JT officials mum on train meeting

Officials with both Jim Thorpe borough and the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway are keeping details close to the vest following a meeting between the two sides Thursday brokered by state Rep. Doyle Heffley.

“Both sides have agreed not to make any kind of public statement to give us space to keep communicating,” Council President Greg Strubinger said Friday.

The railroad announced last week it would be stopping excursion train rides out of Jim Thorpe on Nov. 25 over an amusement tax dispute with the borough.

Earlier this month, Berkheimer, the tax collection agency representing Jim Thorpe borough, filed a suit against the railway for nearly $100,000 in unpaid amusement taxes for the past three years.

Strubinger said the borough was open to negotiations over the back taxes and future payments.

No agreement was reached Thursday.

“We didn’t think there would be after one meeting, but we are planning to continue talking,” he said.

Heffley said last week he had been working to bring the two sides together for a meeting.

“The trains are an asset to tourism and the community,” Heffley said after the train announced it was stopping the excursions.

“I’m not going to give up. I’m hopeful conversations can continue and we can get the appropriate people to the table. Everyone involved owes it to the other businesses in town to try to keep these trains running.”