Many questions must be answered on depot

To quote from a letter to the city of Sandpoint by Frederick Walters, an historical architect and architectural conservator who works with the Idaho Heritage Trust, “… every preservation project has a “threshold” of significance to a community balanced against economic reality.” To preserve or not to preserve-is that the only issue?  Some citizens have insisted that the important issue is whether Amtrak continues to stop in its current location. They maintain without an Amtrak stop that Sandpoint and the surrounding communities would suffer economic harm and also miss an exciting economic opportunity, and that preservation of the depot is of secondary importance. Therefore, efforts should be on Amtrak decision rather than the depot So let’s look at some specific issues that must be decided to determine in which direction that balance tips.

Is the continuation of Amtrak service a prerequisite to committing any taxpayer dollars to the restoration and operation of the depot and how long should that commitment be? If Amtrak moves its stop or wants a “bus stop” style station, do we still want to try to restore the station? From where will the funds be obtained?

Even if Amtrak decides it is willing to continue to lease the depot, it is obvious that those funds have not been adequate to maintain the station. Should taxpayer funds be used to make up the difference or should there be a realistic business plan in place to cover that deficit before the depot changes hands?

Burlington Northern owns the depot and the land on which the depot sits. What if they refuse to sell the land or provide a long-term lease for it? Should the city invest funds in a building that sits on land that could be recalled by BNSF at any time? Their usual lease has a 90-day call I am told.

The cost of saving the depot building varies. If you want to ensure that the depot is restored to its historical state, Fredrick Walters estimates that it will take about $2.3 million to accomplish. If you are satisfied with just renovation, the estimates range between $500,000 and $800,000 according to local sources. Renovation, however, does not qualify for historical preservation status. BNSF has received more than $900,000 to cover the impact on by-pass construction on the depot but it is legal for them to use those funds for a new stop rather than preserving the depot. What if they decide to use it to build a new station? Should the city consider buying the station for $1 if that BNSF money is not allocated to the station? From where will the restoration or renovation monies come?

If there is a second track built in the future, the only way that the depot can be continued as a stop is if a door is cut into the side of the building. What does this do to the historic nature of the building?

If the continuation of the depot is assumed to be an economic boon for the greater Sandpoint area, should city residents alone take on the total burden of restoration as well as maintenance and operations or should businesses and county residents participate?

Is the restoration and maintenance of the station a proper role for city government or should a private consortium similar to the one developed to save the Panida be organized?

Let me pose one more question. What constitutes the economic benefit to Sandpoint-that Amtrak continue to stop here even if it is at a new bus stop style station or must it also continue to use the depot to have any real economic benefit?

The issues raised above are only a sampling of questions I have been asked. The depot is an extremely important issue and will have economic, social, and budgetary impacts for years to come. So ask some hard questions before you make up your minds.

Gretchen Hellar is the Sandpoint mayor.