Polk County Manager Ryan Whitson informed the commissioners their support for converting a Norfolk Southern rail line into a greenway did not change the railroad’s position: It has no intention to sell a stretch of track between Saluda, NC and Landrum, SC at any time in the near future. The commissioners had previously approved a resolution of support for the greenway. At the time, they did not know the rights-of-way they wanted belonged to 250 private property owners and not just the railroad. Following Whitson’s announcement, Commissioners Ted Owens and Tom Pack failed to gain support for rescinding the resolution.
Seventy people showed up at the commissioners’ meeting to express their opinions. Some wanted something done about the ugly railroad. Others did not want eminent domain or county dollars used for a greenway on their land. Greenway advocates are still, however, going to try to “engage” property owners.
