Prairie Trails Club Reps Speak with NJ Town Council about Railroad Sale

Posted on September 25, 2019
Author Jacque Ryan, WKVI

Representatives of the Prairie Trails Club recently came before the North Judson Town Council to get involved with talks about the potential sale of the railroad.

Organization rep Carolla Heilstedt explained that the PTC is once again seeking funding through the Governor’s Next Level Trails grant program to continue expanding the Erie Trail.

She explained, “We were recently awarded funding to extend the trail a couple of miles south of Knox and one of our largest interest points and what we’ve seen from the surrounding community is expanding north, through North Judson.

She noted that the Club has an ongoing relationship with the Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum and in the past, the trail has been built alongside the railway since there is existing foundation.

In addition to being useful for local bicyclists and walkers, Club member Kathleen Lucas highlighted the fact that the Erie Trail brings in travelers from outside of the community.

She noted, “Just so you know, in the last two weekends we’ve run across people from Lake County who prefer to come down here and use our trail because it’s quiet and peaceful and they always end up going to a particular local business for lunch after that so I think it really is a benefit to the Town.”

Heilstedt told the council that Club members wanted to get involved with the process as early as possible to ensure that the eventual sale of the railroad will not impact the trail extension plans.

Town Council President John Rowe stated that the trail is good resource for the town to have and said he didn’t see any problem with working with PTC, in conjunction with the HVRM, as the sales process proceeds.

He did ask reps to provide Town Attorney Justin Schramm with a map clearly indicating the area they’re looking to utilize for their expansion so it can be incorporated into any potential sales documentation that may be needed in the future.

Stephen Lucas suggested the addition of a town council liaison that could coordinate with the Club about updates related to the trail.

However, rather than appointing a town official to that position, President Rowe asked if the PTC could select a representative who could attend meetings. The members of the PTC who were in attendance were content with that idea. 

Heilstedt also recommended holding a meeting with Town officials, PTC reps and Starke County Economic Development Foundation Executive Director Larry Wickert to discuss details surrounding the planned expansion.

Clerk-Treasurer Andrew Rowe added that while he may not be able to serve in the capacity of an official liaison, he is available to act as a go-between and members are always welcome to give him a call or come into Town Hall during office hours.

If you’d like to learn more about the Erie Trail or ways that you can get involved with the PTC, visit PrairieTrailsClub.org.