Council directs solicitor to add commuter-rail language to Westchester branch lease; tourist railroad supporters press for longer sublease

Westchester Borough’s Administration, Communication and Technology Committee voted to direct the borough solicitor to draft lease language that would permit additional passenger operators, including commuter rail service, on the SEPTA-owned Westchester branch while explicitly protecting the existing tourist railroad.

The committee discussion centered on proposed changes to the borough’s lease with SEPTA and a sublease to the volunteer-operated Westchester Railroad (doing business as 4 States Railway). Committee Chair Bridal Travis said the goal is to “allow the option to include commuter service” while preserving tourist-train operations. He asked the solicitor to prepare language for the work session so attorneys can revise the draft lease.

The issue prompted extended public comment from volunteers and nonprofit leaders who operate the historic, volunteer-run tourist train and from members of the Rail Restoration Committee. Derek Slipher, who identified himself as representing Westchester Railroad and as a SEPTA locomotive engineer, said the proposed language “changes the trajectory of the entire lease” and urged the committee to engage operators early. Tyler Haney, president of the Westchester Railroad Heritage Association, and other volunteers said the organization needs a multi‑year term to pursue roughly $300,000 in grant applications and to justify capital fundraising for Glen Mills Station.

Speakers including Mayor Lillian DeBaptiste and council members stressed two goals: not to jeopardize the historic tourist operation’s fundraising and to keep options open for future commuter service. Several volunteers and council members warned that repeated rework of lease language could require additional rounds of review by SEPTA and slow or end the borough’s agreement with SEPTA if the parties cannot reach terms.

Committee members and public speakers also pointed to existing clauses in the current lease that allow SEPTA to recapture the premises for public transit purposes (recapture and ownership clauses were cited during testimony), and volunteers emphasized that SEPTA approval will be required for any change affecting operations.

On next steps, the committee agreed to place the matter on next week’s work session agenda for solicitor direction and to notify Westchester Railroad about extending the existing sublease for one year so operations can continue while negotiations proceed. Council staff said the borough anticipates exercising a one‑year renewal option with SEPTA by June 30; final ratification will occur at the borough council meeting.

Votes and formal approvals were not taken at the committee meeting on a long-term sublease; several commenters urged a 10–15 year term to support fundraising. Committee members repeatedly cautioned that operational approval for a second passenger operator would be determined by SEPTA, not the borough.

Ending: The committee’s direction to the solicitor is procedural: draft clear lease language that (1) explicitly preserves the historic/tourist railroad and (2) permits language to allow additional passenger operators, including commuter rail, subject to SEPTA approval and any operational constraints. The item will return to the work session and then to full council for formal action and any ratification needed to execute the lease and sublease.