The Erie Railroad depot will be moved to Franklin and Ninth streets instead of Lakeview Park.
The new location was announced during the Rochester Redevelopment Commission’s Wednesday meeting .
The depot now sits at First Street. Donated to the Nickel Plate Trail by the family of the late Tom Wilson, it is falling apart. Wendy Zent, daughter of Wilson, said at the time of donation it was important to her father that the depot be restored and used.
Fulton Economic Development Corp. Director Terry Lee, also the city redevelopment commission president, wants to use the depot as a Nickel Plate trailhead and meeting place for trail organizers and friends.
But first, the redevelopment commission hopes to find the money to move it. The depot would be dropped east of the House of Decor. The property is owned by Jeff Zent, who leases the railroad track to Elkhart Western. Jeff Zent agreed to give the redevelopment commission a 100-year lease on a portion of the track for no cost, Lee said. Jeff Zent confirmed the handshake deal, but said nothing is in writing and he doesn’t know how much land is needed.
The Nickel Plate Trail Inc. was awarded a $50,000 impact grant from the Fulton County Community Foundation a year ago. That grant was to help move the depot to Lakeview Park.
Today, the redevelopment commission is to submit a second application to the foundation for this year’s round of impact grants. It is asking for an additional $75,000.
“So you’re going to move this dilapidated old building to one of the main arteries of our city and give it to the city? Thanks,” redevelopment commission Member Alan Terrell said Wednesday. “That’s what they could ask us, we have a plan but we don’t have the funding.”
Once the depot is placed at Franklin and Ninth streets it becomes the responsibility of the city to maintain. That would add eight acres of city park land.
Fulton County Area Plan Commission Director Casi Cowles reminded the redevelopment commission members Wednesday to make plans now for space, setbacks, a parking lot – not gravel – anda drainage system.
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