This is about the most ridiculous problem this community has ever generated. Trains use the tracks. It is a federal issue. The traffic will roughly double. Big deal. Those tracks have been there for at least 60 years. Get over it. You live next to train tracks. You knew that before you moved here. Bunch of whiners.
http://www.suburbanchicagonews.com/couriernews/news/1149698,3_1_EL07_A3RAILROAD_S1.article
What's at stake with CN's EJ&E purchase plan?
September 7, 2008Recommend
By DAN CAMPANA Staff Writer
Next stop: Aurora.
The series of Surface Transportation Board meetings on Canadian National Railway's proposed merger with the Elgin, Joliet & Eastern Railway continues Tuesday night at West Aurora High School. If attendance at similar gatherings in other communities, including Barrington and Bartlett, is any indicator, the place will be packed.
Here's what you need to know whether you plan to attend, have already commented to the STB or are just plain unsure about what this could mean to the area:
What's going on? Last year, CN and EJ&E -- through its parent company, U.S. Steel -- announced an agreement for CN to buy nearly 200 miles of track from northwest Indiana to Chicago's northern suburbs. Those tracks create a semi-circle outside Chicago that give CN an opportunity to move its trains more quickly through the suburbs. Doing so means more frequent and longer trains through area rail crossings.
How does this affect me? If you live near EJ&E tracks, the sale could impact your property values, according to the STB study. If your commute includes traveling over the tracks, you could be late for dinner because of an increase in the number of trains at those crossings. The study also includes a variety of scenarios that could mean different things to different folks. Check it out yourself at www.stbfinancedocket35087.com/html/deis-report.html
What does CN say? The company says it is working with communities to minimize impacts on towns along the EJ&E tracks, has pledged to spend $50 million toward mitigation efforts, and touts a general perspective of greater safety and less congestion across the board because fewer trains will cut through Chicago and its nearest suburbs. At the same time, CN is demanding the STB rule on the competitive aspects by Dec. 31 -- the deadline for a CN-U.S. Steel agreement -- or face possible litigation.
Who's opposing this? The strongest voice has been The Regional Answer to Canadian National, or TRAC, a coalition of suburban leaders who suggest CN's plan is shortsighted and too costly. U.S. Reps. Bill Foster and Judy Biggert, as well as U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin, have also panned the proposal.
So who's supporting CN? Recently, a new group -- Solution to Area Rail Traffic -- formed, combining officials from suburbs that appear to benefit from CN moving trains to a western line. U.S. Rep. Dan Lipinski is backing the organization, saying some 60 communities will see fewer trains if the plan is approved. Lipinski, a member of the U.S. House board that oversees the STB, says his district and the region will benefit.
How can my opinions be known? By Sept. 30, you can get your comments on the record in one of the following ways:
In writing: Comment forms will be provided at the public meetings and will be accepted on site or by mail. Additionally, comment forms or written letters can be sent to: Phillis Johnson-Ball, Surface Transportation Board, 395 E Street, SW, Washington, D.C. 20423, Ref: STB Finance Docket No. 35087.
Recorded comments: Court reporters will be available at the public meetings for those who attend. Comments also may be recorded at any time during the comment period on the project hot line, (800) 347-0689.
Electronically: Comments may be filed electronically on the board's Web site, www.stb.dot.gov, by clicking on the e-filing link. Refer STB Finance Docket No. 35087.
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