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Council sends back rail decision

The New London city council sent a recommendation back to committee for further review, following its Oct. 14, meeting.

The Park and Recreation Committee voted to rip up a city owned portion of railroad for future development of the Newton Blackmour Trail.

The section of railroad runs from House Road to River Road in the city limits.

City Administrator Kent Hager asked for more time to discuss the status of the rails with potentially affected businesses and the Department of Transportation. He has also been in contact with the State Department of Economic Development.

“That rail line out there is a public asset,” said Hager. “Once that kind of access is gone, it’s gone.”

The city purchased the line from Canadian National Railroad in 2010, for salvage value in order to keep rail access to city lands. The city owns the easement for the rails.

“We’re in the process of setting up a meeting with the economic development folks, the DOT and other stake holders,” said Hager.

In the mean time, the decision to remove the rails is on hold.

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