Re: Does RTC really own the "Felton branch"
Author: FUD
Date: 01-21-2022 - 12:24
Ample information to show that RTC does *not* own the Felton line; only a short segment in Santa Cruz used to reach the Boardwalk. The Felton line is in fact a regulated, common-carrier railroad. The "adverse abandonment" ploy is a very difficult move to accomplish, and essentially forces Roaring Camp out of business and takes their right of way and other assets - condemnation in other words, and the county would have to pay for it all. It's not impossible to do, but takes time, lawyers, and a lot of money - the county should think it through carefully to see if they can afford it.
As for blocking the railbanking (aka abandonment and replacement with a trail) of the actual county-owned line, they should think about the cost of doing that, including dealing with reversions (there are lawyers soliciting plaintiffs for lawsuits about that in many places, and it's a real concern). By the time they're done, is any money saved by eliminating railroads in Santa Cruz County?