Craig Phillips left the "Rail-Volution" conference in Chicago reinvigorated about the possibilities of transit-oriented development in Northwest Indiana.
The Valparaiso planning director views South Shore expansion, including rail lines to Valparaiso and Lowell, as "whens" and not "ifs."
And after attending the four-day conference which focused on "building livable communities with transit," Phillips came home with a briefcase full of ideas and examples of other communities where transit has transformed their ways of living.
"We really feel no matter what, a commuter rail will eventually come," Phillips said. "It's not an idea that will just go away."
The "no matter what" centers around indicators that population growth in Northwest Indiana doesn't warrant federal funds necessary for expanding rail service in Northwest Indiana.
In September, Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District spokesperson John Parsons revealed that state statistics painted a grim picture of population growth in the region.
According to Indiana Business Research Center data, the population in Northwest Indiana is projected to grow by just 6 percent through 2030.
That number would hinder -- if not kill -- any possibility of receiving federal aid, thus likely killing a commuter rail.
Parsons, though, said the problem with the data is it doesn't take into account migration, particularly Illinois folks who will inevitably move to the area.
A NICTD consultant released figures last spring that pointed to a 15 percent growth. And Parsons said that might be on the low side.
"We're certainly going to move forward with this," Parsons said. "We need new population projections. We're in the process of doing just that."
Phillips pointed to recent Metra extensions in the Chicago suburbs that now shoot the rail line south to New Lenox, Ill., and rural Manhattan, Ill.
"I would think if rural areas of Illinois can bring rail," Phillips said, "we ought to be able to find a way to overcome this population projection."
The city of Valparaiso is well ahead of the proverbial curve when it comes to preparing for future commuter options.
The city knows exactly where it will build a transit hub. Valparaiso has plans for street connections and reroutes, residential development and retail development.
If word came next that rail was coming, the city wouldn't blink.
"Bringing rail to Valparaiso should be one of our top goals," Phillips said. "And I know it's one of the major goals the mayor (Jon Costas) has."
Already, plans are drawn up for Village Station, located just west of downtown.
It would develop and redevelop the area at the same time with a mix of residential and retail, all filling in around the transit center.
City leaders have said if rail doesn't come, they're prepared to develop the site for bus service to and from the South Shore line. And when rail finally does arrive, they'll be ready.
"In an effort to bring commuter rail to Valpo," Phillips said, "we're going to do anything we can to assist in that process."
Phillips said the Rail-Volution conference strengthened those beliefs. He saw examples worldwide where commuter enhancement and transit-oriented development aided communities in their growth.
And it was smart growth, Phillips said.
"There's stiff competition for available funds," Phillips said. "But it just kind of reminded me that it can be a major enhancement to the quality of life for the people of Northwest Indiana."