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If I
understand correctly, once an abandonment approved by the Federal agency
(ICC/STB) was consummated, the property was no longer under Federal jurisdiction
and was subject only to state/local laws. This has become a factor in the
disposition of several dead rail lines (PC and others).
Another factor is that many pieces of right of way
weren't owned directly by PC or predecessors, but were easements (like utility
lines). When rail operation ceased (usually defined as approved
abandonment, see above), the property reverted to the original owners or
successors. Even if the property was owned by the railroad, sometimes deed
covenants had similar conditions.
Bob
T.
-----Original Message-----
From: Bill K. [mailto:pontiac -AT- dreamscape.com] Sent: Thursday, August 23, 2001 6:42 AM To: penn-central -AT- smellycat.com Subject: Re: PC: PC in the news... A good number of properties were not
transferred to Conrail and remained the responsibility of the former RR company
to dispose of; this is how some shortlines were able to lease lines from the PC
after C-day. In most cases though these were light density lines or
otherwise redundant and once the track was pulled the land was sold, as well as
related property such as structures and shops. Not sure what the issue is
regarding this case, perhaps the track was removed and the property allowed to
sit unused. Penn Central of course still exists today under a
new name, while the Reading Company only recently moved it's headqaurters to
California to become some kind of movie production company (I believe) after
selling the former RDG building in PA. About all they retain from the RR
is the name itself at this point. Believe the LV, EL and CNJ all dissolved
once real estate and other financial matters completely tied up.
Bill K.
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