An ongoing study being conducted by the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation has residents of Ashland fearful that the whistle of a train in the Center of the Universe will become a thing of the past. Earlier this week it was reported that there is strong consideration for moving the commuter rail line east of Interstate 95 to the Buckingham Branch that connects Downtown Richmond to Doswell, near Kings Dominion - and one day becoming high-speed. (heard that one before)
This alternate route would bypass the Acca freight yard, Staples Mill Road Station and the Ashland stop.
Currently freight and passenger trains barrel through the sleepy Hanover town all day long – morning, noon and night. Roughly seven passenger trains stop at the unmanned station across the street from the Henry Clay Inn on a daily basis, none for more than a few minutes.
In addition to losing a large part of its identity if the trains move across the interstate, Ashland town officials say it could derail the local economy.
According to town manager Charles Hartgrove, the income of some businesses could be slashed by 20%. Cuts could come to businesses like Homemades by Suzanne or The Club Car, (formerly the Whistle Stop) where you can enjoy some of the best ice cream on earth.
Ashland actually has more to offer than gas stations and McDonald’s. You just have to know where you’re going.
Not only does the rail service help businesses out, it also serves Randolph-Macon College and many of its students. The college moved to Ashland after the Civil War in part because its proximity to the railroad.
The study is scheduled to be completed by next year.
(This message was NOT paid for by Ashland Town Council)
This alternate route would bypass the Acca freight yard, Staples Mill Road Station and the Ashland stop.
Currently freight and passenger trains barrel through the sleepy Hanover town all day long – morning, noon and night. Roughly seven passenger trains stop at the unmanned station across the street from the Henry Clay Inn on a daily basis, none for more than a few minutes.
In addition to losing a large part of its identity if the trains move across the interstate, Ashland town officials say it could derail the local economy.
According to town manager Charles Hartgrove, the income of some businesses could be slashed by 20%. Cuts could come to businesses like Homemades by Suzanne or The Club Car, (formerly the Whistle Stop) where you can enjoy some of the best ice cream on earth.
Ashland actually has more to offer than gas stations and McDonald’s. You just have to know where you’re going.
Not only does the rail service help businesses out, it also serves Randolph-Macon College and many of its students. The college moved to Ashland after the Civil War in part because its proximity to the railroad.
The study is scheduled to be completed by next year.
(This message was NOT paid for by Ashland Town Council)
1 comments:
Times change. Ashland is a good example, but they'll never learn. Look at how they railed against the Wal-mart because they were sure that it was going to ruin all their crappy local businesses (someone actually made a documentary about it). That town is one third small town ignorance, one third police state, one third truck stop. They should raze the whole thing.
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