City-CU Statement on Bus Transfer Station Site

City of Springfield News Release -
City-CU Statement on Bus Transfer Station site
Wednesday, June 3, 2009 5:20 PM
From: "city@springfieldmo.gov"
To: jimlee138@sbcglobal.net

Following concerns about the use of eminent domain expressed by the City Council during their meeting earlier this week, the City of Springfield and City Utilities (CU) are announcing they will renew discussions about city-owned property that may be available and suitable for use as a bus transfer station. As a result of the agreement to take a fresh look at city-owned properties, a previously discussed public meeting on Monday evening will be postponed.

“Our goal always has been to work with City and community leaders to identify property that will accommodate an improved transfer station for Springfield. That multi-year process has included a review of both city-owned and privately-owned locations,” said John Twitty, General Manager of City Utilities. “If city-owned properties may now be available for further consideration, we are definitely interested in exploring those options.”

Mayor Jim O’Neal said he appreciates CU’s willingness to re-open the site-selection process to avoid the use of eminent domain.

“If the City can be a part of this solution, we are open to re-visiting the alternatives,” O’Neal said.

The Mayor said he would add an agenda item to discuss this issue with the full Council at the end of the budget workshop scheduled for 5 p.m., Thursday, June 4.

The new bus transfer station feasibility study and environmental analysis are available on the CU "Transit" page. The joint press release can be viewed here.