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Last updated on Monday, January 9, 2012
(BROWNSTOWN) - Darlene Butt, of Ewing, plans to purchase property near the CSX railroads and relocate the town’s depot.
Darlene Butt outlined those plans to members of the town council during their meeting last week.
Butt, who is a member of the Brownstown/Ewing Main Street organization board, said that the organization has given its support to the project. She was wanting the councils approval to accept the depot and possibly provide financial assistance to purchase the
3/4-acre property, which sits near Walnut and Depot streets.
But even without the financial support Butt's family has made a commitment to purchase the property and donate it to the town.
She has made an offer on the property and is waiting for a response from CSX. Once the real estate transfer happens, she has 90 days to move the depot. If the depot is not moved, CSX could charge $300 a month in rent or demolish the depot.
Butt is hoping the depot will be renovated. The Jackson County History Center is willing to help.
Butt said she thinks tourism is going to continue to grow in the county, and that there has been talk that some people are looking at operating trains between Cincinnati to French Lick, a resort area that has a casino.
Her first priority is getting the depot moved and putting a new roof on it.
Town Attorney Joe Markel said that after examining some of the paperwork sent to Butt, the major hurdle at this time is the railroad's insurance requirements.
Town Council President John Nolting said the council would like to consider the issue, including Markel's input, before making any decisions.
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