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Talawanda board presses for site survey as Amtrak station proposal raises parking and ADA questions
Summary
Board members discussed an Amtrak station proposal that would require the city to purchase district land and raised concerns about preserving ADA-accessible parking and clarifying property lines; trustees said a site survey and attorney review are needed before any decision, which they expect next month.
The Talawanda City School District Board of Education spent the latter portion of its March 19 meeting discussing a long‑running Amtrak station proposal that would require the city to buy a parcel adjacent to the Nelson Morrow building and alter current parking arrangements.
Chair opened the discussion by saying the board supports the project in principle but must protect district access to ADA‑accessible parking near the building and understand the long‑term implications of any sale. "The biggest concern so far has been parking spaces, what's happening with our parking spaces," the Chair said, urging caution about short‑term fixes that could have lasting effects on future renovations or sales.
A board member added that the city plans to convert a nearby grassy lot by STS pizza into additional parking and noted this could partially address the district's parking concerns. The member also said an updated appraisal and the pending survey are largely consistent with an earlier valuation, information the board needs before moving forward.
Board members said they are waiting for a final site survey to verify property lines, which staff and trustees said have shifted with road changes. The board agreed it will review the survey and the valuation materials before scheduling any formal vote; board counsel will be involved in drafting or reviewing language that protects district parking and ensures ADA requirements remain satisfied under any agreement.
No formal action was taken; trustees said they expect the outstanding survey to arrive soon and hope to be able to make a decision at the next meeting once the district attorney and city representatives have been consulted.
