New Buffalo residents hope train station will help put them back on track

By Dustin Grove (grove@wsbt.com)

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New Buffalo residents hope train station will help put them back on track

(WSBT photo)

By Jason Overholt

Story Created: Oct 26, 2009 at 5:52 PM EST

Story Updated: Nov 6, 2009 at 9:44 AM EST

NEW BUFFALO ― Community leaders cut the ribbon Monday on a new downtown train station in New Buffalo. But that's not the only thing they are celebrating.

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Beginning now, more trains will be stopping that station on the way to and from Chicago and Detroit. And business owners in Harbor Country say that is great news for them.

Like most other shops and restaurants in New Buffalo these days, business could be better.

"A lot of people aren't traveling like they were, spending like they were,” said Harry Pagels of Casey’s Bar & Grill.

But Monday at noon, there came hope.

"It's all exciting for the locals and people that might be able to live here," said Rep. John Proos (R).

Starting this week, Amtrak is doubling the number of daily train stops here ― two directly from Chicago, one to Port Huron and one to Detroit.

Rusty Geisler, New Buffalo's mayor, says the move connects his community to 15 more cities in Michigan and Illinois than before, making it much faster and easier for the 26 million people who live within a four-hour drive to hop on board instead ― perhaps even making it a regular ride.

"They'll realize they can buy a condo, come in Friday evening, be here for the weekend, take a late train back Sunday or Monday morning and be back to work in Chicago," said Geisler.

It is a trend the town has seen in the last few years, but one that slowed in the recession. They are hoping this will help put them on track to get there.

"There have been a lot of condos built here, so hopefully we can sell them,” said resident Rich Shoemaker.

The new downtown platform was built thanks to a partnership between Amtrak, the city of New Buffalo and local businesses. Four Winds Casino also announced on Monday it will be providing free shuttle service for Amtrak passengers.

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