This petition is in hopes to introduce the city to Concerned Old City Neighbors (COCN), a newly formed alliance of residents and businesses located near the Auto Park Garage at 125 South 2nd street in Old City. We understand that the city is considering converting the lower level of the Auto Park into an intercity bus terminal to serve Greyhound, Peter Pan and other carriers, and we seek to be a part of that extremely important discussion.

Over the past few days, rumors have circulated within our historic community about the City's interest in utilizing the ground floor of Auto Park as an intercity business terminal. These rumors blindsided everyone, including homeowners, condominium associations retailers, corporate offices, and a preschool located just 25 feet from the proposed bus station waiting room. While our potential host community was left out of the process, Greyhound and other carriers were busy testing logistics and site feasibility, running actual buses into the auto park location. Recent press reports indicate that the city intends to activate a new bus terminal before Labor Day of this year. If those reports are accurate, we don't understand if or how the city intends to engage in a serious site selection process that includes all but the most perfunctory community engagement.  While the Auto Park site may yield a quick and cost-effective solution to a serious problem, without full and fair process that is inclusive of serious community  engagement, we don't believe the city can or will make the right selection decision. We respectfully request that the city refrain from an hoc action in favor of such a process that will ensure that the views and concerns of all stakeholders, particularly those directly impacted, are adequately considered, and addressed.

 Our group already includes representatives from most of the condominium and HOA communities in the area and more than a dozen neighborhood businesses. We have retained attorney Michael Mattioni to assist us on this matter, and hope to work collaboratively with the city in its review in order to attain a solution that respects the interests and concerns of our community.