GTA ponders future of former car dealership site in Ephrata
"We are excited about the potential of this facility," the transit agency stated.
EPHRATA — Grant Transit Authority will host a public workshop on Tuesday, March 3, to gather input on possible future uses of the former Barry Automotive property on South Basin Street, which GTA acquired last year.
“Community members have consistently highlighted the desire for dedicated spaces and programs, particularly for youth activities,” GTA general manager Eric Loomis said in an email to GCJ.news. “Ideas include potential collaborations with local schools, nonprofit organizations, healthcare providers, and other community partners to create a multifaceted hub that goes beyond traditional transit services.”
Tuesday’s informal drop-in session is scheduled from 3:30-6 p.m. The facility is located at 542 Basin St. S.W.
“GTA encourages attendees to stop by at their convenience to help inspire the vision for the Ephrata community transit center,” the transit agency stated. "We are excited about the potential of this facility and emphasize the value of ongoing community involvement."
Loomis said the property is being repurposed as part of GTA's efforts to enhance public transportation infrastructure and community amenities in the area.
GTA has been providing bus and other public transit services across Grant County for three decades. It offers free fares and is available to all citizens. Although headquartered in Moses Lake, there is significant north-south vehicle traffic passing through Ephrata and the new location could significantly expand GTA’s exposure and become a community hub.
In a “visioning session” held in late January, several GTA officials met with community representatives that included the Ephrata Senior Center, Columbia Basin Hospital, Ephrata police, the City of Soap Lake, Soap Lake School District, and People for People transit services.
They outlined several draft concepts for the expansive property, which includes large lots on both sides of Basin Street and two large buildings that housed the former auto dealership’s showroom/offices and repair shop.
A wide range of possibilities were shared: a community center with a stage and commercial kitchen; an indoor market or space for swap meets; exercise/sports spaces for both youth and seniors; meeting spaces for youth organizations and after-school programs, vehicle park-and-ride site, bus fleet storage and repair shop, and more.
A consultant, ALSC Architects of Spokane, also outlined some public perceptions of GTA services.
Topics of discussion included: expanding communication about GTA’s free fares; availability to commuters and students attending Big Bend Community College; access to medical facilities; and a need for “intercity connectivity.” Among stigmas that were expressed: bus riders are scary and/or criminals; a misconception that the project will raise taxes; and a negative view of GTA’s purchase of the former dealership which previously brought revenue to the city.
To translate possible concepts into “concrete” proposals, GTA — which is governed by a board of directors that includes municipal and county representatives — said future decisions would be focused on partnerships, safety, accessibility, community benefit, and “inclusive transportation solutions for Ephrata and Grant County.”
