To the editor:

In his Dec. 31 letter, Mr. Mitchell offers a good solution to the problem our community is facing due to the closure of the convenience store that served Greyhound customers. The BNSF depot would make an ideal place for an intermodal transportation hub. In fact, it was voted the top use in a recent public survey conducted by Hernly Inc.

Currently, the depot is open two hours per day for the midnight train heading west and the 5 a.m. train heading east. Amtrak is paying an attendant during these times, and Depot Redux is coordinating and, at times, volunteering for these shifts.

Until the depot is owned by the city, other entities will not be able to use the space. The city is working diligently as directed by the City Commission to pursue the transfer of ownership with BNSF. The process will take time.

Mr. Mitchell’s idea, along with many other creative ideas for the depot, will need to be put on hold until the successful transfer of ownership has taken place. It is heartening that community members now have the depot on their minds!