by Elissa Yount
It is exciting news that the stimulus package is going to provide money for the high speed rail corridor.
Henderson has been considered for a stop for the high speed train, but if the city is not prepared, we may have to endure all the pain and get none of the perks.
The train will come through Henderson. The proposal calls for the train stop here at least once a day. If we want that to really happen, there are things we must do to prepare, or the train will just be an inconvenient blur to us.
First, the city must enforce its ordinances so that the “backs” of downtown are not places for litter, debris, graffiti, accumulated trash, weeds and overgrown vegetation. Both sides of William Street, from North Henderson to South Henderson, are important, but if we expect riders to use the Henderson station, we must put our best face forward.
Next, the city should see that a building is available for a station. The old First National Bank Building on Garnett Street would be a grand location. Henderson would have a remarkable station! This important historical structure certainly needs preserving and restoring, and the city controls ownership of half the building. Many of us have memories of going into that most impressive building. It could be that impressive again.
There are lots of pluses for this building. It has great architecture. It has a back and front entrance. It is on the straight part of the track, and the city already owns land for ample on-site parking. For a relatively small investment, this could be accomplished. There would even be enough room for small businesses inside the station the rent from which would provide further revenue.
Structurally, the building appears to be sound. The peeling paint and plaster can be repaired. While it appears that there is water damage, one investigation found that it was the result of a sky light that was left open. Buddy Thomas replaced the roof when he was the owner, and he would be knowledgeable about that. This grand old structure is a prime candidate for a station and the city should step up and preserve it.
Other cities have saved their old Victorian stations. They are both tourist attractions and viable businesses. Quite unfortunately, our grand old railroad station was demolished and replaced with a Plexiglas hut. We can remedy our past mistakes by getting on the ball now and righting a wrong. We all stand to benefit in many ways. Henderson has many architecturally important neighborhoods within walking distance of downtown that could be revitalized as we become a bedroom community for commuters.
Or we could just be one big blur as the train speeds by. It’s our choice — vision and work, or another blur out the window as we are passed by and passed over. The high speed rail will either be a pain or a perk.
Again, it is up to us.