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 City Officials met with the Norfolk Southern Railroad Right-of-way to inspect the railroad right-of-way, and to determine the condition of the rail lines, 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.
Body
Legislative History
23-0039 - Discussion on Purchase/Lease of property; 5/9/2023
Purpose & Explanation
This abandoned railroad segment is bordered on the following City lands including, Ellsworth Golf Course, Cascade Park, Veterans Way Park and MacLaren Woods. It would also 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 Right-of-way staff in May to inspect the railroad right-of-way, and to determine the condition of the rail lines from the intersection of W. Barlow Road to Veteran's Way. The Railroad may be interested in selling or leasing the right-of-way to the City of Hudson, Ohio.
Staff has continued discussions with NS staff on the potential sale or lease of the property. NS staff has now confirmed that the railroad is willing to sell the property between Barlow Road and Veterans Way to the City. In order for the railroad to sell the property...
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