In New Freedom, where a train has not operated in more than a decade, some residents and a business owner worry about how Steam Into History Inc. might affect the small town.

The nonprofit organization plans to operate a replica of a Civil War-era steam train that will help to educate tourists about York County's history.

It is expected to run six days a week from May to Labor Day and on weekends and for special events during most of the rest of the year. The operation will shut down in January and February, said Robert Gotwols, chief operating officer for Steam Into History.

Residents Caroline Swartz and Amy Shue and Amie Lebo, who runs "A Child's Place,"

This photo shows the general progress of the York locomotive build, as of November 2012. COURTESY OF KLOKE LOCOMOTIVE WORKS

Gotwols said he's willing to facilitate a town hall meeting. He'd like New Freedom residents to be involved.

"It's the beginning of a dialogue that I think will answer all of their questions and make us a better organization," Gotwols said.

The ladies cited a list of concerns, including noise, parking and safety.

Swartz said she wonders how the town, which does not have a traffic light, will handle the influx of thousands of visitors the train is expected to draw. Where will they park?

Amie Lebo, who runs the childcare center, remembers when a dinner train operated in town years ago. She couldn't take the children outside because the diesel engines were so loud. The children would hold their ears shut.

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New Freedom residents worry about Steam Into History impact