Wednesday, February 16, 2000
Track condition stops the train
Scenic railway waits for funds
BY CINDI ANDREWS
The Cincinnati Enquirer
LEBANON — Scenic train tours that draw some 35,000 visitors a year to Lebanon can't resume until the city repairs the 4 miles of tracks it owns.
Federal authorities have informed the city that the tracks used by Turtle Creek Valley Railway are unsafe for passenger traffic, city officials said Tuesday. They are scrambling to find the money needed to replace old railroad ties.
Repairs will cost $250,000, Councilman James Reinhard estimated Tuesday.
But politicians and residents alike say the attraction is a key to bringing visitors to the antique shops and restaurants of Lebanon's historic downtown.
“It's a vital part of the economy of our community,” said Councilman Ron Pandorf.
“The train brought people to town. ... I'd hope we'd find a way to bring it back,” said Joan Townsend, owner of Oh Suzanna.
Oh Suzanna and other shops on Broadway are a short walk from the train station, a replica of 19th-century stations. The railway's 90-minute tours take passengers along 7 miles of tracks through the Warren County countryside from April to November.
Lebanon has applied for a grant but doesn't expect to find out if it will get the money until late March, said Tom McOwen, owner of Turtle Creek Valley Railway.
That means the tours probably won't start on time in April even if the city gets the grant. In the meantime, Mr. McOwen said, he might run some special tours in Mason or near Traders World, the flea market at Interstate 75 and Ohio 63.
If the grant doesn't come through, it will be up to the city to find the repair money.
The city knew in early 1999 that repairs would be needed, and Councilmen Reinhard and Joe McKenzie are frustrated that the issue was left to the last minute.
“What are they waiting for?” Mr. Reinhard said.
But Mr. Pandorf said City Manager James Patrick inherited the problem from the previous administration.
Mr. Patrick, the city planning director and the city attorney did not return calls Tuesday seeking comment.
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