Brandon City Meets About Track Relocation Plan

BRANDON, SD - The city of Brandon will take an official position Monday night over the relocation of the Sioux Falls railroad switchyard. The move is part of a 10-year plan to take the tracks out of downtown Sioux Falls. The current relocation plan could put them right along the edge of Brandon, but not all residents want them there. 

City Council President Roger Brooks said the decision will likely come in the form of a resolution. The track relocation project has become a hot topic to Brandon residents in just a matter of days. Brooks expects a packed house based solely on the traffic to his inbox. 

Brandon community members mobilized last week after managers for the track relocation project gave an update at the city council's regular meeting. Homeowners and businesses on the edge of town say a plan that could put the tracks there took them by surprise. 

"I've been following since they started in 2003. This is just the next step in the many steps that they're trying to get where they want to get," Brooks said. 

But he said as the alternative sites move closer to Brandon, people are becoming more vocal about their opposition. One of the three options for the switchyard is due west of the city off of Rice Street. 

It's raised a red flag and prompted the special meeting where a city council that has stayed largely out of the conversation will finally take a position.

"We can put together a resolution and voice our opinions from the council in the name of the city, what we think should happen or not happen," Brooks said.

The special city council meeting is set for 5:30 p.m. at the Brandon City Council Chambers.