The Lansford Historical Society is one step closer to securing ownership of the former Lehigh and New England train station along Dock Street.

Lansford Borough Council on Wednesday voted to draft an agreement for the transfer from the borough to the society, a move that has the support of local legislators and the Pocono Mountain Visitors Bureau.

Society Secretary Dale Freudenberger told council that preserving the station is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the community.

“This is the only surviving Lehigh and New England Railroad passenger and freight station for many miles,” he said. “It’s a tremendous asset … maybe people just don’t realize how big of an asset it is.”

The historical society isn’t interested in making money or flipping the property but developing a community asset that will bring people into town, Freudenberger said.

“This is all about the community, all of our efforts down with the station, whether they be short term or long term, is for the good of the community,” he said.

The historical society is stepping up because it already has the nonprofit status and tremendous partners, such as the PMVB, to assist with the project, Freudenberger said.

The PMVB also see the train station as an asset and a factor in a tourism plan for the borough, which includes the No. 9 Coal Mine and Museum and the newly established trolley tours through town.

Marilyn Kissner and Marianne Rustad from the visitors bureau spoke to council members Wednesday about the trolley tours, which will continue to bring visitors to Lansford this year.

“This didn’t cost the borough a dime,” Kissner said. “We funded it, and we wanted to show that this would be an asset for the town to bring people in to spend money.

“This is going continue and we’re excited about it,” she said.

Rustad showed images of what the train station could look like with continued investment. Potted greenery and flowers and benches grace the front doors with biking parking to one side.

The loading dock is transformed with dark railing into an outdoor seating area for the station, which could see a mix of small shops, eateries, a trail stop, visitors center and even a train museum. Planters continue along the front of the building, softening the brick and concrete with greens.

“We see the partnership being one as consultant and adviser,” Rustad said. “We will assist the historical society with the transfer, and we’ll address outstanding borough-related costs.

“Our CEO Chris Barrett was 100% behind that and will advise and consult on a more long-term basis, assisting with the business plan,” she said.

Councilman Bruce Markovich, who is vice president of the historical society, said they’re working on securing an O-gauge model train display for the station as an attraction, which will help keep visitors in town longer.

The No. 9 Mine draws about 17,000 visitors a year, and the average stay is about two hours and they leave, he said.

“If we can convince these people to come up to the train station, they’ll stay here for lunch,” Markovich said. “They’ll stay here for supper, because they have something else to do here.”

Mayor Denise Leibensperger asked about the train tracks and the now-closed Hauto Tunnel, and if they would be looking at passenger train runs, similar to the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway.

Freudenberger wasn’t sure about the tunnel, but Reading Blue Mountain and Northern Railroad has verbally committed to rehabilitating the tracks between the Arlington Yards in Tamaqua and Lansford, which could be used for passenger and freight.

“I don’t have it in writing, but they’re going to commit to rehabbing that line over as far as Lansford,” he said, adding that many communities are adding small stations to allow for train stops.

“Rumor has it that they’re going to put a station right across from the No. 9 mine,” Freudenberger said. “Just a small station to get on and off right at that spot.”

He pointed out the former New England and Lehigh station is just a half mile down the road.

“I can’t tell you a timeline, but it sounds like it’s going to happen,” Freudenberger said.

Rustad pointed out that development of the station could then lead to more small businesses opening in the heart of downtown, giving visitors more places to go and spend their dollars.

Carbon County is a part of the Poconos, which sees $7.2 billion of tourist dollars every year, and the county’s share is about $550 million.

“We really want some of that money here in Lansford,” Rustad said.

Council voted 5-1 to draft an agreement to transfer the station. Councilman Joe Butrie was opposed. Markovich abstained.