Rail holdings sale

The Ashley resident returned during non-agenda comment to speak about the negotiation of the sale and its effect on Ashley.

Urged council to veto the RJ Corman deal in favor of Reading & Northern.

Asked council to veto the RJ Corman sale, saying Reading & Northern's reputation and tourism potential are better.

Visit Luzerne County advisory chair said passenger rail between Pittston, Wilkes-Barre and Jim Thorpe would boost downtown tourism.

Said Reading & Northern revitalized Jim Thorpe-area communities and would bring tourism and jobs to Wilkes-Barre.

Susquehanna Warrior Trail treasurer worried the sale could block the trail's planned extension toward the Plymouth levee.

Criticized the redevelopment authority as corrupt and demanded Ashley get a say over 65 acres tied to the sale.

Questioned the bid review process, asking whether base bids, alternates and marketing plans were all evaluated.

Reading & Northern executive touted 400,000 passengers last year and hopes to bring Santa trains to downtown Wilkes-Barre.

Reading & Northern marketing chief with 37 years' experience said he knows this line well and has prospects for new businesses on it.

Rocky Glen park historian introduced the new owners and asked that an abandoned rail parcel be considered for the park's revival.

Tunkhannock business owner credited Reading & Northern's freight yard and excursion trains with boosting local commerce.

RJ Corman representative defended the $8.2 million bid, $3 million in improvements, and 20% traffic growth.

Anthracite Scenic Trails treasurer backed preserving rail-trail easements, including the Ashley-to-Wilkes-Barre D&L section.

Business owner described how a Reading & Northern flag stop in Tamaqua filled her inn and boosted local businesses.

Urged council to veto the RJ Corman recommendation and favor Reading & Northern for passenger rail.

New Jersey rail advocate noted rail trails preserve rights-of-way for future technology and transit.

Coal mine foreman said Reading & Northern's expansion has supercharged regional mine tourism and asked what Corman offers in comparison.

First-time speaker said Reading & Northern checks all seven RFP points and offered more money than Corman.

Demanded due diligence — said the sale bypassed the real estate committee and work session and urged tabling and a public hearing.

NEPA Racing founder urged preserving unused rail corridors for trails, citing $200,000 in race-driven charity dollars.

RJ Corman's CEO said the company is family-owned, committed for 200 years, and made the highest bid.

An RFP review committee member said Corman is the quick payday, but Reading & Northern offers real long-term economic stimulus.

Leaned toward Reading & Northern but flagged a 2024 state Supreme Court eminent domain ruling against the company.

Former redevelopment authority member pushed back on out-of-towners and urged a decision on the merits, not politics.

Wilkes-Barre native said people want passenger rail and would back Reading & Northern even at half Corman's price.

D&L Corridor trails director thanked the county for trail easements and cited a $475 million two-year outdoor economy impact.