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Havre de Grace council approves easements, conveys rights-of-way to Amtrak for Susquehanna River bridge project
Summary
The council adopted Ordinance 12-16 by a 6-0 roll-call vote to convey rights-of-way and authorize temporary construction easements to Amtrak for the Susquehanna River Rail Bridge replacement after the agency explained its real-estate needs earlier in the meeting.
Havre de Grace — The city council voted unanimously on Feb. 17 to adopt Ordinance 12-16, conveying certain rights-of-way and authorizing temporary construction easements to Amtrak to support the Susquehanna River Rail Bridge replacement project.
The ordinance was introduced for second reading and then adopted on a roll-call vote of 6-0. Council member Jones moved to introduce the ordinance and Council member Shenagas seconded; later the council president moved adoption, and the roll-call recorded affirmative votes from all six members present.
Amtrak representatives had briefed the council earlier in the meeting. Jen Bridal, an Amtrak representative, said the design stage was concluding and that the ordinance covers a small number of temporary construction easements Amtrak needs to acquire for the project. Pete Mazzeo of Amtrak’s design team told the council the easements are tied to the final design and that staff would be available to answer questions as the item came up on the agenda.
The ordinance text introduced by the mayor and read into the record invoked the city’s authority under Article 11A of the Maryland Constitution, relevant provisions of the Annotated Code of Maryland and sections of the Havre de Grace City Charter. The ordinance authorizes conveyance in fee simple of designated parcels or rights in fee simple to Amtrak to facilitate bridge design and construction; the council did not discuss amendments to the ordinance during the meeting.
The council’s action follows several years of coordination between city staff and Amtrak; staff said the easements are necessary to finalize property needs as the project moves from design toward construction.
The ordinance was recorded as adopted on second reading by roll-call vote of six in favor, none opposed. The city clerk will record the ordinance in the usual manner and Amtrak may proceed with real-estate acquisitions consistent with the ordinance and applicable state law.
