NORWAY – For years, Shaner’s Restaurant owner Jack Shaner has been trying to resolve the status of the Norway Branch Railroad running behind his property.

On Thursday, he brought his case to selectmen, saying the town has controlling interest in the defunct railroad, and needs to decide once and for all whether to sell off what remains of the line.

The old railroad line used to serve manufacturing concerns in downtown Norway as a side rail to the main railroad line running through Paris.

Shaner said the town controls the railroad because it has 200 controlling shares. Another 150 shares are held by others. A corporation run for many years by Planning Board Chairman Dennis Gray holds annual shareholder meetings. The only other current director is Mike Noble.

A few years back the railroad allowed Bessey Motors to purchase an easement over the railroad right of way, which runs through the middle of their back parking lot.

Gray has consistently held that there may be some future use for the railroad line.

Shaner said he’s had several offers over the years to purchase land behind his restaurant, but his understanding from Gray was that he was told “it was generally not available.”

However, Bob Bahre purchased a portion of the line in 1985, with the approval of voters, to develop subsidized housing on Beal Street.

“He runs the Norway Branch Railroad. You don’t,” Shaner said, pointing to Gray.

Bob Walker said that if the town, as a shareholder, disagreed with Gray’s decisions regarding the railroad right of way, selectmen, and ultimately the voters, could overrule that decision, he said.

“I personally would feel very uncomfortable not bringing it to town meeting,” said Walker.

Head Selectman William Damon said the town has several months to hash over the issue. It was generally agreed it would not come up before the next annual town meeting in June of 2004.

Shaner said he had things he needed to say in a closed-door session with selectmen. Town Manager David Holt said he and Shaner, Gray and Town Attorney Geoff Hole have already met on the issue.

Herbie Kennison, president of the Norway Trackers Snowmobile Club, said his group also had an active interest in the fate of the Norway Branch Railroad, since they use the right of way in the winter and “we work hard to keep it maintained.”

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