I have been asked by my board to see if anyone has some suggestions on negotiating with railroads to buy land for a rails to trail project.
The Marion County Park District, Marion, OH has finally received (after 10 years of waiting) a price from CSX Inc. for a 12 mile stretch of abandoned track. The price: $332,800. This is based on an appraisal they had done which included 'corridor' value. Our appraisal, which was based on liquidation value, was $135,000. The 12 mile sector is grown over and in some spots has had the bed removed. We now want to write a letter of response and start negotiating but we would certainly appreciate any input.
