(rshsdepot) Lincoln, IL

["Bernie Wagenblast" <brwagenblast_@_comcast.net>]

From the Lincoln Courier.

Original article at:
http://www.lincolncourier.com/news/x1237134783/Depot-owner-explains-concerns


Bernie Wagenblast

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Depot owner explains concerns
March 5, 2009

Harold Carter, owner of the Lincoln Depot, wants to clear up some issues. 

Two weeks ago during a workshop session of the Lincoln City Council, city
officials said Carter was sending an ultimatum to the city: Either purchase
the depot grounds, which includes a waiting station for Amtrak passengers,
or stop using the property as a train station. 

William McCarty, who runs the Depot as a banquet hall, said that is the
wrong portrayal of the situation. 

"The bottom line is that (Carter) never delivered an ultimatum to the city
of Lincoln," said McCarty, Carter's son-in-law and mayor of Williamsville.
"Lincoln taking over the building was never even his idea." 

McCarty wrote a letter to both the city council and The Courier to speak on
Carter's behalf. 

arter confirmed in a telephone interview that McCarty's letter is
representative of his stance on the situation. 

In his letter, McCarty said the issue started with a visit from an insurance
auditor. 

"Approximately six months ago, (Carter's) insurance company sent a site
auditor out to conduct an inspection of the Depot facility and its
premises," wrote McCarty. "Though this particular auditor had been there
before, he had never been there at a time when a train was about to come
in." 

In this instance, however, an Amtrak train stopped while the auditor was on
site. Upon witnessing a large volume of foot traffic walking freely on the
depot property, the auditor said the situation greatly elevated the
liability risk for Carter. 

"He further stated that since he (the auditor) was retiring, he had no
inclination to report it, but that his replacement in the coming year would
likely be less inclined to do so," McCarty said. 

Long story short, (Carter) not only faces the potential for a large
insurance premium hike, but also faces high personal civil exposure." 

On top of the liability issues is the fact that the grounds had become a
haven for garbage, according to the letter. 

Alderman Orville "Buzz" Busby said the city has always maintained this
property without any charge to Amtrak or the depot owner. 

"We have taken care of the situation . just the spot where the passengers
wait," said Busby. Busby said "a homeless man" has apparently been using the
passenger shelter for a place to sleep at night. 

"I guess he made a mess of it," said Busby. "Now, the police lock it after
midnight." 

Carter reached out to Amtrak to suggest fencing off the property to mitigate
the liability and garbage issue. During that conversation, the suggestion of
Amtrak purchasing the property and opening the station came up. 

"That idea was eventually nixed by the Amtrak person's boss," said McCarty,
"because they typically leases stations from public entities for a $1 a year
or so." 

After his meeting with Amtrak, Carter received an invitation from Mayor Beth
Davis-Kavelman to discuss the issue. The meeting included Davis, two city
council members, state Sen. Larry Bomke, state Rep. Rich Brauer (via phone),
two Amtrak representatives, an IDOT representative, the city attorney, city
engineer and street superintendent. 

"After a lengthy meeting, (Carter's) recollection is that the consensus was
the best use of that building and property would be to put it into public
hands if money could be found to do so," said McCarty. "In fact, those in
attendance even contacted (then-)congressman Ray LaHood's and Sen. Dick
Durbin's offices about the idea." 

Bottom line, says McCarty, this was never even Carter's idea. 

In Monday's voting session of the city council, an agenda item calling for
the issue to be discussed was removed from future agendas. Alderman Jonie
Tibbs said Carter wasn't present at the meeting, so she didn't feel it was
right to discuss the issue. 

McCarty, in his letter, indicated Carter may want to wait for some fresh
blood on the council floor before discussing the idea. 

"(Carter) is more than happy to go before the council and will do so at the
right time," said McCarty. "Given the imminent changes to the makeup of the
council, he feels it would be more appropriate to wait until after the
election to do so." 

After May 1, two new aldermen who won nominations in last week's Republican
primary will be seated on the council. And, Davis-Kavelman will likely be
replaced by Keith Snyder as mayor. Snyder won the GOP primary nomination and
has no opponent in the April consolidated election.

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