At its Nov. 7 meeting, the Catasauqua Borough Council reviewed a memorandum of understanding from FL Smidth for an old railway spur along the Lehigh River. The former rail line had been used by FL Smidth for transportation within their property but was abandoned decades ago.

Council President Vincent Smith had asked about the line during borough negotiations for purchasing the Iron Works site, and at that time, FL Smidth officials had indicated a willingness to give the property to the borough.

The memorandum of understanding gives the borough the right to investigate the property.

At a recent council meeting, Solicitor Thomas Dinkelacker had reported property owners that border the abandoned rail line had indicated they were negotiating with Norfolk & Southern for easements and access to the property. The borough is aware there can be conflicting claims and must be able to sort these out before it takes possession of the property. Dinkelacker is charged with clearing up the details.

There is interest in incorporating the railway siding into the D&L Trail now being developed in the area. The understanding between FL Smidth and the borough allows an assessment of costs and a determination of funding needed to bring the property up to standards.

Smith is aware that the siding extends past the borough’s boundary into North Catasauqua.

“Part of our due diligence is to see how we handle the property,” he said. “I’m sure North Catasauqua would consider taking the portion that is within their boundary,” he said.

Some concern was voiced that property owners along the right of way have encroached on the property.

“I didn’t see any evidence that there is a problem with encroachment,” Councilman Brian McKittrick said. “I walked the property up to the fence line at Phoenix Forging.”

The main concern for FL Smidth is to maintain an easement. The property is behind facilities the company owns that were not included in the sale of the Iron Works site.

The borough is looking at the property as an enhancement to passive recreational activities for the Iron Works site, where the development plan calls for the site to be a mixed-use facility that includes commercial and residential uses.