Assembly reconsiders and approves resolution to subdivide Point MacKenzie rail corridor easements

The Assembly reconsidered and then adopted Resolution 25-31 on March 6, directing the borough manager to subdivide state-surveyed tracks 10 and 13 to separate the rail transportation corridor and terminal easements for the Point MacKenzie rail extension project from remaining agricultural land.

The reconsideration followed discussion at a prior meeting and additional outreach between assembly members and staff. Mike Stoner, land-management staff, told the Assembly the state had said the borough would be able to subdivide one time and staff still believed "it's in the borough's best interest to subdivide and own that land outright because we don't know exactly what we're going to be using it for in the future, versus having it as an easement over someone else's land."

Why it matters: The action clarifies property boundaries and title for the rail corridor, facilitating future land-disposal options and allowing the borough to control the corridor directly rather than holding easements over private parcels.

Public and procedural notes: Members of the public and stakeholders had urged caution at earlier meetings; the Assembly voted to reconsider the resolution and then approved it. Staff said short-term uses such as hay permits could continue while the borough completes subdivision and disposal steps; one tenant had vacated and another was expected to vacate later in the year.

Next steps: If the Assembly’s direction is implemented, land-management will begin subdivision procedures consistent with state guidance and then pursue disposal or other uses consistent with borough policy.