Officials To Norfolk Southern: Clean Up Abandoned Newark Line

NEWARK, NJ — For years, Newark’s North Ward Councilman Anibal Ramos Jr. has received complaints from residents about alleged illegal dumping and idling diesel trucks at an abandoned freight rail line owned by Norfolk Southern.

The situation is a “real quality of life issue,” Ramos said.

Ramos was among a consortium of local political leaders to dump on the Virginia-based Norfolk Southern during a press conference held last week. The conference also included appearances from U.S. Rep. Albio Sires, state Sen. M. Teresa Ruiz and Newark Councilman-At-Large Luis Quintana.

According to a joint statement from the politicians, the company is failing to properly maintain the property along the abandoned rail line, which is located at 861 Summer Avenue in a residential neighborhood in Newark’s North Ward. In addition, Norfolk Southern is allegedly leasing out property it owns along the abandoned rail line to tenants who are operating industrial businesses in a residential zone without proper permits and zoning variances from the city.

Norfolk Southern provided Patch with the following statement about the allegations:

“Norfolk Southern is committed to being a good corporate citizen in the communities we serve. We are reviewing the concerns raised by these elected officials. We have worked with local authorities in the past to ensure that this property is cleaned of trash, and we will review the current situation and take appropriate action, including reminding tenants of their responsibilities under their leases with Norfolk Southern.”

But local elected representatives say that the company is giving them the cold shoulder when it comes to the abandoned Newark line.

Sires said he has tried to work with the transportation company to resolve the issues raised by Ruiz, DiVincenzo and Ramos, but it has not been responsive.

“We have been dealing with this issue with Norfolk Southern for several years and nothing was done,” the congressman said. “This has been affecting the residents of my district for far too long and it is now out of hand. As a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure committee, I will continue to work with my colleagues here today and in Washington to ensure that Norfolk begins to pay attention and address the concerns of the community.”

Ruiz thanked Sires for his efforts to hold Norfolk Southern accountable.

“Since our first meeting three years ago, our offices have been working to find a long-term solution that would improve the quality of life for our residents,” Ruiz said. “Whether pitching the idea of a rails-to-trails project to complement the existing park, or discussing the possibility of creating greater accessibility with a light rail, Norfolk Southern has been dismissive of our requests.”

“In their quest for short-term corporate profits, Norfolk Southern’s leasing of this property has created social and environmental impact issues in our community,” Ruiz said. “Today, we are asking Norfolk Southern to stop, remediate the mess and come to the table with a positive, long-term solution that is equitable and respectful to the residents of this community.”

Essex County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo, who supports his colleague’s efforts, said Norfolk Southern has allowed its tracks to fall into a “disgraceful” condition.

“Once the pathways for economic development, transportation and commerce, the unused tracks along the Norfolk Southern rail line have fallen into a disgraceful condition with litter and overgrown brush,” DiVincenzo said. “We implore Norfolk Southern to be a responsible corporate neighbor and properly maintain the miles and miles of land they have. The proper upkeep is vital to the vibrancy of our communities and our residents’ quality of life.”

Quintana said if the rail line was running through a suburb, it would not look like it does in Newark.

“I were to do this in my back yard, I would have to go for a zoning variance,” Quintana said. “There’s violations here. Norfolk Southern should not treat us this way.”

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Photos: Anibal Ramos