Below is the crux of a recent article in the Bay City times about the shaky future of the former Pere Marquette Depot. This town has a nasty habit of demolishing stations: both the former GTW (West Bay City) and Michigan Central (a gorgeous stone edifice) were torn down years ago, and this is about all that's left in terms of passenger rail heritage in the city. Link below:



Bay City Depot Story

tjgaffney@phmuseum.org

> Bay City could condemn the building, and pay not the asking price, but a fair market price, then re-sell the building, the new owner using the 20% Federal tax credit. It could be included in a TIF district. States and municipalities have a great number of options. Sometimes its not money, its creativity which lacks.When we sacrifice our heritage for strip malls, big box stores,and parking lots, who on earth is going to want to live in a town like that. Who but the developer really benefits.Its amazing how historic buildings, green spaces and other ambient infrastructure attracts tnew people.

haaghistory@yahoo.com