Residents, city leaders voice for change to abandoned railroads in northern Tyler

Residents are speaking out about a decade-old eyesore that divides the northern part of Tyler.

Neighbors and city leaders are pushing to transform the abandoned Union Pacific railroads into something new for the community’s future.

“It's an eyesore for one,” said Stanley Cofer, president of Empowerment Community Development Cooperation and author of the petition about Rails to Trails. “Many people are complaining about certain areas where the track crosses the road, as it damages their vehicles.”

Residents are citing safety, environmental, and aesthetic concerns. They’re calling for clear communication and action to prevent further decline and promote responsible management.

Residents said Union Pacific rail lines have sat unused and rusting for decades.

“I haven't seen the railroad tracks being used in quite a while, around about 30, maybe 40 years,” said Ken Mass, petitioner and business owner in north Tyler.

Mass, a resident of north Tyler for nearly 50 years, said vegetation has overtaken the railroads for as long as he can remember.

“The northside has always been overlooked for years and we're just trying to build up our community the best way we can,” Mass said.

Mass and his neighbors said new developments on the south side of Tyler have overshadowed the north for years and left their community behind.

“We want people to come to this side of town feel comfortable and be happy to come over here anytime,” Mass said.

Northside residents said the tracks do more than spoil the view, they damage cars, attract wildlife and lower property values.

“A lot of people come to this area and see that. They’re not going to consider building their home over here because of the look of the area,” Mass said.

District 3 Councilwoman Shonda Marsh said Union Pacific owns the tracks and the city's hands are tied when it comes to cleaning them up.

“All we're asking is for them to take ownership of the tracks, clean them up and make them not an eyesore, or be able to turn them over to the city,” Marsh said.

Marsh said the city can’t even touch the tracks without breaking the law.

Union Pacific spokesperson Robynn Tysver provided a statement to CBS19 in response to the concerns

“Union Pacific is looking into the concerns of citizens and others in Tyler about overgrown vegetation along the track. We plan to meet with city officials and others and hope to resolve the issue soon,” Tysver said.

Residents hope the city will take control of the tracks and transform them into a new recreational space.

“To be able to have walking trails, bike trails, e-trails, things like that will help grow our community for the better, for our children and the future,” Marsh said.