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Council asks staff to contact Norfolk Southern about parking on Sutton Avenue right-of-way
Summary
Council directed staff to reach out to Norfolk Southern for clarification and possible license or easement agreements after questions about parking on railroad right-of-way on Sutton Avenue and safety concerns related to driveway backups and stop-sign placement.
Following resident and council questions about parking on Sutton Avenue near the railroad right-of-way, Black Mountain Town Council directed staff to contact Norfolk Southern's real-estate office to clarify whether parking is authorized and to pursue a license or agreement if necessary.
Council members discussed parallel and unmarked perpendicular parking areas near Broadway, Richardson and the bike shop. Staff said the area in front of the bike shop and along Sutton includes Norfolk Southern right-of-way, which complicates town enforcement. "The easiest thing to do would just be to let them know and work it out," an attorney advising the council said.
Council asked staff to seek clarity on existing agreements and to pursue a mutual understanding or license with the railroad to address safety concerns raised by residents about vehicles backing into the travel lane and the location of a stop sign nearby.
Why it matters: the question touches public safety (vehicles backing into traffic), unclear property rights and consistent enforcement; a railroad license or formal agreement would clarify responsibilities and enable safety improvements if needed.
What happens next: staff will contact Norfolk Southern real-estate representatives, review any prior agreements or permits and report back to council with options for signage, marked parking or a formal license.
