City officials agree repairing railroad was worth the cost

City leaders debated for four months whether to fix the track after being informed two bridges along the five miles of track were in dire need of repair. In February 2009, the city agreed to the repair after requiring LM&M Railroad, the sole users of the track, to sign a four-year contract to remain in the city.

The company also agreed to pay $5,250 each year as well as a 50-cent per rider tax that goes for maintenance of the train. The train began running in Lebanon last July.

“The activity level on the weekend is much more vibrant when the train is here,” said Joy Kossouji, owner of the Golden Turtle Chocolate Factory.

“I know the cost was enormous, but it was necessary to keep the town alive and breathing.”

Kossouji said with the Golden Lamb undergoing renovations and operating under limited hours, the train’s importance had been amplified.

“I think a lot of families come for the train and they see a shop or two, and even if they don’t stop that day, they’ll come back during the week to check it out,” Kossouji said.

Brian Collins, the owner of LM&M’s parent company, Cincinnati Railway, said business in 2009 remained strong after LM&M returned to Lebanon. Collins said business was hurt earlier this year because of poor weather during the weekends.

“Lebanon is a great fit for us,” LM&M President Ray Kammer said. “I don’t think we’d work quite as well anywhere else.”

Collins said LM&M was lucky in that three of its four biggest weekends — the Thomas the Tank Engine and the Halloween and Christmas-themed rides — happened in the fall.

Mayor Amy Brewer, who voted against the track repairs citing the huge cost and relative lack of contribution from LM&M, said she wished nothing but luck for the train and continued success in the community.

“Any past drama is over and done with and I wish nothing but the best for any business in the community,” Brewer said.

Rodriguez said fixing the track meant more than helping LM&M.

“We own it and as part of the city’s infrastructure we had a financial obligation to fix it,” Rodriguez said. “I think it could play a major role in economic development in the city.”

Contact this reporter at (513) 696-4544 or jmcclelland@coxohio.com.