right next door. Transit center also handles Greyhound Bus. Link light rail from Tacoma downtown already ends at Freighthouse Square as well.
When I visited Freighthouse Square during the 2011 NRHS convention, it seemed to be a failing retail development. I can’t imagine they could seriously think to hold up new foot traffic into their establishment.
I can’t see the viability of bussing passengers a short distance at a major station. Surely Washington State, Pierce County and the City of Tacoma can take the necessary action to put the station at the railroad.
Why can’t the big empty lot across the tracks from the Freighthouse on E26th Street? From Google Maps’ Earth and StreetView it looks quite large and available. Busing of course makes no sense has a long-term solution, the station needs to be at the platform.
Sounds good to me. That doorknob apparently does not realize Tacoma generally sucks. Any improvement in that area would benefit his bottom line. Washington State DOT should play hardball with this PeeWee player. Or let him take his baseball mitt with a hole in it and go cry to his mommy…
I think they ought to just put the station in Lakewood. Land would be cheaper there and more available if people really want to be in downtown Tacoma they can take the bus.
Back off the gold-plated solution and construct a waiting room in the existing structure, rather than demolishing and building anew.