Sale of county-owned rail holdings to RJ Corman
Summary
More than 20 residents — and dozens of emailed comments — pushed council to object to the proposed sale of the county's railroad holdings, including concerns about Rocky Glen abandoned land. Council voted unanimously to formally object.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 28
- Last 30 days
- 0
Discussed at 2 meetings in the last 60 days; most recently Sep 30, 2026.
Impact analysis
The financial terms of the proposed sale were discussed in executive session and are not public in these materials.
Residents who want the railroad corridors and Rocky Glen land preserved or kept in public hands.
Potentially the buyer or parties expecting the sale to proceed, if the objection influences the outcome.
Mentions & discussions (3)
County Council (Special) - Sep 30, 2026
The county approved selling the Redevelopment Authority's railroad holdings and authorized negotiations with Reading and Northern Railroad. Supporters see expanded rail service, freight, trails, and economic growth; critics worry the county is giving up an irreplaceable asset and that Ashley Borough businesses will be displaced.
County Council - Sep 22, 2026
Council objected 11-0 to the redevelopment authority's $8.2 million sale of the county railroad to RJ Corman, after dozens of speakers backed Reading & Northern for its passenger excursions and tourism potential. The authority can now choose another bidder before an October 9 deadline. Trail advocates urged that rail-trail easements be preserved regardless of the buyer.
County Council - Sep 22, 2026
More than 20 residents — and dozens of emailed comments — pushed council to object to the proposed sale of the county's railroad holdings, including concerns about Rocky Glen abandoned land. Council voted unanimously to formally object.
Related development
We'll email you when it's on an upcoming agenda and when it's voted on, at most once a day.
The weekly brief for Luzerne County, Pennsylvania
What the council decided, in plain English — one email a week.
Free. Unsubscribe with one click any time. We never sell your email.