Your Opinion Please

[pajrr]

I live within reach of a town that has a semi busy mainline. In this particular town is a gorgeous train station that has been privately owned for years. Railfans congregate on the platform, which has benches, a canopy and lighting to watch trains. The building got new owners last year. The new owners (thankfully) don't mind us meeting there. I am grateful that we are allowed to sit there at all hours day and night. It is private property. They don't have to let us sit there. Now the issue. Along the right of way where the platform meets the ground, weeds have gotten a couple feet tall. While they do not detract in anyway from  train watching they can interfere just a little with a photo if the angle is wrong. One of the people who feel "entitled" that it is their right to sit there and trespass feels that the owner should get a landscaper to clear away the weeds. Here is where I want your opinion. The closest track to the platform is about 20 feet away. Why don't these "privileged few" bring down their weedwackers and take 10 - 15 minutes to clear out the weeds that they are offended by? Trains pass by every 2 - 3 hours so it could be done without any danger whatsoever.  They could do it for free. Think of the goodwill it would show the building's owner. We would be showing that we care about the property and the owners I'm sure would appreciate it. They let us sit there. They don't have to. These privileged few are the ones that spoil things for others. We have been evicted before because inconsiderates left the property littered and a mess. I am waiting to see these guys go too far again. Any thoughts?

[Deggesty]

It might be well to ask the owner of the property for permission to cut the weeds. If the owner does not object to your using his property for observing trains, I doubt that he would object if some of you offer to cut the weeds.

Are there weeds on the railroad's right of way?

[D.Carleton]

As mentioned this is all private property with all the rules and regulations that come with such. Your intentions for beautifying the area are noble and good. However, it is private property. If anything is to be done it must be with the permission of the owner. There may be a property line of railroad property that is not readily apparent. Your idea is just and commendable but acting without the permission of any and all property owners could land you in hot water and adversely affect all of us.

[pajrr]

Of course the owner would be asked for permission first. The weeds could be cut from the platform without trespassing on the right-of-way.

[Firelock76]

I'd have to echo what Deggesty said, ask the owner for permission first and if you get the OK (can't see why you wouldn't, you're doing it free) go ahead and whack away.  I'd spray some Spectracide afterwards to finish the job.

If the "entitled ones" don't want to join in, the hell with them!  Do it anyway!

Just because the "entitled ones" want to re-enforce the public view of railfans as social misfits doesn't mean the rest of you can't do the right thing as a "thank you" to the property owner.

Lady Firestorm says it's OK with her if you kick the "entitled ones" butts.  There's nothing she hates more than "entitiled ones" who moan and whine and do nothing!

Just curious, is the old station a residence or a business?

[pajrr]

The station has a couple buinesses in it. When the new owner took over we all shook hands and chatted. He is a good guy. That is why I would hate to see things screwed up. The last owner got so pissed at certain peoples actions that the police would monitor the building. We were not welcome there.

[Firelock76]

Thanks for the response!  I was curious because there's an old train station on the old Erie Northern Branch in North Jersey which is now a residence. 

If "your" station was a residence and the owner let railfans camp out and train watch I'd say he's a REALLY good guy!

[Murphy Siding]

     Maybe it would be a good idea to remind everyone that you are being allowed on the property by the kindness of the property owner. As such, you should collectively respect the owner's property and mind your manners. Remind everybody about the actions that caused trouble in the past, and resolve not to go down that path again.  By all means contact the owner and ask if it's ok for your group to keep the space spiffy looking. Offer to cut the weeds and to pick up the litter that ineveitably shows up when people show up.

[dakotafred]

Some excellent advice on here. So many railfans are cheapskates and, as well-labeled above, "misfits." I speak from 60 years' experience with them. Don't let them poison the well.

[tree68]

Sometimes it's better to ask permission than to beg for forgiveness.  Speak with the landowner.  Barring restrictions thereon, maybe you can use an herbicide to minimize the weed issue.  With permission, of course.

While you're talking with to the property owner, perhaps you can offer to place a trash can or two and keep them emptied.  If there's a dumpster on the property, maybe you can get permission from one of the businesses to place the trash there - a bag a month isn't going to break anyone.

If smoking is allowed there, maybe get one of those smoker's stations - and keep it emptied.

One problem with the "privileged" is oftimes that they don't like to be challenged.  Ask them to use the trash can and they might get close sometimes...  If you enlist enough support from the "good" fans, they'll eventually straighten the bad apples out.

Consider posting a couple of signs (with permission) indicating that railfans are guests there and good behavior will be rewarded with continued access.  Or something to that effect.

If the businesses in the station are relevant, encourage the fans to shop there (or whatever).  That's usually a good way to develop a positive relationship.

[samfp1943]

Firelock76

I'd have to echo what Deggesty said, ask the owner for permission first and if you get the OK (can't see why you wouldn't, you're doing it free) go ahead and whack away.

The above response seems to be the most reasonable way to handle the situation with the weeds...both prudent, and reasonable...

[ATSFGuy]

Can we see some photos of the line please?

 

[Firelock76]

Another question, if you'll indulge me.  Where is this place?

Don't worry, I won't show up with a busload of "loons!"

[zugmann]

Firelock76

Don't worry, I won't show up with a busload of "loons!"

Just bring a weed whacker.

 Or a goat.

[BaltACD]

Don't think loons are much of weed eaters

[CShaveRR]

I, too, would be interested in knowing (a) where this great location might be, and (b) the nature of the businesses in the old station.  Might be worth a trip, or a stop on a longer trip.

Concur with all of the nice ideas about gaining permission, not causing smoke or other litter.  If owner agrees, then yes--if it's a "lawn", mow it; if there are weeds, whack 'em.  I would suggest a trash receptacle regardless of what else is there.  A dumpster is probably the responsibility of the landlord, not the businesses in the place (unless they generate a lot of food waste, etc.).  It would probably be okay with the landlord if you used the property dumpster, but it might still be a good idea to have a receptacle that will stand out and give a message to railfan visitors that they have a little responsibiity.

Not knowing anything about this place, but remembering Deshler and a few other railfan-maintained spots, if you have the wherewithal (and permission!) to have a cookout of sorts, be sure and invite the landlord and business owners!

[Firelock76]

No they're not weed-eaters, but trust me, the pictured loons won't let you get a wink of sleep at night if you're near a lake where they reside!  Lady Firestorm and I made a trip to Moosehead Lake in Maine back in the 80's and let me tell you, those things make a racket!  Two in the morning Lady F was hurling curses at 'em out the cabin window and screaming "SHUT UP! SHUT UP! G-DAMMIT, SHUT UP!"

Interestingly, they did.  Don't mess with Lady F!