There’s been plenty of hub-bub about a Metro Transit bus stop that has made its way back home to the corner of 6th and Wacouta, in front of the River Park Lofts, after years sitting in front of the nearby Park Square Court Building (home of Bin Wine Bar, future home of Public Kitchen and Bar).
River Park Lofts residents are not happy, for many reasons. They can cross one concern off their list of complaints.
City Council Member Dave Thune on Tuesday said he was willing to draft an ordinance ensuring that property owners are not assessed for sidewalk improvements related to the new bus stop, but he may not have to.
Metro Transit and city engineer John Maczko confirm that any sidewalk changes related to the future bus stop will not hit River Park Lofts condo owners in their wallets through city assessments. Metro Transit plans to pay in full for a sidewalk “bump out” — an extra patch of sidewalk — so the future bus shelter, which will be ready for Bus Rapid Transit, can be situated a bit further away from the loft windows.
Whether that approach appeases the loft owners remains to be seen. A public meeting with the downtown CapitolRiver Council development review committee is planned for May 27, which frequent City Hall critic John Mannillo chairing. The meeting room may be moved within the building because turn-out is expected to be high, said Mannillo on Wednesday.
The bus stop was relocated from 6th and Wacouta shortly before loft owners began moving into the River Park Lofts building in 2006, and with its return, residents fear their property values will plummet while noisy bar and ballpark patrons wait outside their windows for the bus. That too remains to be seen.