Title
An Update on the Purchase or Lease of the Norfolk Southern Abandoned Railroad Right-of-Way in Hudson, Ohio from the Intersection of W. Barlow Road to Veteran’s Way.
Brief Description: After meeting with Norfolk Southern staff this spring, and a follow up discussion with Hudson City Council this summer, staff has continued discussions with Railroad staff on the potential purchase or lease of the Norfolk Southern property from the intersection of W. Barlow Road to Veteran’s Way. Staff will provide an update on the status of the process of the purchase of the railroad property from W. Barlow Road to Veterans Way.
Body
Legislative History
23-0039 - Discussion on Purchase/Lease of property; 5/9/2023
23-0062 - An Update on the Purchase or Lease of the Norfolk Southern Abandoned Railroad Right-of-Way in Hudson, Ohio from the Intersection of W. Barlow Road to Veteran’s Way.
Purpose & Explanation
This abandoned section of railroad, between Barlow Road and Veterans Way is bordered by Ellsworth Golf Course, and three City parks. This section, if converted to a trail, would be the final segment of the proposed bike trail that the City received funding for from AMATS in 2021 south of W. Barlow Road to the south Corporation Line. This southern section is currently under review by the Federal Rail Administration (FRA) to convert the rail line to a trail. When the entire trail is completed in the next 5 years, this trail would commence at Veterans Way and continue south through Hudson, Stow, Cuyahoga Falls, and into Silver Lake. It will also intersect with the existing Summit County Metro Parks Trail that runs along the southern quadrants of Hudson.
The City officials met with the Norfolk Southern (NS) Railroad Real Estate staff in May to inspect the railroad right-of-way, and to determine the condition of the rail lines and to gauge the railroad’s interest in selling or leasing the right-of-way to the City of Hudson, Ohio.
Based upon Council Workshop discussion in July, staff has continued discussions with NS staff on the potential sale of the property along with commencing with environmental evaluations and determining how to complete the survey and railroad platting requirements.
Once the environmental reviews and survey work is complete, an appraisal of the property can be made which will be used for the basis of the offer to purchase the property from Norfolk Southern.
Staff will provide an update on the on-going discussions with Norfolk Southern and status of this property acquisition review.
Fiscal Impact
Currently Budgeted
Supplemental Appropriation Required
X Appropriation Not Required.
Does this legislation require use of an emergency clause?
Yes
x No
Recommendation
Suggested Action
The City Administration recommends the City Council continue to negotiate with Norfolk Southern Railroad on this segment of existing tracks and eventually convert this abandoned rail line into a future trail from W. Barlow Road to Veterans Way.
Submitted by,
Thomas J. Sheridan, City Manager
Frank Comeriato, Assistant City Manager - Operations
Bradley S. Kosco, PE, PS, City Engineer
Trent Wash, Asst. Public Works Director - Parks/Golf