BOYERTOWN >> While neighbors oppose a proposal to close part of Third Street for use by the Colebrookdale Railroad, borough merchants say they welcome the move as a way to boost tourism and business.
Nearly 100 people gathered at Boyertown Borough Hall on Wednesday to either express concerns or to voice support regarding the Colebrookdale Railroad’s request to permanently close a portion of Third Street.
Following two hours of discussion, the Borough Council’s police and public safety committee is making the recommendation to “proceed” with the process to close the street between Chestnut Street and Pear Street, as requested by the Colebrookdale Railroad Preservation Trust.
If the passenger railroad’s request is denied by the borough, then the railroad’s base of operations will be located in Pottstown – which has not been the intent, said Nathaniel Guest, executive director of the preservation trust.
Since the start of his proposals years ago, Guest has always planned for Boyertown to be the railroad’s anchor. Either way, he says the Pottstown station will continue to move forward and the property there will be expanded.
The Third Street closing would divert drivers to either Second Street or onto Philadelphia Avenue via Pear and Chestnut streets. Residents expressed concern about the traffic Second Street – with Boyertown Elementary on one end and the Lions Ambulance building on the other.
Area resident Leeann Fronheiser presented a petition at the meeting with more than 230 names against the closure of the road due to the safety of children walking home from school.
A recent traffic study, requested by the Borough Council in September, looked at roadway networks, what the road would like with a closure, and pedestrian impact, according to Joseph Platt of Traffic Planning and Design Inc. The study did not indicate how it will impact the local schools, children walking home from school, or the fire department. Another traffic study will be completed by Nov. 2.
“Second Street traffic during school backs up. I can’t imagine what it will be like,” said Boyertown resident Time Royer. He questioned the square footage of the rail yard, and whether it’s big enough for additional tracks, parking and a station. “Where will they park? It needs to be studied.”
A representative of the Boyertown Lions Community Service also asked for the overflow of traffic into Second Street to be taken under consideration.
Even with no station, Guest says the current setup will not accommodate trains set to run next year.
“We need to meet seasonal demand,” Guest said. “We need a certain number of trains. Right now we have four cars. We are maxed out.”
Third Street will be blocked either way once the train lengthens, which is hoped to be accomplished in time for the Santa Train demand in December.
The suggestion of temporary closures accommodating the railroad’s schedule was immediately struck down due to the difficulty of broadcasting the message and having it properly understood.
Many business owners voiced their support of the railroad, including Hank Frecon of Frecon Farms, Lyn Camella of Dancing Tree Creations and Rachael Kehler of the Peppermint Candy Store.
Guest says the railroad’ project will put a $3 million to $5 million investment back into Boyertown.
“It will be inconvenient but I don’t think we’re looking at the big picture. (Let’s) try to hear concerns and come up with solutions, work together as a community rather than arguing,” said Kehler. “With the railroad, we’ll keep crime rate lower and more people are going to want to live in this town.”
Borough Councilman Frank Deery confirmed that if that part of Third Street is not closed, the trains will be departing and arriving in Pottstown, instead of Boyertown. And with the road blocked, trains will need to move on as quickly as possible.
“When’s the last time someone invested $3 million to $5 million into this town?” said Frecon. “It’s a pain to get long-term gain.”
Quantifying, he says his business is up over $14,000 since the increase in traffic through the borough. “Embrace it or let it go to Pottstown. Look at long-term vision, not short-term impact.”
“Let’s find a solution,” Boyertown resident Clayton Leister, “We want the railroad. We need the railroad.”
With the intention of addressing the issues throughout the month of October, Terry Mest, chairman of the Police and Public Safety Committee, made the motion to proceed with the closure request. The motion was seconded by committee member Lori Carnes.
The recommendation will considered by the full Borough Council on Oct. 5.
“Let’s start the process,” said Carnes. “Issues can be worked around; continue to share solutions. We have a month prior to the ordinance approval to come up with a solution.”
