Save The Moline Depot: Preservation Society Asks For Extension ...

Members of the Moline Preservation Society made a last minute plea to save the Moline Rail Depot from demolition. The society asked council members for an extension to raise money to move the depot. However, aldermen asked for more information about a time line for an extension.

The Moline Preservation Society has to raise $155,000 to save the depot. So far, almost $80,000 has been raised and the group has to come up with $75,000 by next Tuesday's deadline.

"We have a tremendous amount of community support," says Neil Dahlstrom from the Moline Preservation Society.

Dahlstrom is asking council to extend the December 18th deadline to sometime next year.

"I think the depot is part of all of us," adds Dahlstrom, "It's been here for over a hundred years and it's part of the fabric of Moline."

A big reason for the request is the society is waiting to see if they've been approved for several grants.

"There are a lot of stories to tell within that building and I think it's worth saving things for future generations," says Dahlstrom.

The Moline Rail Depot has to either be moved or demolished to make way for the new I-74 bridge. WIU would like to use the building at it's new riverfront campus.

"The depot is going to be a gateway to the campus, it's going to serve as a welcome center," adds Dahlstrom.

The city was going to pay the $155,000s moving fee. However, aldermen decided it was not a good use of tax payer money, which is why the preservation society has to raise the entire amount.

"It's something I'm passionate about," says Dahlstrom, "We wouldn't have the vibrant downtown that we have now if it wasn't for the rehabilitation of these buildings."

If the deadline isn't extended, it could be the end of the line for the rail depot.?

Several weeks ago, Moline aldermen voted not to pay for the depot's moving costs. Instead, council members told the preservation society if they want to save the depot they have to raise the entire amount.

"I think the council agenda was truly if the community wants to save the depot and move it, what is the interest and show us," says Moline Mayor Don Welvaert, "If you can come up with $155,000 that the city does not have to spend, perhaps we would support that."

Moline council members will vote on whether or not to extend the fundraising deadline at their meeting next Tuesday.

Source: http://www.kwqc.com/story/20321517/save-the-moline-depot-preservation-society-asks-for-extension

Snooki Baby terrell owens terrell owens neil armstrong little league world series us open tennis us open tennis