HAMILTON, Ohio — Efforts to save a former train station dating to the 1850s may not be completed by a CSX Transportation deadline to move the station’s two structures, and are likely to cost more than the $2 million budgeted by the city, reports the Journal-News of Middletown, Ohio.
CSX had asked that the structures be moved off railroad property by May 31, but Hamilton’s director of engineering, Rich Engle, says it is unlikely that deadline will be met. The effort will be well underway, he said.
Meanwhile, costs for the project are estimated at close to $1.9 million, including $1 million to move the structures and place them on a new foundation. But that does not cover all the anticipated costs, which include a new roof, installation of utilities, and pour of concrete floors. As a result, City Manager Joshua Smith told the city council at a recent meeting that it was “going to have to make some policy decisions. What’s more important, a roof or a parking lot? Windows or something else? We have to itemize everything that’s outstanding and prioritize from there …”
The council voted last year to accept donation of the station by CSX and move the structures, despite concerns over the cost [see “Digest: Metra to add service …,” Trains News Wire, June 10, 2021].
Railroad was Cincinnati Hamilton and Dayton which became B&O, then CSX.
Open a Go Fund Me account to cover the cost overruns, let the historically minded the costs.
What is the rush? 170+ years and it has to move NOW? I have used the station and back in the ’50’s, I remember picking my father up when the NYC & PRR were shut down by a strike and he took the B&O from Chicago via Deshler to get home. Amtrak used it for a period.
So what does this station look like and what railroad was it on originally? I take it Hamilton, Ohio gave up on being Hamilton! Ohio. Long story but back in the ’80’s the city council changed the official name for their city adding the exclmation point. Other than one nationwide newsmagazine, The New American, I don’t think anyone else took them up on it and the Federal board that rules on such name things turned Hamilton! down.