Railroad Spur Blocked by City Council
Kennewick officials stall a proposed industrial track on Front Street, citing public access rights.
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The O-W. R. N. company’s attempt to bring a spur track down Front Street has been temporarily side-tracked by the city council. The franchise ordinance, which was up for its third reading, occupied most of the council's Tuesday night meeting. Although councilmen acknowledged that the street is primarily used for shipping, they maintain that the spur should be constructed inside the property line rather than along the public thoroughfare. The railroad already owns a portion of the abutting property, which officials suggest would be sufficient for a right-of-way. The city attorney reinforced this stance, stating the council cannot legally abrogate the public’s right to free and unobstructed use of the streets. The spur was requested to serve The Fruit Exchange warehouse, but the matter has been referred back to the ordinance committee for further investigation.
“The council could not legally abrogate the public’s right to free and unobstructed use of the streets.”
Conflicts over the privatization of public streets for industrial or rail use remain a staple of municipal politics. This 1915 dispute mirrors modern Kennewick debates regarding infrastructure, industrial zoning, and the tension between economic growth and civic accessibility.
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