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Finance DocketBefore the Surface Transportation Board

FD 35087

Docket Yard · docketyard.org/d/FD-35087 · entries shown: all, newest first

CANADIAN NATIONAL RAILWAY COMPANY AND GRAND TRUNK CORPORATION--CONTROL--EJ&E WEST COMPANY

Caption from the Board’s record. Sub-dockets, included below: FD 35087 (Sub-No. 1), FD 35087 (Sub-No. 2), FD 35087 (Sub-No. 3), FD 35087 (Sub-No. 4), FD 35087 (Sub-No. 5), FD 35087 (Sub-No. 6), FD 35087 (Sub-No. 7), FD 35087 (Sub-No. 8)

549 filings, 53 decisions and 12,031 environmental comments observed here; last checked 10 Oct 2026, 21:36 UTC; last new entry 31 Aug 2026, 20:34 UTC.

Cite View on stb.gov

Entries

By type (18)
Newest first · oldest first
  1. served (printed as 8/30/2019)
    Decision
    47112Entire Board · in FD 35087 (Sub-No. 8)
    DENIES A PETITION BY THE VILLAGE OF BARRINGTON, ILL., TO REOPEN THE BOARD'S 2008 DECISION APPROVING CANADIAN NATIONAL RAILWAY COMPANY AND GRAND TRUNK CORPORATION'S ACQUISITION OF EJ&E WEST COMPANY.
  2. (printed as 8/30/2019)
    Section
    248412Section 5 Summary · in FD 35087 (Sub-No. 8)
    Surface Transportation Board
  3. (printed as 7/18/2019)
    Letter
    248218Letter · in FD 35087 (Sub-No. 8)
    Village Of Barrington, Illinois
  4. (printed as 6/26/2019)
    Reply
    248040Reply · in FD 35087 (Sub-No. 8)
    Canadian National Railway Company And Grand Trunk Corporation
  5. (printed as 6/7/2019)
    Oral
    247901Oral Argument/Hearing Request · in FD 35087 (Sub-No. 8)
    Village Of Barrington, Illinois
  6. (printed as 6/5/2019)
    Reply
    247866Reply · in FD 35087 (Sub-No. 8)
    Canadian National Railway Company And Grand Trunk Corporation
  7. (printed as 5/16/2019)
    Motion
    247781Motion/Petition/Request · in FD 35087 (Sub-No. 8)
    Village Of Barrington, Illinois
  8. (printed as 4/29/2019)
    Reply
    247621Reply · in FD 35087 (Sub-No. 8)
    Canadian National Railway Company And Grand Trunk Corporation
  9. (printed as 4/17/2019)
    Supplement
    247516Modify/Supplement Prior Filing Or The Record · in FD 35087 (Sub-No. 8)
    Village Of Barrington, Illinois
  10. (printed as 4/10/2019)
    Supplement
    247453Modify/Supplement Prior Filing Or The Record · in FD 35087 (Sub-No. 8)
    Village Of Barrington, Illinois
  11. (printed as 4/8/2019)
    Motion
    247429Petition To Reopen · in FD 35087 (Sub-No. 8)
    Village Of Barrington, Illinois
  12. served (printed as 12/21/2018)
    Decision
    46650Entire Board · in FD 35087 (Sub-No. 8)
    DECISION FOUND THAT THE VILLAGE OF BARRINGTON HAS NOT PRESENTED NEW EVIDENCE OR SUBSTANTIALLY CHANGED CIRCUMSTANCES THAT WARRANT THE REQUESTED ADDITIONAL MITIGATION AND THEREFORE DENIES THE REQUEST.
  13. (printed as 12/21/2018)
    Section
    246952Section 5 Summary · in FD 35087 (Sub-No. 8)
    Surface Transportation Board
  14. (printed as 10/15/2018)
    Motion
    246493Motion/Petition/Request · in FD 35087 (Sub-No. 8)
    Village Of Barrington, Illinois
  15. (printed as 10/4/2018)
    Reply
    246467Reply · in FD 35087 (Sub-No. 8)
    Canadian National Railway Company And Grand Trunk Corporation
  16. (printed as 9/18/2018)
    Reply
    246390Reply · in FD 35087 (Sub-No. 8)
    Village Of Barrington, Illinois
  17. (printed as 9/18/2018)
    Reply
    246389Reply · in FD 35087 (Sub-No. 8)
    Village Of Barrington, Illinois
  18. (printed as 9/14/2018)
    Motion
    246367Motion/Petition/Request · in FD 35087 (Sub-No. 8)
    Village Of Barrington, Illinois
  19. (printed as 8/29/2018)
    Reply
    246275Reply · in FD 35087 (Sub-No. 8)
    Canadian National Railway Company
  20. (printed as 8/8/2018)
    Motion
    246185Motion/Petition/Request · in FD 35087 (Sub-No. 8)
    Village Of Barrington, Illinois
  21. served (printed as 1/2/2018)
    Decision
    46226Director Of Proceedings · in FD 35087 (Sub-No. 8)
    DECISION PROVIDED NOTICE THAT COURT ACTION WAS INSTITUTED IN THIS PROCEEDING IN THE UNITED STATES COURT OF APPEALS FOR THE SEVENTH CIRCUIT.
    in the court-action register
  22. (printed as 12/14/2017)
    Substitution
    244871Substitution/Withdrawal Of Counsel · in FD 35087 (Sub-No. 8)
    Illinois Central Railroad Company And;Grand Trunk Western Railroad Company
  23. served (printed as 10/30/2017)
    Decision
    46044Entire Board · in FD 35087 (Sub-No. 8)
    DECISION DENIED RECONSIDERATION OF AN APRIL 2017 DECISION TO DENY A PETITION TO REOPEN THE BOARD'S 2008 APPROVAL OF CANADIAN NATIONAL RAILWAY COMPANY'S ACQUISITION OF EJ&E WEST COMPANY FILED BY THE VILLAGE OF BARRINGTON, ILL., AND THE ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION.
  24. (printed as 10/19/2017)
    Reply
    244588Reply · in FD 35087 (Sub-No. 8)
    Village Of Barrington, Illinois
  25. (printed as 10/2/2017)
    Reply
    244447Reply · in FD 35087 (Sub-No. 8)
    Canadian National Railway Company And Grand Trunk Corporation
  26. (printed as 9/12/2017)
    Supplement
    244321Modify/Supplement Prior Filing Or The Record · in FD 35087 (Sub-No. 8)
    Village Of Barrington, Illinois
  27. (printed as 8/25/2017)
    Substitution
    244204Substitution/Withdrawal Of Counsel
    Canadian National Railway Company
  28. (printed as 6/5/2017)
    Reply
    243697Reply · in FD 35087 (Sub-No. 8)
    Canadian National Railway Company And Grand Trunk Corporation
  29. (printed as 5/16/2017)
    Motion
    243185Petition For Reconsideration · in FD 35087 (Sub-No. 8)
    Village Of Barrington, Illinois
  30. served (printed as 4/26/2017)
    Decision
    45704Entire Board · in FD 35087 (Sub-No. 8)
    DECISION: (1) DENIED THE ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AND THE VILLAGE OF BARRINGTON, ILL. (COLLECTIVELY, PETITIONERS') JOINT PETITION TO REOPEN, (2) GRANTED PETITIONERS' REQUEST FOR LEAVE TO FILE A REPLY TO A REPLY; AND (3) GRANTED CANADIAN NATIONAL RAILWAY COMPANY'S REQUEST FOR LEAVE TO FILE A REPLY TO PETITIONERS' FEBRUARY 23, 2017 REPLY.
  31. (printed as 4/6/2017)
    Letter
    242904Letter · in FD 35087 (Sub-No. 8)
    Honorable Steve Cohen
  32. (printed as 3/15/2017)
    Reply
    242814Reply · in FD 35087 (Sub-No. 8)
    Canadian National Railway Company And Grand Trunk Corporation
  33. (printed as 3/6/2017)
    Letter
    242741Letter · in FD 35087 (Sub-No. 8)
    Surface Transportation Board
  34. (printed as 2/27/2017)
    Statement
    242710Support Statement · in FD 35087 (Sub-No. 8)
    Honorable Peter J. Roskam
  35. (printed as 2/23/2017)
    Motion
    242700Motion/Petition/Request · in FD 35087 (Sub-No. 8)
    Illinois Department Of Transportation And The Village;Of Barrington, Illinois
  36. (printed as 2/7/2017)
    Letter
    242588Letter · in FD 35087 (Sub-No. 8)
    Surface Transportation Board
  37. (printed as 2/1/2017)
    Statement
    242547Support Statement · in FD 35087 (Sub-No. 8)
    Honorable Richard J Durbin, Honorable Tammy Duckworth
  38. (printed as 1/30/2017)
    Reply
    242543Reply · in FD 35087 (Sub-No. 8)
    Canadian National Railway Company And Grand Trunk Corporation
  39. (printed as 1/23/2017)
    Statement
    242498Support Statement · in FD 35087 (Sub-No. 8)
    Honorable Robert J. O'conner
  40. (printed as 1/17/2017)
    Supplement
    242466Modify/Supplement Prior Filing Or The Record · in FD 35087 (Sub-No. 8)
    Illinois Department Of Transportation And The Village;Of Barrington, Illinois
  41. (printed as 1/10/2017)
    Motion
    242403Motion/Petition/Request · in FD 35087 (Sub-No. 8)
    The Illinois Department Of Transportation And The Village Of Barrington, Illinois
  42. served (printed as 11/4/2015)
    Decision
    44685Entire Board · in FD 35087 (Sub-No. 8)
    DECISION DENIED VILLAGE OF BARRINGTON, ILL.'S PETITION FOR RECONSIDERATION OF A MAY 2015 DECISION TO DENY A PETITION.
  43. (printed as 10/8/2015)
    Statement
    239340Support Statement · in FD 35087 (Sub-No. 8)
    United States Senate,
  44. (printed as 7/31/2015)
    Letter
    239403Letter · in FD 35087 (Sub-No. 8)
    Surface Transportation Board
  45. (printed as 7/31/2015)
    Letter
    239402Letter · in FD 35087 (Sub-No. 8)
    Surface Transportation Board
  46. (printed as 7/21/2015)
    Comment
    EI-21026Conception Volanti
  47. (printed as 6/24/2015)
    Reply
    238686Reply · in FD 35087 (Sub-No. 8)
    Canadian National Railway Company And Grand Trunk Corporation
  48. (printed as 6/18/2015)
    Letter
    238723Letter · in FD 35087 (Sub-No. 8)
    Honorable Peter J. Roskam
  49. (printed as 6/18/2015)
    Reply
    238650Reply · in FD 35087 (Sub-No. 8)
    Barrington Township
  50. (printed as 6/17/2015)
    Reply
    238640Reply · in FD 35087 (Sub-No. 8)
    Village Of Lake Barrington
  51. (printed as 6/17/2015)
    Reply
    238639Reply · in FD 35087 (Sub-No. 8)
    City Of Aurora
  52. (printed as 6/16/2015)
    Statement
    238630Support Statement · in FD 35087 (Sub-No. 8)
    Chicago Metropolitan Agency For Planning
  53. (printed as 6/4/2015)
    Motion
    238545Petition For Reconsideration · in FD 35087 (Sub-No. 8)
    Village Of Barrington, Illinois
  54. served (printed as 5/15/2015)
    Decision
    44282Entire Board · in FD 35087 (Sub-No. 8)
    DECISION FOUND THAT THE VILLAGE OF BARRINGTON HAS NOT PRESENTED NEW EVIDENCE OR SUBSTANTIALLY CHANGED CIRCUMSTANCES THAT SUPPORT THE ADDITIONAL MITIGATION CONDITION THAT THE VILLAGE IS SEEKING.
  55. (printed as 2/25/2015)
    Reply
    237808Reply · in FD 35087 (Sub-No. 8)
    Canadian National Railway Company And Grand Trunk Corporation
  56. (printed as 2/23/2015)
    Oral
    237779Oral Argument/Hearing Request · in FD 35087 (Sub-No. 8)
    Village Of Barrington, Illinois
  57. (printed as 1/27/2015)
    Comment
    EI-20905Stephen Harrisson
    Barrington, IL
  58. (printed as 1/26/2015)
    Reply
    237623Reply · in FD 35087 (Sub-No. 8)
    Canadian National Railway Company And Grand Trunk Corporation
  59. (printed as 1/6/2015)
    Comment
    EI-20887Stephen Harrison
  60. (printed as 1/5/2015)
    Motion
    237380Motion/Petition/Request · in FD 35087 (Sub-No. 8)
    Village Of Barrington, Illinois
  61. (printed as 12/31/2014)
    Notice
    237368Notice
    Union Pacific Railroad Company
  62. served (printed as 12/17/2014)
    Decision
    44079Entire Board
    DECISION GRANTS THE PETITION FILED BY THE VILLAGE OF BARRINGTON, ILL., AND THE TRAC COALITION TO EXTEND FOR TWO YEARS THE OVERSIGHT PERIOD FOR THE TRANSACTION IN WHICH CANADIAN NATIONAL RAILWAY AND GRAND TRUNK CORPORATION ACQUIRED CONTROL OF EJ&E WEST COMPANY.
  63. (printed as 12/16/2014)
    Reply
    237250Reply · in FD 35087 (Sub-No. 8)
    Canadian National Railway Company
  64. (printed as 12/3/2014)
    Motion
    237148Motion/Petition/Request
    Illinois Department Of Transportation
  65. (printed as 11/26/2014)
    Motion
    237112Petition To Reopen · in FD 35087 (Sub-No. 8)
    Village Of Barrington, Illinois
  66. (printed as 11/18/2014)
    Letter
    237066Letter
    Chamber Of Commerce
  67. (printed as 11/6/2014)
    Letter
    236998Letter
    Honorable Steve Cohen
  68. (printed as 9/29/2014)
    Letter
    236748Letter
    Bettye Gavin
  69. (printed as 9/29/2014)
    Letter
    236747Letter
    Chandra C. Bradley
  70. (printed as 9/23/2014)
    Letter
    236728Letter
    Village Of Mundelein
  71. (printed as 9/23/2014)
    Letter
    236727Letter
    Indiana Chamber Of Commerce
  72. (printed as 9/22/2014)
    Letter
    236716Letter
    Conexus Indiana
  73. (printed as 9/17/2014)
    Letter
    236693Letter
    Gary Chamber Of Commerce
  74. (printed as 9/16/2014)
    Reply
    236686Reply
    Canadian National Railway Company And Grand Trunk Corporation
  75. (printed as 9/16/2014)
    Letter
    236681Letter
    Illinois Chamber Of Commerce, Infrastructure Council
  76. (printed as 9/16/2014)
    Letter
    236676Letter
    Village Of Barrington, Illinois
  77. (printed as 9/15/2014)
    Letter
    236668Letter
    Mallory Alexander International Logistics
  78. (printed as 9/11/2014)
    Letter
    236659Letter/Telegram
    Honorable Richard J Durbin
  79. (printed as 9/11/2014)
    Letter
    236653Letter
    Village Of Homewood
  80. (printed as 8/28/2014)
    Motion
    236541Motion/Petition/Request
    Village Of Barrington, Illinois
  81. (printed as 7/14/2014)
    Report
    236313Status Report
    Illinois Department Of Transportation
  82. (printed as 5/8/2014)
    Comments
    236017Comment
    Illinois Department Of Transportation
  83. served (printed as 5/30/2013)
    Decision
    43083Entire Board
    DECISION REOPENED THIS PROCEEDING TO EXTEND THE 2015 DEADLINE IN CONDITION NO. 14 OF A PREVIOUS DECISION BY TWO YEARS, TO DECEMBER 31, 2017.
  84. served (printed as 4/15/2013)
    Decision
    42879Entire Board
    DECISION REOPENS THE APPROVAL DECISION FOR THE LIMITED PURPOSE OF IMPOSING A CONDITION REQUIRING CANADIAN NATIONAL RAILWAY COMPANY AND GRAND TRUNK CORPORATION TO COMPLY WITH THE TERMS OF A NEGOTIATED AGREEMENT REACHED WITH VILLAGE OF BARTLETT, ILL.
  85. (printed as 3/28/2013)
    Reply
    233991Reply
    Canadian National Railway Company And Grand Trunk Corporation
  86. (printed as 3/8/2013)
    Comments
    233920Comment
    Illinois Department Of Transportation
  87. (printed as 2/13/2013)
    Comment
    EI-21201John Ole Oldenburg
  88. served (printed as 12/31/2012)
    Decision
    42864Director Of Proceedings · in FD 35087 (Sub-No. 8)
    PROVIDED NOTICE THAT COURT ACTION WAS INSTITUTED IN THIS PROCEEDING.
    in the court-action register
  89. served (printed as 11/8/2012)
    Decision
    42285Entire Board · in FD 35087 (Sub-No. 8)
    DECISION DENIED A PETITION FILED BY THE VILLAGE OF BARRINGTON, ILL. TO REQUIRE A CONDITION TO BE IMPOSED ON THE 2008 AUTHORIZED APPROVAL FOR CANADA NATIONAL RAILWAY COMPANY TO ACQUIRE CONTROL OF EJ&E WEST COMPANY.
  90. (printed as 4/10/2012)
    Letter
    233761Letter · in FD 35087 (Sub-No. 8)
    Honorable Robert J. Dold
  91. (printed as 4/10/2012)
    Letter
    232173Letter
    Honorable Robert Dold
  92. (printed as 2/9/2012)
    Comment
    EI-18799Anthony Mielcarz
    This is in regard to the CN RR & EJ&E .I had given my comments and concerns at the hearings in Matteson,Il and it is available as public record. I can not find any information on area impact studies fo the revised Matteson, interchange nor does the the CN RR even show the clover leaf interchange on their system map. It is right in my back yard , just across the drain ditch. The wheel squeal is un real and so is the virbation at times. When are you going to do some real time studies ?? % year evulation seems to be a joke!! Just feelings But when the train is south bound off of the main line and it takes the revised curve to go east bound and it is night time it lights up the whole house , bedroom glows even with room darking shades and drapes. The the wheel squeal is just wonderful. I have lived near RR most of my life and the straight through trains are pretty quiet but the revised configuration at the Matteson interchange give a new meaning to RR noise, You are more than welcome to join at my house. Maybe you can stop over when Senator Durbin stops by. I am still waiting for his response that this is a important matter. We need a real time study !! Not what your experts think it might be but what it is in real time.
    Park Forest, Il
  93. (printed as 1/18/2012)
    Comments
    231710Comment · in FD 35087 (Sub-No. 8)
    Village Of Cary
  94. (printed as 1/17/2012)
    Comments
    231708Comment · in FD 35087 (Sub-No. 8)
    City Of Crystal Lake, Il
  95. (printed as 1/13/2012)
    Comments
    231679Comment · in FD 35087 (Sub-No. 8)
    Chicago Metropolitan Agency For Planning
  96. (printed as 1/12/2012)
    Comments
    231676Comment · in FD 35087 (Sub-No. 8)
    Village Of South Barrington
  97. (printed as 1/11/2012)
    Comments
    231666Comment · in FD 35087 (Sub-No. 8)
    Village Of Palatine
  98. (printed as 1/9/2012)
    Comments
    231638Comment · in FD 35087 (Sub-No. 8)
    Barrington Township
  99. (printed as 1/9/2012)
    Comments
    231637Comment · in FD 35087 (Sub-No. 8)
    Village Of Tower Lakes
  100. (printed as 1/9/2012)
    Comments
    231636Comment · in FD 35087 (Sub-No. 8)
    City Of Aurora
  101. (printed as 1/9/2012)
    Comments
    231635Comment · in FD 35087 (Sub-No. 8)
    Village Of Lake Barrington
  102. (printed as 12/13/2011)
    Comments
    231475Comment · in FD 35087 (Sub-No. 8)
    Honorable Donald A. Manzullo, Honorable Joe Walsh, Honorable Peter J. Roskam, Honorable Robert Dold
  103. (printed as 12/5/2011)
    Reply
    231439Reply · in FD 35087 (Sub-No. 8)
    Honorable Richard J Durbin, Honorable Mark Kirk
  104. (printed as 12/5/2011)
    Reply
    231422Reply · in FD 35087 (Sub-No. 8)
    Canadian National Railway Company And Grand Trunk Corporation
  105. (printed as 11/14/2011)
    Motion
    231286Motion/Petition/Request · in FD 35087 (Sub-No. 8)
    Village Of Barrington, Illinois
  106. (printed as 11/7/2011)
    Letter
    231253Letter
    Honorable Richard J Durbin
  107. (printed as 11/3/2011)
    Reply
    231242Reply · in FD 35087 (Sub-No. 8)
    Canadian National Railway Company And Grand Trunk Corporation
  108. served (printed as 11/1/2011)
    Decision
    41987Director Of Proceedings · in FD 35087 (Sub-No. 8)
    DECISION GRANTED THE VILLAGE OF BARRINGTON'S REQUEST FOR PARTIAL WAIVER OF SERVICE.
  109. (printed as 10/14/2011)
    Motion
    232609Motion/Petition/Request · in FD 35087 (Sub-No. 8)
    Village Of Barrington, Illinois
  110. (printed as 10/14/2011)
    Motion
    232608Petition For Reconsideration · in FD 35087 (Sub-No. 8)
    Village Of Barrington, Illinois
  111. (printed as 10/14/2011)
    Motion
    231107Motion/Petition/Request
    Village Of Barrington, Illinois
  112. (printed as 10/14/2011)
    Motion
    231106Petition For Reconsideration
    Village Of Barrington, Illinois
  113. (printed as 10/5/2011)
    Report
    231051Status Report
    Illinois Department Of Transportation
  114. served (printed as 6/9/2011)
    Decision
    41589Entire Board
    DECISION REOPENED DECISION NO. 16, WHICH WAS SERVED ON DECEMBER 24, 2008, TO IMPOSE A CONDITION REQUIRING CANADIAN NATIONAL RAILWAY COMPANY AND GRAND TRUNK CORPORATION TO COMPLY WITH THE TERMS OF A NEGOTIATED AGREEMENT WITH THE VILLAGE OF WAYNE, ILL.
  115. (printed as 5/11/2011)
    Comment
    EI-18557Thomas Thanas,City Manager
    Joliet, IL
  116. served (printed as 4/4/2011)
    Decision
    41360Entire Board · also entered in FD 35087 (Sub-No. 1), FD 35087 (Sub-No. 2), FD 35087 (Sub-No. 3), FD 35087 (Sub-No. 4), FD 35087 (Sub-No. 5), FD 35087 (Sub-No. 6), FD 35087 (Sub-No. 7)
    DECISION REOPENS THE APPROVAL DECISION TO IMPOSE A CONDITION REQUIRING CANADIAN NATIONAL RAILWAY COMPANY AND GRAND TRUNK CORPORATION TO COMPLY WITH THE TERMS OF THE NEGOTIATED AGREEMENT ENTERED INTO WITH THE VILLAGE OF NEW LENOX, ILL.
  117. served (printed as 12/21/2010)
    Decision
    41302Entire Board · also entered in FD 35087 (Sub-No. 1), FD 35087 (Sub-No. 2), FD 35087 (Sub-No. 3), FD 35087 (Sub-No. 4), FD 35087 (Sub-No. 5), FD 35087 (Sub-No. 6), FD 35087 (Sub-No. 7)
    DECISION ORDERED CANADIAN NATIONAL RAILWAY COMPANY (CN) TO PAY $250,000 TO THE U.S. TREASURY FOR KNOWINGLY VIOLATING THE BOARD'S ORDERS MANDATING MONTHLY AND QUARTERLY CN STATUS REPORTS REGARDING EACH CROSSING BLOCKING OCCURRENCE ON THE FORMER EJ&E WEST RAIL LINE EXCEEDING 10 MINUTES IN DURATION.
  118. served (printed as 12/21/2010)
    Decision
    40961Entire Board · also entered in FD 35087 (Sub-No. 1), FD 35087 (Sub-No. 2), FD 35087 (Sub-No. 3), FD 35087 (Sub-No. 4), FD 35087 (Sub-No. 5), FD 35087 (Sub-No. 6), FD 35087 (Sub-No. 7)
    DECISION REVIEWED THE FINDINGS OF AN INDEPENDENT AUDIT OF REPORTS FILED BY CANADIAN NATIONAL RAILWAY COMPANY (CN) IN CONNECTION WITH ITS ACQUISITION OF EJ&E WEST COMPANY. THE BOARD CONTINUES TO HAVE CONCERNS, PRINCIPALLY AT 4 LOCATIONS IN ILLINOIS AND INDIANA, WHERE BLOCKED CROSSINGS HAVE INCREASED SIGNIFICANTLY SINCE THE ACQUISITION, RESULTING IN VEHICLE DELAY AND TRAFFIC CONGESTION. THIS DECISION REQUIRED ADDITIONAL REPORTING FROM CN, ORDERS ANOTHER AUDIT TO BE CONDUCTED IN 2011, AND EXTENDED THE 5-YEAR MONITORING AND OVERSIGHT PERIOD FOR THIS ACQUISITION 1 ADDITIONAL YEAR TO JANUARY 2015.
  119. served (printed as 12/20/2010)
    Decision
    41068Entire Board · also entered in FD 35087 (Sub-No. 1), FD 35087 (Sub-No. 2), FD 35087 (Sub-No. 3), FD 35087 (Sub-No. 4), FD 35087 (Sub-No. 5), FD 35087 (Sub-No. 6), FD 35087 (Sub-No. 7)
    DECISION REOPENS THE APPROVAL DECISION TO IMPOSE CONDITIONS REQUIRING CANADIAN NATIONAL RAILWAY COMPANY AND GRAND TRUNK CORPORATION TO COMPLY WITH THE TERMS OF THE NEGOTIATED AGREEMENTS ENTERED INTO WITH THE VILLAGE OF LONG GROVE, ILL., AND VILLAGE OF SAUK, ILL.
  120. (printed as 9/14/2010)
    Report
    227798Status Report
    Illinois Department Of Transportation
  121. (printed as 9/13/2010)
    Comment
    EI-18291Melanie Blaha
  122. served (printed as 8/30/2010)
    Decision
    40839Entire Board · also entered in FD 35087 (Sub-No. 1), FD 35087 (Sub-No. 2), FD 35087 (Sub-No. 3), FD 35087 (Sub-No. 4), FD 35087 (Sub-No. 5), FD 35087 (Sub-No. 6), FD 35087 (Sub-No. 7)
    DECISION REOPENED DECISION NO. 16, SERVED DECEMBER 24, 2008 (APPROVAL DECISION), IN THIS PROCEEDING TO IMPOSE CONDITIONS REQUIRING APPLICANTS TO COMPLY WITH THE TERMS OF THE NEWLY NEGOTIATED AGREEMENT WITH BARRINGTON HILLS, ILL. IN ADDITION, THIS DECISION MODIFIED CONDITION NO. 18 OF THE APPROVAL DECISION TO REQUIRE INSTALLATION OF THE NEW ACTIVE CROSSING SYSTEM TO REPLACE THE CLOSED-CIRCUIT TELEVISION SYSTEM AT SPECIFIC AT-GRADE CROSSINGS IN CERTAIN COMMUNITIES TO ASSIST EMERGENCY SERVICE PROVIDERS.
  123. (printed as 8/6/2010)
    Reply
    227593Reply
    Canadian National Railway Company And Grand Trunk Corporation
  124. (printed as 7/6/2010)
    Comment
    EI-18230Michael Atkinson
  125. (printed as 7/6/2010)
    Comment
    EI-18229Mike Tanner
  126. (printed as 7/6/2010)
    Comment
    EI-18228John Olson
  127. (printed as 6/25/2010)
    Reply
    227351Reply
    Canadian National Railway Company And Grand Trunk Corporation
  128. (printed as 6/3/2010)
    Letter
    227206Letter
    Honorable Donald A. Manzullo, Honorable Bill Foster, Honorable Melissa L. Bean, Honorable Peter J Visclosky, Honorable Judy Biggert
  129. (printed as 5/28/2010)
    Comments
    227182Comment
    Canadian National Railway Company And Grand Trunk Corporation
  130. (printed as 5/28/2010)
    Comments
    227173Comment
    Trac Coalition, Village Of Barrington, Illinois
  131. (printed as 4/29/2010)
    Oral
    226912Oral Argument Exhibits
    Canadian National Railway Company And Grand Trunk Corporation
  132. (printed as 4/27/2010)
    Comment
    EI-18136Vanessa Horton
  133. (printed as 4/23/2010)
    Motion
    226882Petition To Reopen
    Canadian National Railway Company And Grand Trunk Corporation
  134. served (printed as 4/21/2010)
    Decision
    40753Entire Board · also entered in FD 35087 (Sub-No. 1), FD 35087 (Sub-No. 2), FD 35087 (Sub-No. 3), FD 35087 (Sub-No. 4), FD 35087 (Sub-No. 5), FD 35087 (Sub-No. 6), FD 35087 (Sub-No. 7)
    DECISION ORDERED CANADIAN NATIONAL RAILWAY COMPANY (CN) TO APPEAR AT AN ORAL HEARING ON APRIL 28, 2010, TO EXPLAIN WHY ITS SUBMISSIONS TO THE BOARD ON CROSSING BLOCKAGES OF 10 MINUTES OR MORE DIFFER FROM DATA AUTOMATICALLY REPORTED BY ITS OWN CROSSING GATES, AND WHY CN DID NOT DISCLOSE THAT IT HAD SUCH INFORMATION. THE BOARD FURTHER ORDERED CN TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION PERTAINING TO SUCH REPORTS, AS SPECIFIED IN THIS DECISION.
  135. (printed as 4/12/2010)
    Comment
    EI-18129Illinois DOT
    Diane M. O'Keefe`
  136. (printed as 3/15/2010)
    Reply
    226610Reply
    Canadian National Railway Company And Grand Trunk Corporation
  137. served (printed as 3/10/2010)
    Decision
    40570Entire Board · also entered in FD 35087 (Sub-No. 1), FD 35087 (Sub-No. 2), FD 35087 (Sub-No. 3), FD 35087 (Sub-No. 4), FD 35087 (Sub-No. 5), FD 35087 (Sub-No. 6), FD 35087 (Sub-No. 7)
    DECISION REOPENED DECISION NO. 16, SERVED DECEMBER 24, 2008, IN THIS PROCEEDING, TO IMPOSE UPON CANADIAN NATIONAL RAILWAY COMPANY AND GRAND TRUNK CORPORATION CONDITIONS REQUIRING THEM TO COMPLY WITH THE TERMS OF THE NEW AGREEMENTS. IN ADDITION, THIS DECISION REMOVED THE BOARD'S EXISTING SITE-SPECIFIC CONDITIONS THAT PERTAIN TO THE COMMUNITIES THAT HAVE NOW ENTERED INTO NEGOTIATED AGREEMENTS, AS WELL AS THE SITE-SPECIFIC CONDITION PERTAINING TO HAWTHORNE WOODS, WHICH ENTERED INTO AN AGREEMENT ON SEPTEMBER 14, 2009.
  138. (printed as 2/23/2010)
    Comments
    226494Comment
    Illinois Department Of Transportation
  139. (printed as 2/17/2010)
    Comment
    EI-18041Melanie Blaha
    Plainfield, IL,
  140. (printed as 12/16/2009)
    Comment
    EI-18001Michael R Williams
    STB Board: as a resident of Shorewood, IL, I live in a subdivision (Estate of Hidden Creek) that is a planned development that borders the EJ&E spur near Joliet, IL, which swings north towards Plainfield, IL. As such, the increase rail traffic has been noticeable and somewhat alarming in two respects. One, the frequency of trains has brought additional noise" with train whistles because no track safety-upgrade was done at road crossing near the subdivision; and Two, not really a "quiet zone" issue but more of train scheduling. The increase frequency of trains and our subdivision's proximity to tracks has raised the issues of a)train speed along track, which causes noticeable vibrations of housing, and b) need for better scheduling, which has been as early as 3am along this leg of track going North or South. This impact on quality of sleep has been the more annoying. Indeed quiet zoning is needed because most communities are "bedroom" hamlets in small or mid-size villages, but some study needs also to looked at for installation of "sound buffers" or regulating train speed in residential areas, particular where established subdivisions or planned subdivisions border the track placement. I would hope that an evaluation of train speeds, scheduling and needed safety upgrades are continuing to be assessed for improving the quality of life of the communities involved, while helping commerce. Thanks for establishing this mechanism to track the impact of this effective use of freight tracks in Chicago Metro area. Sincerely, Michael R. Williams US Treasury (Retired) Shorewood, IL"
  141. (printed as 11/24/2009)
    Comment
    EI-17947John Wilkin
  142. served (printed as 10/23/2009)
    Decision
    40298Entire Board · also entered in FD 35087 (Sub-No. 1), FD 35087 (Sub-No. 2), FD 35087 (Sub-No. 3), FD 35087 (Sub-No. 4), FD 35087 (Sub-No. 5), FD 35087 (Sub-No. 6), FD 35087 (Sub-No. 7)
    --
  143. served (printed as 10/19/2009)
    Decision
    40280Entire Board · also entered in FD 35087 (Sub-No. 1), FD 35087 (Sub-No. 2), FD 35087 (Sub-No. 3), FD 35087 (Sub-No. 4), FD 35087 (Sub-No. 5), FD 35087 (Sub-No. 6), FD 35087 (Sub-No. 7)
    DECISION REOPENED DECISION NO. 16, SERVED ON DECEMBER 24, 2008, IN THIS PROCEEDING, TO IMPOSE CONDITIONS REQUIRING CANADIAN NATIONAL RAILWAY COMPANY AND GRAND TRUNK CORPORATION TO COMPLY WITH THE TERMS OF THE NEW NEGOTIATED AGREEMENTS ENTERED INTO WITH THE VILLAGE OF HAWTHORNE WOODS, IL AND THE VILLAGE OF PARK FOREST, IL.
  144. (printed as 10/14/2009)
    Substitution
    225868Substitution/Withdrawal Of Counsel
    Union Pacific Railroad Company
  145. (printed as 10/13/2009)
    Reply
    225860Reply
    Canadian National Railway Company And Grand Trunk Corporation
  146. (printed as 9/21/2009)
    Motion
    225749Petition To Reopen
    Illinois Department Of Transportation
  147. (printed as 9/16/2009)
    Reply
    225737Reply
    Canadian National Railway Company And Grand Trunk Corporation
  148. (printed as 9/10/2009)
    Motion
    225720Motion/Petition/Request
    Will County Forest Preserve District, Will County, Illinois
  149. (printed as 8/27/2009)
    Motion
    225631Petition To Reopen
    Trac Coalition, Village Of Barrington, Illinois
  150. served (printed as 8/5/2009)
    Decision
    39772Entire Board · also entered in FD 35087 (Sub-No. 1), FD 35087 (Sub-No. 2), FD 35087 (Sub-No. 3), FD 35087 (Sub-No. 4), FD 35087 (Sub-No. 5), FD 35087 (Sub-No. 6), FD 35087 (Sub-No. 7)
    DECISION DENIED THE ILLINOIS COMMERCE COMMISSION'S PETITION FOR RECONSIDERATION OF THE BOARD'S DECEMBER 24, 2008 DECISION THAT APPROVED THE ACQUISITION OF CONTROL BY CANADIAN NATIONAL RAILWAY COMPANY AND GRAND TRUNK CORPORATION OF EJ&E WEST COMPANY. THIS DECISION ALSO CONSIDERED COMMENTS OF THE U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY AND REOPENED THE APPROVAL DECISION TO REMOVE CONDITION NO. 38 IN THIS PROCEEDING.
  151. (printed as 6/29/2009)
    Comment
    EI-17811Segundina Reyes
    Barrington Hills, IL 60010
  152. (printed as 5/28/2009)
    Comment
    EI-17755Jamy Lyne
    Joliet, IL
  153. (printed as 5/15/2009)
    Comment
    EI-17749Metra
    Thomas F McFarland · Chicago, IL
  154. (printed as 5/15/2009)
    Comment
    EI-17748Edward H Benson
    I would just like to take this opprotunity to state that as a resident of New Lenox, I have noticed a minimal impact on traffic since the CN aqquisition of the EJ&E Rail Line. I believe that all reasonable efforts have been made to minimize the impact on the community and would also like to respectfully remind all that the freight line has existed for quite a long time, thus nobody should be surprised that it will be used on a regular basis and also that the use of this line will have an overall positive impact on the rail traffic delays in the Chicago-land area. Thank-you, Ed Benson
    New Lenox, IL
  155. (printed as 5/12/2009)
    Comment
    EI-17728IN DNR
    INSHPO finding of no adverse effect
    Indianapolis, IN
  156. (printed as 5/5/2009)
    Comment
    EO-1195CN
    Normand Pellerin
  157. (printed as 5/4/2009)
    Comment
    EI-17649Self
    I have been disturbed a great deal in the last several months by loud train horns on the EJ&E railway, especially during late night and early morning hours. The trains often sound their horns for extended durations and can be heard from great distances. I wish to request that a quiet zone for train horns be established during late night and early morning hours to restore the relative peacefulness of the area.
    Joseph D Klevorn · New Lenox, IL
  158. (printed as 4/29/2009)
    Comment
    EI-17747Illinois Dept of Transp
    Diane O'Keefe · Schaumburg, Illinois
  159. (printed as 4/29/2009)
    Comment
    EI-17504Ann Kimes
    CN reports that they are working on reducing the screeching of wheels on curved sections. I live South of Lake Cook and north of Otis Road crossings. I live 250 feet from the tracks - the noise has increased tremendously since CN has started running their trains. I was told during the initial meetings that there would be some change in the curves and that the wheels would be lubricated to reduce this- this has not happened.
    Barrington, IL
  160. (printed as 4/23/2009)
    Comment
    EI-17455Sue Warzon
    Docket#35087 The horn noise has been waking me up during the night. There is a train crossing on Renwick Road, near Rte. 30, in Plainfield. This crossing has gates, lights, etc., but needs to be made a quiet" zone, at least during the night hours. They do this at other train crossings for this railroad. The particular crossing is also next to the Renwick Heron Rockery. The noise echos across the whole area at night, disturbing the birds and me. Can you please do something about the noise?? Thanks for your help."
  161. (printed as 4/22/2009)
    Comment
    EI-17363Michele Oehlerking
    The noise from the CN trains is twice as loud as it was before (EJ&E). I can't tell you how sad we are that our beutiful neighborhood has been destroyed. We wake up with every train. The entire house shakes and my pictures move around as a result of the huge, multiple engine trains. We have invested 20 years here and now everything has changed. We moved here to be in the country! The STB did nothing to scale down the size of the trains or the number of engines allowed to operate on the new route. I know this was a wasted email, but it needed to be said, just the same.
    Hawthorn Woods, Il
  162. (printed as 4/22/2009)
    Comment
    EI-17360Gerald
    Please help with the train noise during the night. I live one mile west of the Renwick road CN rail crossing in the Plainfield Il. Township. Train traffic in this area has recently increased significantly and it is not uncommon for the train horns to blow steady from 2:30 to 4:00 at night. There are gates and lights at this crossing. However, I have been told that barriers are required. The is not a good answer" as there are numerious crossing, with the same situation only, more vehicle traffic and these crossing have been designated a "quiet zone". Example of this is Wolf RD. rail crossing in Naperville. The only significant difference is that is crossing is in an area of half million and up homes, so these people are accomodated. Three hours of steady train horn in the middle of the night is wrong/noise pollution! This horn noise is upsetting our lifes and health."
  163. (printed as 4/21/2009)
    Comment
    EI-17495citizen
    Paul Reddig · Aurora, IL
  164. (printed as 4/20/2009)
    Comment
    EI-17497Terry Madigan
  165. (printed as 4/20/2009)
    Comment
    EI-17496Jesse Robles
    Shorewood, IL
  166. (printed as 3/25/2009)
    Comment
    EI-16566U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
    John Rogner
  167. (printed as 3/10/2009)
    Comment
    EI-16559Karen Borlaug Phillips
    Washington, DC,
  168. (printed as 2/27/2009)
    Letter
    224615Letter/Telegram
    Honorable Donald A. Manzullo, Honorable Peter Roskam, Honorable Bill Foster, Honorable Melissa L. Bean, Honorable Debbie Halvorson, Honorable Peter J Visclosky, Honorable Judy Biggert
  169. (printed as 2/23/2009)
    Letter
    224580Letter/Telegram
    Canadian National Railway Company And Grand Trunk Corporation
  170. (printed as 2/12/2009)
    Reply
    224523Reply
    Canadian National Railway Company And Grand Trunk Corporation
  171. served (printed as 1/28/2009)
    Decision
    39700Secretary · also entered in FD 35087 (Sub-No. 1), FD 35087 (Sub-No. 3), FD 35087 (Sub-No. 4), FD 35087 (Sub-No. 5), FD 35087 (Sub-No. 6), FD 35087 (Sub-No. 7)
    PROVIDED NOTICE THAT COURT ACTION WAS INSTITUTED IN THIS PROCEEDING.
    in the court-action register
  172. (printed as 1/26/2009)
    Comment
    EI-16355Gary England et al
    Kathryn England
    Hawthorn Woods, IL
  173. (printed as 1/23/2009)
    Motion
    224396Petition For Reconsideration
    City Of Gary Indiana
  174. (printed as 1/23/2009)
    Motion
    224392Petition For Reconsideration
    Illinois Commerce Commission
  175. (printed as 1/21/2009)
    Comment
    EI-16374IN DNR
    James Glass · Indianapolis, IN
  176. (printed as 1/21/2009)
    Comment
    EI-16284Forest Preserve Districts of Lake, Cook, DuPage, and Will Counties
    Wheaton,, IL
  177. served (printed as 1/16/2009)
    Decision
    39656Entire Board · also entered in FD 35087 (Sub-No. 1), FD 35087 (Sub-No. 2), FD 35087 (Sub-No. 3), FD 35087 (Sub-No. 4), FD 35087 (Sub-No. 5), FD 35087 (Sub-No. 6), FD 35087 (Sub-No. 7)
    DECISION DENIED PETITIONS FOR STAY FILED BY THE VILLAGE OF BARRINGTON, WILL COUNTY, IL, THE VILLAGE OF BARTLETT, AND JOINTLY BY UNITED STATES REPRESENTATIVES MELISSA BEAN, PETER VISCLOSKY, DONALD MANZULLO, JUDY BIGGERT, PETER ROSKAM, BILL FOSTER, AND DEBBIE HALVORSON, REQUESTING TO STAY THE EFFECTIVENESS OF DECISION NO. 16 IN THIS PROCEEDING, PENDING JUDICIAL REVIEW.
  178. (printed as 1/16/2009)
    Comment
    EI-16282EPA Reg V
    Kenneth Westlake · Chicago, IL
  179. served (printed as 1/15/2009)
    Decision
    39664Secretary · also entered in FD 35087 (Sub-No. 1), FD 35087 (Sub-No. 2), FD 35087 (Sub-No. 3), FD 35087 (Sub-No. 4), FD 35087 (Sub-No. 5), FD 35087 (Sub-No. 6), FD 35087 (Sub-No. 7)
    PROVIDED NOTICE THAT COURT ACTION WAS INSTITUTED IN THIS PROCEEDING.
    in the court-action register
  180. (printed as 1/14/2009)
    Reply
    224349Reply
    Canadian National Railway Company And Grand Trunk Corporation
  181. (printed as 1/13/2009)
    Motion
    224346Petition For Stay
    Village Of Bartlett
  182. (printed as 1/13/2009)
    Comment
    EI-16293Denise Nesby
    Forest Park, IL
  183. (printed as 1/12/2009)
    Reply
    224339Reply
    Canadian National Railway Company And Grand Trunk Corporation
  184. (printed as 1/12/2009)
    Motion
    224336Petition For Stay
    Honorable Melissa Bean, Honorable Peter J Visclosky, Honorable Judy Biggert, Honorable Bill Foster, Honorable Donald A. Manzullo, Honorable Debbie Halvorson, Honorable Peter J. Roskam
  185. (printed as 1/12/2009)
    Comment
    EI-16281EPA
    Kenneth A. Westlake · Chicago, IL
  186. served (printed as 1/8/2009)
    Decision
    39650Entire Board
    DECISION DENIED CANADIAN NATIONAL RAILWAY COMPANY AND GRAND TRUNK CORPORATION'S (CN) MOTION TO STRIKE THE PETITION FILED BY THE VILLAGE OF BARRINGTON (BARRINGTON) FOR STAY OF THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF DECISION NO. 16 IN THE ABOVE-TITLED PROCEEDING, PENDING JUDICIAL REVIEW. IN ADDITION, THIS DECISION ACCEPTS BARRINGTON'S FILING, WHICH EXCEEDS THE 10-PAGE LIMIT UNDER 49 CFR 1115.5(c), BUT ALLOWS CN TO FILE A REPLY OF COMPARABLE LENGTH.
  187. (printed as 1/8/2009)
    Reply
    224322Reply
    Canadian National Railway Company And Grand Trunk Corporation
  188. (printed as 1/8/2009)
    Comment
    EI-16255Richard Burkhart
    In researching the status quo option for CN it appears that the STB did in fact receive the following confirmation from CN that their merger with WC was providing the fluidity" as projected by CN and The fact that CN will retain the trackage rights and will offer them to all other Railroad will clearly fill the vacuum they appear to create. It is unfair to the citizens of Chicago and Chicagoland to have the STB create a finding that falsely shows that Interstate Commerce via railroad will use the CN tracks now and in the near term future. Only if CN had applied to abandon their tracks would the environmental impact be valid. Chicago's McCormick Place will likely repurpose their basement once CN abandons those tracks. Is it the valid purpose of the STB to create the environment for CN to profit via a real estate transaction. The potential McCormick Casino will be proposed to consume the space currently used by CN's ROW. The STB has ignored the facts that CN presented that 90% of their cargo will not land in the Chicago area. The CREATE project will benefit all the citizens equally. By the STB actions CN is positioned NOT to participate financially but CREATE will in fact increase the value of their trackage within the ARC. How does the STB ignore the prior promises by CN or other railroads. The WC purpose had a stated purpose and need which CN clearly has ignored once the EJ&EW option presented itself. The fact is the WC and IC rail map show the option of routing the China traffic via Madison WI and then connecting to existing CN own tracks in Western IL then continuing via IC track to Memphis. IF 90% of the CN freight could traverse via the existing route why in the world would the STB ignore this option. Clearly my prior comments documented this option. The professionalism exhibited by the STB is flawed by not exploring this option and many of the other seriously submitted comments."
    Deer Park, IL
  189. (printed as 1/7/2009)
    Motion
    224313Petition For Waiver
    Village Of Barrington, Illinois
  190. (printed as 1/7/2009)
    Comment
    EI-16296Peter Schaffer
  191. (printed as 1/6/2009)
    Motion
    224294Motion To Strike
    Canadian National Railway Company And Grand Trunk Corporation
  192. (printed as 1/5/2009)
    Motion
    224291Petition For Stay
    Will County, Illinois
  193. (printed as 1/5/2009)
    Motion
    224290Petition For Stay
    Village Of Barrington, Illinois
  194. (printed as 1/3/2009)
    Comment
    EI-16251Greg Stonehocker
    This is a response to the final assessment of the Candian Railway aquistion of the Elgin, Jolietm Eastern railway( FD-35087). People in my neighborhood woule like to go on record stating how disppointed we are in the disission of the STB in approving the transaction. In looking at the final assessment the STB acknowledged serious issues with this transaction (pay for fixes to Ogden Ave and Lincoln Highway crossings as an example) and seemed to ignore them. Also under suspect is the location of the hearings (placing them as far away as possible from the location of the E, J & E tracks and the timing of the release of the final assessment (Christmas Eve). People in our neighborhood are recommending to our local, state, and federal lawmakers that the STB board be reviewed for any wrongdoings in this matter. This disission goes against majority of people, local, state, and federal officials that live and work in the region around the these tracks.
    Aurora, IL
  195. served (printed as 12/29/2008)
    Decision
    39641Secretary · also entered in FD 35087 (Sub-No. 1), FD 35087 (Sub-No. 2), FD 35087 (Sub-No. 3), FD 35087 (Sub-No. 4), FD 35087 (Sub-No. 5), FD 35087 (Sub-No. 6), FD 35087 (Sub-No. 7)
    DECISION PROVIDED NOTICE TO THE PARTIES OF CORRECTIONS TO THE BOARD'S DECISION NO. 16 IN THIS PROCEEDING.
  196. (printed as 12/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-16295East Central Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission
    Anne Quinlan · Menasha, WI 54952,
  197. (printed as 12/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-16287Maragret Kachadurian
    Hinsdale, IL
  198. (printed as 12/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-16286Ryan Truesdale
    Tinley Park,, IL
  199. (printed as 12/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5787BAK
  200. served (printed as 12/24/2008)
    Decision
    39537Entire Board · also entered in FD 35087 (Sub-No. 1), FD 35087 (Sub-No. 2), FD 35087 (Sub-No. 3), FD 35087 (Sub-No. 4), FD 35087 (Sub-No. 5), FD 35087 (Sub-No. 6), FD 35087 (Sub-No. 7)
    DECISION APPROVED, WITH CERTAIN CONDITIONS, THE ACQUISITION OF CONTROL BY CANADIAN NATIONAL RAILWAY COMPANY AND GRAND TRUNK CORPORATION OF EJ&E WEST COMPANY, A WHOLLY OWNED, NONCARRIER OF ELGIN, JOLIET AND EASTERN RAILWAY COMPANY.
  201. (printed as 12/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-16285Lisa Brown
    New Lenox, IL
  202. (printed as 12/19/2008)
    Motion
    224222Motion To Withdraw
    Union Pacific Railroad Company
  203. (printed as 12/19/2008)
    Comment
    EI-16292Columbus and Greenville Railway
    Roger Bell
  204. (printed as 12/17/2008)
    Reply
    224213Reply
    Canadian National Railway Company
  205. (printed as 12/16/2008)
    Motion
    224197Motion/Petition/Request
    Honorable Bill Foster, Peter Visclosky, Honorable Judy Biggert, Honorable Donald A. Manzullo, Honorable Melissa Bean, Honorable Peter Roskam
  206. (printed as 12/16/2008)
    Comment
    EI-16283Field Supervisor
    John Rogner · Barrington, IL
  207. (printed as 12/16/2008)
    Comment
    EI-16241U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
    John Rogner · Barrington, Illinois
  208. (printed as 12/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-16294Congress
    Melissa Bean et al
  209. (printed as 12/12/2008)
    Reply
    224185Reply
    Canadian National Railway Company And Grand Trunk Corporation
  210. (printed as 12/12/2008)
    Comment
    EI-16338DuPage Forest Preserve
    John Ole" Oldenburg"
  211. (printed as 12/12/2008)
    Comment
    EI-16279Jim LaBelle
    Chicago, IL
  212. (printed as 12/12/2008)
    Comment
    EI-16274citizen
    Stanley M. Hendricks · Dyer, IN
  213. (printed as 12/12/2008)
    Comment
    EI-16230Jeffrey Berman
    I have reviewed the recently-released final EIS prepared by the SEA in connection with the proposed acquisition by Canadian National of the EJ&E. I noted that the EIS does not include any information related to the recent, comprehensive study of economic and other impacts commissioned by Metropolis 2020, which concluded, among other things, that the transaction would result in increased rail efficiencies that would add $267 million in benefits to the national GDP, including more than $60 million GDP for the Chicago region. I could not locate a copy of the report on the FD-35087 Docket. In order to ensure the STB Board has all pertinent information before it when it makes its decision, I am submitting copies of three documents: (1) Metropolis 2020 Press Release dated 12/3/2008; (2) Metropolis 2020 Summary of the economic benefits of CN’s acquisition of the EJ&E; and (3) Final Report: Regional Economic Benefits from CN’s Acquisition of the EJ&E Prepared for: Chicago Metropolis 2020, Prepared by: Economic Development Research Group, Inc. & Carl Martland, Rail Freight Consultant, dated November 25, 2008.
    Buffalo Grove, Illinois
  214. (printed as 12/10/2008)
    Motion
    224168Motion To Withdraw
    Wisconsin Public Service Corporation
  215. (printed as 12/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-16291St. Lawrence & Atlantic Railroad Company
    Mario Brault · Auburn, ME
  216. (printed as 12/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-16290Rita Waters
    Mt. Prospect IL,
  217. (printed as 12/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-16273local interest
    Latheryn A. Kepchar · Griffith, IN,
  218. (printed as 12/9/2008)
    Motion
    224166Motion/Petition/Request
    Canadian National Railway Company And Grand Trunk Corporation
  219. (printed as 12/9/2008)
    Motion
    224162Motion To Withdraw
    National Railroad Passenger Corporation
  220. (printed as 12/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-16297Jim LaBelle
  221. (printed as 12/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-16289Arnold Sennerud
    Romeoville, IL 60446,
  222. (printed as 12/8/2008)
    Motion
    224139Motion/Petition/Request
    Union Pacific Railroad Company
  223. (printed as 12/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-16278Donald C. McCrory
    Memphis, TN
  224. (printed as 12/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-16277mayors
    WW Herenton, Mayor City of Memphis,Ac Warton, May Shelby Conty · Memphis and Shelby County, TN
  225. (printed as 12/6/2008)
    Comment
    EI-16208Elaine Paolella
    It is hard for me to believe that the STB takes into account the dragonfly and nesting birds in Wayne and approves the purchase of EJ& E by CN without taking into account any of the communities and lives it affects.
    DEER PARK, IL
  226. served (printed as 12/5/2008)
    Decision
    39515Chief Of Section Of Environmental Analysis
    DECISION PROVIDED THE FINAL ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT IN THIS PROCEEDING.
  227. (printed as 12/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-16275citizen
    Bill Talbot,
    Douglas Wing
  228. (printed as 11/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-16187Lavin, Bruce
  229. (printed as 11/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-16185U.S. Department of Transportation
    Jennifer McIntyre · Washington, DC
  230. (printed as 11/21/2008)
    Comment
    EI-16192Shuster, Bill
  231. (printed as 11/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-16191Horslev, David
  232. (printed as 11/19/2008)
    Comment
    EI-16169Page, Charles
  233. (printed as 11/17/2008)
    Reply
    223997Reply
    Honorable Judy Biggert, Honorable Peter J Visclosky, Honorable Melissa L. Bean, Honorable Peter J. Roskam, Honorable Donald A. Manzullo, Honorable Bill Foster
  234. (printed as 11/17/2008)
    Comments
    223993Comment - Fax Copy
    Honorable Daniel Lipinski
  235. (printed as 11/17/2008)
    Comment
    EI-16168Carload Express
    Peterson, Russel A.
  236. (printed as 11/17/2008)
    Comment
    EI-16165Congress-Representative
    Lipinski,Daniel
  237. (printed as 11/17/2008)
    Comment
    EI-16164Congress
    Bean,Melissa
  238. (printed as 11/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-16182Van Nuffelen, Frank
  239. (printed as 11/14/2008)
    Comment
    EI-16163Harkins Cunningham
    Cunningham,Paul
  240. (printed as 11/13/2008)
    Comment
    EI-16186Roberts, Mary
  241. (printed as 11/13/2008)
    Comment
    EI-16162Harkins Cunningham
    Cunningham,Paul
  242. (printed as 11/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-16156Yarbrough, Pauline
  243. served (printed as 11/7/2008)
    Decision
    39518Secretary · also entered in FD 35087 (Sub-No. 1), FD 35087 (Sub-No. 2), FD 35087 (Sub-No. 3), FD 35087 (Sub-No. 4), FD 35087 (Sub-No. 5), FD 35087 (Sub-No. 6), FD 35087 (Sub-No. 7)
    PROVIDED NOTICE OF A BOARD MEETING TO RECEIVE BRIEFING FROM AND DISCUSS WITH THE SECTION OF ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT BEING PREPARED IN THIS PROCEEDING.
  244. (printed as 11/4/2008)
    Comment
    EI-16167Utroska, Tom F.
  245. (printed as 11/4/2008)
    Comment
    EI-16158Brunson, Wesley
  246. (printed as 11/4/2008)
    Comment
    EI-16157McDowell, Brian
  247. (printed as 10/31/2008)
    Comment
    EI-16166Seabridge International Shipping
    Sims, Paul
  248. (printed as 10/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-16058Michels, Dan
  249. (printed as 10/27/2008)
    Correction
    223841Correction
    U.S. Department Of Transportation
  250. (printed as 10/27/2008)
    Motion
    223840Motion/Petition/Request
    U.S. Department Of Transportation
  251. (printed as 10/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-16055Flatley, Paul A
  252. (printed as 10/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-16015Smith, Paul
  253. (printed as 10/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-16021Felgenhauer, Bob
  254. (printed as 10/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-16054Bell, Chuck
  255. (printed as 10/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-16023Dziak, John
  256. (printed as 10/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15967PAOLILLA,Elaine
  257. (printed as 10/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15966Elaine Paolella
    Please take the citizens into account when reviewing the impact of the EJ&E purchase by CN and the effect of the communities. Based on govenment our economy is ruined, please preseve our communities.
    DEER PARK, il
  258. (printed as 10/21/2008)
    Comment
    EI-16016Lee, Wenjin
  259. (printed as 10/17/2008)
    Comment
    EI-16017Swon, Saundra
  260. (printed as 10/17/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15946O'Neil, Kathy
  261. (printed as 10/16/2008)
    Comment
    EI-16161Harkins Cunningham
    Cunningham,Paul
  262. (printed as 10/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-16020Christensen, Kelly
  263. (printed as 10/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15949McCollum, Jean
  264. (printed as 10/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15932Hughes, Octavia
  265. (printed as 10/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15767Octavia Hughes
    Please do not support the purchase of the EJ and E rail line by Canadian National. This will be very detrimental to our community and the safety of our children going to and from school.
    Naperville, Illinois
  266. (printed as 10/14/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15963Whitt, Walt
  267. (printed as 10/14/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15948Hastings, Stephanie
  268. (printed as 10/13/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15931Rotert, Jeanne
  269. (printed as 10/13/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15692Jeanne Rotert
    As a resident of LaGrange, our family feels like we're constantly held hostage to train traffic. Less than a year ago we lived in Wheaton and rarely had to deal with this problem. It is obvious to us that this near-west suburban area suffers the brunt of train traffic while the far west suburbs have very little of the inconvenience. Can we please share the burden more fairly? Please support the sale of the EJ&E line to Canadian National.
    LaGrange, IL
  270. (printed as 10/12/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15915Unknown
  271. (printed as 10/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15904Kinyon, John H.
  272. (printed as 10/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15929Koch, Kevin
  273. (printed as 10/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15903Fograse, Diane
  274. (printed as 10/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15902Fograse, Laura I.
  275. (printed as 10/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15900Fograse, Irene
  276. (printed as 10/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15914Walker, Mary
  277. (printed as 10/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15913Garcia, Mary
  278. (printed as 10/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-16018Stewart, James W.
  279. (printed as 10/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-16013Gillette, Kenneth
  280. (printed as 10/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15300Jenny Whitney
    re: DEIS I am writing in support of the EJ&E transaction. As a mother of an infant living in the South Loop area of Chicago, it is amazing to me how many trains go by our building daily. Moreover, it is very common that a train that is traveling east out of Chicago idles below our window and balcony. Given our young son's development, we therefore aren't able to use that outdoor space for a good part of the day. Please reduce the congestion by approving the EJ&E transaction. I understand that living in a large metropolitan area involves freight transportation, but this transaction allows for the area to share the benefits and burdens of being a transportation hub. Additionally, it benefits businesses by being more efficient, which helps all residents and businesses in the Chicago metro area. Thank you for your consideration, Jenny Whitney
    Chicago, IL
  281. (printed as 10/7/2008)
    Comment
    EI-16012Benovic, Jamie
  282. (printed as 10/7/2008)
    Comment
    EI-16010Carreon, Dora
  283. (printed as 10/7/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15912Garcia, Antonio
  284. (printed as 10/7/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15911Cooper, Curtis
  285. (printed as 10/7/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15785Waldorf, James A
  286. (printed as 10/7/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14962Jayson DiModica
    Ref STB Doc Number 35087; Draft Environment Impact Statement.
    Freeport, IL
  287. (printed as 10/6/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15937Simpkins, Roosevelt
  288. (printed as 10/6/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15917Calzavara, Tori
  289. (printed as 10/6/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15910Sims, Ellana
  290. (printed as 10/6/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15690Crawford, Sharon
  291. (printed as 10/5/2008)
    Comment
    EI-16057Reyes, Juan Luis
  292. (printed as 10/5/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14667Paul Braatelien
    Shifting the traffic to the Western suburbs without CNR having to make any adjustments to crossings (particularly here in West Chicago) is untenable. Our quality of life is every bit as important as their goal to make more money...actually more so. Paul Braatelien
    WEST CHICAGO, IL
  293. (printed as 10/4/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15947Sadauskas, Paul
  294. (printed as 10/4/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15934Sadauskas, Linda
  295. (printed as 10/4/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15909Heflen, Gary
  296. (printed as 10/4/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15908Dueball, Earl
  297. (printed as 10/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-16011Robinson, Brandy
  298. (printed as 10/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15952Hillinger, Cassie
  299. (printed as 10/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15951Landsberger, Christine
  300. (printed as 10/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15950Becker, Tina
  301. (printed as 10/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15940Pavilonis, Jack
  302. (printed as 10/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15939Fortinia, F
  303. (printed as 10/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15935Pavilonis, Beath A.
  304. (printed as 10/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15933Murphy, Michael J.
  305. (printed as 10/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15928Fortina, Elaine
  306. (printed as 10/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15927Wahlund, Joseph
  307. (printed as 10/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15925Moncrieff, James
  308. (printed as 10/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15924Wayne, Ann
  309. (printed as 10/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15923Grabowski, Angela
  310. (printed as 10/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15922DiGiovanni, Diane J.
  311. (printed as 10/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15920Reyes, Angela
  312. (printed as 10/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15919Yurco, Melissa
  313. (printed as 10/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15916VanLinden, William
  314. (printed as 10/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15899Henkel, Maurine
  315. (printed as 10/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15180United States Environmental Protection Agency
    Buhl, Lynn
  316. (printed as 10/2/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15936Cramota, R. Michael
  317. (printed as 10/2/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15926McCarthy, Kevin
  318. (printed as 10/2/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15918Nickelson, David
  319. (printed as 10/2/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14539Roggeveen, Wynn Ann
  320. (printed as 10/2/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14338Elizabeth Jobb
    Please vote down the proposal to move the EJ&E tracks to the Frankfort area. This poses a risk to local children and increases congestion in the community. Thank you.
    Chicago, IL
  321. (printed as 10/2/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14337Wynn Ann Roggeveen
    I am beside myself!The ignorance people have of things right in their face. CN railroad's take over is not good for all...If our economic disaster is proof of an example of how the greed of few will destroy most and then the many shall pay, The acquisition by CN Railroad is the exact same situation and we, the tax payer, again will be forced to pay the price BUT WITHOUT GOVERNMENT HELP! What are people thinking? There are NO regulations now or in years to come. No guarantee of numbers on any rail line, even those supposedly lighten by the change. Communities will be destroyed and people don't see it. Big business greed wins again. What is the purpose of any legislation body if big business rules them? Please help us. Find the weak link in this. Expose them Please!!!. Sincerely, MRS. Wynn Ann Roggeveen
    Barrington Hills, IL
  322. (printed as 10/2/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14336Michael Dickinson
    I am writing to express my concern about the CN Proposal to purchase the EJ&E Railway. I am strongly opposed to this merger, as it will greatly and adversely affect my community and neighboring communities. One major concern is our infrastructure is not setup to handle the capacity that the CN traffic will create, and will limit access to Emergency Services as well as the personal inconvenience this will have.
    Plainfield, IL
  323. (printed as 10/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-16354David Bolthouse
    Please see the attached file in Rich Text Format for my comments.
    Palatine, IL
  324. (printed as 10/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15938Domark, Steve
  325. (printed as 10/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15921Martin, Doug
  326. (printed as 10/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15907Yahnke, Rita
  327. (printed as 10/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15906Palmer, Nathan
  328. (printed as 10/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15677Williamson, Tom
  329. (printed as 10/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15667Kopsian, John
  330. (printed as 10/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15665Slattery, James P.
  331. (printed as 10/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15329Arata, Matthew
  332. (printed as 10/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15328Wulff, Robert Jame
  333. (printed as 10/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15327Ruzich, Mike
  334. (printed as 10/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15311Clouse, Carl
  335. (printed as 10/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14552Newman, Amy
  336. (printed as 10/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14459Gangi
  337. (printed as 10/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14335Barrington,IL
    I oppose the Canadian National Railroad routing their trains to go through our Downtown area in Barrington,IL. Our Downtown roads are already very heavily congested on a daily basis. Thank you
    Terri Dibrowa · S. Barrington, Illinois
  338. (printed as 10/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14334Jeri Broderick
    No to CN freight trains running thru school district 220! Increasing train traffic will delay school buses and increase bus rides. Also running more trains thru will increase the chance a child might get hurt while they are walking. I strongly oppose.
    South Barrington, Illinois
  339. (printed as 10/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14073Erica Martinez
    I am writing to urge you to assess the proposed purchase of EJ and E rail line by Canadian National. It is my understanding that this rail purchase will increase traffic in my area and will directly affect the transportation of not only people going to and from their homes for work, activities, etc. but also the traffic for school buses. With increased times at railroad crossings, this directly affects the time students will leave and arrive home to school. I urge you to keep local residents in mind when assessing this purchase.
    Aurora, IL
  340. (printed as 10/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14071Courtney Hamm
    The STB must deny CN's purchase of the EJE& railroad.
    Barrington, IL
  341. (printed as 10/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14069Timothy J. Rice
    Dear Phillis Johnson-Ball. I am writing to object to CN's acquisition of EJE RR. I live right next to the tracks and my house rattles with every train. I'm concerned about possible toxic spills and derailments. My biggest concern, however, is that roads will be blocked and may prevent emergency vehicles from reaching their destinations in time. What is proposed is not a solution to the congestion problem it is just relocating it to another area. A more realistic solution would be adequate surface separations where needed and paid for by CN not the American taxpayer. Thank You, Tim Rice
    Frankfort, Il
  342. (printed as 10/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14068Janet Andrew
    I urge the STB to REJECT the proposal of Canadian National to purchase the EJ&E railroad. This proposal has absolutely ZERO benefit to Illinois. Nothing but a big fat tax bill to fix a problem caused by a foreign company to line its own pockets. Even the close-in communities that may see short-term rail traffic relief will ultimately suffer from this deal as any newly created capacity will be quickly backfilled. The taxpayers of northern Illinois are ALL losers in this proposal. In addition to the public safety issues that have been well documented by others, my other major objection to this acquisition is related to the loss of property value to my home and the 56 other homes in my neighborhood. The study the EIS, although stated to be “recent”, is from 2004 and cites home values in Cuyahoga County, OHIO, where the median home price last year was $154,000. In contrast, the median home price in Cook County in 2007 was more than $449,000. The average age of the homes in the study was 60 years. The EIS did not address the impact of increased rail traffic on newer neighborhoods at all. It is preposterous to suggest that this study is representative of homes along the EJ&E today. The comparison of our homes to this 4-year old study in Ohio is highly questionable and should be rejected. Using home values in Rolling Knolls as listed on Zillow and Cyberhomes, I have estimated the loss of property value in MY NEIGHBORHOOD ALONE, to be in the range of 3 to 3.5 million dollars. This comes to about 60-thousand dollars per home. These are SERIOUSLY large numbers and considering the shockingly high foreclosure activity we are seeing today, it is would be nothing less than irresponsibly negligent to avoid assessing the impact on property values. The safety of our groundwater is also a serious concern. None of the 57 homeowners in my neighborhood have access to municipal infrastructure, rather we rely on private wells for our water. While the EIS suggests that the likelihood of a hazardous material spill is remote, the risk DOES still exist, and in fact, has occurred on CN rail lines in the past, MORE THAN ONCE. Should a haz-mat incident occur along this stretch of rail, all of our wells would likely become contaminated. CN has been shown in recent years to have a deplorable safety record and has proven to be profoundly insufficient in their response to hazardous spills. The STB should seriously consider the impact of this unacceptable risk to the private water supply of taxpayers along the EJ&E. The STB should reject this proposal. But if it sees merit at all, the STB should force CN to pay 100% of the cost to fix the problems it will cause. This means EVERY congested grade crossing along the EJ&E – not just the 2 that are near its own rail yard in Joliet.
    Elgin, IL
  343. (printed as 10/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14066Cindi Guldan
    What I want to know is have any of you considered what is going to happen the first time there is a train blocking the crossing at West Bartlett road and 911 has been called. The Fire Dept. can't get to the injured party and they die? Who is going to pay for that? CN?
    Bartlett, Il
  344. (printed as 10/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14064Larry Scalzitti
    Please consider the impact that the CN acquisition of the EJ&E line will have on changing the lives of the people who had chosen to live in quiet neighborhoods. Feel free to comment on my thoughts as expressed in the accompanying attachment. Thank you, Larry Scalzitti
    Barrington, IL
  345. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comments
    223705Environmental Comment
    U S Department Of Transportation
  346. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comments
    223701Environmental Comment
    Union Pacific Railroad Company
  347. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comments
    223700Environmental Comment
    Village Of Barrington, Illinois
  348. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comments
    223699Environmental Comment
    Town Of Griffith
  349. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-16133Kerkstra, Ray
  350. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-16131Regina Barney
    Dear Ms Phillis Johnson-Ball, Please read attached letter, opposing the sale of the EJ&E freight train lines to Canadian National (CN). I hope you too will oppose this transaction between EJ&E and CN. Thank you for your time and consideration. -The Barney Family.
    Barrington, Illinois
  351. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-16128Mary Roberts
    Re: Docket #35087 The STB is now the only thing between communities along the EJ&J RR and Canadian National who wants to buy it. Railways may become important modes of transportation in the 21st century, but 19th or 20th century regulations are no longer adequate in protecting communities, families, children against large multi-billion dollar railroad companies. I and hundreds of others live a quarter mile from the EJ&E which surrounds us on 3 sides. The value of my home of 15 years will drop considerably, and no one will buy it. My family's safety, livelihood and well-being are at stake. Again, I ask that the STB do the right thing for the families here in the US. DON'T APPROVE THIS PURCHASE. My town will become an industrialized ghost town, and I will be one of the few people left as I will be unable to sell my home due to severe traffic congestion, noise pollution, danger to the water supply should there be a train accident, placing all our children in danger as they cross RR tracks 4, 5 and 6 times a day going to school, blocking access to our business and grocery story, commuter train station, library, post office. There will no longer be a town left---just a wasteland.
    Barrington, IL
  352. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-16127Rachel Thompson
    I vote NO to the CN! This is no longer the nice pristine, quiet, area I moved into back in 1996. Congestion has made it unbearable. If this CN deal is approved, the entire region will see a huge increase of freight traffic as we become a high-speed bypass route for Intermodal traffic originating in Asia, shipped into Canada, and sent to Memphis and points beyond. There is nothing in this deal that benefits the greater Chicagoland region. Again, I say NO!
    Deer Park, IL
  353. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-16126Helen K Schiewe
    Please see attached on Ref: STB Finance Docket No. 35087 and deny the CN's request.
    Barrington, IL
  354. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-16121Phillip L. Miller
    Chicago, IL
  355. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-16116Trinita DeCamp
    This is being submitted to voice my opposition of the possible acquisition of the Elgin, Joliet and Eastern railroad tracks by Canadian National. Please reference docket #35087.
    New Lenox, IL
  356. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-16053Stirmell, Russ
  357. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-16052Didulo, Sheilagh
  358. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-16026Reed, Elizabeth
  359. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-16025McLaughlin, Dorothy
  360. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15962Stegmaier, Paul
  361. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15961Davis, Christine
  362. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15957Murray, James R.
  363. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15956Binder, Lisa J.
  364. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15930Essar Steel Algoma Inc.
    Bumbacco, Edward M.
  365. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15901Sprungman, Robert
  366. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15804Juraski, Alan R.
  367. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15787Ashmore, Andre B
  368. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15782Hahn, Thomas E
  369. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15780Starkey, Robert M.
  370. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15777Elisha, Louise
  371. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15754Herrick, Dan
  372. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15752Bobrowski, Susan
  373. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15744Snyder, Clare
  374. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15742Pohlman, Jane
  375. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15731Ludbeg, Jennifer
  376. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15727Bailey, Brad
  377. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15695Vanderbilt, Brian
  378. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15688Cunningham, Barbara
  379. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15687Turner, Barbara
  380. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15686Jacknow, Harry
  381. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15683Schroeder, Mike
  382. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15676Stewart, Jim
  383. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15674Griffin, Marilyn
  384. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15664Baxter, Jameson A.
  385. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15663Turpin, Robin S.
  386. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15662Illegible
  387. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15661Kapasi, Huseni
  388. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15660Funk, Carolyn
  389. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15659Illegible
  390. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15658Young, Donna
  391. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15657Illegible
  392. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15656Funk, Jodie
  393. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15655Illegible
  394. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15654Murray, Beth
  395. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15653Rohrbach, James
  396. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15652Kapasi, Sabir
  397. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15651Coakley, Maggie
  398. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15650Illegible
  399. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15649Kapasi, Fatima
  400. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15648Illegible
  401. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15647Illegible
  402. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15646Cutright, George
  403. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15640Williamson, Virginia
  404. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15584Oldenburg, John
  405. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15546Acuff, Kelly
  406. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15545Spanier, Dan
  407. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15544Zydek, Karen
  408. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15543Zemansky, Robert
  409. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15542Worthen, Catherine
  410. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15541Wischart, William
  411. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15540Winkleman, Pat
  412. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15539Willis, Frank R.
  413. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15538Wilheim, Scott
  414. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15537Whitmer, Laurie
  415. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15536Welsh, Suzanna
  416. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15535Walzak, Karen
  417. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15534Van Dyke, Elizabeth
  418. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15533Unknown
  419. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15532Unknown2
  420. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15531Unknown
  421. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15530Ungerer, Hillary
  422. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15529Tupin, Robin
  423. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15528Turpin, Robin
  424. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15527Turpin, Robin
  425. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15526Thompson, Antonette
  426. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15525Troutsh, Tim
  427. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15524Trotta, Sherry
  428. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15523Todd, Marsha
  429. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15522Tionff, John
  430. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15521Thompson, Ty
  431. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15520Szewczyk, Michele
  432. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15519Stuvenvall, Jill
  433. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15518Stubenvoll, Jill
  434. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15517Stubenvoll, Eric
  435. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15516Stien, Mary
  436. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15515Spicenger, Eric
  437. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15514Snelgrove, Christine
  438. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15513Smith, Theresa
  439. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15512Smith, Bernadette
  440. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15511Skarda, Bob
  441. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15510Skanlan, Janet
  442. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15509Siewers, John
  443. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15508Sheppard, Laura
  444. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15507Sepos, Denise
  445. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15506Seng, Dehila
  446. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15505Schulke, Anne
  447. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15504Russ
  448. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15503Roller, William
  449. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15502Roessler, Mary Beth
  450. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15501Rayes, Segoinvina
  451. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15500Ranke, R.
  452. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15499Ramono, Carol
  453. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15498Ramone
  454. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15497Price, Steve
  455. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15496Potell, Anita
  456. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15495Petretti, Charles
  457. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15494Peterson, Deanna
  458. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15493O'Donnell, Patricia
  459. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15492Nuakawa, Glenn
  460. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15491Nadig, Nancy
  461. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15490Muskat, Julian
  462. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15489Muskat, Julian
  463. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15488Mosack, Lisa
  464. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15487Fenlon, Mark
  465. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15486Farmer, Lynnette
  466. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15485Farmer, Lynnette
  467. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15484Ewing, Ronda
  468. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15483Beasley, Lawrence
  469. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15482Ewekawa, Betsy
  470. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15481Erjavic, Ron
  471. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15480Drover, Kelly
  472. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15479Barltett, Lynda
  473. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15478Rayes, Diana
  474. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15477Donvan, Thomas
  475. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15476Dietz, Deb
  476. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15475Barney
  477. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15474Dash, Robert
  478. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15473Darch, Karen
  479. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15472Dalbello, EJ
  480. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15471Barker, Pat
  481. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15470Creagan, Christine
  482. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15469Crabtree, John
  483. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15468Conway, Annalisa
  484. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15467Balzer, Maureen
  485. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15466Cobb, Larry
  486. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15465Churcha, Carol
  487. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15464Chudoba, Sandy
  488. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15463Babcock, Lisa
  489. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15462Casey, Amy
  490. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15461Casey, Gloria
  491. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15460Carter, Doris
  492. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15459Akolamberson, Jay
  493. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15458Carreon, Joan
  494. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15457Carla, Margie
  495. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15456Bumber, Marilyn
  496. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15455Anderson, Bob
  497. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15454Bryant, Sherry
  498. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15453Brenczewski, Hallie
  499. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15452Beazley, Brian
  500. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15451Anderson, Bob
  501. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15450Boulrece, Kijuana
  502. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15449Botkin-Karp, Laura
  503. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15448Beasley, Robert R.
  504. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15447Alonzo, Jesus
  505. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15446Boshell, Raynette
  506. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15445Bierman, Raynette
  507. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15444Beasley, Kathleen
  508. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15443Almieri, Steve
  509. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15442Bierman, John
  510. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15441Berg, Alex
  511. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15440Beasley, Kelly
  512. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15439Alberg, James
  513. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15438Benjamin, Thomas
  514. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15437Mondane, Branda
  515. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15436Milton, Lynn
  516. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15435Miller, Kathy
  517. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15434Militello,
  518. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15433Miklos, Joan
  519. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15432Micci, Sandra
  520. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15431Meyer, Carl
  521. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15430Meyer, Peg
  522. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15429Mendiola, Fernando
  523. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15428McNare, Jerry
  524. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15427McClure, Carol
  525. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15426Mastianne, Debbie
  526. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15425Martorano, Michelle
  527. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15424Marion, Brad
  528. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15423Manganno, Jeff
  529. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15422Majzan, Jayne
  530. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15421Magner, Anna
  531. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15420Mackowiak, John
  532. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15419Lutsch, Doris
  533. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15418Lomax, Mary Ann
  534. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15417Light, Geraldine
  535. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15416Lan-chi, Renee
  536. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15415Lancaster, C.L.J.
  537. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15414Koutsky, Caroline
  538. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15413Kershner, Jeffrey
  539. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15412Kerry, Nicole
  540. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15411Kenrich, Amy
  541. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15410Kennick, Carrie
  542. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15409Kellermann, Bob
  543. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15408Katon, Victoria
  544. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15407Kannell-O'Neill, Jane
  545. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15406Kaczala, Sondra
  546. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15405Juraska, Alan
  547. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15404Jeffries, Linda
  548. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15403Jeffreys, Elizabeth
  549. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15402Howard, Joanne
  550. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15401Houndbeck, Helen
  551. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15400Holly, Bill
  552. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15399Hollis, William
  553. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15398Hilton, Kathy
  554. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15397Hill Jr., Woodrow
  555. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15396Hess, Eartha
  556. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15395Herr, Bill
  557. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15394Heim, Joan
  558. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15393Gonten, Marisen
  559. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15392Georgalidis, Maria
  560. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15391Fribly, Dawn
  561. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15390Fogelsong, Jan
  562. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15389Fitzgerald, Jown W.
  563. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15388Ferguson, Hillary
  564. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15384Stevens, Colleen
  565. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15380Anderson, John
  566. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15341Mackey, Carol
  567. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15330Dieska, Daniel
  568. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15324Walczak, Albert
  569. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15320Beazley, Katleen
  570. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15319Beazley, Robert R.
  571. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15318Beazley, Lawrence
  572. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15313Moehlmann, Kurt
  573. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15310Jacobek, Jill
  574. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15280Katcher, Madeline
  575. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15277Grossmann, Tomm
  576. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15276Souden, Gordon
  577. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15273Snyder, Ruth
  578. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15270Blatz, Marvin
  579. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15266Kollman, Norma J.
  580. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15265Barry, Donald L.
  581. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15263Tobin, Holly
  582. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15262Kuba,Scott
  583. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15261Warren, Robin
  584. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15260Illegible
  585. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15259Iverhouse, James
  586. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15254Nelson, Kathleen
  587. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15253illegible
  588. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15252Macygin, Steven
  589. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15250Unknown
  590. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15239Sierocki, Walter
  591. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15227Bernadisius, Vida
  592. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15224Marion, Laura J.
  593. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15222Schmaus, James M.
  594. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15220Malinowski, Julie
  595. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15218Brunka, L.M.
  596. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15217Miller, Kim
  597. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15214McHargue, Sonia L.
  598. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15213Dwyer, Kenneth
  599. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15211Emsminger, Susan
  600. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15209Palives, Vicky
  601. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15205Cotter, Kathryn A.
  602. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15204Franze, Kerry
  603. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15203Paul, Gail
  604. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15201Karon, Patricia
  605. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15200Robinson, Noreen N.
  606. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15196Wenz, Carl J.
  607. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15195LaMontagne, Risa
  608. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15194Karon, Patricia
  609. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15193Vitas, Bob
  610. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15191Pradel, George A.
  611. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15190Mitchell, Joanne C.
  612. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15189Spinner, Mary L.
  613. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15187Jeffreys, Elizabeth S.
  614. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15186Morajda, Richard
  615. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15168Wamble, Louis
  616. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15161Washington, Ronald C.
  617. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15155Neighbors Against Noise
  618. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15153Mattes, Craig
  619. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15150Smith, Dan
  620. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15144Spiroff, Rita
  621. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15143Green, Sabrina
  622. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15142Kurth, Trish
  623. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15141DeCamp, Trinita
  624. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15135Change, Yuan C.
  625. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15046Finley, Rita
  626. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14976McGuire, Daniel
  627. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14969Boersma, Margretta
  628. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14966Village of Plainfield
    Waldorf, James A.
  629. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14964Village of New Lenox
    Baldermann, Tim
  630. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14936Towhip of Lyons, Office of the Supervisor
    Rogers, Pat
  631. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14931Village of Melrose Park
    Serpieo, Ronald M.
  632. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14869Childress, Kenna O.
  633. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14846United States Senate
    Durbin, Richard J.
  634. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14815Pechinski, Joyce E.
  635. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14756Munnelyn, Patrick T.
  636. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14754Bryant, Shari
  637. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14753Tigges, Ann Marie
  638. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14752Griffin, Michael J.
  639. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14751Bryant, Carter
  640. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14750Bryant, Shari
  641. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14749Bryant, Richard D.
  642. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14626Justak, Deana
  643. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14625Morin, Joe
  644. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14561Trusty, Brian
  645. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14558Sanchez, Charles
  646. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14550Breitlow, Charlene
  647. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14547Guarise, Michael
  648. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14544Village of Lake Zurich
    Johnson, Jim
  649. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14541Mikrut, Mary
  650. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14522Hub Group Inc.
    Kravas, Chris
  651. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14506Hewitt, Jan
  652. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14505Handley, Robert
  653. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14504Rygula, Anna
  654. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14473Lezondra, Emill
  655. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14383Cumming, Karin
  656. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14382Will County Illnois
    Gower, Edward R.
  657. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14354Village of Mokena
    Werner, Joseph W.
  658. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14351Chicago Metropolis 2020
    LaBelle, Jim
  659. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14344Forest Preserve District of DuPage Count (District")"
    Manning, Brent
  660. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14340The Village of Barrington's
    Sheys, Kevin M.
  661. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14333Hahn, Thomas
  662. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14332Thomas Balsamo
    I am very concerned about the effect the incresed train traffic will have on my business which is located on 59 an 14 on Barrington. As it is now clients are frequently late and have trouble getting here. The town is all ready gridlocked with traffic in the mornings and afternoon. I fear people will find other places to go for products and services other then Barrington if it is harder to get through town. My fear is it will Kill the allready struggling Business District in Barrington. Not to mention my 3 Kids are spread out in 3 Barrington Schools and in Now it is very hard to get through town on time to school and activities. I have been in business in Barrington for 30 years and am very concerned with this proposal I hope you will consider not letting this ruin our town.
    Barrington, IL
  663. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14331Montague, R. Latane
  664. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14330Smith, Paul Samuel
  665. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14329Meyer, Gabriel S.
  666. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14328Montague, R. Latane
  667. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14240EDWARD DEPPEN
    MISS JOHNSON MY WIFE, FAMILY, AND I HAVE BEEN RESIDENTS OF LAKE ZURICH FOR OVER TEN YEARS. AFTER LISTENING TO THE DEBATE CONCERNING THE CN ACQUISITION OF EJ&J RAILLINES,I FIND IT DISTURBING THAT MY GOVERMENT WOULD ALLOW THE CN RAILWAY TO BULLY ITS WAY FOR THE SAKE OF PROFIT OVER THE BETTER OF A # OF COMMUNITYS. THE ADDITION OF MONSTER TRAFFIC DELAYS AND ENVIORMENTAL DECAY ARE REASON ENOUGH TO SAY NO WAY. THEIR SAFTY RECORD IN THEIR OWN HOME COUNTRY IS NOT EXCEPTABLE TO ANY SAFETY BOARD WITH THE RESPONSIBILTY OF SERVING THE COMMANWEALTH. BEING AN ELECTION YEAR IT WOULD BE NICE TO SEE OUR REPRESENTITIVES ACTING IN OUR BEHALF. WE ARE 100% AGAINST THE ACQUSITION. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIM EDWARD DEPPEN
    LAKE ZURICH, IL
  668. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14239LISA SAFRAN
    I have a very personal interest in the CN deal being rejected. Almost three years ago, we purchased our dream home. Two hundred feet from my back door lie the EJE tracks, and beyond that, a forest preserve. At the time, there was a lovely grove of trees insulating my home visually and soundwise from the very infrequent trains that would pass by. Last spring, EJE cleared all of the trees from my home to the intersection of Shoe Factory Road, approximately 900 feet. Rather than a beautiful view, I get to look at ugly tracks out of my windows. The sound barrier has been eliminated and my house literally shakes when trains pass by. My five hundred and fifty thousand dollar home has been devalued tremendously already by these actions. It will be horrendous when there is constant train traffic. I pass through the intersection of Shoe Factory Road numerous times a day. It is the only way I can get to my job, my children's school, the grocery store, etc. For whatever reason, there has been an increase in train traffic lately, and I can witness the effects from my back door. Dozens of cars and busses are delayed. I have also seen emergency vehicles wait for the usually very slow trans to pass. Since my home backs up to the forest preserve and I see the beautiful wildlife in the fields, I wonder what will happen to them. My house is also so close to the tracks, I worry that a derailment could end up in my backyard, or even worse, crash into my home. With 25 trains per day projected to pass on these tracks, my quality of life, my property value, and my sense of safety are greatly compromised. My reasons are very personal, but I have read the reports regarding the negative environmental and safety impacts the deal will have on many communities. Please reject the EJE/CN transaction!!!
    HOFFMAN ESTATES, IL
  669. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14238Robert Ryan Parkinson
    As a Village of Plainfield resident, I have some serious concerns over the intended use of the railroads that run through the village as proposed in docket #35087. My concerns are as follows: - The majority of the railroad crossings are atwo-lane roads. (One lane in each direction.) - A significant increase in the number of trains from 16 to 42 per day. This is almost triple the number of trains that currently run through the village on a daily basis. - A possible maximum length of 10,000 feet per train. This is approximately 2 miles. At an average speed of 30 miles per hour, this would take 4 minutes per train across each crossing point. A thirty second buffer on each side to allow for the train crossing gates to lower and raise would increase this to a 5 minute backup of traffic at each railroad crossing. - When taking the three points above into consideration, this potentially amounts to about 3.5 hours of traffic stoppage per day. This means that about 14.6% of each day at each crossing would be closed to traffic. This does not include the extra time that it would take for traffic congestion created by previous railroad crossing stoppages to clear. There is also a main truck route that crosses the railroad at Rt 126 and again at Route 30 (via 143rd Street). School buses and some trucks are required to stop a train tracks regardless of the state of the railroad protection gates (being up or down). I believe that this is a relatively conservative estimate of time. I am not calculating rush hour" traffic scenarios, as well as giving the trains the benefit of the doubt that they are going to be travelling at 30 miles per hour. - CN (The Canadian National Railroad Corporation) will reap quite a few benefits from this docket. Whereas for the Village of Plainfield and its residents, there is not only a lack of benefits, but a significant deterioration in the quality of life through increased traffic and noise pollution. - Increased traffic will affect the residents of the Village of Plainfield in the following ways: - Increased travel times (for commuting, transporting children to school, shopping, etc.) - Increased air pollution (increase in the number of idling cars and trucks standing in traffic, and increased exhaust from a larger number of trains). - Increased Air pollution (derived from a larger number of freight trains traversing the area, as well as more cars and trucks idling in traffic). - Increased fuel cost (as travel times increase due to traffic, a greater amount of fuel will be consumed by those same vehicles.) - Increased time cost (as a result of spending more time in traffic - more residents will have less time to spend with their families, hobbies, and entrepreneurial endeavors.) - Decrease in visitors to Plainfield (more people will avoid the area if there is a significant traffic increase. This will affect families, and businesses, such as restaurants, gas stations and stores that rely on location and drive-by business). - Decrease in housing prices (more people will move away for a better quality of life, as well as having fewer people move into the village.) Again the benefits in this docket are all for CN and the Village of Plainfield and its residents will be the recipients of the disadvantages. The points above should be sufficient to state why I oppose the docket in its current form. However, instead of giving only negative refutes, I would like to suggest an alternative that would allow it to be a win-win situation: - CN (Canadian NationalRailroad Corporation) should pay for overpasses/underpasses at ALL railroad crossings in Plainfield. There should be a minimum of 25% of the contracts used to be earmarked to Plainfield-based construction companies. This would eliminate a significant amount of traffic, as well as stimulate the local economy. This would be the only real benefit for the Village of Plainfield. For residents that live in “significantly affected” areas, such as with 200 yards of the railroad, CN would offer to purchase their house (at a slight percentage above market rate) so that they could move to away from the increased air and noise pollution. Also, in the future, if CN increases either the length or quantity of trains, then it would pay a "use tax" to the Village of Plainfield for each train that is over the maximum count of 42 per day, or over the maximum length of 10,000 feet. I believe that with the saving that CN will reap from using this railway as an alternative route, it will be able to afford these concessions. I do not work for a construction company, nor do I live within 200 yards of a railroad, so neither of the above stipulations has a direct affect on me. Thanks, Robert Ryan Parkinson"
    Plainfield, IL
  670. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14237Association of American Railroads
    Linda J. Morgan · Washington, DC
  671. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14236Sandra Schild
    Please address the following questions in your continuing analysis of the CN purchase of the E J & E Railroad tracks: 1. What is the worldwide safety record of CN, especially when running trains from its home location in Canada to the US? How has the government of Canada responded to safety concerns related to CN and what has been CN's response? 2. How can an environmental study prepared by consultants hired by CN be independent and unbiased? 3. It is unreasonable to assume that CN, a profit driven corporation, will allow the tracks it currently owns to be underutilized. How long will it take before these tracks are backfilled and the environmental problems just multiplied? 4. The STB looks at the economic impact of the transaction. How do you include and quantify the environmental and social impact (quality of life)of the transaction? 5. How can the degradation of the air, water and soil resulting from increased freight traffic along with the negative impact on the communities' economic viability be figured into the analysis? 6. In a time of corporate bail outs, why does the country want to help a foreign corporation impose massive financial burdens related to remediation of environmental impacts on its citizens? Thank you.
    Barrington, IL
  672. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14235Frank Cefali
    i am a resident of Illinois and I strongly object to CNN's proposed action and will be drastically harmed therby becuase of increased congestion and the high risk of environmental contanimation.
    Barrington, Illinois
  673. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14234Brett Spearing
    Please see the attached document outline my opposition to the CN/EJ&E acquisition. Sincerely, Brett Spearing
    Frankfort, IL
  674. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14233Dorel Nasui
    Please STOP the horror train, please do not allow CN to turn the EJ&E into a freight superhighway! Nearly one year ago, CN applied to the Surface Transportation Board to buy the EJ&E for the pure goalof increasing its profits at the expense of our region. While we believe firmly that business interests are important, one company's interests cannot and should not trump the interests and concerns of Main Street Americans. If this CN deal is approved, the entire region will see a huge increase of freight traffic as we become a high-speed bypass route for Intermodal traffic originating in Asia, shipped into Canada, and sent to Memphis and points beyond. There is nothing in this deal that benefits the greater Chicagoland region, which is why none of CN's promises have been put in writing. Talk is cheap, but real solutions to the region's problems with this deal are not. The traffic delays will transform themselves into billions of dollars in losses for the region, the safety of the people will be affected, the air polution will increase and the whole environment will be perturbated. Please make a study on the economic losses to be incurred in the area due to the traffic delays - they wil by far increase the value of the transaction. Thank you very much for your consideration, Sincerely, Dorel Nasui Resident
    Barrington, IL
  675. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14232Dicie Hansen
    Barrington, IL
  676. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14231Ralph Dietz
    I am a resident of Green Garden Township of Will County. Additional train traffic cuts us off on the northern boundary, since all access roads have grade crossings. The cost of making under/overpasses would be outrageous. Safety is a big factor related to emergency vehicle access. The environmental impact to the neighborhoods near the tracks would be unpleasant. So I oppose the acquisition. Thank you.
    Monee, Illinois
  677. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14230Steve Malak
    Please stop the CN purchase. The value of my home will decrease. We back up to the beautiful Pratt forest preserve, with coyote, deer, racoons and skunks. This wildlife will be disturbed. Also, while traveling to the Bartlett trainstation daily, I use Munger road to get to Stearns to 59. Many days trains are across Munger road now, and Bartlett police say they can not give tickets. So these trains continue to block Munger road for hours!! The annoyance of a public road being blocked and the extra noise my home will have from heavy train traffic is unbelievable. My home will never drop in value and i will be a prisoner with closed windows forever!
    Bartlett, IL
  678. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14229bob neubauer
    Opposed to the Cn purchase of the EJE. a) is transferring the heavy traffic burden from the present route appropriate and cause indeterminable problem to the surrounding community. NO b)CN willing to pay $360 millin for the EJE but to fix the route so that it is acceptable to the surrounding communities is a responsibility they are unwilling to accept. If they are willing to expend $360 million they should also pay for the upgrades and under or over passes. Enviromentally it is ridicilous. Noise pollution disruptions, delays by vehicles and commuters will exdpend millions of gallons of gasoline either as waste in the AIr or burinig out to thre enviroment and thereby creating SMOG. No thye should bre required to maintain their existing oute
    frankfort, il
  679. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14228Dan Swartz
    The Emperor's New Clothes ! For the CN acquisition, can you clearly explain in the FEIS how you reached conclusion on the number of freight trains that will utilize the EJ&E ROW as well as the conclusion that freight trains will move from the Chicago line to the new western tracks? It seems that we're all afraid to state the obvious.....CN intends to increase their business. Their website is marketing-based to attract shippers, they have invested in a new port facility and they have stockholders looking to increase profit. In fact, the STB had asked CN to provide accurate estimates for freight and CN responded that they could not forecast more than a few years out. So, the analyses performed for the DEIS are based on assumptions of little or no growth provided by CN. Doesn't their Purpose and Need imply otherwise....they are looking for closer relationships." Please have the courage to state the obvious - the analyses and true impact of this transaction will not be known until forecasts are more accurate."
  680. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14227JACQUELINE SCULLY
    As a home owner, living adjacent to the EJ&E, I am strongly opposed to the purchase of the rail line to CN. I have lived in the NW suburbs of Ill. all my life and am quite aware of the problems caused by rail traffic in several of the towns along the currant rail line. I BEG you to refuse the CN purchase today! Why must we be selling off our country piece by piece to other countries so that they may fill their pockets and ignore the risks and expenses to OUR areas of OUR country? The increase in rail traffic will be devastating to many MORE TOWNS along its path! Property value's , not only, will plummet, but Safety issues have NOT been addressed and the environmental impact has not been studied to it's fullest. Please, please DO NOT give Canada what they WANT and ignore what we NEED! Think, just for once, about US and THIS country instead of the selling off to BIG BUSINESS! Distraughtfully Sincere, J SCULLY
    ELGIN, ILLINOIS
  681. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14226Wayne Schild
    My concerns with this proposed acquisition are: 1. Water and water quality protection as this is an area that relies upon acquifers to provide all drinking water to residents. The waterways surround the rail line. Increase in rail traffic will adversly affect these wetlands. 2. Impact on area roadways as this line crosses area roadways at six locations in Barrington alone and also crosses a Metra communter rail line. The area roads are currently VERY congested and almost at a standstill just from traffic lights and the METRA line alone. Additional congestion will force traffic, where possible, to rural roads which are not designed for high traffic volumes. 3. Increases in noise pollution, air pollution and water pollution will impact the quality of life in the area. 4. Life safety as the area hospital is separated from the main town by this rail line as are the fire stations. This rail line also separates the Barrington high school from town and there are are large number of school buses which cross this line. 5. CN has a VERY poor safety record. 6. The sale of one more American asset to a foreign entity. Another step in the Sale of America"."
    Barrington, Illinois
  682. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14225brenda mondane
    my house butts up to a very active train yard with multiple trains crossing the tracks several times a day. the whistles blow, the security cars have bright lights, and it's an overall nuisance; despite the valuable goods the train cars carry. please encourage all the parties to consider the families living along these very active tracks and the daily negative (noise, pollution, loss of reception) impact the trains have on our lives. thank you very much for listening.
    south holland, il
  683. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14224Anne Noffert
    Please reject CN's proposal to acquire the EJ&E railway. I have serious concerns with how the freight train will negitively impact our community. My greatest concern is for the safety of the people in my community. In the past year we have lost two teenage boys due to being hit by a train. This has been devistating to the friends and families of those who knew those boys. We also cannot afford to put our children at a higher safety risk when commuting to school daily. Thousands of our children pass over those tracks on a daily basis. The trains will also negitively impact the traffic situation in our town (Barrington). I'm also concerend with the materials that will be transported thru. our community. Will there be hazardous materials? We need more answers! Please don't let this proposal pass. Save our community for the problems this will create. Sincerely, Anne Noffert
    Hoffman Est., IL
  684. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14223Virginia D. Scott
    From a safety issue alone this proposal is bad for the region. This acquisition need significant mitigation requirements. The towns where CN is proposing the increase of train traffic are not equipped to handle the proposed train traffic. Please require CN to pay for the mitigation. If you don’t, the railroads will continue to have the ability to secure increased profit margins at the expense of the communities in which they operate and ultimately all Americans. Absent adequate mitigation funding by CN, the American taxpayer will be faced with paying billions of dollars to clean up CN's one sided, ill conceived plan. We need you, the STB, to require CN to pay for the use of our American resources. Please be aware of CN’s business practices in Canada. They have not been responsive to communities once they have control of the tracks. Here’s one example of their lack of responsiveness. ---For those of you who aren’t familiar with the Wabamun disaster, a November 29, 2007 Globe & Mail article summarized CN's lack of responsiveness in cleaning up this hazmat spill: CN still faces charges from Alberta's Environment Ministry that it failed to act properly to confine the spill.” In Wabamun, bitterness lingers still. "They were more interested in getting the trains on the tracks than repairing any of the damage they'd done to the environment," says Bill Van Rassel, a hardware store owner who lives on the shore of Lake Wabamun, about three kilometres from where the train jumped the tracks. It was CN's response, not the derailment itself, that really hurt the company's reputation. Within 48 hours, the trains were moving again, yet lakeside residents were still being told little; they'd been stood up by a CN official who had promised to meet with them, according to members of a local residents' committee. "They were pretty arrogant," says Van Rassel."--- The Canadians affected by the accident had to file a lawsuit to get remediation. CN also has questionable employee business practices. As shown by a $250-million class action lawsuit in against Canadian National, alleging the railway misclassified more than 1,000 supervisors as managers to avoid having to pay them overtime. CN has shown a well documented lack of concern for the communities they run their trains through. They can not be trusted to “do the right thing”. If you, the STB, approve this deal, please require them to mitigate BEFORE they can increase the train traffic in the suburban areas. Thank you for your time and in depth review of this matter."
  685. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14222Rep. Melissa L. Bean
    Filed by Rep. Bean on behalf of Reps. Biggert, Visclosky, Manzullo, Foster, and Roskam
    Washington, DC
  686. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14221Jameson A. Baxter
    see att
    Lake Barrington, Illinois
  687. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14220National Railroad Passenger Corporation
    R. Latane Montague · Washington, DC
  688. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14219Jan Hewitt
    Dear Ms. Rutson; As a resident of Wayne, IL, I am writing to express my strong opposition to CN Rail’s purchase of the EJ&E line. I am very concerned that my community will be facing significant issues related to public safety, environment, traffic gridlock, and emergency response times if this acquisition is approved. None of these issues are being adequately dealt with by the CN. I understand that the SRB is charged with the review and approval process for transactions of this type, and has its mandate to foster rail commerce. However, if your agency does not protect communities from the actions of the railroads, transactions like the one proposed by CN will devastate the viability and livability of villages and towns all along the rail line. Thank you. Jan Hewitt
    Wayne, IL
  689. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14218Jane Malak
    Please stop the CN purchase. Our Woodland Hills neighborhood backs up to the tracks. The noise level now is high, we shut our family room door when the train just sits on the tracks behind our home. I can not imagine the noise in my house if many trains are travelling on these tracks and resting across Munger Road stopping traffic. Our bedrooms are too loud right now, my daughter can never open her windows at night to sleep due to the noise now. Please stop this purchase!!
    Bartlett, IL
  690. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14217Leo J. Emanuel
    As a resident of Naperville, I object to increase rail traffic bordering our town. Our roads are already crowed and commute time is too long. I also volunteer at Edward hospial and see first hand the effects of this traffic and its effect on the general population. I urge our elected officals to put the resident's needs adhead of big business and vote against this request from the CN.
    Naperville, IL.
  691. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14216Melissa Speerly
    I am a resident of Illinois and I want you to know that I strongly oppose CN's proposed action. Our community's are growing at a very strong pace and our traffic and population is on the rise. With a strong increase of trains and car length, this will be very dangerous for residents in many different ways. Emergency care will be affected, our school systems will be affected, elderly, and so on. Please do not allow this to happen.
    Montgomery, IL
  692. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14215Bonnie Albrecht
    Please do not allow the CN Rail to purchase the EJ & E line. I am against this, as it adversely affects my community environmentally.
    Inverness, IL
  693. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14214Marilyn K. Griffin
    There are serious problems about STB's assurance that the EJ&E merger will have only a minor impact in the area affected, including my town of Wayne. 1. CN has offered the entire region!! (Gary, IN to Waukegon,WI) a total of $40 million to mitigate the infrastructure impact. An overpass for a 4-lane road costs approximately $40-50 million. 133 grade crossings require an overpass, as opposed to the few that CN will admit to being needed. The gap in costs and mitigation is outrageous. 2. CN has misled communities claiming they will experience significant decreases in freight traffic. 3. CN's unwillingness to provide freight traffic projections beyond 3 years; a cut-off that precedes the expansion of a major new port served by CN in western Canada. 4. CN's subpar safety record, as documented by the Canadian government, and the STB's refusal to take theses documents into account during the decision making process. 5. CN's President indicated that taxpayer dollars would have to be used to help mitigate the costs of infrasturcture improvements. Our outer regions of midsize towns and small villages cannot possibly support this invasion by the CN. Our towns will die. Any tax base we now have would be diminishing year by year as the heavy railroad spread destroys our economic base. Please consider all these factors. A foreign company can't just crush our towns at will, can they? They must play fair and invest their own dollars to make the tremendous profits that they are expecting to gain. Thank you for considering my comments. Marilyn K. Griffin
    Wayne, IL
  694. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14213Dan Swartz
    With funding in place to increase Amtrak speeds in the Chicago / Joliet areas, would CN's trains interfere with Amtrak's plans and the federal funding received for improvements ? i.e., could Amtrak travel at these speeds or would CN's frequent trains interfere? Amtrak gets federal money to improve Chicago routes September 30, 2008 at 2:11 PM | Comments (0) Amtrak trains will be able to travel as fast as 110 m.p.h. within about a year on portions of routes from Chicago to St. Louis and Chicago to Milwaukee under federal grants announced today. The funding will help Illinois and Wisconsin to modernize track-signal and train-control systems, reducing travel times and delays. The improvements will give locomotive engineers precise real-time information about track conditions ahead. For instance, by knowing from sensors that gates and warning lights are operating properly at railroad crossings and no vehicles are blocking the tracks, trains can maintain top speeds through the crossings. Illinois will receive $3.8 million for improvements planned on the Chicago-to-St. Louis route between Springfield and Joliet. A state match of the same amount is required to leverage the federal grant announced by the U.S. Department of Transportation. Wisconsin was awarded $5 million to boost Amtrak speeds on the popular Hiawatha trains between Milwaukee and Chicago. The state must also provide matching funds.
    Naperville, IL
  695. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14211Brett Spearing
    Please see attachment for data concerns in the draft EIS for docket#35087. Sincerely, Brett Spearing
    Frankfort, IL
  696. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14210City of Aurora
    Attached you will find the official comments from the City of Aurora, Illinois regarding the DEIS Ref: STB Finance Docket No. 35087; CN/EJ&E
    Mayor Thomas J. Weisner · Aurora, IL
  697. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14209scott erickson
    Re: STB Finance Docket No. 35087 Our family yard and kids play area backs directly up the proposed CN rail track! On our behalf, PLEASE TELL CN THAT ITS APPLICATION TO ACQUIRE THE EJ&E IS REJECTED!
    elgin, il
  698. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14208Angelika Brinkmann-Busi
    Re: STB Finance Docket No. 35087 Canadian National Railway Company and Grand Trunk Corporation – Control – EJ&E West Company Dear Ms. Quinlan: I am a resident of Wayne, Illinois and strongly object to Canadian National Railway Company’s (CN) proposed action. I and our community will be drastically harmed by it. We moved to the Chicago area from another State and decided after some initial explorations to settle here in Wayne about two years ago. We like the open, natural areas around us and the local life style and for that my husband agreed to a long daily commute with its inconveniences and additional costs. The proposed increase of trains from 4 to 24 per day would be dramatic for Wayne. In addition to the significantly increased frequency, the trains will be much longer to maximize efficiency and the proposed daily train car loads of hazardous material traveling through our village will rise from 21.1 to 265.5, an increase of 1,285%! All this is proposed through an unprepared area with natural resource treasures and only at-grade crossings over one lane tracks. Following are my main concerns about the proposed acquisition: Safety Risks Delay of emergency responses Wayne has mostly at-grade railroad crossings. With proposed lengths of trains of 8,000 – 10,000 feet two crossings could be blocked at a time by one single train and once every hour day and night. That could cause a devastating delay of needed emergency responses by police, fire department and medical personal. However, the DEIS down plays these first responder impacts. Increased risk of accidents 1. Pedestrians and Motorists: Some of these at-grade crossings do not even have barriers. I am concerned about increased accidents by people, especially children still trying to cross the tracks by foot in front of an oncoming train. 2. Equestrians: I am also worried about safety as a horse back rider, and there are many of us in Wayne. I generally have to cross the train tracks at least twice during a trail ride and many trails run at least for a short stretch parallel to the train tracks. With the proposed train frequency it will be impossible to avoid train encounters during horse back rides and the noisy and whistling trains could cause a horse to spook and get out of control which could result in an accident. 3. Train Accidents: I am very concerned because of the fact that all of our intersections cross single tracks which may increase the risk for train crashes. The scheduling of trains going in both directions has to be done much more careful than with double tracks and the recent train accident in Chatsworth, CA was a sad reminder of the consequences of a human error in the railroad business. The EJ&E line was not meant for the heavy freight use that CN is proposing. 4. Hazardous Spills: An accident causing a hazardous spill could have disastrous consequences not just to the directly impacted neighborhood, but hazardous material could get into the groundwater and aquifer and contaminate a wide area. We depend in our area on our own drink water wells and contamination of the shallow aquifer we are tapping into could have long term effects. In my opinion more studies are needed to evaluate and better address the potential impacts that could occur from a spill and how to mitigate them. Disruption of Traffic and Suburban Commuter Services The adverse impact to first emergency responders by intersections blocked by a freight train has already been pointed out as a safety concern. Of course, it would also change the daily local traffic patterns and significantly increase the times for local errands. The calculations of the traffic impacts are based on generalized assumptions. Why were traffic calculations only done for average daily trips (ADT), and not also for rush hour times? During these times most people have a strict schedule. Also, the speed of the trains will be slower in our area than in others. It was pointed out to me at the open house of the local public meeting for this project that despite improvements, some of the curves in our area will only allow limited, slow train speed and thus the trains will also go much slower through the nearby intersections. Environmental Impacts 1. Noise and vibrations: The increase in frequency and length of trains together with the sounding of the train horns will cause increased noise and vibrations, which can severely impact our environment. Still, the noise assessment methodology is outdated and rejected by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and therefore not adequate. 2. Air quality: Another environmental concern is the adverse impact to air quality due to carbon emissions by vehicles stopped at railroad crossings. These impacts must be adequately addressed and should be mitigated. 3. Water quality: As pointed out above, clean water is crucial to us because we depend on drink water wells. In addition, our Forest Preserves include extended wetland areas that harbor a variety of sensitive plant and animals. Contamination of ground and surface water would have devastating ecological effects. 4. Quality of natural habitat: The EJ&E line runs through environmentally sensitive areas. They not only include the above mentioned wetland areas, but also woodland, savanna and prairie habitats. Due to the special and rare plants and animals observed there, these areas are maintained, restored and monitored with great financial and labor efforts. In fact, many of us volunteer our time to support these efforts. The existing natural areas around here prompted us to settle in Wayne and I am very concerned about the potential impacts the CN proposal may have on them. A hazardous material spill could have a disastrous long term impact on them. Reduction of Property Values The DEIS assumes adverse property value impacts only within 250 feet of the line. However, a reduction of home and property values can also be expected in a much greater distance from the tracks and should not be ignored. Who will want to live in a community where short ways can take a long and unpredictable time due to blockage of crossings by freight trains? Who wants to risk that police, fire department and medical aid will be delayed in an emergency? Who wants the continued noise from the movement of the long trains and their horns plus the increased safety risks that were pointed out above? It is outrageous that impacts to residential housing are considered minor, negligible effects. Inadequate Consideration of Local and Regional Public Plans 1. Traffic: Efforts to relief the local traffic by extending Stearns Road via a bridge across the Fox River, which is in construction at this time, would be significantly undermined by increased rail traffic and its associated road blockages at the at-grade crossing on Stearns Road. Such an adversely impacted traffic project funded by the public hand should be adequately discussed in the DEIS, but is not. 2. Commuter Trains: The proposed STAR Line development which would better service the suburban communities will be disrupted. Parts of the DEIS conclude that EJ&E would reach capacity and interfere with Metra’s trains under the CN operating plan, however, other paragraphs conclude that the implementation of the STAR line will not be precluded. However, simply the offer to “work with Metra to explore all options” and to continued discussions does not guarantee a solution and cannot be accepted as an adequate mitigation. These impacts will affect a wide commuter circle. 3. CREATE: The Chicago Region Environmental and Transportation Efficiency program was formed to offer a comprehensive, regional solution to rail issues in the greater Chicago area. Monies previously designated to this program may now be shifted towards costs resulting from the CN acquisition, if it is approved. Thus, the DEIS not only eliminates CREATE as a reasonable alternative for the CN acquisition, but makes them competitors for scarce state and federal funding. 4. Bid for the Olympic Games 2016: When Chicago bid for hosting the Olympic Games in 2016, Wayne and the Pratt’s Wayne Woods Forest Preserve were discussed as a good place to hold the equestrian events. That makes a lot of sense with the Lamplight facility already in place which is specialized in large equestrian events, and the big jumping course within the Forest Preserve. However, Lamplight is squeezed in between two railroad tracks and tracks are also crossing the Forest Preserve. It is hard to imagine any Olympic equestrian competitions after the implementation of CN’s proposal. Failure to Assess Likelihood of Taxpayer Investment in Mitigation Options Significant financial burdens to mitigate direct and potential indirect impacts of the proposal may be pushed upon taxpayers but are not discussed in the DEIS. Increased noise levels due to the increased train traffic may lead to the need for establishments of Quiet Zones. But in order to fulfill the Federal Railroad Administration Quiet Zone requirements, very expensive safety improvements have to be installed. The cost for these would mainly fall on our community and the taxpayers. All local tracks are only one lane and at-grade. If CN only is willing to come up with 5% to max 50% of the costs for grade separations as mitigation measure, who will pay the difference? Is the federal or state government prepared to help fund these? The difference of the needed funding has to be identified or this mitigation measure is not an adequate one. I find it outrageous that Canadian National’s so clearly pushes its agenda without more consideration to all the communities, residents and natural resources affected. If an alternative route is so important to them, why does the DEIS not review alternatives? How can you minimize impacts if you are not looking for alternative solutions? In addition, their willingness to go to court and get permits before the completion of the environmental review process is not a good indicator of successful problem solutions after project implementation and leaves questions regarding voluntary mitigations. In fact, it makes me even wonder who enforces the mitigation measures of the DEIS if necessary. Since our move to Illinois, the economy deteriorated and property values dropped. If Canadian National’s proposal is implemented, also our quality of life will be significantly impacted in a variety of ways. Please do not allow this acquisition to go through. I strongly urge the Surface Transportation Board to deny the proposed acquisition of the EJ&E line by CN. Sincerely, Angelika Brinkmann-Busi
    Wayne, Illinois
  699. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14207Darren Harris
    Ref: STB Finance Docket No. 35087 I am writing to express my sincere opposition to the prospective acquisition of the EJ&E line by Canadian National Railway. Recently there have been a lot of reports of train accidents in my area and across the country. If we take a train line that historically only carried 4 trains a day and increase that traffic 6 fold to 24 trains a day, the number of accidents in the area will increase dramatically. The cost will be in human lifes. Please block the Canadian National Railway acquisition of the EJ&E. The acquisition would be bad for the community and bad for the country. Respectfully, Darren Harris Elgin IL
    Elgin, IL
  700. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14206Richard Weinstein
    RE: HR6707 I was extremely disappointed, but not surprised, that HR 6707 was not decided with the interests of residents, businesses, and public safety in mind. In view of the current economic meltdown, largely caused by special interests, greed and incompetent CEOs and politicians, one would think that our government and its agencies would be more concerned with serving the PUBLIC GOOD rather than a giant business entity like C.N.. Please consider all of the ramifications of a huge increase in rail traffic through neighborhoods and villages. The issues of safety, and congestion are crucial, but possibly worse yet is, is the loss of the quiet charm that residents have invested their lives in. Stop the sale of EJ&J to C.N.. It is what's right, responsible, and the ethical duty of the Surface Transportation Board.
    Barrington, Illinois
  701. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14205The North Country in Wayne Community Association
    Docket 35087 INTRODUCTION These comments are being submitted on behalf of the approximately 45 homes and 150 Wayne, Illinois residents who are members of the North Country in Wayne Community Association (“NCIWCA”), which is located on Brewster Creek Circle in Wayne, Illinois, southwest of the intersection of Stearns and Dunham Road. These comments are intended to supplement and be in addition to earlier comments by NCIWCA. These comments are duly authorized by the elected Board of Directors of NCIWCA pursuant to Special Meeting and are duly authorized and in accordance with the Charter and ByLaws of NCIWCA, and reflect the views of NCIWCA and its members. COMMENTS 1. NCIWCA strongly objects to the Proposed Action described in the Environmental Impact Statement (“EIS”), with or without the proposed mitigation efforts, because either would be arbitrary, capricious and illegal, and, among other things, would place a highly disproportionate and illegitimate adverse impact on the safety, air quality, energy, environment, productivity, cost of living and quality of life of NCIWCA and the Village of Wayne. (In support thereof, the remaining comments on the EIS are submitted.) 2. The EIS is based on a comparative risk analysis assuming that the proposed increase in volume of freight rail traffic along the EJ&J rail line will accompany a corresponding decrease in the volume of freight traffic along the CN subdivisions. (See, e.g., ES-5.) However, such an analysis is premised on the assumption that CN or another railroad will abide by the proposed reductions along the CN subdivisions. However, there is no assurance that this will occur. Accordingly, the attempt to made a risk based determination on such a comparative analysis is inappropriate because the risk of CN or another railroad increasing traffic along the CN subdivisions has not been factored in. The EIS should assume that there will not be a decrease in the CN subdivisions unless those subdivisions are permanently abandoned by CN or subject to a permanent and legally binding obligation not to increase levels above the levels proposed by CN. Otherwise, any comparative risk analysis is erroneous. 3. The EIS states that “the EJ&E rail line would be at or near its practical train volume capacity if the Applicants chose to operate on it the number of trains proposed by the Applications in their Operating Plan”. However, despite this fact, the EIS relies on historical aggregated data for all U.S. railroads to calculate environmental, safety and human health risks (see, e.g., p. ES-12). The reliance on such data is erroneous, and underestimates all of these risks. Any reliable source of data show that any transportation system (or other operational system) will experience a substantial increase in failure, accident and other adverse environmental, safety and human health incident when it is operated at nor near capacity, due to, among other things, the strains placed on the physical infrastructure as well as supporting human and operational infrastructure. Among other things, the EIS should specifically break out historical data pertaining to rail transportation systems that were operated at capacity, and additionally account for an increased risk due to such condition, to perform such risk. This approach should be applied to all identified risks in the EIS. Such analysis will show that the risks to human health, safety and the environment associated with the Proposed Action, with or without the proposed mitigation measures, are unacceptable, and disproportionate, particularly in relation to CN’s operations within the current CN subdivisions, which are not being taxed at their practical train volume capacities and/or which have nevertheless been demonstrated to show (through continuous historic operation) that they are capable of being utilized safely at the current freight traffic levels. 4. The purpose and need offered by CN for the Propose Action includes, among other things, to enable it to develop closer and more extensive relationships with companies in and serving the steel, chemical and petrochemical industries as well as Chicago-area utilities and others. (See, e.g., p. ES-4.) However, the EIS does not identify the companies that would be served, and their current and projected freight demands, including, without limitation, and it also does not identify the actual and projected volumes of specific chemicals and other hazardous substances that will be transported, the specific identities thereof or their material safety data sheets, or other data necessary in order support a sufficient risk analysis. In order to perform a sufficient risk analysis, the actual and projected transit times, quantities and properties of each chemical and other hazardous substance must be identified and analyzed. Furthermore, the operations and safety records and resources of each company that will be serviced must be identified and analyzed. This approach should be applied to all identified risks in the EIS. Such analysis will show that the risks to human health, safety and the environment associated with the Proposed Action, with or without the proposed mitigation measures, are unacceptable, and disproportionate, particularly in relation to CN’s operations within the current CN subdivisions. 5. The EIS erroneously eliminated four additional alternatives on the ground that they were “found … to be unreasonable because they would not meet all elements of the Applicants’ purpose and need for the Proposed Action.” (See, e.g., p. ES-9.) Also, “because they would not give CN full ownership and use of a continuous rail route around Chicago, the Applicants could not gain acess to EJ&J rail yards, or the alternative(s) would be more expensive . . .”. (see id.) 5.a. These are inappropriate grounds for ruling out the alternatives, as they are not the statutory and regulatory criteria against which proposed actions are to be measured. Indeed, it would seem rather preposterous that an Applicant can craft its own purpose in its own discretion and have that held to be the criteria against which alternatives are to be measured. If such an approach were appropriate, any Applicant could craft any set of purposes it so chose in order to avoid application of laws and regulations, rendering such laws and regulations meaningless. 5.b. Moreover, there was no analysis whatsoever of CN’s financial condition and resources to support any determination that an alternative was “too expensive”. Indeed, a quick review of CN’s financial statements (which may be found at CN’s website) indicates that CN averaged approximately $8 billion in revenue and $3 billion in operating revenues, annually, for the last three years alone. Furthermore, it is reported that for fiscal year 2007 alone, the CEO of Canadian National Railway made $12 million in annual compensation, and held nearly $75 million in stock options. 5.c. In summary, CN has tremendous financial resources and profitability, and none of the alternatives are “too expensive” for CN. 6. NCIWCA is located within a mile from the intersection of Stearns Road and Dunham Road. There is currently a road extension under construction at Stearns Road that will extend Stearns (which currently dead-ends into Dunham) into the Western suburbs, and thereby dramatically increase traffic not only on Stearns Road, but also Dunham Road. The EIS failed to account for this construction and inevitable dramatic increases in traffic that will result, as well as the substantially increased adverse impacts in environment, health and safety (including, without limitation, to NCIWCA) that will result from this construction, which will have an additive effect on the safety, environmental quality and human health risk in the EIS. In other words, this omission leads to a gross underestimation of risk and harm, particularly to NCIWCA, whose families travel on these roads daily. If the study included appropriate analysis of these factors, it would show that the risks to human health, safety and the environment associated with the Proposed Action, with or without the proposed mitigation measures, are unacceptable, and disproportionate. 7. A Union Pacific spur cuts across Dunham Road and runs between and immediately adjacent to NCIWCA and the Lamplight Equestrian Center as well as high habitat Wetlands. NCIWCA objects to any alternative that would call for any increase in rail traffic on or otherwise call for utilization of that spur, because its immediate proximity to these facilities would pose an extremely high and disproportionate risk on our health, safety and the environment. Neither NCIWCA nor Lamplight have any resources to respond to any threats, and the families and children that live and ride horses in these areas would be subjected to releases of hazardous substances and an increase in the already dangerous railway traffic that cuts across Dunham Road. In addition, on September 12, 2008, the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County refuted claims that it had suggested that the use of the Union Pacific spur ever be considered as an alternative to a connection with Pratt’s Wayne Woods Forest Preserve. Any increase in rail traffic on or other use of the spur by CNR would result in an unacceptable and disproportionate risk to human health, safety and the environment. 8. The analysis done by the EIS relative to hazardous materials releases has absolutely no credibility. The Study admits that the increase in reportable hazardous material releases would increase, and that there would be a large percentage increase in the volume of hazardous materials that would be transported on the EJ&J rail line. However, the study only focuses conclusorily on the likelihood of an accident being quote unquote “remote”, and does no analysis whatsoever of the extent of damage, personal injury and death that would be caused by such a release. A proper risk analysis factors in not only probability but also the magnitude of damage that can be caused. (By way of example, in 1984, the Union Carbide chemical release in Bhopal India that killed nearly 4,000 people, was a remote likelihood, but the damage was catastrophic.) The study failed to do this. The study also erroneously relies on historical data, while ignoring the added operational and safety risks that will arise from the EJ&J line operating at or near capacity - such operation levels make useless any historical data. Further, the study admits that emergency services response times would experience substantial delays, and these delays were not factored into the risk analysis relative to the damages and harm that can be caused by releases. In addition, the study failed to account for a shortage of federal, state and local funds, and poor economic conditions, as well as inadequate existing emergency response infrastructure, as factors that will increase risk due to the greater potential for harm and inability to response. If the study included appropriate analysis of these factors, it would show that the risks to human health, safety and the environment associated with the Proposed Action, with or without the proposed mitigation measures, are unacceptable, and disproportionate. 9. The EIS’s analysis relative to hazardous waste sites is also erroneous. NCIWCA is situated within 1-mile of the Tri-County Landfill Superfund Hazardous Waste Site, one of the world’s worst hazardous waste sites. The study failed to perform a cumulative or additive risk analysis that will be posed by the combination of the current risks posed by that site, or any of the identified hazardous waste sites for that matter, through air, ground and groundwater migration, with the factors of increased risk of hazardous substances releases, groundwater contamination, a change in groundwater flow dynamics, or increase in hazardous air emissions from traffic that will result from the Proposed Action. It is also noted that NCIWCA is also on well and septic with no readily available alternate public water supply, and, again, this was not considered in the analysis. If the study included appropriate analysis of the additive and cumulative risks posed by the Tri-County Landfill Superfund Hazardous Waste site, as well as the other identified hazardous waste sites, together with the Proposed Action, it would show that the risks to human health, safety and the environment associated with the Proposed Action, with or without the proposed mitigation measures, are unacceptable, and disproportionate. Indeed, the Proposed Action would violate the EPA’s risk-based decisions embodied in the approved removal and remedial actions associated with those sites. 10. The EIS admits that the Proposed Action will result in an annual net increase in energy use of 639,442 gallons per year of diesel fuel and 84,000 gallons of gasoline. However, the study fails to account for the fact that this community, not to mention the country, is suffering from an energy crisis and record fuel prices. The study does not factor in disproportionate adverse impact this will place on our residents, and we venture to further state that this is violative of state and federal energy policies. 11. The EIS fails to compare the revenue, tax base, past grants and funding received, and safety and other infrastructure resources of the communities through which the existing CN lines run, and those of the communities that the Proposed Action would affect, particularly in light of the lack of the fact that neither the federal, state nor local governments have or will have any financial or other resources to assist the communities that would be adversely affected by the Proposed Action to meet acceptable health and safety standards. Such a comparison would demonstrate that the study’s comparative risk analysis is erroneous, and that the risks to human health, safety and the environment associated with the Proposed Action, with or without the proposed mitigation measures, are unacceptable, and disproportionate.
    Michael Anastasio · Wayne, IL
  702. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14204Donald L. Brown
    As a resident and school bus driver/monitor for special needs children for our school district, I strongly oppose the Canadian National Railway's (CN) proprosed acquisition of the Elgin, Joliet & Eastern Railway (EJ&E) line. The number of trains that disrupt our normal travel time to and from the school at this time is enough. We do not need to have the number of trains tripled to cause our children to be delayted from getting to school and returned home. The students do not have to 'pay' for this disruption. As a taspayer of Will County, I do not want to have to help pay for the improvement of the railways for a corporation to run their business. Please make sure this acquisition is defeated.
    Romeoville, IL
  703. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14203Christine Thudium
    Contracts must require that before additional freight traffic is allowed to use any rails, some grade level crossings must be eliminated by under or over ground replacements. Citizen safety is critical. Traffic delays will otherwise be horrific.
    Naperville, IL
  704. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14202James E. Griffin
    Most federal law concerning railroads was passed in the 19th Century, a time when it was necessary to lay vast stretches of rail infrastructure to connect sparsely populated outposts. Today, the situation is vastly different – forced and taxpayer-subsidized railroad merger and acquisition activity in developed areas destroys communities. Highly profitable railroads can easily afford to make the investments necessary to safely integrate their operations into American communities. Much is being said about the devastating consequences the takeover of the EJ&E Railroad by the Canadian National will cause suburban Chicago-area communities. These communities will be fundamentally changed in character, and could be required to invest hundreds of millions of dollars to construct grade separations and other safety improvements – all without ever having had the STB weigh the environmental devastation equally against the benefits to a private railroad. We are fighting for our lives in urging that Canadian National Railroad be mandated to agree to putting in the infrastructures needed BEFORE being allowed to quadruple its trains and bring a 1200% increase in hazardous waste passing within 100 yards of our homes, with only their hope that there probably" won't be a devastating accident. Please consider the perils we face and our inability to protect ourselves, with utmost seriousness. James E. Griffin Physicist, retired Fermilab Accelerator Laboratory"
  705. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14201Atty for City of West Chgo
    see attac
    Thomas F McFarland · Chicago, IL
  706. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14200Kathryn Miller
    If this railroad were to expand our neighborhood would be in grave danger when there are life threatening emergencies. We are surrounded by railroad tracks and already experience problems with the amount of trains now. With increased railroad traffic we may have some serious problems on our hands.
    Lockport, IL
  707. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14199Gordon Gillen
    Dear Ms. Johnson-Ball, I am a very concerned citizen and very upset at the possibility of CN buying the EJ & E rairoad. This purchase will cause catastrophic effects and undue financial burden on the citizens of the surrounding towns. Please say NO" to CN!!!!!! Thank you for your attention and time with this matter. Regards, Gordon & Elaine Gillen"
  708. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14198Village of Hoffman Estates
    Village of Hoffman Estates comments on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement.
    William D. McLeod, Village President · Hoffman Estates, IL
  709. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14197Jill Klouw
    I am a mom and I'm against the proposed CN purchase of the EJ&E. My children cross over those tracks everyday on the school bus. The buses servicing our area cross over our set of tracks 16 plus times a day, for the high school, middle school, and elementary school. Many of the busses cross over the tracks again at other locations. That many trains, and trains of the propossed length would have many of these children arriving late for school. The emergency response time to our area would be greatly effected by constant train crossings. I have concerns about air quality. I also have concerns about train safety. Our neighborhood already lost one boy that was hit by a train just this past summer. With 20 trains passing a day it makes me worry. If a train ever derailed it would be horrible. Our area borders the forest preserve we would be isolated. How would they handle the clean up? Please put a stop to the CN purchase and protect our families.
    Hoffman Estates, IL
  710. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14196Lynda Hough
    To whom it may concern - I am a citizen of the Barrington village and very very concerned about CN using those tracks going through Barrington. We live on Hillside Ave, a street that has a lot of families with children living on it - It is currently a cut through from 59 to Northwest highway. If this CN purchase goes through - the traffic will be even worse than it is today! Barrington already has HUGE traffic issues - being in the cross hairs of Lake Cook road, Northwest Highway, 59 and all the Metra activity...we CAN'T take anymore! One day a child is going to be hit and killed on Hillside OR any other cut through street (because of bottle-neck traffic and impatient drivers) and we're all going to be saying - SHOULD'VE, COULD'VE, WOULD'VE.....!!!!!! This purchase effects everything and increasing the traffic activity on cut through streets is just another example of how far reaching this is. The traffic is already so bad that you practically have to take your life into your own hands just to GET THE MAIL from the mailbox. Please Please Please do not allow this to pass!!!! The families of Barrington Village do NOT want this! We worry for our children and city. Thank-you for your attention. -Lynda Hough
    Barrington, IL
  711. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14195Deborah Schoen
    I am vehemently opposed to the acquisition of the EJ&E by Canadian National Railway. Please consider the devastating effects to our region by this foreign company. They claim there are benefits to the United States, but that is untrue. They will be taking into their deep water ports on the Pacific, goods that now come into our California ports (which are shallower). They then will be transporting by rail these goods across western Canada then down through Minnesota to Illinois. We have the infrastructure for their rail lines to go through the inner ring of suburbs into Chicago now. This has taken over 100 years to build with federal, state, and local funding. This is not available out in the further out suburban areas of Chicago. They (CN) expect the taxpayers to pay for the 30+ bridges, etc., at a cost of $70 to $100 million each. This is to improve their company,and hurt American interests. On a personal note, this will affect the regions environment, safety, and way of life. There are no alternate roads to get around 2 1/2 mile long double decker trains in the suburbs. Emergency help will not be able to respond in time in most of the towns. The homes along this small EJ&E will be ruined, by either pollution, devaluation, and vibration. This ruins the water table of all our towns that depend on well & sceptic. The environmental issues are enormous to our prairies and ponds along with the large amounts of animals. Please PLEASE REJECT THE APPLICATION BY CANADIAN NATIONAL RAILWAY OF THE EJ&E. It is our life, homes, and the regions future that is in your hands. They just want to make more $$$$ for a foreign company to transport their goods faster from the Pacific to the Gulf of Mexico. They already have profits of over $80million last year. I realize that the CN doesn't have to submit to you their safety record in Canada. But it is abismal. They are soon to go to court re: a train crash from a few years ago. The Canadian government is sueing them, because they haven't taken the steps necessary to clean up the mess they caused from poor safety. PLEASE DO MORE RESEARCH ON THIS HORRIBLE COMPANY! Lastly, my home is 46feet from the tracks to our lot line, and 119feet to my home. Can you imagine how it will be to live here with the horns, vibrations, pollution, and unsafe conditions. Right now it is a small putt putt 4 small trains per day that are about 100 feet in length. They project it will be 24.8 double decker trains per day with a lenth of 10,000+ (which is over 2miles long). There is only forest preserves and open fields here for miles and miles. Therefore there are no alternate routes for anyway around. Please, please, SAY NO!
    Wayne, Illinois
  712. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14194Joseph levy
    I am a resident of Frankfort, IL. and I formally oppose the proposed Canadian National Railway acquisition of the EJ&E Railroad. I cite negative impacts: Environment Cost Impeeding emergency response Traffic congestion Safety Regards, Joseph Levy
    Frankfort, IL.
  713. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14193John Stevens
    Please see attached
    Barrington, Ill
  714. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14192Lupita Tokarski
    RE: Docket 35087 I live in a home that backs up to EJ&E RR tracks. Two houses north of me is the manual switch" for the double tracks.....and this is a BIG problem. We have trains sit here for sometimes 10, 15, even 20 minutes while they manually switch tracks. Many times the trains are left blocking Shoe Factory Rd while someone moves the switch (could be a big problem with Emergency Vehicles and/or busses)....sometimes at night (2 or 3am), I can hear people out there "banging" on the switch, talking, all the while the train is idling loudly, revving up and spooling down. Can't imagine how 20 trains a day are going to affect traffic on Shoe Factory, my kids getting to and from school, emergencies in my neighborhood, and anyone in my family getting a good night's sleep!!! We bought this house because we looked out onto the beautiful forest preserve, where we can see wild life and the passing of seasons (with few interruptions by passing trains, roughly 2 per day, 10 years ago). I never even got stopped at the RR Xing, until 2 years ago and I've lived here 10 years! Keep CN out, we don't need them and don't want them disrupting our lives."
  715. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14191arthur santangelo
    recommend the purchase of Canadian national purchase and rerouting of trains to the EJ&E. This would make Elmwood Park and surrounding communities safer, have less train delays, and have better air quality
    elmwood park, illinois
  716. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14190Mark Puccio
    CN has not yet realized the full accountability it has toward the municipalities and residents whose lives and safety will be profoundly and permanently impacted by the increase of rail traffic from 3 to 5 trains currently, to 25 or more trains if the CN proposal is granted. The towns and cities along the hundred plus miles of track co-exist with a rail system that has a low frequency of trains. With only 3-5 trains per day, grade crossing interference presents low risk to the passage of police and fire vehicles and other emergency vehicles, school buses, rush hour traffic and other traffic that run through the towns. CN's offer includes a minor sum of money compared to the hundreds of millions of dollars needed to improve those grade crossings so that the safety of the towns and residents along the tracks are not jeopardized by the increased risk of vehicle interference and congestion that will undoubtedly be created by the increased train traffic. CN is clearly, and understandably motivated by increased profit. But CN's profit should not be gained at the cost of the taxpayers who will be left to foot the bill to improve these grade crossings to alleviate the problems CN's increased traffic will cause. This is not a victim-less" event. The victims are these towns and residents who will have to pay to modify their towns in order for CN to realize its desired profit. The victims are the schools, social services, municipal infrastructure, commercial facilities and other improvements for these towns that will suffer by lack of funds because of the necessary diversion of those funds to improve the rail crossings for the safety of those using and served by accessibility of the roadways. Where is the "corporate responsiblity" this foreign corporation should bear to preserve the safety and enjoyment of those impacted by its desired expansion? At this point, CN fails to demonstrate its "corporate responsiblity" as it proposes to place the cost of its profit on the taxpayers along the rail line. Shame on CN! and shame on any public body who puts CN's profits ahead of the health, safety and welfare of the American citizens and taxpayers who will be forever impacted by CN's greed. I urge you please to deny CN's request unless and until it agrees to pay for the roadway infrastructure improvements necessary to allow the free movement of safety and emergency vehicles, school buses, commuting motorists and other vehicles using roadways that cross the tracks. Respectfully submitted by, Mark V. Puccio 1835 Nicholson Drive Hoffman Estates, IL 60192"
  717. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14189Alex Paul
    September 30, 2008 Ms. Johnson-Ball, I understand this is my last chance to voice my opposition to the Canadian National Railway Company and Grand Trunk Corporation’s (CN) purchase of the EJ&E rail line. Like many area residents, I’ve lived both in Chicago and the suburbs. While both sides can argue the pros and cons of the CN deal, one indisputable fact is that Chicago has been better designed to handle heavy rail traffic. Over many years, raised railways and alternative routes have been designed to allow pedestrian and automobiles to deal with Chicago trains as best they could. This was expensive and time-consuming for the City, but the City also benefited economically from the rail traffic. In the suburbs, we are not prepared for this increase in traffic load. Road traffic, business viability, neighborhoods and public safety are all compromised by such a dramatic change in railway cargo. In addition, there would be no offsetting economic gain for these communities. CN has offered no viable solutions to these problems because tackling them properly would make the entire acquisition economically unfeasible. It takes courage to stand up to the multitudes of investment bankers, lawyers and company executives all pushing for this deal. Your job would be made easier by just letting them do it – but it would be wrong. I can’t believe that Congress stood up to Wall Street special interests this week, and I can’t wait to pleasantly surprised by my government again! Thank you for your consideration of my request.
    Long Grove, IL
  718. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14188Frank
    I strongly oppose the CN's purchase of the EJ&E line. This line crosses seven major streets in the Barrington area so all emergency services will be compromised as well as causing a congestion nightmare for school children, commuters, shoppers etc. It will be the ruination of the Barrington area.
    Lake Barrington, IL
  719. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14187Village of Frankfort IL
    Submitted on behalf of the Village of Frankfort by Eric L. Hirschhorn, Winston & Strawn LLP
    Mayor Jim Holland · Frankfort, Illinois
  720. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14186Amy Love
    NO to the Canadian purchase of the EJ&E railway. Should this purchase be allowed, our main access to school will be blocked for large periods of time probably every hour. Our home values will decrease and we don't need this in this terrible economy. Please do not allow this deal to pass.
    Hoffman Estates, IL
  721. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14185Carolyn Glueckert
    Please consider the impact that the sale of the EJ&E line to CN will have on communities. CN has not shown itself to be a good neighbor to the communities it goes through - and now it's trying to force its way into this deal. CN should pay for grade separations at crossings so that towns are not gridlocked by its trains. The taxpayers have been asked to pick up so much lately - please don't ask them to pick this up too.
    Deer Park, IL
  722. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14184Kim Townsend
    I live in the Prestwick subdivision that will be directly and severely impacted if the number of trains quadruples!! I will be unable to go North or West as both directions are blocked by the rails. If we have an emergency and need an ambulance or fire truck, there is a good chance that a Frankfort emergency vehicle would be unable to reach us in a timely manner. PLEASE DONT ALLOW THIS TO HAPPEN TO FRANKFORT!!!! We moved to this quiet little town to avoid just this type of polution and inconvienence."
    Kimberly Townsend
  723. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14182Atty for Metra
    see attac
    Thomas F McFarland · Chicago, IL
  724. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14181Charles Dale
    Please reject the CN acquisition of the EJ&E Railroad. You have heard all of the arguments already so I will simply state that I agree with many of the concerns voiced by the people in my community and I believe that the net regional impacts negatively outweigh the transportation benefits. Cities were made to be transportation hubs. The reason people like my family move to the suburbs is to get away from much of the urban congestion and to seek a safe and quiet place to raise a family. The suburbs were never intended to be a commercial rail hub or any other sort of major commercial transportation network and therefore is ill-equipped at the current time to deal with the resulting problems. I am generally not in favor of government getting involved in private business matters and to that end I would say, sure, go ahead and allow the deal to pass. However, if this is done, please please please REQUIRE CN to pay for all mitigation measures needed to maintain the status quo from an infrastructure perspective. We already have insufficient traffic flow and this will make a bad situation worse. Given the economic environment in the state and the nation, we simply do not have the funds necessary to fund a mitigation project sufficient to fix" the problems that will be created by this deal. I urge you to turn it down. However, if you choose to let it pass on the grounds of commerce, please consider the financial implications of the communities involved and their abilities to deal with the problems this deal will leave in its wake. Thanks you for your time and efforts on behalf of all parties and thank you for taking the time to listen to our concerns. Sincerely, Charles R. Dale Barrington, IL"
  725. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14180Aaron Rachlin
    Re: STB Finance Docket No. FD 35087 My neighbors and I chose our homes to have a quiet and safe area in which to live and raise our families. If this transaction takes place, we will be subjected to 4 times the number of trains passing through the neighborhood every day. The trains will be several times longer and heavier than the current traffic. We would like to continue to enjoy use of our yard, patio, and pool but the planned vast increases in the use of the nearby tracks would make that impossible.
    Frankfort, IL
  726. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14179George Dickinson
    Phillis Johnson-Ball Surface Transportation Board 395 E Street SW Washington, DC 20423 RE: STB Finance Docket No. 35087 Proposed Acquisition of the EJ&E Railroad by Canadian National Dear Ms. Johnson-Ball: I am a resident of Frankfort, and I am formally opposing the proposed Canadian National Railway acquisition of the EJ&E Railroad. Environmental Impact If the CN purchase of the EJ & E is allowed to proceed, the impact to surrounding schools, churches and neighborhoods will have devastating consequences. The sound and vibration of thundering, fuming freight trains every 51 minutes will be felt for miles along these tracks. The noise and most concerning, the increased risk of a toxic spill due to the 600% spike in harmful chemicals hauling through town at 45 miles per hour begs the question, “Will the STB ensure that the final environmental impact study addresses the significant negative environmental impact to our community?” The Cost to US Taxpayers The $40 million CN has proposed to spend on infrastructure improvements is a drop in the bucket. Who will pay for the rest of the underpasses, grade separations and projected necessary infrastructure improvements that are needed to support projected population growth. Who will pay for the anticipated decline in property values? If the STB approves this transaction, then CN should be required to pay. Emergency Response Minutes count when lives are at stake. With 28 trains a day, police cars and fire trucks will be forced to wait with their sirens blaring, and considering Frankfort’s population is anticipated to top 55,000, the impact could cost lives. Is Congestion Better in the Suburbs? Moving Chicago’s rail congestion to the suburbs is not an effective solution. Please consider that relocating this problem does not effectively address the issue. CN Safety Record It has been 25 years since the EJ&E tracks in Frankfort have received major repairs. Considering CN’s reluctance to implement Canadian safety measures, and its employees’ “culture of fear,” does the STB expect CN to honor US safety requirements? Please give CN’s safety record your utmost priority when considering this purchase. Respectfully submitted, George Dickinson
    Frankfort, il
  727. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14178John Yaney
    Please do not approve the CN purchase of the E J & E railroad. The increase in rail traffic will devastate the local economy and cause horrible traffic congestion. Do your job and put the people FIRST!
    Barrington, Il
  728. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14177Village of Park Forest
    Please see attached D-EIS comments from the Village of Park Forest, a community along the EJ&E rail arc in Park Forest. We believe this pending action can have a crippling effect on our community inasmuch as it impacts numerous aspects of daily life in Park Forest such as schools, emergency service operations, economic development, property values, and general overall quality of life for our 24,000+ residents. I have also included the Village's original submission from January of this year regarding our initial thoughts on this pending acquisition. I look forward to any follow up questions the STB might have in its due diligence. In particular, please note the reference of our taking actual video footage of rail traffic through our community, its very slow rate of speed, the duration that traffic is impacted and the frequency in which existing trains come to a complete halt across Western Avenue. This footage is based on nearly 2 months of round-the-clock surveillance with only 8 trains per day passing through Park Forest. The future is ominous for Park Forest when faced with the prospects of increasing the number of trains by 400%, train cars by 500% and tonnage by 700%!
    Village Manager Thomas Mick · Park Forest, Illinois
  729. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14176Canadian National Railway Company
    Paul Cunningham · Washington, DC
  730. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14175Blanca Dickinson
    Phillis Johnson-Ball Surface Transportation Board 395 E Street SW Washington, DC 20423 RE: STB Finance Docket No. 35087 Proposed Acquisition of the EJ&E Railroad by Canadian National Dear Ms. Johnson-Ball: I am a resident of Frankfort, and I am formally opposing the proposed Canadian National Railway acquisition of the EJ&E Railroad. Environmental Impact If the CN purchase of the EJ & E is allowed to proceed, the impact to surrounding schools, churches and neighborhoods will have devastating consequences. The sound and vibration of thundering, fuming freight trains every 51 minutes will be felt for miles along these tracks. The noise and most concerning, the increased risk of a toxic spill due to the 600% spike in harmful chemicals hauling through town at 45 miles per hour begs the question, “Will the STB ensure that the final environmental impact study addresses the significant negative environmental impact to our community?” The Cost to US Taxpayers The $40 million CN has proposed to spend on infrastructure improvements is a drop in the bucket. Who will pay for the rest of the underpasses, grade separations and projected necessary infrastructure improvements that are needed to support projected population growth. Who will pay for the anticipated decline in property values? If the STB approves this transaction, then CN should be required to pay. Emergency Response Minutes count when lives are at stake. With 28 trains a day, police cars and fire trucks will be forced to wait with their sirens blaring, and considering Frankfort’s population is anticipated to top 55,000, the impact could cost lives. Is Congestion Better in the Suburbs? Moving Chicago’s rail congestion to the suburbs is not an effective solution. Please consider that relocating this problem does not effectively address the issue. CN Safety Record It has been 25 years since the EJ&E tracks in Frankfort have received major repairs. Considering CN’s reluctance to implement Canadian safety measures, and its employees’ “culture of fear,” does the STB expect CN to honor US safety requirements? Please give CN’s safety record your utmost priority when considering this purchase. Respectfully submitted, Blanca Dickinson
    Frankfort, Ilinois
  731. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14174State Representative
    Please find the attached written comments to the draft EIS in regards to the proposed acquisition of the EJ&E by the CN. Do not hesitate to contact me if the attachment is unreadable.
    Mike Fortner · West Chicago, IL
  732. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14173Terrence Briese
    Ref: STB Finance Docket No. FD 35087 Regarding the purposed purchase of the EJ&E railroad by the Canadian National railroad, as a resident of Frankfort, IL and a citizen of the U.S.A., I strongly oppose the acquisition. The rationale for my position is based on two primary factors. TRACS Act: With the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee’s recent approval of the Taking Responsible Action for Community Safety, or TRACS, Act (H.R. 6707), a decision on the CN-EJ&E transaction should be postponed until this updated legislation or similar legislation goes before Congress. The current rules that the STB follow are antiquated and are in desperate need of updating: thus TRACS. TRACS would properly require the STB to consider a rail expansion projects' effects on local communities. It would do all citizens an great injustice to pass an approval to CN with the TRACS Act pending. There is a high likelihood that if the CN-EJ&E transaction were looked at under TRACS, it would not be approved or at least would be sufficiently analyzed. DEIS Inadequate: There are many ways in which the DEIS is inadequate. One major flaw is that the study does not examine the competitive advantage that CN will gain with the purchase of EJ&E and, therefore, severely overestimates the benefits to the communities that are expected to experience decreased CN rail traffic (ex. Blue Island, Markham, Riverdale, and many others). The main purpose that a private company such as CN has to purchase EJ&E is economics. The CN has clearly stated that their trains will be able to flow more quickly through the Chicago area on the EJ&E rail lines. Then, isn’t it reasonable to conclude that they will then be able to attract additional customers? The CN has stated and the DEIS does not challenge that the projected utilization of the EJ&E lines by CN will be at or near full capacity in the near-term post-purchase. Therefore, if they are able to utilize their new competitive advantage (shortened delivery times) to win new customers, where will the additional rail traffic run? The answer: It will run through the very neighborhoods and communities that the trains go through today. The very communities that believe that this acquisition is good for them will be very disappointed in due time when they again see many CN trains blocking their roadways. When that day comes, the entire Chicago area will be choked by the trains of a foreign company. How long will this prediction take to come true? Likely only a year or so. Why else would CN want to do this EJ&E deal if not to give themselves a competitive advantage? While in the short-term there may appear to be a slight net advantage, in the intermediate- and long-terms, the net impact to the entire Chicago area will likely be resoundingly negative. Why would the DEIS take such a limited view of CN’s operations and ignore the impact to their ability to win new customers? How can the STB make a decision based on a DEIS that holds certain a critical element static (i.e. CN’s competitive position) when that element is central to the transaction? The STB should not render a decision regarding the proposed CN acquisition of EJ&E until the true and full, long-term impact on the entire Chicago area is properly scoped and analyzed. Further, the STB’s decision should be based on the most current laws, which may be TRACS. Thank you for your attention to this important issue. Sincerely, Terry Briese
    Frankfort, IL
  733. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14172Elizabeth Gattone
    I oppose the CN acquisition of the EJ&E Rail Line because it would have a significant impact to my community by causing worse delays at railroad crossings on already congested Plainfield roads, by compromising the safety of the crossings and by increasing the noise, vibrations and pollution in Plainfield.
    Plainfield, IL
  734. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14171Richard L. Sweet
    Hawthorn Woods, IL
  735. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14170John Wojciechowski
    Dear Ms. Johnson-Ball: As a resident near the EJ&E line in Illinois I am writing to express my strong opposition to the Canadian National Railway Company and Grand Trunk Corporation’s (CN) purchase of the EJ&E rail line. I am very concerned that my community will be facing significant issues related to public safety, environment, traffic gridlock, and emergency response times if this acquisition is approved. None of these issues are being adequately dealt with by the CN. I understand that the Surface Transportation Board is charged with the review and approval process for transactions of this type, and has as its mandate to foster rail commerce. However, if your agency does not protect communities from the actions of the railroads, transactions like the one proposed by CN will devastate the viability and livability of villages and towns all along the rail line. Thank you for your consideration of my request. Sincerely, John Wojciechowski
    Bartlett, IL
  736. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14169Kim McGreevy
    It seems ironic that on the last day to submit comments, I encountered my worst experience with the EJ&E/CN railroad. I was taking my 5 year old daughter to the emergency care center located in Lake Zurich. I was traveling on Cuba Road when my car came to a standstill behaind several other cars stopped at ehe train tracks. My daughter was bleeding and crying uncontrollably. I waited for what seemed several minutes before I realized that the train was not moving at all. It was blocking the road and I was so stressed that I had a difficult time assessing the situation. I could not turn around through Barrington as I imagined the next road, Lake Zurich Road was blocked, too. Because I was familiar with the area, I thought of an unmarked winding road that took me all around the town of Lake Zurich, reaching my destination at least 20 minutes longer than my first two options. Luckily, I did not cause an accident due to frustration and added stress and my daughter was not in a life and death situation. Therefore, please consider the everyday, as well as, life and death emergencies that would have worse outcomes. This is especially true with the significant increase in train traffic with CNs proposed schedule. Our small town will not be able to accommodate the traffic in a timely manner--lives will be lost. Lastly, ask towns like DesPlaines and Buffalo Grove why they are supporting the purchase of CN. It is because they know how awful it is for their community. If it was so wonderful having twenty trains a day go through their town, they wouldn't want CN to leave their town--and they have had years to adapt and still can't wait for them to leave! Please don't transfer the problem to an area that isn't capable of accommodating tons of traffic. Thank you.
    Barrington, IL
  737. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14168Eiko Kataoka
    I believe that CN's proposed acquisition of EJ&E will have a big negative impact in the area which is the opposite of local interest. I personally pass the rail crossing every day at Lake Cook Road in Barrington, IL, and I can tell it is not the best interest of the residents of Barrington and surrounding neighborhood, it is not the best interest of local businesses, and it poses danger to local communities. I am absolutely sure that it will cause a big traffic congestion in Barrington, and that is not an interest of residents west of Barrington. Here in Algonquin, we even do not have public transportation, and driving to work for the residents of this area is critical. Many people in this area work in west of Rt. 53 (I-290) and a traffic congestion at Barrington on every day basis is a nuisance for everyone. Moreover, there's a safety issue involved in this, and I do not think it is feasible to expand the rail road for large cargo trains on every day basis. People have already established the towns along EJ&E for a long time, and not only it will create an unsafe condition, but it will destroy the neighborhood if CN's proposal is approved. CN's proposal for acquisition of EJ&E is a totally selfish, disrespectful proposal that will only benefit the rail company. The residents of Chicago northwest suburb should deserve a respect. Please vote to oppose the proposal. Please fight on behalf of the residents of Chicago northwest suburb. Thank you.
    Algonquin, IL
  738. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14167Timothy Shastany
    NO TO CN'S ACQUISITION OF THE EJ&E!!!
    Barrington, IL
  739. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14166Joe Billings
    I purchased a home very near to the railroad tracks with knowledge that we averaged 6 trains a day. WIth CN, that will increase to 28 trains per day. This plan does not take into consideration the increased amount of noise, vibration, pollution that will be in my front yard. How will we be able to deal with these issues? How will this impact the value of our home? We will in trapped in noisy, polluted and hazardous environment with no hopes of a decent quality of life and no opportunity to sell the home. Please send consultants to our area to see first hand how negatively we will be impacted. Please help us save our health and our homes. Thank you.
    Mokena, IL
  740. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14165Angela Greene
    I oppose the purchase of the EJ&E Rail Line. If this purchsae goes through, the impact will be horrible! We will have many delays waiting for 2 mile long trains to go by up to 42 times per day! Ridiculous! WHat aboutthe noise and pollution passing though my community? Please do not let this aquisition take place! Protect our community.
    Aurora, Il
  741. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14164Debra Woods
    Tell the STB it must say NO to CN. Please don't ruin my Aunt's quite subdivision in Warrenville. Thanks, Deb Woods
    Springfield, IL
  742. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14163TRAC
    Please consider placing this filing on a 5 year moratorium based on the attached evidence.
    Richard Burkhart · Deer Park, Il
  743. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14162Elliott Hartstein
    As Mayor of Buffalo grove I can tell you our Board has gone on record in support of CN purchase of EJE. because of benefits to our town and the region as a whole. There are 60 plus towns which will see a reduction in rail congestion We have recently joined a coalition of other towns who likewise support the purchase the coalition is known as START (Solutions to Area Rail traffic)Over 23 towns have already joined together to show our support. Buffalo Grove will benefit by seeing reduction of between 17 and 18 trains off of the North central line which is used for commuter rail service. Those freight trains create conflict with expansion of rail service by Metra and severely limits the number of trains and times that trains can run. Reducing that conflict can lead to more effective use of a commuter rail line on which millions of dollars was spent but which cannot optimize the number of persons getting onto rail and off the roads. This obviously impact entire region and towns along line where more people might be able to be encouraged to get off the roads and onto public transit We have lived with those 17 -18 trains for countless years and we have not received any mitigation funds from Rail Road or government. The fact that we have lived with those conflicts points to fact that some of the examples used by opposition have used worst case scenarios as opposed to typical day to day situations to try to make their arguments in terms of length of trains and time that crossings may be blocked. I believe some of those worst case examples are exaggerations to bolster their opposition. I don’t begrudge their attempts to get reasonable mitigation. Whatever they get will be more than BG and other towns who have endured for these past many years. The fact of the matter is that moving those trains to the EJE which has been an underutilized rail line simply makes sense. Chicago area is a hub for freight and reducing that freight congestion in the core of the metropolitan area is logical. Freight will move more efficiently and quicker and cheaper which is good economic reasoning itself since it will help reduce cost of goods to the ultimate consumer and get rid of some of the freight gridlock that effects core of the metro area. For years the CREATE program has been talking about trying to reduce freight congestion in region, but limited public funds have been available to accomplish this. This purchase contributes to reducing problem with private funds for public benefit CN of course needs to cooperate fully with the RTA and Metra to enhance utilization of all lines and areas for public transit including the planned STAR line . CN has publically committed to cooperating to that end and needs to be encouraged to do so to the fullest so needed expansion and enhancement of public commuter transit can take place. With regard to the suggestion by opponents that we have no guarantees from CN as to how long they will keep those trains off of our lines, ,even without guarantees, the efficiencies gained by more effectively utilizing the the EJE for better flow of freight in itself insures that their will not be any impetus to reintroduce increased freight back onto our lines . I would hope that the Surface Transportation Board looks at the big picture in terms of the overall benefit to region of this purchase. Even though some towns will see some increased freight traffic , that is traffic that many of us have lived with for years without mitigation. As neighbors we all need to share those burdens in terms of what is good for the region as a whole . Elliott Hartstein Mayor Buffalo Grove
    Buffalo Grove, IL
  744. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14161Ted Thome
    see attac
    Barrington, IL
  745. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14160Terri Ann Wintermute
    I am concerned about the Canadian National takeover of the Elgin, Joliet and Eastern railroad, which runs through Plainfield. Concerns have been raised about the potential negative impact upon surrounding suburban communities, not just here in Plainfield, but in Naperville, Joliet, Aurora and many other communities throughout our region. As a resident and a candidate for state Senate I stand opposed to the CN merger and the drastic increase in freight traffic proposed for our region. As a retired 10-year member of the Will County Board where I chaired the Land Use Committee and was the county’s representative to the Northeastern Illinois Planning Commission, I have reviewed many plans over the years and I have serious traffic and safety concerns about this transaction. I believe this proposed transaction and its increase in rail traffic will negatively impact the quality of life in an area where the average commute to work is already approximately 35 minutes. More congestion is not good for our communities. Our roadway system is already strained by Will County’s rapid growth. Additionally, the number of street grade crossings and increase in rail traffic create an increased safety concern. The CN merger is not just an economic issue but a quality of life issue. Additionally it is a safety issue. A dramatic increase in freight traffic will lead to longer delays at rail crossings, higher train-related accident rates, higher incidence of hazmat transport through our communities and noise pollution. Most worrisome is the fact that fire and ambulance emergency response teams will face delays greater in frequency and length at rail crossings. The increase in freight cars carrying hazardous materials near ecologically sensitive areas like Lake Renwick is also problematic from an environmental perspective. Not to mention the increase in freight cars carrying hazardous materials on rail lines through residential areas. Not all emergency first responders will have the training or equipment needed for a hazmat response. Many lawmakers have questioned the STB’s environmental impact report on the CN merger and community reaction at public meetings has been overwhelmingly and diametrically opposed to the merger.
    Bolingbrook, IL
  746. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14159JMTS Tramsportation
    Please deny the merger of CN and E J & E or require CN to provide full grade level mitigation for every crossing on this route.
    J.P. McLinn · Hoffman Estates, Illinois
  747. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14158Kyle A. Thomas Kick
    see attac
    Barrington, IL
  748. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14157Christine Baughman
    If you let this pass you will have forgotten about Main Street Americans (remember us). The extra '20' freight trains running through this area will cause nothing but massive traffic (as if we don't already have enough)problems. The train tracks run across 2 main roads (which by the way are deteriorating rapidly) that people use for people to get to their jobs. If I were to get stopped by one of these freight trains, I have absolutely no other way to get to work. I am not only writing for myself but the town that this will have a major impact on. It will be cut the town in half and the kids won't get to school on time. The downtown area of this town will die. I cannot believe that you would let this happen. Remember us your constituents. Considering the fiasco that is going on right now with the government, don't create another one. I'm beginning to think you could care less about Main Stream America! Oh and by the way, CN's safey record is awful in Canada and their cleanup even worse!
    Cary, IL
  749. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14156Chrissie Mena
    Barrington, illinois
  750. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14155Remington Crossings
    If it was your house that would have been affected by this approval of the EJ&E purchase, would you still consider approving it? For the past hour three trains passed our house on this EJ&E rail, each one trying to see who can make the most noise. This prompt me to write this comment. If this is just the beginning of what we can expect, you are creating additional problems for United States citizens to the advantage of a company from Canada. First, we will not be able to sell our house because who wants to live next to such noise - if you approve this sale you will directly add to the housing crisis we already have. The only difference - we were responsible with our money and did not expect that we will experience a problem like this - created by Board that has the power to prevent it. Secondly, a lack of sleep will result in higher medical bills to the country. Can you really afford the increase in health cost this is going to create for the country. At the moment I see the doctor once a year - but am sure it will not be the case once I am not able to sleep at night. It is a known fact that if you are sleep deprived your health deteriorates. Did you consider the cost of law suits due to health deteriorations if you approve this deal with Canada? As an American Citizen I do not think it is fair that Canada makes a mess and expect me to clean it up. For them to expect that my money must build overpasses so that we can maintain the comfort we have at the moment is outrageous. If you approve this bill, more than one couple will lose their house due to the fact that we will then not be able to afford the property tax bill anymore. We are at a point where we can not pay higher property tax - but that is exactly what is expect of us if we have to pay for the overpasses. PLEASE DO NOT ADD TO THE PROBLEMS THE COUNTRY IS ALREADY FACING.
    Aletta D. Van Wyk · Aurora, IL
  751. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14154Debbie Chapman
    September 30, 2008 Ms. Phillis Johnson-Ball Surface Transportation Board 395 E Street, SW Washington, DC 20423 Ref: STB Finance Docket No. 35087 Dear Ms. Johnson-Ball, I am writing to express my opposition to the prospective acquisition of the EJ&E line by Canadian National Railway. I strongly feel that the negative impact this proposed transaction will have on our local communities is immense. The increased number of longer and faster freight trains running through our neighborhoods will result in: 1. More accidents and deaths along the rail line 2. An increase in automobile traffic gridlock at rail crossings. 3. Elevated pollution and noise levels 4. Dangerously longer response times of our Police, Fire and Emergency Medical Teams 5. Disruption and/or closure of local business activities 6. Adverse impact on our property values Additionally, recent studies by RTA have revealed that a potential overcrowding of the EJ&E lines will also interfere with commuter METRA train lines affecting our ability to get to and from our workplaces in a timely manner. Please do not let us be “railroaded” by Canadian National. We are hopeful that you will make the decision to vote against this acquisition and to help keep our communities safe for us and for future generations. Respectfully yours, Debbie Chapman
    Hoffman Estates, IL
  752. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14153Margaret M. Larke
    no comments attached
    Frankfort, IL.
  753. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14152Robert H. Sands
    Dear Ms. Johnson-Ball: I am a resident of the Village of Plainfield, Illinois. I am writing to comment on the proposed acquisition of the EJ&E Railroad in the Western Chicago suburbs by Canadian National Railway. As both a resident and a rail commuter, I am extremely concerned about the detrimental impact of the four to ten-fold increase in freight traffic that will come with CN's acquisition. This rail line is immediately adjacent to a number of residential housing developments. Homes and a number of schools, including Peterson Elementary school, are located within approximately 1000 feet or less of the tracks. Increased rail traffic due to the acquisition by CN will create more noise, more air pollution, and a substantially increased risk of catastrophic injury or death to children and residents in the event of a derailment or leaking tank car, particularly during the transport of hazardous materials. In addition, CN has proposed adding an additional track to the right of way. This construction will be extremely intrusive to residents and students located nearby. Both the construction and the increased traffic will likely have a significant impact on real estate values in the communities affected. Given the present state of the real estate market, I believe that the additional adverse burden placed on homeowners has not been adequately addressed by the STB in its analysis of community impact. The increased freight traffic will also have an adverse impact on vehicle traffic due to the substantial number of rail crossings. This will likely add substantially to traffic and commute times in the area, which are already significant. Also, it is not unreasonable to conclude that local air quality will be adversely impacted due to the increased idling of vehicles waiting at crossings. At present, there are virtually no below grade crossings in the Naperville-Plainfield area, and I am not aware of any meaningful proposal by CN to construct above or below grade crossings. Importantly, the increased rail traffic raises public safety concerns. In this community, ambulances are dispatched by 911 from two different hospitals. Rush-Copley Hospital is west of the EJ&E. If the CN acquisition goes forward, ambulances dispatched from Rush-Copley may be forced wait for substantial periods for the lengthy CN freight trains to pass. This may create dire circumstances for those individuals who are in urgent need to reach the hospital. As a rail commuter, I am very concerned that the CN acquisition will adversely impact on METRA rail service, Northwestern Indiana rail service, as well as the proposed STAR line. I do not believe that the Draft Environmental Impact Study adequately addresses these concerns. In short, I believe that the Draft Environmental Impact Study has not adequately addressed the risks and concerns noted herein, nor has there been adequate consideration and analysis given to the mitigation that will be required to address these concerns. I ask that the Surface Transportation Board more thoroughly consider the impact that a transaction such as the acquisition of the EJ&E by CN will have on the community, and that the STB require real, meaningful and concrete mitigation on the part of CN before this transaction may be considered. I strongly believe the adverse impacts on safety and the affected communities significantly outweigh the transportation benefits that would be obtained if this transaction is completed. After a more thorough review through a properly designed environmental impact study, I am sure that the Surface Transportation Board will agree with me and NOT approve CN's acquisition of the EJ&E. Thank you for your consideration. Very truly yours, Robert H. Sands
    Plainfield, IL
  754. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14151Deborah Gerdeman
    I just wanted to take this opportunity to mention my concern over Canadian National purchasing EJ&J. I live within a mile of the train tracks at Normantown and 87th street in Aurora. I have 2 young children, one of which attends Still Middle School on the other side of the train tracks from our home. My poor son is already having to wake up at 6:30 in the morning to catch a 7:25 am bus to get to school by 8:00am. We live with no traffic interference about 10 mins away from the school. I would also be affected as I currently catch a Metra train into Chicago everyday. That would mean instead of getting up a 4:15 to catch a 5:34 train, I would have to get up even earlier on the off hand chance that I might get caught by a train. In our current situation in the last year I have been caught by a train only twice. And finally in a time when housing prices are dropping to all time lows-I have watched my home's value drop considerably. As my family has no plans of moving in the immediate future, this was of no concern to my husband and I--but by allowing CN to buy EJ&J you will effectively cause a permanent decrease in my home's value as many people who are willing to live near a train track that is not used non-stop day and night are not going to be willing to buy a home that has trains interferring with them trying to leave their home to get almost anywhere! Obviously as someone whose Metra trains have been delayed by freight traffic around Chicago, I would love for someone to find a solution as long as it doesn't impact my home/family life. This sale could potentially cut my family off from getting to work, school, dr's, and decent hospital care. I hope when this decision is being made, someone will think about those of us that work very hard to make ends meet, to pay our mortages on time, who bought our homes in what we considered to be a great place to raise our kids. My husband and I hoped to someday have enough equity in our home to move into a single family home. Please don't allow Canadian National to take that away from us. Thank you for listening.
    Aurora, Illinois
  755. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14150Lori Turner
    I am opposed to the Canadian National Railroad purchasing the EJ&E Railroad for many reasons. First of all, the impact on our emergency reponse times, secondly, the increased amounts of hazardous materials through our communities, thirdly, the imcresed pollution that will occur from 26 2 mile long trains per day, fourthly, the increased traffic congestion for many of our north/south roads. THis will negatively impact our southern communities which the railway will run through. Sincerely, Lori A Turner
    new lenox, il
  756. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14149Cameron Bulanda
    As an affected homeowner, I am very concerned on what will happen to my property value if the CN project moves forward. We have invested a lot of time an money in our community and CN's aquisition of the EJ&E rail line will do irreparable damage to our area. More importantly, as a father of 2 children, I am EXTREMELY concerned re. the volume of traffic that will be flowing behind my home. The homeowners of Deer Crossing experienced a tragedy this April when a 14 year old boy from our neighborhood was struck and killed by a train. I went to our crossing after the train stopped and I found the HOffman Estates paramedics handing emergency gear thru the train between rail cars. The boy was on the west side of the tracks and the train cut off access from all emergency vehicles. Due to the amount of equipment they had, I offered my assistance to help carry the gear. We ran over 2 miles to find the boy. I can't share details as I was unable to push myself any closer to the scene. But one thing I will never know is if we could of got there sooner, maybe this 14 year old boy would still be with us. I can't begin understand what the family is going through. The fact that emergency equipment and resources were unable to respond in a timely fashion due to the train blocking the intersection should be enough for the STB to decide against this project. You are in a position to make a difference and protect this community and the safety of those who live here. There are other ways for CN to address their needs. I am hopeful that you take these issues into account as you make your decision. Please feel free to give me a call if you would like to discuss my concerns and the concerns of my neighbors in detail. Thank you for your help with this serious issue. Have a nice day.
    Hoffman Estates, Illinois
  757. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14148lisa angelina
    I have sent in and had recorded many statements as to why allowing CN to purchase the EJ&E line would be detrimental not only to our town, but also to the Northwest suburbs as a whole. Just today, a freight train sat between two crossing; Lake Zurich Road and Cuba Road. Because of this freight just sitting idle on the tracks, it blocked two road crossings, keeping people in the Lake Zurich and Barrington areas from get through the crossings. IDOT, who should have done and provided you with a traffic study on the major roads; Northwest HWY, Route 59 and Lake Cook Road, I've been told has not. These are very heavily traveled roads in our surrounding communities. So you see, not only would this purchase change our lives for the worse, but it would also drastically and negatively affect people and businesses around the Northwest suburbs. People who use these roads to get to and from work and truck their goods and services. Our economy is already hanging by a thread. Why should our lives and financial well being suffer to benefit the wallets of a foreign freight company? Really??? Please, PLEASE, tell me that our country and it's citizens come before a foreign company's financial gain. We are all depending on you and your board to make the right decision and do the right thing. That would be to deny CN the opportunity to make financial gains while we american citizens suffer great losses. Sincerely, Lisa Angelina
    Lisa Angelina · barrington, IL
  758. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14146Susan Ciastko
    I work in Maywood, IL. The tracks running on an angle that cross 22nd St, 1st Ave, DesPlaines Ave, Harlem, 17th Ave, 25th Avenue are used by Canadian National. Trains regularly clog these tracks and surrounding streets bringing traffic to a standstill -severely reducing access to the Level I trauma center at Loyola for emergency crews. In the Lincoln-Way area the EJ&E tracks run perilously close to many subdivisions (even thru one). There is only a single, one lane street (Rte 45 south of US 30), that goes under the tracks. Everything else is surface crossing - hospitals, emergency services are north of the tracks. 20 to 30 trains a day would seriously threaten access to emergency services when needed.
    Frankfort, IL
  759. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14145Christine Del Preto
    I most strongly urge you to please, please consider the impact of the proposed acquisition of the EJ&E Railroad by Canadian National on the people of the communities this will effect. This line runs through my backyard, literally, and increased freight traffic will profoundly, adversely affect my asthma and other health issues, as well as those of my children. We will not be able to open our windows or have the children play in the backyard should this acquisition proceed as planned. And who would buy this property from us? Our life's investment would be lost. This impacts our ability to send our children to college!! You must, in all good conscience, see that this and many, many other issues MUST be considered!! I so appreciate your thoughtful concern. Sincerely, Christine Del Preto Bartlett citizen
    Bartlett, il
  760. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14144Suttondale Subdivision Home Owner
    Please do not approve the purchase of the EJ&E by Canadian National. We live in a new subdivision that is predominantly a home for families with children ranging in ages from newborn to teen. There is a kindergarten located 1/2 mile from the train tracks. There are always children present on the streets or playing in backyards. The main reason why people moved to this subdivision and not the others in Frankfort, is the abundance of children. The additional increase in train activity to one per hour will definitely affect their safety. The noise level is also very hard to bear during the early morning hours and will even be more difficult when it becomes more constant. We purposely moved out here to be away from the city. In a place where we can feel safe and allow our children to play outside. This purchase will have a great impact to our lives, especially our children who will no longer be able to play outside because of a train that will run every hour - 24/7.
    Annalisa Conway · Frankfort, IL
  761. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14143Sandra Alguire
    I am writing to state my concerns regarding the STB Finance Docket No. 35087 and CN's proposed acquisition of the EJ&E railway line. I think it's very unrealistic to assume there will not be a need to build bypasses since the amount of auto traffic flowing thru Barrington to other NW suburbs is immense. I have to believe at this point the plan will be approved due to the rising cost of gas and Chicago politics" but good luck with the fallout it creates. Having grown up on the North Shore and later moving out to Barrington, it seems to me there was little urban planning done as the growth of the NW corridor increased and now we all suffer here from that lack of planning with gridlock traffic and semitrucks having to use residential streets. To add yet another layer to this already overloaded structure with increased train traffic is sure to have wide ranging effects to the entire area. The number of commuters who live far from the train line in question but use Barrington in their route home, I believe, is greater than you think. We are all going to be required to make changes in our lives as the economy and environmental deterioration require us to but this is not a solution. I believe you are only going to add to the existing problems of this area not to mention force further urban sprawl and it's resulting effects. Please note my dissent on this matter. We are all watching this and our elected officials responses closely. Thank you."
  762. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14142Pam Justman
    NOOOOO railroad in Barrington and Hoffman Estates
    Hoffman Estates, IL
  763. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14141Carrie Kennick
    What an outrage the CN's proposal is for the E&J raliroad. Due to the length and number of trains that will be affecting my community, I would be blocked from hospital care as well as getting to the interstate. As it stands NOW I get stuck by the same train at four different railroad crossings trying to get to I-55. Can you imagine having 4 times as many trains that are twice as long. Unacceptable! There has to be a better solution than hampering the functions of suburban communities with this plan. I can only imagine how many school children will be impacted trying to get to and from school on buses and cars with 10,000 feet trains blocking their path! Who is looking out for the citizens in the communities impacted by this, seems like more Washington as usual-business matters more than the little guy keeping the economy afloat! Vote NO for this plan!
    Plainfield, Il
  764. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14140Robert Deja
    Dear Mrs. Johnson-Ball, 243 members of Congress, a majority, voted to pass H.R. 6707. While a 2/3's vote was needed to pass this legislation to bring railroad law into the 20th century, this majority vote speaks volumes to the wishes of the American people over that of big business at any cost. The ordinary citizens of this company did not have a full time P.R. staff as CN has at it's disposal nor the ability to spend $700,000 on lobbying members of Congress. When you take the short time we, the citizens of this country, had to present our case and you look at the majority vote to rewrite rail law in the Congress, there is no denying that most law makers can see the injustice in the proposed CN purchase of the EJ&E. The Canadian government's version of OSHA has given CN it's lowest rating when it comes to safety. CN has spilled chemicals into public waters and tried to ignore the situation until they were forced to respond. CN has not been forthcoming with requested information to many state and local government agencies. HOW can we possibly trust this company to operate in a responsible way when they have not done so before? HOW can we allow them to ask Federal, State and Local governments to pay for upward of $1 billion in mitigation when they will be the ones profiting. Why would we do this for a Foreign National company? The 1.5 million people along the train line will suffer horrible traffic delays as our road systems are already overburdened. James Oberstar himself has said that Lake County, ILL has one of the most inadequate highway systems in the country and yet we are going to let CN compound that problem futher? All we end up getting from this proposed transaction are incredible traffic delays, exponential increase in danger to our school bused children who cross these tracks daily, vibration damage to our homes, increased noise and air pollution, wasting of hundreds of thousands of gallons of gas from idling vehicles, increased commuting times and loss of values to our properties and economic damage to our downtown areas. And yet, CN wants us to pay for mitigation. PLEASE, do NOT approve this transaction. You have the power to stop it. Don't throw to these predators.
    Park Ridge, Illinois
  765. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14139Brett Spearing
    Please see the attached document for cost considerations associated with docket#35087. Sincerely, Brett Spearing
    Frankfort, IL
  766. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14138Kenneth Deja
    Dear Mrs. Johnson-Ball, 243 members of Congress, a majority, voted to pass H.R. 6707. While a 2/3's vote was needed to pass this legislation to bring railroad law into the 20th century, this majority vote speaks volumes to the wishes of the American people over that of big business at any cost. The ordinary citizens of this company did not have a full time P.R. staff as CN has at it's disposal nor the ability to spend $700,000 on lobbying members of Congress. When you take the short time we, the citizens of this country, had to present our case and you look at the majority vote to rewrite rail law in the Congress, there is no denying that most law makers can see the injustice in the proposed CN purchase of the EJ&E. The Canadian government's version of OSHA has given CN it's lowest rating when it comes to safety. CN has spilled chemicals into public waters and tried to ignore the situation until they were forced to respond. CN has not been forthcoming with requested information to many state and local government agencies. HOW can we possibly trust this company to operate in a responsible way when they have not done so before? HOW can we allow them to ask Federal, State and Local governments to pay for upward of $1 billion in mitigation when they will be the ones profiting. Why would we do this for a Foreign National company? The 1.5 million people along the train line will suffer horrible traffic delays as our road systems are already overburdened. James Oberstar himself has said that Lake County, ILL has one of the most inadequate highway systems in the country and yet we are going to let CN compound that problem futher? All we end up getting from this proposed transaction are incredible traffic delays, exponential increase in danger to our school bused children who cross these tracks daily, vibration damage to our homes, increased noise and air pollution, wasting of hundreds of thousands of gallons of gas from idling vehicles, increased commuting times and loss of values to our properties and economic damage to our downtown areas. And yet, CN wants us to pay for mitigation. PLEASE, do NOT approve this transaction. You have the power to stop it. Don't throw to these predators.
    Mundelein, Illinois
  767. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14137Jocelyn Flojo
    PLEASE REJECT THE PURCHASE OF EJ&E BY CN CANADIAN RAILWAY
    Barrington Hills, IL
  768. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14136Daniel Engstrom
    I am a citizen of Wayne, Illinois and vehemently object to CN's Proposed Action. The Risk and Damage Assessment fills over 1000 pages of analysis of the health, safety, environmental and property risks. I have no new data nor explosive exposes. I will, however, beseech you to conscientiously perform your oversight responsibilities. We are in the midst of a financial meltdown which is the result of our government leaders" and governmental overseers not living up to their professional, and yes moral responsibilities. Please live up to yours. Oversight should not mean hiding behind a mountain of data nor should it be strictly a statistical exercise. I implore you to consider the qualitative consequences as well as the quantitative impact. The path of the EJ&E Railroad purchase is through a historically rural and suburban geography. We have not created an infrastructure that is designed to cope with being severed - one side of town from the other side of town - by a rail track that can block vehicles not just of inconvenienced folks but of police, fire department, and ambulances. The areas of Chicago that currently bear this rail traffic have had decades to create an infrastructure which protects their citizens and minimizes their inconveniences. Certainly there are many more people in a large city like Chicago that are impacted by rail traffic, but these urban areas have geometrically more financial resources to create solutions to these challenges. While the rural and suburban locations have far fewer people that are impacted it is also true that the impact they do feel, including safety and security, is likely to be a very long term if not permanent situation. If the calculus is to weigh body count of the urban area to the rural/suburban body count I would suggest that a time factor be included in the calculations. An underpass or overpass may ameliorate an urban rail crossing's impact, but for financial reasons that solution may never be available to the rural population. Fewer people may impacted per occurrence in a rural setting, but chances are much higher that these occurrences will continue to occur. Often as citizens we are asked to compromise our comforts or our conveniences for the "greater good." These compromises become less palatable when the cost includes safety and security issues. As citizens we have to balance our personal desires with regards to those of our neighbors, or community members, or residents of our state, or even the citizens of our country; but to trade off the safety and security of our families and our neighbors' families for the sole benefit of a profit-making company based in a foreign country is egregious. No benefit accrues to those of us that are impacted. Again, please fulfill your responsibility of oversight. Do not be stampeded into a hasty decision based on CN's timetable so some executives can earn a healthy year-end bonuses. Thank you. Daniel Engstrom"
  769. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14135Heather Kalke
    no comments attached
    Bartlett, IL
  770. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14134Brian Deja
    Dear Mrs. Johnson-Ball, 243 members of Congress, a majority, voted to pass H.R. 6707. While a 2/3's vote was needed to pass this legislation to bring railroad law into the 20th century, this majority vote speaks volumes to the wishes of the American people over that of big business at any cost. The ordinary citizens of this company did not have a full time P.R. staff as CN has at it's disposal nor the ability to spend $700,000 on lobbying members of Congress. When you take the short time we, the citizens of this country, had to present our case and you look at the majority vote to rewrite rail law in the Congress, there is no denying that most law makers can see the injustice in the proposed CN purchase of the EJ&E. The Canadian government's version of OSHA has given CN it's lowest rating when it comes to safety. CN has spilled chemicals into public waters and tried to ignore the situation until they were forced to respond. CN has not been forthcoming with requested information to many state and local government agencies. HOW can we possibly trust this company to operate in a responsible way when they have not done so before? HOW can we allow them to ask Federal, State and Local governments to pay for upward of $1 billion in mitigation when they will be the ones profiting. Why would we do this for a Foreign National company? The 1.5 million people along the train line will suffer horrible traffic delays as our road systems are already overburdened. James Oberstar himself has said that Lake County, ILL has one of the most inadequate highway systems in the country and yet we are going to let CN compound that problem futher? All we end up getting from this proposed transaction are incredible traffic delays, exponential increase in danger to our school bused children who cross these tracks daily, vibration damage to our homes, increased noise and air pollution, wasting of hundreds of thousands of gallons of gas from idling vehicles, increased commuting times and loss of values to our properties and economic damage to our downtown areas. And yet, CN wants us to pay for mitigation. PLEASE, do NOT approve this transaction. You have the power to stop it. Don't throw to these predators.
    Barrington, Illinois
  771. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14133Daniel Turner
    I am opposed to the Canadian National Railroad purhcasing the EJ&E. It will cause problems throughout my community. 1st the response times for our emergency services will be increased greatly, second count when your not breathing or your house is on fire. 2nd increased amounts of hazardous materials being transported through new lenox. 3rd traffic congestion on many of our north/south roads. Lastly the pollution of trains going through new lenox a a rate to start 26 two miles long. This will have a major negative impact to the southern suburbs. Sincerely, Daniel R. Turner
    new lenox, il
  772. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14132William Emery Moore
    I am writing in support of the CN/EJE rail aquisition. I am currently an employee of the EJE Railway, and having worked in operations for several railroads in and around Chicago, this transaction is essential to solidifying Chicago as the nations railroad hub. Many opponents have talked about building railroad bypasses further away from Chicago as a possible alternative. They truely do not understand the capital involved to undertake such a project. We also hear about this potentially taking money away from the CREATE Rail Project, which is a joint private/public partnership that has seen, very little interest from the public side of funding the projects. And with the country's current financial crunch, there appears to be little if any funding to make a significant push to finish the CREATE project. Here we have an opportunity to have a private company invest over one hundred million dollars locally to enhance the EJE railroad capacity and although more trains may come through their town or city, there are local people that run those operations. These is money being invested to improve the capacity of the railroad and with that increase capacity means lower impact on vehicular traffic. In the past local municipalities paid for the majority of overpasses and underpasses. Why should the status quo change now, because its going through a different neighborhood. No one seemed to care as much when the CSX and NS proposed shifting more traffic to the inner city neighborhood of East Cleveland, Ohio as a result of the transaction. The CN transaction is really receiving a lot of negative press in regards to who it will hurt. No one is stepping up to say what a great improvement it will make economically to our entire region. More trains into Chicago, means more people needed to move them. This in turn means more jobs for a region that can really use them. If we allow a small few to discourage this transaction, it will discourage other businesses from making investments in new business in and around our area. We don't see a many businesses making one hundred million dollar investments in the Chicago area at this time. Nor will we, anytime soon. I write this letter in support of a swift decision being made in favor of the CN aquiring the EJE West Company. Thank you.
    Hammond, IN
  773. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14131Betsy Gottschalk
    NO WAY do I want an increase in rail traffic in this community. It would impede our roads with an increase in traffic congestion and pose a noisy nuisance to our neighborhood.
    Frankfort, IL
  774. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14130Wilberto Gonzalez
    I have 5 children and have to cross the tracks at 60-83 and diamond lake several times a day. Heaven forbit we need an ambulance for an emergency, this could be a life threatening issue.
    Mundelein, il
  775. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14129Tim Olmsted
    Please do not allow the sale the EJ&E railroad to Canadian National Railway. Not only will it cost the residents by further reducing our property values, it will drain our future finances with the costs of building infrastructure to deal with the increased train traffic. I am against paying for taxes to mitigate the environmental effects for this increase of traffic and to allow this international company become more efficient.
    Aurora, IL
  776. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14128Norma S. Gottschalk
    I am very much AGAINST increased rail traffic in our community. I vote NO!
    Frankfort, IL
  777. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14127Guy Milbourn
    CN Acquisition of EJ&J. In my town these tracks happen to run right past the local High School. I believe that an increase in traffic will not only have an enviromental impact but a social environment impact. The increased noise going past the high school will, even for a brief time, distract the students from their educational concentration. As well as the impact of transporting hazardous materials" so close to this school. As if that is not enough, in the circumference of under 1.5 miles, these tracks pass through our town 3 times. Imaging the congestion of traffic and the fuel wasted, and the pollution that will invade my small community. Would you put something like this in your back yard? Keep it down to the bare minimum please? And also, no "HAZARDOUS WASTE" in my town or on my kids. Imagine the lawsuits from that spill? Regards, Guy R. Milbourn"
  778. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14126Mike Winward
    As a long time resident living with 2 miles of the E&J railroad, I must strenuously object to the railroading (pun intending) of the sale of the E&J to CN. I must cross the E&J right-of-way several times each day. There are limited over/underpasses, and with present rail traffic it becomes a problem to get where you need to go. It is a problem particularly for emergency vehicles. It is absolutely unconscionable to allow CN to buy this right-of-way and leave us, the neighbors holding the bag to pay for the additional over/under passes that will be required to accommodate the increase in traffic CN proposes. CN should do what is right and shoulder those costs themselves.
    Aurora, IL
  779. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14125Nancy G. Murphy
    I vote an emphatic NO to increased rail traffic.
    Frankfort, IL
  780. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14124Tracy Urben
    I ask that you reject the request by Canadian National to purchase the tracks of the EJ&E railroad. CN see no need to pick-up the tab for any of the mitigation funding for the damage they will inflict to communities along the track. With the increase traffic and longer train length even if the money was available once the trains start rolling CN will not stop using the tracks so that the changes can be constructed. Residential housing value inpact was ignored without any real analysis, If this puchace goes through, especially with the housing market as it is now, you will make the home near the tracks worthless. taking only investment many people have. The study contain large amount of unsubstantiated and unsourced data or data which was supplied by CN so there is no way to validate the analysis. There is a reference in the document of discussions with the Dupage Forest preserve system that the president says never occured. Please reject the purchase of the EJ&E tracks and preserve the quality of life that the people along the EJ&E have a right to expect.
    Wheaton, IL
  781. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14123Laura Potter-Ho
    I reside in Frankfort and am extremely opposed to the Canadian Railway buying EJ&E railroad. The frequency and duration of the railroads will have a detrimental effect on our community that I am shocked that it is even being considered. Our whole community,schools,hospitals and public transportation lie north of the railroad tracks.When was the last time the rails were updated? We all understand growth but to hold us hostage to these trains and their schedules/frequency is a bitter pill to swallow. Are they guaranteeing that they will not add more trains on the rail lines the canadian Rail says will be taking away from. And if they do, then what?? What are our guarantees that they won't go over the 28-30 and that's 2 per hour!! Do you want to live here and be subjected to this decimation of our communities? This has to be stopped and be dealt with different results that won't be endangering the lives of the public. We are begging you to please look and consider the safety of our community and our future. Thank you Laura Potter-Ho 708 404 3646 cellphone
    Frankfort, ill
  782. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14122Rep. Melissa L. Bean
    see attach
    Washington, DC
  783. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14121Jim Domiano
    I am writing to let you know that I strongly support CN Railroad’s proposed purchase of the EJ&E rail line. • Significant reduction in rail congestion means lower consumer cost of goods. • Overall more people will be impacted positively than negatively. • Jobs! • It will improve the environment: trains that currently idle will instead be running quickly through the Chicagoland area. • It will improve the quality of live for tens of thousands of families in the City of Chicago. We live very close to the trains; our personal circumstance is that the train line is less than ten feet from our building. There is tremendous noise, vibration, soot … generally the current freight trains are tremendously disruptive to our lives, and unhealthy to boot. Please approve this purchase. Thank you.
    Chicago, IL
  784. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14120Mark Urben
    I am extremely concerned with the proposed purchase of the EJ&E by Canadian National Railway and the flaws in the Daft Environmental Impact Study. The study uses outdated noice assessment methodogy, rejected by th U.S. EPA. and uses only data suppied by CN to assess air quity impacts. As was pointed out during the public forum in Aurora, CN substantially understated the waits at train crossing giving wait time which were less then what is currently occuring. more trains with increated length will not mak the time go down. Add that the list of substantially affected grade crossing is flawed because vehicle counts are flawed. The study minimizes the effects of the increase of Hazardous material spills only taking into account 1/2 mile out even though the government standards are a mile. Even using the half mile there are multiple schools and parks and because the increase traffic and train length will block access to emergency responce this make the problem even greater. Since CN horrible safty record is not taken into account this is a major problem. The Canadian Government rates them at the bottom in all safety areas. Finally this claim that by using these tracks they will decrease the traffic on there track around Chicago is silly. Those tracks are an asset to CN and they will use them to get the most profit they can either with their own trains or by leasing the track to other. Please reject the request of CN to purchase the EJ&E tracks.
    Wheaton, IL
  785. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14119Rosa
    This will affect the commuting to and from school and I object to the purchase!
    Naperville, IL
  786. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14118Julie M Morrison
    I am writing to urge you to considered the overwhelmingly negative impact the sale of the EJ&E to Canadian National will have on our community. I am truly concerned for the safety of our residents and the harmful economic consequences of this sale. Thank you for your consideration. Julie Morrison
    Barrington, Illinois
  787. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14117Carol Conrad-Pegler
    RE: STB Finance Docket 35087 - OPPOSITION TO PURCHASE OF EJ&E RAILWAY BY CANADIAN NATIONAL/RESPONSE TO DEIS. Letter attached
    Hawthorn Woods, IL
  788. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14116Mike Van Poucke
    Michael J. Van Poucke 833 Rockbridge Drive Naperville, Illinois 60540 September 30, 2008 Phillis Johnson-Ball, Section of Environmental Analysis Surface Transportation Board 395 E Street SW Washington, D.C. 20423 Dear Ms. Johnson-Ball: I am writing regarding the environmental concerns relating to Finance Docket No. 35087, CN's acquisition of EJ&E rail lines. Comments in the draft EIS appear to simply recommend that CN not be required to pay for mitigation— especially for grade separations and sound/vibration mitigation measures— because railroads have not been required to do so in the past. However, that is not really an adequate response. The transaction has real costs to the people that live near and cross over the EJ and E. If CN desires to complete this transaction, it should be required to absorb the costs imposed on those effected individuals. The CN proposal will result in efficiency and savings for CN, but shifting a financial and lifestyle burden to others. Residents of the area are, in effect, subsidizing the transaction though added financial costs as well as a reduction in their standard of living due to the outward environmental costs—noise, vibration, increased traffic. We ask that the STB deny this transaction in its current form, or, in the alternative, condition the proposal on adequate mitigation and require same in the FEIS. Sincerely, Michael J. Van Poucke Michael J. Van Poucke
    Naperville, IL
  789. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14115The Macom Corporation
    please see attached letter
    Paul J. Lehman · Naperville, IL
  790. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14114Dean Frank
    Attached please find a two-page letter detailing our opposition to CN's proposed acquisition of the EJ&E rail line. Please let me know if there are any problems with the attached file. Thank you!
    Plainfield, IL
  791. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14113Constance Barillas
    No, No, NO to CN acquisition of EJ&E. During cardiac arrest, one’s brain cells begin to die immediately and brain and permanent death start to occur within four to six minutes. For every minute that passes without defibrillation, survival chances decrease seven to ten percent. In just eight to ten minutes, death is almost certain. Fire department concerns are likewise REAL. Fire doubles in size every minute and can totally engulf a home in three to four minutes. This scares all of us. Imagine it against the backdrop of two mile trains. Imagine the emergency vehicles waiting at the crossing, sirens blaring and lights frantically blinking as TWO MILES of train roll slowly by. Imagine how little time between trains when they number forty-plus every day, almost two per hour. I live at the intersection of two streets already heavily trafficked by trains. Already I find them disquieting and inconvenient. Quadruple them? No, no, no, no! Please don't allow this to happen. It benefits no one except profiteers totally unrelated to and unconcerned with our community welfare.
    Lockport, IL
  792. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14112Barrington Area Council of Governments
    Attached please find a letter and figures 2, 3, and 4 (maps). Figure 1 is embedded in the letter because I can only attach 4 documents total in this e-filing.
    Janet L. Agnoletti · Barrington, IL
  793. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14111Jeff Johnson
    Phillis & STB Board Members I believe that improvements in, and optimal use of rails is important to the Chicagoland regional economic strength. I am an environmental engineer and a homeowner in Frankfort, IL - in close proximity to the EJ&E rail line that CN is proposing to purchase. I am deeply disturbed by the increased economic burden that this purchase - as planned - will place on the village of Frankfort, and on my family and my neighbors. We should not accept the EIS as sufficient to address our concerns. Improvements at grade crossings are necessary for CN to realize their efficiency gain - and should therefore be 100% their cost. This is not about NIMBY - this is about corporate responsibility. This is about CN being responsible to cover costs for environmental emergency responses to HAZMAT situations. We cannot accept the draft EIS as sufficient. Increased rail traffic that comes with increased efficiency can be addressed - and should be addressed - by CN - who needs to be 100% responsible and accountable for making sure the grade crossings are improved, and local emergency response support for hazmat spills is state-of-the-art to protect my family and my neighbors family. Thank you.
    Frankfort, IL
  794. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14110Prestiwick Subdivision
    Phillis Johnson-Ball Surface Transportation Board 395 E Street SW Washington, DC 20423 RE: STB Finance Docket No. 35087 Proposed Acquisition of the EJ&E Railroad by Canadian National Dear Ms. Johnson-Ball: I am a resident of Frankfort, and I am formally opposing the proposed Canadian National Railway acquisition of the EJ&E Railroad. Environmental Impact If the CN purchase of the EJ & E is allowed to proceed, the impact to surrounding schools, churches and neighborhoods will have devastating consequences. The sound and vibration of thundering, fuming freight trains every 51 minutes will be felt for miles along these tracks. The noise and most concerning, the increased risk of a toxic spill due to the 600% spike in harmful chemicals hauling through town at 45 miles per hour begs the question, “Will the STB ensure that the final environmental impact study addresses the significant negative environmental impact to our community?” The Cost to US Taxpayers The $40 million CN has proposed to spend on infrastructure improvements is a drop in the bucket. Who will pay for the rest of the underpasses, grade separations and projected necessary infrastructure improvements that are needed to support projected population growth. Who will pay for the anticipated decline in property values? If the STB approves this transaction, then CN should be required to pay. Emergency Response Minutes count when lives are at stake. With 28 trains a day, police cars and fire trucks will be forced to wait with their sirens blaring, and considering Frankfort’s population is anticipated to top 55,000, the impact could cost lives. Is Congestion Better in the Suburbs? Moving Chicago’s rail congestion to the suburbs is not an effective solution. Please consider that relocating this problem does not effectively address the issue. CN Safety Record It has been 25 years since the EJ&E tracks in Frankfort have received major repairs. Considering CN’s reluctance to implement Canadian safety measures, and its employees’ “culture of fear,” does the STB expect CN to honor US safety requirements? Please give CN’s safety record your utmost priority when considering this purchase. Respectfully submitted,
    Matthew L. Miller · Frankfort, Illinois
  795. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14109Amy Watson
    September 30, 2008 Ms. Phillis Johnson-Ball Surface Transportation Board 395 E Street, SW Washington, DC 20423 Ref: STB Finance Docket No. 35087 Dear Ms. Johnson-Ball, I am writing to express my opposition to the prospective acquisition of the EJ&E line by Canadian National Railway. I work for the LWASE Dist 843 transportation, and our bus lot is directly impacted by this deal. It would mess up the Lincoln Way area's transportation of students to and from school. I personally work with special needs students, and they cannot be detained on a bus for as long as the CN trains would be. I also strongly feel that the negative impact this proposed transaction will have on our local communities as a whole is immense. The increased number of longer and faster freight trains running through our neighborhoods will result in: 1) More accidents and deaths along the rail line 2) An increase in automobile traffic gridlock at rail crossings 3) Elevated pollution and noise levels 4) Dangerously longer response times of our Police, Fire and Emergency Medical Teams 5) Disruption and/or closure of local business activities 6) Adverse impact on our property values Additionally, recent studies by RTA have revealed that a potential overcrowding of the EJ&E lines will also interfere with commuter METRA train lines affecting our ability to get to and from our workplaces in a timely manner. Please do not let us be “railroaded” by Canadian National. We are hopeful that you will make the decision to vote against this acquisition and to help keep our communities safe for us and for future generations. Respectfully yours, Amy Watson
    New Lenox, IL
  796. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14108prinya bunya
    docket #35087 do not let canadian national railroad purchase the ej&e line in northern illinois. this would make a hugh increase in rail traffic in our area. to go to the store we have to cross 2 sections of the tracks, to work 2 sections. in other words we are surronded by this rail line and would have a hugh affect on the traffic congestion in this area. the cost of improvements would be somthing we cannot afford....we would probably be driven from our home. pls do not let this happen. i worry constantly about problems and de-railments.
    barrington, illinois
  797. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14107Cindy Johnson
    Dear Ms. Johnson-Ball, I am extremely distressed that CN Railroad looks as though it will be able to trump the interests and safety of the tax paying citizens in the communities through which they have plans to greatly increase freight train traffic. In the community in which I live, Barrington, my children cross the EJ&E tracks 4 times a day on their way to and from school. Thousands of children in Barrington are in the same situation. There is no question that the increase in train traffic is going to compromise the safety of the citizens in these communities. Once again, our government will place the interests of a corporation over the safety and interests of its people. Some say folks in Barrington just don't want it in our backyard and communities like Buffalo Grove will benefit from CN. Have you really looked at the difference as to where the tracks in Buffalo Grove are versus the tracks in Barrington? There is no comparison, Barrington will be impacted to a much greater degree. I am disheartened that it appears the people in charge of our infrastructure seems undeterred by the safety of the citizens. I shouldn't be surprised based on what we see coming out of Washington. I implore you to reject CN's desire to ruin our community and to put the safety of our children at risk. Cindy Johnson
    Barrington, IL
  798. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14106Glenn Broj
    I am greatly opposed to the Canadian National purchase of the EJ&E tracks that travel through the Chicago suburbs. I am against this for all the reasons that have already been mentioned – congestion, noise, pollution, ground water contamination, public safety, cost, infrastructure, etc… I can offer no new information; information that has already been shared by countless citizens. What I can ask is why… Why should this sale go through? Who benefits? Who suffers? This is a business transaction. A transaction that benefits foreign interests with foreign goods. This brings no equity to the communities it affects. It is not an investment in future payback but a transaction that brings immediate and unwelcome consequences. This business transaction does not have the merits to implement. It only intends to make the suburban corridor its high-speed rail line to move foreign goods through our communities. It brings no benefit to the area. It only represents a win for CN and a loss for suburban citizens and business. A ploy to move foreign goods through our backyards in the attempt to hustle them ever quicker to US ports for export again to other countries. PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE do not turn the EJ&E and our backyards into the Panama Canal for rail traffic of foreign goods. It is your duty to serve the American people first and foreign entities second. I trust in your good decision-making. Deer Park, IL resident
    Deer Park, il
  799. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14105ELPC
    Comment letter is attached.
    Kevin Brubaker · Chicago, IL
  800. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14104Village of Mount Prospect
    see attac
    Mike Dallas · Village of Mount Prospect, IL
  801. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14103Lisa Podlesak
    I am opposed to the acquisition of the EJ & E. Frankfort is a small town and that increase in trains will be felt (and heard). Many neighborhoods are adjacent to the tracks and there is concern over safety, with that many trains coming through daily.
    Frankfort, IL
  802. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14102Alison Speichinger
    Lake Barrington, IL
  803. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14101Patricia Fabri-Wall
    Please do not approve the proposed CN acquisition of the EJ&E. Temporarily shifting a rail transportation problem from one location to another does nothing to solve the problem. It only delays the needed solution to the problem. The towns and people along CN's present route understandably seek relief, but they must be kidding themselves to believe CN's spin and not realize that the existing route will once again grow just as congested with new freight traffic that will fill the temporary void. A comprehensive and regional plan is necessary, something CN wasn't interested in when it was no longer in their selfish interest. Diverting 15-20 freight trains a day onto the EJ&E makes no sense, it only increases CN's profits at the expense of the American taxpayers. Think of the effects of having all of the railroad crossings in our community blocked for 5-10 minutes each time, 15-20 times a day, every day! public safety - the police, fire dept., and ambulances will be blocked by down railroad crossing gates and unable to respond to emergencies public health - more fatal accidents" of freight trains hitting cars and pedestrians (especially kids) traffic and school transportation issues - much longer commutes to work, school and shopping environmental issues – noise, vibrations, threat to municipal water supply from toxic spills, tremendous increases in vehicular exhaust and wasted gasoline/diesel caused by engines idling at down crossing gates Decreased property values - And then there is this - Canadian National expects us to pay the hundreds of millions of dollars it will take to build bridges and underpasses over and under their railroad crossings. Canadian National is the poster child for poor rail safety practices. No other railroad in Canada was subject to a government audit. No other railroad in Canada has been accused by its government of "creating a climate of fear" when it comes to how it treats employees who dare to bring up safety-related problems with management. Canadian National talks a good game about working with affected communities and being willing to pay their "fair share" of mitigating requirements, but by their own actions the CN has proven that they cannot be taken at the word. The CN's attempts to bully everyone in their way, including the STB, should serve as a warning to all involved. Canadian National cannot be trusted. Canadian National is a bad neighbor. Canadian National must be forced to pay for all of the mitigating requirements (including all of the overpasses and underpasses) or CN's proposed acquisition of the EJ&E must be denied. Thank you for your time and consideration."
  804. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14100Janice Hawkins
    I am vehemently opposed to the sale of property in DuPage, Will,and surrounding affected counties to E, J & J Railroads. The impact of the huge increase of railway traffic will greatly affect the school district in which I teach (Indian Prairie School District 204). IPSD is the 3rd largest district in the state and has over 17,000 students and well over 2,000 employees who travel the roads that will be impacted by train crossings predicted to stop traffic at such intersections as Route 34 in Aurora for 10 minutes several times during the day. This is inexcusable when one considers that there are 6 of these crossing in the Indian Prairie attendance zone alone. Learning and teaching will be impacted as students and teachers will be unavoidably delayed due to long, slow trains. The impact on peoples' daily lives as well as on the business community if this sale goes through will be very large as well and very negative. Finally, the potential for loss of life in densely populated areas in Aurora, Naperville, Warrenville, and Plainfield and areas where people live extremely close to train tracks due to train/car collisions and environmental spills cannot be underestimated. The audacity that E J & J RailRoad shows in expecting taxpayers to shoulder most of the cost of upgrading roads and railroad crossings further boggles the mind!
    Montgomery, IL
  805. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14099Stephen Crandall
    We cannot have this pass. There are serious risks: risks to those who need to go to the hospital and who will need to wait far longer to reach an emergency medical center....risks to those whose path crosses the freight line - namely 700+ school buses daily, as well as 65+ Metra Rail trains.....risks to the water supply, a shallow acquifer - with no other water supply alternative. Additionally, the environmental impact study was flawed as that it significantly underestimated the traffic flow that CN plans to put over the lines --- with a substantial increase planned in 2010 --- less than 2 years away!! The train ownership laws are archaic and do not reflect the realities of stakeholders....CN, a foreign-owned company, plans to pipe SIGNIFICANT amounts of freight from Asia (including hazardous materials - potentially in double-decker freight cars)....through our community and through IL.....with NO BENEFIT TO THE STATE OR COMMUNITY. There is no tax, no toll, no real requirement to provide mitigation. This is backwards and isn't how a society should make it's decisions. It's time for a change!!! Vote against this acquisition - or alternatively, make CN pay for all of the remediations required (which includes far more than those on the study) --- Do not allow the trains until the remediation is complete. Or ideally, improve the remediations to the current rail system!
    Barrington, il
  806. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14098Gayla Smith
    STB Finance Docket No. 35087 As a Frankfort resident, I am opposed to the CN / EJ&E railroad aquisition. My main concern is the cost to the local taxpayers. I do not feel that we should incur the cost of ANY improvements or studies that would be required by the Canadian National railroad. I am also concerned about the noise and traffic conjestion. I've lived in this town for 24 years and I don't want a negative impact on my lifestyle for the sake of Canadian commerce. Please be aware of our very valid concerns.
    Frankfort, IL
  807. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14097charlene kaminski
    I am a resident of Frankfort, IL and am hereby OPPOSING the proposed CNR acquisition of the EJ&E Railroad. This rail is right behind my house. Not only will the environment suffer due to the increased traffic but our village as a whole will suffer with auto traffic tieups....
    FRANKFORT, IL
  808. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14096Village of River Grove
    See Attached Letter. Thank You
    Raymond E. Bernero · River Grove, Illinois
  809. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14095Chicago Southland Economic Development Corporatoin
    The Chicago Southland Economic Development Corporation has earlier submitted comments noting that the CN acquistion of the EJ&E offered several economic development benefits to the Chicago Southland. CSEDC is thus requesting that the final EIS statement include requirements that CN agree to provide daily business service to existing and proposed industrial developments in Sauk Village, Chicago Heights, Matteson, and Richton Park that border the EJ&E. We understand these developments would have to have a spur or siding with customers requiring significant service requirements.
    Reggie Greenwood · East Hazel Crest, IL
  810. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14094Bryan McGonigal
    Dear. Ms. Johnson-Ball and members of the STB - Charles Nottingham, Frances Mulvey and Douglas Buttrey: I am writing to you as a very concerned citizen who has been a long-time resident in the Barrington, IL area. I have been closely following the CN acquisition attempts of the E J & E railway lines and felt it necessary to express my opinions. I have attended many meetings and have received information on both sides of the argument. It's probably not necessary to rehash every single problem issue with the DEIS as you are no doubt aware of these from the copious replies received, ranging from our congressional leaders all the way down to average citizens such as myself. Therefore I'd like to briefly point out a few of the glaring issues with the DEIS from my viewpoint: Safety - in many of the towns affected, the dramatic increase in freight traffic would significantly and adversely affect every community along the railway, literally cutting off necessary services (police, fire, ambulances, etc) from operating in a timely and efficient matter. Barrington in itself has proven what a tremendously adverse impact the additional trains would have on these services in its community alone. The DEIS has downplayed the life and death impact of the increased train traffic, plus has minimized other increased risks such as hazardous spills. This in itself should be enough to delay or deny any deal until proper studies can be completed and necessary measures taken. Putting business over lives of individuals simply cannot happen. Environment & Lifestyles - the main problem with the DEIS is that it has left out way too much, or has generalized too many important factors in its process. Besides the safety issues as alredy mentioned, contradictory data on air emissions and fuel use has been used in this report, plus the noise assessment methodology used is outdated. Of equal economic importance are issues such as residential housing, local businesses and tax impacts - which have been virtually ignored. In terms of congestion, CN may view longer waits at train crossings as simply an inconvenience, but they also affect safety and the way people run their lives. The DEIS has been substantially flawed in its review of affected crossings. Additionally, some of the existing rail lines (Metra, STAR) may be significantly disrupted - this was not adequately covered in the DEIS report. The Real Good" for the region - CN argues on an economic platform and stresses that it will significantly decrease traffic in a majority of the Chicagoland area with rerouting to the E J & E lines. The benefit to the region has been accepted without proof, and to date it seems like the taxpayers would be paying the vast majority of mitigation costs. Also, it has been noted that the decreased traffic in Chicago is really only temporary as the railways will likely fill up to capacity again in a short amount of time. How does that benefit the region? No review of other alternatives has been offered in the DEIS. Additionally, I am personally shocked at CN's blatant uncaring attitude towards the affected communities, actually to the point where destroying towns really doesn't seem to matter. I run my own business and understand that "business is business", but at what cost? CN has repeatedly demonstrated - both here and in their native Canada - that they have little regard for anything outside of increasing revenue. This simply cannot take precedence over the lives and welfare of millions of American citizens. It was disappointing to hear the news that HR 6707 did not receive the 2/3 majority vote to pass the House of Representatives. However, it is still important to note that the MAJORITY - over 58% - did vote in favor of it and feel that the interests of hometown Americans are more important than the special interests of Big Rail. I am confident that all members of the STB will find, upon the necessary further detailed reviews, that the proposed CN acquisition will do SIGNIFICANTLY more harm than good to the region. Your job cannot be an easy one, and despite all the negativity you may have been receiving, understand that what you are doing is appreciated. I sincerely thank you for your time and due diligence on this matter."
    North Barrington, IL
  811. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14093Juliann Thomason
    Dear Ms. Johnson-Ball, I am writing in reference to STB Finance Docket No. 35087. I am in complete opposition the prospective acquisition of the EJ&J by CNR. Please vote against this acquisition. Sincerely, Mrs. Juliann Thomason
    Deer Park, Illinois
  812. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14092Frank & Alda Houlihan
    RE: Docket #35087 As tax paying citizens of our community, we are vehemently opposed to the Canadian National Railway acquisition of the Elgin, Joliet & Eastern Railway Company because of the adverse impact it will have on our community. Six (6) times the normal railway traffic this aquisition will bring will be devastating to us and our neighbors as it will increase Police, Fire and other emergency vehicle response times to the extent that a home may burn beyond repair or a heart attack victim may die BEFORE an emergency vehicle can reach them in time. Because we are located in an outlining area of the Chicago Metro area most of us who must commute will be impacted severely by long traffic delays due to trains taking 20 minutes to clear an intersection. The Canadian National has not provided sufficient mitigation to address these problems, therefore we look to you, our representatives, to address these concerns. Thanking you for your help. Frank & Alda Houlihan
    RE: Docket # 35087 · Hawthorn Woods, Illinois
  813. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14091Roger Hancock
    DATE: September 30, 2008 REFERENCE: STB Finance Docket No. 35087 FROM: Roger Hancock 2548 Imperial Valley Trail Aurora, IL 60503 SUBJECT: Sale of EJ&E Rail Line to CN Railroad Gentlemen: The EJ&E rail lines pass near my property. Presently, there are a number of at-grade crossings and the current volume of rail freight is sufficient to snarl traffic at rush hour. I have personally waited for almost a half-hour while one long train moved slowly onto a nearby siding at slow speed (there have been other lengthy waits, as well - the two or three minute delays cited by rail supporters if often not the case). To increase rail volume as proposed by Canadian National (CN) without removing the at-grade crossings will bring a heavy cost to our communities in the form of blocked access to emergency services, increases in commuting time, loss in property values, etc. and general diminution of our quality of life. Our communities should not have to subsidize the rail company on top of paying the other costs listed above. CN must remove at-grade crossings at the major roadways BEFORE proceeding with its intended increase in rail volume through our communities. They are the ones who are going to profit from this increase in freight volume, they should be the ones to bear the major costs of these over/under passes. CN (a Canadian Company) should also be made liable for any maintenance lapses which lead to derailments in our areas. My alderman has seen a series of incidents and accidents which seem to indicate a CN management concern for profits over maintenance and safety. I hope that this is not the case, but financial liabilities must be imposed beforehand to ensure that CN does pay attention to rail maintenance and safety. Although I support movement of freight by rail, I do not support the major disruption of our communities by this increase in rail traffic volume. As long as the at-grade crossings remain, I am FIRMLY opposed to the sale of the EJ&E rail lines to CN.
    Aurora, Illinois
  814. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14090Kevin J. Egan
    Please see the attached correspondence regarding STB Finance Docket No. 35087.
    Frankfort, IL
  815. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14088Amy Mueller
    Ref: STB Finance Docket No. 35087 We do not want or need any more railway congestion! It's bad enough as it is right now. I vote NO on CN!
    Aurora, IL
  816. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14087Jose Reyes
    PLEASE REJECT THE PURCHASE OF EJ&E BY CN CANADIAN RAILWAY
    Barrington Hills, IL
  817. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14085Julie Puccio
    Please do not allow CN to purchase this railway. The congession it will add to Barrington and Hoffman Estates will make it next to impossible to get around. It is already a high congession area and takes extra time to get through. We live directly behind the tracks, and when we purchased this house, we did check into who owned the rail and what it was used for. This is 50 yards from our back door!!!!!!! It will be too dangerous for our community. We already had a boy HIT AND KILLED by the TRAIN this summer. We don't need anymore accidents or suicides. PLEASE SAY NO TO CN. SEND TH
    Hoffman Estates, IL
  818. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14083suzanne keating
    I am against the purchase of the EG&E by CN railroad. Safety being the number one reason, increased grid-lock in the town, decreased property value, environmental concerns of our shallow aquafors.
    Barrington, Il
  819. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14072JAN CARR
    We on the south side of the tracks have only one access to the north side which is LaGrange Road. With the increased proposed rail traffic and flooding conditions at the rail underpass used by this venture will make it impossible to attain necessary medical, police and limited fire protection.
    FRANKFORT, IL
  820. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14067Patricia Karon
    The EJ&E has a line that runs through the heart of Barrington. If the CN is successful in their bid to buy EL&E, the number of freight trains that would run each day on the EJ&E line would increase from approximately 3 to 5 to 20. In addition, CN plans to permit four additional railroads access to the EJ&E line. This would further increase daily use by freight trains through Barrington. Although it is impossible at this time to estimate the number of freight trains from the other railroads, the 20 CN freight trains take an average of 6 minutes to pass through a single railroad crossing. That means that each railroad crossing would be closed a minimum of 2 hours every day without including the freight traffic from the additional four lines. The gridlock created by just adding 15 more freight trains from CN, at each of the four railroad crossing in the Village, would essentially curtail all vehicular traffic in the Village, impeding school bus movement to and from schools and interrupt ambulance to Good Shepherd Hospital. The delays would eventually destroy the viability and vitality of the community. Given that the Canadian National Railway recently received the lowest grade level possible on implementing safety management systems (SMS) that are designed to offset accidents and other safety hazards. On a scale between one to 5, Five (5) being the optimum level, CN was between a level 1 or 2. According to the report the increase in rail accidents in Canada over the last few years have caused “serious” repercussions in terms of “human fatalities and environmental damage”. The report cited CN for several safety concerns that include failed communication between senior management and frontline workers on clearly defining management’s commitment to safety; limited training for newly hired employees and creating a “culture of fear” for workers with regard to non-punitive reporting on safety violations. It would be disastrous if there was an accident in our area. The environmental impact would be devastating. It is imperative that we do everything in our power to stop this proposed acquisition.
    Barrington, IL
  821. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14065debbie crandall
    this is in support of frankfort train stop. the increase in railroad traffic will not only disrupt my life, but the lives of the people of frankfort and many many other surrounding communities
    frankfort, il
  822. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14063Brian Eckert
    Letting CN take over this line is like putting an airport in my back yard. I am encouraging all of my neighbors to stop paying their mortgages if this passes. My home will become worthless due to noise. The 'impact' study obviously did not take fog horn volume into account. It travels for MILES. The only re-route for emergency vehicles is miles out of the way. When people start not getting help in emergencies, it will be on the STB's hands to answer. DO NOT MAKE THIS MISTAKE! PLEASE STOP THIS SALE!
    Aurora, IL
  823. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14061tim foley
    barrington, il
  824. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14059debbie crandall
    no comments attached
    frankfort, il
  825. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14057JULIE DUVAL
    PLEASE STOP THIS RAILROAD FROM COMING THROUGH OUR TOWN..THE PRESENT TRAFFIC IS SOOO BAD ALREADY..THIS PROPOSAL WOULD DESTROY ARE TOWN..THANK YOU
    ILLINOIS, 60010
  826. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14054Tim Laesch
    Ref: STB Finance Docket No. 35087 Dear Ms. Johnson-Ball, PLEASE vote against the acquisition of the EJ&E line by Canadian National Railway. My wife and I recently moved to Hawthorn Woods and had a baby boy 2 months ago. We live across the street from the railroad tracks which currently run about 3 trains per day. If CN takes over these tracks, we are very concerned for the safety of our child and how the additional train traffic will adversely affect our community (see list below). We will most likely try to move, but the increased train traffic will most likely lower our property value - and we will not be able to afford to move. Please do not let CN ruin our community! Thank you for taking the time to read this! Tim, Tracy, and Jackson Potential adverse effects of the acquisition - More accidents and deaths along the rail line - An increase in automobile traffic gridlock at rail crossings - Elevated pollution and noise levels - Dangerously longer response times of our Police, Fire and Emergency Medical Teams - Disruption and/or closure of local business activities - Adverse impact on our property values
    Hawthorn Woods, IL
  827. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14052Mark Orchard
    Please don't allow this deal. It is not a good deal for the American taxpayers of the towns along the EJ&E tracks. The tracks that CN currently uses already has many major crossing improved with overpasses or underpasses. Will the taxpayers money already spent on those be wasted. Are we Americans going to pay for the necessary mitigation for a foriegn company? Has the scheduling of CN's existing lines been looked at to see if anything can be improved before destroying the property values of homeowners and eventually hurting the towns. Another concern of mine is the train bridge over Rand Road in Lake Zurich, is it structually sound to handle the loads CN is predicting? Why are there no rules for railroad companies as far as: Number of trains per day. How much they are responsible for mitigation improvements. How long a crossing can be tied up. The noise level they produce (ex. engine noise, horn noise, wheel bearing noise). There is nothing in this deal that benefits the greater Chicagoland region.
    Lake Zurich, IL
  828. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14050Richard Novinger
    The proposed aquisition of the EJ&E Railroad by CN cannot be permitted to go through. The environmental hazards presented by the increase of rail traffic are too great. The safety issues in regards to vehicular and pedestrian traffic are too great to be allowed. As a school bus driver in the affected area I can personally attest to the problems that would be created if CN is allowed to take over the EJ&E. I strongly urge the STB not to allow this aquisiton.
    Aurora, IL
  829. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14048Michael Vanlandingham
    Dear Ms. Johnson-Ball, I am writing to express my strong opposition to the prospective acquisition of the EJ&E line by Canadian National Railway. From my perspective as a taxpayer and as a commuter who uses this corridor daily, I can see little or no benefit to the cities, towns or villages along the existing EJ&E right-of-way, nor to those closer to the city of Chicago who would purportedly see a decrease in rail congestion. In reality I see that the only entity which stands to benefit from this acquisition is Candian National Railway, who will likely increase the freight traffic in our region while likely failing to decrease traffic in the already congested areas. As a result of the increase of freight traffic in our area it is reasonable to expect that there will be:  More accidents and deaths along the rail line  An increase in automobile traffic gridlock at rail crossings  Elevated pollution and noise levels  Dangerously longer response times of our Police, Fire and Emergency Medical Teams  Disruption and/or closure of local business activities  Adverse impact on our property values Additionally, recent studies by RTA have revealed that a potential overcrowding of the EJ&E lines will also interfere with commuter METRA train lines affecting our ability to get to and from our workplaces in a timely manner and further congesting the roadways and crossings. I am hopeful that you will make the decision to vote against this acquisition and to help keep our communities safe for us and for future generations. Respectfully yours, Michael Vanlandingham
    Fox River Grove, IL
  830. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14046Harry Tichnor
    I am contacting STB to add my comments to those you have already received regarding the sale and use of EJ&E Railroad and tracks in Illinois between Waukegan and Joliet in Illinois. As indicated in your EIS study, this sale to a foreign company which seems to have no regard for the communities which will be disrupted beyond reasonable repair, should not be allowed without written and firm contracted commitment by Canadian National (CN)to be fully financially responsible for any abatement issues caused by their purchase and use of these tracks and facilities. CN has clearly demonstrated in their own country (as well as their dealings with other U.S. entities (Wisconsin) that they cannot be trusted. There are so many issues from safety, to envirommental to financial, that it is difficult to understand why STB would even allow this proposed sale to even get this far. CN could not care less whether traffic is brought to a stand still here in Barrington, and emergency vehicles wait for mile long trains, blocking three to four major (for this area) roadways on the way to Hospitals. A highschool of 3,000 students will be blocked at times from police, fire and rescue. Property values will suffer and taxes to support our infrastructure will decrease. Insurance rates will increase as insurance companies re evaluate their risk. For all of the above issues and many more will be forced on US citizens so that CN can move freight more efficiently through Illinois, with out stopping, on its way Memphis, TN. I understand that CN wants EJ&E to help the port of Prince Rupert (Canada). I further understand that this will take business from the ports of Seattle (US), San Francisco (US), Los Angeles (US). Where is the upside for anyone in the US for this Sale to happen? CN has indicated that Chicago and other closer in suburbs would see a substancial reduction in traffic through their towns. But will they ? CN won't put it in writing !! CN has already demonstrated in the US as well as their own country of origin, that THEIR WORD CANNOT BE TRUSTED. Please reject this sale for all of the reasons above. Harry & Pat Tichnor, Barrington, IL.
    Barrington, Illinois
  831. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14045Greta Nichols
    Please do not allow CN to turn the EJ&E and our Mundelein neighborhood into a busy freight area.
    Vernon Hills, IL
  832. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14044Peter Ambrosio
    Please, say no" to Canadian National. It is even more imperative given the recent U.S. Financial situation that the STB does not add burden to American taxpayers and increase the de-valuing of our property values. Please do not allow CN to purchase the EJ&E. They need agree to cover ALL costs that would be involved in mitigation, rail improvement, crossing improvements, buffer from neighborhoods and wetlands. We cannot afford to help one big company at the expense of U.S. residents. Thank you in advance for your role in helping to protect your fellow citizens."
  833. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14043YU CHEN
    PLEASE STOP THE CN'S ACQUISITION OF THE EJ&E. We want safe living environment. Thanks.
    AURORA, IL
  834. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14039fDAVID HOFFMAN
    I HAVE LIVED IN WAYNE SINCE 1990. WE HAVE 2 CHILDREN WHO HAVE FRIENDS ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE TRACKS. OUR YOUNGEST SON IS A SEVERE ASTHMATIC AND WE HAVE TO RUSH HIM TO THE HOSPITAL AT LEAST A FEW TIMES A YEAR WHEN THE MEDICATION AT HOME DOES NOT WORK. THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS SITUATION IF WE ARE STOPPED BY A TRAIN WHEN MY SON CAN'T BREATHE. ALONG WITH THE MANY OTHER REASONS WE ARE AGAINST THIS EXTRA TRAIN TRAFFIC, MY MAIN CONCERN FOR MY SON SHOULD BE ENOUGH.
    WAYNE, IL
  835. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14029Mary Randolph Dale
    Please use the STB's existing powers which were reaffirmed in the majority vote of HR6707 to reject CN's application to purchase EJ&E railroad. Thank you.
    Barrington, Illinois
  836. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14027Michael Tams
    Please oppose the CN purchase of the EJ&E. There are dozens of reasons to oppose, and millions of reasons that CN wants it: mainly, taxpayer funded mitigation. This is a bad transaction on multiple levels. If the transaction goes through, and there's an accident on the EJ&E line, there will be no end to the lawsuits; people are that worked up about it. Please OPPOSE the CN acquisition of the EJ&E! Thank you, Michael Tams
    Naperville, IL
  837. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14025Jozef Benak
    Dear Ms. Johnson-Ball: I am writing as a concerned citizen to let you know about my vehement opposition to CN's acquisition of the EJ&E line. The negative impact on the surrounding communities of people and the environment is too great. I have lived in this community for over 20 years, and so do my children and young grandchildren. I hope the STB Board votes against this acquisition. Thank you for your attention to this matter. Sincerely, Jozef Benak 304 Roslyn Road Barrington IL 60010
    BARRINGTON, IL
  838. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14021Lisa Slawny
    see attac
    Lake Zurich, IL
  839. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14018Mr. and Mrs. Fred B. Myers
    Attached is our letter to the STB addressing a number of issues regarding the proposed acquisition of the Elgin, Joliet & Eastern Railroad by Canadian National Railway Company & Grand Trunk Corporation. We would appreciate your serious consideration of our concerns.
    Deer Park, Illinois
  840. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14017Fabrizio Busi
    The Honorable Anne K. Quinlan, Acting Secretary Surface Transportation Board 395 E Street, SW Washington, DC 20423 Re: STB Finance Docket No. 35087 Canadian National Railway Company and Grand Trunk Corporation – Control – EJ&E West Company Dear Ms. Quinlan: I am a resident of Wayne, Illinois and strongly object to Canadian National Railway Company’s Proposed Action. I will be drastically harmed by it. We decided to move to Wayne two years ago because we like the open, natural area and the local life style. In order to enjoy my free time and allow my family to live outside the city, I rather put up with a long daily commute and all its inconveniences and additional costs. Since our move, the economy deteriorated and property values dropped. If CN’s proposal is implemented, also our quality of life will be significantly impacted in a variety of ways. The proposed increase of trains from 4 to 24 per day would be dramatic for Wayne. With several at-grade railroad crossings and the proposed train length of 8,000 – 12,000 feet two crossings could be blocked at a time by one single train and once every hour day and night. That will cause a devastating delay of needed emergency responses by police, fire department and medical personal. Of course, it will also change the daily local traffic patterns and could significantly increase the times for local errands. In all likelihood increased blockages at the railroad crossings close to the center of Wayne will divert more traffic to Stearns Road, which also intersects with the EJ&E rail line in question. Efforts to relief the local traffic by extending Stearns Road via a bridge across the Fox River, which is in construction at this time, would be significantly undermined by the increased rail traffic and its associated road blockages at the at-grade crossing. Such an adversely impacted traffic project funded by the public hand should be adequately discussed in the DEIS, but is not. Also, why were traffic calculations only done for average daily trips (ADT), and not for rush hour times? I have to cross two at-grade railroad crossings to get to the Metra station in Bartlett and experienced how easily an unexpected freight train blocking a crossing adds to my commute time and can cause the missing of a passenger train. As a commuter working in downtown Chicago and using the Metra system I am very concerned about the potential disruption of the Metra services by the proposal. Not only cars can be delayed, but freight trains can and will also delay and stop existing suburban commuter rail service. The proposed STAR Line development which would better service the suburban communities will be disrupted. While parts of the DEIS conclude that EJ&E would reach capacity and interfere with Metra’s trains under the CN operating plan, other paragraphs conclude that the implementation of the STAR line will not be precluded. Simply the offer to “work with Metra to explore all options” and to continued discussions does not guarantee a solution and cannot be accepted as an adequate mitigation. These impacts will affect a wide commuter circle. The increase in frequency and length of trains together with the sounding of the train horns will cause increased noise and vibrations, which can severely impact our environment. In fact, it may lead to the need for establishments of Quiet Zones. But in order to fulfill the Federal Railroad Administration Quiet Zone requirements, very expensive safety improvements have to be installed. The cost for these would mainly fall on our community and the taxpayers. Another environmental concern is the adverse impact to air quality due to carbon emissions by vehicles stopped at railroad crossings. These impacts must be adequately addressed and should be mitigated. Nearly all of us are dependent on our own water wells that are fed from a shallow aquifer. Therefore, I am extremely concerned about our water quality and the proposal to increase the daily train car loads of hazardous material traveling through our village from 21.1 to 265.5. In addition, all of the tracks in our area are single ones, which seems to me to potentially increase the risk of train accidents. An accident causing a hazardous spill could have disastrous consequences not just to the directly impacted neighborhood, but hazardous material could get into the groundwater and aquifer. In my opinion more studies are needed to evaluate and better address the potential impacts that could occur from a spill and how to mitigate them. All local tracks are only one lane and at-grade. If CN comes up with only 5% to max 50% of the costs for grade separations as mitigation measure, who will pay the difference? Is the federal or state government prepared to help fund these? The difference of the needed funding has to be identified or this mitigation measure is not an adequate one. The DEIS assumes adverse property value impacts only within 250 feet of the line. While indeed the residential areas closest to the line will be most affected, a reduction of home and property values can also be expected in a greater distance from the tracks and should not be ignored. Who will want to live in a community where short ways can take a long and unpredictable time due to blockage of crossings by freight trains? Who wants to risk that police, fire department and medical aid will be delayed in an emergency? Who wants the continued noise and vibration by the long trains, and increased safety risks? Canadian National’s narrow statement of purpose clearly is only based on their private profits and advantages. There are no alternatives reviewed. The proposal would alone in our small community - undermine public commuter services, - undermine publicly funded street and bridge construction, - reduce significantly our existing quality of life, - cause multiple safety risks, - reduce the value of our properties, and - leave the burden of mitigation costs to taxpayers and unprepared communities. I strongly urge the STB to deny the proposed acquisition of the EJ&E line by CN. Sincerely, Fabrizio Busi
    Wayne, IL
  841. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14016Dawn Steinman
    In light of the torrential/flooding rains that occurred in the Chicago area on Sept. 12, 13, and 14th, I am compelled to write this comment. I live approximately 150 feet from the train tracks. After these rains, for a week to 10 days, every train that traveled these tracks traveled at literally 5 mph, you could walk faster than they were traveling. My husband walked up to the tracks and when he stood on one end of a railroad tie, the other end lifted up off of the ground--he weighs approx. 180. One could only assume that the ground saturation compromised the safety of the tracks and therefore the trains could not safely travel at even close to their normal speeds. This area should clearly be looked into since CN is proposing to use much heavier trains and many more of them. If these tracks are unsafe in heavy rain conditions, one can only imagine what disaster lies ahead if CN takes over (their track record when it comes to safety is poor at best). I can't believe that we, as Americans, are even considering allowing a foreign company to do this. If these train tracks didn't exist today and someone was proposing this, it would never legally be permitted, so why would we even consider allowing it today. Also, in light of the recent financial crisis in America, tax payers will be burdened significantly by this proposed bailout plan and clearly don't need to be burdened with higher taxes that will certainly result from CN's refusal to pay the necessary remediation.
    Frankfort, IL
  842. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14011Jeff Pytel
    Please, say no" to Canandian National. It is even more imperative given the recent U.S. Financial situation that the STB does not add burden to American taxpayers and increase the de-valuing of our property values. Please do not allow CN to purchase the EJ&E. They need agree to cover ALL costs that would be involved in mitigation, rail improvement, crossing improvements, buffer from neighborhoods and wetlands. We cannot afford to help one big company at the expense of U.S. residents. Thank you in advance for your role in helping to protect your fellow citizens."
  843. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14009Lynn Tsiapas
    see attach
    Lake Zurich, IL
  844. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14006Theresa Pytel
    Please, say no" to Canandian National. It is even more imperative given the recent U.S. Financial situation that the STB does not add burden to American taxpayers and increase the de-valuing of our property values. Please do not allow CN to purchase the EJ&E. They need agree to cover ALL costs that would be involved in mitigation, rail improvement, crossing improvements, buffer from neighborhoods and wetlands. We cannot afford to help one big company at the expense of U.S. residents. Thank you in advance for your role in helping to protect your fellow citizens."
  845. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14004Andy Kuhlmann
    Vote NO for CN acquisition of EJE!
    South Barrington, IL
  846. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14002James A. Issel
    After careful consideration of the merits of both sides, my wife Ann and I are against the sale of the EJ&E railroad to Canadian Northern. Traffic conjestion would lock up our little Village given the projected increase in rail traffic.
    Wayne, ILLINOIS
  847. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14000Noel K. Schumann
    Dear Ms. Johnson-Ball, I am writing to express my opposition to the prospective acquisition of the EJ&E line by Canadian National Railway. I strongly feel that the negative impact this proposed transaction will have on our local communities is immense. The increased number of longer and faster freight trains running through our neighborhoods will result in:  More accidents and deaths along the rail line  An increase in automobile traffic gridlock at rail crossings  Elevated pollution and noise levels  Dangerously longer response times of our Police, Fire and Emergency Medical Teams  Disruption and/or closure of local business activities  Adverse impact on our property values Additionally, recent studies by RTA have revealed that a potential overcrowding of the EJ&E lines will also interfere with commuter METRA train lines affecting our ability to get to and from our workplaces in a timely manner. Please do not let us be “railroaded” by Canadian National. We are hopeful that you will make the decision to vote against this acquisition and to help keep our communities safe for us and for future generations. Respectfully yours, Noel K. Schumann
    Lake Barrington, Illinois
  848. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13999Lynn Tsiapas
    I am opposed to the purchase of the EJ&E by CN. I feel that it is putting our community at risk for more conjestion. I also am worried about emergency vehicles getting to a person or fire before a tragity. The train is right next to our high school and if there was a derailment it would hurt my children. This is not in the best interests of anyone besides the CN. Thank you, Lynn Tsiapas
    Lake Zurich, IL
  849. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13997Wayne Morrison
    see attach
    Lake Zurich, IL
  850. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13995MATT HOCKETT
    DON'T KILL OUR TOWN!!! THE CN ACQUISITION WILL BE BAD FOR OUR TOWN AND COMPLETELY SHUT US DOWN ... THERE ARE NO BRIDGES FOR SAFETY VEHICLES... WE WILL ONLY HAVE 5-10 MINUTES PER HOUR TO CROSS THE TRACKS TO GET TO WORK ETC... 2 MILE LONG TRAINS (3 PER HOUR) CONSUMING MOST OF THE HOUR... WHAT ARE WE TO DO???
    plainfield, IL
  851. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13993Calvin Zimmerman
    Please vote down the purchase of the EJ&E by CN. If this deal goes through please mandate that CN pick up ALL THE COSTS FOR NECESSARY MITIGATION, the region and the American taxpayers don't deserve to be stuck with a multi-billion dollar tab to clean up the mess CN is creating!
    barrington, IL
  852. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13991Sue Dyke
    Please do not allow the purchase of EJ & E rail line by Candadian National. Our railroad crossing on Ogden Ave. is already dangerous enough due to lack of visibility with the condos being so close. We have to rely on the working of the crossing signal in order to be safe. If they fail to work, people will die because you cannot see what is coming until you are on the tracks! Increased traffic issues would also result. My driveway gets blocked every morning when a train comes through because traffic gets blocked from entering Ogden Ave (Rt. 34)and I live 3 blocks away from Ogden! Yet another reason to not approve this purchase: we have Rush-Copley Medical Center (a major hospital for this area) just down the street from the tracks. Ambulances travel down Ogden all of the time and have a hard enough time getting through traffic w/out making them stop even more than they already have to. Thank you for your consideration.
    Aurora, IL
  853. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13987Stacey Flores
    Ms. Phillis Johnson-Ball Surface Transportation Board 395 E Street, SW Washington, DC 20423 Ref: STB Finance Docket No. 35087 Dear Ms. Johnson-Ball, I am writing to express my opposition to the prospective acquisition of the EJ&E line by Canadian National Railway. I strongly feel that the negative impact this proposed transaction will have on our local communities is immense. The increased number of longer and faster freight trains running through our neighborhoods will result in: More accidents and deaths along the rail line An increase in automobile traffic gridlock at rail crossings Elevated pollution and noise levels Dangerously longer response times of our Police, Fire and Emergency Medical Teams Disruption and/or closure of local business activities Adverse impact on our property values Additionally, recent studies by RTA have revealed that a potential overcrowding of the EJ&E lines will also interfere with commuter METRA train lines affecting our ability to get to and from our workplaces in a timely manner. Please do not let us be “railroaded” by Canadian National. We are hopeful that you will make the decision to vote against this acquisition and to help keep our communities safe for us and for future generations. Respectfully yours, Stacey Flores
    Joliet, IL
  854. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13985Wendy Bolland
    Dear Ms. Johnson-Ball, I am writing in opposition to the Canadian National (CN) Railway Company’s acquisition of the Elgin, Joliet & Eastern Railway. As a sister-in-law and aunt of residents of Frankfort, Illinois, who own and live in a home off of Laraway Road, less than a mile south of the tracks, the health and welfare of this community are at stake. To begin, to access any medical facility (doctor’s office, hospital, etc) within close proximity, my sister's family need to cross the tracks, either at Harlem Avenue or Pfeifer Road (heading north from Laraway Road). Due to the 400% increase in trains on those tracks, it scares me to think she or an emergency vehicle would be waiting at the tracks during a life or death situation. This is not and should not be acceptable. Another scary fact is this railway will now be more likely to transport hazardous materials. My sister's children go to church and preschool less than 200 yards from the railroad. And many homes are right next to the track. Combine this with an estimated increase of 28% in train accidents, there can and will be dire consequences. CN obviously has no concern for the people of this country (less this village) since they so easily disregard any safety concerns of the local population. It has been stated in the Draft Environmental Impact Statement that property values near the tracks will be reduced. I am certain that my sister's home value will be negatively affected by this decision, given her proximity to the tracks, the noise, the pollution, and the fact that in order for her to access any amenities (doctors, library, grocery stores, restaurants, highway, etc), she need to cross those tracks. If she ever decides to sell her home, it will be very difficult, since her home is on the south side of the tracks. The most disturbing fact of this whole ordeal is that CN has offered to pay only 5-10% of the costs of grade separations and that the local taxpayers should pay the rest. How is this acceptable? A foreign company wants to run their trains through our towns and they want us to pay so they can increase their already large profit. The Village of Frankfort as well as other communities is currently not adept to handle this significant increase in trains. CN needs to bear the responsibility of these costs, not the taxpayers. I truly hope you will take a hard look at the negative impact that this acquisition would have on our and surrounding communities and decide to REJECT this proposal. Thank you for reading my letter and agreeing to listen to the people of the affected communities. Sincerely yours, Wendy Bolland
    Plymouth, WI
  855. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13983Mark Doherty
    Please don't turn the EJ&E rail line into the proposed super freight highway that is being proposed. You are going to ruin our property values, cut us off from the fire department and emergency medical assistance, negatively impact our air quality, and destroy the quality of life that we have worked so hard to get. Most of us are living in modest homes that we sacrificed our wholelive to get. With one swooping motion you are going to take all that we have worked for away. Please put yourself in our shoes. Next time you are heading to work, or God forbid an emergency room, imagine sitting 1/4 mile from your house for 25 minutes waiting for a super freighter to go by. How would that make you feel? Or your house is on fire and the sound of the fire engines don't sound like they are getting any closer because they are stuck behind a train. Why are you guys considering doing this to us? Please don't let this happen.
    Bartlett, IL
  856. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13982Sandra Micci
    Dear Ms. Johnson-Ball, Please say NO" to the CN! It is an extreme detrement to the local towns surounding the rail line. It is an extreme safety issue when our childrens' buses have to cross the tracks over two hundred times a day along with Metra commuter issues. We are tax payers who are also struggling in this aweful economy and cannot afford & are not willing to pay for CN's damage or adjustment to our area in order for their financial benefit. This would be a tradgey to the citizens of our towns! Say "NO" to CN, please!!!! Thank you, Sandra Micci and family"
  857. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13976Donna Rubino
    Please do not let the CN turn EJ&E into a freight superhighway. Please vote no.
    Barrington, IL
  858. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13973David Bolland
    Dear Ms. Johnson-Ball, I am writing in opposition to the Canadian National (CN) Railway Company’s acquisition of the Elgin, Joliet & Eastern Railway. As a brother and uncle of residents of Frankfort, Illinois, who own and live in a home off of Laraway Road, less than a mile south of the tracks, the health and welfare of this community are at stake. To begin, to access any medical facility (doctor’s office, hospital, etc) within close proximity, my sister's family need to cross the tracks, either at Harlem Avenue or Pfeifer Road (heading north from Laraway Road). Due to the 400% increase in trains on those tracks, it scares me to think she or an emergency vehicle would be waiting at the tracks during a life or death situation. This is not and should not be acceptable. Another scary fact is this railway will now be more likely to transport hazardous materials. My sister's children go to church and preschool less than 200 yards from the railroad. And many homes are right next to the track. Combine this with an estimated increase of 28% in train accidents, there can and will be dire consequences. CN obviously has no concern for the people of this country (less this village) since they so easily disregard any safety concerns of the local population. It has been stated in the Draft Environmental Impact Statement that property values near the tracks will be reduced. I am certain that my sister's home value will be negatively affected by this decision, given her proximity to the tracks, the noise, the pollution, and the fact that in order for her to access any amenities (doctors, library, grocery stores, restaurants, highway, etc), she need to cross those tracks. If she ever decides to sell her home, it will be very difficult, since her home is on the south side of the tracks. The most disturbing fact of this whole ordeal is that CN has offered to pay only 5-10% of the costs of grade separations and that the local taxpayers should pay the rest. How is this acceptable? A foreign company wants to run their trains through our towns and they want us to pay so they can increase their already large profit. The Village of Frankfort as well as other communities are currently not adept to handle this significant increase in trains. CN needs to bear the responsibility of these costs, not the taxpayers. I truly hope you will take a hard look at the negative impact that this acquisition would have on our and surrounding communities and decide to REJECT this proposal. Thank you for reading my letter and agreeing to listen to the people of the affected communities. Sincerely yours, David Bolland
    Plymouth, WI
  859. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13972Michelle Miller
    Dear. Ms. Johnson-Ball, I am writing in regards to Docket Number 35087. Recently, I attended the public hearing regarding the CN purchase of EJ&J line and wanted to register my comments. I am extremely concerned that the impacts of the sale are not being taken into account. As a resident on Hough Street in Barrington, I see evidence everyday of roads that have too much traffic and present a public safety hazard. My child must cross this street everyday. Although she uses a crossing guard and there is a light, when drivers are stressed out and trying to neat the next train or the red flashing lights, they often proceed without caution and over the speed limit. I see accidents on a weekly basis and my tree in the front of my yard evidences scars from cars trying to stop too fast and swerving out of the way of traffic. Additionally, public safety vehicles have a difficult time during peak traffic getting through the village. I can see bottle necks stopping the vehicles of hindering them causing increased time that may be needed to safe both life and property. Proper mitigation that would safe guard my community has not been proposed. I believe that CN would like the tax payer to take responsibility. However, the current economic crisis is likely to be funded by the tax payer and city and state municipalities will have little in their coffers to cover the huge cost to make our rail road crossings safer and to find answers to traffic problems. All in all, I would say we have a perfect storm here. This storm can be averted and damage mitigated if the STB moves not to approve the sale based upon the negative environmental impacts. Regards, Michelle Miller
    Barrington, IL
  860. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13971Abra Shapiro
    The addition of all of the trains that CN wants to put on the EJ&E tracks will 1)be a danger to our children's health since the school buses must cross the tracks over 300 time a day to get to and from school. 2)The tracks run very close to Barrington HS and an accident near there could have serious consequences for the children. 3) Traffic will be impossible since the tracks cross town in at least 3 places. 4) Emergency services will be impacted by the ambulances not being able to cross the tracks to get to the hospital. 5) The train runs behind my house and the noise and vibrations will be unbearable. Thank you for listening. Abra Shapiro
    Barrington, Illinois
  861. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13970Dave Klebine
    i'm writing to express my opposition to Approval of CN railroad's acquisition of E J & E railroad. the huge increase in rail trafic that will occur as a result of this acquisition will result in major safety problems at many rail crossings along this rail corridor. please do not approve this proposed purchase.
    Plainfield, IL
  862. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13968DONNA M. TARVID
    The CN, EJ&E acquisition should not be approved. This acquisition should not be approved for the same reason the now defunct Interstate Commerce Commission specifically turned down the Santa Fe/Southern Pacific Railroad merger in 1980's due to public interest grounds" as stated by Nottingham before the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee."
  863. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13966Debbie Fors
    September 30, 2008 Ms. Phillis Johnson-Ball Surface Transportation Board 395 E Street, SW Washington, DC 20423 Ref: STB Finance Docket No. 35087 Dear Ms. Johnson-Ball, I am writing to express my opposition to the prospective acquisition of the EJ&E line by Canadian National Railway. I strongly feel that the negative impact this proposed transaction will have on our local communities is immense. The increased number of longer and faster freight trains running through our neighborhoods will result in:  More accidents and deaths along the rail line  An increase in automobile traffic gridlock at rail crossings  Elevated pollution and noise levels  Dangerously longer response times of our Police, Fire and Emergency Medical Teams  Disruption and/or closure of local business activities  Adverse impact on our property values Additionally, recent studies by RTA have revealed that a potential overcrowding of the EJ&E lines will also interfere with commuter METRA train lines affecting our ability to get to and from our workplaces in a timely manner. Please do not let us be “railroaded” by Canadian National. We are hopeful that you will make the decision to vote against this acquisition and to help keep our communities safe for us and for future generations. Respectfully yours, DEbbie Fors Barrington, IL resident and mother of three
    Barrington, IL
  864. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13965Clifford Sulak
    I live the unincorporated Barrington, Ill. area. The proposed CN acquisition of the EJ&E Railroad will cause undue havoc, and pose a grave danger both environmentally and emergency services to the entire area. The EJ&E crosses all major roads in and surrounding the village,and the commuter line. The steadily increased traffic on the EJ&E has already caused major traffic delays, and this will only get worse with the proposed acquisition. Mitigation even now is essential.
    Barrington, Illinois
  865. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13963Tom Wiencek
    I would like to state my opposition to the CN acquisition of the EJ&E Railroad and the impact it will have on our area. Our roads are so congested already this move would in my belief cause total stanstill of traffic. These trains are so long and noisy that the inconveinience to our communities would be staggering. Our fire and police departments already battle overcrowding on the roads which impact response times to emergencies. If these trains stop important access to our communities, people will die and buildings will burn down. I encourage you to block this effort and leave things as they are for the health, safety, and well being of the citizens who live here.
    Plainfield, IL
  866. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13961Illinois Department of Natural Resources
    Maggie Cole · Bartlett, IL
  867. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13959Brian Kelly
    Please do not allow the EJ&E Waukegan to Joliet line to become a freight superhighway that will run through my neighborhood WITHOUT the necessary remediation efforts included in the transaction. I know the long range plans for the Chicago Metro area call for the shift of freight and intermodal activity away from the city center. I understand the need for that action. However, we are members of the Barrington community for 9 years. If we knew the area wanted to convert this low use train line to a superhighway for container freight, we would never relocated to the neighborhood. Without the necessary remediation, our home investment will be significantly and negatively affected. During this time of severe financial crisis, please do not allow the transaction in its current condition to further denigrate our future. Thank you
    Barrington, IL
  868. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13957Terry Bolland
    Ms. Phillis Johnson-Ball Surface Transportation Board 395 E Street, SW Washington, DC 20423 Ref: STB Finance Docket No. 35087 Dear Ms. Johnson-Ball, I am writing to express my opposition to the prospective acquisition of the EJ&E line by Canadian National Railway. I strongly feel that the negative impact this proposed transaction will have on our local communities is immense. The increased number of longer and faster freight trains running through our neighborhoods will result in: More accidents and deaths along the rail line An increase in automobile traffic gridlock at rail crossings Elevated pollution and noise levels Dangerously longer response times of our Police, Fire and Emergency Medical Teams Disruption and/or closure of local business activities Adverse impact on our property values Additionally, recent studies by RTA have revealed that a potential overcrowding of the EJ&E lines will also interfere with commuter METRA train lines affecting our ability to get to and from our workplaces in a timely manner. Please do not let us be “railroaded” by Canadian National. We are hopeful that you will make the decision to vote against this acquisition and to help keep our communities safe for us and for future generations. Respectfully yours, Terry Bolland
    Fish Creek, Wisconsin
  869. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13955Renee Iacullo
    Please do not allow CN to increase freight traffic through the Barrington Area without FIRST correcting all at grade crossings. The safety of our children will be adversely affected if emergency vehicles cannot respond to us in an emergency should a freight train be blocking access to the schools or homes. It is unconscionable that our government would not protect our rights against a foreign company. Vote no on the CN purchase of the EJE line. Thank you.
    Barrington, IL
  870. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13954RaeAnn Overberg
    It is imperative that the STB passes the outstanding legislation in the Finance Docket (#35087). Canadian National's proposed purchase of the E&J Line is an outrage and will cripple our community.
    Barrington, IL
  871. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13953Jim Tomaszek
    I do not want the Board to allow CN to turn the EJ&E into a freight superhighway. Traffic in my neighborhood is already reaching the boiling point. Once freight trains clog things up even more, Lake County citizens will pressure Congress to alleviate the problem. I don;t see how CN can profit from this in any way.
    Barrington, 1l
  872. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13943Richard Nadler
    The impact of the increased rail traffic (both in frequency and average length of each train) must be considered, especially with regards to the grade crossing at Odgen Avenue (State Route 34). This sale cannot be allowed unless there is some type of remediation implemented for this and other grade crossings where there is substantial traffic including emergency response vehicles (fire, police, ambulance) and also significant school transportation issues. Any remediation costs cannot be placed solely on the local community. This is not a new roadway, Odgen Ave (Route 34) has been there for over a hundred years and was there before the railroad was in place. If there is going to be a dramatic increase in rail traffic let the acquiring railroad pay for a a bridge over Route 34.
    Aurora, IL
  873. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13939John Ansink
    Ms. Phillis Johnson-Ball Surface Transportation Board 395 E Street, SW Washington, DC 20423 Ref: STB Finance Docket No. 35087 Dear Ms. Johnson-Ball, I am writing to express my opposition to the prospective acquisition of the EJ&E line by Canadian National Railway. I strongly feel that the negative impact this proposed transaction will have on our local communities is immense. The increased number of longer and faster freight trains running through our neighborhoods will result in: More accidents and deaths along the rail line An increase in automobile traffic gridlock at rail crossings Elevated pollution and noise levels Dangerously longer response times of our Police, Fire and Emergency Medical Teams Disruption and/or closure of local business activities Adverse impact on our property values Additionally, recent studies by RTA have revealed that a potential overcrowding of the EJ&E lines will also interfere with commuter METRA train lines affecting our ability to get to and from our workplaces in a timely manner. Please do not let us be “railroaded” by Canadian National. We are hopeful that you will make the decision to vote against this acquisition and to help keep our communities safe for us and for future generations. Respectfully yours, John Ansink
    Hinsdale, IL
  874. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13930John K. Crupper
    Please say no to CN. I live in Lake Zurich and have to cross these tracks multiple times per day. Not only do I not want to deal with the complications that brings, these tracks pass right by multiple housing areas (not mine) and the amount of proposed rail traffic will have a very detrimental effect on our community.
    Lake Zurich, IL
  875. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13928Kim Shattuck
    Dear Ms. Ball - I implore you to say no to CN. In today's current economic environment the last thing that the citizens along the EJ&E line need is further devaluation of their homes. The homes along the current CN train line were priced accordingly - ours were not. My mortgage will be worth more than my home. In the meantime, my children at the High School will be trapped in the event of an emergency and their lives will be endangered every time they attempt to cross the tracks with the increase in train traffic. PLEASE HELP US! Thank you.
    Barrington, IL
  876. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13926Patricia Engstrom
    I highly object to the purchase by Canadian National of the EJ&E Railroad. We citizens paid the price literally, figuratively, financially, and conveniently, to live in a more rural area. Our homes and taxes are higher for this privelege. Should this purchase go through it will pollute our air, our traffic, our silence, our nature, our wells & septics, our preserves, and our quality of life. We should not be expected to bear the financial burden of a purchase WE DO NOT WANT for a company not in the United States, which provides nothing positive to the citizens, so they can make a higher profit. There are no jobs provided by the acquisition, there are only risks and concerns. If there is a hazardous spill, it would poison our wells. We do not have the option of city water. It is time to give the country back to the American people. Our country is in crisis, our state is broke. Let's vote for the Party of Common Sense. Please vote NO to Docket #35087. The decision you make is one we have to live with. Thank you for hearing me. Most sincerely, Patricia Engstrom
    Wayne, IL
  877. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13923Elaine Pool
    Ms. Phillis Johnson-Ball Surface Transportation Board 395 E Street, SW Washington, DC 20423 Ref: STB Finance Docket No. 35087 Dear Ms. Johnson-Ball, I am writing to express my opposition to the prospective acquisition of the EJ&E line by Canadian National Railway. I strongly feel that the negative impact this proposed transaction will have on our local communities is immense. The increased number of longer and faster freight trains running through our neighborhoods will result in: More accidents and deaths along the rail line An increase in automobile traffic gridlock at rail crossings Elevated pollution and noise levels Dangerously longer response times of our Police, Fire and Emergency Medical Teams Disruption and/or closure of local business activities Adverse impact on our property values Additionally, recent studies by RTA have revealed that a potential overcrowding of the EJ&E lines will also interfere with commuter METRA train lines affecting our ability to get to and from our workplaces in a timely manner. Please do not let us be “railroaded” by Canadian National. We are hopeful that you will make the decision to vote against this acquisition and to help keep our communities safe for us and for future generations. Respectfully yours, Elaine Pool
    Yorkville, IL
  878. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13921rubina oremus
    do not sell us out stop the sale of the eJ &J railroad. save our future. do not sell us to the Canadians. Think about our safety.
    wayne, IL
  879. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13919Melanie Munson
    Dear Ms. Johnson-Ball, I am writing to express my opposition to the prospective acquisition of the EJ&E line by Canadian National Railway. I strongly feel that the negative impact this proposed transaction will have on our local communities is immense. The increased number of longer and faster freight trains running through our neighborhoods will result in: More accidents and deaths along the rail line An increase in automobile traffic gridlock at rail crossings Elevated pollution and noise levels Dangerously longer response times of our Police, Fire and Emergency Medical Teams Disruption and/or closure of local business activities Adverse impact on our property values Additionally, recent studies by RTA have revealed that a potential overcrowding of the EJ&E lines will also interfere with commuter METRA train lines affecting our ability to get to and from our workplaces in a timely manner. Please do not let us be “railroaded” by Canadian National. We are hopeful that you will make the decision to vote against this acquisition and to help keep our communities safe for us and for future generations. Respectfully yours, Melanie Munson
    Joliet, IL
  880. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13917Kristine Lehman
    We feel that response time regarding medical emergencies will be greatly delayed resulting in a possible life or death situation. The increased train traffic will detrimentally affect the local environment by not only materials on the trains, but the increased traffic congestion and emissions from the trains themselves. In addition, the increased noise pollution and the affects of the train traffic on houses (vibrations) is also a big concern.
    Daniel Lehman · Frankfort, IL
  881. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13915Laura Grodoski
    I would like to voice my opposition to CN Railway's purchase of the EJ&E line. As a homeowner who would be essentially cut off from the rest of the community, see her home's value drop, potentially be put in danger by hazardous materials or delayed emergency vehicle response, and ultimately have her quality of life dramatically compromised, I belive that the CN should not be able to proceed with the proposed acquisition deal as it currently stands. Please do whatever you can to stop them from moving ahead. Thank you for your time.
    West Chicago, IL
  882. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13909Tracy Gilman
    Barrington, IL
  883. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13907donna juracka
    I oppose CN's acquisition of the EJ&E. Please make sure HR6707 passes to insure that our train traffic does not increase. Thank you
    frankfort, il
  884. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13903David Esquivel
    Dear Ms. Johnson-Ball: This is in regards to STB Finance Docket No. 35087. As a resident near the EJ&E line in Illinois I am writing to express my strong opposition to the Canadian National Railway Company and Grand Trunk Corporation’s (CN) purchase of the EJ&E rail line. I am very concerned that my community will be facing significant issues related to public safety, environment, traffic gridlock, and emergency response times if this acquisition is approved. None of these issues are being adequately dealt with by the CN. I understand that the Surface Transportation Board is charged with the review and approval process for transactions of this type, and has as its mandate to foster rail commerce. However, if your agency does not protect communities from the actions of the railroads, transactions like the one proposed by CN will devastate the viability and livability of villages and towns all along the rail line. Thank you for your consideration of my request.
    Elgin, IL
  885. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13894David Bachtel
    I am writing to comment on the CN acquisition of the EJ&E Rail Line and the impact of the proposed use of the EJ&E railway as a bypass" around Chicago. As a resident of one of those surrounding suburbs, I stand strongly opposed to the proposed acquisition for the following reasons: 1. Our railroad crossings in Plainfield are already terribly congested by existing train traffic. An increase to 42 trains daily will cause day-long grid lock. Trains often come to a complete stop in Plainfield thereby stopping traffic across 4 high volume crossings and paralyzing movement for up to 20 minutes after the train re-starts. Current trains sit across the line for 10 minutes, imagine the disruption that longer, more frequesnt trains will cause. 2. Resulting emergency response times will explode as these crossings block access to hospitals and fire stations needlessly increasing the danger to life and property. 3. Plainfield's highways feed traffic to many surrounding communities. The resulting disruption will undoubtedly cause economic hardship and increases in travel times and emergency response across a wide, highly populated area. I strongly support the positions of TRAC and believe that the STB will understand that traffic changes can only be made AFTER substantial investment and changes via underpasses or elevated rail line construction. Only then can an acquisition be approvved. Thank you David Bachtel 22523 Prairie Crossing Plainfield, IL 60544 815-436-7874"
  886. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13892Mrs. Kristin M Thomas
    I would like to voice my opposition to the acquisition of EJ&E Railroad by CN Railroad. I live in Plainfield, IL approximately 500 feet away from the railroad tracks. My children attend school on the other side of the tracks. We moved into this house knowing we were close to the tracks, but we also knew that the trains did not go by all day and all night long. Plainfield recently initiated a no-whistle zone. Before that, the train whistles were very disturbing, and as a light sleeper, I would wake up for every freight train, including Sunday morning at 6 a.m.. Now, we might have a huge number of trains going through our area at all times of the day and night, and that would greatly reduce our quality of life. I grew up in Schiller Park, IL, attended school in Franklin Park, IL, so I know all about train congestion and disruption. The people that live in the towns that are for this acquisition have lived with the trains...moved to that area KNOWING that the trains are there. Here along the EJ&E line, we moved here knowing that the train traffic is minimal with little interference to our quality of life. I oppose this acquisition as a mom, a homeowner and a citizen of Plainfield. I do not want freight trains rumbling through my backyard, affecting our quality of life, the ability of emergency services, the schools. The school buses have to cross the tracks two times every day! In an emergency, I do not want the freight trains clogging up our roads. This acquisition may be in the better interests of our suburbs closer in, and the Canadian Railway, but it's not in the best interest for those of us that moved along this train line. Isn't it more important to have happy citizens, than a happy foreign railroad? Our family moved out here from the NW side of Chicago. We moved to this subdivision, because this was a nice, affordable house in a very nice area. We do not want to turn these nice quiet suburbs into another congestion, loud Franklin Park. That's not what this area was intended for. Thank you.
    Plainfield, IL
  887. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13889Dena Petraitis
    I am writing to beg you not to pass the purchase of the Canadian National Railroad. The negative impact on our community would be devastating. It seems inconceivable that anyone would think that this is an acceptable proposal; trains containing hazardous materials parked within 200 yards of peoples homes. There would be miles of roads that would be inaccessible while a train is parked here or lumbering through. I shudder to think of people needing medical attention waiting for a monster train to pass by. Thank you for taking the time to read my viewpoint. Dena Petraitis
    Frankfort, Illinois
  888. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13887George Burny
    I am opposed to the CN aquisition of the EJ &E
    Barrington, IL
  889. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13885Jean Emerick
    please stop purchase
    schaumburg, illinois
  890. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13884Rich White
    In the recent Bartlett High School town meeting the STB began the meeting going over the rules and basic information for the meeting. One thing that the moderator mentioned seemingly as a basic formality was she needed to identify where the emergency exits were. I found this especially ironic as I live in Wayne and if this plan passes there will be in many cases no emergency exits for my family and I as we are boxed in on four sides of railroad tracks. A formality to the meeting - a basic necessesity but something that CN would not even consider for my neighbors and I. It seems as if this would be a national security threat. To not allow someone to flee in the event there is a accidental or intentional leak of chlorine or someother toxic chemical. I could have chosen to live in a city which had significant train traffic, or one that was near a major airport. I did chose to live here and I do live in a flight pattern for Dupage airport. My point is I should not complain about Dupage airport, I chose to live here. But it is not fair to have me redirect the planes to fly over other communities any more than the trains should now be pushed through these communities. We do not have the same overpasses and underpasses that they have. Additionally. their effect will be far greater on us without this infrastructure. Already CN has moved from 3 trains a day to 12 (I counted them on Saturday). Please stop this movement and prevent them from dangering my family (no exits), damaging the forest preserve environment and forcing our communities to take on the wake of problems just because they feel they can. Thank you.
    Wayne, IL
  891. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13882meridith randolph
    Please reject the Canadian National 's proposed acquistion of the EJ&E railroad. The entire region and thousands of people will be negatively impacted if this acquisition is allowed.
    Barrington Hills, Illinois
  892. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13856Denise Garcia
    I am very concerned about the proposed acquisition of the EJ&E by CN. I live right by the tracks that would be affected (111th and Normantown road). As it is now we have alot of railroad traffic and noise, if this acquisition goes through we will be in great danger. My children's school is on the opposite side of the tracks and as it stands now getting to them is difficult if a train is passing by, what will that mean in the case of an emergency when the train volume more than doubles? The cost to tax payers will be incredibly burdensome in an already difficult financial environment. There are several multi-million dollar homes right by the tracks, their property value will be significantly impacted in an already difficult market, not to mention the property values of the rest of the middle class that live all along the tracks, we're talking 100s of 1,000s of people. The economic impact this acquisition will have is far reaching. It would be irresponsible for the STB to allow this acquisition to take place. I hope that this body will make the decision based on the good of the people and not because they are in the pockets of the Railroad industry.
    Plainfield, Illinois
  893. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13852Asma Khan
    Pass H.R. 6707 before Congress adjourns please.
    Naperville, IL
  894. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13842Michael Floyd
    September 30, 2008 Phillis Johnson-Ball Surface Transportation Board 395 E Street, S.W. Washington, D.C. 20423 Dear Ms. Johnson-Ball, This letter pertains to the Draft EIS for docket number FD 35087 Canadian National Railway Company and Grand Truck Corporation – Control- EJ&E West Company. My comments/concerns on the DEIS are as follows: Local Meetings / Time for Comment Were Not Adequate There was no meeting in my high impact area of Naperville and Plainfield. We were also ignored in the January round of Scoping meetings. There is a tremendous amount of public interest; however, the locations selected for Public Meetings were not in the neighborhoods where people are most greatly affected. In July 2008, Naperville/Aurora held a town hall meeting within one mile of the tracks at Waubonsie Valley High School. It is estimated that 1,500 people attended when this meeting was held in an appropriate area. When the September 9, 2008, Public Meeting was held many miles from the tracks at West Aurora High School, although many elected officials asked for a meeting in closer proximity to the alignment, only 300 people were able to attend. The meetings should have been held in closer proximity to the EJ&E alignment. EJ&E operates on 200 miles of track. Eight public meetings for this study area seems inadequate, particularly since the public has repeatedly asked for more local meetings. Due to the potential negative impacts in our region, a time period to comment longer than 45 days is needed. I respectfully request that we be given 120 days to perform the proper due diligence and more thoroughly examine the DEIS. Quiet Zone/Noise The cities of Naperville and Aurora are working with EJ&E to enact a Quiet Zone by November 2008; I did not see this mentioned in the DEIS. Could you please add a section to the DEIS that will hold CN accountable for ensuring that this anticipated Quiet Zone is honored? The noise assessment is outdated. Construction noise also needs to be addressed. While the DEIS clearly details the equipment that may be used and the fact that this equipment causes noise and vibration above acceptable levels, there is absolutely no mitigation proposed such as the use of temporary soundwalls, restrictions on construction hours or months, or other such typical mitigation. The plans for construction of additional track needs to be outlined so the public can properly consider the impact and the suggested mitigation. If another track is added next to a sensitive receptor such as Peterson Elementary School in Naperville, the dates/hours of construction, estimated project length, construction noise levels, etc. need to be reported. Please study the construction impacts and detail proper mitigation for the FEIS. For instance, I request that construction be completed at times when children are not in school at Peterson Elementary in Naperville for their safety and to promote an environment that does not pollute or disrupt their education. Emergency Service Response Time Emergency Services Response Time will be greatly delayed. As just one example, Rush Copley Hospital in Aurora on Route 34 constantly uses the at grade crossing on Route 34 for emergency vehicles. Gate closures are anticipated to increase up to 10 minutes per train if the CN acquisition occurs. This time delay is unacceptable during a life threatening emergency. The first responder impacts appear to be seriously down played. Please use accurate vehicle counts and closely study the location of hospitals, fire houses and ambulance services in relationship to the EJ&E alignment. It does not appear that the first responder impacts were mapped, studied or detailed appropriately. Vehicle Count/ Freight Traffic Projects The DEIS does not properly list the substantially affected at-grade crossings since the vehicle count is incorrect. It appears that Parsons Transportation Group, a direct consultant to CN, provided the information for traffic counts. This is a conflict of interest. It is my understanding that this information was then also used for air quality analyses. I respectfully request that the STB do not use a CN’s data for this important issue. For the FEIS, I ask that the STB provide their own study material and analyses. The DEIS needs to go beyond 3 years! The rail shipping system is not stagnant and, in fact, it is expected to grow. This is evidenced by CN's major investment in a new port facility. Growth needs to be properly examined to understand the true impact on our environment. Why has the STB taken CN at their word that traffic will be moved off of the inner Chicago arc and why are rail vehicle counts studied for only three years out? The STB needs to address more realistic train traffic as you move toward the FEIS. What mechanisms are in place to cap CN's traffic at those numbers studied? An increase in rail traffic in five or six years means that the air quality, noise and traffic analyses have been a farce. NEPA regulations require impacts studied beyond a three year window. STAR/Metra The DEIS minimizes the disruption of current Metra rail operations. Also, the planned commuter STAR line likely will no longer be feasible. In the Final EIS, please write a section that ensures CN will allow the STAR line to co-exist with them in the future. No alternatives to the CN acquisition seemed to be reviewed. Please review and analyze CREATE. Safety The schools located along the alignment are numerous yet it doesn’t appear that there is any mitigation proposed for the safety of school children in close proximity to the tracks. I was not able to locate any specific mitigation or safety features for the schools, playgrounds or sport fields within extremely close proximity to schools. Please detail mitigation in the FEIS to mitigate the potential for accidents. Containers with hazardous material should not be able to idle near schools; Speed and switching should be modified to reduce the potential for accidents near schools; construction should not occur while children are in school, etc. Home Values Home values will decrease. Please analyze the value of homes in close proximity to the alignment and incorporate these figures into the FEIS. Benefits to Current CN Towns The benefits to the region" were not outlined in the DEIS and nothing holds CN accountable for long term guarantees. It appears very likely that traffic on the current tracks will increase at a later date. There is every indication that CN plans to increase the number of trains to increase profitability. Benefits to the existing CN tracks can not be relied upon if there is nothing preventing CN from adding more trains at a later date! In the DEIS, rail traffic counts assume rail traffic moves off existing Chicago routes to the EJ&E lines yet remain the same. Also, the counts are estimated only three years out. Please study CN’s growth over the last 10 to 15 years. CN's rail counts have not been stagnant. Better assumptions need to be made for this study. The maximum rail traffic capacity should be examined. On the CN website there are advertisements for shippers in order to increase their business. If CN currently uses 42 trains, then the DEIS should study the effects of more trains in future years. Please do not allow your traffic time frame to be short sighted. Rail traffic is predicted to double in the Chicago area in the next 20 years. The growth of container-traffic capacity from the Port of Prince Rupert in Canada is expected to grow from 500,000 to more than 2,000,000 in the next 4 years. Currently CN is the only freight rail line from Prince Rupert to all of North America. If the acquisition is approved by the STB, you have detailed no prohibitions against CN adding numerous trains to this line and the impacts you have studied are not valid. School District 204 The EJ&E tracks split School District 204 in half. Transportation costs, pollution of idling buses, and safety of students need to be examined for District 204 as well as all other school districts along the alignment. It does not appear that you specifically studied the impacts on schools such as Peterson Elementary in Naperville, a sensitive receptor within close proximity of the alignment. In the DEIS, local and state parks were studied. School playgrounds and sports fields were not incorporated and studied in the DEIS. Why not? In many cases, these fields are used after school, on weekends, and during school hours. Essential Lack of Mitigation The DEIS has effectively detailed very little tangible mitigation. Over and over I read that those impacted should work with CN on proper mitigation. This is not mitigation ! The DEIS details no specifics, no funding mechanisms and no accountability for significant impacts. For instance, the DEIS acknowledges that noise levels in the area of 103rd to 111th Street in Naperville will be above acceptable levels. And, the proposed mitigation is to work with CN on solutions. I ask you, are you aware of the level of commitment to the local communities shown by CN? Have you inquired about MOUs or the meetings they have scheduled? Have they attended meetings with electeds when they have been invited? They are not working with communities and cities to reduce the impacts, they are too busy trying to cut the STB, the NEPA process and the communities and cities along the alignment out of their acquisition process to bother themselves with accountability for proper mitigation. The STB needs to detail specific accountability for mitigation in the FEIS !! You can not approve this acquisition with empty promises of mitigation. Construction Impacts NEPA requires the study of construction impacts. In this DEIS the construction impacts are non-existent. As you move forward, when will construction impacts be studied? When will the communities where double tracks are planned to be added be able to comment? I believe that at this point an addendum should be made for the DEIS on Construction Impacts. Construction of 19 miles of tracks will have an enormous, negative impact on the environment and this issue appears to have been forgotten in the DEIS. You have simply omitted this because CN did not provide plans. This is not acceptable !! Conclusion The DEIS includes what has been called "voluntary mitigation" proposed by CN. It appears that many of the items within this long list are actually required by the FRA or other agencies and they are not voluntary. For the FEIS, please compile an accurate list of the mitigation that is truly voluntary. I respectfully request that as you move towards the FEIS, you address the issues outlined above. Please study the true negative impact that the CN acquisition will have on our villages, cities, and people. Sincerely, Michael Floyd"
    Naperville, IL
  895. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13841House of representatives, Member of Congress
    Roskam, Peter J.
  896. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13835Kirsten Nadler
    Why are Chicago politicians and those they influence e.g. Chicago Tribune in favor of moving this rail traffic to the Western suburbs i.e. Naperville/Aurora? They want to spread the wealth/misery out of their backyards of increased traffic, travel times, and decrease community safety as people find their way to side streets and avert the waits on their main routes now overloaded with rail traffic. Increased rail traffic also increases the probability of accidents & collisions with cars, or derailments in very close proximity to family residential neigborhoods. Bottom line: This is unacceptable -- nothing positive for the community whatsoever.
    Aurora, IL
  897. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13834Jeff Gutowsky
    RE: STB Finance Docket No. 35087 Canadian National Railway Company and Grand Trunk Corporation - Control - EJ & E West Company I am a resident of the Village of Wayne, Illinois through which the EJ & E rail line extends. I wish to state my strong objection to the proposed purchase of the EJ & E West Company by the Canadian National Railway, and to the Draft Environmental Impact Statement. My concerns with the this document are the following critical items need to be addressed: 1) No regard to the impact of heavy rains impeding the vehicular traffic navigating around 10,000 foot trains blocking Army Trail Road and Smith roads concurrently when Powis and Munger Roads are closed due to flooding conditions. This occurrs on a yearly basis (August of 2007 and September of 2008). Many of our neighbors were trapped in our peninsula" which is surrounded by the EJ&E, Union Pacific, and CN Railroads. This is an extremely dangerous life safety concern. 2)The impact on the native wildlife. It appears the traffic volume has increased on the EJ&E line this past summer. We have not seen any deer or other similar wildlife in our backyards. This used to be a weekly, if not daily occurance. We have also noticed the train horns blasting away when approaching Army Trail and Smith Roads are so loud that birds and other small animals fly away and "run for cover." This small recent increase in traffic can only magnify this situation with an increase of 5 times the amount of train traffic. We would appreciate you considering these items in your final report. Thanks Jeff Gutowsky"
  898. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13831Jeri Savaria
    I AM STRONGLY AGAINST THE CN'S PROPOSED ACQUISITION OF THE EJ&E. YOUR APPLICATION TO ACQUIRE THE EJ&E NEEDS TO BE REJECTED! IT WILL NEGATIVELY AFFECT MANY AREAS IN OUR QUIET COMMUNITY.
    Frankfort, IL
  899. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13829Michael Floyd
    September 30, 2008 Phillis Johnson-Ball Surface Transportation Board 395 E Street, S.W. Washington, D.C. 20423 Dear Ms. Johnson-Ball, RE: Draft EIS for docket number FD 35087 Canadian National Railway Company and Grand Truck Corporation – Control- EJ&E West Company. My comments on the DEIS are as follows: Emergency Services Response Time will be greatly delayed. A sensitive receptor, Rush Copley Hospital on Route 34 constantly uses the at-grade crossing on Route 34 for emergency vehicles. I did not see this addressed in the DEIS. In general, the first responder impacts appear to be seriously down played in the DEIS. No alternatives to the CN acquisition seemed to have been reviewed. Was CREATE reviewed or analyzed? The noise assessment appears to be outdated. Construction noise also needs to be addressed in the FEIS. It appears that 19 miles of new tracks will be added if CN acquires the EJ&E. This construction will be very near to homes, schools and parks. Construction noise mitigation in the FEIS needs to be detailed and CN and their contractors and construction firms need to be accountable. In addition to noise impacts of construction, the FEIS must address mitigation for construction traffic and air quality. The DEIS lacks construction impact details and mitigation. The cities of Naperville and Aurora are in the Approval Stages for a Quiet Zone for enactment in November 2008. The Final EIS needs to ensure that this quiet zone is honored. The DEIS does not properly list the substantially affected at-grade crossings since the vehicle count is incorrect. For example, at Haffenrichter Street in Aurora the traffic count appears to be off by 300%. The FEIS needs to reflect accurate traffic counts, the impact of these counts and the mitigation. I am expecting mitigation with accountability and funding. A grade crossing recommendation is worthless without accountability; please ensure that the FEIS has “real” mitigation. I did not see in the DEIS an examination of the negative environmental impact of emissions as vehicles idle as they wait for trains to pass (especially when trains are predicted to be up to 2 miles long). The FEIS must consider the effect on air quality due to idling cars, trucks, emergency response vehicles and school buses? The wait time at crossings along 200 miles will be tremendous. The DEIS assumes that traffic will free flow once the trains have passed. The DEIS did not take into account the bottleneck that will occur at busy at-grade crossings such as Ogden Road in Aurora. The DEIS minimizes the disruption of current Metra rail operations. The Village of Plainfield will be crippled by the anticipated increase of traffic. Plainfield has a total of 17 crossing and 16 of them are at-grade crossings. The FEIS needs to realize the vast negative impact that the CN purchase will have on villages like Plainfield that do not have the necessary infrastructure to accommodate 2 mile long trains passing by 42 times a day. Indian Prairie School District 204 transports 17,500 students each day. The EJ&E tacks run through more than 11 miles of this district. Seven schools (sensitive receptors) are located within a half mile of the tracks. There are two at-grade crossings that are used frequently to transport our children. School buses cross the Ogden Avenue tracks a total of 164 times each day and the Montgomery Avenue tracks 139 times each day. Gate closures are anticipated to increase up to 10 minutes per train. Delays created by rail traffic will force students to ride on the buses longer and cost our district more money to run the buses for a longer time. Buses will pollute our environment as they idle waiting for trains to cross. Please incorporate this pollution count into your FEIS. Peterson Elementary School in District 204, 4008 Chinaberry Lane, Naperville, IL. (between 111th and 103rd) is one of the sensitive receptors. Hazardous materials will be transported on an average of one per day through residential neighborhoods and very close to Peterson School. For the safety of our children, is it possible NOT to transport hazardous material while they are in school? It appears that the plans are to add a THIRD track near Peterson Elementary School for storage. Why is CN allowed to store their trains so close to an elementary school? What are the plans for construction noise, storage, and switching? What is being done to ensure that our children are safe and that their school and playground is not polluted? The construction noise of the additional track appears that it will be above acceptable levels. What is being done to correct this? Could construction be done at time when our children are not in school? Could construction be done at a time when residents are not sleeping? The DEIS only projects out for 3 years. The Final EIS needs to extend to 2015. There is anticipated growth in our communities and this must be included in the Final EIS to have a more accurate understanding of the true impact. The FEIS must address full capacity of the expanded EJ&E line not just current CN shipments being moved west? What will prevent CN from increasing shipments? The planned commuter STAR line will likely no longer be feasible. Naperville/Plainfield already purchased approximately 100 acres for the STAR line. Why isn't anything written in the DEIS to ensure that CN will allow the STAR line to co-exist with them in the future? There is no real assurance that CN will help implement the STAR line. If CN is operating the tracks at capacity, how will the STAR line be able to use these tracks? I also find it contradictory that in a letter, CN aksed the STB not to consider the impacts to the future STAR line while conducting the EIS. The DEIS fails to suggest how the communities along the 200 miles of tracks are going to pay for the necessary crossing improvements. In Aurora alone, it is estimated that it will cost $120-$180 million to mitigate traffic. The busy at-grade crossing at Ogden is estimated to cost $50-$55 million alone. IDOT does not have have the funds. How are we going to fund this? The purchase price for CN is $300 Million. The true cost to the region is estimated at $1.8 - $2 Billion. The negative environmental impact that this type of financial drain will have on our region is devastating. Along the EJ&E line, about 20% of the land is residential and 20% consists of parks and preserves. The 62 mile Prairie Path will be greatly disrupted. It is predicted that four species will suffer habitat loss if the CN purchase is allowed. The negative environmental impact of our parks and preserves was greatly down played in the DEIS; the FEIS should accurately portray impacts and detail mitigation and accountability for mitigation. Home values will likely decrease. The DEIS simply stated that home value within 250 feet of the tracks will experience a decrease in home value. Why weren't they further analyzed and this analysis made a part of the DEIS? The "benefits to the region" were not outlined in the DEIS and nothing holds CN accountable for long term guarantees that traffic on the current tracks will not increase at a later date. The DEIS did not address true safety mitigation but simply acknowledged issues and impact. In light of the recent MetroLink collision with a freight train in the Los Angeles area, what safety mechanisms are in place to ensure the safety of commuter rail passengers? Overall, Canadian National has not demonstrated a willingness to meet the needs of the communities along the EJ&E line. CN has not provided long-term commitments to the region or guaranteed full cooperation with the proposed STAR Line and current Amtrak service. I have not heard of any Memorandums of Understanding (MOU) between CN and the various cities and villages that they will negatively impact. How will CN be held accountable? Senator Dick Durbin wrote, "Joined by other members of the Illinois Congressional delegation, I met with Canadian National Railroad President E. Hunter Harrison to seek further details of the proposal. Mr. Harrison explained why the transaction would be good for CN's business, but he was indifferent to the potential burden on suburban communities in terms of traffic, safety issues, quality of life, and the undue tax burden associated with supporting this private transaction." If our Senator is reporting that CN already appears to be "indifferent to the burden" on our communities now, then how can we expect CN to carry their fair share of the financial burden once they are running their trains on the tracks? I respectfully request that you address these issues and report on the true negative impact that the CN acquisition will have in your Final EIS. Sincerely, Mike Floyd"
  900. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13827Doug Molski
    No,no,no,no. Why are we letting CN come in and reroute trains? You know as well as I do that when the congestion on their current rail lines improves that they will route additional trains through there. In the long term there will be more train traffic throughout the entire area with only CN benfiting. More train traffic means more pollution and an increased negative enviromental impact on us. Please do not allow this to happen!!!!! Doug Molski
    Frankfort, IL.
  901. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13825Nancy Hadgisava
    This is a final plea to consider the people and the villages that would be negatively impacted by the proposed acquisition of EJ&E by the CN Railway. Please use the STB's power to reject this transaction, based on the negative community impacts which would hugely outweigh the transportation benefits. While it is true the HR 6707 did not become a law, the STB does have this power. There would be major commuter gridlock, dangerous delays for first responder vehicles, loss of revenue for businesses, large increases in already high property taxes, etc. The list goes on and on. I was at the Barrington community meeting, I know you’ve heard all this. I was told that night, and this was admitted by an STB member, that the STB very rarely turns down a proposed purchase of this type. Please don’t let the people down on this matter. Please vote the purchase down OR hold the CN responsible for all costs incurred to make this safe. Thank you, Nancy Hadgisava
    Hawthorn Woods, IL
  902. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13822Sally Puzon
    We do not want the purchase of the railroad tracks to Canadian Railroad
    Frankfort, IL
  903. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13816Village of Bartlett, Illinois
    We are submitting these comments on behalf of the Village of Bartlett, Illinois in connection with the Draft Environmental Impact Statement arising out of the review of the proposed Canadian National Railway Company Acquisition of the Elgin, Joliet & Eastern Railway
    Michael S. Blazer · Hillside, IL
  904. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13811Tracy OCallaghan
    CN'S PROPOSED ACQUISITION OF THE EJ&E IS A REGIONAL NEGATIVE. WE HAVE ENOUGH TRAFFIC CONGESTION THROUGHOUT OUR AREA TO ADD MORE THAN DOUBLE THE TRAINS. MY GOAL IS FOR THE STB TO TELL CN THAT ITS APPLICATION TO ACQUIRE THE EJ&E IS REJECTED! THANK YOU!
    Plainfield, IL
  905. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13810Elwood Powers
    I do NOT want this acquisition to occur. The congestion it would create would cause me to sell my home and leave Barrington. I moved here to avoid congestion. I would not concede to the acquisition if the r/r would assume all financial responsibility to build bridges over te offending areas because our stores would suffer because traffic would be rerouted.
    Barrington, ILL
  906. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13808Diana Thompson
    I have been following this RR acquisition since the beginning and have attended several meetings. I believe the DEIS is flawed in many ways from the timeframe it took to complete this DEIS (usually takes 18mths to years to complete) to the true dollar amount this takeover will cost us tax payers. Just in District 204, traffic delays due to 3X amount of trains crossing will mess up the school districts bus routes tremendously...kids late to school/return home, parents calling concerned. Not to mention any emergency vehicles trying to save a life and or house if on fire. Where is the review of other alternatives? Where is the comfort of knowing STAR talk will really continue. All is so vague. Please DO NOT continue with this acquisition. It'll hurt more than it will help!
    Naperville, IL
  907. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13805Adriana
    I am opposed to allowing increased Railroad traffic through the town of Frankfort. Ambulances and other emergency vehicles must cross the tracks on a regular basis. With only about six trains a day currently passing through Frankfort, this has hardly been a problem, but if an increase of twenty-eight trains a day occurs, this is going to be a lot bigger issue than the Draft Environmental Impact Statement seems to realize. The people who wrote the Draft Environmental Impact Statement believe that trains will go 45 miles per hour through Frankfort so that gates are only closed a short time. Presently trains pass through Frankfort at perhaps 15 to 25 miles per hour not the 45 miles per hour that the Draft Environmental Impact Statement states, making real time blockage of the crossings over twice as long as the Draft EIS suggest. Such delays in emergency response times for life threatening calls could result in deaths or substantial loss of property. All the projected benefits aren’t going to mean anything to a family who loses a family member or home because blocked crossing delays created by increased railroad traffic delayed critical medical or emergency services. If nothing else, please reconsider this issue in your final EIS and I hope you make the CN build new fire stations all along the tracks to ensure the safety of the residents of Frankfort.
    Frankfort, IL
  908. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13803Richard W and Jo G Harrison
    September 30, 2008 Subject: HR 6707, Taking Responsible Action for Community Safety The current proposal for Canadian National Railway to acquire control of Elgin, Joliet and Eastern West Company has numerous flaws. This proposal should not be supported! Please stop CN now! CN’s abysmal Safety Record is well documented. Adding many mile-long freight trains to an already congested local road system means first responders will be delayed at crossings, threatening the health, lives, and safety of all local residents. Our area relies 100% on ground water. Hazardous material spills will have a devastating impact on our communities. School buses cross these tracks hundreds of times each day. CN’s proposal, if approved, will most certainly put children’s safety at risk. It will also result in altering school and family schedules due to increased congestion on our already overburdened local roads. It is wrong to support CN’s proposal at face value, yet this is exactly what is being done in order to rush this proposal through. We urge you to carefully consider the concerns of our local Police, Medical Emergency Providers and Fire Departments who also oppose this acquisition. Therefore, we support HR 6707, the “Taking Responsible Action for Community Safety” Act. We urge you to do the same in order to in order to protect the safety, health, property vales, and business interests of the local area. Thank you. Richard W Harrison Jo G Harrison Barrington, IL 60010
    Barrington, IL
  909. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13801Bart E. Schiewe
    Ref: STB Finance Docket No. 35087 Please see our attached letter and consider our requests.
    Fox River Grove, IL
  910. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13787Gale Pewitt
    The railroad would greatly increase the traffic congestion in town and I would like to make it known that I am against CN's proposed acquisition of the EJ&E
    Naperville,, IL
  911. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13785Karin Cumming
    Passage of this sale would totally destroy our town as we know it today. Our schools, retail, lifestyle would be very negatively impacted. Please stop the passage of this transaction!
    Barrington, IL
  912. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13783Chrisy O'Brochta
    Dear Phillis Johnson-Ball The proposed acquisition of the EJ&E by Canadian National railway will be a devastation to our area. I have 2 young children and another on the way. I have to cross the tracks several times daily to take my children to school and to after/school activities. I live a block from the railroad. I worry about the safety of all the trains that will be coming 24/7. The increase of trains, noise, hazardous cargo, congestion, depreciation of home value, decreased quality of life is going to affect my family and community tremendously. I urge the Surface Transportation Board to do the right thing and turn down this sale. Do not sacrifice our lives and communties by putting this superhighway train right through the heart of our town. Thank you for your consideration.
    Frankfort, Illinois
  913. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13781renea sorensen
    the safety of local citizens and the wildlife will be greatly affected if canadian national railroad is allowed to buy the ej&j railroad line in illinois. please vote against the purchase. i think the docket#35087. thank you
    barrington, illinois
  914. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13780Herbert Gerecke
    Dear Phillis-Johnson Ball, I am writing to express my objection to the CN acquisition of the EJ&E railroad. My wife and I moved to our home last year. We live about 300 feet from the rail line. An increase of 400% of trains coming through this area would be an extremely dangerous situation and would decrease our quality of life immensely. We had no idea that this could happen or we NEVER would have bought this home. The joy of our new home is now being replaced by sorrow/fear. We do not want to live here if this happens. But what choice do we have now? Our home value would depreciate and we would be trapped in a situation where we could not live here and could not sell our home. The wheel to rail noise, vibration, horn sounding all day and night is something I cannot live with. Our retirement years will now be horrible and my wife is already suffering stress related problems with the thought of this happening.Emergency services will be unable to respond in a timely way. Our area will be congested and there is only one underpass in the area to avoid the tracks. And who will have to pay for any infrastructure? Will this fall on the backs of us the taxpayer?Our economy is in extreme crisis because our government did not provide safeguards for the interests of the individual taxpayer and now needs that taxpayer to bail us out. Do not allow the rail interests of CN to do the same and outweigh the interests of the individuals in the communities that will be severely impacted for THE REST OF OUR LIVES!!! Please consider all the ramifications of this before you vote. Is the quality of our lives insignificant? We have no recourse but to appeal to your good sense of judgment and hope that our government will not fail us again. The burden would be too great for us, please do not approve this transaction. Thank you.
    Mokena, IL
  915. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13777Karen Wojciechowski
    Bartlett, IL
  916. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13775LF Dhaens
    Don't be duped. If you approve the CN/EJ&E rail purchase you will effect an eventual takeover of major rail systems in this country.The volume of freight from China & Canadian ports will be a Tsunami that you can't stop.That's what's planned
    Barrington, IL
  917. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13772Donald Doubek
    BLOCK THE ACQUISITION OF EJ&E!!
    Plainfield, IL
  918. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13770Kellie Doubek
    TAKE RESPONSIBLE ACTION!!!! Do NOT allow Canadian National to acquire EJ&E!!!
    Plainfield, IL
  919. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13768R A Dhaens
    It is beyond reason that the STB would OK CN's purchase of the EJ&E railroad, allowing a foreign company to destroy community values,emergency se-curity and quality of life, while expecting the victims to pay for it. Where do you live?
    Barrington, IL
  920. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13767Nadia Ji
    WE absolutely oppose the purchase of the EJ and E rail line by Canadian National. Traffic is a growing problem already; Naperville does not need this as well. We live within 1/2 mile from the tracks and our children attend school also 1 mile from the railway--this would be devastating. Please seriously oppose this purchase.
    Naperville, Illinois
  921. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13765Ann M. Griffin
    Please do not allow CN to purchase the EJ&E Railway. The impact on the surrounding community of where the RR crosses US 34 in Aurora would be unbelievable. My daughter's school bus crosses that RR tracks 2x day. Our school district's buses cross these tracks 164 times a day. We cross those RR tracks going east from our home to go to church, music lessons, shopping, dentist, orthodontist, and doctor's appointments. Our travel times to these places would likely increase dramatically if the number and length of trains increase as predicted. The hospital is just further west as well. I know this is a major route for ambulances traveling to this hospital. This highway is not designed for such a large amount of rail traffic that would have such a negative impact on our community. I know that the EJ&E railway crosses other roads and streets that have significant travel each day. The impact here is on quality of life and how the people in these communities will be affected so negatively as they wait and wait at these tracks for trains to cross and in the neighborhoods of the houses near these tracks as they deal with the noise and vibration if this sale is allowed. If CN is allowed to purchase the EJ&E railway, it's effect would be devestating to these communities.
    Aurora, IL
  922. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13764Susan A. Sklade
    I strongly oppose the CN acquisition of the EJ&E Rail Line. This will have an extremely negative and detrimental congestive impact on our community. The special interests of the Big Rail should not be allowed to outweigh the interests of Main Street Americans. Please note that the huge negative impact on our communities would outweigh any transportation benefits.
    Plainfield, IL
  923. (printed as 9/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13662Life Storage Centers, LLC
    Please prevent CN from acquiring the EJ&E.
    Matt C. Sirotzki · Barrington, IL
  924. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-16130Village of Park Forest
    Ms. Johnson-Ball: This correspondence will serve as follow up public comment from the Village of Park Forest on behalf of its citizenry to the proposed acquisition of the EJ&E railroad by Canadian National (CN). Park Forest is a community of more than 24,000 residents that straddles the current EJ&E rail tracks. A fully developed community with a number of residential neighborhoods immediately adjacent to the tracks, Park Forest is deeply concerned about the potentially severe impacts to the quality of life for its residents. A detailed list of Park Forest concerns was shared with the Surface Transportation Board (STB) in January of this year. Upon review of the Draft Environmental Impact Study (D-EIS), the Village of Park Forest would like to point out several concerns as follows. The D-EIS includes no reference to the clearly expected adverse impacts to Park Forest’s Emergency Services Operations (Table ES-2 on page 45) that will be seen with a conservatively estimated 400% increase in rail traffic, 500% increase in rail cars and tonnage, and a 700% increase in transported hazardous materials. While the table references the two nearest hospitals to Park Forest as being impacted, it would only stand to reason that a quadrupling of train traffic crossing Western Avenue will adversely impact emergency response times in getting citizens with life-threatening injuries and/or other health matters to critical medical care. With CN’s self-admission of a seven-fold increase in hazardous materials to be traveling through Park Forest with the proposed merger, the potential for a catastrophic hazmat incident increases proportionately. With several residential neighborhoods in close proximity to the rail tracks in our community, Park Forest respectfully requests that additional considerations be made to the equipment and staffing needs of the Park Forest Fire Department. The Village appreciates the STB’s designation that the Western Avenue rail crossing is a prime location in need of mitigative attention by CN. The D-EIS recommends and encourages mutually acceptable negotiated agreements to mitigate adverse environmental impacts should the Board approve this acquisition. Although the Village has had several meetings with Canadian National representatives, no substantive progress has been made in dealing with the most significant issues facing Park Forest. Additionally, CN has made it clear that they will only do what is absolutely required by the STB’s findings as they relate to the potential for a separated crossing of rail tracks at Western Avenue. CN has made it clear to the Village that they will not provide funding for a separated crossing at Western. Additionally, the STB suggests that CN join the Village to seek funds for a separated crossing at Western Avenue through the Department of Transportation. Why should Park Forest and, ultimately, Illinois tax payers be faced with this burden given the fact that this would not have been an issue but for the CN (a for-profit company) proposal? In our negotiations with CN, their representatives stated that their allegiance is solely to the company’s shareholders rather than being concerned about adverse impacts that might be pending to Park Forest residents, the interest group that Village Officials are bound to represent. To date, the Village still stands waiting for CN to follow up on our requests to resume negotiations related to mitigation. The D-EIS references that the proposed acquisition will include the construction of six new rail connecting tracks between existing rail lines and the EJ&E arc, one of which is at the corporate borders of Park Forest and Matteson. Park Forest can foresee two negative impacts as a result of this new track connection. First, in order to facilitate such a connection, CN will need to purchase an approximate 12-acre parcel of property currently owned by Park Forest. This parcel currently includes a commuter parking lot with a capacity for 740+ cars. The Land Use section of the D-EIS does not account for CN’s need to purchase portions, if not all, of this property to allow for constructing the connection from the east/west bound EJ&E tracks to the CN lines which travel north/south bound. In addition to the lost commuter parking, this construction will have a severe impact on the Village’s revenues from the lot, if these revenues are not altogether eliminated. The second issue Park Forest has with the proposed new connecting tracks in Park Forest/Matteson is that the concept has not been fully explored in the draft report. Park Forest, along with Matteson, will be faced with even longer delays than those reported in the D-EIS. Since train speeds will be further restricted due to the configuration of the connection, the negative impact of that slow down is not addressed in the D-EIS. Park Forest’s experience (actual video footage) will show that track speed or complete stoppage on the tracks is greatly understated in the D-EIS, as evidenced by your statements found on page ES-10 of the report, and by CN in any of their presentations being made to the unsuspecting public. The Village of Park Forest has invested a significant amount of resources (staff time and financial) to purchase a deteriorated and tax delinquent Norwood Square Shopping Center, which is immediately adjacent to the rail crossing at Western Avenue. Efforts have included the creation of a TIF district, remediation of brownfield problems, and a diligent search to find a private shopping center developer to purchase the property. Now that a private owner/developer of this property has been found, Nassimi Realty, who is committed to investing $1 million in initial improvements, and $3-5 million over time, they are reconsidering their investment in this property because of the uncertain impacts that this proposed purchase will have on their investment. This is a 129,000 square foot shopping center that has the potential to generate significant property tax and sales tax revenue for Park Forest. It could easily represent the single largest sales tax generator in the community when it is fully redeveloped and tenanted. Now, its future is uncertain unless CN is made to provide a grade-separated crossing at Western Avenue. It has been alleged that CN’s proposed acquisition will help relieve major traffic congestion and reduce environmental impacts for the aggregate Chicago-land area. Quite to the contrary, Park Forest believes the proposed acquisition merely shifts the entire congestion and environmental impact burden to the communities along the EJ&E rail arc. In particular, the numbers point to a tremendous burden being shifted to Park Forest. CN estimates that the number of trains traveling through Park Forest as a result of the proposed acquisition would increase from 8 to 32 per day – or, on average, one train every 43 minutes. The Village believes this is a conservative estimate, at best, and encourages the STB to assess longer range estimates and how much worse the adverse environmental impacts will be on the citizens of our community. Even with these conservative estimates, Park Forest stands to suffer perhaps the most severe impacts of any community along the EJ&E rail arc. CN has provided a public position that their intent is to move rail traffic as quickly as possible through communities along the EJ&E rail arc. It has been suggested that their trains will pass along these lines at rates of speed between 30 – 45 miles per hour. While this is an admirable goal to help mitigate traffic blockage and idling impacts, the next train that travels through Park Forest at such a rate of speed will be the first. Train traffic crossing Western Avenue in Park Forest averages no more than 5 – 8 MPH, at best. Additionally, trains routinely crossing through Park Forest do so at a speed of less than 5 MPH. Worse yet, it is a very routine occurrence where train traffic comes to a complete stop across Western Avenue. Please know that these details are not mere anecdotal references. The Village purchased video surveillance equipment and has documented evidence for more than a 30-day period. This video footage is readily available should it be desired by the STB. During the public comment sessions established by the STB, Village Officials convened at one gathering in particular (Matteson Holiday Inn on August 25) to provide additional feedback regarding the D-EIS. In a conversation with CN Officials on hand (Senior Manager James Kvedaras, to be specific), the question was posed by Village Elected Officials: “With a conservatively projected 400% increase in train traffic expected to impact Park Forest, what are the positives that this proposed acquisition will bring to the community?” Mr. Kvedaras’ response was evasive, at best, as he noted that “While there are no positives for Park Forest, the positives are for the region and not necessarily your community.” This was the second time that Village Officials had to listen to such a flippant response on an issue with such severe impacts on the citizenry of Park Forest. That a representative from CN, a foreign-based company with multi-billion dollar annual profits, would take such a position is unconscionable. In closing, the Village respectfully appreciates the difficult task before the STB in conducting the environmental impact study associated with this proposed acquisition. And while Park Forest may fully understand the regional benefits being sought by such a shifting of train traffic in the northeastern Illinois region, it is painfully clear that all perceived positives are direct shifts of burden onto the residents and businesses of Park Forest and the municipality’s emergency operations. The end result is a dramatically impacted quality of life for our community and a locale that is much less desirable in which to live and/or conduct business. Should you have any questions regarding this correspondence or any of the previous documentation submitted by the Village of Park Forest, please feel free to contact Village Manager Tom Mick at your convenience. He can be reached directly at 708-748-1129.
    Fire Chief Bob Wilcox · Park Forest, Illinois
  925. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-16124Frank Bernero
    Disapprove of ej&e,
    Inverness, IL
  926. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-16119eileen boos
    Please do not allow the Canadian railroad to purchase the EJ&E railroad in the northwest suburbs of Illinois. It would completely shut down the commute of Thousands of workers that pass through the Barrington area. It would also be harmful and could cause many deaths of people that need to get to Good Shepherd Hospital that is only minutes from Barrington, but on; the other side of the tracks. Thank you!
    cary, il
  927. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-16118Julie Dewane Schwantes
    Concerned about the negative impact on emergency services access and general quality of life in my town due to the proposed aquistion of the EJ&E by Canadian National....they live in Canada-I live here! If they would like to bring their questionable safety record through my back yard and increase rail traffic by a factor of 4, they need to at lease imagine the effects of thier actions o the daily lives of the residents ajacent to the tracks-Thanks for your attention.
    Barrington, IL
  928. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-16117Telow, Steven
  929. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-16113Rachel Gilmore
    Dear Ms. Johnson-Ball: As a resident of Frankfort who is concerned about the pending sale of the EJ&E to CN, I would like you to know that Frankfort has nine residential subdivisions adjacent to the EJ&E. My neighbors' quality of life is going to be seriously negatively impacted by the dramatic increase in train traffic with at least one train per hour moving through Frankfort. In addition, CN is anticipating that these trains will be super freight trains with lengths up to two miles long. Did you know that one super train will successfully block multiple crossings in town? Not only will this inconvenience residents like me who need to get from one side of town to the other, it will critically affect the response time of emergency vehicles needing to get south of the tracks. In particular this concerns me because all three of our grade schools are within a few blocks of the train tracks and two of our schools would be cut off from the main fire station. I am very worried about the safety of my children and their fellow students if emergency vehicles cannot get to our schools in a timely manner. I do not believe the EIS accurately estimated reponse times in this area. In addition, I am concerned about the much-loved and well-used Camp Manitoqua property which is home to huge groves of 200+ year old oak trees. I do not believe the EIS bothered to estimate the potential for damage to these beautiful trees due to the increase of noise, pollution and vibration, as the EJ&E tracks run along the northern border of the camp property. These are serious environmental issues that need to be discussed in your final Environmental Impact Study. Please take the time to reevaluate. Finally, I understand that the EJ&E tracks in Frankfort have not received major repairs in over 25 years. That’s one reason the experienced engineers go so slowly through Frankfort. Now the Canadian National is proposing to increase the number of trains by over 400% and they state that they will run trains through our community at 45 miles per hour on these old tracks. I wonder if the authors of your Draft Environmental Impact Statement have read the report to the Canadian House of Commons from the Standing Committee on Transport that severely criticizes the safety record of the Canadian National Railway. Perhaps the most alarming comment in the report is that by 2008, the CN had only implemented one out of the five safety measures it was ordered to implement by the Canadian government back in 2001. If they won’t implement safety measures for their own government, why should we believe that they will show a concern for safety when operating in the United States? In fact Canadian National employees are quoted in the report as saying that they work in a “culture of fear,” which affects safety. Please make sure that the final Environmental Impact Study takes the safety record of the CN into consideration. We are counting on you to help avoid a tragedy in our community. Thank you for reading my concerns. Sincerely, Rachel Gilmore, Frankfort resident
    Frankfort, IL
  930. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-16112Pace, Kerry
  931. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-16111Life Storage Centers, LLC
    Please stop CN from getting the application to acquire the EJ&E!
    Iwona Lach · Barrington, IL
  932. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-16110Pat Ekstrom
    I am an individual citizen and if we allow the CN deal to go through there must be contingency in place to provide 1. that CN must fund overpass improvements to address the traffic situation that will occur, 2. funds to the villages for street repair that will be needed due to cut through traffic on interior roads, 3. funds for police to train on hazmat issues & derailment and 4. continigency funds to our water supply in case of a spill. I am very concerned that we would allow this sale to proceed were the businesses win and the individual tax payers pay the bill both in required improvements to our road systems and delays in computing time. My last concern is for my neighbors that will have the property values degraded further due to the distruction the our peaceful quite community living. If there is nothing that can be done to stop this deal, then we need to make sure that it is win-win for all, the individuals, the villages and the businesses. Anything else should not be accepted. Pat Ekstrom
    Deer Park, il
  933. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-16109Patricia Allen
    No to increased rail traffic!!
    Frankfort, IL
  934. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15960Macri, Maria
  935. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15959Francis, Barbara
  936. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15958Stranges, Bernard L
  937. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15897Ruffolo, Emilia A.
  938. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15894Village of Park Forest
    Mick, Thomas K.
  939. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15881dvocate Good Shepherd Hospital
    Mulac, Ruth A.
  940. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15830Fort, Jaynai
  941. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15829Russell, Gail
  942. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15828Bertschy, Chris
  943. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15827Kelly, James M.
  944. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15824Dytrych, Paul
  945. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15814Hilton, Steve
  946. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15805Carpenter, Kathleen
  947. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15763Olenek, Larry
  948. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15745Jordt, Wendy
  949. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15743Proulx, Robert W.
  950. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15737Baum, Donna Marie
  951. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15736Brown, Sandra
  952. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15733Lavin, Patricia A.
  953. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15730Banda, Jose
  954. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15729Dwyer, Carol R.
  955. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15725Sabationo, Arlene
  956. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15719Thompson, Nancy
  957. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15717Kien, Jennie
  958. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15715Talbert, Michael
  959. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15714Spearing, Sarah
  960. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15713Extrom, Daniel
  961. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15711Branding, Frederck H.
  962. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15710Anderson, Lisa L.
  963. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15709Berestrom, Pat
  964. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15708Martino, Sylvia
  965. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15707Guilford, Carolyn
  966. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15706Ahlgrin, Sandra
  967. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15705Tolomei, John G.
  968. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15704Hermanowiez, John
  969. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15703Eschenbaum, Mike
  970. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15702Locasto, Gerlinde R.
  971. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15701Stewart, Darlene
  972. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15700Kien, Jodie
  973. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15699Lane, Philip
  974. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15698Brousseau, J
  975. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15697Zanon, Louis
  976. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15696Wywialowski, Linda
  977. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15694Tinaglia, kTony
  978. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15693Dupage County
    Schillerstrom, Robert J.
  979. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15673Powers, Tom
  980. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15669Mayr, Corinne
  981. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15668Kelly, Debra
  982. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15637Bertrand, Judith
  983. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15629Fischer, Lori
  984. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15626Patel, Hitesh
  985. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15625Bingenheimer, Laurrie
  986. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15624Cioffi, Mary Lou
  987. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15623Simms, Eric Benjamin
  988. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15622Friesema, Michael J.
  989. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15621Malinowski, Edmund D.
  990. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15620Gettig, Jacob, P
  991. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15619Bradley, Jerry L.
  992. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15618Werner, Jennifer
  993. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15617Matyka, Raymond
  994. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15615Cochran, Edward
  995. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15614Gullicksen, Janet E.
  996. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15612Zekich, Florence S.
  997. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15607Wilson, Silas N.
  998. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15606Weissend-Wilson, Patricia L.
  999. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15605Harrison, Richard W.
  1000. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15603Pearson, Donald E.
  1001. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15602Day, Jon
  1002. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15599Cady, Craig A.
  1003. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15598Batson, Diane
  1004. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15597Najewski, Amy K.
  1005. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15592Sllah, Linda
  1006. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15587Andrews, Patricia
  1007. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15586Rushoski, Sandy
  1008. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15585Ruskoski, Eric
  1009. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15582Bruno, Thomas A.
  1010. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15578Bernard, Collen
  1011. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15575Birch, Robert
  1012. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15381Burke, Marylee
  1013. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15358Landers, Linda M.
  1014. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15357Spiroff, Patrick
  1015. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15355Lafage North America
    Van Sloten, Alan
  1016. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15354Natalie
  1017. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15349Karon, Thomas
  1018. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15344Lifelink
    Michalewski, Margie
  1019. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15342Pearson, Dolores
  1020. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15326Niswonger, Maureen, B.
  1021. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15325Hass, Kenny
  1022. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15323Simnick, Al
  1023. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15316Graves, Patsy S.
  1024. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15315Yates, Maureen E.
  1025. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15312Gantt, C. L. M.D.
  1026. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15301Stefans, Lisa
  1027. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15299Kirkland, Thelma
  1028. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15295Misewicz, David
  1029. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15286Rundle, Ellen
  1030. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15285Rundle, Barry R.
  1031. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15284Blomquist, Connie
  1032. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15282Will County Board District #5
    Goodson, Lee Ann
  1033. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15269akers, Tom
  1034. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15268Baldacci, Florence
  1035. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15267Suligoy, Andrew
  1036. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15257Albert, Kimberly
  1037. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15247Bird, Lauren
  1038. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15242Martin, Debra L.
  1039. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15237DuBois, Candace
  1040. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15234DuBois, Frank
  1041. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15232Brown, Jeffrey D.
  1042. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15230DuBois, Cameron
  1043. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15229Wheeler, Alex
  1044. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15228Wheeler, Sandy
  1045. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15225McCauley, Emil
  1046. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15223Re/Max of Barrington
    Pinkus, Kathy
  1047. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15216Myers, Penelope
  1048. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15212Carli, Nanette
  1049. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15210Conrad-Pegler
  1050. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15208Thornton, Elizabeth
  1051. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15206Rose, David
  1052. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15202Malia, thomas C.
  1053. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15199Stonebraker, Katja
  1054. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15198Dale, Mary
  1055. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15188Chezik, Michael T.
  1056. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15169Brunke, Pauline
  1057. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15154Worley, Greg
  1058. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15149Katcher, Renee
  1059. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15148Johnson, Jerry
  1060. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15147Rail/Intermodal
    Foster, Robinson
  1061. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15146Hoholik, Valerie
  1062. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15145Pinkerton, Val
  1063. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15049Blatt, Corey
  1064. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15048Holtermann, David
  1065. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15047Paine, Jacquelyn L.
  1066. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15045Historic Old Matteson Homeowners'Association
    Keenan, Heidi L.
  1067. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15038Graczyk, Amanda
  1068. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15037Graczyk, Michael
  1069. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15036Prochnow, Christopher
  1070. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15035Reyes, Evelyn
  1071. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15034Reitsch, Julie
  1072. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15033Poulakidas, Thomas
  1073. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15032Peterson, Kim
  1074. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15031Patterson, Cynthia
  1075. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15030Ostler, Cathleen
  1076. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15029Oremus, Rubina
  1077. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15028Olthoff, Donna
  1078. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15027Okrogeinik, Ivan
  1079. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15026Murdoch, Kari
  1080. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15025Morell, Sherri
  1081. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15024Miranda, Martha Villegas
  1082. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15023Mirabella, Timothy
  1083. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15022Meyer, Cheryl
  1084. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15021McFadden, Mary Jo
  1085. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15020McCarthy, Matt
  1086. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15019May, Wilma
  1087. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15018Mazurkiewicz, Donna
  1088. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15017Markmann, Greg
  1089. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15016Lichper, Randy
  1090. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15015Lee, Tracy
  1091. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15014Kunka, Carol
  1092. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15013Kegwin, Geneva
  1093. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15012Kady, Craig
  1094. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15011Johnston, Florence
  1095. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15010Johnson, Cathy
  1096. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15009Jeieniewski, Phil
  1097. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15008Horton, Veola
  1098. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15007Harris, Letti
  1099. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15006Gustafson, Kevin
  1100. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15005Grzesiakowski, Timothy
  1101. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15004Grosch, Phillip
  1102. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15003Groller, Joseph
  1103. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15002Gray, Glenn
  1104. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15001Glynn, Patrick
  1105. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15000Gidley, Brian
  1106. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14999Gass, Cathleen
  1107. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14998Frederick, Joseph
  1108. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14997Flens, Ralph
  1109. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14996Fisher, Tina
  1110. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14995Erjavec, Mary Lou
  1111. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14994Egle, Roberta
  1112. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14993Eckert, Brian
  1113. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14992Eaton, Hazel
  1114. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14991Durkins, Marilyn
  1115. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14990Djerke, Beverly
  1116. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14988Davitorio, Rachel
  1117. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14987Davey, John
  1118. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14986Curie, Chris
  1119. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14970Vernhagen, Linda
  1120. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14961Illinois House of representatives
    Cross, Tom
  1121. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14959Forest Park
    Tellalian, Martin
  1122. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14958Forest Park
    Hosty, Mark S.
  1123. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14957Forest Park
    Curry, Michael R.
  1124. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14956Conti, Evelyn
  1125. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14955Connolly, Laurie
  1126. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14954Chaney, Marva
  1127. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14953Cerven, Linda
  1128. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14952Cerven, James
  1129. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14951Cassitas, Dennis
  1130. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14950Cascio, Joseph D.
  1131. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14949Carney, Patricia
  1132. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14948Kenaga, Robert
  1133. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14947Campbell, Susan
  1134. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14946Calderon, Eleanor
  1135. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14945Boosch, Eileen
  1136. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14944Boerman-Cornell, Amy
  1137. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14943Blake, Jennifer
  1138. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14942Billick, Shirley
  1139. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14941Billick, Shirley
  1140. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14939Hoskins, Rory E.
  1141. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14938Forest Park
    Calderone, Anthony
  1142. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14937Blue Island Area, Chamber of Commerce and Industry
    Sheahan, Ruth
  1143. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14935Village of Lake Zurich
    Tolomei, John G.
  1144. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14932Illinois Historic Preservation Agency
    Haaker, Anne E.
  1145. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14929Zoumboulis, Deam
  1146. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14928Turner, Glenn
  1147. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14927Turner, Glenn
  1148. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14926Lee, Bob
  1149. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14925Lee, Bob
  1150. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14924Lee, Bob
  1151. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14923Lee, Bob
  1152. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14922Lee, Bob
  1153. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14921Divittorio, Karen
  1154. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14919Branhom, Gina
  1155. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14917Zakrzewski, Adam
  1156. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14916Zaika, Ilana
  1157. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14915Woodlock, Agnus
  1158. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14914Wilson, Ronald E.
  1159. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14913Wenzel, Cheryl
  1160. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14912Wall, Billy
  1161. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14911Van Wyk, Lettie
  1162. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14910Zoufal, Genevieve
  1163. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14909unknown
  1164. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14908unknown
  1165. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14907Torrey, Janet
  1166. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14906Thorton, Elizabeth
  1167. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14905Tertler, Randy
  1168. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14904Tatum, Linda L.
  1169. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14903Stevatorio, Joseph
  1170. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14902Stelter, Ron
  1171. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14901Stanek, Jim
  1172. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14900Sorice, Toni
  1173. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14899Solinski, Bella
  1174. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14898Smith, Katherine
  1175. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14897Slater, Gina
  1176. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14896Shemroske, Jim
  1177. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14894Shalden, Gerald
  1178. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14893Senate, Ruth
  1179. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14892Santos, Susie
  1180. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14891Salvino, Carolyn
  1181. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14890Salvino, Bob
  1182. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14889Ritter, Tealia
  1183. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14888Bennett, Mary
  1184. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14887Basile, Norman
  1185. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14886Barner, Ezella
  1186. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14885Banks, Harry
  1187. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14884Barker, Delores
  1188. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14836Solutions To Area Rail Traffic
    Wierciak, Tammy
  1189. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14651Mohan, Tarie
  1190. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14623Pickar, Kevin
  1191. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14621Meyer, Bob
  1192. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14620Hartstein, Elliott
  1193. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14619Bailey, Lori
  1194. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14617Johnson, Julie
  1195. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14615Mason, Jenetta
  1196. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14613Kee, Samuel John
  1197. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14612Kocisko, Philip
  1198. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14609Swenson, William
  1199. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14607Suarez, DeAnne
  1200. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14605Zymali, Erin
  1201. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14603Owen, Deborah
  1202. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14601Regan, Edmund
  1203. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14600Riker, Chuck
  1204. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14599Magnusen, Steven
  1205. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14598Lueders, Bob
  1206. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14597Hayden, Kelly
  1207. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14596McGrath, Elaine
  1208. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14595Barker, Casey
  1209. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14594Fuller, Steve
  1210. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14592Jacobs, Laurie D
  1211. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14579Ruwe, Brad A
  1212. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14565Smith, Kevin Michael
  1213. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14564Willson, Robert
  1214. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14563Bailey, Nancy
  1215. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14562Oldenburg, John
  1216. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14508Chen, Shing
  1217. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14495Ulreich, Christina
  1218. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14494Susman, H
  1219. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14493O'Leary, Lynn
  1220. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14492Lurgio, James E
  1221. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14491Deroche, Katie
  1222. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14488Searles, Ray
  1223. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14484Traeder, Terry Jay
  1224. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14482Fauth, Henry
  1225. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14480Dahlberg, Daryl
  1226. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14479Pedersen, Barrett
  1227. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14478Bernhagen, Linda Kay
  1228. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14477Cook, Lisa M.
  1229. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14426Moran, Mary
  1230. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14414Fiandaca, Joseph
  1231. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14370Evans, John
  1232. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14359Bacon, Bob
  1233. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14358Artis, Emma
  1234. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14357Adkins, Raymond
  1235. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14356Acsoa, William
  1236. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14355Deemer, Steve
  1237. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14343The Town of Griffith, Lake County
    Schwerd, Robert M.
  1238. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14265Bollini, Mary Beth
  1239. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14183Village of Lake Barrington
    Christopher Martin · Lake Barrington, IL
  1240. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14084Grenchik, Amy
  1241. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14075Marik, Thomas
  1242. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14062Timothy Kocian
    Frankfort, Illinois
  1243. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14060Jack Hearst
    I would like to formally request that the Canadian National Railroad be prohibited from purchasing the EJ&E Railroad in Illinois. The CN safety record is poor and the increased traffic flow will disrupt the surrounding communittees. I would request the application for purchase be denied and or delayed until a proper study of the of the ramifications of this proposed purchase can be further reviewed.
    Deer Park, Illinois
  1244. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14058Carl DeButch
    It has been brought to our attention that there will be an increase of train traffic running on the EJ&E tracks through our neighorhood. We currently experience about 6 to 9 trains a day; this increase will take the train traffic up to 28 plus trains in any given day. Even taking out the fact that our home will decrease in value we will now be forced to spend our tax dollar to upgrade the train crossing to ensure safty. This investment should come from the company who is wanting to substantially increase train traffic through a residential area; this should be the cost of doing business on these tracks not an expense incurred by the tax payer. It is concerning to think that this company has no regard for the safty of the residents of these neighborhoods this is merely to benefit a private company. It will cost tax payers more to upgrade the crossing than it will be for the company to purchase the train line; they gain and we loose. They gain inrease profits we loose increase taxes,smog,conjestion,noise,safety and a substantial change in our quality of life. Thank you for giving us this opportunity to express our concerns.
    Frankfort, IL
  1245. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14056Shawn Schueman
    Please do not allow CN to aquire EJ&E! Because we live in the suburbs, we are more affected by increased train traffic. We do not have mass transportation, such as trains and buses or have places available to get to on foot; we rely on our car to get to the grocery store, bank, schools, ballgames, extra-curricular activities, shopping etc. Rural towns, such as Plainfield, have 2 lane streets with little infrastructure to support the increased traffic jams that would occur with greater train traffic. Please help us reject the aquisition of the the EJ&E railroad. It will gridlock a lot of towns. It is definitely a net regional negative!
    Plainfield, IL
  1246. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14055Margaret M. Zegley
    I am writing to express my opposition to the Canadian Railroad sending trains through the railroads that go through Frankfort. Please vote no against this proposition.
    Frankfort, IL
  1247. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14053Renee Katcher
    Phillis Johnson-Ball, I can't even believe the audacity of CN to think they should come through our small towns and destroy our communities to make biger profits for themselves. We've seen all too well what happens with big companies greed. Everyone else pays the price! Please don't allow CN to get away with this! CN wants to pay 5-10% of the cost of over and under passes and expects the taxpayers to foot the bill for hundreds of millions of dollars for something we don't want and do not benefit or profit from in any way! Right now our town is a growing community with many new subdivsions going up. The future traffic has not been considered. Growth will stop of CN comes through. Building would stop and our properyvalues would decrease drastcally! We have all seen what train gridlock can cause. It's a nightmare! All our mains streets could be blocked for great lengths of time. This will prevent emergency vehicles from getting through. My two year old grandson is a juvenile diabetic who needs immediate access to a hospital.In an emergency he could die waiting if the ambulance was delayed at a train crossing! Please think about that! People will constantly be late for work and children will be late for school because of the constant trains. CN will bring a 600% increase in hazardous material through our town and they have a horendous safety record. Would you want that in your backyard. Don't we all want our families to be safe. All this to transport products tht are not even made in the US! CREATE offers another alternative, please make them us it. Please don't allow this to happen. PLEASE! Renee Katcher
    New Lenox, IL
  1248. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14051Jill Gould
    This pending business transaction would be devastating to our community. We moved here from Chicago to provide a country setting/environment to raise our family. Not only would these trains cause a tremendous amount of traffic, pollution and endanger the citizens of our community; these trains would turn our small town"/low key mentality to a stressful, noisy and dangerous city. Our community will not survive this proposed acquisition. I know many of us would just move and Barrington would never be the same. We are known as horse country...we'd like to keep it that way...is it asking so much to stay simple in today's fast paced business minded world?"
  1249. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14049Elizabeth Oliva
    Barrington, IL
  1250. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14047Village of Park Forest
    Ms. Johnson-Ball: This correspondence will serve as follow up public comment from the Village of Park Forest on behalf of its citizenry to the proposed acquisition of the EJ&E railroad by Canadian National (CN). Park Forest is a community of more than 24,000 residents that straddles the current EJ&E rail tracks. A fully developed community with a number of residential neighborhoods immediately adjacent to the tracks, Park Forest is deeply concerned about the potentially severe impacts to the quality of life for its residents. A detailed list of Park Forest concerns was shared with the Surface Transportation Board (STB) in January of this year. Upon review of the Draft Environmental Impact Study (D-EIS), the Village of Park Forest would like to point out several concerns as follows. The D-EIS includes no reference to the clearly expected adverse impacts to Park Forest’s Emergency Services Operations (Table ES-2 on page 45) that will be seen with a conservatively estimated 400% increase in rail traffic, 500% increase in rail cars and tonnage, and a 700% increase in transported hazardous materials. While the table references the two nearest hospitals to Park Forest as being impacted, it would only stand to reason that a quadrupling of train traffic crossing Western Avenue will adversely impact emergency response times in getting citizens with life-threatening injuries and/or other health matters to critical medical care. With CN’s self-admission of a seven-fold increase in hazardous materials to be traveling through Park Forest with the proposed merger, the potential for a catastrophic hazmat incident increases proportionately. With several residential neighborhoods in close proximity to the rail tracks in our community, Park Forest respectfully requests that additional considerations be made to the equipment and staffing needs of the Park Forest Fire Department. The Village appreciates the STB’s designation that the Western Avenue rail crossing is a prime location in need of mitigative attention by CN. The D-EIS recommends and encourages mutually acceptable negotiated agreements to mitigate adverse environmental impacts should the Board approve this acquisition. Although the Village has had several meetings with Canadian National representatives, no substantive progress has been made in dealing with the most significant issues facing Park Forest. Additionally, CN has made it clear that they will only do what is absolutely required by the STB’s findings as they relate to the potential for a separated crossing of rail tracks at Western Avenue. CN has made it clear to the Village that they will not provide funding for a separated crossing at Western. Additionally, the STB suggests that CN join the Village to seek funds for a separated crossing at Western Avenue through the Department of Transportation. Why should Park Forest and, ultimately, Illinois tax payers be faced with this burden given the fact that this would not have been an issue but for the CN (a for-profit company) proposal? In our negotiations with CN, their representatives stated that their allegiance is solely to the company’s shareholders rather than being concerned about adverse impacts that might be pending to Park Forest residents, the interest group that Village Officials are bound to represent. To date, the Village still stands waiting for CN to follow up on our requests to resume negotiations related to mitigation. The D-EIS references that the proposed acquisition will include the construction of six new rail connecting tracks between existing rail lines and the EJ&E arc, one of which is at the corporate borders of Park Forest and Matteson. Park Forest can foresee two negative impacts as a result of this new track connection. First, in order to facilitate such a connection, CN will need to purchase an approximate 12-acre parcel of property currently owned by Park Forest. This parcel currently includes a commuter parking lot with a capacity for 740+ cars. The Land Use section of the D-EIS does not account for CN’s need to purchase portions, if not all, of this property to allow for constructing the connection from the east/west bound EJ&E tracks to the CN lines which travel north/south bound. In addition to the lost commuter parking, this construction will have a severe impact on the Village’s revenues from the lot, if these revenues are not altogether eliminated. The second issue Park Forest has with the proposed new connecting tracks in Park Forest/Matteson is that the concept has not been fully explored in the draft report. Park Forest, along with Matteson, will be faced with even longer delays than those reported in the D-EIS. Since train speeds will be further restricted due to the configuration of the connection, the negative impact of that slow down is not addressed in the D-EIS. Park Forest’s experience (actual video footage) will show that track speed or complete stoppage on the tracks is greatly understated in the D-EIS, as evidenced by your statements found on page ES-10 of the report, and by CN in any of their presentations being made to the unsuspecting public. The Village of Park Forest has invested a significant amount of resources (staff time and financial) to purchase a deteriorated and tax delinquent Norwood Square Shopping Center, which is immediately adjacent to the rail crossing at Western Avenue. Efforts have included the creation of a TIF district, remediation of brownfield problems, and a diligent search to find a private shopping center developer to purchase the property. Now that a private owner/developer of this property has been found, Nassimi Realty, who is committed to investing $1 million in initial improvements, and $3-5 million over time, they are reconsidering their investment in this property because of the uncertain impacts that this proposed purchase will have on their investment. This is a 129,000 square foot shopping center that has the potential to generate significant property tax and sales tax revenue for Park Forest. It could easily represent the single largest sales tax generator in the community when it is fully redeveloped and tenanted. Now, its future is uncertain unless CN is made to provide a grade-separated crossing at Western Avenue. It has been alleged that CN’s proposed acquisition will help relieve major traffic congestion and reduce environmental impacts for the aggregate Chicago-land area. Quite to the contrary, Park Forest believes the proposed acquisition merely shifts the entire congestion and environmental impact burden to the communities along the EJ&E rail arc. In particular, the numbers point to a tremendous burden being shifted to Park Forest. CN estimates that the number of trains traveling through Park Forest as a result of the proposed acquisition would increase from 8 to 32 per day – or, on average, one train every 43 minutes. The Village believes this is a conservative estimate, at best, and encourages the STB to assess longer range estimates and how much worse the adverse environmental impacts will be on the citizens of our community. Even with these conservative estimates, Park Forest stands to suffer perhaps the most severe impacts of any community along the EJ&E rail arc. CN has provided a public position that their intent is to move rail traffic as quickly as possible through communities along the EJ&E rail arc. It has been suggested that their trains will pass along these lines at rates of speed between 30 – 45 miles per hour. While this is an admirable goal to help mitigate traffic blockage and idling impacts, the next train that travels through Park Forest at such a rate of speed will be the first. Train traffic crossing Western Avenue in Park Forest averages no more than 5 – 8 MPH, at best. Additionally, trains routinely crossing through Park Forest do so at a speed of less than 5 MPH. Worse yet, it is a very routine occurrence where train traffic comes to a complete stop across Western Avenue. Please know that these details are not mere anecdotal references. The Village purchased video surveillance equipment and has documented evidence for more than a 30-day period. This video footage is readily available should it be desired by the STB. During the public comment sessions established by the STB, Village Officials convened at one gathering in particular (Matteson Holiday Inn on August 25) to provide additional feedback regarding the D-EIS. In a conversation with CN Officials on hand (Senior Manager James Kvedaras, to be specific), the question was posed by Village Elected Officials: “With a conservatively projected 400% increase in train traffic expected to impact Park Forest, what are the positives that this proposed acquisition will bring to the community?” Mr. Kvedaras’ response was evasive, at best, as he noted that “While there are no positives for Park Forest, the positives are for the region and not necessarily your community.” This was the second time that Village Officials had to listen to such a flippant response on an issue with such severe impacts on the citizenry of Park Forest. That a representative from CN, a foreign-based company with multi-billion dollar annual profits, would take such a position is unconscionable. In closing, the Village respectfully appreciates the difficult task before the STB in conducting the environmental impact study associated with this proposed acquisition. And while Park Forest may fully understand the regional benefits being sought by such a shifting of train traffic in the northeastern Illinois region, it is painfully clear that all perceived positives are direct shifts of burden onto the residents and businesses of Park Forest and the municipality’s emergency operations. The end result is a dramatically impacted quality of life for our community and a locale that is much less desirable in which to live and/or conduct business. Should you have any questions regarding this correspondence or any of the previous documentation submitted by the Village of Park Forest, please feel free to contact Village Manager Tom Mick at your convenience. He can be reached directly at 708-748-1129.
    Director of Public Health Christine Blue · Park Forest, Illinois
  1251. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14040Giovanni Postacchini, Jr.
    Plainfield, il
  1252. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14038Denise Gajdos
    I am writing to express my opposition to the pending CN-EJ&E acquisition. (STB Finance Docket No. 35087, Canadian National Railway Company and Grand Trunk Corporation Control-EJ&E West Company) The increased train traffic will have a negative impact on the quality of life in my community without any benefits to us whatsoever. I urge you to put U.S. communities before the business interests of foreign companies and stop this acquisition.
    Aurora, IL
  1253. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14037Village of Park Forest
    Ms. Johnson-Ball: This correspondence will serve as follow up public comment from the Village of Park Forest on behalf of its citizenry to the proposed acquisition of the EJ&E railroad by Canadian National (CN). Park Forest is a community of more than 24,000 residents that straddles the current EJ&E rail tracks. A fully developed community with a number of residential neighborhoods immediately adjacent to the tracks, Park Forest is deeply concerned about the potentially severe impacts to the quality of life for its residents. A detailed list of Park Forest concerns was shared with the Surface Transportation Board (STB) in January of this year. Upon review of the Draft Environmental Impact Study (D-EIS), the Village of Park Forest would like to point out several concerns as follows. The D-EIS includes no reference to the clearly expected adverse impacts to Park Forest’s Emergency Services Operations (Table ES-2 on page 45) that will be seen with a conservatively estimated 400% increase in rail traffic, 500% increase in rail cars and tonnage, and a 700% increase in transported hazardous materials. While the table references the two nearest hospitals to Park Forest as being impacted, it would only stand to reason that a quadrupling of train traffic crossing Western Avenue will adversely impact emergency response times in getting citizens with life-threatening injuries and/or other health matters to critical medical care. With CN’s self-admission of a seven-fold increase in hazardous materials to be traveling through Park Forest with the proposed merger, the potential for a catastrophic hazmat incident increases proportionately. With several residential neighborhoods in close proximity to the rail tracks in our community, Park Forest respectfully requests that additional considerations be made to the equipment and staffing needs of the Park Forest Fire Department. The Village appreciates the STB’s designation that the Western Avenue rail crossing is a prime location in need of mitigative attention by CN. The D-EIS recommends and encourages mutually acceptable negotiated agreements to mitigate adverse environmental impacts should the Board approve this acquisition. Although the Village has had several meetings with Canadian National representatives, no substantive progress has been made in dealing with the most significant issues facing Park Forest. Additionally, CN has made it clear that they will only do what is absolutely required by the STB’s findings as they relate to the potential for a separated crossing of rail tracks at Western Avenue. CN has made it clear to the Village that they will not provide funding for a separated crossing at Western. Additionally, the STB suggests that CN join the Village to seek funds for a separated crossing at Western Avenue through the Department of Transportation. Why should Park Forest and, ultimately, Illinois tax payers be faced with this burden given the fact that this would not have been an issue but for the CN (a for-profit company) proposal? In our negotiations with CN, their representatives stated that their allegiance is solely to the company’s shareholders rather than being concerned about adverse impacts that might be pending to Park Forest residents, the interest group that Village Officials are bound to represent. To date, the Village still stands waiting for CN to follow up on our requests to resume negotiations related to mitigation. The D-EIS references that the proposed acquisition will include the construction of six new rail connecting tracks between existing rail lines and the EJ&E arc, one of which is at the corporate borders of Park Forest and Matteson. Park Forest can foresee two negative impacts as a result of this new track connection. First, in order to facilitate such a connection, CN will need to purchase an approximate 12-acre parcel of property currently owned by Park Forest. This parcel currently includes a commuter parking lot with a capacity for 740+ cars. The Land Use section of the D-EIS does not account for CN’s need to purchase portions, if not all, of this property to allow for constructing the connection from the east/west bound EJ&E tracks to the CN lines which travel north/south bound. In addition to the lost commuter parking, this construction will have a severe impact on the Village’s revenues from the lot, if these revenues are not altogether eliminated. The second issue Park Forest has with the proposed new connecting tracks in Park Forest/Matteson is that the concept has not been fully explored in the draft report. Park Forest, along with Matteson, will be faced with even longer delays than those reported in the D-EIS. Since train speeds will be further restricted due to the configuration of the connection, the negative impact of that slow down is not addressed in the D-EIS. Park Forest’s experience (actual video footage) will show that track speed or complete stoppage on the tracks is greatly understated in the D-EIS, as evidenced by your statements found on page ES-10 of the report, and by CN in any of their presentations being made to the unsuspecting public. The Village of Park Forest has invested a significant amount of resources (staff time and financial) to purchase a deteriorated and tax delinquent Norwood Square Shopping Center, which is immediately adjacent to the rail crossing at Western Avenue. Efforts have included the creation of a TIF district, remediation of brownfield problems, and a diligent search to find a private shopping center developer to purchase the property. Now that a private owner/developer of this property has been found, Nassimi Realty, who is committed to investing $1 million in initial improvements, and $3-5 million over time, they are reconsidering their investment in this property because of the uncertain impacts that this proposed purchase will have on their investment. This is a 129,000 square foot shopping center that has the potential to generate significant property tax and sales tax revenue for Park Forest. It could easily represent the single largest sales tax generator in the community when it is fully redeveloped and tenanted. Now, its future is uncertain unless CN is made to provide a grade-separated crossing at Western Avenue. It has been alleged that CN’s proposed acquisition will help relieve major traffic congestion and reduce environmental impacts for the aggregate Chicago-land area. Quite to the contrary, Park Forest believes the proposed acquisition merely shifts the entire congestion and environmental impact burden to the communities along the EJ&E rail arc. In particular, the numbers point to a tremendous burden being shifted to Park Forest. CN estimates that the number of trains traveling through Park Forest as a result of the proposed acquisition would increase from 8 to 32 per day – or, on average, one train every 43 minutes. The Village believes this is a conservative estimate, at best, and encourages the STB to assess longer range estimates and how much worse the adverse environmental impacts will be on the citizens of our community. Even with these conservative estimates, Park Forest stands to suffer perhaps the most severe impacts of any community along the EJ&E rail arc. CN has provided a public position that their intent is to move rail traffic as quickly as possible through communities along the EJ&E rail arc. It has been suggested that their trains will pass along these lines at rates of speed between 30 – 45 miles per hour. While this is an admirable goal to help mitigate traffic blockage and idling impacts, the next train that travels through Park Forest at such a rate of speed will be the first. Train traffic crossing Western Avenue in Park Forest averages no more than 5 – 8 MPH, at best. Additionally, trains routinely crossing through Park Forest do so at a speed of less than 5 MPH. Worse yet, it is a very routine occurrence where train traffic comes to a complete stop across Western Avenue. Please know that these details are not mere anecdotal references. The Village purchased video surveillance equipment and has documented evidence for more than a 30-day period. This video footage is readily available should it be desired by the STB. During the public comment sessions established by the STB, Village Officials convened at one gathering in particular (Matteson Holiday Inn on August 25) to provide additional feedback regarding the D-EIS. In a conversation with CN Officials on hand (Senior Manager James Kvedaras, to be specific), the question was posed by Village Elected Officials: “With a conservatively projected 400% increase in train traffic expected to impact Park Forest, what are the positives that this proposed acquisition will bring to the community?” Mr. Kvedaras’ response was evasive, at best, as he noted that “While there are no positives for Park Forest, the positives are for the region and not necessarily your community.” This was the second time that Village Officials had to listen to such a flippant response on an issue with such severe impacts on the citizenry of Park Forest. That a representative from CN, a foreign-based company with multi-billion dollar annual profits, would take such a position is unconscionable. In closing, the Village respectfully appreciates the difficult task before the STB in conducting the environmental impact study associated with this proposed acquisition. And while Park Forest may fully understand the regional benefits being sought by such a shifting of train traffic in the northeastern Illinois region, it is painfully clear that all perceived positives are direct shifts of burden onto the residents and businesses of Park Forest and the municipality’s emergency operations. The end result is a dramatically impacted quality of life for our community and a locale that is much less desirable in which to live and/or conduct business. Should you have any questions regarding this correspondence or any of the previous documentation submitted by the Village of Park Forest, please feel free to contact Village Manager Tom Mick at your convenience. He can be reached directly at 708-748-1129.
    Director of Public Relations Jason Miller · Park Forest, Illinois
  1254. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14036Village of Park Forest
    Ms. Johnson-Ball: This correspondence will serve as follow up public comment from the Village of Park Forest on behalf of its citizenry to the proposed acquisition of the EJ&E railroad by Canadian National (CN). Park Forest is a community of more than 24,000 residents that straddles the current EJ&E rail tracks. A fully developed community with a number of residential neighborhoods immediately adjacent to the tracks, Park Forest is deeply concerned about the potentially severe impacts to the quality of life for its residents. A detailed list of Park Forest concerns was shared with the Surface Transportation Board (STB) in January of this year. Upon review of the Draft Environmental Impact Study (D-EIS), the Village of Park Forest would like to point out several concerns as follows. The D-EIS includes no reference to the clearly expected adverse impacts to Park Forest’s Emergency Services Operations (Table ES-2 on page 45) that will be seen with a conservatively estimated 400% increase in rail traffic, 500% increase in rail cars and tonnage, and a 700% increase in transported hazardous materials. While the table references the two nearest hospitals to Park Forest as being impacted, it would only stand to reason that a quadrupling of train traffic crossing Western Avenue will adversely impact emergency response times in getting citizens with life-threatening injuries and/or other health matters to critical medical care. With CN’s self-admission of a seven-fold increase in hazardous materials to be traveling through Park Forest with the proposed merger, the potential for a catastrophic hazmat incident increases proportionately. With several residential neighborhoods in close proximity to the rail tracks in our community, Park Forest respectfully requests that additional considerations be made to the equipment and staffing needs of the Park Forest Fire Department. The Village appreciates the STB’s designation that the Western Avenue rail crossing is a prime location in need of mitigative attention by CN. The D-EIS recommends and encourages mutually acceptable negotiated agreements to mitigate adverse environmental impacts should the Board approve this acquisition. Although the Village has had several meetings with Canadian National representatives, no substantive progress has been made in dealing with the most significant issues facing Park Forest. Additionally, CN has made it clear that they will only do what is absolutely required by the STB’s findings as they relate to the potential for a separated crossing of rail tracks at Western Avenue. CN has made it clear to the Village that they will not provide funding for a separated crossing at Western. Additionally, the STB suggests that CN join the Village to seek funds for a separated crossing at Western Avenue through the Department of Transportation. Why should Park Forest and, ultimately, Illinois tax payers be faced with this burden given the fact that this would not have been an issue but for the CN (a for-profit company) proposal? In our negotiations with CN, their representatives stated that their allegiance is solely to the company’s shareholders rather than being concerned about adverse impacts that might be pending to Park Forest residents, the interest group that Village Officials are bound to represent. To date, the Village still stands waiting for CN to follow up on our requests to resume negotiations related to mitigation. The D-EIS references that the proposed acquisition will include the construction of six new rail connecting tracks between existing rail lines and the EJ&E arc, one of which is at the corporate borders of Park Forest and Matteson. Park Forest can foresee two negative impacts as a result of this new track connection. First, in order to facilitate such a connection, CN will need to purchase an approximate 12-acre parcel of property currently owned by Park Forest. This parcel currently includes a commuter parking lot with a capacity for 740+ cars. The Land Use section of the D-EIS does not account for CN’s need to purchase portions, if not all, of this property to allow for constructing the connection from the east/west bound EJ&E tracks to the CN lines which travel north/south bound. In addition to the lost commuter parking, this construction will have a severe impact on the Village’s revenues from the lot, if these revenues are not altogether eliminated. The second issue Park Forest has with the proposed new connecting tracks in Park Forest/Matteson is that the concept has not been fully explored in the draft report. Park Forest, along with Matteson, will be faced with even longer delays than those reported in the D-EIS. Since train speeds will be further restricted due to the configuration of the connection, the negative impact of that slow down is not addressed in the D-EIS. Park Forest’s experience (actual video footage) will show that track speed or complete stoppage on the tracks is greatly understated in the D-EIS, as evidenced by your statements found on page ES-10 of the report, and by CN in any of their presentations being made to the unsuspecting public. The Village of Park Forest has invested a significant amount of resources (staff time and financial) to purchase a deteriorated and tax delinquent Norwood Square Shopping Center, which is immediately adjacent to the rail crossing at Western Avenue. Efforts have included the creation of a TIF district, remediation of brownfield problems, and a diligent search to find a private shopping center developer to purchase the property. Now that a private owner/developer of this property has been found, Nassimi Realty, who is committed to investing $1 million in initial improvements, and $3-5 million over time, they are reconsidering their investment in this property because of the uncertain impacts that this proposed purchase will have on their investment. This is a 129,000 square foot shopping center that has the potential to generate significant property tax and sales tax revenue for Park Forest. It could easily represent the single largest sales tax generator in the community when it is fully redeveloped and tenanted. Now, its future is uncertain unless CN is made to provide a grade-separated crossing at Western Avenue. It has been alleged that CN’s proposed acquisition will help relieve major traffic congestion and reduce environmental impacts for the aggregate Chicago-land area. Quite to the contrary, Park Forest believes the proposed acquisition merely shifts the entire congestion and environmental impact burden to the communities along the EJ&E rail arc. In particular, the numbers point to a tremendous burden being shifted to Park Forest. CN estimates that the number of trains traveling through Park Forest as a result of the proposed acquisition would increase from 8 to 32 per day – or, on average, one train every 43 minutes. The Village believes this is a conservative estimate, at best, and encourages the STB to assess longer range estimates and how much worse the adverse environmental impacts will be on the citizens of our community. Even with these conservative estimates, Park Forest stands to suffer perhaps the most severe impacts of any community along the EJ&E rail arc. CN has provided a public position that their intent is to move rail traffic as quickly as possible through communities along the EJ&E rail arc. It has been suggested that their trains will pass along these lines at rates of speed between 30 – 45 miles per hour. While this is an admirable goal to help mitigate traffic blockage and idling impacts, the next train that travels through Park Forest at such a rate of speed will be the first. Train traffic crossing Western Avenue in Park Forest averages no more than 5 – 8 MPH, at best. Additionally, trains routinely crossing through Park Forest do so at a speed of less than 5 MPH. Worse yet, it is a very routine occurrence where train traffic comes to a complete stop across Western Avenue. Please know that these details are not mere anecdotal references. The Village purchased video surveillance equipment and has documented evidence for more than a 30-day period. This video footage is readily available should it be desired by the STB. During the public comment sessions established by the STB, Village Officials convened at one gathering in particular (Matteson Holiday Inn on August 25) to provide additional feedback regarding the D-EIS. In a conversation with CN Officials on hand (Senior Manager James Kvedaras, to be specific), the question was posed by Village Elected Officials: “With a conservatively projected 400% increase in train traffic expected to impact Park Forest, what are the positives that this proposed acquisition will bring to the community?” Mr. Kvedaras’ response was evasive, at best, as he noted that “While there are no positives for Park Forest, the positives are for the region and not necessarily your community.” This was the second time that Village Officials had to listen to such a flippant response on an issue with such severe impacts on the citizenry of Park Forest. That a representative from CN, a foreign-based company with multi-billion dollar annual profits, would take such a position is unconscionable. In closing, the Village respectfully appreciates the difficult task before the STB in conducting the environmental impact study associated with this proposed acquisition. And while Park Forest may fully understand the regional benefits being sought by such a shifting of train traffic in the northeastern Illinois region, it is painfully clear that all perceived positives are direct shifts of burden onto the residents and businesses of Park Forest and the municipality’s emergency operations. The end result is a dramatically impacted quality of life for our community and a locale that is much less desirable in which to live and/or conduct business. Should you have any questions regarding this correspondence or any of the previous documentation submitted by the Village of Park Forest, please feel free to contact Village Manager Tom Mick at your convenience. He can be reached directly at 708-748-1129.
    Director of Recreation & Parks John Joyce · Park Forest, Illinois
  1255. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14034Village of Park Forest
    Ms. Johnson-Ball: This correspondence will serve as follow up public comment from the Village of Park Forest on behalf of its citizenry to the proposed acquisition of the EJ&E railroad by Canadian National (CN). Park Forest is a community of more than 24,000 residents that straddles the current EJ&E rail tracks. A fully developed community with a number of residential neighborhoods immediately adjacent to the tracks, Park Forest is deeply concerned about the potentially severe impacts to the quality of life for its residents. A detailed list of Park Forest concerns was shared with the Surface Transportation Board (STB) in January of this year. Upon review of the Draft Environmental Impact Study (D-EIS), the Village of Park Forest would like to point out several concerns as follows. The D-EIS includes no reference to the clearly expected adverse impacts to Park Forest’s Emergency Services Operations (Table ES-2 on page 45) that will be seen with a conservatively estimated 400% increase in rail traffic, 500% increase in rail cars and tonnage, and a 700% increase in transported hazardous materials. While the table references the two nearest hospitals to Park Forest as being impacted, it would only stand to reason that a quadrupling of train traffic crossing Western Avenue will adversely impact emergency response times in getting citizens with life-threatening injuries and/or other health matters to critical medical care. With CN’s self-admission of a seven-fold increase in hazardous materials to be traveling through Park Forest with the proposed merger, the potential for a catastrophic hazmat incident increases proportionately. With several residential neighborhoods in close proximity to the rail tracks in our community, Park Forest respectfully requests that additional considerations be made to the equipment and staffing needs of the Park Forest Fire Department. The Village appreciates the STB’s designation that the Western Avenue rail crossing is a prime location in need of mitigative attention by CN. The D-EIS recommends and encourages mutually acceptable negotiated agreements to mitigate adverse environmental impacts should the Board approve this acquisition. Although the Village has had several meetings with Canadian National representatives, no substantive progress has been made in dealing with the most significant issues facing Park Forest. Additionally, CN has made it clear that they will only do what is absolutely required by the STB’s findings as they relate to the potential for a separated crossing of rail tracks at Western Avenue. CN has made it clear to the Village that they will not provide funding for a separated crossing at Western. Additionally, the STB suggests that CN join the Village to seek funds for a separated crossing at Western Avenue through the Department of Transportation. Why should Park Forest and, ultimately, Illinois tax payers be faced with this burden given the fact that this would not have been an issue but for the CN (a for-profit company) proposal? In our negotiations with CN, their representatives stated that their allegiance is solely to the company’s shareholders rather than being concerned about adverse impacts that might be pending to Park Forest residents, the interest group that Village Officials are bound to represent. To date, the Village still stands waiting for CN to follow up on our requests to resume negotiations related to mitigation. The D-EIS references that the proposed acquisition will include the construction of six new rail connecting tracks between existing rail lines and the EJ&E arc, one of which is at the corporate borders of Park Forest and Matteson. Park Forest can foresee two negative impacts as a result of this new track connection. First, in order to facilitate such a connection, CN will need to purchase an approximate 12-acre parcel of property currently owned by Park Forest. This parcel currently includes a commuter parking lot with a capacity for 740+ cars. The Land Use section of the D-EIS does not account for CN’s need to purchase portions, if not all, of this property to allow for constructing the connection from the east/west bound EJ&E tracks to the CN lines which travel north/south bound. In addition to the lost commuter parking, this construction will have a severe impact on the Village’s revenues from the lot, if these revenues are not altogether eliminated. The second issue Park Forest has with the proposed new connecting tracks in Park Forest/Matteson is that the concept has not been fully explored in the draft report. Park Forest, along with Matteson, will be faced with even longer delays than those reported in the D-EIS. Since train speeds will be further restricted due to the configuration of the connection, the negative impact of that slow down is not addressed in the D-EIS. Park Forest’s experience (actual video footage) will show that track speed or complete stoppage on the tracks is greatly understated in the D-EIS, as evidenced by your statements found on page ES-10 of the report, and by CN in any of their presentations being made to the unsuspecting public. The Village of Park Forest has invested a significant amount of resources (staff time and financial) to purchase a deteriorated and tax delinquent Norwood Square Shopping Center, which is immediately adjacent to the rail crossing at Western Avenue. Efforts have included the creation of a TIF district, remediation of brownfield problems, and a diligent search to find a private shopping center developer to purchase the property. Now that a private owner/developer of this property has been found, Nassimi Realty, who is committed to investing $1 million in initial improvements, and $3-5 million over time, they are reconsidering their investment in this property because of the uncertain impacts that this proposed purchase will have on their investment. This is a 129,000 square foot shopping center that has the potential to generate significant property tax and sales tax revenue for Park Forest. It could easily represent the single largest sales tax generator in the community when it is fully redeveloped and tenanted. Now, its future is uncertain unless CN is made to provide a grade-separated crossing at Western Avenue. It has been alleged that CN’s proposed acquisition will help relieve major traffic congestion and reduce environmental impacts for the aggregate Chicago-land area. Quite to the contrary, Park Forest believes the proposed acquisition merely shifts the entire congestion and environmental impact burden to the communities along the EJ&E rail arc. In particular, the numbers point to a tremendous burden being shifted to Park Forest. CN estimates that the number of trains traveling through Park Forest as a result of the proposed acquisition would increase from 8 to 32 per day – or, on average, one train every 43 minutes. The Village believes this is a conservative estimate, at best, and encourages the STB to assess longer range estimates and how much worse the adverse environmental impacts will be on the citizens of our community. Even with these conservative estimates, Park Forest stands to suffer perhaps the most severe impacts of any community along the EJ&E rail arc. CN has provided a public position that their intent is to move rail traffic as quickly as possible through communities along the EJ&E rail arc. It has been suggested that their trains will pass along these lines at rates of speed between 30 – 45 miles per hour. While this is an admirable goal to help mitigate traffic blockage and idling impacts, the next train that travels through Park Forest at such a rate of speed will be the first. Train traffic crossing Western Avenue in Park Forest averages no more than 5 – 8 MPH, at best. Additionally, trains routinely crossing through Park Forest do so at a speed of less than 5 MPH. Worse yet, it is a very routine occurrence where train traffic comes to a complete stop across Western Avenue. Please know that these details are not mere anecdotal references. The Village purchased video surveillance equipment and has documented evidence for more than a 30-day period. This video footage is readily available should it be desired by the STB. During the public comment sessions established by the STB, Village Officials convened at one gathering in particular (Matteson Holiday Inn on August 25) to provide additional feedback regarding the D-EIS. In a conversation with CN Officials on hand (Senior Manager James Kvedaras, to be specific), the question was posed by Village Elected Officials: “With a conservatively projected 400% increase in train traffic expected to impact Park Forest, what are the positives that this proposed acquisition will bring to the community?” Mr. Kvedaras’ response was evasive, at best, as he noted that “While there are no positives for Park Forest, the positives are for the region and not necessarily your community.” This was the second time that Village Officials had to listen to such a flippant response on an issue with such severe impacts on the citizenry of Park Forest. That a representative from CN, a foreign-based company with multi-billion dollar annual profits, would take such a position is unconscionable. In closing, the Village respectfully appreciates the difficult task before the STB in conducting the environmental impact study associated with this proposed acquisition. And while Park Forest may fully understand the regional benefits being sought by such a shifting of train traffic in the northeastern Illinois region, it is painfully clear that all perceived positives are direct shifts of burden onto the residents and businesses of Park Forest and the municipality’s emergency operations. The end result is a dramatically impacted quality of life for our community and a locale that is much less desirable in which to live and/or conduct business. Should you have any questions regarding this correspondence or any of the previous documentation submitted by the Village of Park Forest, please feel free to contact Village Manager Tom Mick at your convenience. He can be reached directly at 708-748-1129.
    Community Development Director Larrie Kerestes · Park Forest, Illinois
  1256. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14032Village of Park Forest
    Ms. Johnson-Ball: This correspondence will serve as follow up public comment from the Village of Park Forest on behalf of its citizenry to the proposed acquisition of the EJ&E railroad by Canadian National (CN). Park Forest is a community of more than 24,000 residents that straddles the current EJ&E rail tracks. A fully developed community with a number of residential neighborhoods immediately adjacent to the tracks, Park Forest is deeply concerned about the potentially severe impacts to the quality of life for its residents. A detailed list of Park Forest concerns was shared with the Surface Transportation Board (STB) in January of this year. Upon review of the Draft Environmental Impact Study (D-EIS), the Village of Park Forest would like to point out several concerns as follows. The D-EIS includes no reference to the clearly expected adverse impacts to Park Forest’s Emergency Services Operations (Table ES-2 on page 45) that will be seen with a conservatively estimated 400% increase in rail traffic, 500% increase in rail cars and tonnage, and a 700% increase in transported hazardous materials. While the table references the two nearest hospitals to Park Forest as being impacted, it would only stand to reason that a quadrupling of train traffic crossing Western Avenue will adversely impact emergency response times in getting citizens with life-threatening injuries and/or other health matters to critical medical care. With CN’s self-admission of a seven-fold increase in hazardous materials to be traveling through Park Forest with the proposed merger, the potential for a catastrophic hazmat incident increases proportionately. With several residential neighborhoods in close proximity to the rail tracks in our community, Park Forest respectfully requests that additional considerations be made to the equipment and staffing needs of the Park Forest Fire Department. The Village appreciates the STB’s designation that the Western Avenue rail crossing is a prime location in need of mitigative attention by CN. The D-EIS recommends and encourages mutually acceptable negotiated agreements to mitigate adverse environmental impacts should the Board approve this acquisition. Although the Village has had several meetings with Canadian National representatives, no substantive progress has been made in dealing with the most significant issues facing Park Forest. Additionally, CN has made it clear that they will only do what is absolutely required by the STB’s findings as they relate to the potential for a separated crossing of rail tracks at Western Avenue. CN has made it clear to the Village that they will not provide funding for a separated crossing at Western. Additionally, the STB suggests that CN join the Village to seek funds for a separated crossing at Western Avenue through the Department of Transportation. Why should Park Forest and, ultimately, Illinois tax payers be faced with this burden given the fact that this would not have been an issue but for the CN (a for-profit company) proposal? In our negotiations with CN, their representatives stated that their allegiance is solely to the company’s shareholders rather than being concerned about adverse impacts that might be pending to Park Forest residents, the interest group that Village Officials are bound to represent. To date, the Village still stands waiting for CN to follow up on our requests to resume negotiations related to mitigation. The D-EIS references that the proposed acquisition will include the construction of six new rail connecting tracks between existing rail lines and the EJ&E arc, one of which is at the corporate borders of Park Forest and Matteson. Park Forest can foresee two negative impacts as a result of this new track connection. First, in order to facilitate such a connection, CN will need to purchase an approximate 12-acre parcel of property currently owned by Park Forest. This parcel currently includes a commuter parking lot with a capacity for 740+ cars. The Land Use section of the D-EIS does not account for CN’s need to purchase portions, if not all, of this property to allow for constructing the connection from the east/west bound EJ&E tracks to the CN lines which travel north/south bound. In addition to the lost commuter parking, this construction will have a severe impact on the Village’s revenues from the lot, if these revenues are not altogether eliminated. The second issue Park Forest has with the proposed new connecting tracks in Park Forest/Matteson is that the concept has not been fully explored in the draft report. Park Forest, along with Matteson, will be faced with even longer delays than those reported in the D-EIS. Since train speeds will be further restricted due to the configuration of the connection, the negative impact of that slow down is not addressed in the D-EIS. Park Forest’s experience (actual video footage) will show that track speed or complete stoppage on the tracks is greatly understated in the D-EIS, as evidenced by your statements found on page ES-10 of the report, and by CN in any of their presentations being made to the unsuspecting public. The Village of Park Forest has invested a significant amount of resources (staff time and financial) to purchase a deteriorated and tax delinquent Norwood Square Shopping Center, which is immediately adjacent to the rail crossing at Western Avenue. Efforts have included the creation of a TIF district, remediation of brownfield problems, and a diligent search to find a private shopping center developer to purchase the property. Now that a private owner/developer of this property has been found, Nassimi Realty, who is committed to investing $1 million in initial improvements, and $3-5 million over time, they are reconsidering their investment in this property because of the uncertain impacts that this proposed purchase will have on their investment. This is a 129,000 square foot shopping center that has the potential to generate significant property tax and sales tax revenue for Park Forest. It could easily represent the single largest sales tax generator in the community when it is fully redeveloped and tenanted. Now, its future is uncertain unless CN is made to provide a grade-separated crossing at Western Avenue. It has been alleged that CN’s proposed acquisition will help relieve major traffic congestion and reduce environmental impacts for the aggregate Chicago-land area. Quite to the contrary, Park Forest believes the proposed acquisition merely shifts the entire congestion and environmental impact burden to the communities along the EJ&E rail arc. In particular, the numbers point to a tremendous burden being shifted to Park Forest. CN estimates that the number of trains traveling through Park Forest as a result of the proposed acquisition would increase from 8 to 32 per day – or, on average, one train every 43 minutes. The Village believes this is a conservative estimate, at best, and encourages the STB to assess longer range estimates and how much worse the adverse environmental impacts will be on the citizens of our community. Even with these conservative estimates, Park Forest stands to suffer perhaps the most severe impacts of any community along the EJ&E rail arc. CN has provided a public position that their intent is to move rail traffic as quickly as possible through communities along the EJ&E rail arc. It has been suggested that their trains will pass along these lines at rates of speed between 30 – 45 miles per hour. While this is an admirable goal to help mitigate traffic blockage and idling impacts, the next train that travels through Park Forest at such a rate of speed will be the first. Train traffic crossing Western Avenue in Park Forest averages no more than 5 – 8 MPH, at best. Additionally, trains routinely crossing through Park Forest do so at a speed of less than 5 MPH. Worse yet, it is a very routine occurrence where train traffic comes to a complete stop across Western Avenue. Please know that these details are not mere anecdotal references. The Village purchased video surveillance equipment and has documented evidence for more than a 30-day period. This video footage is readily available should it be desired by the STB. During the public comment sessions established by the STB, Village Officials convened at one gathering in particular (Matteson Holiday Inn on August 25) to provide additional feedback regarding the D-EIS. In a conversation with CN Officials on hand (Senior Manager James Kvedaras, to be specific), the question was posed by Village Elected Officials: “With a conservatively projected 400% increase in train traffic expected to impact Park Forest, what are the positives that this proposed acquisition will bring to the community?” Mr. Kvedaras’ response was evasive, at best, as he noted that “While there are no positives for Park Forest, the positives are for the region and not necessarily your community.” This was the second time that Village Officials had to listen to such a flippant response on an issue with such severe impacts on the citizenry of Park Forest. That a representative from CN, a foreign-based company with multi-billion dollar annual profits, would take such a position is unconscionable. In closing, the Village respectfully appreciates the difficult task before the STB in conducting the environmental impact study associated with this proposed acquisition. And while Park Forest may fully understand the regional benefits being sought by such a shifting of train traffic in the northeastern Illinois region, it is painfully clear that all perceived positives are direct shifts of burden onto the residents and businesses of Park Forest and the municipality’s emergency operations. The end result is a dramatically impacted quality of life for our community and a locale that is much less desirable in which to live and/or conduct business. Should you have any questions regarding this correspondence or any of the previous documentation submitted by the Village of Park Forest, please feel free to contact me directly at 708-748-1129.
    Tom Mick · Park Forest, Illinois
  1257. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14030Village of Park Forest
    Ms. Johnson-Ball: This correspondence will serve as follow up public comment from the Village of Park Forest on behalf of its citizenry to the proposed acquisition of the EJ&E railroad by Canadian National (CN). Park Forest is a community of more than 24,000 residents that straddles the current EJ&E rail tracks. A fully developed community with a number of residential neighborhoods immediately adjacent to the tracks, Park Forest is deeply concerned about the potentially severe impacts to the quality of life for its residents. A detailed list of Park Forest concerns was shared with the Surface Transportation Board (STB) in January of this year. Upon review of the Draft Environmental Impact Study (D-EIS), the Village of Park Forest would like to point out several concerns as follows. The D-EIS includes no reference to the clearly expected adverse impacts to Park Forest’s Emergency Services Operations (Table ES-2 on page 45) that will be seen with a conservatively estimated 400% increase in rail traffic, 500% increase in rail cars and tonnage, and a 700% increase in transported hazardous materials. While the table references the two nearest hospitals to Park Forest as being impacted, it would only stand to reason that a quadrupling of train traffic crossing Western Avenue will adversely impact emergency response times in getting citizens with life-threatening injuries and/or other health matters to critical medical care. With CN’s self-admission of a seven-fold increase in hazardous materials to be traveling through Park Forest with the proposed merger, the potential for a catastrophic hazmat incident increases proportionately. With several residential neighborhoods in close proximity to the rail tracks in our community, Park Forest respectfully requests that additional considerations be made to the equipment and staffing needs of the Park Forest Fire Department. The Village appreciates the STB’s designation that the Western Avenue rail crossing is a prime location in need of mitigative attention by CN. The D-EIS recommends and encourages mutually acceptable negotiated agreements to mitigate adverse environmental impacts should the Board approve this acquisition. Although the Village has had several meetings with Canadian National representatives, no substantive progress has been made in dealing with the most significant issues facing Park Forest. Additionally, CN has made it clear that they will only do what is absolutely required by the STB’s findings as they relate to the potential for a separated crossing of rail tracks at Western Avenue. CN has made it clear to the Village that they will not provide funding for a separated crossing at Western. Additionally, the STB suggests that CN join the Village to seek funds for a separated crossing at Western Avenue through the Department of Transportation. Why should Park Forest and, ultimately, Illinois tax payers be faced with this burden given the fact that this would not have been an issue but for the CN (a for-profit company) proposal? In our negotiations with CN, their representatives stated that their allegiance is solely to the company’s shareholders rather than being concerned about adverse impacts that might be pending to Park Forest residents, the interest group that Village Officials are bound to represent. To date, the Village still stands waiting for CN to follow up on our requests to resume negotiations related to mitigation. The D-EIS references that the proposed acquisition will include the construction of six new rail connecting tracks between existing rail lines and the EJ&E arc, one of which is at the corporate borders of Park Forest and Matteson. Park Forest can foresee two negative impacts as a result of this new track connection. First, in order to facilitate such a connection, CN will need to purchase an approximate 12-acre parcel of property currently owned by Park Forest. This parcel currently includes a commuter parking lot with a capacity for 740+ cars. The Land Use section of the D-EIS does not account for CN’s need to purchase portions, if not all, of this property to allow for constructing the connection from the east/west bound EJ&E tracks to the CN lines which travel north/south bound. In addition to the lost commuter parking, this construction will have a severe impact on the Village’s revenues from the lot, if these revenues are not altogether eliminated. The second issue Park Forest has with the proposed new connecting tracks in Park Forest/Matteson is that the concept has not been fully explored in the draft report. Park Forest, along with Matteson, will be faced with even longer delays than those reported in the D-EIS. Since train speeds will be further restricted due to the configuration of the connection, the negative impact of that slow down is not addressed in the D-EIS. Park Forest’s experience (actual video footage) will show that track speed or complete stoppage on the tracks is greatly understated in the D-EIS, as evidenced by your statements found on page ES-10 of the report, and by CN in any of their presentations being made to the unsuspecting public. The Village of Park Forest has invested a significant amount of resources (staff time and financial) to purchase a deteriorated and tax delinquent Norwood Square Shopping Center, which is immediately adjacent to the rail crossing at Western Avenue. Efforts have included the creation of a TIF district, remediation of brownfield problems, and a diligent search to find a private shopping center developer to purchase the property. Now that a private owner/developer of this property has been found, Nassimi Realty, who is committed to investing $1 million in initial improvements, and $3-5 million over time, they are reconsidering their investment in this property because of the uncertain impacts that this proposed purchase will have on their investment. This is a 129,000 square foot shopping center that has the potential to generate significant property tax and sales tax revenue for Park Forest. It could easily represent the single largest sales tax generator in the community when it is fully redeveloped and tenanted. Now, its future is uncertain unless CN is made to provide a grade-separated crossing at Western Avenue. It has been alleged that CN’s proposed acquisition will help relieve major traffic congestion and reduce environmental impacts for the aggregate Chicago-land area. Quite to the contrary, Park Forest believes the proposed acquisition merely shifts the entire congestion and environmental impact burden to the communities along the EJ&E rail arc. In particular, the numbers point to a tremendous burden being shifted to Park Forest. CN estimates that the number of trains traveling through Park Forest as a result of the proposed acquisition would increase from 8 to 32 per day – or, on average, one train every 43 minutes. The Village believes this is a conservative estimate, at best, and encourages the STB to assess longer range estimates and how much worse the adverse environmental impacts will be on the citizens of our community. Even with these conservative estimates, Park Forest stands to suffer perhaps the most severe impacts of any community along the EJ&E rail arc. CN has provided a public position that their intent is to move rail traffic as quickly as possible through communities along the EJ&E rail arc. It has been suggested that their trains will pass along these lines at rates of speed between 30 – 45 miles per hour. While this is an admirable goal to help mitigate traffic blockage and idling impacts, the next train that travels through Park Forest at such a rate of speed will be the first. Train traffic crossing Western Avenue in Park Forest averages no more than 5 – 8 MPH, at best. Additionally, trains routinely crossing through Park Forest do so at a speed of less than 5 MPH. Worse yet, it is a very routine occurrence where train traffic comes to a complete stop across Western Avenue. Please know that these details are not mere anecdotal references. The Village purchased video surveillance equipment and has documented evidence for more than a 30-day period. This video footage is readily available should it be desired by the STB. During the public comment sessions established by the STB, Village Officials convened at one gathering in particular (Matteson Holiday Inn on August 25) to provide additional feedback regarding the D-EIS. In a conversation with CN Officials on hand (Senior Manager James Kvedaras, to be specific), the question was posed by Village Elected Officials: “With a conservatively projected 400% increase in train traffic expected to impact Park Forest, what are the positives that this proposed acquisition will bring to the community?” Mr. Kvedaras’ response was evasive, at best, as he noted that “While there are no positives for Park Forest, the positives are for the region and not necessarily your community.” This was the second time that Village Officials had to listen to such a flippant response on an issue with such severe impacts on the citizenry of Park Forest. That a representative from CN, a foreign-based company with multi-billion dollar annual profits, would take such a position is unconscionable. In closing, the Village respectfully appreciates the difficult task before the STB in conducting the environmental impact study associated with this proposed acquisition. And while Park Forest may fully understand the regional benefits being sought by such a shifting of train traffic in the northeastern Illinois region, it is painfully clear that all perceived positives are direct shifts of burden onto the residents and businesses of Park Forest and the municipality’s emergency operations. The end result is a dramatically impacted quality of life for our community and a locale that is much less desirable in which to live and/or conduct business. Should you have any questions regarding this correspondence or any of the previous documentation submitted by the Village of Park Forest, please feel free to contact Village Manager Tom Mick at your convenience. He can be reached directly at 708-748-1129.
    Assistant Village Manager Denyse Carreras · Park Forest, Illinois
  1258. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14028Village of Park Forest
    Ms. Johnson-Ball: This correspondence will serve as follow up public comment from the Village of Park Forest on behalf of its citizenry to the proposed acquisition of the EJ&E railroad by Canadian National (CN). Park Forest is a community of more than 24,000 residents that straddles the current EJ&E rail tracks. A fully developed community with a number of residential neighborhoods immediately adjacent to the tracks, Park Forest is deeply concerned about the potentially severe impacts to the quality of life for its residents. A detailed list of Park Forest concerns was shared with the Surface Transportation Board (STB) in January of this year. Upon review of the Draft Environmental Impact Study (D-EIS), the Village of Park Forest would like to point out several concerns as follows. The D-EIS includes no reference to the clearly expected adverse impacts to Park Forest’s Emergency Services Operations (Table ES-2 on page 45) that will be seen with a conservatively estimated 400% increase in rail traffic, 500% increase in rail cars and tonnage, and a 700% increase in transported hazardous materials. While the table references the two nearest hospitals to Park Forest as being impacted, it would only stand to reason that a quadrupling of train traffic crossing Western Avenue will adversely impact emergency response times in getting citizens with life-threatening injuries and/or other health matters to critical medical care. With CN’s self-admission of a seven-fold increase in hazardous materials to be traveling through Park Forest with the proposed merger, the potential for a catastrophic hazmat incident increases proportionately. With several residential neighborhoods in close proximity to the rail tracks in our community, Park Forest respectfully requests that additional considerations be made to the equipment and staffing needs of the Park Forest Fire Department. The Village appreciates the STB’s designation that the Western Avenue rail crossing is a prime location in need of mitigative attention by CN. The D-EIS recommends and encourages mutually acceptable negotiated agreements to mitigate adverse environmental impacts should the Board approve this acquisition. Although the Village has had several meetings with Canadian National representatives, no substantive progress has been made in dealing with the most significant issues facing Park Forest. Additionally, CN has made it clear that they will only do what is absolutely required by the STB’s findings as they relate to the potential for a separated crossing of rail tracks at Western Avenue. CN has made it clear to the Village that they will not provide funding for a separated crossing at Western. Additionally, the STB suggests that CN join the Village to seek funds for a separated crossing at Western Avenue through the Department of Transportation. Why should Park Forest and, ultimately, Illinois tax payers be faced with this burden given the fact that this would not have been an issue but for the CN (a for-profit company) proposal? In our negotiations with CN, their representatives stated that their allegiance is solely to the company’s shareholders rather than being concerned about adverse impacts that might be pending to Park Forest residents, the interest group that Village Officials are bound to represent. To date, the Village still stands waiting for CN to follow up on our requests to resume negotiations related to mitigation. The D-EIS references that the proposed acquisition will include the construction of six new rail connecting tracks between existing rail lines and the EJ&E arc, one of which is at the corporate borders of Park Forest and Matteson. Park Forest can foresee two negative impacts as a result of this new track connection. First, in order to facilitate such a connection, CN will need to purchase an approximate 12-acre parcel of property currently owned by Park Forest. This parcel currently includes a commuter parking lot with a capacity for 740+ cars. The Land Use section of the D-EIS does not account for CN’s need to purchase portions, if not all, of this property to allow for constructing the connection from the east/west bound EJ&E tracks to the CN lines which travel north/south bound. In addition to the lost commuter parking, this construction will have a severe impact on the Village’s revenues from the lot, if these revenues are not altogether eliminated. The second issue Park Forest has with the proposed new connecting tracks in Park Forest/Matteson is that the concept has not been fully explored in the draft report. Park Forest, along with Matteson, will be faced with even longer delays than those reported in the D-EIS. Since train speeds will be further restricted due to the configuration of the connection, the negative impact of that slow down is not addressed in the D-EIS. Park Forest’s experience (actual video footage) will show that track speed or complete stoppage on the tracks is greatly understated in the D-EIS, as evidenced by your statements found on page ES-10 of the report, and by CN in any of their presentations being made to the unsuspecting public. The Village of Park Forest has invested a significant amount of resources (staff time and financial) to purchase a deteriorated and tax delinquent Norwood Square Shopping Center, which is immediately adjacent to the rail crossing at Western Avenue. Efforts have included the creation of a TIF district, remediation of brownfield problems, and a diligent search to find a private shopping center developer to purchase the property. Now that a private owner/developer of this property has been found, Nassimi Realty, who is committed to investing $1 million in initial improvements, and $3-5 million over time, they are reconsidering their investment in this property because of the uncertain impacts that this proposed purchase will have on their investment. This is a 129,000 square foot shopping center that has the potential to generate significant property tax and sales tax revenue for Park Forest. It could easily represent the single largest sales tax generator in the community when it is fully redeveloped and tenanted. Now, its future is uncertain unless CN is made to provide a grade-separated crossing at Western Avenue. It has been alleged that CN’s proposed acquisition will help relieve major traffic congestion and reduce environmental impacts for the aggregate Chicago-land area. Quite to the contrary, Park Forest believes the proposed acquisition merely shifts the entire congestion and environmental impact burden to the communities along the EJ&E rail arc. In particular, the numbers point to a tremendous burden being shifted to Park Forest. CN estimates that the number of trains traveling through Park Forest as a result of the proposed acquisition would increase from 8 to 32 per day – or, on average, one train every 43 minutes. The Village believes this is a conservative estimate, at best, and encourages the STB to assess longer range estimates and how much worse the adverse environmental impacts will be on the citizens of our community. Even with these conservative estimates, Park Forest stands to suffer perhaps the most severe impacts of any community along the EJ&E rail arc. CN has provided a public position that their intent is to move rail traffic as quickly as possible through communities along the EJ&E rail arc. It has been suggested that their trains will pass along these lines at rates of speed between 30 – 45 miles per hour. While this is an admirable goal to help mitigate traffic blockage and idling impacts, the next train that travels through Park Forest at such a rate of speed will be the first. Train traffic crossing Western Avenue in Park Forest averages no more than 5 – 8 MPH, at best. Additionally, trains routinely crossing through Park Forest do so at a speed of less than 5 MPH. Worse yet, it is a very routine occurrence where train traffic comes to a complete stop across Western Avenue. Please know that these details are not mere anecdotal references. The Village purchased video surveillance equipment and has documented evidence for more than a 30-day period. This video footage is readily available should it be desired by the STB. During the public comment sessions established by the STB, Village Officials convened at one gathering in particular (Matteson Holiday Inn on August 25) to provide additional feedback regarding the D-EIS. In a conversation with CN Officials on hand (Senior Manager James Kvedaras, to be specific), the question was posed by Village Elected Officials: “With a conservatively projected 400% increase in train traffic expected to impact Park Forest, what are the positives that this proposed acquisition will bring to the community?” Mr. Kvedaras’ response was evasive, at best, as he noted that “While there are no positives for Park Forest, the positives are for the region and not necessarily your community.” This was the second time that Village Officials had to listen to such a flippant response on an issue with such severe impacts on the citizenry of Park Forest. That a representative from CN, a foreign-based company with multi-billion dollar annual profits, would take such a position is unconscionable. In closing, the Village respectfully appreciates the difficult task before the STB in conducting the environmental impact study associated with this proposed acquisition. And while Park Forest may fully understand the regional benefits being sought by such a shifting of train traffic in the northeastern Illinois region, it is painfully clear that all perceived positives are direct shifts of burden onto the residents and businesses of Park Forest and the municipality’s emergency operations. The end result is a dramatically impacted quality of life for our community and a locale that is much less desirable in which to live and/or conduct business. Should you have any questions regarding this correspondence or any of the previous documentation submitted by the Village of Park Forest, please feel free to contact Village Manager Tom Mick at your convenience. He can be reached directly at 708-748-1129.
    Deputy Village Manager Mary Dankowski · Park Forest, Illinois
  1259. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14024Village of Park Forest
    Ms. Johnson-Ball: This correspondence will serve as follow up public comment from the Village of Park Forest on behalf of its citizenry to the proposed acquisition of the EJ&E railroad by Canadian National (CN). Park Forest is a community of more than 24,000 residents that straddles the current EJ&E rail tracks. A fully developed community with a number of residential neighborhoods immediately adjacent to the tracks, Park Forest is deeply concerned about the potentially severe impacts to the quality of life for its residents. A detailed list of Park Forest concerns was shared with the Surface Transportation Board (STB) in January of this year. Upon review of the Draft Environmental Impact Study (D-EIS), the Village of Park Forest would like to point out several concerns as follows. The D-EIS includes no reference to the clearly expected adverse impacts to Park Forest’s Emergency Services Operations (Table ES-2 on page 45) that will be seen with a conservatively estimated 400% increase in rail traffic, 500% increase in rail cars and tonnage, and a 700% increase in transported hazardous materials. While the table references the two nearest hospitals to Park Forest as being impacted, it would only stand to reason that a quadrupling of train traffic crossing Western Avenue will adversely impact emergency response times in getting citizens with life-threatening injuries and/or other health matters to critical medical care. With CN’s self-admission of a seven-fold increase in hazardous materials to be traveling through Park Forest with the proposed merger, the potential for a catastrophic hazmat incident increases proportionately. With several residential neighborhoods in close proximity to the rail tracks in our community, Park Forest respectfully requests that additional considerations be made to the equipment and staffing needs of the Park Forest Fire Department. The Village appreciates the STB’s designation that the Western Avenue rail crossing is a prime location in need of mitigative attention by CN. The D-EIS recommends and encourages mutually acceptable negotiated agreements to mitigate adverse environmental impacts should the Board approve this acquisition. Although the Village has had several meetings with Canadian National representatives, no substantive progress has been made in dealing with the most significant issues facing Park Forest. Additionally, CN has made it clear that they will only do what is absolutely required by the STB’s findings as they relate to the potential for a separated crossing of rail tracks at Western Avenue. CN has made it clear to the Village that they will not provide funding for a separated crossing at Western. Additionally, the STB suggests that CN join the Village to seek funds for a separated crossing at Western Avenue through the Department of Transportation. Why should Park Forest and, ultimately, Illinois tax payers be faced with this burden given the fact that this would not have been an issue but for the CN (a for-profit company) proposal? In our negotiations with CN, their representatives stated that their allegiance is solely to the company’s shareholders rather than being concerned about adverse impacts that might be pending to Park Forest residents, the interest group that Village Officials are bound to represent. To date, the Village still stands waiting for CN to follow up on our requests to resume negotiations related to mitigation. The D-EIS references that the proposed acquisition will include the construction of six new rail connecting tracks between existing rail lines and the EJ&E arc, one of which is at the corporate borders of Park Forest and Matteson. Park Forest can foresee two negative impacts as a result of this new track connection. First, in order to facilitate such a connection, CN will need to purchase an approximate 12-acre parcel of property currently owned by Park Forest. This parcel currently includes a commuter parking lot with a capacity for 740+ cars. The Land Use section of the D-EIS does not account for CN’s need to purchase portions, if not all, of this property to allow for constructing the connection from the east/west bound EJ&E tracks to the CN lines which travel north/south bound. In addition to the lost commuter parking, this construction will have a severe impact on the Village’s revenues from the lot, if these revenues are not altogether eliminated. The second issue Park Forest has with the proposed new connecting tracks in Park Forest/Matteson is that the concept has not been fully explored in the draft report. Park Forest, along with Matteson, will be faced with even longer delays than those reported in the D-EIS. Since train speeds will be further restricted due to the configuration of the connection, the negative impact of that slow down is not addressed in the D-EIS. Park Forest’s experience (actual video footage) will show that track speed or complete stoppage on the tracks is greatly understated in the D-EIS, as evidenced by your statements found on page ES-10 of the report, and by CN in any of their presentations being made to the unsuspecting public. The Village of Park Forest has invested a significant amount of resources (staff time and financial) to purchase a deteriorated and tax delinquent Norwood Square Shopping Center, which is immediately adjacent to the rail crossing at Western Avenue. Efforts have included the creation of a TIF district, remediation of brownfield problems, and a diligent search to find a private shopping center developer to purchase the property. Now that a private owner/developer of this property has been found, Nassimi Realty, who is committed to investing $1 million in initial improvements, and $3-5 million over time, they are reconsidering their investment in this property because of the uncertain impacts that this proposed purchase will have on their investment. This is a 129,000 square foot shopping center that has the potential to generate significant property tax and sales tax revenue for Park Forest. It could easily represent the single largest sales tax generator in the community when it is fully redeveloped and tenanted. Now, its future is uncertain unless CN is made to provide a grade-separated crossing at Western Avenue. It has been alleged that CN’s proposed acquisition will help relieve major traffic congestion and reduce environmental impacts for the aggregate Chicago-land area. Quite to the contrary, Park Forest believes the proposed acquisition merely shifts the entire congestion and environmental impact burden to the communities along the EJ&E rail arc. In particular, the numbers point to a tremendous burden being shifted to Park Forest. CN estimates that the number of trains traveling through Park Forest as a result of the proposed acquisition would increase from 8 to 32 per day – or, on average, one train every 43 minutes. The Village believes this is a conservative estimate, at best, and encourages the STB to assess longer range estimates and how much worse the adverse environmental impacts will be on the citizens of our community. Even with these conservative estimates, Park Forest stands to suffer perhaps the most severe impacts of any community along the EJ&E rail arc. CN has provided a public position that their intent is to move rail traffic as quickly as possible through communities along the EJ&E rail arc. It has been suggested that their trains will pass along these lines at rates of speed between 30 – 45 miles per hour. While this is an admirable goal to help mitigate traffic blockage and idling impacts, the next train that travels through Park Forest at such a rate of speed will be the first. Train traffic crossing Western Avenue in Park Forest averages no more than 5 – 8 MPH, at best. Additionally, trains routinely crossing through Park Forest do so at a speed of less than 5 MPH. Worse yet, it is a very routine occurrence where train traffic comes to a complete stop across Western Avenue. Please know that these details are not mere anecdotal references. The Village purchased video surveillance equipment and has documented evidence for more than a 30-day period. This video footage is readily available should it be desired by the STB. During the public comment sessions established by the STB, Village Officials convened at one gathering in particular (Matteson Holiday Inn on August 25) to provide additional feedback regarding the D-EIS. In a conversation with CN Officials on hand (Senior Manager James Kvedaras, to be specific), the question was posed by Village Elected Officials: “With a conservatively projected 400% increase in train traffic expected to impact Park Forest, what are the positives that this proposed acquisition will bring to the community?” Mr. Kvedaras’ response was evasive, at best, as he noted that “While there are no positives for Park Forest, the positives are for the region and not necessarily your community.” This was the second time that Village Officials had to listen to such a flippant response on an issue with such severe impacts on the citizenry of Park Forest. That a representative from CN, a foreign-based company with multi-billion dollar annual profits, would take such a position is unconscionable. In closing, the Village respectfully appreciates the difficult task before the STB in conducting the environmental impact study associated with this proposed acquisition. And while Park Forest may fully understand the regional benefits being sought by such a shifting of train traffic in the northeastern Illinois region, it is painfully clear that all perceived positives are direct shifts of burden onto the residents and businesses of Park Forest and the municipality’s emergency operations. The end result is a dramatically impacted quality of life for our community and a locale that is much less desirable in which to live and/or conduct business. Should you have any questions regarding this correspondence or any of the previous documentation submitted by the Village of Park Forest, please feel free to contact Village Manager Tom Mick at your convenience. He can be reached directly at 708-748-1129.
    Public Works Director Ken Eyer · Park Forest, Illinois
  1260. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14023Village of Park Forest
    Ms. Johnson-Ball: This correspondence will serve as follow up public comment from the Village of Park Forest on behalf of its citizenry to the proposed acquisition of the EJ&E railroad by Canadian National (CN). Park Forest is a community of more than 24,000 residents that straddles the current EJ&E rail tracks. A fully developed community with a number of residential neighborhoods immediately adjacent to the tracks, Park Forest is deeply concerned about the potentially severe impacts to the quality of life for its residents. A detailed list of Park Forest concerns was shared with the Surface Transportation Board (STB) in January of this year. Upon review of the Draft Environmental Impact Study (D-EIS), the Village of Park Forest would like to point out several concerns as follows. The D-EIS includes no reference to the clearly expected adverse impacts to Park Forest’s Emergency Services Operations (Table ES-2 on page 45) that will be seen with a conservatively estimated 400% increase in rail traffic, 500% increase in rail cars and tonnage, and a 700% increase in transported hazardous materials. While the table references the two nearest hospitals to Park Forest as being impacted, it would only stand to reason that a quadrupling of train traffic crossing Western Avenue will adversely impact emergency response times in getting citizens with life-threatening injuries and/or other health matters to critical medical care. With CN’s self-admission of a seven-fold increase in hazardous materials to be traveling through Park Forest with the proposed merger, the potential for a catastrophic hazmat incident increases proportionately. With several residential neighborhoods in close proximity to the rail tracks in our community, Park Forest respectfully requests that additional considerations be made to the equipment and staffing needs of the Park Forest Fire Department. The Village appreciates the STB’s designation that the Western Avenue rail crossing is a prime location in need of mitigative attention by CN. The D-EIS recommends and encourages mutually acceptable negotiated agreements to mitigate adverse environmental impacts should the Board approve this acquisition. Although the Village has had several meetings with Canadian National representatives, no substantive progress has been made in dealing with the most significant issues facing Park Forest. Additionally, CN has made it clear that they will only do what is absolutely required by the STB’s findings as they relate to the potential for a separated crossing of rail tracks at Western Avenue. CN has made it clear to the Village that they will not provide funding for a separated crossing at Western. Additionally, the STB suggests that CN join the Village to seek funds for a separated crossing at Western Avenue through the Department of Transportation. Why should Park Forest and, ultimately, Illinois tax payers be faced with this burden given the fact that this would not have been an issue but for the CN (a for-profit company) proposal? In our negotiations with CN, their representatives stated that their allegiance is solely to the company’s shareholders rather than being concerned about adverse impacts that might be pending to Park Forest residents, the interest group that Village Officials are bound to represent. To date, the Village still stands waiting for CN to follow up on our requests to resume negotiations related to mitigation. The D-EIS references that the proposed acquisition will include the construction of six new rail connecting tracks between existing rail lines and the EJ&E arc, one of which is at the corporate borders of Park Forest and Matteson. Park Forest can foresee two negative impacts as a result of this new track connection. First, in order to facilitate such a connection, CN will need to purchase an approximate 12-acre parcel of property currently owned by Park Forest. This parcel currently includes a commuter parking lot with a capacity for 740+ cars. The Land Use section of the D-EIS does not account for CN’s need to purchase portions, if not all, of this property to allow for constructing the connection from the east/west bound EJ&E tracks to the CN lines which travel north/south bound. In addition to the lost commuter parking, this construction will have a severe impact on the Village’s revenues from the lot, if these revenues are not altogether eliminated. The second issue Park Forest has with the proposed new connecting tracks in Park Forest/Matteson is that the concept has not been fully explored in the draft report. Park Forest, along with Matteson, will be faced with even longer delays than those reported in the D-EIS. Since train speeds will be further restricted due to the configuration of the connection, the negative impact of that slow down is not addressed in the D-EIS. Park Forest’s experience (actual video footage) will show that track speed or complete stoppage on the tracks is greatly understated in the D-EIS, as evidenced by your statements found on page ES-10 of the report, and by CN in any of their presentations being made to the unsuspecting public. The Village of Park Forest has invested a significant amount of resources (staff time and financial) to purchase a deteriorated and tax delinquent Norwood Square Shopping Center, which is immediately adjacent to the rail crossing at Western Avenue. Efforts have included the creation of a TIF district, remediation of brownfield problems, and a diligent search to find a private shopping center developer to purchase the property. Now that a private owner/developer of this property has been found, Nassimi Realty, who is committed to investing $1 million in initial improvements, and $3-5 million over time, they are reconsidering their investment in this property because of the uncertain impacts that this proposed purchase will have on their investment. This is a 129,000 square foot shopping center that has the potential to generate significant property tax and sales tax revenue for Park Forest. It could easily represent the single largest sales tax generator in the community when it is fully redeveloped and tenanted. Now, its future is uncertain unless CN is made to provide a grade-separated crossing at Western Avenue. It has been alleged that CN’s proposed acquisition will help relieve major traffic congestion and reduce environmental impacts for the aggregate Chicago-land area. Quite to the contrary, Park Forest believes the proposed acquisition merely shifts the entire congestion and environmental impact burden to the communities along the EJ&E rail arc. In particular, the numbers point to a tremendous burden being shifted to Park Forest. CN estimates that the number of trains traveling through Park Forest as a result of the proposed acquisition would increase from 8 to 32 per day – or, on average, one train every 43 minutes. The Village believes this is a conservative estimate, at best, and encourages the STB to assess longer range estimates and how much worse the adverse environmental impacts will be on the citizens of our community. Even with these conservative estimates, Park Forest stands to suffer perhaps the most severe impacts of any community along the EJ&E rail arc. CN has provided a public position that their intent is to move rail traffic as quickly as possible through communities along the EJ&E rail arc. It has been suggested that their trains will pass along these lines at rates of speed between 30 – 45 miles per hour. While this is an admirable goal to help mitigate traffic blockage and idling impacts, the next train that travels through Park Forest at such a rate of speed will be the first. Train traffic crossing Western Avenue in Park Forest averages no more than 5 – 8 MPH, at best. Additionally, trains routinely crossing through Park Forest do so at a speed of less than 5 MPH. Worse yet, it is a very routine occurrence where train traffic comes to a complete stop across Western Avenue. Please know that these details are not mere anecdotal references. The Village purchased video surveillance equipment and has documented evidence for more than a 30-day period. This video footage is readily available should it be desired by the STB. During the public comment sessions established by the STB, Village Officials convened at one gathering in particular (Matteson Holiday Inn on August 25) to provide additional feedback regarding the D-EIS. In a conversation with CN Officials on hand (Senior Manager James Kvedaras, to be specific), the question was posed by Village Elected Officials: “With a conservatively projected 400% increase in train traffic expected to impact Park Forest, what are the positives that this proposed acquisition will bring to the community?” Mr. Kvedaras’ response was evasive, at best, as he noted that “While there are no positives for Park Forest, the positives are for the region and not necessarily your community.” This was the second time that Village Officials had to listen to such a flippant response on an issue with such severe impacts on the citizenry of Park Forest. That a representative from CN, a foreign-based company with multi-billion dollar annual profits, would take such a position is unconscionable. In closing, the Village respectfully appreciates the difficult task before the STB in conducting the environmental impact study associated with this proposed acquisition. And while Park Forest may fully understand the regional benefits being sought by such a shifting of train traffic in the northeastern Illinois region, it is painfully clear that all perceived positives are direct shifts of burden onto the residents and businesses of Park Forest and the municipality’s emergency operations. The end result is a dramatically impacted quality of life for our community and a locale that is much less desirable in which to live and/or conduct business. Should you have any questions regarding this correspondence or any of the previous documentation submitted by the Village of Park Forest, please feel free to contact Village Manager Tom Mick at your convenience. He can be reached directly at 708-748-1129.
    Police Chief Tom Fleming · Park Forest, Illinois
  1261. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14020Village of Park Forest
    Ms. Johnson-Ball: This correspondence will serve as follow up public comment from the Village of Park Forest on behalf of its citizenry to the proposed acquisition of the EJ&E railroad by Canadian National (CN). Park Forest is a community of more than 24,000 residents that straddles the current EJ&E rail tracks. A fully developed community with a number of residential neighborhoods immediately adjacent to the tracks, Park Forest is deeply concerned about the potentially severe impacts to the quality of life for its residents. A detailed list of Park Forest concerns was shared with the Surface Transportation Board (STB) in January of this year. Upon review of the Draft Environmental Impact Study (D-EIS), the Village of Park Forest would like to point out several concerns as follows. The D-EIS includes no reference to the clearly expected adverse impacts to Park Forest’s Emergency Services Operations (Table ES-2 on page 45) that will be seen with a conservatively estimated 400% increase in rail traffic, 500% increase in rail cars and tonnage, and a 700% increase in transported hazardous materials. While the table references the two nearest hospitals to Park Forest as being impacted, it would only stand to reason that a quadrupling of train traffic crossing Western Avenue will adversely impact emergency response times in getting citizens with life-threatening injuries and/or other health matters to critical medical care. With CN’s self-admission of a seven-fold increase in hazardous materials to be traveling through Park Forest with the proposed merger, the potential for a catastrophic hazmat incident increases proportionately. With several residential neighborhoods in close proximity to the rail tracks in our community, Park Forest respectfully requests that additional considerations be made to the equipment and staffing needs of the Park Forest Fire Department. The Village appreciates the STB’s designation that the Western Avenue rail crossing is a prime location in need of mitigative attention by CN. The D-EIS recommends and encourages mutually acceptable negotiated agreements to mitigate adverse environmental impacts should the Board approve this acquisition. Although the Village has had several meetings with Canadian National representatives, no substantive progress has been made in dealing with the most significant issues facing Park Forest. Additionally, CN has made it clear that they will only do what is absolutely required by the STB’s findings as they relate to the potential for a separated crossing of rail tracks at Western Avenue. CN has made it clear to the Village that they will not provide funding for a separated crossing at Western. Additionally, the STB suggests that CN join the Village to seek funds for a separated crossing at Western Avenue through the Department of Transportation. Why should Park Forest and, ultimately, Illinois tax payers be faced with this burden given the fact that this would not have been an issue but for the CN (a for-profit company) proposal? In our negotiations with CN, their representatives stated that their allegiance is solely to the company’s shareholders rather than being concerned about adverse impacts that might be pending to Park Forest residents, the interest group that Village Officials are bound to represent. To date, the Village still stands waiting for CN to follow up on our requests to resume negotiations related to mitigation. The D-EIS references that the proposed acquisition will include the construction of six new rail connecting tracks between existing rail lines and the EJ&E arc, one of which is at the corporate borders of Park Forest and Matteson. Park Forest can foresee two negative impacts as a result of this new track connection. First, in order to facilitate such a connection, CN will need to purchase an approximate 12-acre parcel of property currently owned by Park Forest. This parcel currently includes a commuter parking lot with a capacity for 740+ cars. The Land Use section of the D-EIS does not account for CN’s need to purchase portions, if not all, of this property to allow for constructing the connection from the east/west bound EJ&E tracks to the CN lines which travel north/south bound. In addition to the lost commuter parking, this construction will have a severe impact on the Village’s revenues from the lot, if these revenues are not altogether eliminated. The second issue Park Forest has with the proposed new connecting tracks in Park Forest/Matteson is that the concept has not been fully explored in the draft report. Park Forest, along with Matteson, will be faced with even longer delays than those reported in the D-EIS. Since train speeds will be further restricted due to the configuration of the connection, the negative impact of that slow down is not addressed in the D-EIS. Park Forest’s experience (actual video footage) will show that track speed or complete stoppage on the tracks is greatly understated in the D-EIS, as evidenced by your statements found on page ES-10 of the report, and by CN in any of their presentations being made to the unsuspecting public. The Village of Park Forest has invested a significant amount of resources (staff time and financial) to purchase a deteriorated and tax delinquent Norwood Square Shopping Center, which is immediately adjacent to the rail crossing at Western Avenue. Efforts have included the creation of a TIF district, remediation of brownfield problems, and a diligent search to find a private shopping center developer to purchase the property. Now that a private owner/developer of this property has been found, Nassimi Realty, who is committed to investing $1 million in initial improvements, and $3-5 million over time, they are reconsidering their investment in this property because of the uncertain impacts that this proposed purchase will have on their investment. This is a 129,000 square foot shopping center that has the potential to generate significant property tax and sales tax revenue for Park Forest. It could easily represent the single largest sales tax generator in the community when it is fully redeveloped and tenanted. Now, its future is uncertain unless CN is made to provide a grade-separated crossing at Western Avenue. It has been alleged that CN’s proposed acquisition will help relieve major traffic congestion and reduce environmental impacts for the aggregate Chicago-land area. Quite to the contrary, Park Forest believes the proposed acquisition merely shifts the entire congestion and environmental impact burden to the communities along the EJ&E rail arc. In particular, the numbers point to a tremendous burden being shifted to Park Forest. CN estimates that the number of trains traveling through Park Forest as a result of the proposed acquisition would increase from 8 to 32 per day – or, on average, one train every 43 minutes. The Village believes this is a conservative estimate, at best, and encourages the STB to assess longer range estimates and how much worse the adverse environmental impacts will be on the citizens of our community. Even with these conservative estimates, Park Forest stands to suffer perhaps the most severe impacts of any community along the EJ&E rail arc. CN has provided a public position that their intent is to move rail traffic as quickly as possible through communities along the EJ&E rail arc. It has been suggested that their trains will pass along these lines at rates of speed between 30 – 45 miles per hour. While this is an admirable goal to help mitigate traffic blockage and idling impacts, the next train that travels through Park Forest at such a rate of speed will be the first. Train traffic crossing Western Avenue in Park Forest averages no more than 5 – 8 MPH, at best. Additionally, trains routinely crossing through Park Forest do so at a speed of less than 5 MPH. Worse yet, it is a very routine occurrence where train traffic comes to a complete stop across Western Avenue. Please know that these details are not mere anecdotal references. The Village purchased video surveillance equipment and has documented evidence for more than a 30-day period. This video footage is readily available should it be desired by the STB. During the public comment sessions established by the STB, Village Officials convened at one gathering in particular (Matteson Holiday Inn on August 25) to provide additional feedback regarding the D-EIS. In a conversation with CN Officials on hand (Senior Manager James Kvedaras, to be specific), the question was posed by Village Elected Officials: “With a conservatively projected 400% increase in train traffic expected to impact Park Forest, what are the positives that this proposed acquisition will bring to the community?” Mr. Kvedaras’ response was evasive, at best, as he noted that “While there are no positives for Park Forest, the positives are for the region and not necessarily your community.” This was the second time that Village Officials had to listen to such a flippant response on an issue with such severe impacts on the citizenry of Park Forest. That a representative from CN, a foreign-based company with multi-billion dollar annual profits, would take such a position is unconscionable. In closing, the Village respectfully appreciates the difficult task before the STB in conducting the environmental impact study associated with this proposed acquisition. And while Park Forest may fully understand the regional benefits being sought by such a shifting of train traffic in the northeastern Illinois region, it is painfully clear that all perceived positives are direct shifts of burden onto the residents and businesses of Park Forest and the municipality’s emergency operations. The end result is a dramatically impacted quality of life for our community and a locale that is much less desirable in which to live and/or conduct business. Should you have any questions regarding this correspondence or any of the previous documentation submitted by the Village of Park Forest, please feel free to contact Village Manager Tom Mick at your convenience. He can be reached directly at 708-748-1129.
    Hildy Kingma · Park Forest, Illinois
  1262. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14015Annette T. Holzknecht
    Re: STB Finance Docket No. 35087, Comments on Draft Environmental Impact Statement Dear Ms. Johnson-Ball, I am writing in response to the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) recently completed by the STB regarding the proposed acquisition of the EJ&E railroad by the Canadian National Railway (CN). I have found the DEIS to be critically flawed in multiple areas of analysis, and the resulting conclusions unsupported by the facts. This acquisition as currently proposed will have severe detrimental environmental impacts and must not be allowed to proceed. It is clear that the DEIS contains so many flaws that it cannot serve as a sound foundation for the Final EIS. Much of the data must be re-taken, and the data must be analyzed in the proper context, using the most modern, sophisticated analytical tools available. Anything less is a grave injustice to the impacted communities. Here is a brief summary of the major problems with the DEIS: 1. Traffic patterns and projected growth grossly underestimated The DEIS identified only a handful of crossings that require grade separations. Critical crossing at Lake Cook Road and Northwest Highway (Route 14) also will require grade separations. The DEIS underestimated crossings when school is in session. Furthermore, there are huge numbers of pedestrian crossings of Lake Cook Road by students going to and from Barrington High School, in addition to hundreds of school bus crossings. Population growth in counties that border the EJ&E, and the attendant increased traffic, are underestimated. The DEIS also needs to mandate grade separations at rail-rail crossings, such as the UP NW line crossing in Barrington. Otherwise the impacts to Metra commuter rail on-time performance, planned expansion of service, and passenger safety will be severely compromised. 2. Alternatives to the acquisition not given due consideration The DEIS unreasonably rules out the CREATE program as a viable alternative to this acquisition. CN spokespersons have made numerous public statements justifying this acquisition as a private sector solution to the Chicago freight rail congestion problem, and therefore as an alternative to CREATE. CN has cited CREATE’s lack of secured funding as a key reason they are pursuing the EJ&E acquisition as an alternative solution. The DEIS uses an unreasonably narrow interpretation of CN’s stated goals of the acquisition to eliminate CREATE from consideration. Clearly, by far the single most important reason CN is pursuing this transaction is to improve the efficiency of its operations, something that CREATE will also accomplish. The other stated objectives are merely window dressing and should be discounted when considering alternatives. CREATE is a viable alternative and must be given due consideration. 3. Regional economic impact not properly considered The DEIS fails to consider the broad regional economic impacts of unmitigated increased freight rail congestion. This includes: • Reduction in property tax revenues due to decreased property values • Reduction in sales tax revenue due to decreased economic activity in affected towns • Loss of jobs besides those in railroad operations, and the attendant tax losses • Deterioration in infrastructure in affected towns due to the need to divert massive funds to pay for mitigation • Tax burden of debt servicing to pay for mitigation • Economic effects of destabilized communities as residents flee the area to escape monumental congestion, noise, pollution, and crippling taxes to pay for mitigation • Economic costs of increased traffic delays 4. Unrealistic assumptions for mitigation funding The DEIS identifies several mitigation steps that are appropriate, such as grade separations, noise barriers, etc. However, it neglects to consider that there is no reasonably foreseeable source of taxpayer funds for the mitigation. Therefore, such mitigation is not likely to occur at all. Government agencies that would be tapped for mitigation funding have publicly stated that there are no funds available. The acquisition should not be allowed to proceed until mitigation is fully funded and in place, and mitigation construction completed. Otherwise, statements stipulating environmental mitigation are empty of any real meaning. 5. Lack of critical analysis of supposed benefits to some communities The DEIS states that while some communities will be negatively impacted, others will see benefits that help to balance the negative impacts. These benefits are mainly derived from the supposed reduction in freight traffic along some lines as trains are rerouted along the EJ&E. However, these “benefits” are transient whereas the negative impacts are permanent, and will only get worse over time. The vacated capacity some communities will experience will soon be consumed by other railroads as they adjust to the projected increases in regional freight traffic. It is obvious that such valuable rail capacity will not be left idle indefinitely. 6. STAR line impact not properly considered It is clear that if the EJ&E is operated at full capacity by CN, it will not be possible to accommodate the commuter rail traffic on the proposed STAR line. CN has made empty and vague statements regarding their willingness to work with Metra on the STAR line. Without concrete assurances of trackage rights for the STAR line by CN, the acquisition effectively kills the STAR line. The EIS must consider the elimination of the STAR line as part of the impact, with its attendant increase in traffic congestion, commute times, and vehicle air pollution. If approved, the STB will bear full responsibility for approving a transaction that eliminated the possibility of the country’s first suburb-to-suburb commuter rail line. It is difficult to overstate the negative impact of such an outcome. 7. Noise impacts use discredited thresholds and obsolete analytical methodology The DEIS fails to use modern computer tools to analyze noise impacts. The STB must use the methodology commonly used in industry, by the EPA, and by other agencies. The DEIS must use fair and reasonable noise thresholds that are supported by credible scientific analysis when determining noise impacts and requiring mitigation. 8. Impacts to property values grossly underestimated The DEIS only considers that property values of homes within 250 feet of the EJ&E tracks will be negatively impacted. This is patently ludicrous. It is obvious that entire neighborhoods in the vicinity will suffer decreased property values. Those homes that are closest will suffer the biggest impact, but those homes presumably already have railroad proximity factored into their value. The DEIS states, without supporting documentation, that the property value impacts are negligible. They are most certainly not negligible. Any assertion to the contrary needs to be supported with hard data. 9. Threat to public safety underestimated The DEIS fails to properly consider the reduced access to first responders and emergency medical personnel. Furthermore, disaster response will be severely compromised. For example, in Barrington it is reasonably foreseeable if there is a hazmat spill due to a derailment that the derailment would also block crossings needed by emergency response personnel. The regional infrastructure does not have grade separated alternate routes. This serves to amplify the negative impacts, since there are no workarounds. 10. Threats to sensitive areas and water supply not adequately considered Barrington gets its water supply from underground aquifers. If there were a hazmat spill that contaminated the groundwater the area would be environmentally and economically destroyed. Barrington is prohibited from tapping Lake Michigan water. Without a local water supply, the town dies. Furthermore, the numerous wetlands, forest preserves, and natural areas make the impact of contamination greater, and access by cleanup crews more difficult. 11. DEIS states that impacted communities should negotiate individually with CN, rather than proposing a comprehensive solution The DEIS asserts that individual communities should negotiate with CN. This flies in the face of good regional planning, and makes for haphazard solutions. Just as this proposed acquisition purports to solve one regional problem (freight congestion in Chicago) but causes a host of other unintended consequences, so would such a piecemeal approach to dealing with the impact create other problems. The CREATE program attempts to deal holistically with regional freight congestion. The DEIS recommended approach of individual negotiation has been roundly criticized by regional planning agencies as a recipe for disaster. Furthermore, CN has not acted in good faith with affected communities. They have made no realistic cost-sharing proposals. They have repeatedly downplayed impacts. They have engaged in a ruthless propaganda campaign against affected communities, attempting to demonize them as self-serving “NIMBY’s”, rather than people with legitimate concerns. Why should we expect them to change this behavior? It is unfair and unrealistic to expect cash strapped municipalities to negotiate with powerful multinational corporations with billions of dollars in assets and armies of lobbyists, lawyers and public relations experts at their disposal. We need the STB to impose and enforce the required mitigation before the deal can proceed. In summary, the DEIS is wholly inadequate on multiple fronts. It is a fatally flawed analysis and must be completely redone. However, despite the many deep shortcomings, the DEIS identifies many severe problems with this transaction. It is abundantly clear that the proposed acquisition of the EJ&E by CN does not serve the public interest, is detrimental to the region, would unfairly burden taxpayers, hurts the regional economy and destroys jobs, increases pollution, and increases traffic congestion. It must be denied. Yours truly, Annette Holzknecht
    Barrington, Illinois
  1263. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14013M. R. Followell SR.
    Why don't the CN leave the trains in Chicago where they have under passes. Plainfield and surrounding comunnities do not have these in place and it would take years and millions of dollars to get them. There is enough train traffic in the area without tripleing the amount of trains and increaseing the length. I want any of the CN executives to be sitting on the wrong side of the tracks when they need an EMT or a firetruck, but of course no trains ever go through thier neighborhood.
    Plainfield, IL.
  1264. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14012Village of Park Forest
    Ms. Johnson-Ball: This correspondence will serve as follow up public comment from the Village of Park Forest on behalf of its citizenry to the proposed acquisition of the EJ&E railroad by Canadian National (CN). Park Forest is a community of more than 24,000 residents that straddles the current EJ&E rail tracks. A fully developed community with a number of residential neighborhoods immediately adjacent to the tracks, Park Forest is deeply concerned about the potentially severe impacts to the quality of life for its residents. A detailed list of Park Forest concerns was shared with the Surface Transportation Board (STB) in January of this year. Upon review of the Draft Environmental Impact Study (D-EIS), the Village of Park Forest would like to point out several concerns as follows. The D-EIS includes no reference to the clearly expected adverse impacts to Park Forest’s Emergency Services Operations (Table ES-2 on page 45) that will be seen with a conservatively estimated 400% increase in rail traffic, 500% increase in rail cars and tonnage, and a 700% increase in transported hazardous materials. While the table references the two nearest hospitals to Park Forest as being impacted, it would only stand to reason that a quadrupling of train traffic crossing Western Avenue will adversely impact emergency response times in getting citizens with life-threatening injuries and/or other health matters to critical medical care. With CN’s self-admission of a seven-fold increase in hazardous materials to be traveling through Park Forest with the proposed merger, the potential for a catastrophic hazmat incident increases proportionately. With several residential neighborhoods in close proximity to the rail tracks in our community, Park Forest respectfully requests that additional considerations be made to the equipment and staffing needs of the Park Forest Fire Department. The Village appreciates the STB’s designation that the Western Avenue rail crossing is a prime location in need of mitigative attention by CN. The D-EIS recommends and encourages mutually acceptable negotiated agreements to mitigate adverse environmental impacts should the Board approve this acquisition. Although the Village has had several meetings with Canadian National representatives, no substantive progress has been made in dealing with the most significant issues facing Park Forest. Additionally, CN has made it clear that they will only do what is absolutely required by the STB’s findings as they relate to the potential for a separated crossing of rail tracks at Western Avenue. CN has made it clear to the Village that they will not provide funding for a separated crossing at Western. Additionally, the STB suggests that CN join the Village to seek funds for a separated crossing at Western Avenue through the Department of Transportation. Why should Park Forest and, ultimately, Illinois tax payers be faced with this burden given the fact that this would not have been an issue but for the CN (a for-profit company) proposal? In our negotiations with CN, their representatives stated that their allegiance is solely to the company’s shareholders rather than being concerned about adverse impacts that might be pending to Park Forest residents, the interest group that Village Officials are bound to represent. To date, the Village still stands waiting for CN to follow up on our requests to resume negotiations related to mitigation. The D-EIS references that the proposed acquisition will include the construction of six new rail connecting tracks between existing rail lines and the EJ&E arc, one of which is at the corporate borders of Park Forest and Matteson. Park Forest can foresee two negative impacts as a result of this new track connection. First, in order to facilitate such a connection, CN will need to purchase an approximate 12-acre parcel of property currently owned by Park Forest. This parcel currently includes a commuter parking lot with a capacity for 740+ cars. The Land Use section of the D-EIS does not account for CN’s need to purchase portions, if not all, of this property to allow for constructing the connection from the east/west bound EJ&E tracks to the CN lines which travel north/south bound. In addition to the lost commuter parking, this construction will have a severe impact on the Village’s revenues from the lot, if these revenues are not altogether eliminated. The second issue Park Forest has with the proposed new connecting tracks in Park Forest/Matteson is that the concept has not been fully explored in the draft report. Park Forest, along with Matteson, will be faced with even longer delays than those reported in the D-EIS. Since train speeds will be further restricted due to the configuration of the connection, the negative impact of that slow down is not addressed in the D-EIS. Park Forest’s experience (actual video footage) will show that track speed or complete stoppage on the tracks is greatly understated in the D-EIS, as evidenced by your statements found on page ES-10 of the report, and by CN in any of their presentations being made to the unsuspecting public. The Village of Park Forest has invested a significant amount of resources (staff time and financial) to purchase a deteriorated and tax delinquent Norwood Square Shopping Center, which is immediately adjacent to the rail crossing at Western Avenue. Efforts have included the creation of a TIF district, remediation of brownfield problems, and a diligent search to find a private shopping center developer to purchase the property. Now that a private owner/developer of this property has been found, Nassimi Realty, who is committed to investing $1 million in initial improvements, and $3-5 million over time, they are reconsidering their investment in this property because of the uncertain impacts that this proposed purchase will have on their investment. This is a 129,000 square foot shopping center that has the potential to generate significant property tax and sales tax revenue for Park Forest. It could easily represent the single largest sales tax generator in the community when it is fully redeveloped and tenanted. Now, its future is uncertain unless CN is made to provide a grade-separated crossing at Western Avenue. It has been alleged that CN’s proposed acquisition will help relieve major traffic congestion and reduce environmental impacts for the aggregate Chicago-land area. Quite to the contrary, Park Forest believes the proposed acquisition merely shifts the entire congestion and environmental impact burden to the communities along the EJ&E rail arc. In particular, the numbers point to a tremendous burden being shifted to Park Forest. CN estimates that the number of trains traveling through Park Forest as a result of the proposed acquisition would increase from 8 to 32 per day – or, on average, one train every 43 minutes. The Village believes this is a conservative estimate, at best, and encourages the STB to assess longer range estimates and how much worse the adverse environmental impacts will be on the citizens of our community. Even with these conservative estimates, Park Forest stands to suffer perhaps the most severe impacts of any community along the EJ&E rail arc. CN has provided a public position that their intent is to move rail traffic as quickly as possible through communities along the EJ&E rail arc. It has been suggested that their trains will pass along these lines at rates of speed between 30 – 45 miles per hour. While this is an admirable goal to help mitigate traffic blockage and idling impacts, the next train that travels through Park Forest at such a rate of speed will be the first. Train traffic crossing Western Avenue in Park Forest averages no more than 5 – 8 MPH, at best. Additionally, trains routinely crossing through Park Forest do so at a speed of less than 5 MPH. Worse yet, it is a very routine occurrence where train traffic comes to a complete stop across Western Avenue. Please know that these details are not mere anecdotal references. The Village purchased video surveillance equipment and has documented evidence for more than a 30-day period. This video footage is readily available should it be desired by the STB. During the public comment sessions established by the STB, Village Officials convened at one gathering in particular (Matteson Holiday Inn on August 25) to provide additional feedback regarding the D-EIS. In a conversation with CN Officials on hand (Senior Manager James Kvedaras, to be specific), the question was posed by Village Elected Officials: “With a conservatively projected 400% increase in train traffic expected to impact Park Forest, what are the positives that this proposed acquisition will bring to the community?” Mr. Kvedaras’ response was evasive, at best, as he noted that “While there are no positives for Park Forest, the positives are for the region and not necessarily your community.” This was the second time that Village Officials had to listen to such a flippant response on an issue with such severe impacts on the citizenry of Park Forest. That a representative from CN, a foreign-based company with multi-billion dollar annual profits, would take such a position is unconscionable. In closing, the Village respectfully appreciates the difficult task before the STB in conducting the environmental impact study associated with this proposed acquisition. And while Park Forest may fully understand the regional benefits being sought by such a shifting of train traffic in the northeastern Illinois region, it is painfully clear that all perceived positives are direct shifts of burden onto the residents and businesses of Park Forest and the municipality’s emergency operations. The end result is a dramatically impacted quality of life for our community and a locale that is much less desirable in which to live and/or conduct business. Should you have any questions regarding this correspondence or any of the previous documentation submitted by the Village of Park Forest, please feel free to contact Village Manager Tom Mick at your convenience. He can be reached directly at 708-748-1129.
    Robert McCray · Park Forest, Illinois
  1265. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14008Village of Park Forest
    Ms. Johnson-Ball: This correspondence will serve as follow up public comment from the Village of Park Forest on behalf of its citizenry to the proposed acquisition of the EJ&E railroad by Canadian National (CN). Park Forest is a community of more than 24,000 residents that straddles the current EJ&E rail tracks. A fully developed community with a number of residential neighborhoods immediately adjacent to the tracks, Park Forest is deeply concerned about the potentially severe impacts to the quality of life for its residents. A detailed list of Park Forest concerns was shared with the Surface Transportation Board (STB) in January of this year. Upon review of the Draft Environmental Impact Study (D-EIS), the Village of Park Forest would like to point out several concerns as follows. The D-EIS includes no reference to the clearly expected adverse impacts to Park Forest’s Emergency Services Operations (Table ES-2 on page 45) that will be seen with a conservatively estimated 400% increase in rail traffic, 500% increase in rail cars and tonnage, and a 700% increase in transported hazardous materials. While the table references the two nearest hospitals to Park Forest as being impacted, it would only stand to reason that a quadrupling of train traffic crossing Western Avenue will adversely impact emergency response times in getting citizens with life-threatening injuries and/or other health matters to critical medical care. With CN’s self-admission of a seven-fold increase in hazardous materials to be traveling through Park Forest with the proposed merger, the potential for a catastrophic hazmat incident increases proportionately. With several residential neighborhoods in close proximity to the rail tracks in our community, Park Forest respectfully requests that additional considerations be made to the equipment and staffing needs of the Park Forest Fire Department. The Village appreciates the STB’s designation that the Western Avenue rail crossing is a prime location in need of mitigative attention by CN. The D-EIS recommends and encourages mutually acceptable negotiated agreements to mitigate adverse environmental impacts should the Board approve this acquisition. Although the Village has had several meetings with Canadian National representatives, no substantive progress has been made in dealing with the most significant issues facing Park Forest. Additionally, CN has made it clear that they will only do what is absolutely required by the STB’s findings as they relate to the potential for a separated crossing of rail tracks at Western Avenue. CN has made it clear to the Village that they will not provide funding for a separated crossing at Western. Additionally, the STB suggests that CN join the Village to seek funds for a separated crossing at Western Avenue through the Department of Transportation. Why should Park Forest and, ultimately, Illinois tax payers be faced with this burden given the fact that this would not have been an issue but for the CN (a for-profit company) proposal? In our negotiations with CN, their representatives stated that their allegiance is solely to the company’s shareholders rather than being concerned about adverse impacts that might be pending to Park Forest residents, the interest group that Village Officials are bound to represent. To date, the Village still stands waiting for CN to follow up on our requests to resume negotiations related to mitigation. The D-EIS references that the proposed acquisition will include the construction of six new rail connecting tracks between existing rail lines and the EJ&E arc, one of which is at the corporate borders of Park Forest and Matteson. Park Forest can foresee two negative impacts as a result of this new track connection. First, in order to facilitate such a connection, CN will need to purchase an approximate 12-acre parcel of property currently owned by Park Forest. This parcel currently includes a commuter parking lot with a capacity for 740+ cars. The Land Use section of the D-EIS does not account for CN’s need to purchase portions, if not all, of this property to allow for constructing the connection from the east/west bound EJ&E tracks to the CN lines which travel north/south bound. In addition to the lost commuter parking, this construction will have a severe impact on the Village’s revenues from the lot, if these revenues are not altogether eliminated. The second issue Park Forest has with the proposed new connecting tracks in Park Forest/Matteson is that the concept has not been fully explored in the draft report. Park Forest, along with Matteson, will be faced with even longer delays than those reported in the D-EIS. Since train speeds will be further restricted due to the configuration of the connection, the negative impact of that slow down is not addressed in the D-EIS. Park Forest’s experience (actual video footage) will show that track speed or complete stoppage on the tracks is greatly understated in the D-EIS, as evidenced by your statements found on page ES-10 of the report, and by CN in any of their presentations being made to the unsuspecting public. The Village of Park Forest has invested a significant amount of resources (staff time and financial) to purchase a deteriorated and tax delinquent Norwood Square Shopping Center, which is immediately adjacent to the rail crossing at Western Avenue. Efforts have included the creation of a TIF district, remediation of brownfield problems, and a diligent search to find a private shopping center developer to purchase the property. Now that a private owner/developer of this property has been found, Nassimi Realty, who is committed to investing $1 million in initial improvements, and $3-5 million over time, they are reconsidering their investment in this property because of the uncertain impacts that this proposed purchase will have on their investment. This is a 129,000 square foot shopping center that has the potential to generate significant property tax and sales tax revenue for Park Forest. It could easily represent the single largest sales tax generator in the community when it is fully redeveloped and tenanted. Now, its future is uncertain unless CN is made to provide a grade-separated crossing at Western Avenue. It has been alleged that CN’s proposed acquisition will help relieve major traffic congestion and reduce environmental impacts for the aggregate Chicago-land area. Quite to the contrary, Park Forest believes the proposed acquisition merely shifts the entire congestion and environmental impact burden to the communities along the EJ&E rail arc. In particular, the numbers point to a tremendous burden being shifted to Park Forest. CN estimates that the number of trains traveling through Park Forest as a result of the proposed acquisition would increase from 8 to 32 per day – or, on average, one train every 43 minutes. The Village believes this is a conservative estimate, at best, and encourages the STB to assess longer range estimates and how much worse the adverse environmental impacts will be on the citizens of our community. Even with these conservative estimates, Park Forest stands to suffer perhaps the most severe impacts of any community along the EJ&E rail arc. CN has provided a public position that their intent is to move rail traffic as quickly as possible through communities along the EJ&E rail arc. It has been suggested that their trains will pass along these lines at rates of speed between 30 – 45 miles per hour. While this is an admirable goal to help mitigate traffic blockage and idling impacts, the next train that travels through Park Forest at such a rate of speed will be the first. Train traffic crossing Western Avenue in Park Forest averages no more than 5 – 8 MPH, at best. Additionally, trains routinely crossing through Park Forest do so at a speed of less than 5 MPH. Worse yet, it is a very routine occurrence where train traffic comes to a complete stop across Western Avenue. Please know that these details are not mere anecdotal references. The Village purchased video surveillance equipment and has documented evidence for more than a 30-day period. This video footage is readily available should it be desired by the STB. During the public comment sessions established by the STB, Village Officials convened at one gathering in particular (Matteson Holiday Inn on August 25) to provide additional feedback regarding the D-EIS. In a conversation with CN Officials on hand (Senior Manager James Kvedaras, to be specific), the question was posed by Village Elected Officials: “With a conservatively projected 400% increase in train traffic expected to impact Park Forest, what are the positives that this proposed acquisition will bring to the community?” Mr. Kvedaras’ response was evasive, at best, as he noted that “While there are no positives for Park Forest, the positives are for the region and not necessarily your community.” This was the second time that Village Officials had to listen to such a flippant response on an issue with such severe impacts on the citizenry of Park Forest. That a representative from CN, a foreign-based company with multi-billion dollar annual profits, would take such a position is unconscionable. In closing, the Village respectfully appreciates the difficult task before the STB in conducting the environmental impact study associated with this proposed acquisition. And while Park Forest may fully understand the regional benefits being sought by such a shifting of train traffic in the northeastern Illinois region, it is painfully clear that all perceived positives are direct shifts of burden onto the residents and businesses of Park Forest and the municipality’s emergency operations. The end result is a dramatically impacted quality of life for our community and a locale that is much less desirable in which to live and/or conduct business. Should you have any questions regarding this correspondence or any of the previous documentation submitted by the Village of Park Forest, please feel free to contact Village Manager Tom Mick at your convenience. He can be reached directly at 708-748-1129.
    Georgia O'Neill · Park Forest, Illinois
  1266. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14005Susan Rowland
    STB Finance Docket No. FD 35087... I am writing to say No to Increased Rail Traffic in Frankfort. This plan negatively impacts our community and I strongly urge you to please help us in our efforts to stop this. Thank you!
    Frankfort, Illinois
  1267. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14003Michael Fisher
    Regarding the CN aquisition of the E J & E railway: My name is Michael Fisher and I have lived in the Mundelein area for most of my life. I do not believe that the proposed expansion of Canadian National’s freight traffic through Illinois will benefit anyone but Canadian National. They have suggested that shifting rail traffic will have benefits for some communities and drawbacks for others, but I believe all of Illinois will suffer. Turning the E J & E rail line into a freight train “superhighway” will decimate the dozens of cities it currently runs through. Housing values will fall, tax bases will decrease, businesses will close or move and traffic will increase. At the same time, there will still be rail lines in these other,”benefit”, communities and I doubt that they will remain idle. As freight increases, these lines will surely be returned to their current high level of utilization. Canadian National is just a business, a corporation, and as such it has no mandate other than to increase revenues. They have a deplorable record of working with communities, of dealing with the negative impact of their business. The schools, private homes, and businesses that currently reside alongside of the E J & E will quickly become hostages to the goodwill of a corporation that has shown it has no good will. When trains derail, when traffic fatalities occur, when hazardous materials are spilled, CN has shown itself to be magnificently unhelpful to the people, communities and environments that are affected. Change takes time. Our cities have been built around a certain level of rail traffic along the E J & E. To change overnight from a few trains a day to greater than 20 trains a day, is to blatantly disregard the rights of people in favor of corporate profit. A gradual increase in traffic is acceptable and allows cities to gradually restructure themselves. An overnight increase of the magnitude that is being proposed here today is a recipe for disaster. To permit that much rail traffic before any system is in place to handle it is unimaginable. Canadian National would like this process to be quick and dirty – just increase the trains and let the towns sort out the problems later as best they can. A more responsible approach would be to build the necessary infrastructure first, and then gradually increase rail traffic as it can be safely accommodated. Remember that the communities CN currently runs trains through have had many decades in which to adjust themselves to their current level of rail traffic. Houses, schools and businesses have been located with an eye to the railroad tracks. Underpasses and overpasses have been planned and gradually constructed. And even with all this they find the rail traffic intolerable. They are overjoyed at the prospect of fewer trains. If the impact in our area will be as minor as Canadian National claims, then why are these other towns so desperate to see them leave?
    Long Grove, Illinois
  1268. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13996Michael L. Gallagher
    Approval of the CN request would put an undo burden on local taxpayers to fund mitigation measures, such as over and underpasses, in order to preserve life-safety services. I can't justify supporting such services required for a foreign business that has taken little or no responsibility for the costs they are creating. In addition, the community would suffer from traffic congestion, noise, and pollution. I feel it's unfair that my quality of life has to suffer in order that Cook County has less congestion (and only temporarily) and that CN would have a higher profit margin.
    New Lenox, IL
  1269. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13992nancy taub
    Please vote no for CN's purchase of the EJ & E rail line. all the safety issues really stack up against them - i might be able to get the hospital under my own transportation but if a house in our neighborhood was on fire it would be out of luck and the fire house is only 1/2 mile away. thank you for all your efforts on this matter before your board. nancy taub
    Barrington, IL
  1270. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13990Village Of Park Forest
    Ms. Johnson-Ball: This correspondence will serve as follow up public comment from the Village of Park Forest on behalf of its citizenry to the proposed acquisition of the EJ&E railroad by Canadian National (CN). Park Forest is a community of more than 24,000 residents that straddles the current EJ&E rail tracks. A fully developed community with a number of residential neighborhoods immediately adjacent to the tracks, Park Forest is deeply concerned about the potentially severe impacts to the quality of life for its residents. A detailed list of Park Forest concerns was shared with the Surface Transportation Board (STB) in January of this year. Upon review of the Draft Environmental Impact Study (D-EIS), the Village of Park Forest would like to point out several concerns as follows. The D-EIS includes no reference to the clearly expected adverse impacts to Park Forest’s Emergency Services Operations (Table ES-2 on page 45) that will be seen with a conservatively estimated 400% increase in rail traffic, 500% increase in rail cars and tonnage, and a 700% increase in transported hazardous materials. While the table references the two nearest hospitals to Park Forest as being impacted, it would only stand to reason that a quadrupling of train traffic crossing Western Avenue will adversely impact emergency response times in getting citizens with life-threatening injuries and/or other health matters to critical medical care. With CN’s self-admission of a seven-fold increase in hazardous materials to be traveling through Park Forest with the proposed merger, the potential for a catastrophic hazmat incident increases proportionately. With several residential neighborhoods in close proximity to the rail tracks in our community, Park Forest respectfully requests that additional considerations be made to the equipment and staffing needs of the Park Forest Fire Department. The Village appreciates the STB’s designation that the Western Avenue rail crossing is a prime location in need of mitigative attention by CN. The D-EIS recommends and encourages mutually acceptable negotiated agreements to mitigate adverse environmental impacts should the Board approve this acquisition. Although the Village has had several meetings with Canadian National representatives, no substantive progress has been made in dealing with the most significant issues facing Park Forest. Additionally, CN has made it clear that they will only do what is absolutely required by the STB’s findings as they relate to the potential for a separated crossing of rail tracks at Western Avenue. CN has made it clear to the Village that they will not provide funding for a separated crossing at Western. Additionally, the STB suggests that CN join the Village to seek funds for a separated crossing at Western Avenue through the Department of Transportation. Why should Park Forest and, ultimately, Illinois tax payers be faced with this burden given the fact that this would not have been an issue but for the CN (a for-profit company) proposal? In our negotiations with CN, their representatives stated that their allegiance is solely to the company’s shareholders rather than being concerned about adverse impacts that might be pending to Park Forest residents, the interest group that Village Officials are bound to represent. To date, the Village still stands waiting for CN to follow up on our requests to resume negotiations related to mitigation. The D-EIS references that the proposed acquisition will include the construction of six new rail connecting tracks between existing rail lines and the EJ&E arc, one of which is at the corporate borders of Park Forest and Matteson. Park Forest can foresee two negative impacts as a result of this new track connection. First, in order to facilitate such a connection, CN will need to purchase an approximate 12-acre parcel of property currently owned by Park Forest. This parcel currently includes a commuter parking lot with a capacity for 740+ cars. The Land Use section of the D-EIS does not account for CN’s need to purchase portions, if not all, of this property to allow for constructing the connection from the east/west bound EJ&E tracks to the CN lines which travel north/south bound. In addition to the lost commuter parking, this construction will have a severe impact on the Village’s revenues from the lot, if these revenues are not altogether eliminated. The second issue Park Forest has with the proposed new connecting tracks in Park Forest/Matteson is that the concept has not been fully explored in the draft report. Park Forest, along with Matteson, will be faced with even longer delays than those reported in the D-EIS. Since train speeds will be further restricted due to the configuration of the connection, the negative impact of that slow down is not addressed in the D-EIS. Park Forest’s experience (actual video footage) will show that track speed or complete stoppage on the tracks is greatly understated in the D-EIS, as evidenced by your statements found on page ES-10 of the report, and by CN in any of their presentations being made to the unsuspecting public. The Village of Park Forest has invested a significant amount of resources (staff time and financial) to purchase a deteriorated and tax delinquent Norwood Square Shopping Center, which is immediately adjacent to the rail crossing at Western Avenue. Efforts have included the creation of a TIF district, remediation of brownfield problems, and a diligent search to find a private shopping center developer to purchase the property. Now that a private owner/developer of this property has been found, Nassimi Realty, who is committed to investing $1 million in initial improvements, and $3-5 million over time, they are reconsidering their investment in this property because of the uncertain impacts that this proposed purchase will have on their investment. This is a 129,000 square foot shopping center that has the potential to generate significant property tax and sales tax revenue for Park Forest. It could easily represent the single largest sales tax generator in the community when it is fully redeveloped and tenanted. Now, its future is uncertain unless CN is made to provide a grade-separated crossing at Western Avenue. It has been alleged that CN’s proposed acquisition will help relieve major traffic congestion and reduce environmental impacts for the aggregate Chicago-land area. Quite to the contrary, Park Forest believes the proposed acquisition merely shifts the entire congestion and environmental impact burden to the communities along the EJ&E rail arc. In particular, the numbers point to a tremendous burden being shifted to Park Forest. CN estimates that the number of trains traveling through Park Forest as a result of the proposed acquisition would increase from 8 to 32 per day – or, on average, one train every 43 minutes. The Village believes this is a conservative estimate, at best, and encourages the STB to assess longer range estimates and how much worse the adverse environmental impacts will be on the citizens of our community. Even with these conservative estimates, Park Forest stands to suffer perhaps the most severe impacts of any community along the EJ&E rail arc. CN has provided a public position that their intent is to move rail traffic as quickly as possible through communities along the EJ&E rail arc. It has been suggested that their trains will pass along these lines at rates of speed between 30 – 45 miles per hour. While this is an admirable goal to help mitigate traffic blockage and idling impacts, the next train that travels through Park Forest at such a rate of speed will be the first. Train traffic crossing Western Avenue in Park Forest averages no more than 5 – 8 MPH, at best. Additionally, trains routinely crossing through Park Forest do so at a speed of less than 5 MPH. Worse yet, it is a very routine occurrence where train traffic comes to a complete stop across Western Avenue. Please know that these details are not mere anecdotal references. The Village purchased video surveillance equipment and has documented evidence for more than a 30-day period. This video footage is readily available should it be desired by the STB. During the public comment sessions established by the STB, Village Officials convened at one gathering in particular (Matteson Holiday Inn on August 25) to provide additional feedback regarding the D-EIS. In a conversation with CN Officials on hand (Senior Manager James Kvedaras, to be specific), the question was posed by Village Elected Officials: “With a conservatively projected 400% increase in train traffic expected to impact Park Forest, what are the positives that this proposed acquisition will bring to the community?” Mr. Kvedaras’ response was evasive, at best, as he noted that “While there are no positives for Park Forest, the positives are for the region and not necessarily your community.” This was the second time that Village Officials had to listen to such a flippant response on an issue with such severe impacts on the citizenry of Park Forest. That a representative from CN, a foreign-based company with multi-billion dollar annual profits, would take such a position is unconscionable. In closing, the Village respectfully appreciates the difficult task before the STB in conducting the environmental impact study associated with this proposed acquisition. And while Park Forest may fully understand the regional benefits being sought by such a shifting of train traffic in the northeastern Illinois region, it is painfully clear that all perceived positives are direct shifts of burden onto the residents and businesses of Park Forest and the municipality’s emergency operations. The end result is a dramatically impacted quality of life for our community and a locale that is much less desirable in which to live and/or conduct business. Should you have any questions regarding this correspondence or any of the previous documentation submitted by the Village of Park Forest, please feel free to contact Village Manager Tom Mick at your convenience. He can be reached directly at 708-748-1129.
    Gary Kopycinski · Park Forest, Illinois
  1271. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13989Marilyn A. Gallagher
    The citizens of New Lenox are very concerned about the proposed acquisition of the EJ&E railroad by Canadian National (CN). The location of the rail line runs directly through the middle of thee town cutting the village in half from north to south. Blocking the rail tracks for long periods of time, which will be inevitable with the CN plan, will prevent anyone on the south side of town from getting to the hospital or receiving emergency services across town. I have a 93 year old mother-in-law who would be isolated on the wrong side of the tracks" if she needed emergency hospital services. There are many senior citizens who live in that same area that would also be affected. The new LW West High School will be located right beside the tracks. The increase in trains will cause increased air pollution that will affect students using adjacent playing fields. If CN needs to move rail congestion from Chicago, they are free to do so, by purchasing right-of-ways from farmers in rural land about 40 miles to the south of all these affected Chicago suburban communities. Of course, this will cost them additional money, but their tracks would actually be a more direct route to their distribution center in Tennessee. Most of us are having a very hard time stomaching having to bear the inconvenience, danger and disruption to our communities in order to save a foreign business some money."
  1272. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13988Heather Howland
    I am completely against the CN railway purchase. Sending this amount of rail traffic through already congested suburbs just does not make any sense. Local bodies are trying to solve congestion issues now, without this additional pressure.
    wayne, iL
  1273. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13984Kris Gurney
    I would like to stop the Canadian National Railroad from purchasing the EJ&E railroad tracks that go through Plainfield and Aurora. I frequently drive over these tracks to and from work and the added rail road traffic would be a burden on me and the community. Please Help. Thanks.
    Aurora, IL
  1274. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13981Brian Dockery
    The draft environmental environmental impact study (DEIS) fails to evaluate many criteria of the CN purchase of the EJ&E. The underlying research of the DEIS and its effect on other rail and vehicluar traffic, environmental and economic impacts should be sufficient to reject CN's proposed purchase. We should not allow this transaction to process and a foreign corporation to create many hardships with out just compensation. There are contradictory capacity conclusions in the executive summary as it relates to interference with other railroads and commuter service. By the proposed 2015 expansion date, the increase in traffic on the EJ&E rails would supposedly have no impact on tracks that cross EJ&E lines. However the appendix advises that the proposed increases unlikely to be able to accept the total number of trains that CN proposed in its operating plan". There is a failure to assess the likelihood of taxpayer investment in mitigation options. At an average cost of $35 million each, we would be looking at a minimum cost of $525 million for just the 15 crossings identified in the DEIS. The board would consider recommneing that CN pay only 5% to 50% of these costs. Whether or not local, state or federal taxing bodies would fund the remaining $250 million to $500 million is unknown. CN should not be able to increase their operations until after mitigation improvements have either been funded or been constructed. The capacity examination is based on CN’s operating plan rather than a full right of way capacity review. The US DOT estimates for increased rail traffic through the Chicago area call for an 88% increase while growth for tonnage along the EJ&E is only forcasted to grow by 2%. CN could use its right of way to add track and capacity to its lnes. It seems that the railroads are interested in maximizing growth when looking for public funding to support their industry, but want the opportunity to minimize growth projections in environmental impact studies when it better serves their interests. A valid and unbiased STB DEIS would not provide the industry or applicant with an under statement of the impact of the purchase when the reality is very different. The benefit to current CN line communities is accepted at face value when there cannot be a guarantee of reductions elsewhere. While traffic is supposed to be shifted off existing lines, there is a benefit to existing areas only if traffic indeed decreases. However, given the projected increase in overall in traffic, addition traffic on both lines would compound the current conditions rather than relieve them in some areas. There would be no benefit to those areas who under the proposed plan are supposed to see traffic reduction. The benefit to the region is accepted without proof. No shippers have come forward to guarantee that the purported cost savings they derive from CN operating efficiencies would accrue to them or the end consumer. All opponents hear is that this transaction would benefit the region and the nation The DEIS uses unsubstantiated and unsourced data in its conclusions. DEIS uses analysis and mitigation thresholds for noise and hazardous materials that are unsubstantiated and have been sharply criticized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Department of Transportation in previous Environmental Impact Studies prepared by SEA. There is an assumption that impacted communities know what can and should be mitigated and have negotiating power. The DEIS provides a broad range of mitigation possibilities without clearly indicating which measures the STB would likely impose on CN for specific levels of impact. Communities cannot negotiate results with CN individually, therefore it is clearly not in the region’s public interest to move forward with this transaction. There has been a failure to look broadly at indirect and cumulative effects. CN's aquisition of many regional railroads from 1998 to 2004 did not include environmental impact studies. It is clear that air quality assessments for this continued pattern of growth has not been reviewed. Also the issue of Homeland Security will be impacted. Since the majority of the freight will be entering North America at Prince Rupert Canada from Asia, containers will not be subject to the riggorous inspection that would occur if they entered via a US port. The fact that the origin of this freight and customs inspection processes were overlooked in the DEIS is unbelievable. There are false assurances on the proposed STAR Line. Despite the fact that various parts of the DEIS conclude that the EJ&E would reach capacity and interfere with Metra’s trains and freight trains under CN’s operating plan, in other parts of the DEIS, SEA concludes that this transaction would not preclude implementation of the STAR line (that is meant to connect suburban communities via commuter rail) but just add some “complexities.” The future assurances that would not have to be honored after the deal is approved are meaningless unless the FEIS mandates that when the STAR line is funded, CN will allow it to run on the current EJ&E rail line and give the commuter trains priority over its freight trains into perpetuity. The current Metra commuter rail service will likely be disrupted. Chapter 2 notes there are 6 at-grade crossings with Metra lines. Chapter four says there are only 4 crossings while table 4.1-4 listed 6 Metra crossings. The report notes conflicting conclusions. CN and Metra would have to work together so that CN expansion will not impact current an projected commuter rail service as CN increases traffic. Other parts the DEIS conclude that “On these line segments, there is little capacity beyond the train numbers reflected in the Applicants’ Operating Plan, for the applicants or other railroads to coordinate trackage-rights operations or to ensure non-interference of Applicants’ trains with the freight and passenger trains of other railroads crossing the EJ&E rail line at railroad/railroad crossings". Northwestern Indiana’s expansion of commuter rail service is ignored. The DEIS determined that the planned expansion of existing Northern Indiana commuter rail service “was not reasonably foreseeable” (page 4.1-49 of chapter 4) so SEA chose not to assess the impacts this transaction could have on those plans that would have commuter rails crossing the EJ&E at-grade in Griffith, Maynard, and Dyer. The expanded commuter rail service is also supported by a series of NIRPC studies and the NIRPC Board has taken a policy position to support it. It has strong support at the federal, state and local levels and the Phase I Alternatives analysis is underway and the results should become available shortly. It is wrong and unreasonable to dismiss and undercut the ongoing federally-funded feasibility study before it is completed. The list of substantially affected crossings is fatally flawed. Analyzing the effect of major increases of freight on the EJ&E and the potential for vehicular delays at grade crossings requires that numerous variables be calculated. The basic variable is the projected Average Daily Traffic (ADT) count on those roads crossing the EJ&E at grade level. Communities along the EJ&E have done their own current ADT counts and have determined in many instances that the ADT numbers that are used as SEA’s basis for projections of 2015 ADTs don’t accurately reflect the current ADTs, so they vastly undercount the ADTs these crossings can expect to experience by 2015. This is truly a situation where junk input data yielded junk results with the inevitable consequence being that the SEA list of 15 substantially impacted grade crossings in need of mitigation omits numerous other crossings up and down the EJ&E that will require equivalent levels of mitigation. The noise assessment methodology is outdated. The DEIS uses a methodology for generating noise contours and accounting for building shielding that is outdated and was used prior to the advent of high-speed personal computers. This methodology is too generalized and could result in inaccurate inclusion or exclusion of impacted homes that could require mitigation for noise impacts. In its Environmental Justice analysis, the DEIS fails to include a map showing low-income and minority homes that would be impacted by noise. Without this basic information, how can those communities even begin to negotiate with CN The life and death impacts are downplayed. If a community has limited personnel resources, an emergency response crew that is out on a call may deplete that community of EMS responders from the “right” side of the tracks if a subsequent call comes in. Compounding this problem is the fact that unlike many of the more populated areas along current CN lines, communities along the EJ&E have fewer through roads making it more difficult for first responders to travel expeditiously on alternative routes. Ultimately, if the closest medical facility is on the “wrong” side of the tracks, it doesn’t matter if both patient and ambulance started out on the “right” side of the tracks as they can’t get to the nearest medical facility. The increased risk of hazardous material spills are minimized. SEA should have analyzed the extent to which the current rail lines that now carry much of this hazardous cargo moved through the region by CN is through terrain that is qualitatively different from the topography surrounding the EJ&E. Unlike communities along current CN lines that enjoy access to Lake Michigan drinking water, many of the collar communities along the EJ&E depend upon a shallow aquifer system to supply 100% of their drinking water. Many of the areas along the EJ&E line are environmentally sensitive areas that would make a hazmat spill difficult to clean up expeditiously as it is surrounded by wetlands, lakes, and marshes. The type of land that abuts the EJ&E in areas would make it exceedingly difficult for a hazmat cleanup crew to access and operate in when addressing an emergency. The disastrous reality of what communities along the EJ&E could experience if a train derailed and resulted in a hazmat spill cannot be overstated. With a huge increase in freight volume as well as an increase in hazardous cargo loads, this risk is very real. Increased transport of hazardous materials is compounded by CN’s deplorable. The residential housing impacts are ignored. Although the DEIS admits that “some homes within 250 feet of a rail line with 20 additional trains could experience a decrease in property value” it concluded that this would have “only minor, negligible effects” if the transaction were to be approved. There is no attempt by SEA to actually determine how many homes along the EJ&E are within 250 feet of the line and then calculate the potential property value loss in any way, so it is hard to understand how SEA came to the conclusion that it is a non-issue. This is particularly problematic given the state of today’s housing market and the fact that much of the residential growth along the EJ&E has been recent. An August 2008 Zillow real estate study in the greater Chicagoland market said that about a third of all homes sold in 2006 and 2007 in the Chicago area are now financially "under water," meaning their owners have negative equity in the property. How many homes along the EJ&E will become negative equity situations if their values drop by a significant percentage? That the DEIS fails to take a hard look at this possibility when the federal government is enacting expensive programs to prevent home foreclosures is unacceptable. The regional business impacts are ignored. The DEIS concludes that the only jobs impact – direct, indirect or induced – would be in the rail industry, and that the 280 rail job losses would minimally impact the greater Chicagoland economy. This overly narrow focus on business impacts completely ignores the business and job losses that will likely occur in communities along the EJ&E. If consumers cannot easily get to their local businesses, these businesses will close in the communities adjacent to the EJ&E with only those having the financial resources having an option to relocate to other areas. This will decimate the sales tax base of impacted communities and create commercial ghost towns along the EJ&E. This analysis omission must be addressed and rectified in the FEIS. The local tax base harms are ignored. The fiscal health of the communities located along the EJ&E is based on revenues derived from property and sales taxes. That revenue is used to support school districts and maintain first responder capabilities in the region. The failure of the DEIS to calculate the ripple effect harms from a reduction in local business activity and property values, and then assess how that will harm the tax bases of these localities will have long-term consequences for the people who live in these communities now and for generations to come. The DEIS is wholly inadequate in examining the socioeconomic consequences that are likely to occur along the EJ&E if this transaction is approved. Contradictory data is used for air quality analysis. The Operational Air Emissions Methodology indicates that the DEIS provides two sets of emissions estimates. One is based on the original, published fuel use estimates (referred to as the “original estimates” throughout the DEIS) and the other is based on supplemented fuel use information submitted by CN in its May 23, 2008 filing (referred to as “revised estimates”.) The DEIS also states that “SEA used the General Conformity emissions thresholds (100 tons/year for all affected pollutants)” (p. 4.9-1). The DEIS also acknowledges that NOx is the “criteria pollutant of greatest concern with respect to the Proposed Action” (p. 4.9-10). For NOx the increase net change in emissions based on original estimates is 374.1 tons/yr (Table 4.9-11), which could pose a barrier to metropolitan Chicago’s efforts to achieve federally required air quality standards. The revised estimates reduce this number to 95.8 tons/yr (Table 4.9-12). The May 23, 2008 CN letter contains an exhibit with data that indicates a much lower change in operational fuel usage than previous estimates, but these numbers are not substantiated to the degree that the original estimates were by Exhibit C in the CN’s February 15, 2008 filing. In the May 23, 2008 filing, brief qualitative assumptions are provided to explain the changes, but no data is provided to verify the validity of the revised fuel use information. It could be construed that this change was made by CN to alleviate a major air quality roadblock to approving the transaction. In addition, the apparent assumption in the revised fuel data is that there would be no change in fuel used for EJ&E and other trains using EJ&E rail line as a result of the proposed action (CN filing from May 23, 2008). From the way that the fuel consumption is categorized by CN, it is apparent that the DEIS uses decreased idling time (of both CN and other trains) on CN and other lines to reduce the amount of fuel used. However, the data provided by CN – and consequently used in the DEIS for fuel consumption and air quality analysis – fails to provide an accounting for changes in fuel consumption that would result from changes in idling time by EJ&E and other trains on EJ&E lines. Based on the delay information presented in the Rail Operations segment of the DEIS it would seem that delay on EJ&E lines would increase for both EJ&E and other trains thus increasing their fuel use and air emissions. There is increased fuel usage and climate change effects. The DEIS includes both “original” and “revised” estimates for fuel use and states that an additional 723,684 gallons of fuel (or 2,569,889 gallons under the original estimate) would be used under CN’s proposed action in the year 2015. Contrast this with the CN claims of the project improving fuel use efficiency in the Chicago area. The reality is somewhat different. All this extra fuel consumption leads to emissions of greenhouse gases, a subject that is given short shrift in the DEIS. The DEIS seems to question whether human sources of green house gases are really much of a concern. It states that there are many other factors affecting climate change and that CO2 is a minor contributor to the greenhouse effect in comparison to water vapor and clouds. SEA’s dismissive approach to climate change is out-of-date and out of step with the position of the U.S. Government and overwhelming, worldwide scientific consensus. President George W. Bush recently pronounced that “the United States takes this issue seriously” and would be supporting the goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 50 percent by 2050. The DEIS fails to analyze the cumulative effects of greenhouse gas emissions, despite many recent court decisions directing agencies to prepare such analyses as part of EISs. Please do not allow this transaction to go forward as you pass many burdens from a large foreign corporate body to our federal and state governments. CN cannot provide a large enough amount of mitigation to the offset the economic hardship they will create."
  1275. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13980Julie Hannon
    I am AGAINST the proposed sale of the EJ & E rail line to Canadian National. I think it will have a negative impact on our community in the form of more traffic backup at rail crossings, reduced response time from emergency vehicles, disruption of reliable, ontime bussing and transportation of our students, and noise. I live near the rail lines and this would negatively affect my family. Thank you for considering each citizens' thoughts on this matter.
    Naperville, IL
  1276. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13979Stephanie Pestrak
    Please consider the extremely detrimental impact to the neighboring communities by the CN proposed acquistion of the EJ&E. Within the Barrington area alone, valid concerns expressed by the anticipated significant increaseed rail traffic and resulting noise and pollution: - homeowners living near rail lines anticipating the need to walk away from their homes without a sale if they have a need to move, - a business owner anticipating paralyzing traffic gridlock already abandoning their business near the train line and relocating away from the town - many residents seriously concerned their families may not receive medical care in a timely manner needed to save lives To sustain viable, healthy communities, reasonable access to basic and life saving services for residents, visitors and businesses is critical. The amount of initial and potential increased traffic that would occur through CN's acquisition would pose a severe threat to this access and the livelihood of its citizens. Sincerely, Stephanie Pestrak 108 E. Hillside Ave. Barrington, IL 60010
    Barrington, IL
  1277. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13978Erik Slowik
    The value of my house has already taken a huge hit with the economy and now you want to cut off my access to businesses (especially grocery shopping) on IL Route 59 effectively quarantining my family to a strictly residential side of town with limited resources. Passage of this legislation will destroy the already diminished value of my house. I am all for progress, but not when it will have such a detrimental effect on the town of Plainfield Illinois. THIS CANNNOT HAPPEN. Erik Slowik Plainfield IL Resident (West of EJE Tracks on 135h Street)
    Plainfield, Ilinois
  1278. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13977Jennifer Arendt
    CN'S PROPOSED ACQUISITION OF THE EJ&E IS A NET REGIONAL NEGATIVE. Please don't let CN make our region a freight superhighway - please.
    Fox River Grove, Illinois
  1279. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13975John Puhr
    Please reject CN's acquisition of the EJ&E tracks. Our area does not have the infrastructure to support what CN proposes and the acquisition would devastate property values which are the tax base for the School District U-46, the second largest school district in Illinois outside of Chicago. Also, reading in the Chicago Tribune today, Chicago and the surrounding counties include those through which the EJ&E pass are currently listed by the EPA as having the most toxic air in the country (http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-pollution-risk-29-sep29,0,4323308. story). Where CN permitted to proceed with its acquisition, the forest preserves which are on the periphery of Cook County which are green spaces that at least offset some of the toxicity would be directly impacted, between a 400% increase in rail traffic on EJ&E and additional rail traffic on the trackage in Chicago which would take over CN's usage, this becomes an environmental disaster. With all the decades when the area near the EJ&E could have been designated a non-residentail zone having come and gone and the housing and financial markets in meltdown, the CN acquisition would have an extremely negative impact on individual familes who are struggling to stay afloat in these very trying times, and in the case of my family, having lived in Chicago until 10 years ago, moved to get away from just such environmental concerns as Chicago and CN now want to inflict on our new home. I had lived near Midway and O'Hare airports with their nearby railyrards so find it nightmarish that after moving to get away from the air pollution and noise that it would be allowed to relocated directly next to our family once again. Chicago and CN need to develop a real solution to rail congestion rather without foisting the problem they cannot solve on other cities, towns, and villages they will have their environments ruined and wreck the tax bases which help keep schools supporting large numbers of lower income families operating.
    Hoffman Estates, IL
  1280. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13974Lee Bridgett
    I live 1/2 mile away from the railroad on Odgen Rd., it causes a big traffic jam every time a the gates go down for a train. The traffic backs up to my subdivision and then the intersection gets blocked with cars. There is no place for emergency vehicles to get through the traffic jam if they needed to, it's a nightmare. Also the trains sound their horns going through the crossings at all hours of the night, it's very hard to get a good nights sleep. If the crossings already have lights and crossing arms why do the trains need to sound their horns? Please do not allow CN to buy up the railways and send MORE trains into the suburbs. Thank you.
    Aurora, IL
  1281. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13969Gregg Markmann
    Dear Ms. Phillis Johnson-Ball, I am writing as a private citizen to voice my opposition to CN railroad purchase of the EJ&E. I know I represent every American taxpayer, already overburdened, as I oppose having to pay for ANY costly remedies which will be present if this controversial purchase goes through. The U.S. is in dire economic trouble as evidenced through the current meltdown in the stock market, and the complete lockdown of the credit markets! The U.S. taxpayers simply cannot be expected to foot the HUGE bill for remedy and mitigation that CN railroad refuses to pay. I find it appalling that CN would expect American taxpayers to foot the bill for their own benifit!! This foreign entity will cost AMERICAN JOBS with this purchase, while at the same time sucking American tax dollars for railroad route improvements that would be needed. PLEASE, you, the members of the Surface Transportation Board are American taxpayers just like the rest of us, and it would simply be wrong to have us shoulder this large financial burden to the benifit of a very profitable foreign company! And yes, this purchase will most DEFINITELY have a very negative impact on the communities along its path. It will very much have a Berlin Wall" effect, splitting in half, town after town, and will have negative financial consequences in all of these towns, notably retail, resedential, commercial,and EMERGENCY services, all of which will be cut off from one another with unacceptably limited road access due to rail traffic. I know I speak for tens of thousands of taxpayers along this corridor as I plead with you to examine these issues very closely. Plain and Simple, this proposed purchase is a bad deal, which if forced upon us, we will regret as a large population, for generations to come. Thank you for reading my comments. Respectfully, Gregg Markmann 11522 Anise Drive Frankfort, Il. 60423 RE: STB FINANCE DOCKET # 35087"
  1282. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13967Eileen Diercks
    I am writing to express my concerns about the impending purchase of the EJ&E railroad lines by the Canadian National Railway. My concerns are: there will be many more trains going through our village, longer trains will cause major traffic congestion and tie ups (we already have traffic back ups without having more and longer trains causing bigger back ups), the safety of our citizenry will be jeopardized as people move through and about our community due to more and longer trains, the village will be cut into small segments leaving only one major access route through the village as Plainfield has only one split grade crossing with about 13 other crossings being at the street level,and Plainfield is a crossroads of State Route 59, State Route 126 and U.S. Route 30, a big financial burden would be placed on our community and other communities in the area to try to build more split grade crossings to make the crossings safer (we cannot afford the kind of expenditure needed to make these crossings above grade level), emergency vehicles will have difficulty getting through the village in a timely manner,thus, jeopardizing the safety and health and welfare of people in our community, the traffic problems of Cook County will be moved to Will County communities that are not prepared to handle the kind of transportation problems which this sale would create (Cook County communities already have safeguards in place for this train traffic and now Canadian National is trying to move the train traffic to Will County which will create many more problems. I see major problems with this sale, and, thus far, I do not perceive that the Canadian National Railroad is willing to help the affected communities pay for split grade crossings or other measures to ensure the safety of the citizenry affected. For these major reasons I urge the Surface Transportation Board to reject the sale of the EJ&E tracks to the Canadian National Railroad. Thank you for reading my comments. Eileen Diercks
    Plainfield, Illinois
  1283. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13964Lisa Rothman
    I am opposed to CN buying the E & J rail line for the following reasons:1) This area is already congested with traffic, I would like to see CN offer ALOT of money to pay for a bypass 2)Emergency Response vehicles will be delayed(that could really be a life or death situation 3)I have a student who travels on the Barrington bus system, whose travel time could be extended 4)train accidents, with something like a 400% increase in the amounts of trains in the area, there are bound to be more fatal catastrophes. Thank you for listening.
    Barrington, Illinois
  1284. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13962Ken Stryczek
    I am an Opponent of CN's proposed acquisition of the EJ&E. We do not want additonal train trafic running through our community
    Barrington, Illinois
  1285. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13960Rachel Cook
    See attached document.
    Barrington, IL
  1286. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13958Rory Crouch
    Dear Ms. Johnson-Ball, To understand just one of the dozens of problems associated with this transaction, please watch a short video on You Tube. When at You Tube, please type in Fight Rail in the search box. It's the first video (has a black screen) that comes up. This is just one of four at grade crossings in my town. If the STB approves this deal, all four crossings could easily be blocked at one time. The poor soul who's on the otherside of those tracks waiting for the EMS is dying and there's nothing that can be done about it. How can this be right??? There are no direct benefits for me or anyone in my town if you approve this. Shifting the rail problems in Chicago from one area to another without fixing them doesn't make ANY sense. Why are we supposed to be paying for this??? What about CN??? Mr. Harrison has said publicly they'll pay $30 to $40 million for mitigation. That's not enough to pay for changing one crossing, let alone the 15 recommended in the DEIS. Again, how can this be right? Please say no to CN. It's time we start taking care of our citizens. Thanks, Rory Crouch
    Barrington, IL
  1287. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13956David and Sharon Shambaugh
    We are submitting these comments to express our strong opposition to the purchase of the Elgin, Joliet and Eastern Railway Company (EJ&E) by the Canadian National Railroad Company. If this purchase is allowed to take place, the increased daily train activity will have a negative impact on the City of Aurora’s quality of life and economic development. As it is, our family is currently awakened between 1:00 a.m. and dawn by the rumble and warning horns of numerous trains traversing their route - we have sometimes counted four or five trains a night. Adding more train traffic will be very unwelcome and will adversely affect community safety, traffic and property values. Grade crossing mitigation will be enormously expensive and a large burden to us - the local taxpayers. We respectfully request that the proposed purchase be denied. Thank you.
    Aurora, IL
  1288. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13952Jan Hewitt
    The Draft EIS was flawed. You can not possibly approve this sale without having based your study on correct data. Some examples: Unsubstantiated and Unsourced Data: If an environmental impact study is meant to provide interested members of the public, the STB Board, and regulatory agencies with the details necessary to be fully informed of the environmental impacts, this DEIS fails completely. The DEIS is filled with unsubstantiated claims based on unsourced data. As an example, the DEIS uses analysis and mitigation thresholds for noise and hazardous materials that are unsubstantiated and have been sharply criticized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Department of Transportation in previous Environmental Impact Studies prepared by SEA. The public perception of validity for this DEIS must be based on an acceptable level of data validity and transparency. In this document, these characteristics are spotty at best. You must not approve this acquistion without resolving these issues! Thank you for your consideration. Jan Hewitt
    Wayne, IL
  1289. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13951Deirdre Crouch
    Dear Ms. Johnson-Ball, As we all know, the Federal Government is currently asking the American taxpayer for $700 billion to avoid a further meltdown" of our economic system. There are so many factors and factions of blame that got us into this nightmare that pointing fingers at this point accomplishes nothing. However, the Federal Goverment asking the American taxpayer to potentially subsidize the mitigation costs for the benefit of a foreign corporation is simply wrong. How can you let this happen? Please recommend to Chairman Nottingham, Vice Chairman Mulvey and Board Member Buttrey to say no this transaction. We have an opportunity here to stop "piling on" the taxpayer, let's not blow it. Thank you. Sincerely, Deirdre Crouch"
  1290. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13949Belle Veerapaneni
    no comments attached
    Frankfort, IL
  1291. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13948Daniel Naranjo
    I am pleading that that the STB reject the planned acquisition of the EJ&E Railroad by CN due to the significant impact this acquistion is sure to have on the safety of our community, as well as the health and well-being of our citizens. CN's acquisition of the EJ&E would ONLY benefit CN at the expense of tax-paying residents who moved to Barrington for its quiet and safe streets. With CN running 20+ trains daily through, at a minimum, three major arteries in our town, our children's lives are put at risk (since there are school crossings along the entire line), and the flow of traffic in and through Barrington will be completely CHOKED -thereby causing businesses to suffer. Additionally, such an increase in train traffic will surely increase the pollutants in the air around the Barrington area - affecting the quality of the air our children breathe. I decided to move to Barrington to afford my children (2 and 2 on the way) the best I possibly can offer them. CN's sole purpose and end for acquiring the EJ&E is GREED. Should the STB accept the acquisition by CN, the message would be clear: STB cares not about citizens but about business and industry . . . AT ANY COST. PLEASE consider both the environmental and safety concerns of our residents and make the right decision. REJECT the proposed acquisition. Thank you for your attention and consideration in this matter. Sincerely, Daniel Naranjo
    Barrington, Illinois
  1292. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13946Kenneth Roof
    As a bus driver for First Student, serving the Plainfield School District 202 of Illinois, I find it rather disturbing that anyone would foolishly approve the purchase of EJ&E by CN. The impact of increasing mean number of trains from 16 per day to 42 trains per day (ref: Tom Cross September 11, 2008 letter) would cause unimaginable delays in getting students to school in a timely manner. The impact would force drivers to anticipate a 10,000 foot train, creating a hazardous environment. In addition, idling diesel engines would increase by approximately 3 times what we already must idle. This is just the incidences. With essentially 2-mile trains, the increase would be closer to 12-times more exhaust; in an era where we are trying to reduce the emissions. The Traffic in Chicago may be reduced, but outrageously increased in the collar counties and suburbs.
    Joliet, IL
  1293. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13944Peter Crouch
    Dear Ms. Johnson-Ball, While researching the Canadian National Railway purchase of E.J.&E. Railway (Finance Docket No. 35087) and reading the Surface Transportation Board’s Draft Environmental Impact Statement, I found some very disturbing facts. Almost every point the DEIS considers a benefit for moving the trains off the existing line, is countered in the next sentence by an adverse impact to the new freight line. More accidents, more pollution, more congestion, more vibration, more noise, more…more…more. Proponents of the transaction talk about how the sale will benefit their communities simply because CN’s problems will be moved somewhere else. Less accidents, less noise, less congestion, less delay all as a result of less train traffic. Why even Tony Arredia, the Mayor of Des Plaines, Illinois agrees. Here is an excerpt from an August 28, 2008 article in the Daily Herald. Des Plaines Mayor Tony Arredia asked CN officials to attend next week's Des Plaines city council meeting and give a brief presentation on the plan to buy the Elgin, Joliet & Eastern Railway Co. He made the request Tuesday when he arrived early to a Mundelein meeting about the proposed sale. Two CN public affairs officials plan to attend the council meeting Tuesday at city hall, 1420 Miner St., Arredia said. The mayor asked for a 5-minute presentation, so the railroad seized the opportunity, CN spokesman Jim Kvedaras said. We're happy to oblige," he said. Arredia backs the deal that he says will bring relief to his suburb, which has more than 30 railroad crossings. The constant trains rolling through Des Plaines "cause havoc among our police, fire and ambulance services," Arredia said. It’s NOT a coincidence he feels this way. His town will be one of the “winners” if the STB approves this transaction. To read the full article, please click on this attachment. http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=230728 We currently have two candidates running for President who allegedly are all about “change.” Whether you agree or disagree with their politics is not the point. This is; the STB is knowingly going to take a very bad situation and simply transfer it somewhere else. Combine all of these negative impacts together, include the fact the U.S. Government and citizenry do not have funds available to pay for mitigation, and then answer this question. How can this be considered the right thing to do? To see the reality of a truly life and death situation, click on this You Tube attachment and PLEASE watch this short video. Imagine yourself on the other side of those train tracks…. waiting for the EMS team.…and they can’t reach you. Imagine. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GiuXhEKPBog Again, is this the right thing to do? Thank you for your time and consideration. Sincerely, Peter Crouch"
  1294. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13942Mark Stockley
    I strongly oppose the acquistion EJ&E railroad by Canadian National. This will cause major traffic jam throughout Plainfield and other southeast suburbs. It will make it nearly impossible to get into or out of Plainfield area during morning and evening commutes as well as affect our children's commute to school. Our children have a long enough commute on the bus without adding wait times for excessively long train traffic. Please don't let this happen.
    Plainfield, IL
  1295. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13940glen gray
    Please do not allow the purchase of the railroad.
    new lenox, IL
  1296. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13938Jan Hewitt
    I am a resident of Illinois, and strongly object to CN's Proposed Action, and will be drastically harmed thereby. I strongly object to CN plans for acquistion of the EJ&E. I live in the town of Wayne. My property is located in a triangle bordered by three sets of railroad tracks. In the event of an emergency, emergency response units would not be able to enter or exit this area. The traffic congestion and subsequent pollution caused by delayed vehicles will harm the environment and the people that live in this community. The tracks and crossing here are in need of improvement. The village budget, can not cover the cost. It is unthinkable that a company as wealthy as CN and it's executives expect the communities bordering the rail to pay for these repairs. Our community will be devasted by this sale. Unhappy homeowners will have no choice but leave because of higher taxes, less safety, and a poor environment. Wayne will become a ghost town. I beg of you to do everything in your power to stop this sale. Thank you. Jan Hewitt"
  1297. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13936Tim Kramer
    This video of the train going through our small town seperating people from the emergency service is shocking. Please view this video of what happened in our town. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GiuXhEKPBog Knowing this could happen will always be on my mind when I see a freight train going through town.
    Barrington, IL
  1298. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13935Jaber, Paula
  1299. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13934Jane Horodeck
    RE: STB Finance Docket No. 35087 Ms. Phillis Johnson-Ball: As a resident of a community that will be greatly harmed by the increased number of freight trains that would operate through the area if Canadian National Railway (CN) is allowed to purchase the Elgin, Joliet &Eastern Railway Company (EJ&E) rail line, I urge you to deny the CN’s request to purchase this rail line for the following important reason: * stability and safety of the KinderMorgan gas pipelines and Enbridge Energy crude oil pipelines The proposed acquisition would increase the gross tons of freight that moves through the City from the current rate of 14,397 tons per day to 184,969 tons per day. This is an increase of 170,572 tons per day. The increased tonnage combined with the increased volume of trains will create strong and persistent vibrations that will constitute a nuisance and a danger to homes and other buildings near the EJ&E rail line. I do not believe that the DEI identifies nor addresses the above issue. I am very concerned that my community will face significant hardships by the huge increase in train traffic, including major economic losses, extensive traffic gridlock, harm to wildlife and the environment, severe reduction in emergency response times, and huge increases in noise and vibration from the trains. Please take these concerns into consideration and deny the CN’s request to buy the EJ&E line.
    Aurora, Illinois
  1300. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13932Riverside Public Schools
    Berdelle, Cheryl M.
  1301. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13931emma denzel
    I feel this would be a very negative thing for the citizens of Barrington because of congestion and problems with timing of the Fire and Police Dept when needed.
    barrington, IL
  1302. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13929poplar creek citizens
    the cn aquisition of ej&e is a disaster for the communities involved if anything this rail way should be used for commuter use to preserve the areas involved.
    clark chiddister · elgin, il
  1303. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13927Seetha Sundaram
    The worst impact of the proposed CN acquisition of the EJ&E line would be to the children, sick people and the elderly. Not to mention the various safety issues which should be very obvious to all, the additional time involved in crossing the rail tracks will be a major hazard for all with absolutely no benefit to any of the residents. The children will have to spend additional time on the bus waiting for the multitude of trains - each lasting at least 5 minutes. The emergency vehicles will take longer to reach. When there was a fire in our neighborhood a few months ago, the fire department took 14 minutes to come to the scene for various reasons including train crossing. This is when there is just 4-6 trains per day. One can only imagine the delays when there is gong to be 5 times as much. It is more important to put people and their needs first.
    Hoffman Estates, IL
  1304. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13925Rosemary Trivelli
    As our country is working towards finding a solution to our economic crisis because short term profits superceded public good- we must listen to local communities who express real concerns for their future. Should CN be allowed to purchase the EJ&E railroad, our community among many others will suffer. Our town will literally be cut in hald, without emergency access and long traffic lines will ensue with increased railway traffic. many of our concerns and issues are never fully explained by ther CN representatives that attend our many local meetings, such as their current safety records or long term safety planning and their lack of written commitments to Metra and other impacted communities. CN projected proposals do not fully explain the long term responsibility they will commit to and our fear is that once again the burden will fall on us. PLease help and pass HR6707- public interest shows that more harm will result from this transation than the transportation benefits
    Wayne, IL
  1305. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13922Joan Burny
    I am against the CN purchse of the EJ&E railway. I would be detrimental to the entire community
    Barrington, IL
  1306. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13920Dr Diane Powers
    Bith my husband and I want to be on record that we do not want the the congestion that the buy out" will bring. If the purchase occurs, the new r/r MUST PAY for the 3-4 bridges that will be needed to avoid the congestion."
  1307. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13916Kathy Wiercinski
    Opponents of Canadian National's proposed acquisition of the EJ&E experienced a setback on Saturday when HR 6707 failed to receive the 2/3 super-majority vote that was needed for the bill to pass the House of Representatives. Unfortunately, because of the rules of debate, this majority vote was not sufficient to secure passage. While we are disappointed that 175 Members of Congress felt that the special interests of Big Rail outweighed the interests of Main Street Americans, the STB did have the option to reject transactions of this type if the negative community impacts outweigh transportation benefits. SO, THE REGION NEEDS TO MAKE SURE THAT THE STB KNOWS – WITHOUT DOUBT – THAT CN'S PROPOSED ACQUISITION OF THE EJ&E IS A NET REGIONAL NEGATIVE. Our transportation is going to grind to a halt if CN is allowed to purchase the EJ&E. Many towns along this line already experience tremendous traffic issues. Barrington, IL being one because it affect me personally. Another issue, the EJ&E backs up to our subdivision, Chapel Creek, and at one point the rail line is higher than the homes. Kids play on these tracks and throw rocks at the trains and we are concerned what might happen. We call the police constantly and finally got some signs posted. It really doesn't mean too much because they will probably pull them down as they have in the past. Please support the people and help us in the fight against the EJ&E purchase.
    Elgin, IL
  1308. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13914John McLinn
    We feel that the E J and E merger with Canadian National Railroad requires serious contemplation, considering it will set precedent for future comperable rail mergers. We believe local communities and the economic and environmental impact needs in depth evaluation. We also feel the lions share of the mitigation should be born by the concern that will benefit. Equally of concern is the business American ports and railroads stand to loose to a foreign entity as a result of this merger, as we fear imports will be taken away from our own American firms. Whom already provide 2 day better service than CN does. Please reject this merger, or require full mitigation. Also please find attached an article for consideration of a new Heartland Fast Freight System, which (should we spend any public funds)be considered as a real solution to a larger national freight flow problem. Thank you again.
    Hoffman Estates, Illinois
  1309. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13913dean zoumboulis
    please stop cn rail from taking over our community my children are scared because of everyone talking on this subject now at night when the trains come thru they cry..........
    wayne, IL
  1310. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13911Pat Fisher
    I am against CN's acquisition of the EJ & E. Our already congested roads will become even more slow. Thoughout the community of Barrington the increased train traffic will prevent me and other from frequenting local businesses. This aquisition is detrimental to our local community. Do not allow it to happen.
    Inverness, Il
  1311. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13910Brian Hart
    Dear Ms. Ball, I am writing to again express my grave concerns regarding the potential negative environmental effects if Canadian National Railroad is permitted to acquire the Elgin, Joliet and Eastern rail spur that cuts through my community. I have written previously discussing noise, pollution and public safety, and now I need to add my concern about safety mitigation. CN has pledged a completely inadequate $40 million in contributions to fund crossing safety and overpasses. This amount will not cover one single overpass, and there are 131 crossings on the EJE. The onus for keeping our communities safe will fall to the taxpayers in our towns and to state budgets. The current financial distress facing our communities is very significant. Loss of home sale and retail revenue are choking our community finances. The cost of enhancing crossing safety will be borne by the people benefitting the least from this transaction- CN pays no taxes to our communities, and the benefit of utilizing a ONE TRACK spur will prove to be completely inadequate as freight volumes double by 2021. We will experience more dangerous crossings unless we decide to forego other critical community needs. This deal faces a very unfair burden on us, as well as a whole host of negative environmental impacts. I implore you to stop this irresponsible transaction! Sincerely, Brian Hart Father of wwo children attending a school with the EJE racing adjacent to the playground!
    Lake Zurich, IL
  1312. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13908Sally A. Stovall
    Please refer to STB FINANCE DOCKET No. 35087. To Whom This May Concern: As a resident of the general area that would be affected by the purchase of the EJ&E West line by CN, I would like to request certains points be seriously considered, researched and analyzed. A) The line crosses heavily travelled Rte 34/Ogden Ave in the Naperville/Auora area. The increased # of trains would cause not only unimaginable traffic delays, but the circumstances for untold accidents and deaths. (please be sure to research the number of incidents on a yearly basis for the last 15 years as traffic has increased) B) The tracks go through densely populated areas of well valued homes. The loss of value due to the dramatic increase in traffic, should not have to be born by the home owners who are already suffering from too much value loss due to the mtg lending debacle. The noise, etc. will require sound proofing, foundation/wall enforcement, etc., on top of the effect of desirability of the location. C) Due to the location of hte tracks, the safety of the children in these residential areas will be much more threatening. These are areas that the children currently can carefreely walk to a friends home, to any of numerous schools in close proximity, and/or the park. A dramatic increase in train traffic will present many more opportunities for children to be at substantially greater risk not only of the train, but the type of people that could be riding" the trains. C)Could the increased train traffic cause a dramtic increase in vibrations to the soil and land around it to threaten the foundations of any building along the track? Those buildings were not designed to sustain the frequency and depth to which they will be inflicted. D) Last but not least, IF by chance this is allowed to happen. Please require CN to be held financially responsible to #1) build above or below ground path in the appropriate areas to prevent the issues of Traffic impact, residential loss-in-value due to noise, traffic congestion and safety, increased child safety, building foundation impact. #2) Not only should these modifications to the track be required, but those citizens who will be impacted by this should receive fair and just compensation for any possible loss in value, cost of repairs for any damage to their buildings and/or foundations (for the next 30-40 years)as well as costs to re-inforce or rebuild such foundation to prevent further damage and/or deteriorization, as well as to prevent noise pollution, etc. #3) Additionally, CN should be responsible for payment of costs for any needed changes to school buildings, (or any other private/public buildings/services in the area), or property due to increased noise, access difficulty, safety issues, possible physical damage, etc. #4) I would suggest an additional requirement of an annual review of what effects have occurred, been reported and/or discovered and a determination if additional compensation or costs should be paid by CN to the appropriate persons or entity. E) I request that this purchase not be allowed to take place unless any/all persons, entities and property can be shown to suffer no negative impact, or the railroad will be held responsible (financially and otherwise) for the a) prevention, b) repairs and/or c) compensation of any negative impact. Thank you for your consideration. Kind Regards, Sally A. Stovall 1501 Applegate Dr. Naperville, IL 60565"
  1313. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13906Shawn Jenkins
    Please see the attached letter re: CN proposed purchase of the EJ&E line
    Barrington, IL
  1314. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13904Renette Frank
    I don't want any more trains going through Frankfort then there already are....very concerned about emergency vehicles reaching my neighborhood!
    Frankfort, Illinois
  1315. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13902Jonathan Shack
    I strongly support the Canadian National's proposal to reroute freight rail traffic for several reasons. Two are: The roads in the areas in and near the city are already very congested. freight trains stopping traffic at all time of day extreemly exasterbate that even to the point where traffic is running down our side streets. The second point is that since traffic is so congested in these areas Canadian National feels they have to blow their horns the whole way through. Both of these issues would not be as much of a problem in the areas that trains would be rerouted too.
    Riverside, IL
  1316. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13901Bob Green
    Due to all the problems this acquisition would cause to the area that I live in and the fact that CN expects the tax payers to pay 95% of the cost of mitigation, which to me is like a bail out of a foreign company,at a time when we the tax payers have to bail out our financial institutions just so our economy might not collapse, I think this whole idea should be scrapped.
    Mokena, IL.
  1317. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13899Kathryn Halka
    I am against the proposed sale of EJ&E to CN. The safety issues of the community MUST be put before profit on any corporation. For the safety of all of the residents, I urge you and the STB Board to refuse CN's request to purchase EJ&E Railways.
    Barrington, Il
  1318. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13897inger burrows
    I have already commented a couple of times on the proposed sale of the EJ&E Railway to CN (Canadian National Railway Company). However, I'm getting more and more disturbed by the high handed manner of CN as well as their bully tactics. Since when can a foreign entity sue the US government? Can a foreign entity sue in order to hurry up a questionable transaction when the deadline doesn't suit them and to try to forego the environmental study????? Isn't that like putting the cart before the horse? Does this mean that any foreign company can do the same? And be heard in court??? How can other communities (those who already have CN going through their towns and villages) vote to have this problem moved to other towns and villages and therefore put the onus on the latter to defend themselves???? This means that the problem will just be shifted. Note that where CN is now in Chicagoland there are numerous separations between roads and the trains. No such viaducts exist in Barrington and other areas that would be affected by CN buying EJ&E. There are numerous potential disasters in the making if this deal goes through. Barrington will be cut in half with emergency services located in the southern part of town and the nearest hospital north of town. The whole disastrous traffic situation has already been pointed out by numerous entities. It will mean gridlock in Barrington and decline of businesses in town on both side/s/ of the tracks. Noise pollution is another problem that will grow 20- or more fold. The most serious consequence, however, is the possibility of derailments with possible hazardous spills. Not only does the railway pass within a short distance away from schools, old peoples homes, the library, the shopping district and subdivisions but the rail also bisects Cuba Marsh and crosses Flint Creek.the Marsh" and "Creek" are critical here. Barrington and the surrounding areas solely depends on its water supply from the shallow acquafiers (Marsh and Creek, e.g.). A chemical spill (never mind possible explosions and fires) could poison the water supply for years and years. We have NO OTHER source of water. A derailment or leakage could turn this thriving community into a wasteland. CN does not have a good reputation on safety. There have been numerous problems with accidents and such documented. Why would our government offer these towns and villages as "cannon fodder" for an entity that only is looking at making more profit. Profit that would come by riding roughshod over entire towns and villages? Please consider what hardworking, law abiding citizens need and don't put the wishes and desires of a foreign entity first. I look forward to a decision that makes sense on this important issue, which should be for the people and not buckling under to the business plans of a foreign entity. Thank you! Inger Burrows"
  1319. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13896William Peterson
    My concerns regarding the proposed CN purchase of the EJ&E rail line are with respect to the obvious effect on public safety regarding police, fire and EMT response to calls generated by persons in dire need. A second concern is concerning the negative and polluting effect of hazmat spills on the well supply of homeowners such as myself in the immediate proximity of the railline. A final issue is that the offer of CN to pay $40 million for grade crossing improvements for the 80+ critical crossings is outrageous.
    Elgin, IL
  1320. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13893Kenneth Czerwinski
    I am vehemently opposed to CN's proposed acquisition of the EJ&E. I’m very concerned with effects on traffic, safety to the community, effect of Metra capacity, first responder issues, economic issues and environmental issues.
    Plainfield, IL
  1321. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13886Chris Pappas
    RE: STB Finance Docket No. 35087 See attachment to oppose the acquisition of the EJ&E Railroad Line by Canadian National.
    Lake Zurich, IL
  1322. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13881Mi-Jack Products Inc.
    Attached is my comments, and comments from Bob Haberkorn, the Vice President of Sales and Marketing of QSales and Leasing.
    Jack Lanigan Sr. · Hazel Crest, IL
  1323. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13863Deanna Brown
    I am totally against the Canadian National Railway's proposed acquisition of the Elgin, Joliet & Eastern Railway (EJ&E) line. In our location, the number of railroad trains would increase three times what we have now. For school buses traveling to and from school, it would be a hardship on travel time for all concerned as well as the local people who have to travel to their workplace. PLEASE do not allow this sale to take place.
    Romeoville, IL
  1324. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13861Greg Bach
    I do not want rail congestion during the daylight hours in Barrington. Please either block the Canadians or manage their usage of the rails.
    Lake Barrington, IL
  1325. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13860mike cloonan
    Dear Ms. Johnson-Ball I strongly oppose the purchase of the EJ&E line for the intendeed use of increased freight train traffic. This will negatively effect our community and the public safety and it will decrease our home values.We should not have to suffer this fate to allow the railrods to proffit from our lose. Please help us Thank You Mike Cloonan
    Elgin, il
  1326. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13859Laura Torphy
    September 29, 2008 Phillis Johnson-Ball STB Finance Surface Transportation Board 395 E Street SW Washington, DC 20423-001 RE: Proposed Canadian National Railway Company Acquisition of the Elgin, Joliet & Eastern Railway Company (Docket No 35087) Dear Ms. Johnson-Ball: As I resident of the South Loop I want to voice my support of the proposed acquisition of the EJ&E Railway Company by Canadian National Railway. The proposed acquisition would have numerous benefits that on balance outweigh the negative impacts of allowing the acquisition. If you look merely at the number of individuals affected in each group, you will note that the Chicago neighborhoods where freight traffic would decrease have a combined population of 1.25 million. The suburbs where train traffic would increase have a combined population of 900,000. Therefore on the basis of numbers alone those benefiting from the acquisition are greater than those being disadvantaged. Further, the environmental benefits of the acquisition must be considered. Currently, rail congestion in the City results in trains idling for hours, through out the day and night. This results in reduced air quality, which can have both short-term and long-term effects on the health of the individuals residing in effected Chicago neighborhoods. The following is just one example of the amount of air pollution being produced by the idling trains. This summer, one of the buildings in the area, was working to repair the air conditioning. All of the residents of the building were asked to turn off their air condition and open their windows to keep the air circulating. A neighbor of mine indicated that they opened their window during the repair and it set off their carbon-monoxide detector. In other words, the air quality was so compromised that the carbon-monoxide detector indicated the unacceptable levels of carbon-monoxide in the air. Lastly, the benefits of the acquisition are not limited to the affected City population rather their effect is felt on the entire region in reduced costs of moving goods and services. By re-routing the trains from the current CN lines to the EJ&E lines you would avoid the bottleneck in the City that can leave trains idling for hours. The economic cost of keeping the trains idling will eventually be borne either directly or indirectly by those individuals and companies purchasing the goods and services. When making a determination as to whether or not to approve this acquisition I urge you to look at both the local and regional effect. Further, I urge you to take a hard look at the number of people that will benefit versus the number of people that will be disadvantaged. I appreciate your time and consideration. Sincerely, Laura Torphy 1530 S State Street Chicago IL 60605
    Chicago, IL
  1327. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13858James Sofos
    My family and I live within 1/2 mile of the EJ&E tracks. From an environmental standpoint, the proposed increased traffic would be harmful in terms of the potential for accidental spills or incidents along the line that may impact my and other neighborhoods. Additionally, the excess noise and air pollution from the increased trains would overall adversely affect my family and my neighbors.
    Aurora, IL
  1328. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13855Village of Wayne
    See Attachments
    Harlan J. Spiroff · Wayne, Illinois
  1329. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13854Forest Preserve District of Will County
    DeMauro, Marcella M.
  1330. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13853Craig A. Cady
    I am writing these comments to voice my strong opposition to the Canadian National Railway Corporation’s attempt to acquire the Elgin Joliet & Eastern (EJ&E) Railway. This acquisition would have a significant negative impact on many communities along the rail line of travel. According to the Canadian National Railway Corporation's own estimates, over the next three years rail traffic will increase from an average of sixteen (16) trains per day to an average of forty-two (42) trains per day. In addition, Canadian National Railway Corporation also indicates their freight trains will run up to nearly two miles in length (10,000 feet). This increased number of longer trains running through our neighborhoods will result in more accidents, dangerously longer response times for Police, Fire, and Emergency Medical Teams (EMT), an increase in traffic gridlock at rail crossings, and elevated pollution and noise levels. In addition, it will adversely impact property values. Furthermore, recent studies by the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) has revealed that a potential overcrowding of the EJ&E lines will also interfere with commuter Metropolitan Rail (METRA) trains, affecting people’s ability to get to and from their workplaces in a timely manner. In conclusion, I can only hope the STB will review the evidence presented and reject Canadian National Railway Corporation's application to acquire the EJ&E, thus keeping the special interests of Big Rail from outweighing the interests of Main Street American communities. Thank you.
    Joliet, IL
  1331. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13851Sarah Hoban
    The EJ&E lines encircles Barrington--so traffic is not disrupted in one major direction, it's disrupted in at least three. Excessively long trains will dramatically affect our emergency responders, our school buses, and our already-busy traffic on two major perpendicular roads. Please do not approve this purchase!
    Barrington, IL
  1332. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13850Armand Taillon
    Our house is just 300 yards from the tracks. The noise from the trains will greatly reduce our sleep. Lack of sleep will degrade our health. Lack of health will reduce our productivity, and degrade our childrens education and lives. And the increased train traffic will make commuting through town an all day affair. We bought our house in this area to avoid this kind of problem.
    Barrington, IL
  1333. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13849Donald Pearson
    Canadian National RR should use the modern, inter-model truck and multiple rail-line facilities already constructed in Rochelle, IL, just west of Chicago. These have been built to accommodate the very needs requested by the CNRR,for their current and future requiremtns, both trains & trucks. Further, the open space required to construct lengthy bridges for double decker trainsis not available in most of the 40 towns akong the EJ&E, but are already built and functioning in Rochelle, IL. Why destroy 40 communities when a better alternative is already available, and at minimum cost.
    Barrington, IL
  1334. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13847Elizabeth Bromet
    There are numerous concerns about the acquisition of the Ej&E Railroad by CN within the many surrounding communities that the railroad cuts through. Specifically, the concern over the impact of having upwards of 20 trains on the tracks, up to a mile long each every day. Going at an average speed, this suggests that there must be at least 1 per hour round the clock! Further, this will directly effect the efficiency of emergency personnel, not excluding trauma teams who remain on call and are going to the hospital for emergencies daily, to get to patients and/or hospitals to save lives. Next, thousands of students must cross on foot, or via car, or bus the tracks to get to and from school on a daily basis, this increased number of trains puts them at increased risk of injury and being late to school. Finally, the environmental impact of having hazardous materials getting transported at an alarming rate, especially with a community dependent on aquifers and wells which would be severely impacted were a spill to occur. Finally, the obvious impact to commuter traffic must be addressed. We are keenly aware that there is a lot of money to be earned by the Canadian railroad, but as Americans, who will not benefit AT ALL from this acquistion and are being threatened with having to pay a hefty price to accomodate this move, we must protest. If this is to be passed, at the very least require the train line to cover the cost of all mitigation for underpasses and/or overpasses. It is the very least they could do with their substantial profits.
    North Barrington, IL
  1335. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13846John Cook
    CN has made it clear they are not willing to assist in roadside upgrades if the purchase of the EJ&E is approved. The $40 million they have pledged will cover 2 crossings at best. Given the current economic climate, there will be no taxpayer money available for bridges, etc. to be built. The environmental impact of this purchase will be enormous. Barrington is already suffering because of traffic difficulties - the amount of trains CN wants to run on the tracks will paralyze this town and many others. The delays met by ambulances and school busses will be significant, with no positive impact from this purchase. Please consider all the negative environmental aspects of this purchase and DO NOT APPROVE IT!
    Barrington Hills, IL
  1336. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13845Giblin, Jim
  1337. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13844Fernando Mendiola, Jr.
    Dear Phillis, We need your help. I am writing to inform you that the CN's Proposed Acquisition of EJ&E is not right for our community and it is not right for our country. If this passes, another Country now owns an even bigger portion of our rail lines. No disrespect to our neighbors up north, but this is not the time to be selling the farm. I know that you are busy dealing with the Bailout, and good bless you for helping here, but in a sense, the lead up to the Bailout is like the EJ & E buyout....only a few will benefit in regards to monetary value, while the community suffers. Thank You. Fernando Mendiola, Jr. THAT CN'S PROPOSED ACQUISITION OF THE EJ&E IS A NET REGIONAL NEGATIVE
    Plainfield, IL
  1338. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13843Stephanie wang
    I oppose the sales of the E&J railroad to Canadian railway due to the fact that this will increase traffic and noise level for our community dramatically. As a result this will decrease the property value for us. When we moved into Barrington community, we moved here for the high quality of life that this sales will destroy partially. This is not fair for the community members since we are here first. Unless Canadian rail can provide an acceptable plan to restore the traffic, environment to the condition we are now, this sale should not go through.
    Barrington, IL
  1339. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13840Timothy R Mirabella
    STB DOCKET # 35087 Please reject the proposed acquisition before its too late. American citizens are living with the economic mortgage crisis because elected officials turned their heads until it was too late. Please do the right thing and reject the proposed acquisition and help main street America, what our country is built on! The negative impacts our obvious but we should be especially concerned about congestion of emergency vehicles, school busses and of course everyday commuters. The Impact Study does not include an accurate number of trains. Phase II of CN’s Rupert Sound Container Terminal will increase the Impact Study number of 25 trains (one way) by 4x. (from 500,000 TEUs to 2,000,000 TEUs) CN plans to build a second track along the current EJ&E track and will have the capacity, in 2010, for over 100 trains PER DAY going in both directions.
    Lake Zurich, il
  1340. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13836David Deroche
    Attached is my letter expressing my opinion on the proposed Candadian National purchase of the EJ&E railroad.
    Barrington Hills, IL
  1341. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13833Debra Johnson
    I am greatly concerned about the impact CN's acquisiton of EJ&E will have on my community. I grew up in Barrington and moved back with my husband and two very young children two years ago to be near family and friends and so that our kids would have a wonderful, safe place to grow up. CN's acquistion of the RR line greatly jeopardizes that; the traffic and safety concerns are staggering. Getting to schools and the doctor / hospital will be greatly incumbered by CN. The high school sits next to the tracks - what if there is a rail accident? How many teenagers and kids will try to beat out the train to get to class on time? The traffic gridlock will not only encumber businesses but will have a great negative impact on our quality of life. I am greatly concerned about our ability to get to the hospital in an emergency. The EJ&J line crosses all our routes to the nearest hospital. How awful would it be if we missed our opportunity to reverse the impact of terrible accident or medical situation because we were waiting for cargo to go by? The EJ&E line runs in back of our subdivision. Again, a major safety, noise and pollution concern - not to mention the impact on our home value. The increase in traffic only means an increase in the likelihood of accidents and the noise and pollution that go along with freight. This deal literally threatens every aspect of our lives: our ability and options in getting to and from work; our children's safety in going to and from school and even playing in our neighborhoods as motorists try to find alternate routes to bypass traffic; our ability to get medical attention; the safety of our children once they are at school; our ability to get to and support our downtown businesses and efforts to maintain a thriving community; our home investments and quality of life in them.
    Barrington, IL
  1342. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13832Parveen Werner
    I am stressing my disappointment in a potential Canadian Rail passing through the town of Barrington. We are so upset as it will cause much chaos and dysfunction within the community. This is a town where you have to drive everywhere - and at least 5-7 miles each place you go...to now have a potential railway pass through all hours of the day and disrupt traffic patterns, schedules, timings, etc. is just chaotic. It will turn our commute times into craziness!
    North Barrington, IL
  1343. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13830Rod Sowders
    I am opposed to Canadian National's acquistion of EJ&E railroad, on the basis of the unprecedented increase in rail traffic through downtown Barrington. The sale will kill the Barrington downtown, and in addition it will dramatically increase the safety risks. As parents of a child in Barrington High School, and 2 more on the way, this is of substantial concern to us. Please vote to block this transaction.
    North Barrington, IL
  1344. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13828Jennie Kramer
    I am strongly opposed to CN's plan to increase rail traffic through Barrington, IL. Our family (including 4 chilren) lives several blocks from the crossing at Rte. 59. Our children walk to the park, the stores, and friends houses on the other side of the tracks. We are extremely concerned about what an increase in rail traffic and the subsequent increase in auto traffic will do to the safety of our children and other pedestrians in the area. In addition, the closest hospital, Good Shepherd is on the other side of the tracks as well. If we or others on this side of town need urgent medical care, the impact of additional trains would be catastrophic to an already slow process for getting through town. The attraction of this town has always been it's small town feel in the midst of an urban area. Additional rail traffic will alter the identity of this town with traffic delays, noise pollution, and safety issues to such an extent as to make Barrington unrecognizable compared to the town we moved into 10 years ago. Please do not allow CN to risk the way of life for so many living in this community.
    Barrington, IL
  1345. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13826Edward T. Helgason
    I am writing this comment to describe my personal experience and the possible consequences if the purchase of the EJ&E is allowed to proceed. On June 18th I experienced a heart attach at approximately 9:15 PM. After the 911 call was placed to the Barrington fire Dept., the paramedics arrived within 3 ½ minutes. I was in the Good Sheppard Hospital Emergency room 10 minutes after there arrival. Unfortunately, the EJ&E rail tracks are between my house and the fire department. If a train was passing at the time of my attack, I very likely would not be here to write this comment. To quote the cardiologist, “This could have taken you out”. The added delays in life saving emergency services due to the additional quantity and length of trains resulting from the purchase of the EJ&E are unacceptable. This purchase should not be allowed to proceed. Sincerely Edward T Helgason
    Barrington, Illinois
  1346. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13823Nelson Huldin
    We need to make sure THAT THE STB KNOWS – WITHOUT DOUBT – THAT CN'S PROPOSED ACQUISITION OF THE EJ&E IS A NET REGIONAL NEGATIVE. Our streets are congested enough with additional Rail Traffic, there are enough Train Pedestrian accidents without additional Rail Traffic. This will affect more than my community cutting off main traffic routes from Cary, Crystal Lake and beyond who travel through Barrington Everyday. I am most concerned about school age children and their impact. If CN wants the rail have them pay for overpasses and underpasses to offset their increased useage! Respectfully submitted, Nelson Huldin
    Lake Barrington, IL
  1347. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13821Marie Mirabella
    Please reject the proposed acquisition before its too late. Please do the right thing and reject the proposed acquisition and help main street America! I am especially concerned about congestion of emergency vehicles, school busses and of course everyday commuters. The Impact Study does not include an accurate number of trains. Phase II of CN’s Rupert Sound Container Terminal will increase the Impact Study number of 25 trains (one way) by 4x. (from 500,000 TEUs to 2,000,000 TEUs) CN plans to build a second track along the current EJ&E track and will have the capacity, in 2010, for over 100 trains PER DAY going in both directions.
    Lake Zurich, Il
  1348. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13820Sandra McFarland
    this would be terrible for our community!!
    Tower Lakes, illinois
  1349. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13818Tim Mirabella
    Please reject the proposed aquistion before its too late. American citizens are living with the economic mortgage crisis because elected officials turned their heads until it was too late. Please do the right thing and reject the proposed aqcuistion and help main street america, what our conuntry is built on! The negative impacts our obvious but we should be especially concerned about congestion of emergency vehicles, school busses and of course everyday commuters. The Impact Study does not include an accurate number of trains. Phase II of CN’s Rupert Sound Container Terminal will increase the Impact Study number of 25 trains (one way) by 4x. (from 500,000 TEUs to 2,000,000 TEUs) CN plans to build a second track along the current EJ&E track and will have the capacity, in 2010, for over 100 trains PER DAY going in both directions.
    Lake Zurich, Il
  1350. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13817mark whitlock
    STB Finance Docket No. 35087 I'm responding to the CN proposal to acquire EJ&E. While it is my understanding there is an argument regarding the benefits to the new line for parts of the Chicago area, I also know there is an equal negative impact to the areas intersected by EJ&E. For this benefit of all communities it is necessary to fund traffic and safety measures that can reduce the increased traffic flow. Because EJ&E track system is not designed for the volume CN is planning in the next 10 years, without significant planning and investment into traffic plans the purchase will have disruptive impacts across the region. This purchase cannot go through without CN's commitment in actual dollars to the communities impacted by the train. Their profit at the loss of all communities is not acceptable. Please vote against the passing without proper funding by CN and not the US tax payers.
    barrington, il
  1351. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13815Richard Wickstrom
    The proposed acquisition of the EJ&E by CN will have an extremely negative impact on our area if it is allowed to go forward. Canadian National has an appalling safety record, and if an accident happened in this area our shallow aquifer could be easily contaminated. Also, the EJ&E intersects the 3 main roads in our area, effectively separating early responders from the hospital in the event of an emergency. Our high school and bus company are within approximately 500 ft. of the EJ&E, and the addition of 20+ freight trains per day would greatly increase the risk of an accident to our students. Please don't let the designs of a foreign company endanger so many citizens!
    Amy Wickstrom · Barrington, IL
  1352. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13813Ralph J.Flens
    The proposed purchase of the EJ&E RR by the CN RR should be denied.At the STB meeting in Gary on 9/10/08 a comment was made that Rte 30 serves as an alternate to I80/94 when it it backed up.On 9/14/08 the area experienced a major rain which resulted in the I80/94 interstate being closed for 4 days due to flooding.Rte 30 served as a major alternate east/west route during this period of time.If the CN RR had been running their 38+ trains per day across Rte30 in LYNWOOD(just west of DYER ,IN) the area would would have had major major traffic problems,(traffic was bad enough without the CN RR).This is just one more reason that the purchase should be denied.
    Schererville, IN
  1353. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13809Mary Robin
    Ms. Johnson-Ball Please know that the proposed Canadian National Railroad purchase of EJ&E Railroad is extremely detrimental to our entire community. I am deeply concerned that the STB may not know how horrible an impact this will be on dozens of communities. Please reject the CN purchase of EJ&E railroad immediately. Thank you. Mary Pat Robin
    Hawthorn Woods, IL
  1354. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13807Frank Rubino
    Please pass HR 6707
    Barrington, IL
  1355. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13802Janis B Sharpless
    STB Board Members: I would like to provide comments on the purposed purchase by CN Rail. I am strongly opposed to this purchase as it will cause severe negative environmental impacts in the areas which surround the railroad route under discussion. I urge you to reject this proposed sale. 1- I believe that the disruption to car and school bus traffic has not been fully considered and is being presented as minor. This railroad route transects many communities, and maintaining the integrity of communities must be properly considered and is of significant value. 2- I believe that the mitigation needs, eg bridges, underpasses, must be understood, planned and have funds allocated before any approval can be made for this purchase by CN. None of that is in place, and with the financial limitation of the STB, and other government agencies including local bodies, it is a dream to think that the mitigation strategies will be addressed in the future. CN Rail certainly won't take responsibility! It is a disservice to the public to approve this proposed sale without having the associated infrastructure plans and monies in place to address the major issues that this purchase presents. You cannot introduce significant delays of access to/by fire departments, schools and hospitals from the residents and business served by these necessary services, and that will happen with the proposed level of traffic, and there will probably be even more traffic than has been presented by CN Rail. Our homes were purchased with services in place and the tax base has supported these services. Taxpayers should not be placed in deep financial stress due to a railroad company needing a alternate route. 3- The loss in property values will be extreme. In this financial climate, further devaluation of properties is not in the best interests of either government or taxpayers. Devaluation should certainly NOT come as a result of a sale of railroad tracks! Don't we have enough to struggle with already in this uncertain economy? 4- The current existing rail routes should be sufficient to handle the rail traffic needs. Instead of opening another high traffic rail corridor which devalues property and increases lawsuits due to limited access to taxpayers by hospitals and fire services, the current rail corridor should be improved, just as we do with interstate highways. When a highway needs improvements, we don't build another interstate overnight - we modernize the existing corridor to handle the needs of the users. Why isn't that being done in this case?? The infrastructure already exists- lets use and upgrade what is there, rather than creating a whole new area of high rail traffic, vehicular traffic congestion, disruption of school, fire and hospital services, and severe degradation of property values. What is being proposed is a HUGE impact on the established communities that border the railroad track, and has not been appropriately evaluated or valued. There is nothing in place to address these impacts. In these times, placing a huge economic burden on the communities, as would happen if this sale is approved, is not to the benefit of the people. This is a sale that would benefit the purchaser only- a profit for a company. There is no benefit to the communities or the taxpayers, only an extreme added financial burden and environmental hardship- which is not smart to do in these times of financial turmoil. There should be an overall regional and national transportation plan made in light of the growing concerns on energy efficiency and environmental degradation. Adding a corridor of high rail traffic in a forested and rural area is not consistent with saving and preserving green areas in our region and country. Please reject this proposed sale. Sincerely submitted, Janis B Sharpless
    Wayne, IL
  1356. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13800Jocelyn Czerwinski
    I am writing to strongly oppose the CN's proposed acquisition of the EJ&E railway. This will severely hurt our area in many ways. Currently, the rail cars that go through the area tie up traffic, produce a lot of pollution and are a danger to our children. Allowing more trains to go through our area only magnifies these things. Without proper infrastructure (i.e. overpasses) to handle these additional trains, this is a horrible idea and the purchase should be denied. Sincerely, Jocelyn Czerwinski Working Mom
    Plainfield, IL
  1357. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13799Kelly Henry
    I am extremely concerned about the proposed Canadian National acquisition of EJ&E Railroad. This presents extreme saftey concerns for our community. As a parent of 3 children attending school within Barrington, I am concerned not only about traffic congestion but about the inability of emergency vehicles to be able to reach our schools. When freight trains pass through Barrington, it literarly shuts down the town. I fear it will seriously impact quality of life and our economy. Please do not let this pass!
    Fox River Grove, il
  1358. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13798Marie Beath
    I strongly oppose CN's proposed aquisition of the EJ&E. This will a devastating impact to our environment, the safety of our children and our property values. In this already challenging economic climate we can not afford more negative blows to our local enconomy. If this acquistion is permitted the traffic congestion/gridlock will impede emergency vehicles and create a variety of other safety issues. All of these will have an overwhelming affect on local businesses, families and property owners in the far northwest suburban area.
    Lake Barrington, IL
  1359. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13797Rosemary Redmond
    I'm writing about Canadian National's proposed acquisition of the EJ&E (HR6707). This acquisition would have a devastating effect the businesses, schools, and hospitals in our community because of the astonomically high volume of train traffic it would bring. For the economic and physical well-being of the citizens of this area it is imperative that the STB tell CN that its application to acquire EJE is rejected.
    Barrington Hills, Illinois
  1360. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13796Colleen Stevens
    Dear Ms. Johnson-Ball, I am writing to you in regards to the proposed Canadian National Railway Company aquisition of the Elgin, Joliet and Eastern Railway. I, and the vast majority in our community, strongly oppose this aquisition for several reasons. First and foremost is the safety of our children. My neighborhood backs up to these tracks and to increase the traffic as the CNR would like to do would quite frankly make this a very dangerous environment for our children. We accept the few trains that pass through here now and have taken necessary precautions for our childrens' safety. To have the frequency of many more trains pass through daily would only increase the opportunity for disaster. One incident would be one too many. In addition, in order for our children to get to their schools, the only route is to cross these tracks. That applies to all grade levels of our schools. Those of us with Kindergarteners and up would have to face crossing these tracks several times a day just to get our children to and from school. In fact, my children's school, May Whitney in Lake Zurich, backs up directly to these train tracks. Think of the school bus drivers and how it will affect their routes. Can you imagine if I get a call from school that there is an emergency with my child and I am held up by a 2 mile train? Which brings me to our First Responders and their ability to get to our homes and to the hospital efficiently. Moments matter in an emergency situation that could mean the difference between life or death. Again, can you imagine a situation where someone loses their life because a freight train held up the First Responders? If this passes, it would increase the chances of this type of situation many times over? And for what? So the Canadian companies' needs can be met for the sake of the almighty dollar and somehow, their needs in business are greater than our own citizen's needs in safety? To think they would be awarded this at the expense of our communities, our real estate value, our childrens' safety, our emergency responders,our routes to work, school,church,shopping football,dance,doctors' office, you name it. As a working mother,I cross those tracks many times a day. Would it be fair for entire communities to have to now have the inconvenience of many, many long freight trains pass directly through our neighborhoods and cause complete chaos? I beg of you to please do all you can to prevent this from happening to us and to our communities. We all work so hard to make our homes and communities the one place in the world where we feel safe and secure. We would lose so much as a result of this aquisition, I can't begin to imagine how it would directly effect us every day. Please, please see to it that we fight the Canadian Railway and succeed in preventing them from ruining our treasured American communities and life as we know it. We must not allow this to happen! It is not right and more importantly, it is unnecessary. Far more bad would come than good. Thank you in advance for your efforts and your consideration. Sincerely yours, Colleen Stevens Hawthorn Woods, Illinois
    Hawthorn Woods, Illinois
  1361. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13794Margaret Gruber
    If Canadian National starts using the tracks at the proposed rate, it will mean the death of our town... and several towns that are beyond ours - like Fox River Grove and Cary. Northwest Highway and Lake Cook Rd. will be like parking lots whenever a train passes through. Traffic is already a problem on these two streets. Because of the way the two thoroughfares intersect, a problem on one autopmatically creates a problem on the other. In addition, it will be difficult to get to the hospital from some parts of town and school programs that draw students from all over School District 220 (like the one I teach in) will be seriously encumbered, because children will arrive late for school.
    Barrington, IL
  1362. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13793Henry Stoll
    Barrington, IL was never designed or planned for heavy freight train traffic. Long freight trains passing through Barrington on the EJ&E track will block three major roads simultaneously. Traffic congestion will be unbearable and will literally destroy the community. Medical and other emergencies will have to wait for the trains to pass and traffic to clear. Life in Barrington will be a nightmare. Please don't approve CN's purchase of the EJ&E track.
    Barrington, IL
  1363. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13792Sandra Keefe
    Please do not approve the purchase of the EJ&E Railroad by Canadian National Railway Company. This acquisition would affect our area immensely whereas other areas are better equipped to deal with this extensive railroad traffic. One path through the city of Chicago has elevated lines through most of it and would be least disruptive of any. Also, at a time when we are trying to cut costs and avoid environmental destruction, it seems as if this proposal is leading our nation in the wrong direction. This concern applies not only to the environmental impact that the train would have going such a distance out of its way but also to the increased impact when so much traffic is affected. Already at many of these intersection, traffic can be affected for nearly a mile. Again, please do not approve this purchase. Thank you for your time and consideration, Sandy Keefe
    Naperville, IL
  1364. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13791Mark & Theresa Stanke
    CN'S PROPOSED ACQUISITION OF THE EJ&E IS A NET REGIONAL NEGATIVE. PLEASE PROVIDE THE LEADERSHIP TO ENSURE THE STB DIRECTS CN THAT ITS APPLICATION TO ACQUIRE THE EJ&E IS REJECTED!
    Inverness, IL
  1365. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13790Ty Barton
    As a Realtor with RE/MAX of Barrington, I strongly urge rejection of CN's purchase of the EJ&E rail. This purchase, and the significant increase in rail traffic through Barrington, would negatively impact the personal and financial health of this community. The increased vehicular traffic congestion would hinder the ability of emergency crews to reach their destination even if they do not get caught at a railroad crossing. With each new train comes greater congestion that will not be relieved so even in the event that an emergency vehicle is not stopped at a crossing, they will likely face a much longer response to an accident of any kind. Financially, the increased congestion and noise will only negatively impact property values. Barrington is a destination" community (people want to move here) which is a major reason why this community has such stable market values. The increase of rail traffic by 20 - 25 trains per day would eliminate this designation and cause property values to drop. The current housing crisis that we are in is likely to remain unsteady for approximately five years. The housing crisis also shows how this can impact the ecomony as a whole. Please do not allow this purchase to go through and jeopardize the health and financial stability of its citizens."
  1366. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13788Karen Harris
    WITHOUT DOUBT – THAT CN'S PROPOSED ACQUISITION OF THE EJ&E IS A NET REGIONAL NEGATIVE. The sale would cause drastic increases in rail traffic, huge disruptions to road transportation, destroy wildlife, and require additional infrastructure which our communities can ill afford. Canada is the only one who stands to benifit from the sale of EJ&E. Please protect American citizens and reject this sale.
    Elgin, IL
  1367. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13784Lawrence Tardy
    We fully support the CNR's proposed acquisition of EJ&E as air pollution will be reduced in an already overly-polluted area (S. Cook Co., IL). Lawrence & Suzanne Tardy
    South Holland, IL
  1368. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13782Sharon Orr
    I opposed the Canandian National aquisition of E,J & E Railroad. The mitigation monies offered by Canadian National are altogether insufficient to the need. This Railroad crosses 5 major highways and the Metra line. Freight trains could close up to four of these roads AT THE SAME time cutting emergency access and creating huge economic impact in the form of traffic jams. IL Route 59 is a major truck route which will also have an economic impact. Most importantly, this line runs within 600 feet of a very large high school and will GUARANTEED cause the death of some number of students who drive or walk to school unless that road and sidewalk are raised or the track is run underground. Since this is in the middle of town, I cannot see how appropriate mitigation can be done without a VERY significant investment of dollars (say $50 million) which MUST BE an upfront part of the price paid by Canadian National.
    South Barrington, IL
  1369. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13779John
    After reviewing the DEIS for the proposed CN aquisition of the EJ&E railway, it is all too clear that CN has NOT demonstrated this acquisition would be a greater benefit to our society, nor to our economy, than it would be detrimental. Specifically, the failure of CN to objectively quantify the negative economic and quality-of-life impacts to the affected cities, counties and region renders this plan as nothing more than anecdotal. It would be irresponsible of you and the STB to approve this acquisition. I urge you to REJECT the CN proposal.
    Barrington, IL
  1370. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13778Sarah Spearing
    Dear Ms. Johnson-Ball, Please see the attached letter of opposition to the proposed CN acqusition of the EJ&E railroad. Thank you, Sarah Spearing
    Frankfort, IL
  1371. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13776MARLENE SANDERSON
    PLEASE LISTEN…CITIZENS DESERVE ALL EJ&E FACTS Once again…the cold metal hand of industry is reaching out to many local communities. Industry is ignoring just how many long fingers of ramification this irresponsible decision-making touches our families lives in our peaceful American communities and the possible dangers that these decisions will ultimately bring. The potentially harmful “trickle-down” all negative effect of the Canadian acquired EJ&E railroad “snaking” through our American communities must be weighed against the only obvious positive effect…making vast money for a Canadian owned/run company and creating possible increased tax revenue for the states the freight railroad will run through…interrupting the urban and rural communities in its pathway. The old abandoned railroads that were eliminated years ago when our new communities were emerging beyond large city limits and trucking became more common, are being “dusted-off” and resurrected at this inopportune time of America’s diminished manufacturing. I personally witnessed the already established Canadian freightlines and observed the many cars clearly noting the hazardous chemicals being transported through our American backyards. We are appealing to “those in charge!!” Please listen to our unified plea. Show us NOW what this EJ&E will profit us! Show us all positive figures and graphs proving that this increased interruption in our intersections…these sometimes threateningly close to our schools and shopping areas with children idling on their way home from school…Playfully…Innocently…walking near these increased potentially hazardous freight trains. Show us proof that increased pedestrian and car accidents will not occur with the onset of the projected increase of freight railroad traffic, which is clearly more hazardous than commuter train traffic. Should you not have the positive answers that our “INVOLVED COMMUNITIES” deserve, we, the American citizen taxpayers, will seek vengeance. We are unified in our community goal which is the welfare and safety of our community. Should you, our voices in local government, not speak on our behalf, please be warned…be watchful…update your resume’s …we will remember…elections occur. Show us increased and improved protection from derailments and harmful toxic chemical spills that may potentially occur. Show us current testing of possible increases in air pollution caused by diesel exhaust fumes in a reasonably close proximity to freight railways. Show us what will our costs be to our communities when and if a major evacuation and community repair will be necessary if a derailment and chemical spill would occur. Who pays for the reparation?? Show us proof in graph forms that increased pedestrian and car accidents won’t occur with increased freight rail traffic. Show us “WHAT’S IN IT FOR US!!!” Potential danger occurring through our communities increased from 5 times/daily to 20 times/daily is not now or will ever be acceptable…actually the 5 times/day has been negligent and must be rethought. Hazardous chemical mishap accidents caused by freight train accidents must be further reviewed and more intense laws for safety must be introduced. A CONCERNED CITIZEN OF BARRINGTON ILLINOIS
    LAKE BARRINGTON, ILLINOIS
  1372. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13774Judy Sieger
    This is a protest against the CN running more freight trains through the Barrington/Lake Zurich area. To get into the town of Barrington on Rt. 59, there is an EJ&E track as well as a Metra track. On Northwest Highway, just west of Rt. 59, there is an EJ&E track and on Lake Zurich Road heading towards Rt. 14, another one – this, in effect, surrounds and isolates the area. The entire village of Barrington would be devastated by the increase in backup traffic due to the trains going through. To get to Lake Zurich, on Cuba Road, there is another EJ&E track, as well as one north on Ela entering Lake Zurich, thereby eliminating the chances of getting to Lake Zurich in any timely fashion. I am also agreeing with safety comments previously made by others about ambulances going to Good Shepherd Hospital, school buses and school safety issues, kids walking to school and church, fire trucks coming from the Fire Department in town. The timing on the above would be dangerous, to say the least. This proposal affects business, economic and living conditions in this area, destroying the community. Barrington has long been known for its rural nature and country living – that’s why people live here. Naturally, the communities whose trains would be reduced (and for how long would their trains be reduced??) are in favor of this proposal. Moving freight through the Chicago area should not come before destroying suburban community areas.
    Barrington, IL
  1373. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13773Anthony J. Silvestri
    We who live in the Barrington area, are against this merger. The amount of train traffic will risk lives and disrupt the flow of emergency vehicals, and school busses ,as well as the normal traffic flow in our city. If the train company wants this merger they should be willing to pay for the infrastructure to keep our city safe.
    Barrington, IL.
  1374. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13771Ann Sonricker
    As a resident in southwest Naperville, I strongly urge you to deny the acquisition of the EJ&E railroad by Canadian National. My children will attend Waubonsie Valley High School and have to cross the tracks several times a day to get to and from school. As you know increasing the number of trains as well as the number of teenagers intersecting with those trains is a formula for disaster. The RR crossings which they, as well as dozens of school buses and parents taking their children to school, are not equipped to handle the increased traffic. In addition, we live less than a mile from those tracks and already enjoy" the noise of the current trains. I can only imagine hearing three times the number of trains daily. I also am concerned about the impact on the environment as we are close enough to be affected by spills, leaks and accidents. Please, please, please do not allow this sale to go through. I can assure you my entire subdivision as well as surrounding ones hope you will make the right decision and protect our suburban neighborhoods! Thank you for your attention and have a good day."
  1375. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13769Marcia
    Please spread the train traffic around. We as residents of SH have put up with ncongestion for years knowing that trains mean business. Now that there are alternate routes that could be utilized we need to make this happen. Please support the acquisition of the EJ&E RR by Canadian National.
    South Holland, IL
  1376. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13766Kathy Cotter
    Deer Park, Illinois
  1377. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13763Elaine Paolella
    Please do not allow the purchase of the EJ & E lines by the Canadian National. Now is the time for the government to pay attention to its citizens instead of big business. Thanks.
    DEER PARK, IL
  1378. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13762Yury Shulman
    no comments attached
    Barrington, IL
  1379. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13761Karen Deering
    I urge you to refuse the CN deal to buy the EJ and E for serious safety issues. Our town of Barrington would literally be held hostage by the 15 to 25 trains per day as the tracks criss cross our downtown. The kids would not be able to safely walk to ANY school and the police, fire trucks and ambulances would be delayed in life saving circumstances when time is of the essence. Has anyone tried to drive in this town on a regular day? The traffic here is unacceptable as it is. Please do not allow this takeover by a foreign company that will have no benefits to us or our communities. Safety first!!!
    Barrington, IL
  1380. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13760Karen Boyne
    Phillis Johnson-Ball Surface Transportation Board 395 E Street SW Washington, DC 20423 RE: STB Finance Docket No. 35087 Proposed Acquisition of the EJ&E Railroad by Canadian National Dear Ms. Johnson-Ball: I am a resident of Frankfort, and I am formally opposing the proposed Canadian National Railway acquisition of the EJ&E Railroad. Environmental Impact If the CN purchase of the EJ & E is allowed to proceed, the impact to surrounding schools, churches and neighborhoods will have devastating consequences. The sound and vibration of thundering, fuming freight trains every 51 minutes will be felt for miles along these tracks. The noise and most concerning, the increased risk of a toxic spill due to the 600% spike in harmful chemicals hauling through town at 45 miles per hour begs the question, “Will the STB ensure that the final environmental impact study addresses the significant negative environmental impact to our community?” Frankfort has nine residential subdivisions adjacent to the EJ&E. Three of our schools are located near these tracks, not to mention the several churches nearby too. The Cost to US Taxpayers The $40 million CN has proposed to spend on infrastructure improvements is a drop in the bucket. Who will pay for the rest of the underpasses, grade separations and projected necessary infrastructure improvements that are needed to support projected population growth. Who will pay for the anticipated decline in property values? If the STB approves this transaction, then CN should be required to pay. Emergency Response Minutes count when lives are at stake. With 28 trains a day, police cars and fire trucks will be forced to wait with their sirens blaring, and considering Frankfort’s population is anticipated to top 55,000, the impact could cost lives. Is Congestion Better in the Suburbs? Moving Chicago’s rail congestion to the suburbs is not an effective solution. Please consider that relocating this problem does not effectively address the issue. The authors of the DEIS state the trains will travel at 45 miles per hour through Frankfort so therefore, the gates will only be closed a short amount of time. However, the trains in Frankfort actually travel at about 20 miles per hour which means the crossings will be blocked over twice as long as your Draft EIS suggests. CN Safety Record It has been 25 years since the EJ&E tracks in Frankfort have received major repairs. Considering CN’s reluctance to implement Canadian safety measures, and its employees’ “culture of fear,” does the STB expect CN to honor US safety requirements? Please give CN’s safety record your utmost priority when considering this purchase. Respectfully submitted, Karen E. Boyne
    FRANKFORT, IL
  1381. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13759James Barkach
    September 29, 2008 Ms. Phillis Johnson-Ball Surface Transportation Board 395 E Street, SW Washington, DC 20423 Ref: STB Finance Docket No. 35087 Dear Ms. Johnson-Ball, I am writing to express my opposition to the prospective acquisition of the EJ&E line by Canadian National Railway. I strongly feel that the negative impact this proposed transaction will have on my town of Plainfield IL is immense. These 2-mile long trains will come every 20 minutes leaving only 10-15 minutes/hour for commuters to actually cross the tracks. THERE ARE NO BRIDGES!! The increased number of longer and faster freight trains running through our neighborhoods will result in: More accidents and deaths along the rail line An increase in automobile traffic gridlock at rail crossings Elevated pollution and noise levels Dangerously longer response times of our Police, Fire and Emergency Medical Teams Disruption and/or closure of local business activities Adverse impact on our property values Additionally, recent studies by RTA have revealed that a potential overcrowding of the EJ&E lines will also interfere with commuter METRA train lines affecting our ability to get to and from our workplaces in a timely manner. Please do not let us be “railroaded” by Canadian National. We are hopeful that you will make the decision to vote against this acquisition and to help keep our communities safe for us and for future generations. Respectfully yours, James Barkach
    Plainfield, IL
  1382. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13758Anupama R. Sivakumar
    Ours is one of the many families in the Barrington, IL area that harbors serious concerns about the planned Canadian National Railway Company's acquisition of the EJ&E West railroad. While we live in the village of Tower Lakes, several miles north of the railroad, we drive across the tracks practically everyday for these reasons: - Our children are part of the extended 4th and 5th grade classes at Hough Street Elementary School which lies in the heart of the Village of Barrington, on the south side of the tracks. - My husband and I work for Motorola's Schaumburg facility, also located well south of the railroad track. - Our children's music lessons and sports activities take place in the Barrington village area. The impact of 30 freight trains running daily on the railroad causes significant adverse impacts to many families like hours and to populations in Barrington, Aurora and several other neighboring towns. This is not to mention to impact that the large increase in rail emissions will have environmentally-sensitive wetlands that we treasure dearly. On behalf of the Barrington community which nurtures us, and in the face of the chorus of voices singing of our well-founded fears, we hope hope you will reject Canadian National's proposal to acquire the EJ&E railroad. Thank you for your time and patience, The Sivakumars
    Tower Lakes, IL
  1383. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13757KARYN AHERN
    Please do not allow these trains to cone through New Lenox! I grew up in South Holland, Il aND IT WAS AND STILL IS A NIGHTMARE TRYING TO GET TO PLACES. DURING HIGH SCHOOL i WAS LATE TO SCHOOL OFTEN DUE TO THE TRAINS. I MOVED AWAY FRON SOUTH HOLLAND AND CHICAGO TO GET AWAY FROM TRAINS AND GET THAT STRESS OUT IF MY LIFE AND DO NOT WANT IT IN NEW LENOX!!! TRAFFIC AT CEDAR, NELSON, SPENCER AND GOUGER WILL BE ALL BACKED UP AND THEIR ARE FEW OPTIONS TO TURN AROUND AND GO A DIFFERENT ROUTE. SINCERLY, KARYN AHERN
    NEW LENOX, IL
  1384. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13756Jen Pray
    I am writing to express my concern about the proppsed acquisition of the Canandian National Railway. My family lives in Bartlett near the railway which will be utilized by CN. Our railways are already busy even before the acquisition. This causes very long delays and is already dangerous as the fire station is right near the tracks. OUr school is also right near these train tracks which is very dangerous.
    Bartlett, IL
  1385. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13755ARLENE A YATES
    We support Tom Cross' opposition to the proposed acquisition of the EJ & E railroad due to the following. Significant delays of vehicles at railroad crossings. Our subdivision is so closed to the railroad crossing and we have a lot of children in our community. And their safety is not always guaranteed esp. if they are on their own crossing these railroads. They should create a viaduct so as not to disrupt or cause more traffic congestions.
    PLAINFIELD, IL
  1386. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13754julie kasala`
    we oppose the stb finance docket 35087
    frankfort, illinois
  1387. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13753Margaret Klein
    I am opposed to the acquisition of the EJ&E line by Canadian National Railway. We have no bridges in our area, the small towns of the midwest cannot handle the increased train traffic. Please do not sell out our small towns, my question is would you want trains running every 20 minutes through your town, and try to get your kids to school or you to work or to the hospital with an emergency................
    Plainfield, Illinois
  1388. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13752Donna Reed
    Re: Finance Docket 35087 Our family opposes the purchase of the EJ&E railroad by the Canadian National Railroad because of the negative impact it will have on surrounding communities. In our community alone, we will have increased noise pollution and traffic tie-ups. Police and ambulance response will be delayed while waiting for the trains to pass. The tracks are old, and are in need of repair. This poses the problem of who will be paying for the repairs, and if they are not repaired, who will be responsible for potential rail accidents? I understand the need for more efficient rail traffic, but in this case, it is a no-win situation for taxpayers and residents. Thank you. Robert & Donna Reed
    Wayne, Illinois
  1389. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13751Dina Wohler
    I am STRONGLY against the EJ&E railroad moving into our neighborhood. We have enough trains come thorugh...that we don't need any more in our small neighborhood community and that of barrington as well. All their major intersections of downtown Barringotn would be completely blocked...what if there is a real ememgency...there would be NO WAY to get to it in that town. It would be a nuisance, troublesome and cause much delay to all of our surrounding areas. I am agaisnt in for many reasons...but I will not begin to go on!!! Please STOP this action form happening now. Our railway system is right next to our neigborhood community park, baseball and soccer fields. It would be a travisty to have this happen to our community.
    Lake Zurich, Il
  1390. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13750Rick DiMaio
    There must be consideration of the safety of residents of the Barrington, IL area. It is clear that the intention is to pass this purchase legally and then negotiate" the number of fatalities that Barrington residents will suffer. My children attend school here and I am not willing to negotiate on their safety. Nor would you, if your children were put at risk. Stop the acquisition of the EJ&E by CN now."
  1391. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13749John Breslin
    Please deny the attempt by Canadian National Railroad to acquire the EJ&E railroad. This acquisition, if approved, would be disastrous to my community, Barrington, Illinois. It would cause massive congestion along several major roads and would prevent emergency vehicles from carrying out their somtimes life-saving tasks. Thank you, John Breslin
    Barrington, IL
  1392. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13748Tom McGrath
    Acquiring the EJ&E may have certain finacial benefits for Canadian National through greater effiency for freight movement. This is reasonably straight forwardto calculate. THe lose of efficiency for the tens of thousands of citizens in the affected areas wil be emence. There is no way to put a price tag on this devasting loss to the publice but it is huge. The problems created for ground transportation on safety vehicles, school buses and regular citizens must be factored into this application. When viewed as a trade-of this application must be rejected
    Barrington, Illinois
  1393. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13745Diane Garcea
    I feel that the proposed acquisition by Canadian National would be devastatingly negative to the entire region for all the stated reasons. The bottom line for Canadian National is profits. They do not care about their impact on our lives and environment. If the STB allows this acquisition...ultimately we the taxpayers will be forced to foot the bill to pay for railroad crossing improvements or overpasses,etc. What with the current financial bailout at this very moment,asking us to spend additional millions would be a complete dereliction of your duty. Please protect us from this. I used to live in Park Ridge/Des Plaines area and know first hand the reality of the freight trains . Please don't allow this to happen. Thank you.
    Barrington Hills, Illinois
  1394. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13744Robert
    I want to express my grave concern regarding the CN acquisition of the EJ&E Rail Line. This acquisition will have an extremely negative impact in the Plainfield, IL area. This acquistion will result in significant vehicle delays at railroad crossings on our already congested roads. There will also be increased safety issues as well as impact on neighboring cities and villages that use our roads for their commutes to and from work, school and other activities. Please consider other alternatives that will lessen the negative impact on our community.
    Plainfield, IL
  1395. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13741Andrea Lenerville
    My children attend the 3rd largest school district in Illinois. With the impending sale of EJ and E rail line to Canadian National our children will be at risk at arriving at shool late and returning home on time. I live south of Montgomery rd and West of the rail road crossing. We must cross the railroad crossing several times each day. With anticipated tran increase as well as length of trains of an additional 10 minutes we cannot afford for this sale to go though unless the buyer is willing to provide overpasses on Ogden ave and Montgormery Rd. The taxpayers should not have to pay for this to be accomplished. Please enforce H.R. 6707 to deny approal of rail purchases.
    Aurora, IL
  1396. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13740Angie Rasiarmos
    CN'S PROPOSED ACQUISITION OF THE EJ&E IS A NET REGIONAL NEGATIVE. PLEASE REJECT CN APPLICATION TO ACQUIRE THE EJ&E LINE!
    Hawthorn Woods, IL
  1397. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13734Behrens, Eva
  1398. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13733Bergman, R.
  1399. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13731Nakas, Gitana
  1400. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13730Johnson, Peggy A.
  1401. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13729Deszcz, Anthony Joseph
  1402. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13727Smith, Eric
  1403. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13725Clifford, Kurt
  1404. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13724Goluszka, Richard J.
  1405. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13722Chodri, Ghazala
  1406. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13721Dziadus, Kelly
  1407. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13719Reinhard, Beth A.
  1408. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13718Menster, Robert
  1409. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13717Behm, Susan
  1410. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13716Roche, John
  1411. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13715Bonasera, Janie
  1412. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13714Uminski, Maria
  1413. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13713O'Connell, Julie
  1414. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13712Konrath, Alan A.
  1415. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13711Willis, Rebecca
  1416. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13710Nuyttens, Jason
  1417. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13709Schay, Cyndi
  1418. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13708Petropoulos, Marcia
  1419. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13707Kein, Douglas
  1420. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13706Calandro, Patti
  1421. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13705Lendziszewska, Eva M
  1422. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13704Caravelli, Gregory
  1423. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13703Fitzpatrick, Karen
  1424. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13702Marchio, Nicole
  1425. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13701Barney, William David
  1426. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13700Williams, Kathleen Sue
  1427. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13699Lee, Mark
  1428. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13698Phillips, Birgit M.
  1429. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13697Benaitis, Erin
  1430. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13696Niekamp, John
  1431. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13694Steward, Marcia
  1432. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13693Kiefer, Michael
  1433. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13692Winthrop
  1434. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13691Huenecke, Todd
  1435. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13690Barney, Mary J.
  1436. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13689Cree, Gary
  1437. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13687Roberts, Sandra Lee
  1438. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13686Maisonneuve, Sharon Ann
  1439. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13685Mikala, Kyra
  1440. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13684Victor Camp
    I am totally against this deal & I want it stopped now. It is definitely NOT in the best interest of the people of Will County, Illinois or the U.S.
    Mokena, Illinois
  1441. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13683Robert W. Schauer
    Please reject CN's proposed acquisition of the EJ&E Railroad as it would have a large negative impact on the quality of life in the region for many reasons. Also, as HR6707 was not passed with a the required 2/3 majority needed, it did have a significant majority of support. Thank you.
    Barrington, IL
  1442. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13682rubina oremus
    Please do not pass this bill .The EJ & J Canadian railroad would be terrible for our community it would put us in danger by not allowing emergency vehicle to come to our aid. it would pose threats to our water supply and safety to our community. How could the government allow this? I am begging you to not allow this to happen to American Citizens
    wayne, IL
  1443. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13681Charles Westcott
    The thought of Canadian National increasing freight traffic 400% or more through Barrington, Illinois frightens me no end! I am a senior citizen and area resident for more than four decades. The EJ&E line that CN wants to purchase is between my home and the Barrington paramedic station. Increased vehicular traffic congestion resulting from more and longer freight trains will mean serious delay in medical response. The cost of mitigation necessitated by the increased freight traffic would pose a crushing burden on local residents, the state and federal governments. At this time of national financial crisis this certainly is not the prudent action to take. The Surface Transportation Board must take situations like these into serious consideration when assessing the impacts on Barrington and all the other communities along the proposed route.
    Barrington, IL
  1444. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13680Cannell, Adele S.
  1445. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13679Gail and James Tibensky
    We live in Wayne, Illinois, and strongly object to the Canadien National Railway's proposed purchase of the Elgin, Joliet and Eastern Railway. The EJE tracks run about 100 yards from my home. When we moved in two years ago, we counted less than a dozen trains going by each day. The propsal of CN to send more than twice as many trains through the EJE tracks will lead to an unacceptable level of noise in our community, cause congestion at the several crossings near my home, and make it difficult for emergency vehicles to access our community. We believe that increased rail traffic would significantly lower the value of our home. Please do NOT approve this action. Thank you for your attention to this matter. Gail and James Tibensky re: Docket No. 35087
    Wayne, IL
  1446. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13678Ander, Karen L.
  1447. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13676Lorraine Westcott
    As a resident of Barrington, Illinois for the past forty-four years I have the most serious concerns for the future of the Barrington area if Canadian National Railroad is allowed to purchase the EJ&E Railroad. In reviewing the Surface Transportation Board Draft Environmental Impact Statement, I see little regard for the negative impacts that such a sale would have on this and all other communities along the EJ&E route. The Surface Transportation Board must consider these impacts more thoroughly and require mitigation requirements. Even if the Canadian National purchase should be disapproved but CN were allowed to run its projected 400 to 500% increase in freight traffic over EJ&E’s track, the impact on all aspects of life in the affected communities would be devastating.
    Barrington, IL
  1448. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13675Gwen Bronke
    Regarding: Docket Number 35087, CN's proposed acquisition of the EJ&E. Mr. Johnson-Ball, it is my intent to email you regarding my interests of main Street Americans and how it this acquisition will create havioc to our community. We have one way out/in of our subdivions and a one lane for motorist that travels East & West. The road is already congetsted by people traveling from the western communities, by passing the railroad acquistion, we are helpless to the traffic conditions. What about emergency vehicles, there was one just built east the tracks. in the event of an emergency, there's possibly way a firetruck or ambulance can reach the 3 surrounding communities. What about the safety of our children. The schools are within blocks of the tracks. Please help us to suspend this acquisition until there a good plan in place for all who will be effected. The communities need to know what is being done to address all of the issues and it needs to be done per town basis.
    Bartlett, il
  1449. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13674Helen Clesen
    Please carefully review the purchase of EJ&E railroad by Canadian National. There are severe safety and public health issues involved. I have seen emergency services already delayed significantely by EJ&E and if purchased by CN the situation of many more trains every day could be horrendous! Thank you for you serious consideraton of this issue.
    Bartlett, IL
  1450. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13673stephen f botsford
    It is my opinion after leaving in the Barrington IL area since 1988 that CN'S PROPOSED ACQUISITION OF THE EJ&E IS A NET REGIONAL NEGATIVE for our area and I respectfully request that your board reject this proposal/application. thank for your time on this matter
    barrington, ILLINOIS
  1451. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13672Roberts, Sandra
  1452. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13671Greg Bach
    Ms. Johnson-Ball, I respectively urge you to decline the request from CN & NOT approve the proposed acquisition of the EJ & E Train line. Barrington IL is a train community & we have been for 100 years but if approved this will absolutley destroy our town due tot he fact that we have another rail line running in an opposite direction already. There are too many problems with the CN deal, noise, traffic, the sheer number of trains per day (no limits after a few years, huh????)& safety (look at the # of school bus crossings per day). Please reject this deal.
    Hoffman Estates, IL
  1453. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13670Teeter, Charles
  1454. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13669Bubala, Robert
  1455. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13668Heisen, Daniel
  1456. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13667Citizens to Fight Rail
    I want to voice serious concern about the possibility that Canadian Rail will purchase the EJ&E line that runs through many communities, including ours. The negative impact in terms of safety, traffic, environmentally is monumental!!! It will change our quiet, safe community into a congested, polluted hazard!!!
    Kathleen Pescheret · Barrington, IL
  1457. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13666Gale Rehbein
    Please stop the CN purchase of the EJ&E railroad. This will have severe economic impact on the surrounding communities who already have high taxes, and difficulty filling certain jobs due to the costs of commuting. The addition of trains to the areas would exacerbate these issues even more. Please stop this purchase. Gale Rehbein
    Barrington, IL
  1458. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13665Life Storage Centers, LLC
    Please prevent CN from acquiring the EJ&E.
    Patrick Kelly · Barrington, IL
  1459. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13664Life Storage Centers, LLC
    Please prevent CN from acquiring the EJ&E.
    Mike Calka · Barrington, IL
  1460. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13663Life Storage Centers, LLC
    Please prevent CN from acquiring the EJ&E.
    Matthew T. Clark · Barrington, IL
  1461. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13660Sherri Morell
    Please say NO to the purchase of the EJ&E railroad line. The impact it will have on our communities is detrimental. The line runs 100 feet from homes, parks, sports fields and our schools!!! It intereferes with traffic flow in an already congested area as well as stops our emergency vehicles in route to urgent care situations. The enviormental pollution from that many trains running through our yards" and the increased vehicle emissions as cars sit idling for the 10 minutes it can take the train to pass. The reason we moved to the suburbs is to raise our children in a lower pollution enviorment. It is ridiculous that our government would allow this purchase when we have SO MUCH TO LOSE! It is the american families that live in these communites that will suffer greatly from this purchase. Not to mention CN has a HORRIBLE safety record and that frieght could spill out into our schools! Please say no!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
  1462. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13659Life Storage Centers, LLC
    Please prevent CN from acquiring the EJ&E.
    Loni Ksobiech · Barrington, IL
  1463. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13658Life Storage Centers, LLC
    Please prevent CN from acquiring the EJ&E.
    Kristin Gerber · Barrington, IL
  1464. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13657Kesselring, Larry
  1465. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13656Life Storage Centers, LLC
    Please stop CN from getting the application to acquire the EJ&E!
    Jo Lemak · Barrington, IL
  1466. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13655Rothchild, Greg A.
  1467. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13653Timmerman-Huenecke, Carrie Beth
  1468. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13652Tascone, Lisa
  1469. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13651Kenny, David
  1470. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13650Burich, Lawrence
  1471. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13649Streit, Lori A.
  1472. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13642Life Storage Centers, LLC
    Please stop CN from getting the application to acquire the EJ&E!
    Erica Calka · Barrington, IL
  1473. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13640Life Storage Centers, LLC
    Please stop CN from getting the application to acquire the EJ&E!
    Edwin Ortiz · Barrington, IL
  1474. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13638Life Storage Centers, LLC
    As a husband, father and businessman in Barrington, IL my concerns over the railroad coming thru our community is immeasurable. Please stop CN from getting the application to acquire the EJ&E!
    Joseph P. Sclafani · Barrington, IL
  1475. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13637Life Storage Centers, LLC
    As a husband, father and business owner in Barrington, IL my concerns over the railroad coming thru our community is immeasurable. Please stop CN from getting the application to acquire the EJ&E!
    Christopher S. Barry · Barrington, IL
  1476. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13635Life Storage Centers, LLC
    As a husband, father and business owner in Barrington, IL my concerns over the railroad coming thru our community is immeasurable. Please stop CN from getting the application to acquire the EJ&E!
    Jean L. Jodoin · Barrington, IL
  1477. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13629Rowley, Rick
  1478. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13626Eric Hochstein
    I was very disappointed by the preliminary environmental statement and found that it lacked detail in many areas including safety, noise, and environmental protection. The addition use by more than 20 new trains of the EJ&E railroad in the area in which I live will disrupt the economic vitality of my community, harm the safety of my high school student son, change the balance of nature in the ecosystem of the Cuba Marsh, which borders on my backyard and which is bisected by the rail line, and impede my ability to reach Good Shepherd Hospital in an emergency. Without a requirement for significant mitigation contributions from the buyer, these extremely adverse impacts will be borne by the residents of the communities involved and by the taxpayers of Illinois, without significant benefits being returned to our communities. Please study this closely and reject the application of CN to purchase the EJ&E.
    Barrington, IL
  1479. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13625Nina Handeland
    Please reject CN'S PROPOSED ACQUISITION OF THE EJ&E
    Hawthorn Woods, IL
  1480. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13620Yarbrough, Regina
  1481. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13619Angela Landrowski
    Opposition to the CN purchase of the E&J railroad. This is a bad idea and we need to express our concern ! Please also note the vote in Congress attached showing very strong support of communities against this type of transaction. This bill was proposed specifically to fight this sale !
    Elgin, IL
  1482. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13618Pacyga, Joyelle
  1483. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13615FightRailCongestion.com
    It is unfair for a foreign corporation (CN) to profit at the expense of the safety and quality of life of my home community, the Barrington, Illinois area.
    David R Eitel · Barrington Hills, il
  1484. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13614Marge
    STB Finance Docket No. 35087. The proposal of CN to acquire the EJ&E should be rejected. Our community will be negatively impacted if CN's freight superhighway is not defeated. Please help me and my neighbors. Thank you.
    Warrenville, IL
  1485. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13613Gentry, Susan
  1486. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13612Simmons, Ricky
  1487. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13611Lyle Handeland
    Please reject CN'S PROPOSED ACQUISITION OF THE EJ&E !!!
    Hawthorn Woods, IL
  1488. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13610Christine Olson
    Hello STB! It is up to you now. Please don't make the lives of thousands of people worse by allowing the purchase of EJ&E line by CN. Please let this be an example that the people's voice can make a difference. We are counting on you. Thank you.
    Lake Barrington, IL
  1489. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13609Samburg, David
  1490. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13608Donna M. Sayers
    As a lifelong resident of the Plainfield area(76 years) I feel I have a duty to object to CN buying the EJ&E. The community already has considerable train traffic and given that many of these trains have so many railcars they can block 3 and sometimes 4 crossings at one time. There has been a major increase of automobile traffic in the area and with the increased train traffic even longer lines of car backups will cause delays in emergency vehicles getting to their destinations in a timely manner. I, for one, cannot be reached by a Plainfield emergency vehicle without having to cross at least one rail crossing and I would hate to think of them having to wait for a train while I was having a heart attack or my house was burning down. I can appreciate the fact that Chicago would like to have less train traffic, but why allow this sale to take what little countrystyle living there is in the area and completely ruin our quality of life. What was once a quiet country community is now a sprawling city and certainly does not need the added influx of more traffic on our railroads which will only bring more traffic tieups and noise.
    Plainfield, IL
  1491. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13590Keating, Ray
  1492. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13589Root, Alan
  1493. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13585Dwyer, Hope S.
  1494. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13582Dwyer, Edward E.
  1495. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13580Waldack, Yvonne
  1496. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13578Hill, Jill
  1497. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13577Studebaker, Elizabeth
  1498. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13570Guzaski, William R.
  1499. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13569Jackson, Chad
  1500. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13567Heaberlin, Kim
  1501. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13565Kramer, Kenneth W.
  1502. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13564Nuetzmann, Harold A.
  1503. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13563Kane, Brandon J.
  1504. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13562Wascher, Jim
  1505. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13560Brems, Ken
  1506. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13558Starks, Eva
  1507. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13557Starks, Eva
  1508. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13556Brown, Sandra L.
  1509. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13554Zurales, Lsa L.
  1510. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-1355013th Congressional District of Illinois
    Biggert, Judy
  1511. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13537Illinois Commerce Commission Transportation Division/Rail Safety Section
    Anderson, Tim
  1512. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13500Denise Petrosky
    The negative implications to our town will be devasting both environmentally and financially. I cannot believe our government would consider siding with a foreign company before it's own citizens. STOP the EJ&E purchase!!!!!!!!!
    Frankfort, IL
  1513. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12317Knop,Kathi
  1514. (printed as 9/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12316Sullivan,Janice
  1515. (printed as 9/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-16135Vahl, Kristy M.
  1516. (printed as 9/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-16125McGarry, Stephen J.
  1517. (printed as 9/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-16108Sharon Garcia
    Phillis Johnson-Ball Surface Transportation Board 395 E Street, SW Washington, DC 20423 Ref: STB Finance Docket No. 35087 RE: Canadian National Railway Company and Grand Trunk Corporation-Control— EJ&E West Company (STB Finance Docket No. 35087) Dear Ms. Ball: As a resident of the City of West Chicago, I would like to voice my concern and opposition to the proposed acquisition of the EJ&E Railroad by Canadian National. According to Resolution 09-R-0007, passed by the City of West Chicago on January 21, 2008, estimates provided by Canadian National indicate that the average number of daily trains that run along the segment of the EJ&E rail line running through West Chicago, north of the Union Pacific tracks, will increase from 4.4 to 24.4 trains per day, and that the gross tons of freight per day that run over that segment will increase from 14,397 tons to 184,969 tons, an increase of 1,185 percent which would be the greatest of all locations along the EJ&E. Canadian National further estimates that the average number of daily trains that run along the segment of the EJ&E rail line that runs through West Chicago, south of the Union Pacific tracks, will increase from 10.7 to 34.5 trains per day with an increase in gross tonnage of 294%. Furthermore, it is believed that Increases in traffic congestion, noise and pollution are not the only by-products of such increases. The projected increase in the volume of train traffic and rail related operations will result in more frequent blockages of the at-grade crossings in West Chicago, negatively impacting emergency vehicular access and resulting in longer emergency response times. It will also present a significantly greater risk of accident at those grade crossings traversed by West Chicago Community High School students walking to and from school. Additionally, it is projected that train lengths will be much longer than current EJ&E train lengths and hazardous materials’ traffic in West Chicago, north of the Union Pacific tracks would increase from the current 21 carloads per year to 265 carloads per year and 31 carloads per year to 301 carloads per year for the line south of the Union Pacific track. Given these staggering statistics, the negative impact to public health, safety and quality of life would be significant. Therefore, I ask you to carefully consider all the ramifications such an acquisition poses and vote against this proposal. Sincerely, Sharon Garcia
    West Chicago, IL
  1518. (printed as 9/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15840Hamilton, Garth
  1519. (printed as 9/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15839Fort, Steve
  1520. (printed as 9/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15838Salerno, Joe
  1521. (printed as 9/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15836Korensky, Nicole
  1522. (printed as 9/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15835Given, kCharlotte
  1523. (printed as 9/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15834Given, Kerry W.
  1524. (printed as 9/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15833Kelly, Methinee
  1525. (printed as 9/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15832Mitchell, Sue
  1526. (printed as 9/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15831Akers, Lynn
  1527. (printed as 9/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15811Mukai, Kristen J.
  1528. (printed as 9/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15762Wheeland, Eleanor
  1529. (printed as 9/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15721Wywiiolowski, Neil
  1530. (printed as 9/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15682Sandschafer, Scott
  1531. (printed as 9/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15670Precilio, Joan
  1532. (printed as 9/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15636Anonymous A.
  1533. (printed as 9/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15635Trafelet, Terri M.
  1534. (printed as 9/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15634Ruzick, Robert H.
  1535. (printed as 9/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15632McDonald, Richard
  1536. (printed as 9/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15628Buikema, Warren
  1537. (printed as 9/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15613Fuhrmann, Rudolf A.
  1538. (printed as 9/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15610Smith, Kenneth B.
  1539. (printed as 9/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15609Gordy
  1540. (printed as 9/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15608Hagamann, Ray
  1541. (printed as 9/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15596Milovic, Michael J.
  1542. (printed as 9/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15593Redmond, Melissa
  1543. (printed as 9/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15579Bernard,Brian R.
  1544. (printed as 9/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15554Chen, Eric
  1545. (printed as 9/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15385Liken, Thomas A.
  1546. (printed as 9/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15356Liskey, Marcus E.
  1547. (printed as 9/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15350McDonald, Richard H.
  1548. (printed as 9/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15348Morrison, Rebekah
  1549. (printed as 9/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15340Schroeder, Michelle
  1550. (printed as 9/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15339Crnkovic, M.G.
  1551. (printed as 9/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15338Dillon, Gerald V.
  1552. (printed as 9/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15304McLawhorn, Amy
  1553. (printed as 9/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15303Johnson, Anne M.
  1554. (printed as 9/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15294Samburg, David
  1555. (printed as 9/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15291Bird, Gregory J.
  1556. (printed as 9/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15288Bird, Ryan
  1557. (printed as 9/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15281Burrows, Inger
  1558. (printed as 9/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15271Crowe, Ana
  1559. (printed as 9/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15248Barry, Betty
  1560. (printed as 9/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15246Bonow, JoAnne
  1561. (printed as 9/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15238Beallis, Kelly
  1562. (printed as 9/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15236Vahl, David M.
  1563. (printed as 9/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15215Keller Williams Success Realty
    Schalk, Linda
  1564. (printed as 9/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15207Stapleton, Carl
  1565. (printed as 9/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15174Galesi, Luciana
  1566. (printed as 9/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15064Skoda, Dan
  1567. (printed as 9/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14989Divittorio, Karen
  1568. (printed as 9/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14918Menek, Caroline
  1569. (printed as 9/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14883Warren, Renee
  1570. (printed as 9/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14882Warren, Renee
  1571. (printed as 9/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14881Sunnricker, Dave
  1572. (printed as 9/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14880Sobun, Cheryl
  1573. (printed as 9/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14879Sherwood, Joshua
  1574. (printed as 9/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14878Root, Allen
  1575. (printed as 9/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14877Murdoch, Howard
  1576. (printed as 9/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14876Murdoch, Catherine
  1577. (printed as 9/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14875Markmann, Gregg
  1578. (printed as 9/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14874Francis, Barbara
  1579. (printed as 9/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14873Eagleton, John
  1580. (printed as 9/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14872Drop, Patricia
  1581. (printed as 9/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14871Chandler, Marcia
  1582. (printed as 9/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14870Bohne, Alice
  1583. (printed as 9/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14616Oostman, Leona J.
  1584. (printed as 9/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13726Kryszak, Katharine
  1585. (printed as 9/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13720Kopp, Dale Roy
  1586. (printed as 9/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13695Kelly, Diane T.
  1587. (printed as 9/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13621Buikema, Warren
  1588. (printed as 9/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13617Simmons, Leslie
  1589. (printed as 9/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13616Cousins, Brian K.
  1590. (printed as 9/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13607IPSD204 PTSA Member
    As the third largest district in the state, Indian Prairie transports 17,500 students each day. The rail line in question stretches more than 11 miles through the district with seven schools located within a half mile of the tracks. There are two grade-level crossings of particular concern. School buses cross the Ogden Avenue tracks a total of 164 times each day and the Montgomery Avenue tracks 139 times each day. If the proposed sale goes through, there is an expected increase not only in the number of trains traveling though the community, but also in train length. Gate closures are anticipated to increase up to 10 minutes per train. Delays created by rail traffic will impact students arrival to school as well as their timely return home.
    Franca Amaro · Naperville, Illinois
  1591. (printed as 9/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13606Patricia Cooper
    May Chicago communitie have borne the brunt of freight congestion for years. It's time for our communities to see some rail congestion relief and for the buden to be balanced across the region.
    Chicago, Illinois
  1592. (printed as 9/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13605Eugene A. Urban
    I agree that a significant increase of rail traffic through the Frankfort area would be detrimental to our community.
    Frankfort, Illinois
  1593. (printed as 9/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13602Claudia & Wesley Williams
    Regarding the proposed acquisition of EJ&E by CN Rail
    Lockport, Illinois
  1594. (printed as 9/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13601Parent of District 204 students
    The proposed purchase of the EJ and E rail line by Canadian National is a terrible idea. There are many, many students crossing through the proposed affected areas and it is terribly unsafe. Please do NOT allow this proposal to go through. Thank you for your consideration.
    Jane Houghtaling Walker · Aurora, IL
  1595. (printed as 9/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13600Arnaud Desjardins
    Ms. Phillis Johnson-Ball Surface Transportation Board 395 E Street, SW Washington, DC 20423 Ref: STB Finance Docket No. 35087 Dear Ms. Johnson-Ball, I am writing to express my opposition to the prospective acquisition of the EJ&E line by Canadian National Railway. I strongly feel that the negative impact this proposed transaction will have on our local communities is immense. The increased number of longer and faster freight trains running through our neighborhoods will result in: *More accidents and deaths along the rail line *An increase in automobile traffic gridlock at rail crossings *Elevated pollution and noise levels *Dangerously longer response times of our Police, Fire and Emergency Medical Teams *Disruption and/or closure of local business activities *Adverse impact on our property values Additionally, recent studies by RTA have revealed that a potential overcrowding of the EJ&E lines will also interfere with commuter METRA train lines affecting our ability to get to and from our workplaces in a timely manner. Please do not let us be “railroaded” by Canadian National. We are hopeful that you will make the decision to vote against this acquisition and to help keep our communities safe for us and for future generations. Respectfully yours, Arnaud Desjardins
    Frankfort, IL
  1596. (printed as 9/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13599Heather Desjardins
    Dear Ms. Johnson-Ball, I am writing in opposition to the Canadian National (CN) Railway Company’s acquisition of the Elgin, Joliet & Eastern Railway. As a resident of Frankfort, Illinois, owning and living in a home off of Laraway Road, less than a mile south of the tracks, our health and welfare are at stake. To begin, to access any medical facility (doctor’s office, hospital, etc) within close proximity, we need to cross the tracks, either at Harlem Avenue or Pfeifer Road (heading north from Laraway Road). Due to the 400% increase in trains on those tracks, it scares me to think I or an emergency vehicle would be waiting at the tracks during a life or death situation. This is not and should not be acceptable. Another scary fact is this railway will now be more likely to transport hazardous materials. My children go to church and preschool less than 200 yards from the railroad. And many homes are right next to the track. Combine this with an estimated increase of 28% in train accidents, there can and will be dire consequences. CN obviously has no concern for the people of this country (less this village) since they so easily disregard any safety concerns of the local population. It has been stated in the Draft Environmental Impact Statement that property values near the tracks will be reduced. I am certain that my home value will be negatively affected by this decision, given my proximity to the tracks, the noise, the pollution, and the fact that in order for me to access any amenities (doctors, library, grocery stores, restaurants, highway, etc), I need to cross those tracks. No one in their right mind will want to purchase a home on the south side of the tracks. The most disturbing fact of this whole ordeal is that CN has offered to pay only 5-10% of the costs of grade separations and that the local taxpayers should pay the rest. How is this acceptable? A foreign company wants to run their trains through our towns and they want us to pay so they can increase their already large profit. Our village as well as others is currently not adept to handle this significant increase in trains. CN needs to bear the responsibility of these costs, not the taxpayers. I truly hope you will take a hard look at the negative impact that this acquisition would have on our and surrounding communities and decide to REJECT this proposal. Thank you for reading my letter and agreeing to listen to the people of the affected communities. Sincerely yours, Heather Desjardins
    Frankfort, IL
  1597. (printed as 9/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13598Deb Babbe
    Dear Board Representative; I would like to voice my opposition to the proposed CN rail coming through New Lenox. We are a small community that depends upon the existing roads to get us to school, work and medical emergencies. I've attended all the local meetings and heard enough. This CN rail is going to be a disaster for our community. I am especially concerned about people racing to beat the train. I also am also concerned about the long waits for those of us who don't speed up to beat the train. The fear of hazardous wastes being transported so close to our homes, the property values going down, the noise, the pollution on the neighboring farm fields. Please don't allow our community to be ruined, as we are certain it will be when the amount of trains increase. Thank you, Deb Babbe
    New Lenox, IL
  1598. (printed as 9/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13597James Helton
    Please reject the Canadian Natl acquisition of the EJ&E line in the Chicago area.
    Barrington, IL
  1599. (printed as 9/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13595Lori Helton
    PLEASE reject the Canadian National acquisitin of the EJ&E line in the Chocago area.
    Barrington, IL
  1600. (printed as 9/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13594Barbara Francis
    Dear Ms. Johnson-Ball: As a resident of New Lenox, a community that will be negatively impacted with the increased number of trains being proposed with the purchase of the EJ&E railroad by the CN railroad, I would like to express my concerns. I understand that the number of daily trains may exceed 30 trains in the future and that these trains may extend 3 miles in length causing over 20 minute crossing delays. I strongly believe that the proposed CN railroad purchase of EJ&E will drastically negatively impact emergency response times in New Lenox where I live. I’m equally concerned about the increased hazardous materials that will be routinely moving through our communities. Please take my concerns into consideration when you make your recommendation and vote “NO” to the CN. Sincerely, Barbara Francis 554 S. Marley Rd New Lenox, IL 60451
    New Lenox, IL
  1601. (printed as 9/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13593Joshua Sherwood
    Dear Sir or Madam, I am writing to request that this board opposes the Canadian National purchase of the EJ&E railroad. I am strongly opposed to this purchase. Please do not let Canadian National destroy our community. Joshua Sherwood
    Aurora, Illinois
  1602. (printed as 9/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13592Kelly Sherwood
    Dear Sir or Madam, I am request that you oppose the Canadian National purchase of the EJ&E railroad. I am strongly opposed to this purchase. Please do not let Canadian National destroy our community. Kelly Sherwood
    Aurora, Illinois
  1603. (printed as 9/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13591Joshua Sherwood
    Dear or Madam, I am writing to request that you oppose the Canadian National purchase of the EJ&E railroad. Please do not let Canadian National destroy our community. Joshua Sherwood
    Aurora, Illinois
  1604. (printed as 9/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13588Cynthia Brendlinger
    I am not a resident of Frankfort, and I am formally opposing the proposed Canadian National Railway acquisition of the EJ&E Railroad. I know that this will ultimately affect Joliet also. I also work and shop in Frankfort and this will only cause more problems on the road way.
    Joliet, IL
  1605. (printed as 9/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13586Sonya Ehrich
    I do not agree with the EJ&E purchase. Please do not let this happen. It would add too much congestion, pollution, and noise to the areas with the railway being considered.
    Aurora, IL
  1606. (printed as 9/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13584Todd Hale
    Phillis Johnson-Ball Surface Transportation Board 395 E Street SW Washington, DC 20423 RE: STB Finance Docket No. 35087 Proposed Acquisition of the EJ&E Railroad by Canadian National Dear Ms. Johnson-Ball: My business is in Frankfort, and I am formally opposing the proposed Canadian National Railway acquisition of the EJ&E Railroad. Environmental Impact If the CN purchase of the EJ & E is allowed to proceed, the impact to surrounding schools, churches and neighborhoods will have devastating consequences. The sound and vibration of thundering, fuming freight trains every 51 minutes will be felt for miles along these tracks. The noise and most concerning, the increased risk of a toxic spill due to the 600% spike in harmful chemicals hauling through town at 45 miles per hour begs the question, “Will the STB ensure that the final environmental impact study addresses the significant negative environmental impact to our community?” The Cost to US Taxpayers The $40 million CN has proposed to spend on infrastructure improvements is a drop in the bucket. Who will pay for the rest of the underpasses, grade separations and projected necessary infrastructure improvements that are needed to support projected population growth. Who will pay for the anticipated decline in property values? If the STB approves this transaction, then CN should be required to pay. Emergency Response Minutes count when lives are at stake. With 28 trains a day, police cars and fire trucks will be forced to wait with their sirens blaring, and considering Frankfort’s population is anticipated to top 55,000, the impact could cost lives. Is Congestion Better in the Suburbs? Moving Chicago’s rail congestion to the suburbs is not an effective solution. Please consider that relocating this problem does not effectively address the issue. CN Safety Record It has been 25 years since the EJ&E tracks in Frankfort have received major repairs. Considering CN’s reluctance to implement Canadian safety measures, and its employees’ “culture of fear,” does the STB expect CN to honor US safety requirements? Please give CN’s safety record your utmost priority when considering this purchase. Respectfully submitted,
    Frankfort, IL
  1607. (printed as 9/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13583chris rosenthal
    As a resident, home owner, and voter in Naperville, IL I am a against the purchase of the EJ and E rail line by Canadian National. The public costs (impact) outweigh transportation benefits. As the third largest district in the state, Indian Prairie transports 17,500 students each day. The rail line in question stretches more than 11 miles through the district with seven schools located within a half-mile of the tracks. There are two grade-level crossings of particular concern. School buses cross the Ogden Avenue tracks a total of 164 times each day and the Montgomery Avenue tracks 139 times each day. If the proposed sale goes through, there is an expected increase not only in the number of trains traveling though the community, but also in train length. Gate closures are anticipated to increase up to 10 minutes per train. Delays created by rail traffic will impact students arrival to school as well as their timely return home.
    naperville, illinois
  1608. (printed as 9/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13581Michael A. Green
    Regarding the purchase of the EJ&E railroad by CN: Our family, and many others in our neighborhood are strongly opposed to the purchase of the railroad. The minor impacts are great enough to cause us great concern, such as: more trains blowing horns at the crossing(s), gridlock at the crossings, and noise at night. However, the transportation of hazardous materials also concerns us. Finally, the effect it'll have on emergency vehicles is disturbing. My wife, parents, and in-laws travel on Gougar, Cedar, Schoolhouse, and Wolf road on a *DAILY* basis. This purchase would have huge negative effect on our lives. Furthermore, if the purchase goes through, I will most likely move to the North side, possibly out of the Lincoln-way area. (Our current plan was to build a new home out along Laraway Road.) Pleae re-consider this transaction; if it goes through, I have a feeling that it'll kill the development in South Frankfort, Mokena, and New Lenox. Regards, Michael A. Green, MBA
    New Lenox, IL
  1609. (printed as 9/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13579Margie Richardson
    Please do not let the Canada rail purchase the train routes going through New Lenox, IL. We have small children who cross the tracks for school regularly and I fear for their safety. If there were a chemical/hazard waste spill, how would they ensure my childrens safety? It is NOT necessary for them to use these tracks going through the middle of small towns. Thank you. Margie Richardson
    New Lenox, IL
  1610. (printed as 9/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13575sharon lemon
    see attach
    West Chicago, Illinois
  1611. (printed as 9/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13574Dennis Weaver
    Phillis Johnson-Ball Surface Transportation Board 395 E Street, SW Washington, DC 20423 Ref: STB Finance Docket No. 35087 RE: Canadian National Railway Company and Grand Trunk Corporation-Control— EJ&E West Company (STB Finance Docket No. 35087) Dear Ms. Ball: I would like to voice my concern and opposition to the proposed acquisition of the EJ&E Railroad by Canadian National. According to Resolution 09-R-0007, passed by the City of West Chicago on January 21, 2008, estimates provided by Canadian National indicate that the average number of daily trains that run along the segment of the EJ&E rail line running through West Chicago, north of the Union Pacific tracks, will increase from 4.4 to 24.4 trains per day, and that the gross tons of freight per day that run over that segment will increase from 14,397 tons to 184,969 tons, an increase of 1,185 percent which would be the greatest of all locations along the EJ&E. Canadian National further estimates that the average number of daily trains that run along the segment of the EJ&E rail line that runs through West Chicago, south of the Union Pacific tracks, will increase from 10.7 to 34.5 trains per day with an increase in gross tonnage of 294%. Furthermore, it is believed that Increases in traffic congestion, noise and pollution are not the only by-products of such increases. The projected increase in the volume of train traffic and rail related operations will result in more frequent blockages of the at-grade crossings in West Chicago, negatively impacting emergency vehicular access and resulting in longer emergency response times. It will also present a significantly greater risk of accident at those grade crossings traversed by West Chicago Community High School students walking to and from school. Additionally, it is projected that train lengths will be much longer than current EJ&E train lengths and hazardous materials’ traffic in West Chicago, north of the Union Pacific tracks would increase from the current 21 carloads per year to 265 carloads per year and 31 carloads per year to 301 carloads per year for the line south of the Union Pacific track. Given these staggering statistics, the negative impact to public health, safety and quality of life would be significant. Therefore, I ask you to carefully consider all the ramifications such an acquisition poses and vote against this proposal. Sincerely, Dennis Weaver
    Bartlett, IL
  1612. (printed as 9/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13573administrator ----
    Phillis Johnson-Ball Surface Transportation Board 395 E Street, SW Washington, DC 20423 Ref: STB Finance Docket No. 35087 RE: Canadian National Railway Company and Grand Trunk Corporation-Control— EJ&E West Company (STB Finance Docket No. 35087) Dear Ms. Ball: I would like to voice my concern and opposition to the proposed acquisition of the EJ&E Railroad by Canadian National. According to Resolution 09-R-0007, passed by the City of West Chicago on January 21, 2008, estimates provided by Canadian National indicate that the average number of daily trains that run along the segment of the EJ&E rail line running through West Chicago, north of the Union Pacific tracks, will increase from 4.4 to 24.4 trains per day, and that the gross tons of freight per day that run over that segment will increase from 14,397 tons to 184,969 tons, an increase of 1,185 percent which would be the greatest of all locations along the EJ&E. Canadian National further estimates that the average number of daily trains that run along the segment of the EJ&E rail line that runs through West Chicago, south of the Union Pacific tracks, will increase from 10.7 to 34.5 trains per day with an increase in gross tonnage of 294%. Furthermore, it is believed that Increases in traffic congestion, noise and pollution are not the only by-products of such increases. The projected increase in the volume of train traffic and rail related operations will result in more frequent blockages of the at-grade crossings in West Chicago, negatively impacting emergency vehicular access and resulting in longer emergency response times. It will also present a significantly greater risk of accident at those grade crossings traversed by West Chicago Community High School students walking to and from school. Additionally, it is projected that train lengths will be much longer than current EJ&E train lengths and hazardous materials’ traffic in West Chicago, north of the Union Pacific tracks would increase from the current 21 carloads per year to 265 carloads per year and 31 carloads per year to 301 carloads per year for the line south of the Union Pacific track. Given these staggering statistics, the negative impact to public health, safety and quality of life would be significant. Therefore, I ask you to carefully consider all the ramifications such an acquisition poses and vote against this proposal. Sincerely, Cathy Weaver
    Cathy Weaver · Bartlett, IL
  1613. (printed as 9/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13572denise sagerian
    Dear Ms. Johnson-Ball, I am writing to express my opposition to the prospective acquisition of the EJ&E line by Canadian National Railway. I oppose the proposed acquisition becuase the increased number of longer and faster freight trains running through plainfield will result in increased vehicle delays in our already congested area roads.we have basically one north south road running through plainfield . at present when a freight train runs through town it causes backups for miles and significant time delays. an increase in the number of trains running through plainfield will only increase the problem.
    plainfield, il
  1614. (printed as 9/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13571Virginia Baldwin-O'Beirne
    My husband and I strenuously object to CN's request to acquire EJ&E Railroad. The increase in train traffic in the Plainfield area would place a tremendous problem for vehicle traffic on our already congested & undersized roads.
    Plainfield, Illinois
  1615. (printed as 9/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13568Majewski, Paul
  1616. (printed as 9/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13549Puglise, Joey
  1617. (printed as 9/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13548Riverside Building Services
  1618. (printed as 9/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13547Puglise, Nicky
  1619. (printed as 9/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13546Puglise, J.
  1620. (printed as 9/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13515Pat Godziszewski
    Hello--I missed the meeting in Elmwood Park last week, but I am in favor of the proposed purchase of the EJ&E by CN. I am a local high school teacher, and am frequently at risk of being late getting from one campus to another because of unpredictable and LONG WAITS at the RR crossings in Franklin Park. Thanks for taking my comment. Pat
    Franklin Park, IL
  1621. (printed as 9/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13514Dan Perkis
    Phillis Johnson-Ball Surface Transportation Board 395 E Street, SW Washington, DC 20423 Ref: STB Finance Docket No. 35087 RE: Canadian National Railway Company and Grand Trunk Corporation-Control— EJ&E West Company (STB Finance Docket No. 35087) Dear Ms. Ball: I would like to voice my concern and opposition to the proposed acquisition of the EJ&E Railroad by Canadian National. According to Resolution 09-R-0007, passed by the City of West Chicago on January 21, 2008, estimates provided by Canadian National indicate that the average number of daily trains that run along the segment of the EJ&E rail line running through West Chicago, north of the Union Pacific tracks, will increase from 4.4 to 24.4 trains per day, and that the gross tons of freight per day that run over that segment will increase from 14,397 tons to 184,969 tons, an increase of 1,185 percent which would be the greatest of all locations along the EJ&E. Canadian National further estimates that the average number of daily trains that run along the segment of the EJ&E rail line that runs through West Chicago, south of the Union Pacific tracks, will increase from 10.7 to 34.5 trains per day with an increase in gross tonnage of 294%. Furthermore, it is believed that Increases in traffic congestion, noise and pollution are not the only by-products of such increases. The projected increase in the volume of train traffic and rail related operations will result in more frequent blockages of the at-grade crossings in West Chicago, negatively impacting emergency vehicular access and resulting in longer emergency response times. It will also present a significantly greater risk of accident at those grade crossings traversed by West Chicago Community High School students walking to and from school. Additionally, it is projected that train lengths will be much longer than current EJ&E train lengths and hazardous materials’ traffic in West Chicago, north of the Union Pacific tracks would increase from the current 21 carloads per year to 265 carloads per year and 31 carloads per year to 301 carloads per year for the line south of the Union Pacific track. Given these staggering statistics, the negative impact to public health, safety and quality of life would be significant. Therefore, I ask you to carefully consider all the ramifications such an acquisition poses and vote against this proposal. Sincerley, Dan Perkis
    St. Charles, Illinois
  1622. (printed as 9/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13512Katie Perkis
    Phillis Johnson-Ball Surface Transportation Board 395 E Street, SW Washington, DC 20423 Ref: STB Finance Docket No. 35087 RE: Canadian National Railway Company and Grand Trunk Corporation-Control— EJ&E West Company (STB Finance Docket No. 35087) Dear Ms. Ball: I would like to voice my concern and opposition to the proposed acquisition of the EJ&E Railroad by Canadian National. According to Resolution 09-R-0007, passed by the City of West Chicago on January 21, 2008, estimates provided by Canadian National indicate that the average number of daily trains that run along the segment of the EJ&E rail line running through West Chicago, north of the Union Pacific tracks, will increase from 4.4 to 24.4 trains per day, and that the gross tons of freight per day that run over that segment will increase from 14,397 tons to 184,969 tons, an increase of 1,185 percent which would be the greatest of all locations along the EJ&E. Canadian National further estimates that the average number of daily trains that run along the segment of the EJ&E rail line that runs through West Chicago, south of the Union Pacific tracks, will increase from 10.7 to 34.5 trains per day with an increase in gross tonnage of 294%. Furthermore, it is believed that Increases in traffic congestion, noise and pollution are not the only by-products of such increases. The projected increase in the volume of train traffic and rail related operations will result in more frequent blockages of the at-grade crossings in West Chicago, negatively impacting emergency vehicular access and resulting in longer emergency response times. It will also present a significantly greater risk of accident at those grade crossings traversed by West Chicago Community High School students walking to and from school. Additionally, it is projected that train lengths will be much longer than current EJ&E train lengths and hazardous materials’ traffic in West Chicago, north of the Union Pacific tracks would increase from the current 21 carloads per year to 265 carloads per year and 31 carloads per year to 301 carloads per year for the line south of the Union Pacific track. Given these staggering statistics, the negative impact to public health, safety and quality of life would be significant. Therefore, I ask you to carefully consider all the ramifications such an acquisition poses and vote against this proposal. Sincerley, Katie Perkis
    St. Charles, Illinois
  1623. (printed as 9/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13510Daniel Garcia
    Phillis Johnson-Ball Surface Transportation Board 395 E Street, SW Washington, DC 20423 Ref: STB Finance Docket No. 35087 RE: Canadian National Railway Company and Grand Trunk Corporation-Control— EJ&E West Company (STB Finance Docket No. 35087) Dear Ms. Ball: As a resident of the City of West Chicago, I would like to voice my concern and opposition to the proposed acquisition of the EJ&E Railroad by Canadian National. According to Resolution 09-R-0007, passed by the City of West Chicago on January 21, 2008, estimates provided by Canadian National indicate that the average number of daily trains that run along the segment of the EJ&E rail line running through West Chicago, north of the Union Pacific tracks, will increase from 4.4 to 24.4 trains per day, and that the gross tons of freight per day that run over that segment will increase from 14,397 tons to 184,969 tons, an increase of 1,185 percent which would be the greatest of all locations along the EJ&E. Canadian National further estimates that the average number of daily trains that run along the segment of the EJ&E rail line that runs through West Chicago, south of the Union Pacific tracks, will increase from 10.7 to 34.5 trains per day with an increase in gross tonnage of 294%. Furthermore, it is believed that Increases in traffic congestion, noise and pollution are not the only by-products of such increases. The projected increase in the volume of train traffic and rail related operations will result in more frequent blockages of the at-grade crossings in West Chicago, negatively impacting emergency vehicular access and resulting in longer emergency response times. It will also present a significantly greater risk of accident at those grade crossings traversed by West Chicago Community High School students walking to and from school. Additionally, it is projected that train lengths will be much longer than current EJ&E train lengths and hazardous materials’ traffic in West Chicago, north of the Union Pacific tracks would increase from the current 21 carloads per year to 265 carloads per year and 31 carloads per year to 301 carloads per year for the line south of the Union Pacific track. Given these staggering statistics, the negative impact to public health, safety and quality of life would be significant. Therefore, I ask you to carefully consider all the ramifications such an acquisition poses and vote against this proposal. Sincerely, Daniel Garcia
    West Chicago, IL
  1624. (printed as 9/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13508Ed Perkis
    Phillis Johnson-Ball Surface Transportation Board 395 E Street, SW Washington, DC 20423 Ref: STB Finance Docket No. 35087 RE: Canadian National Railway Company and Grand Trunk Corporation-Control— EJ&E West Company (STB Finance Docket No. 35087) Dear Ms. Ball: I would like to voice my concern and opposition to the proposed acquisition of the EJ&E Railroad by Canadian National. According to Resolution 09-R-0007, passed by the City of West Chicago on January 21, 2008, estimates provided by Canadian National indicate that the average number of daily trains that run along the segment of the EJ&E rail line running through West Chicago, north of the Union Pacific tracks, will increase from 4.4 to 24.4 trains per day, and that the gross tons of freight per day that run over that segment will increase from 14,397 tons to 184,969 tons, an increase of 1,185 percent which would be the greatest of all locations along the EJ&E. Canadian National further estimates that the average number of daily trains that run along the segment of the EJ&E rail line that runs through West Chicago, south of the Union Pacific tracks, will increase from 10.7 to 34.5 trains per day with an increase in gross tonnage of 294%. Furthermore, it is believed that Increases in traffic congestion, noise and pollution are not the only by-products of such increases. The projected increase in the volume of train traffic and rail related operations will result in more frequent blockages of the at-grade crossings in West Chicago, negatively impacting emergency vehicular access and resulting in longer emergency response times. It will also present a significantly greater risk of accident at those grade crossings traversed by West Chicago Community High School students walking to and from school. Additionally, it is projected that train lengths will be much longer than current EJ&E train lengths and hazardous materials’ traffic in West Chicago, north of the Union Pacific tracks would increase from the current 21 carloads per year to 265 carloads per year and 31 carloads per year to 301 carloads per year for the line south of the Union Pacific track. Given these staggering statistics, the negative impact to public health, safety and quality of life would be significant. Therefore, I ask you to carefully consider all the ramifications such an acquisition poses and vote against this proposal. Sincerley, Ed Perkis
    St. Charles, Illinois
  1625. (printed as 9/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13507Cheryl Perkis
    Phillis Johnson-Ball Surface Transportation Board 395 E Street, SW Washington, DC 20423 Ref: STB Finance Docket No. 35087 RE: Canadian National Railway Company and Grand Trunk Corporation-Control— EJ&E West Company (STB Finance Docket No. 35087) Dear Ms. Ball: I would like to voice my concern and opposition to the proposed acquisition of the EJ&E Railroad by Canadian National. According to Resolution 09-R-0007, passed by the City of West Chicago on January 21, 2008, estimates provided by Canadian National indicate that the average number of daily trains that run along the segment of the EJ&E rail line running through West Chicago, north of the Union Pacific tracks, will increase from 4.4 to 24.4 trains per day, and that the gross tons of freight per day that run over that segment will increase from 14,397 tons to 184,969 tons, an increase of 1,185 percent which would be the greatest of all locations along the EJ&E. Canadian National further estimates that the average number of daily trains that run along the segment of the EJ&E rail line that runs through West Chicago, south of the Union Pacific tracks, will increase from 10.7 to 34.5 trains per day with an increase in gross tonnage of 294%. Furthermore, it is believed that Increases in traffic congestion, noise and pollution are not the only by-products of such increases. The projected increase in the volume of train traffic and rail related operations will result in more frequent blockages of the at-grade crossings in West Chicago, negatively impacting emergency vehicular access and resulting in longer emergency response times. It will also present a significantly greater risk of accident at those grade crossings traversed by West Chicago Community High School students walking to and from school. Additionally, it is projected that train lengths will be much longer than current EJ&E train lengths and hazardous materials’ traffic in West Chicago, north of the Union Pacific tracks would increase from the current 21 carloads per year to 265 carloads per year and 31 carloads per year to 301 carloads per year for the line south of the Union Pacific track. Given these staggering statistics, the negative impact to public health, safety and quality of life would be significant. Therefore, I ask you to carefully consider all the ramifications such an acquisition poses and vote against this proposal. Sincerley, Cheryl Perkis
    St. Charles, Illinois
  1626. (printed as 9/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13505Gregorio Garcia
    Phillis Johnson-Ball Surface Transportation Board 395 E Street, SW Washington, DC 20423 Ref: STB Finance Docket No. 35087 RE: Canadian National Railway Company and Grand Trunk Corporation-Control— EJ&E West Company (STB Finance Docket No. 35087) Dear Ms. Ball: As a resident of the City of West Chicago, I would like to voice my concern and opposition to the proposed acquisition of the EJ&E Railroad by Canadian National. According to Resolution 09-R-0007, passed by the City of West Chicago on January 21, 2008, estimates provided by Canadian National indicate that the average number of daily trains that run along the segment of the EJ&E rail line running through West Chicago, north of the Union Pacific tracks, will increase from 4.4 to 24.4 trains per day, and that the gross tons of freight per day that run over that segment will increase from 14,397 tons to 184,969 tons, an increase of 1,185 percent which would be the greatest of all locations along the EJ&E. Canadian National further estimates that the average number of daily trains that run along the segment of the EJ&E rail line that runs through West Chicago, south of the Union Pacific tracks, will increase from 10.7 to 34.5 trains per day with an increase in gross tonnage of 294%. Furthermore, it is believed that Increases in traffic congestion, noise and pollution are not the only by-products of such increases. The projected increase in the volume of train traffic and rail related operations will result in more frequent blockages of the at-grade crossings in West Chicago, negatively impacting emergency vehicular access and resulting in longer emergency response times. It will also present a significantly greater risk of accident at those grade crossings traversed by West Chicago Community High School students walking to and from school. Additionally, it is projected that train lengths will be much longer than current EJ&E train lengths and hazardous materials’ traffic in West Chicago, north of the Union Pacific tracks would increase from the current 21 carloads per year to 265 carloads per year and 31 carloads per year to 301 carloads per year for the line south of the Union Pacific track. Given these staggering statistics, the negative impact to public health, safety and quality of life would be significant. Therefore, I ask you to carefully consider all the ramifications such an acquisition poses and vote against this proposal. Sincerely, Gregiorio Garcia
    West Chicago, IL
  1627. (printed as 9/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13503Melissa Garcia
    Phillis Johnson-Ball Surface Transportation Board 395 E Street, SW Washington, DC 20423 Ref: STB Finance Docket No. 35087 RE: Canadian National Railway Company and Grand Trunk Corporation-Control— EJ&E West Company (STB Finance Docket No. 35087) Dear Ms. Ball: As a resident of the City of West Chicago, I would like to voice my concern and opposition to the proposed acquisition of the EJ&E Railroad by Canadian National. According to Resolution 09-R-0007, passed by the City of West Chicago on January 21, 2008, estimates provided by Canadian National indicate that the average number of daily trains that run along the segment of the EJ&E rail line running through West Chicago, north of the Union Pacific tracks, will increase from 4.4 to 24.4 trains per day, and that the gross tons of freight per day that run over that segment will increase from 14,397 tons to 184,969 tons, an increase of 1,185 percent which would be the greatest of all locations along the EJ&E. Canadian National further estimates that the average number of daily trains that run along the segment of the EJ&E rail line that runs through West Chicago, south of the Union Pacific tracks, will increase from 10.7 to 34.5 trains per day with an increase in gross tonnage of 294%. Furthermore, it is believed that Increases in traffic congestion, noise and pollution are not the only by-products of such increases. The projected increase in the volume of train traffic and rail related operations will result in more frequent blockages of the at-grade crossings in West Chicago, negatively impacting emergency vehicular access and resulting in longer emergency response times. It will also present a significantly greater risk of accident at those grade crossings traversed by West Chicago Community High School students walking to and from school. Additionally, it is projected that train lengths will be much longer than current EJ&E train lengths and hazardous materials’ traffic in West Chicago, north of the Union Pacific tracks would increase from the current 21 carloads per year to 265 carloads per year and 31 carloads per year to 301 carloads per year for the line south of the Union Pacific track. Given these staggering statistics, the negative impact to public health, safety and quality of life would be significant. Therefore, I ask you to carefully consider all the ramifications such an acquisition poses and vote against this proposal. Sincerely, Melissa J Garcia
    West Chicago, IL
  1628. (printed as 9/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13502Annette M. Voss
    Phillis Johnson-Ball Surface Transportation Board 395 E Street, SW Washington, DC 20423 Ref: STB Finance Docket No. 35087 RE: Canadian National Railway Company and Grand Trunk Corporation-Control— EJ&E West Company (STB Finance Docket No. 35087) Dear Ms. Ball: I would like to voice my concern and opposition to the proposed acquisition of the EJ&E Railroad by Canadian National. According to Resolution 09-R-0007, passed by the City of West Chicago on January 21, 2008, estimates provided by Canadian National indicate that the average number of daily trains that run along the segment of the EJ&E rail line running through West Chicago, north of the Union Pacific tracks, will increase from 4.4 to 24.4 trains per day, and that the gross tons of freight per day that run over that segment will increase from 14,397 tons to 184,969 tons, an increase of 1,185 percent which would be the greatest of all locations along the EJ&E. Canadian National further estimates that the average number of daily trains that run along the segment of the EJ&E rail line that runs through West Chicago, south of the Union Pacific tracks, will increase from 10.7 to 34.5 trains per day with an increase in gross tonnage of 294%. Furthermore, it is believed that Increases in traffic congestion, noise and pollution are not the only by-products of such increases. The projected increase in the volume of train traffic and rail related operations will result in more frequent blockages of the at-grade crossings in West Chicago, negatively impacting emergency vehicular access and resulting in longer emergency response times. It will also present a significantly greater risk of accident at those grade crossings traversed by West Chicago Community High School students walking to and from school. Additionally, it is projected that train lengths will be much longer than current EJ&E train lengths and hazardous materials’ traffic in West Chicago, north of the Union Pacific tracks would increase from the current 21 carloads per year to 265 carloads per year and 31 carloads per year to 301 carloads per year for the line south of the Union Pacific track. Given these staggering statistics, the negative impact to public health, safety and quality of life would be significant. Therefore, I ask you to carefully consider all the ramifications such an acquisition poses and vote against this proposal. Sincerely, Annette M. Voss
    Warrenville, Illinois
  1629. (printed as 9/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13495Petra Anderson
    I have lived at my current address for 15 years, and cross the EJ&E line a minimum of twice a day to get to and from work. My son crosses the tracks twice a day to get to school. For 5 years now, the State of Illinois paid for bus service for our entire subdivision to get to and from Still Middle School. This is a school within walking distance from our neighborhood, but it is unsafe to cross the tracks given the current gate system. When we first moved in, traffic on that line was only a few trains a day and a couple at night, usually only carrying coal. Traffic has tripled over the past several years, including freight trains carrying ocean containers and even car carriers. My particular subdivision is sandwiched between 2 roads with grade level crossings (Ogden and Montgomery). Traffic with the current level of train traffic is horrendous on Ogden, and a large number of cars cut through our residential neighborhood to get to Montgomery road (a two lane street). It is normal in rush hour to sit through several lights to cross the street due to the backup caused by a train. Having worked in the transportation industry for over 10 years, I understand the need to upgrade and increase our rail capabilities within the U.S. However, I do not believe this needs to be at the expense of local residents and taxpayers. If CN wants this rail line to increase their business and profits, they need to adequately fund the necessary upgrades to the current infrastructure. The proposed sale to CN does not adequately address the need to upgrade the numerous crossings in our area with either overpasses, underpasses, safer crossings, etc.
    Aurora, IL
  1630. (printed as 9/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13493Christine Harrison
    I am against the proposed acquisition of the EJ&E railroad for the following reasons: 1.Significant delays 2.Congestion 3.Emergency response time 4.Increase in noise 5.Plainfield is already expanding and this would cause even more problems 6.I moved from chicago (midway area) to get away from all the traffic, noise, planes and trains and I feel that this would put us right in comparison to chicago.
    Plainfield, IL
  1631. (printed as 9/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13490Nalani Jensen
    see attach
    West Chicago, IL
  1632. (printed as 9/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13487Pat Jensen
    see attached
    West Chicago, IL
  1633. (printed as 9/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13486Dawn P Eckstein
    I deeply oppose the increased train traffic on the CN line in Frankfort. My elderly parents live just off Harlem Avenue and adding 20+ trains a day will limit my ability to get to them in cases of emergency. I hope this will not pass.
    Tinley Park, IL
  1634. (printed as 9/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13484Susan McGrath
    Safety First.....Please stop the Canadian National purchase of the EJ&E rail line.
    Barrington, IL
  1635. (printed as 9/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13483Melissa Patti
    see attachment
    Aurora, IL
  1636. (printed as 9/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-16137Peterson, Janet
  1637. (printed as 9/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15816Conforti, Steven
  1638. (printed as 9/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15749Mukai, Kevin K.
  1639. (printed as 9/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15741Rifkin, Dana
  1640. (printed as 9/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15739Armstrong, Nancy
  1641. (printed as 9/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15735Fayet, Daniel M.
  1642. (printed as 9/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15726Dobbs, Alison
  1643. (printed as 9/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15689Guda, Kelly
  1644. (printed as 9/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15672Flanagan, Diane
  1645. (printed as 9/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15616Tibble, Ron
  1646. (printed as 9/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15591Weaver, Keith S.
  1647. (printed as 9/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15589Pollack, Robert J.
  1648. (printed as 9/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15588Webb-Capecci, Margaret
  1649. (printed as 9/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15321Soehren, Marti
  1650. (printed as 9/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15317Bird, Lauren
  1651. (printed as 9/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15307Merkel, James
  1652. (printed as 9/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15302Johns, James K.
  1653. (printed as 9/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15297Fortier, Shirley
  1654. (printed as 9/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15293Samburg, Renee M.
  1655. (printed as 9/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15287McLawhorn, Sherman
  1656. (printed as 9/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15275Minnick, Carolyn
  1657. (printed as 9/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15274Jamrozy, Romyne
  1658. (printed as 9/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15241Gallo, Kim M.
  1659. (printed as 9/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15235McGuire, Michael
  1660. (printed as 9/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15139Weaver, Barbara
  1661. (printed as 9/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15138Weaver, Barbara
  1662. (printed as 9/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15115Skoda, Renee
  1663. (printed as 9/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15108Lagro, Phillip
  1664. (printed as 9/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15107Lagro, Elizabeth A.
  1665. (printed as 9/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15101Jamrozy, Richard
  1666. (printed as 9/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15099Ciner, Tina M.
  1667. (printed as 9/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15098McGuire, Christine
  1668. (printed as 9/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15090Gold, Brian
  1669. (printed as 9/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15070Thode, John
  1670. (printed as 9/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15067Gorczowski, Janice
  1671. (printed as 9/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14975Kern, Ed
  1672. (printed as 9/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14920Divitoria, Joseph
  1673. (printed as 9/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14560Groller, Wayne
  1674. (printed as 9/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14559Glynn, Susan
  1675. (printed as 9/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14557Evans, RJ
  1676. (printed as 9/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14556Egle, Kristie
  1677. (printed as 9/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14555Bestrain, Alexandria
  1678. (printed as 9/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14403Zoumboulis, Dean
  1679. (printed as 9/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14402Zoumboulis, Dean
  1680. (printed as 9/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14401Wollek, Stanley
  1681. (printed as 9/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14400Wolfe, Terese
  1682. (printed as 9/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14399Wilson, Virginia
  1683. (printed as 9/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14398Vuolo, Nicholas
  1684. (printed as 9/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14397unknow
  1685. (printed as 9/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14396Tatum, Roger
  1686. (printed as 9/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14395Smith, Walter
  1687. (printed as 9/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14394Oremus, Ruby
  1688. (printed as 9/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14393Mahalik, Rudolph
  1689. (printed as 9/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14392Kugelberg, Kurt
  1690. (printed as 9/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14391Krantz, wesley G.
  1691. (printed as 9/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14390Krantz, Mary Lee
  1692. (printed as 9/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13627Pratscher, Maureen
  1693. (printed as 9/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13545Wielunski, Susan
  1694. (printed as 9/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13473IL
    We are requesting the the CN EJ & E deal be denied. WE are concerned about the many grade level crossings and the high price of mitigation. If CN agrees to mitigating all crossings at their expense then we would reconsider.
    J. McLinn · Hoffman Estates, Illinois
  1695. (printed as 9/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13471Suzanne Clarkin
    Please do not approve more trains through Frankfort, IL.
    Frankfort, IL
  1696. (printed as 9/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13467Kimberley Michaels
    Ms.Rutson, I am a long time resident of Aurora,IL. I would like to voice my objections with you, regarding the disastrous impact CN's proposed plans will have on my community and the surrounding areas. The sale will harmfully impact already declining home values. The increased lack of safety involving derailments with hazardous waste (CN has a proven poor/unsatisfactory" track record), and numerous RR crossings ( I know people will be speeding to "beat" the gates to avoid long and wasteful train crossing times). The extra time it will take for emergency vehicles to arrive on the scene and perhaps back to hospitals, will certainly cost us lives and further harm. The cost to cities & towns along the railway, to accommodate the increased CN rail traffic is mind-boggling. (We already have one of the highest property tax rates in all of Illinois!) This proposed action will only create "dead zones" of property value and destroy whatever safe and prosperous communities there are along the route. How can this CN proposal possibly be considered, knowing the tremendous, and numerous negative impacts it will have on thousands and thousands of people and communities along the route? I wouldn't want to see this happen to ANY U.S. city, especially at the hands of a foreign company with everything to gain and nothing to lose. Please stop this social and ecological disaster! Sincerely, Kimberley Michaels"
  1697. (printed as 9/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13466Peace Christian Reformed Church
    This note pertains to CN Railways proposed acquisition of the EJ&E railway. I need to express my strong support of this acquisition, not only on my personal behalf as a South Holland resident, but also on behalf of the church I serve - many of whose members live in South Holland. The amount of traffic tie-up on account of the number of trains currently running through South Holland has become dangerous. Yes, train stoppages are tedious - but much more than that, they currently create traffic situations where vehicles dart in alternate directions, through residential neighborhoods. The current frequency of train related vehicle movement is making it dangerous for children who play outdoors and live near these many bi-directions. For their sake, for the sake of a safer community, I would urge you to move forward with the steps necessary to seal this purchase - leading to the trains to move through fewer communities than they now do. Thank you so much for your consideration of this. Sincerely, Rev. Heino Blaauw Pastor, Peace Christian Reformed Church South Holland, IL
    Rev. Heino Blaauw · South Holland, Illinois
  1698. (printed as 9/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13465Michael Klein
    I am a resident of Illinois, and strongly object to CN's Proposed Action, and will be drastically harmed thereby. The impact on traffic congestion and noise is totally unacceptable. I resent that we are even seriously considering this. Chicago has already determined the negative impact that it has on them and wants CN out. Why would we think that our standard of living should be lower than Chicago's? I have heard absolutely no positive argument for why we should submit ourselves to this ridiculous plan. It's expensive and will no doubt have to be paid for out of our taxes. The only argument that I've heard is that it will create jobs. This is ridiculous. The fact that something is so bad for our area that we have to create jobs to fix the negative impact, makes no sense. 9/11 also created a large number of jobs and that certainly was not something to be in any way positive about. If this moves forward, I would think that there will be a large group pushing for an investigation into the decision-makers and what their reasoning was. Thank you for letting me vent my frustrations, and I hope you will help us as much as you can. Sincerely, Michael Klein
    Aurora, IL
  1699. (printed as 9/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13462Eugene and Elizabeth Conrad
    Please see attached re: STB Finance Docket No. 35087
    Hawthorn Woods, IL
  1700. (printed as 9/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13461Darlene De Filippis
    see attachment
    Frankfort, IL
  1701. (printed as 9/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13460Marian Ema
    no more trains
    Frankfort, IL
  1702. (printed as 9/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12633Horvath,Elizabeth
  1703. (printed as 9/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-16132Ryan, Joan
  1704. (printed as 9/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-16104Prashant Padhy
    I am very concerned and would like to request the Passage of H.R. 6707 before Congress adjourns. The proposed EJ&E purchase will impact District 204, the safety of students, and the integrity of the bus transportation system. As the third largest district in the state, Indian Prairie transports 17,500 students each day. The rail line in question stretches more than 11 miles through the district with seven schools located within a half mile of the tracks. There are two grade-level crossings of particular concern. School buses cross the Ogden Avenue tracks a total of 164 times each day and the Montgomery Avenue tracks 139 times each day. If the proposed sale goes through, there is an expected increase not only in the number of trains traveling though the community, but also in train length. Gate closures are anticipated to increase up to 10 minutes per train. Delays created by rail traffic will impact students arrival to school as well as their timely return home.
    Aurora, IL
  1705. (printed as 9/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15822donnor Lamar, Barbara
  1706. (printed as 9/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15820Paudey, Tanu
  1707. (printed as 9/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15815Gold, Marilyn L.
  1708. (printed as 9/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15810Wills, Carrie A.
  1709. (printed as 9/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15809Wills, Kevin T.
  1710. (printed as 9/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15773Carranza, Jose
  1711. (printed as 9/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15755Barlera, Jose
  1712. (printed as 9/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15747Mukai, Kristen J.
  1713. (printed as 9/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15740Casper, Bob
  1714. (printed as 9/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15723Arendarczyk, Rose
  1715. (printed as 9/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15716Quinn, Ellen
  1716. (printed as 9/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15642Zukouski,Russell
  1717. (printed as 9/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15641Wiese
  1718. (printed as 9/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15630Fisher, Brian
  1719. (printed as 9/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15627US Clay Producers Traffic Assoc.
    Flaherty, Thomas G.
  1720. (printed as 9/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15611Winner Partners Inc.
    Winner, Greg
  1721. (printed as 9/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15594Weaver, Keith S.
  1722. (printed as 9/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15568Kaylor, Connie L.
  1723. (printed as 9/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15387Koncel, Terry L.
  1724. (printed as 9/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15386Koncel, Scott J.
  1725. (printed as 9/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15378Bob, Vincent
  1726. (printed as 9/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15376Martinez, Francisca
  1727. (printed as 9/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15373Trilersall
  1728. (printed as 9/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15372Rizzo, Christina
  1729. (printed as 9/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15371Garber, Annette
  1730. (printed as 9/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15370Bennett, Ken
  1731. (printed as 9/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15369Rizzo, Anthony
  1732. (printed as 9/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15368Schkeller, Margaret
  1733. (printed as 9/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15366Miller, Rachel
  1734. (printed as 9/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15365Anshki, Maribel E.
  1735. (printed as 9/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15364Barnhardt, David
  1736. (printed as 9/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15363Lee, Rosalia
  1737. (printed as 9/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15362Berg, Paul
  1738. (printed as 9/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15361Berg, Aklke
  1739. (printed as 9/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15305Wroblewsi, Greg
  1740. (printed as 9/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15292Bird, John
  1741. (printed as 9/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15245Staneart, Roseann
  1742. (printed as 9/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15185McCarty, Jerry
  1743. (printed as 9/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15158Vonnahme, Tracey
  1744. (printed as 9/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15134Parkdale International Limited
    Askett, Paul
  1745. (printed as 9/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15131Brongiel Anthony
  1746. (printed as 9/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15130Levering, Al
  1747. (printed as 9/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15129Every, Jeanne R.
  1748. (printed as 9/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15128Deering, Richard A.
  1749. (printed as 9/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15127Kuraitis, Viktoras
  1750. (printed as 9/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15123Widlowski, Robert
  1751. (printed as 9/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15122Garand, Michael
  1752. (printed as 9/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15119illegible
  1753. (printed as 9/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15114Dina, Sirean
  1754. (printed as 9/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15113Burk, Laura
  1755. (printed as 9/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15112Obrecht, Jennifer C.
  1756. (printed as 9/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15111Brucker, Penny Dawson
  1757. (printed as 9/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15109Wills, Mary
  1758. (printed as 9/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15104Grabinski, Karen
  1759. (printed as 9/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15103Brongiel Jr., Donald A.
  1760. (printed as 9/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15102Batson, Mark C.
  1761. (printed as 9/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15096Willis, Thomas P.
  1762. (printed as 9/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15095Brongiel, Donald
  1763. (printed as 9/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15094Kanak, Richard H.
  1764. (printed as 9/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15093Brongiel, Tamar L.
  1765. (printed as 9/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15087McCarthy, Lynn
  1766. (printed as 9/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15083Serna, Cherie L.
  1767. (printed as 9/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15081Steger, Heidi
  1768. (printed as 9/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15080Dawson, Matt
  1769. (printed as 9/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15076Alexander, Andrew
  1770. (printed as 9/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15074tatum, roger A.
  1771. (printed as 9/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15073Fait, Julie
  1772. (printed as 9/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15071Mukai, Kevin K.
  1773. (printed as 9/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14985Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital
    Deering, M
  1774. (printed as 9/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14984Gazdik, Michael
  1775. (printed as 9/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14983Lampson, Eli
  1776. (printed as 9/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14982Volkendon, Steve
  1777. (printed as 9/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14981Hardler, Howard
  1778. (printed as 9/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14980Davis, Kimberly
  1779. (printed as 9/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14979Penza, Terese
  1780. (printed as 9/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14978White, Adam
  1781. (printed as 9/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14977Neally, Rachel
  1782. (printed as 9/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14965Village of Mundelein
    Kessler, Kenneth H.
  1783. (printed as 9/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14819Coon, Ann
  1784. (printed as 9/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14813Vander Velde, Charles
  1785. (printed as 9/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14812Zurales, Gregory M.
  1786. (printed as 9/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14811Vander Velde, Shirley
  1787. (printed as 9/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14709Barber, Peter
  1788. (printed as 9/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14697Bachelder, David
  1789. (printed as 9/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14696Johnson, Sara
  1790. (printed as 9/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14695Lemar, Patricia
  1791. (printed as 9/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14692Lamar, Charles
  1792. (printed as 9/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14669Neill, Karen
  1793. (printed as 9/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14668Wiborg, Steve
  1794. (printed as 9/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14637Kijowski, Ellen
  1795. (printed as 9/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14631Whitehead, Robert
  1796. (printed as 9/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14567Mancini-Conway, David M.
  1797. (printed as 9/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14554Wilmont, Nancy
  1798. (printed as 9/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14553Wakey, Patricia
  1799. (printed as 9/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14551Villasenor, Lupe
  1800. (printed as 9/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14549Verhagen, Clint
  1801. (printed as 9/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14546Unknown
  1802. (printed as 9/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14545Tutecht, Debra
  1803. (printed as 9/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14543Thompson, Sheila
  1804. (printed as 9/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14542Sussman, Martin
  1805. (printed as 9/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14540Streit, Barbara
  1806. (printed as 9/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14538Spinelli, Antoinette
  1807. (printed as 9/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14537Slope, Joe
  1808. (printed as 9/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14535Skowronski, Tom
  1809. (printed as 9/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14533Poetzinger, Daniel
  1810. (printed as 9/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14531Plessent, Eugene
  1811. (printed as 9/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14530Patrides, Luke
  1812. (printed as 9/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14527O'Sullivan, Kevin
  1813. (printed as 9/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14526Noeltener, James
  1814. (printed as 9/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14525Mizuta, Takanori
  1815. (printed as 9/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14523Michael, Valerie
  1816. (printed as 9/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14521Michael, Valerie
  1817. (printed as 9/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14520May, Darlene
  1818. (printed as 9/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14518May, Joshua
  1819. (printed as 9/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14517Marshall, Bert
  1820. (printed as 9/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14515Manzella, Kathy
  1821. (printed as 9/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14514Lynch, Dan
  1822. (printed as 9/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14512Lundgaro, James
  1823. (printed as 9/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14510Ligman, Susan
  1824. (printed as 9/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14469Buldak, Ann
  1825. (printed as 9/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14435Caez, Judith
  1826. (printed as 9/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14380Kareckas, Jerome
  1827. (printed as 9/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14379Kaledich, Catherine
  1828. (printed as 9/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14378Kacmarek, Peter
  1829. (printed as 9/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14377Janaes, David
  1830. (printed as 9/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14376Hipps, Joyce
  1831. (printed as 9/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14375Greenman, Mae Ann
  1832. (printed as 9/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14374Gaiser, John
  1833. (printed as 9/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14373Flanagan, Dianne R.
  1834. (printed as 9/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14372Ferreira, Conception
  1835. (printed as 9/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14371Feltz, Irene
  1836. (printed as 9/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14369Ellis, Sallie
  1837. (printed as 9/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14368Deuschle, Julia
  1838. (printed as 9/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14367Coyne, James
  1839. (printed as 9/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14366Chandler, Mildred
  1840. (printed as 9/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14365Casey, Steve
  1841. (printed as 9/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14364Kevin
    Cassey
  1842. (printed as 9/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14363Bravo, Susan A.
  1843. (printed as 9/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14362Bic, Walter
  1844. (printed as 9/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14361Bendord, Candance
  1845. (printed as 9/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14360Becca, Katherine
  1846. (printed as 9/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13924Hyland, Richard P.
  1847. (printed as 9/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13848Gewalt Hamilton Associates, Inc.
    Strahan, Daniel J.
  1848. (printed as 9/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13624Vlcek, Scott A.
  1849. (printed as 9/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13623Nicol, Susan H.
  1850. (printed as 9/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13622Reilly, Edgar
  1851. (printed as 9/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13544Villwock, Nancy
  1852. (printed as 9/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13543Schneider, Fred
  1853. (printed as 9/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13542Stockton, Gail
  1854. (printed as 9/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13541Schiltz, Laura
  1855. (printed as 9/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13538Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning
    Blankenhorn, Randall S.
  1856. (printed as 9/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13527Hartman, Karen
  1857. (printed as 9/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13457Betsy
    I am TOTALLY against this! this area is congested ENOUGH! We don't need to risk the lives of children and anyone needing medical attention to have MORE trains go through this area!!!
    oswego, il
  1858. (printed as 9/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13456Jeremy Benoit
    Ref: STB Finance Docket No. 35087 Dear Ms. Johnson-Ball, I am writing to express my opposition to the prospective acquisition of the EJ&E line by Canadian National Railway. I strongly feel that the negative impact this proposed transaction will have on our local communities is immense. The increased number of longer and faster freight trains running through our neighborhoods will result in: * More accidents and deaths along the rail line * An increase in automobile traffic gridlock at rail crossings * Elevated pollution and noise levels * Dangerously longer response times of our Police, Fire and Emergency Medical Teams * Disruption and/or closure of local business activities * Adverse impact on our property values Additionally, recent studies by RTA have revealed that a potential overcrowding of the EJ&E lines will also interfere with commuter METRA train lines affecting our ability to get to and from our workplaces in a timely manner. Please do not let us be “railroaded” by Canadian National. We are hopeful that you will make the decision to vote against this acquisition and to help keep our communities safe for us and for future generations. Respectfully yours, Jeremy Benoit
    Aurora, IL
  1859. (printed as 9/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13455Jan Hewitt
    Please stop the acquistion of the EJ&E by CN Rail. Here are just some of the numerous and catastrophic harms to Wayne that would result from CN's plans. 1. 555% Increase in Daily Number of Trains Traveling Through the Village / Emergency Vehicle Delays The proposed acquisition by CN would shift a significant amount of freight train traffic that currently moves over CN’s rail lines in the City of Chicago to sections of the EJ&E rail line that moves through the Village. Specifically, the proposed acquisition would increase the average number of trains that move through the Village from the current rate of 4.4 trains per day to 24.4 trains per day. This means that a freight train will pass through the Village every hour, 24 hours per day. The increased noise will become, at best, an ever present nuisance and at worst, a potential health hazard. In addition, this will cause severe delays for all motor vehicles attempting to pass through the Village, including school buses transporting students to Wayne Elementary School. Most importantly, it will have a potentially lethal impact on victims of traffic accidents, emergency medical incidents, criminal activity and other emergencies by delaying Police, Fire and EMS response times. 2. 1,285% Increase in Daily Gross Tons of Freight Traveling Through the Village The proposed acquisition would increase the gross tons of freight that moves through the Village from the current rate of 14,397 tons per day to 184,969 tons per day. This is an increase of 170,572 tons per day. The increased tonnage combined with the increased volume of trains will create strong and persistent vibrations that will constitute a nuisance and a danger to homes and other buildings near the EJ&E rail line. 3. 1,258% Increase in Daily Carloads of Hazardous Materials traveling Through the Village The proposed acquisition would increase the daily carloads of hazardous material that moves through the Village from 21.1 carloads per day to 265.5 carloads per day. This is an increase of 244.4 carloads per day. This is a critical issue as the sole source of water to all residents and businesses in the Village is from private wells. In addition, any potential accidents would have disastrous consequences because the rail line runs next to residential areas and is less than one mile from the Wayne Elementary School. 4. Interference with the Emergency Vehicles and Traffic Generally CN projects that the average length of trains passing through the Village will be 8,000 to 10,000 feet in length. As previously stated, the proposed acquisition would increase the average number of trains that move through the Village from the current rate of 4.4 trains per day to 24.4 trains per day. Such frequency and length of trains would severely interfere with emergency vehicle access to major portions of the Village and with the general motoring public in the Village.To illustrate, there are two local highways running east and west through the Village. They are Smith Road to the south and Army Trail Road to the north. In addition, there is one county highway that runs east and west at the northern edge of the Village, Stearns Road. All three roads intersect the EJ&E rail line, which runs north and south through the entire length of the Village, at at-grade rail crossings. The distance between Smith Road and Army Trail Road is approximately 5,000 feet. Therefore, each train would simultaneously block both of the roads that run east and west through the Village. This would divert vehicular traffic to Stearns Road, which is less than 10,000 feet from Army Trail Road , and therefore, could be blocked simultaneously with Army Trail Road . Stearns Road has existing vehicle traffic levels of 10,800 average daily trips (“ADT”), Army Trail Road has existing vehicle traffic levels of 8,100 ADT, and Smith Roadhas existing vehicle traffic levels of 5,300 ADT. All of these levels are projected to increase in the future as a result of population growth in the region. Clearly, the proposed changes would force Stearns Road to accept a higher level of vehicular traffic than it currently services. The blockage of one train every hour on this road would frustrate efforts by the federal and state governments, Kane County, the Village of Wayne and its surrounding sister communities to improve traffic flow in the region, through the Stearns Road Regional Bridge, which is in early stages of construction and will provide a means of carrying vehicles on Stearns Road over the Fox River. Even more obvious, the length and frequency of trains passing through the Village would, in essence, erect a wall running north and south through the Village, cutting off its east side from its west side. This will cause severe delays for all motor vehicles attempting to pass through the Village, including school buses transporting students to Wayne Elementary School. Of great concern is that, to the extent that police, fire and paramedic responses are delayed, the impact on victims could be tragic. 5. Increased Risk of Accidents The projected increase in the number of trains that would pass EJ&E at-grade crossings on a daily basis would result in an increased risk of accidents. Not only would the risk of accidents increase at the actual crossings, the risk of accidents would increase on other roads throughout the Village as vehicles attempt to avoid the crossings. This risk level would increase exponentially as ADT levels are projected to increase due to future population growth in the region. 6. Noise, Vibration and Air Quality (Effects on Environment and Property Values) The increases in train frequency and tonnage will create continuous noise and vibrations. The cumulative effect of these disturbances over time could severely impact the local environment and the safety and property values of nearby homes. Furthermore, increases in motor vehicles delayed at at-grade crossings will significantly increase carbon emissions and negatively impact air quality in the Village. 7. Costs of creating Quiet Zones Increased train traffic and related sounding of train horns may lead to the need for establishment of Quiet Zones. To fulfill Federal Railroad Administration Quiet Zone requirements, the Village must install very expensive safety improvements. The cost of this quality of life issue would fall mainly on the Village and its taxpayers. 8. Interference with suburban commuter rail service The proposed acquisition will interfere with efforts to create suburb to suburb mobility for residents, workers and visitors in the region. For example, it directly jeopardizes the proposed Metra Suburban Transit Access Route (the “Star Line”), which is planned to utilize the same EJ&E rail lines to provide north-south commuter rail service to connect the northwest suburbs to existing Metra commuter lines. 9. Impacts on Pratt’s Wayne Woods Forest Preserve The Pratt’s Wayne Woods Forest Preserve, owned and maintained by the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County (“Forest Preserve”) is located on the Village’s north and east borders. The open space, flora and fauna of this District Preserve have been an integral part of the quality of life of Village residents for several decades. Any potential negative impact on this District Preserve would have a corresponding negative impact on that quality of life.
    Wayne, IL
  1860. (printed as 9/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13453Collette Thomas
    I am in support of this transaction - the utilization of underutilized railway EJ&E reducing the # of trains going thru my community-- producing more of a Quiet Zone in South Holland
    South Holland, IL
  1861. (printed as 9/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13452Michael Frank
    Ms. Phillis Johnson-Ball Surface Transportation Board 395 E Street, SW Washington, DC 20423 Ref: STB Finance Docket No. 35087 Dear Ms. Johnson-Ball, I am writing to express my opposition to the prospective acquisition of the EJ&E line by Canadian National Railway. I strongly feel that the negative impact this proposed transaction will have on our local communities is immense. The increased number of longer and faster freight trains running through our neighborhoods will result in: More accidents and deaths along the rail line An increase in automobile traffic gridlock at rail crossings Elevated pollution and noise levels Dangerously longer response times of our Police, Fire and Emergency Medical Teams Disruption and/or closure of local business activities Adverse impact on our property values Additionally, recent studies by RTA have revealed that a potential overcrowding of the EJ&E lines will also interfere with commuter METRA train lines affecting our ability to get to and from our workplaces in a timely manner. Please do not let us be “railroaded” by Canadian National. We are hopeful that you will make the decision to vote against this acquisition and to help keep our communities safe for us and for future generations. Respectfully yours, Michael L Frank
    Plainfield, Illinois
  1862. (printed as 9/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13451dean zoumboulis
    please go to your website stopcnrail.com.........watch the video of train cars blowing up pieces flying almost a mile.....picture my house on fire........
    wayne, il
  1863. (printed as 9/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13449Regional Transportation Authority
    Comments on CN acquisition of EJ&E DEIS by the Regional Transportation Authority of Northeastern Illinois
    Stephen E. Schlickman · Chicago, IL
  1864. (printed as 9/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13447Ken Brems
    My community is adjacent to the Burlington Northern rail yard in Aurora, IL. This yard has in recent years grown in size and dramatically increased activity. With that has come extremetly disruptive and annoying noise throughout the night hours. In addition this rail yard is adjacent to a District #204 Middle School. I am concerned about the noise and potential for hazardous material or explosive material dangers. Is there any oversight of the rail company activity. Is there anyway to designate this as a quiet zone? Does the rail company have any accountability for a good neighbor policy.
    Aurora, IL.
  1865. (printed as 9/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13446stopcnrail
    am writing to plead with you to do all that you can to stop the Canadian National Railway's plans to acquire EJ&E Railroad. I am a resident of Illinois whose family and community will be destroyed by CN's plans if they succeed. This proposed action is an outrage. It amounts to nothing more than an already extremely rich and profitable foreign company seeking to forcefully and needlessly destroy our communities in order to gain more profit, and do so purely at the expense of our health, safety, property and pocket-books. We need your help to stop this tremendous injustice. Also, I urge you to sponsor and pass HR 6707 this year before Congress adjourns this September so that our communities can be protected against this type of immoral profiteering, now and in the future. We desperately need your help, and that of the U.S. government. Please, help us. -
    dean zoumboulis · wayne, il
  1866. (printed as 9/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13445Waldeamr Rusak
    Regarding FD-35087 I strongly oppose purchase of the EJ and E rail line by Canadian National. This purcahse if approved will negatively impact our transportation system, and significantly increase chances for trail/car accidents.
    Naperville, IL
  1867. (printed as 9/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13444Linda Kowalski
    Please vote no to the purchase of the EJ&E Railway by CN Railway H.R. 6707. This is detrimental to the communities where the EJ&E goes through. The benefit of a company should not be at the expense of the residents or tax payers. Without over/under passes, the length of delays in traffic would be substantial causing excessive air pollution.
    Aurora, IL
  1868. (printed as 9/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13443James Thanniakry
    Please do not allow the sale of the EJ&E rail road company to the Canadian company. I live near by the tracks. It will be very noisy amd will delay travel times for everybody. My 3 kids go to school on school bus which will have to cross the tracks. Housing prices are already going down because of this prposed sale. Please do not apporve the sale. Thanks James Thanniakry
    Aurora, IL
  1869. (printed as 9/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13442Northwestern Flavors Inc
    see attachment
    West Chicago, IL
  1870. (printed as 9/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13440Emily Niepomnik
    lake zurich, IL
  1871. (printed as 9/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13438Susan Worthy
    I oppose the sale of the EJ and E rail line to Canadian National. It will be detrimental to the community by increasing traffic congestion, already an issue, and close proximity to 2 elementary schools as well as many residential communities. I encourage you to do whatever possible to prevent this sale.
    Naperville, IL
  1872. (printed as 9/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13436Shree Gurusamy
    I am opposed to the proposed purchase of the EJ and E rail line by Canadian National, as it will impact students in District 204. As the third largest district in the state, Indian Prairie transports 17,500 students each day. The rail line in question stretches more than 11 miles through the district with seven schools located within a half-mile of the tracks. There are two grade-level crossings of particular concern. School buses cross the Ogden Avenue tracks a total of 164 times each day and the Montgomery Avenue tracks 139 times each day. If the proposed sale goes through, there is an expected increase not only in the number of trains traveling though the community, but also in train length. Gate closures are anticipated to increase up to 10 minutes per train. Delays created by rail traffic will impact students arrival to school as well as their timely return home. I am the parent of two children attending schools in district 204 and I strongly oppose this sale.
    naperville, Illinois
  1873. (printed as 9/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13433Lisa Newman
    Please take into consideration the impact that going through with the railroad purchase will have on our children and community. thank you, Lisa Newman
    Aurora, IL
  1874. (printed as 9/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13432Patricia & Michael Bolles
    We are totally against the proposed purchase of the EJ and E rail line by Canadian National. It will have too much impact on our community cost wise and nuisance wise. Thank you for your consideration.
    Naperville, IL
  1875. (printed as 9/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13424Jackie Greenwald
    Good afternoon to those reviewing these comments. I encourage the STB to critically assess the potential sale of the EJ&E rail line to CN. The impact of the increased rail traffic through my community will certainly cause a detrimental effect for all local citizens. With increased commute times and excess noise, the environment in which I have lived for the past ten years will change dramatically. I enjoy sleeping with my windows open in the summer to hear the occassional train pass during the night. With incrased rail traffic will there be a time during the night when there will be silence to again enter a deep slumber? My father was employed as a freight agent for forty years and continues to enjoy the sights and sounds of rail traffic. Without the railroad I would not have had the fantastic childhood I did. Yet, when my father is visiting he often finds himself wondering of the necessity of the horn frequency and duration. Please reconsider this transaction until more can be done to alleviate the noise levels and disruption to traffic. Thank you for your time. Jacqueline Greenwald
    Aurora, IL
  1876. (printed as 9/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13266Frances Copley
    I don't think you should allow EJ&E to run through the towns. We have new schools with alot buses. These children will always be late for school. Also I understand they carry waste. We cannot have this kind of train system here. We have enough train. I also hear they have problems in Canada. Let them stay there.
    Mokena, IL
  1877. (printed as 9/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13264Barb Soares
    I am very concerned about the proposed purchase of the EJ & E Rail Line by the Canadian National Railway. The proposed increase in both train traffic and increased length of these trains will adversely affect many of the communities bordering these tracks. One of the major concerns I have is the safety of the antiquated, at-grade crossings in the Naperville, Plainfield and Aurora, IL. Our school district recently has redrawn the boundaries for our highschools in IPSD 204 and now several hundred students will not be bused across these tracks that were not previously. Particularly impacted by the boundary changes were Tall Grass and White Eagle Subdivision in Naperville, IL. These children will be put at risk daily crossing these tracks. There is only one above-grade crossing that could possibly be used to transport these children but that would require the buses traveling significantly north and then back tracking south thereby increasing the time and costs to transport these children to the highschool. These trains are going to significantly impact the traffic patterns in all these communtities which already experience terrible traffic congestion daily during rush hour traffic. This deal is so greatly increasing the number of trains as well as the length of these trains that the quality of life in our communities along these rails is directly and negatively impacted. The Canadian National is proposing so little monetary support for communities to upgrade crossings, so the taxpayers will have to foot the bill. These concerns are only the tip of the iceberg. We are also were concerned with hazzardous waste in high population areas, increased noise and pollution, and decreased response time for emergency vehicles. Please support the citizens and fight against this deal. Alternatives must be considered and infrastructure should be built first before any such passage of increased traffic along these tracks. A few added trains would not be a big deal but changes of this magnitude are just not feasible with the current limitations of infrastructure. Please vote No!"."
    Naperville, IL
  1878. (printed as 9/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13263Kathy Sundholm
    I am writing to plead with you to deny the Canadian National Railway's proposal to acquire EJ&E Railroad. I am a resident of the Chicago Western Suburbs whose family and community will be destroyed by CN's plans if they succeed. This proposed action is an outrage. It amounts to nothing more than an already extremely rich and profitable foreign company seeking to forcefully and needlessly destroy our communities in order to gain more profit, and do so purely at the expense of our health, safety, property and pocket-books. Please stop this tremendous injustice. The details were outlined very graphically at the 9/9/08 Town Hall. These are some of the highlights from my notes: o The Draft Environmental Impact Study methodology severely flawed—criticized by EPA, Department of Transportation, multitude of local experts. o Initial estimates 3 times the number of trains per day, 2 ½-3 times as many train cars per train (e.g., 100 cars per train now, 300 later). This does not include CN’s growth plans, 2009-2013 to quadruple capacity—how much will come our way?!?!? o Estimates to mitigate (make safe) all railroad crossings in the western suburbs due to increased traffic $1.8 Billion Dollars! The state and federal governments have already said that they cannot fund this. Guess who will pay?? My guess--- US through property taxes!!!! CN doesn’t have to pay ANY OF THIS!! o Estimated increase in noise and vibrations high and adverse. o Several people noted CN’s dismal safety record in Canada. o Decreased property values. o Traffic at train stops will inhibit Police/Fire/Ambulances’ response time; may cost lives. Limits access to Rush-Copley, area trauma center. o Traffic at train stops’ affect on the daily travel of local citizens. Waits at stops will triple due to train sizes, and will be 3 times as often! o Huge increase in hazardous materials transport through our area. CN has been criticized for a poor HAZMAT response strategy. o Estimated 10 times the risk of a public train-related disaster. o Adjacent to MANY schools, increased risk to children attending schools near railroad lines, crossing tracks to get to school. o Environmental impacts--pollution due to increased cars idling at railroad crossings. o Increased gas usage, increased cost to citizens due to increased cars idling at railroad crossings. o Puts low impact Star Line commuter line at risk. o Negative impacts on local forest preserves, rookeries; 4 state-listed species will lose their habitat. WOULD YOU WANT TO LIVE IN THESE COMMUNITIES IF CN HAS ITS WAY?? The United States is a goverment of the people, by the people and for the people." I must strongly urge that you, as an agency of the U.S. government, rule FOR THE PEOPLE, who have spoken out very loudly against this acquisition so that our communities can be protected against this type of immoral profiteering by a foreign company at the expense of American citizens! Thank you for doing what in the interests of the citizens directly affected by this proposal. Kathy Sundholm"
  1879. (printed as 9/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13262James Sanders
    Please do not allow the CN purchase of EJ&E. If Canadian National Railway is allowed to purchase EJ&E, we believe the negative impact will be immense. We are concerned for the safety of our children, as well as the environmental effects the increased train traffic will have on our community. As the third largest district in the state, Indian Prairie transports 17,500 students each day. The rail line in question stretches more than 11 miles through the district with seven schools located within a half mile of the tracks. There are two grade-level crossings of particular concern. School buses cross the Ogden Avenue tracks a total of 164 times each day and the Montgomery Avenue tracks 139 times each day. If the proposed sale goes through, there is an expected increase not only in the number of trains traveling though the community, but also in train length. Gate closures are anticipated to increase up to 10 minutes per train. Delays created by rail traffic will impact students arrival to school as well as their timely return home. The increased train traffic would also have a major impact on emergency response times from our police, fire and amublance service. An extra 10-minute wait for someone in cardiac arrest would be devastating. From what I have learned, CN does not have plans nor regard for these issues. Again, they should not be allowed to purchase the EJ&E. Respectfully, James Sanders
    Aurora, IL
  1880. (printed as 9/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13261Paul D. Vanderplow
    I am concerned about the purchase of EJ&J railroad by CN. WHile i can appreciate the ability of business to expand, I can not tolerate this expansion comming at the expense of myself and others in the community. If CN wants the line, they can take whatever measures needed to keep the community whole" as in: pre-traffic levels for safety, transportation time and the like. The ability for citizens to live in safety and free of extended delays should come first before the profit motives of a corporation."
  1881. (printed as 9/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13260DAVID H SMITH
    I SEE NO NEED TO INCRESE TRAFFIC ON THESE LINES AND ROADS THAT WERE NOT DESIGNED TO HANDLE.
    MATTESON, IL
  1882. (printed as 9/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13259Gail Seno
    The negative impact on our community is tremendous with concern of theEJ and E rail line by Canadian National. Please do not let this sale take place. It is detrimental to our transportation as parents trying to get our children to school and will negatively impact our time to and from home on a daily basis. You will in turn negatively impact our home values and community welfare for emergency situations and daily life if this sale is allowed to commence. Please stop it now and find a more amicable solution to the trains routes and lengths and timing. We cannot be waiting at a train stop for up to 10 minutes at a time each time with arrive at that stop! For our community that could mean 4 to 6 times a day times 10 minutes each everyday. I ask that this sale not be allowed to take place. Thank you very much for your time and understanding and action in this matter.
    Plainfield, IL
  1883. (printed as 9/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13258Indian Prairie School District employee and taxpayer
    As both a resident of this area and employee of Indian Prairie School District #204, I strongly oppose the proposed rail purchase of the EJ and E rail line by Canadian National. It will wreak havoc throughout our already congested road system for everyone and will disrupt the busing situation terribly for our schools. Buses cross the Ogden Ave. tracks a total of 164 times each day and the Montgomery Ave. tracks 139 times each day. STOP THE PROPOSED PURCHASE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    Kathy Milkert · Aurora, IL
  1884. (printed as 9/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13257Takes A Village Daycare
    I am a homeowner, and business owner residing in South Holland,IL. I am all for fewer trains and whistles. The noise is disruptive at times to my daycare business, and I also feel that the vibrations from the trains have some negative impact on my homes foundation. My major concerns with the trains are that there are always people hitching rides on the trains from outside our communities and this poses a safety issue for my children and the children in my care. Sitting on my front porch I have witnessed people robbing the trains of their cargo and after calling the police I feel unsafe because the thieves have seen me sitting on my porch and may try to retaliate.
    Marsha Hill-Martin · South Holland, Illinois
  1885. (printed as 9/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-16138Kushner, William R
  1886. (printed as 9/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-16107Trujillo, Juan
  1887. (printed as 9/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-16106Martenson, Lori
  1888. (printed as 9/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-16105Jones, Kaeyan
  1889. (printed as 9/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15955Dornbos, Bob
  1890. (printed as 9/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15945Flagler, Jane
  1891. (printed as 9/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15817Liberty, Mary
  1892. (printed as 9/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15813Woosley, Kevin
  1893. (printed as 9/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15812Woosley, Eileen
  1894. (printed as 9/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15751Moses, Lisa
  1895. (printed as 9/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15746Yates, Peter
  1896. (printed as 9/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15680Parikh, Dipesh
  1897. (printed as 9/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15679Bhaskaran, Deepa
  1898. (printed as 9/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15666Severns, Diane
  1899. (printed as 9/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15580Inoa, Kenneth M.
  1900. (printed as 9/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15577Ammendola, Barbar
  1901. (printed as 9/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15576Zapotocky, Tony
  1902. (printed as 9/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15353Arendarczyk, Rose
  1903. (printed as 9/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15322Carper, Frank
  1904. (printed as 9/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15306Lederer, Lawrence
  1905. (printed as 9/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15298Melnyk, Pam
  1906. (printed as 9/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15296Mitchell, Dayna
  1907. (printed as 9/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15290Bird, Joh R.
  1908. (printed as 9/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15289Walker, Bill
  1909. (printed as 9/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15264Branding, Katherine
  1910. (printed as 9/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15243Trascritti, Karen
  1911. (printed as 9/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15219Leibel, Erin
  1912. (printed as 9/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15192Lyle, Freddrenna M.
  1913. (printed as 9/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15184City of Warrenville
    Brummel, David L.
  1914. (printed as 9/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15172Stone, Ted A.
  1915. (printed as 9/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15171Lozinak, Amy
  1916. (printed as 9/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15159Chhabra, Dinesh
  1917. (printed as 9/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15157Kuniej, Bill
  1918. (printed as 9/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15140Reber, Dean
  1919. (printed as 9/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15118Bishop, J
  1920. (printed as 9/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15117Bishop, J.
  1921. (printed as 9/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15116Bishop, J.
  1922. (printed as 9/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15100Hoffmann, Margaret
  1923. (printed as 9/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15097Flagler, William A.
  1924. (printed as 9/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15089Render, Laura
  1925. (printed as 9/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15088Wetterling, Suzanne
  1926. (printed as 9/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15068Murry, James R.
  1927. (printed as 9/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15057Bishop, J.
  1928. (printed as 9/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14843Rozgo, Bruce A.
  1929. (printed as 9/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14842Meilner, Edward
  1930. (printed as 9/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14835Solutions To Area Rail Traffic
    Wierciak, Tammy
  1931. (printed as 9/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14834East, James H.
  1932. (printed as 9/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14833Kilsdonk, Nancy J.
  1933. (printed as 9/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14832Kilsdonk, Dennis J.
  1934. (printed as 9/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14830Jaradat, Razan I.
  1935. (printed as 9/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14829LaCombe, Joan
  1936. (printed as 9/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14828Wetterling, Suzanne
  1937. (printed as 9/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14827Setlik, Patricia
  1938. (printed as 9/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14826Wetterling, Leah
  1939. (printed as 9/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14818Ragsdale, Susan
  1940. (printed as 9/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14810Keller williams Success Realty
    Ancona, Patty
  1941. (printed as 9/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14783Kickert, William J.
  1942. (printed as 9/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14782Kickert, Therese A.
  1943. (printed as 9/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14781Elaine
  1944. (printed as 9/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14767Johnson, Scott
  1945. (printed as 9/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14713Hough, George D
  1946. (printed as 9/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14670Crnkovic, M.
  1947. (printed as 9/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14487Maxwell, Elizabeth A
  1948. (printed as 9/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14486Herbert, Bill
  1949. (printed as 9/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14471Pericak, Kathleen
  1950. (printed as 9/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14470Neuenfeld, Irene
  1951. (printed as 9/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14465Manning, Carol
  1952. (printed as 9/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14457Kroll, Teresa
  1953. (printed as 9/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14455Bataille, Gerald F.
  1954. (printed as 9/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14449woods, Paula
  1955. (printed as 9/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14434Nowocin, Debra
  1956. (printed as 9/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14347Near South Planning Board
    Sanchez-Carlson, Bonnie
  1957. (printed as 9/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14345Indiana Department of Natural Resources
    Clune, Patricia
  1958. (printed as 9/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14326Zoumbolis, George
  1959. (printed as 9/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14325Yarbrough, Pauline
  1960. (printed as 9/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14324Yanisch, Gail
  1961. (printed as 9/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14322Woitvoet, Eugene
  1962. (printed as 9/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14321White, Tonya
  1963. (printed as 9/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14320Taylor, Janell
  1964. (printed as 9/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14319Stephenson, William
  1965. (printed as 9/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14318Shower, Helen
  1966. (printed as 9/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14317Roth, Charles
  1967. (printed as 9/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14316Ragon, Robert
  1968. (printed as 9/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14315Owen, Sandra
  1969. (printed as 9/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14314Overton, Daniel
  1970. (printed as 9/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14313No Name 2
  1971. (printed as 9/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14312Neises, Joseph
  1972. (printed as 9/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14311Mitu, Signor
  1973. (printed as 9/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14310Mitchell, Franky
  1974. (printed as 9/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14309McGowan, Arlene
  1975. (printed as 9/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14308Macari, Robert
  1976. (printed as 9/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14307Kueper, Tim
  1977. (printed as 9/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14306Knighton, Thomas
  1978. (printed as 9/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14305Johnson, Karen
  1979. (printed as 9/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14304Groller, Ed
  1980. (printed as 9/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14303Glowaki, Olga
  1981. (printed as 9/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14302Fladger, Ulysses
  1982. (printed as 9/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14301Fisher, Lana
  1983. (printed as 9/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14300Finely, Trinia C.
  1984. (printed as 9/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14299Ebbens, Jori
  1985. (printed as 9/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14298DeYoung, Cheryl
  1986. (printed as 9/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14297Dec
  1987. (printed as 9/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14296Blackmon, Kathy
  1988. (printed as 9/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14295Bell, Marilyn
  1989. (printed as 9/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13839Leahy, Caralyn
  1990. (printed as 9/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13837Leahy, William C.
  1991. (printed as 9/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13728Auchstetter, Kimberly Jean
  1992. (printed as 9/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13639Voltolina, Claudine
  1993. (printed as 9/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13636Wollney, Ruth
  1994. (printed as 9/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13634Eilks, Juliet
  1995. (printed as 9/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13633Nemec, Nancy
  1996. (printed as 9/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13632Daly, Thoma
  1997. (printed as 9/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13631Billman, Alice
  1998. (printed as 9/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13604Kashyap, Soren
  1999. (printed as 9/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13603Gulino, Thomas A.
  2000. (printed as 9/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13526Zubinski, Tony
  2001. (printed as 9/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13525Parekh, Kiran
  2002. (printed as 9/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13524Pew, Corey
  2003. (printed as 9/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13523Richard
  2004. (printed as 9/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13522Pangilinan
  2005. (printed as 9/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13459Beaudoin, Matt
  2006. (printed as 9/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13458Casey, Karen
  2007. (printed as 9/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13454Flauter, Jim
  2008. (printed as 9/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13450Kozlowski, Remi
  2009. (printed as 9/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13441Bautista, Ruther Mrs.
  2010. (printed as 9/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13439Pierce, Nick
  2011. (printed as 9/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13437Pierce, Nathan
  2012. (printed as 9/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13435Casey, Paul
  2013. (printed as 9/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13434Kennelly, Christine
  2014. (printed as 9/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13431Frade, Marco
  2015. (printed as 9/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13430Patrick Munnelyn
    The Draft EIS was insufficient in its evaluation of the required environmental mitigation. Should the STB allow this transaction to take, the STB should add additional mitigation requirements into the Final EIS to properly place the cost burden on the party that will reap the economic benefit, Canadian National Railway and Grand Trunk Company. These mitigation requirements should include additional underpasses/overpasses across all affected communities, additional noise abatement, “quiet times” when no rail traffic will occur (such as school bus traffic hours), and hazardous material support. Please review attached document for additional comments. thanks Patrick Munnelyn Concerned Citizen.
    New Lenox, IL
  2016. (printed as 9/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13429Kreider, Marty
  2017. (printed as 9/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13427Ostwald, Scott
  2018. (printed as 9/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13426Uyekawa, Frank
  2019. (printed as 9/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13425Reedy, Lynsey
  2020. (printed as 9/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13410Matlock, Lisa C.
  2021. (printed as 9/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13380Muckian, Brian
  2022. (printed as 9/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13371McNicholas, Michael J.
  2023. (printed as 9/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13368Pingatore, Jame
  2024. (printed as 9/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13256Eric Carson
    I oppose the sale of the this rail line. Vicki, if you were in my shoes you would also oppose and fight against this sale. I can't express my disbelief that this sale was even considered because of the extreme negative effect it will have on our lives. I have seen first hand what happens when rail traffic increases like proposed. Go to Galesburg Illinois and ask those residence how life is for them. Our area as it is can not!!! handle this sale. Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter. Sincerely, Eric P. Carson
    Aurora, IL
  2025. (printed as 9/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13255patty hass
    protest the EJ&E purchase
    Aurora, Il
  2026. (printed as 9/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13254Sherrie Karnezis Lloyd
    The proposed purchase of the EJ and E rail line by Canadian National would have a siqnificant impact on the district's transportation system due to an increase rail traffic. As the third largest district in the state, Indian Prairie transports 17,500 students each day. The rail line in question stretches more than 11 miles through the district with seven schools located within a half-mile of the tracks. There are two grade-level crossings of particular concern. School buses cross the Ogden Avenue tracks a total of 164 times each day and the Montgomery Avenue tracks 139 times each day. If the proposed sale goes through, there is an expected increase not only in the number of trains traveling though the community, but also in train length. Gate closures are anticipated to increase up to 10 minutes per train. Delays created by rail traffic will impact students arrival to school as well as their timely return home and safety issues.
    Naperville, Illinois
  2027. (printed as 9/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13253Jan Hewitt
    Dear Ms. Johnson-Ball, I am writing to express my opposition to the prospective acquisition of the EJ&E line by Canadian National Railway. I strongly feel that the negative impact this proposed transaction will have on our local communities is immense. The increased number of longer and faster freight trains running through our neighborhoods will result in: More accidents and deaths along the rail line An increase in automobile traffic gridlock at rail crossings Elevated pollution and noise levels Dangerously longer response times of our Police, Fire and Emergency Medical Teams Disruption and/or closure of local business activities Adverse impact on our property values Additionally, recent studies by RTA have revealed that a potential overcrowding of the EJ&E lines will also interfere with commuter METRA train lines affecting our ability to get to and from our workplaces in a timely manner. Please do not let us be “railroaded” by Canadian National. We are hopeful that you will make the decision to vote against this acquisition and to help keep our communities safe for us and for future generations. Respectfully yours, Jan Hewitt
    Wayne, IL
  2028. (printed as 9/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13252Segundina Reyes
    PLEASE STOP THE ACQUISITION OF EJ&E BY CANADIAN NATIONAL RAILWAY. WE WILL APPRECIATE YOUR CONCERN FOR THE SAFETY OF THE COMMUNITIES AND THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT. THANK YOU.
    Barrington Hills, IL
  2029. (printed as 9/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13251Nanci Peek
    I am concerned, and against, the proposed CN acquistion of EJ & E. Already the train traffic through Plainfield, especially due to the number of grade crossings, has caused numerous delays of my children getting to school by the bus. With the increases in population and traffic in this area, being delayed by increase train traffic is unacceptable. P.S. The 1-800 # is not allowing messages to be left.
    Plainfield, IL
  2030. (printed as 9/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13250Village of Buffalo Grove
    A scanned copy of Resolution No. 2008-31, adopted unanimously by the Board of Trustees of the Village of Buffalo Grove on September 22, 2008 is attached hereto to be included in the comment record for the proposed acquisition of control of the EJ&E West Company by the Canadian National Railway Company, currently filed as STB Finance Docket No. 35087.
    Jeffrey Berman (Village Trustee) · Buffalo Grove, IL
  2031. (printed as 9/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13249Village of Buffalo Grove (Village Trustee)
    As a Village Trustee and our Village Board’s Liaison for Transportation issues, I offer these comments on behalf of the roughly 44 thousand residents of the Village of Buffalo Grove and, further, in an effort to provide a voice for the more than 60 communities with a combined population of 4.1 million residents who will benefit from changes resulting from the acquisition of the EJ&E West Company by the Canadian National Railway Company (“CN”). I recognize that all politics are local, and we certainly have seen our fair share of political theater in connection with this proposal. However, I also believe that as representatives of the U.S. Surface Transportation Board, you have a higher calling -- to view the “big picture” and focus on the proper development and appropriate evolution of our regional and national transportation system, for the greater good. I hope that by making these comments today I can at least help to add depth to your understanding of the broader interests involved. By Resolution 2008-1, Board of Trustees of the Village of Buffalo Grove previously, formally expressed the Village’s strong support for the proposed acquisition of the EJ&E. So, why does the Village of Buffalo Grove and other like-situated communities, support the transaction? There are many reasons. And, I urge the STB in the strongest terms possible to take these benefits and the perspective of supportive communities into account, in proper perspective, along with the detriments claimed by those communities and individuals who urge impairment or rejection of the transaction. The proposed acquisition would allow freight train traffic to be diverted away from the core of the metropolitan area and onto underutilized rail capacity around the perimeter of the Chicago area, thereby improving the surface transportation system for the region as a whole. On a macro level, the acquisition and related improvements will yield substantial transportation, environmental and economic benefits to the region and the nation. It can be a major step toward unclogging our rail system, which will reduce shipping costs, spur investment and add jobs. Efficiency in transportation is absolutely essential to keeping the U.S. productive and to allow our own industries to compete in the global economy. And, finally, CN’s private investment would confer these benefits without the interminable delay and public funding challenges associated with the nearly-dormant CREATE plan. ▫ The ability to move freight traffic more efficiently means having fewer trains tying up traffic and belching diesel fumes while standing in the existing rail gridlock. ▫ Efficient use of rail also offers an inexpensive way to improve the environment without harming the economy. The EPA estimates that a typical truck emits three times the amount of greenhouse gasses and particulates than a locomotive, per ton-mile. Because railroads are, on average, three times more fuel efficient than trucks, railroads also have a smaller carbon footprint. Every ton-mile of freight that moves by rail instead of truck reduces fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions by a factor of two-thirds. If just 10% of the freight that currently moves by truck were diverted to rail instead, fuel savings likely would exceed one billion gallons per year. ▫ Moving more freight by rail also helps to reduce highway congestion, which costs $78 billion per year in wasted time (4.2 billion hours) and wasted fuel (2.9 billion gallons), according to the 2007 Urban Mobility Report from the Texas Transportation Institute. A typical train takes the freight equivalent of hundreds of trucks off roads. As such, moving freight by rail enhances mobility and helps reduce the cost of maintaining roads and the pressure to build costly new roads. ▫ By significantly relieving rail congestion, the transaction will help protect the Chicago region’s status as the rail hub of North America. According to the CREATE feasibility study, rail transportation in the Chicago region impacts 5 million jobs nationwide, each year, $782 billion in output and $217 billion in wages. The same study forecasts that if rail capacity is not improved, studies suggest that the Chicago area will lose $2 billion in production and as many as 17,000 jobs will be lost over the next two decades. On a more localized basis, CN’s proposed shifting of trains to a more efficient route on the underutilized EJ&E would result in fewer trains each day for more than 60 communities and their 4.1 million residents, compared with fewer than 30 (with 1.5 million residents) that would see an increase. At present, CN runs the same twenty freight trains per day down the existing CN line that would be diverted to the EJ&E. The purported “increase” in freight traffic on the EJ&E is thus nothing more than moving existing trains from one track to another and the impacts from one group to another. Millions of people in towns that abut the existing CN lines stand to benefit from reductions in rail and highway congestion and delay, a decrease in train noise and relative improvements to safety, if the transaction proceeds. ▫ The number of train accidents on existing CN lines would decrease significantly ▫ The number of train accidents on existing CN lines and the EJ&E line combined would see a net decrease ▫ The risk to pedestrians and bicyclists on existing CN lines would decrease significantly ▫ The combined risk to pedestrians and bicyclists on CN lines and the EJ&E would see a net decrease ▫ The impact of freight traffic on highway congestion and delay at grade crossings for communities along the existing CN lines would decrease significantly ▫ The impact of train noise from freight traffic along the existing CN lines would decrease significantly ▫ From an environmental justice standpoint, minority and low income communities adjacent to existing CN lines would experience significant reductions in freight traffic, resulting in decreases in noise, congestion, delay at grade crossings and noise impacts. The proposed acquisition also would allow for better utilization of the existing CN tracks, upon which Metra operates its North Central Service commuter line. It would set the stage for possible enhancements to the North Central Service, overdue improvements that would take cars off area roads, but which are stalled due to conflicts with freight traffic. The improved and expanded Metra service would address unmet weekday demand and commencement of weekend service, thereby improving the quality of life in the region, enhancing the utility and viability of the North Central Service and adding value to the past federal, state and local investments made in capital improvements to the line. CN acquired the Wisconsin Central in 2001. Prior to that time, freight traffic through our community was relatively light, not unlike volumes seen presently on the EJ&E. Since then, CN has increased traffic on the line substantially. The rapid build up of freight traffic was unprecedented and unexpected for our town and others along the line. Would we prefer to have less freight traffic? Yes we would, absolutely. The additional freight traffic has contributed to increased roadway congestion, and has been the source of significant annoyance and frustration for many. I should add, however, that the increase in CN freight traffic has not caused a cataclysm, civilization as we knew it has not come to an end, and our community continues to adapt and move forward in spite of those changes. In that regard, there are a couple of specific points I want to touch upon briefly. One of the issues raised repeatedly is a concern over potential impairment of emergency responses. I can offer some real life insight into that issue. Despite the quick and unexpected expansion of traffic on the CN Line, we have not experienced those kinds of problems. I have asked this question more than once, and repeatedly have been told we cannot identify even a single instance of an emergency response being materially impaired by the presence of freight traffic. That is in spite of the fact that all of our emergency response facilities are located on the west side of the tracks and a significant portion of the community is located to the east. We have contingency plans to construct an additional facility to the east but as of now, we have been told it is not necessary to do so. Aside from the lack of experiential impacts, we have in place Mutual Aid Agreements with neighboring towns, including several to the east of the tracks, which would allow us to call upon them in the event the need ever arises due to freight interference. Another “big ticket” concern is the claimed need for construction of “dozens” of grade separations along the EJ&E. While I note the draft EIS has identified a handful of specific intersections where mitigation is warranted and I am not here to quarrel with those points or the possibility that separations will be deemed warranted at those locations. The point of contention is the true need for large numbers of new grade separations. In our area, most towns along the existing CN line do not have any grade separation within their boundaries. In fact, along the CN line there are only a total of three separations in all of Lake County, and none are located south of Mundelein. Over more than 40 miles of track from the Wisconsin state line to I-90 at O’Hare Airport, moreover, there are a grand total of six grade separations. Over that distance, the CN tracks pass through nearly two dozen towns, villages and unincorporated areas, including Antioch, Venetian Village, Lake Villa, Round Lake Beach, Libertyville, Grayslake, Mundelein, Vernon Hills, Lincolnshire, Prairie View, Buffalo Grove, Wheeling, Prospect Heights, Mount Prospect, Des Plaines and Rosemont. Even if you average them out, that comes to only one grade separation for every 7 or 8 miles of track. It is hard to imagine that this very large and well-developed area has adapted to the volume of CN freight with so few grade separations while an enormous amount of infrastructure is “essential” to mitigate the move to the EJ&E. In fact, the CREATE program would have provided funding for only 25 grade separations across the entire region. Why are the towns along the EJ&E entitled to more consideration than dozens of other Chicago-area communities that have long lived with as many as 100 trains a day? Even where it is deemed appropriate, moreover, holding the project hostage to a demand that CN pay all, or most, of the related costs, is both unreasonable and unprecedented, not only according to the Chicago Tribune but common sense as well. I started with the proposition that a federal-level agency must view the “big picture,” focusing on regional and national interests. I understand that you have and will continue to hear from individuals, communities and elected officials who oppose the transaction because of concerns about the potential impact on communities along the EJ&E. Decisions of this magnitude should not be made based on who screams the loudest or has the most political currency. I must ask you, therefore – are the cities and towns along the existing CN lines not also entitled to the same considerations as those along the EJ&E? Is our residents’ quality of life inconsequential? Are our interests somehow less significant to this process than those of the towns along the EJ&E? I respectfully submit they are not. And, I must believe that you agree. As such, my challenge to the Surface Transportation Board, as the agency moves forward with the EIS process, is to keep your eye on the big picture – discharge your duties according to the statutory mandates and avoid the traps of politics. Please take the time to cut through the rhetoric, to understand the benefits to regional transportation efficiency, the economy and the environment and recognize the interests of the vast number of communities and literally millions of residents who stand to benefit from changes resulting from the proposed acquisition. The proposed acquisition presents a rare and valuable opportunity to create a more efficient surface transportation system, not only for the benefit of the Village of Buffalo Grove, but for the entire region. As such, on behalf of the Village of Buffalo Grove and more than 3 score like-situated communities, I respectfully request that the Surface Transportation Board approve as soon as possible the proposed acquisition of control of the EJ&E West Company by the Canadian National Railway Company, currently filed as STB Finance Docket No. 35087. Thank you. Jeffrey Berman Village Trustee Village of Buffalo Grove Telephone: 847-909-7091 E-mail: jberman@vbg.org
    Jeffrey Berman · Buffalo Grove, IL
  2032. (printed as 9/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13248jana stermer
    I would like to go record that I am opposed to the purchase of the EJ&E by the Canadian National Railroad. This purchase and the subsequent rail traffic it would bring, will seriously and adversely effect the community in which I live by creating 1)More accidents and deaths along the rail line 2)An increase in automobile traffic gridlock at rail crossings 3)Elevated pollution and noise levels 4)Dangerously longer response times of our Police, Fire and Emergency Medical Teams 5)Disruption and/or closure of local business activities 6)Adverse impact on our property values 7)Potential safety hazards for homes and schools within close proximity of the rail lines. 8) Increased delays for school bus travel Please consider all the negative economic and safety implications of this proposed sale on local business, residents, emergency responders and schools, and vote against this acquisition. Respectfully, Jana Stermer Barrington Resident
    Barrington, IL
  2033. (printed as 9/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13247CHARLES BUCKLEY
    I'm tired of Freight Trains that Causes Delays. I'm making my voice be heard. Metra properly managed can be a valuable tool. 1. I hear many times a week on the Metra Announcements that they are delayed because of freight trains. 2. I get to experience many times many times a week how a long freight train is keeping me from crossing the tracks to be on the proper side to get onto the Metra Train. Sometimes the Metra Train stays at the station as long as possible to still pick us up. 3. The “Train Decrease Per Day” info that was provided by the Village Elmwood Park says that up to 15 freight trains would be re-routed out of our communities. 4. I get to experience many times a week how a freight train comes to a complete stop for up to 15 minutes at times. 5. I get to experience many times a week how a freight train going only a few miles an hour (very slow) at the crossings. 6. I’m paying in full for lousy service that is caused by someone else. 7. I’m also late to work at times because of the delays that freight trains cause. Why should I travel an hour earlier all because of a freight train. 8. I have bills and taxes to pay.
    FRANKLIN PK, IL
  2034. (printed as 9/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13246Kevin O'Connor
    As the third largest district in the state, Indian Prairie transports 17,500 students each day. The rail line in question stretches more than 11 miles through the district with seven schools located within a half-mile of the tracks. There are two grade-level crossings of particular concern. School buses cross the Ogden Avenue tracks a total of 164 times each day and the Montgomery Avenue tracks 139 times each day. If the proposed sale goes through, there is an expected increase not only in the number of trains traveling though the community, but also in train length. Gate closures are anticipated to increase up to 10 minutes per train. Delays created by rail traffic will impact students arrival to school as well as their timely return home. In addition to this, Montgomery Road is a major thru way for access to the local Hospial Rush Copley. There should be concern of emergency vehicle delays. The sale of this railroad to a foriegn firm will disrupt normal living conditions as well as jeopardize safety of citizens on all levels.
    Aurora, Illinois
  2035. (printed as 9/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13245City of St. Charles
    Jared Voto · St. Charles, Illinois
  2036. (printed as 9/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13244chat sheth
    i am filing this e-filing to voice my concerns in opposition to the proposed CN acquisition of the EJ & E Railroad.
    plainfield, il
  2037. (printed as 9/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13243Julie Mrugala
    I am strongly opposed to the proposed purchase of the EJ and E rail line by Canadian National Railroad. This would negatively impact the quality of life for residences along the railroad from Emergency Services support, bus transportation to schools and pollution (noise and air) among many other negative impacts. The GREED of the Canadian National Railroad should not take precedence over the concerns and quality of life for residences along the Rail line. The board should deny approval of rail purchases since the public costs outweigh transportation benefits.
    Plainfield, IL
  2038. (printed as 9/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13242Village of Buffalo Grove
    see attached
    Jane Olson · Buffalo Grove, IL
  2039. (printed as 9/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13241Edward Power
    Please: Say NO to Canadian Purchase of rail lines.
    bolingbrook, il
  2040. (printed as 9/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13240Kari Meek
    Ms. Phillis Johnson-Ball Surface Transportation Board 395 E Street, SW Washington, DC 20423 Ref: STB Finance Docket No. 35087 Dear Ms. Johnson-Ball, I am writing to express my opposition to the prospective acquisition of the EJ&E line by Canadian National Railway. I strongly feel that the negative impact this proposed transaction will have on our local communities is immense. The increased number of longer and faster freight trains running through our neighborhoods will result in: More accidents and deaths along the rail line An increase in automobile traffic gridlock at rail crossings Elevated pollution and noise levels Dangerously longer response times of our Police, Fire and Emergency Medical Teams Disruption and/or closure of local business activities Adverse impact on our property values Additionally, recent studies by RTA have revealed that a potential overcrowding of the EJ&E lines will also interfere with commuter METRA train lines affecting our ability to get to and from our workplaces in a timely manner. Please do not let us be “railroaded” by Canadian National. We are hopeful that you will make the decision to vote against this acquisition and to help keep our communities safe for us and for future generations. Respectfully yours, Kari Meek
    Plainfield, IL
  2041. (printed as 9/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13239Tracy Richardson
    Ref: STB Finance Docket No. 35087 Dear Ms. Johnson-Ball, I am writing to express my opposition to the prospective acquisition of the EJ&E line by Canadian National Railway. This proposed acquisition will negatively impact my community in many ways. I am certain you have received many letters listing these negative effects and I believe these impacts can not be understated. Specific to my neighborhood, should these longer and faster trains become a reality, we will face the dangerous reality of being separated from our nearest hospital emergency center. Many schools in our area are near or next to the tracks, and will be adversely affected. Property values, already suffering due to the current economic situation, will decrease further. Additionally, recent studies by RTA have revealed that a potential overcrowding of the EJ&E lines will also interfere with commuter METRA train lines affecting our ability to get to and from our workplaces in a timely manner. Gridlock would be an inevitable side effect of CN’s proposed train schedules. Please do not let this transaction become a reality. I am hopeful that you will make the decision to vote against this acquisition and to help keep our communities safe for us and for future generations. Respectfully yours, Tracy Richardson
    Plainfield, IL
  2042. (printed as 9/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13238Amy Day
    As a homeowner in Aurora only a mile away from the railroad, I am opposed to the CN's proposed acquisition. There will be more safety issues, noise, congestion and pollution that violates our rights as homeowners in the area. Our home values would decrease in an already depressed market. Had the purchase and increase in traffic happened before our home builds, that would have been our choice to live with the excess traffic near a railroad during our purchases. However, now that this is a community, we should have a say in what freight passes through, how much and when!
    Aurora, IL
  2043. (printed as 9/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13237Alison Saunders
    I want to register my opposition to the proposed acquisition of the rail line purchase by Canadian National Railways which runs through the community in which I live. If there were a way to proceed with the purchase which enabled all the rail road level crossings to be altered to allow either under passes or bridges built at Canadian National railways expense or for there to be a realistic sharing of those expenses, then there would I believe be less opposition. As it stands the proposed purchase does not include any benefits to a huge community’s safety. There are thousands of children who travel across the tracks everyday and in particular there are high school children driving to school across the track everyday. I personally am appalled that somewhere along these negotiations Canadian Railways have not offer to or been required to think about the value of human life over the value of their trading profits. I realise that business has to be allowed to buy and sell in order to be able to trade and I am not a “not in my back yard” person, but until I see that all the parties involved in this proposed transaction are prepared to behave in a responsible manner and seriously think about the effects on human life, I will continue to be in opposition.
    Naperville, IL
  2044. (printed as 9/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13236TRISHA DODGE
    PLEASE DO NOT ALLOW THE EJ and E rail line to be purchased by Canadian National. The impact that increased rail traffic will have on community's transportation system will not have a positive affect on my life in Naperville. I would not have moved the location where I live if I knew there would be increased noise and traffice issues on North Aurora Road.
    NAPERVILLE, IL
  2045. (printed as 9/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13235Laura Hanson
    Please pass H.R. 6707 into Law before adjournment.
    Joliet, Ilinois
  2046. (printed as 9/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13234Christine Sanders
    Ms. Phillis Johnson-Ball Surface Transportation Board 395 E Street, SW Washington, DC 20423 Ref: STB Finance Docket No. 35087 Dear Ms. Johnson-Ball, I am writing to express my opposition to the prospective acquisition of the EJ&E line by Canadian National Railway. I strongly feel that the negative impact this proposed transaction will have on our local communities is immense. The increased number of longer and faster freight trains running through our neighborhoods will result in: More accidents and deaths along the rail line An increase in automobile traffic gridlock at rail crossings Elevated pollution and noise levels Dangerously longer response times of our Police, Fire and Emergency Medical Teams Disruption and/or closure of local business activities Adverse impact on our property values Additionally, recent studies by RTA have revealed that a potential overcrowding of the EJ&E lines will also interfere with commuter METRA train lines affecting our ability to get to and from our workplaces in a timely manner. Please do not let us be “railroaded” by Canadian National. We are hopeful that you will make the decision to vote against this acquisition and to help keep our communities safe for us and for future generations. Respectfully yours, Christine Sanders
    Aurora, IL
  2047. (printed as 9/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13233James Barry
    Regarding the application of the CN to acquire the E,J&E, I request the STB to consider the dangerous impact on surface crossings in Naperville from the addition of the train traffic suggested by CN estimates. T believe the transaction to be beneficial to the economy as a whole, but recommend that CN be required to contribute at least 50% of the cost of eliminating surface crossings (either submerge or elevate road or rail). There are over 30 affected intersections along the E,J&E - representing potentially very dangerous and deadly intersections given the suggested increase in rail traffice. Thank you.
    Naperville, IL
  2048. (printed as 9/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13232Jennifer Gillespie
    I am a teacher in Naperville district #204 and a resident of Aurora. The proposed increase in railway usage would be horrible for both school teachers and students. I teach a 1st period class and the buses are often late just from the normal traffic and stop lights. With the increase in trains I can only imagine how this will effect first 1st periods all over the area. It is not fair to teachers or students to go through the stress of this added traffic and I will be very disappointed if the people in authority don't see this. Naperville/Aurora are some of the biggest and most highly populated areas in the Chicagoland. It is unfair to put this burden on us!
    Naperville, IL
  2049. (printed as 9/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13231Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District
    Phillis: We've attached our comments on the draft EIS for the CN's acquisition of the EJE. Attachments include letter and attachment map. We are also sending via Federal Ex.
    Gerald R. Hanas · Chesterton, Indiana
  2050. (printed as 9/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13230Andrea erazo
    I have noticed the increase noise pollution of the freight trains at night. I know that there is a sign that no train horn should be blown from 10pm - 5 am. This is not the case since I hear horns sounded off at 1 - 3 am. It is very disruptive to the neighborhood. I live four blocks away from the train tracks and it sounds clear as if it were next door. I can't even imagine the houses that are lined along the tracks.Please take the initiative and re-route this train line as it is being proposed. Thank you.
    Elmwood Park, IL
  2051. (printed as 9/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13229Renae Devine
    To whom it may Concern, Please help pass H.R. 6707, a bill entitling federal authorities to deny approval of rail purchases when public costs outweigh transportation benefits. I have great concerns on the impact of fewer and longer trains utilizing the lines in Naperville. It will cripple the already challenged traffic flow through the road systems. The noise pollution, from the lines, is already unpleasant and can further impact the declining value of our homes. Most importantly, children cross those lines many times through out the day, be it on the school bus or walking home from after school activities. The latter scares me most. With the ever growing population of the suburban towns, the future impact of rail traffic will be multiplied. We must be able to deny approval of rail line purchases because the public costs already outweigh the transportation benefits, and let us not forget the further complications in store for us in the future. Sincerely, Renae Devine
    Naperville, IL
  2052. (printed as 9/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13228Mark Eaton
    Dear Ms. Johnson-Ball: My family and I are residents of Frankfort, and we are formally opposing the proposed Canadian National Railway acquisition of the EJ&E Railroad. Environmental Impact If the CN purchase of the EJ & E is allowed to proceed, the impact to surrounding schools, churches and neighborhoods will have devastating consequences. The sound and vibration of thundering, fuming freight trains every 51 minutes will be felt for miles along these tracks. The noise and most concerning, the increased risk of a toxic spill due to the 600% spike in harmful chemicals hauling through town at 45 miles per hour begs the question, “Will the STB ensure that the final environmental impact study addresses the significant negative environmental impact to our community?” The Cost to US Taxpayers The $40 million CN has proposed to spend on infrastructure improvements is a drop in the bucket. Who will pay for the rest of the underpasses, grade separations and projected necessary infrastructure improvements that are needed to support projected population growth. Who will pay for the anticipated decline in property values? If the STB approves this transaction, then CN should be required to pay. Emergency Response Minutes count when lives are at stake. With 28 trains a day, police cars and fire trucks will be forced to wait with their sirens blaring, and considering Frankfort’s population is anticipated to top 55,000, the impact could cost lives. Is Congestion Better in the Suburbs? Moving Chicago’s rail congestion to the suburbs is not an effective solution. Please consider that relocating this problem does not effectively address the issue. CN Safety Record It has been 25 years since the EJ&E tracks in Frankfort have received major repairs. Considering CN’s reluctance to implement Canadian safety measures, and its employees’ “culture of fear,” does the STB expect CN to honor US safety requirements? Please give CN’s safety record your utmost priority when considering this purchase. Respectfully submitted, Mark Eaton & Family
    Frankfort, IL
  2053. (printed as 9/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13227Janice Smith-Matteson
    I am opposed to the EJ& E purchase. Additional trains will disrupt commute times, school bus routes, adversly affect property values and increase costs to taxpayers to construct overpasses. This should not pass.
    Aurora, IL
  2054. (printed as 9/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13226Darius Burchard
    I am writing to plead with you to do all that you can to stop the Canadian National Railway's plans to acquire EJ&E Railroad. I am a resident of Illinois whose family and community will be destroyed by CN's plans if they succeed. This proposed action is an outrage. It amounts to nothing more than an already extremely rich and profitable foreign company seeking to forcefully and needlessly destroy our communities in order to gain more profit, and do so purely at the expense of our health, safety, property and pocket-books. We need your help to stop this tremendous injustice. Also, I urge you to sponsor and pass HR 6707 this year before Congress adjourns this September so that our communities can be protected against this type of immoral profiteering, now and in the future. We desperately need your help, and that of the U.S. government. Please, help us.
    West Chicago, IL
  2055. (printed as 9/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13225cari hammar
    PLEASE PASS HR 6707!!!!
    naperville, il
  2056. (printed as 9/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13224Aaron Gordon
    I am sending this to voice my concern that you support H.R. 6707 entitling federal authorities to deny approval of railway purchases when public costs outweigh transportation benefits and to impose strict mitigation conditions upon any approved purchase after August 1, 2008 of the EJ&E rail line by Canadian National. Sincerely, Aaron Gordon
    Aurora, Il
  2057. (printed as 9/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13223Theresa Severson
    Dear Mr. Blodgett: The proposed purchase of the EJ and E rail line by Canadian National would have a devastating on our area's emergency response, traffic flow and on our school district's transportation system. As the third largest district in the state, Indian Prairie District 204 transports 17,500 students each day. The rail line in question stretches more than 11 miles through the district with seven schools located within a half mile of the tracks. There are two grade-level crossings of particular concern. School buses cross the Ogden Avenue tracks a total of 164 times each day and the Montgomery Avenue tracks 139 times each day. If the proposed sale goes through, there is an expected increase not only in the number of trains traveling though the community, but also in train length. Gate closures are anticipated to increase up to 10 minutes per train. Delays created by rail traffic will impact students arrival to school as well as their timely return home. Please help stop this proposal from being passed. Sincerely, Theresa Severson
    Aurora, IL
  2058. (printed as 9/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13222John R Koch
    Please take into serious consideration the attached letter. I may not have personally written the letter, but I could not have written or agree with it more. Don't let this happen our home values, health, and social climate will dramatically be impacted by it. Thank you very much for your consideration. John R. Koch
    Frankfort, IL
  2059. (printed as 9/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13221Rosetta Sramek
    The Canadian National absolutely must reroute freight traffic from our community to the EJ&E Railway. Our densely populated communities have suffered for many years and the train traffic has increased dramatically. The present railway is in poor condition and the gates are constantly out of order on First Avenue, a major thoroughfare. The poor condition of the railway and the constant rail traffic impedes access to Loyola University Medical Center, a major hospital and trauma center in our communities.
    Riverside, IL
  2060. (printed as 9/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13220Sabrina Sigg
    STB Finance Docket No. 35087 --- I oppose the increase rail traffic in my area. Reasons : noise, safety, increased travels times for local residents as well as emergency vechicles, cost to improve safety around the crossings where many do NOT currently have gates in residential and school areas.
    Frankfort, ILLINOIS
  2061. (printed as 9/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13219Greg Stonehocker
    My family live about a 1/2 mile for the EJ&E railline that runs from Joliet, IL to the the northern suburbs of Chicago, IL. I am against the proposed aquistion of this rail line by Canadian National raiway. The prososed increase in rail traffic will severly impact man facets of community surrounding the rail line. With no over or under passes (at grade crossing only) in the area this will severally impact traffic congestion in the area. This will cause longer delays for commuting which in turn cause will enviromental problems in the area from burning extra fuel sitting at crossings. Also this aquistion will impact emergency response to my neighborhood we live in. My neighbors and myself urge you to look at the total impact before making a decision on this aquistion. We feel this will have a negative impact on our neighborhood and surrounding area. We like our communtity and do not want to see it impacted in this manner. We understand that CN is trying to go through the court system to force this sale by the end of the year. We believe this unfair to the local community. This decision should be made after the impact study has been done and all voices and information has been heard. Thank you for your time, Greg Stonehocker
    Aurora, IL
  2062. (printed as 9/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13218David Curtis
    I am a resident who lives south of the existing RR tracks which will be used by the Canadian RR. I must cross those tracks on the way to work and whenever I leave the house for shopping, or other purposes. There is NO WAY over or under the tracks for me or for any EMERGENCY vehicles. While I am all in favor of more efficient transportation, I also believe that those who will profit from the increased RR traffic should pay a significant part of the costs for bridges or underpasses to allow more efficient transportation for the vast majority of citizens who still must use automobiles.
    Frankfort, IL
  2063. (printed as 9/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13217Cesar Nannizzi
    PLEASE PASS H.R. 6707 INTO LAW BEFORE ADJOURNMENT!”
    Frankfort, Illinois
  2064. (printed as 9/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13216Steve & Kathy Dawidiuk
    Please stop the purchase of the EJ&E rail line by Canadian National. As the third largest district in the state, Indian Prairie School District 204 transports 17,500 students each day. The rail line in question stretches more than 11 miles through the district with seven schools located within a half-mile of the tracks. There are two grade-level crossings of particular concern. School buses cross the Ogden Avenue tracks a total of 164 times each day and the Montgomery Avenue tracks 139 times each day. If the proposed sale goes through, there is an expected increase not only in the number of trains traveling though the community, but also in train length. Gate closures are anticipated to increase up to 10 minutes per train. Delays created by rail traffic will impact students arrival to school as well as their timely return home. PLEASE HELP US KEEP OUR CHILD SAFE AND GET HER TO SCHOOL ON TIME!
    Naperville, IL
  2065. (printed as 9/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13215Paul Schuldt
    PLEASE PASS H.R. 6707 INTO LAW BEFORE ADJOURNMENT!”
    Frankfort, Illinois
  2066. (printed as 9/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13214Cesar Nannizzi
    no comments attached
    Frankfort, Illinois
  2067. (printed as 9/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13213Lillian Kaminski
    PLEASE PASS H.R. 6707 INTO LAW BEFORE ADJOURNMENT!”
    Frankfort, Illinois
  2068. (printed as 9/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13212Jane Nannizzi
    PLEASE PASS H.R. 6707 INTO LAW BEFORE ADJOURNMENT!”
    Frankfort, Illinois
  2069. (printed as 9/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13211Dan Bredesen
    Please Block CN aquizition of EJ&E tracks. This sale or lease would be devistating to our community. Please review the attatched map . This is only one of hundreds of small communities that would be choked by train load. Please do not let us be victims of CN's disregard for our homes and communities. Thanx for your understanding
    Lockport, Il.
  2070. (printed as 9/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13210School District 204
    The increased rail traffice will have a negative environmental impact in our area (stalled cars and school buses). Our roads in the area are already over-taxed. In the past 10 years, traffic has become such a large issue that we cannot leave our subdivision (Brookdale) between the hours of 4 and 6 pm during commuter rush hour. Increased rail traffic will only make the situation worse.
    Cynthia Cindy" G. McCabe" · Naperville, IL
  2071. (printed as 9/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13209Alvin J. Swanson
    no comments attached
    Matteson, Il
  2072. (printed as 9/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13208Matt Faber
    Docket No. FD-35087 Please pass the H.R. 6707 bill. The proposed purchase of the EJ and E rail line by Canadian National will not only impact my kids trying to get to school everyday, but it will already add to my hour and ten minute commute from Aurora to Lombard every day. Not to mention the economic impact of the already poor housing market. Please we need you help!
    aurora, il
  2073. (printed as 9/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13207Ashok Kollur
    Dear Sir/Madam There is a proposed rail line purchase (Elgin to Joliet rail line) in Illinois state by CN Rail. This purchase will badly affect my entire family as we have to cross this rail line (rail/road crossing at grade level) atleast 4 times/day (myself and wife for work, my 3 year old son for preschool, 5 month baby for daycare) and I believe this sale is going to greatly and adversely affect my family's and entire community's daily routine. It's close to my son's preschool also. Please oppose this sale and cast your vote so the sale will not go through. Regarding H.R. 6707, a bill entitling federal authorities to deny approval of rail purchases when public costs outweigh transportation benefits and to impose strict mitigation conditions upon any approved purchase after August 1, 2008. Thanks Ashok Kollur
    Aurora, IL
  2074. (printed as 9/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13206Viktoras A. Kuraitis
    I am a resident of Mokena, Illinois, one of the communities through which the EJ&E railroad tracks pass. I am writing to express my strong opposition to the sale of EJ&E to Canadian National. EJ&E tracks pass through heavily populated communities in the Chicago metro area. The immediate quadrupling of train traffic (and perhaps even more in the future) will expose millions of people to increased noise, air pollution, and traffic congestion due to blocked roads. Emergency responders will be blocked from reaching accident scenes, imperiling the health of victims. There will be a greatly increased risk of collisions, derailments and hazmat accidents. Homes, schools and businesses closely border the tracks in many areas so any problems will be greatly magnified. Finally, railroad overpasses will need to constructed at many crossings and all grade level crossings will need to be upgraded to handle the increased rail traffic. This cost may run into several billion dollars. Canadian National has not shown any willingness to pay any portion of this cost. Are American taxpayers expected to subsidize a foreign, profit-making enterprise? Please vote against this sale and prevent a real tragedy for these Chicago-area communities, as well as a huge cost for the American taxpayer. Thank you for your attention to my concerns.
    Mokena, Illinois
  2075. (printed as 9/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13205Jean Stanker
    I believe that the Canadian National Railway should NOT be allowed to purchase the EJ&E system around Chicago because of issues having to do with safety, devalued properties, long wait times when there are tracks right by 2 schools, and environmental issues.
    Frankfort, Illinois
  2076. (printed as 9/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13137Kevin G. Falvey
    Please require the CN Railroad to pay for the required upgrades or improvements to the effected crossings. We are just citizens/taxpayers, moms and dads and it is patently unfair for regulatory panels such as the STB to follow historical decisions. Aren't you afterall representing the interests of our country ? How can you ignore such an equitable solution- because it is unprecedented ? Set a solution that works for the 21st century.
    Mokena, IL
  2077. served (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Decision
    39411Secretary
    PROVIDED NOTICE THAT COURT ACTION WAS INSTITUTED IN THIS PROCEEDING.
    in the court-action register
  2078. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-16134Plummer, Joanna L.
  2079. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-16102Pat Salvatori
    Please stop the CN freight trains from coming into our villages for safety and financial reasons. I am totally against it and anyone who votes for it.
    Frankfort, Illinois
  2080. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-16101Frankfort Train Stop
    My family and I oppose the CN Train purchase that will dramatically increase the freight train traffic and lower our safety and property values in our area. VOTE NO, keep the trains in the large cities and ship yards where they belong.
    Dena Reichert · Frankfort, IL
  2081. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-16093Ginny Carter
    I have several concerns regarding STB Finance Docket NO. 35087. The most obvious is the short term projections that the draft EIS used for its recommendations. New Lenox, Il is one of the fastest growing communities along the EJ&E railway. There are plans underway for malls and other commercial developments all over the area. It is neglectful not to consider the added traffic congestion that will be compounded by delays from up to 28 trains per day. None of our streets have overpasses to cross these tracks. There will be alot of impact on travel times and pollution as we and our projected out of area consumers" sit in out cars waiting for so many trains to pass. There is no way to avoid them. To expect the residents to absorb the cost of road improvements in the future is unfair. Our taxes are very high here in this area of growing, working families. We justify paying more for our children to go to good schools, but to pay for bridges that we wouldn't even need if CN took another route is like a double punishment. First, the delays, risks and pollution, and now we'll have to pay too?! Also, there are several schools along these tracks. I am uncomfortable with the added risk of hazardous waste spills, as well as pollution so near to where children spend so much time. The schools also will have trouble with traffic for the busses. There is a safety concern at all of the crossing when you consider older students who drive and may be tempted to go around a gate to beat a train to get to school on time. These tracks also separate half of our town and those beyond ours from the nearest hospital. Emergency care is at risk with the possibility of so many trains and the length of these trains. Along these tracks, within blocks, are some new assisted living and nursing homes for senior citizens. These people are bound to be disturbed, if not fearful, of the noise and vibration of so many trains every day. I'm sure the sound of the trains themselves and the whistles were not considered when these older people chose or were placed living in these places. That also goes for the neighborhoods along these tracks. They are practically in some peoples back yards. When they purchased thes homes they were figuring on 6 trains per day. To allow an increase as CN is proposing is unfair to these homeowners. Again, the hazardous waste and pollution is too close to homes, as well as the noise and damage from vibration. Property values in the whole area are bound to decrease as well with so many negative possabilities. Sure, we'd want the trains to move quickly if the have to be here at all, but these tracks are old and I don't see them taking such an increase in traffic very well. There are bound to be safety concerns in that area. As for our neighboring villages, Frankfort and Matteson are going to suffer many ill effects if this all goes through. Matteson Cicero Ave. is already a congested commercial area. The residents are average income families. To increase train traffic without forcing CN to pay for the needed over/underpasses is irresponsible. The village is working to revive the area and this will make it less desirable. I believe it would be in the best interest of all of the affected communities if CN were NOT allowed to aquire these tracks for their use. They should fix the problems getting through Chicago or chart another way that is not in the middle of so many towns. There is no benefit to the average community and the only affects we will feel are negative. Please do your best to stop CN from doing this. If that is impossible, please make sure that CN is the one to pay for all that is needed to keep their tracks safe and remove the negative impact they will be causing in so many communities. We should not have to lose on all counts. Thank you, Ginny Carter"
  2082. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15896Donohue, Jim
  2083. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15895Donohue, Jim
  2084. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15753Manago, Shirley
  2085. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15734Spencer, Kristan
  2086. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15684Ragsdale, Susan
  2087. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15644Kaylor, Corey
  2088. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15643Illegible
  2089. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15379Tucker, David
  2090. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15367Vacko, William
  2091. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15352Kidonakis, Michael
  2092. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15272Illegible
  2093. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15258Fidler, Jane
  2094. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15256Miller, Catherine
  2095. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15255Steinecker, Lana
  2096. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15251Pankiw, Nancy
  2097. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15249Canal, Bea
  2098. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15181West Cook Railroad Relocation and Redevelopment Authority
    Marinaro, Gary
  2099. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15133Jacobs, Tracy
  2100. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15125Standish, Russell
  2101. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15120Vaughn, Rheta
  2102. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15084Kenyon-Panier, Jennifer A.
  2103. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15077Cree, Gary R.
  2104. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15069Bishop, J.F.
  2105. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15063Farinella, Carmella
  2106. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15062Goodwin, Karen
  2107. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15061Burn, Laura
  2108. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15058Garcia, Carol
  2109. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15056Leick, Wendy
  2110. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14972Harrington, Mike
  2111. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14963Village of New Lenox
    Baldermann, Tim
  2112. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14960Riverside Village Office
    Wiaduck, Harold J.
  2113. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14831Gorczowski, Gregg
  2114. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14820Schaueler, D.R.
  2115. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14779Vogt, William R.
  2116. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14741Olejniczak, Carl
  2117. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14732Paver, Loretta
  2118. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14728Bredesen, Dan
  2119. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14711Clark, Kimberly
  2120. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14703Shanley, Catherine
  2121. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14699Nelson, Barbara V.
  2122. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14698Strain, Cristy
  2123. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14694Sullivan, David
  2124. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14671Byrne, William F.
  2125. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14665Delaney, Doris
  2126. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14628Mihelic, James V.
  2127. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14622McArdle, Daniel
  2128. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14589Ricker, Dan
  2129. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14582Erwin, Rick
  2130. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14581Erwin, Leslee
  2131. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14580Sigmund, Breann
  2132. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14566DeVries, John
  2133. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14476Johnson, Don
  2134. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14467Minardi, Paula
  2135. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14464Bird, John
  2136. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14462Kershner, Dave
  2137. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14460Garcia, Estelle
  2138. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14458Fritzler, Mike
  2139. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14456Stein, Nick
  2140. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14453Gangwal, Mukesh
  2141. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14451Uyekawa, Glenn
  2142. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14450Breusaw, Valerie
  2143. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14448Pierce, Lori
  2144. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14446Muligan, Greg
  2145. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14445Lorenz, Darrel
  2146. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14443Kreinz, Brian
  2147. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14441Kershner, Julie
  2148. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14440Peterson, Kim
  2149. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14438Toppel, Monica
  2150. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14436Kershner, Jeff
  2151. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14431Peterson, Greg
  2152. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14429Zambrano, Greg
  2153. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14427Swanson, Bea
  2154. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14425Zambrano, Kathy
  2155. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14424Reedy, Cindy
  2156. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14422Casey, Patty
  2157. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14419Casey, Lillian
  2158. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14418Webb, Rex
  2159. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14417Flores, R.
  2160. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14415Bruens, Michelle
  2161. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14413Swanson, Lynn
  2162. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14412Jones, Mary
  2163. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14409Huckel, Jennie
  2164. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14349Effingham Railroad Company
    Barenfanger, Charles
  2165. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14289Shelton, Bruce
  2166. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14282Zoumbolist, George
  2167. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14281Walker, Lonnie
  2168. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14280Walder
  2169. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14279Steen, LuAnn
  2170. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14278Sears, Laurice
  2171. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14277Staley, Don
  2172. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14276Robertson, Carol
  2173. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14275Quick, Kevin
  2174. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14274Phillip, Mark
  2175. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14273O'Connor, Jane
  2176. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14272Noonan, Tom
  2177. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14271NoName
  2178. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14270Newman Jr., George O.
  2179. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14269Naulty, Sandra
  2180. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14268Morehead, Patricia
  2181. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14267Montalbano, Michael
  2182. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14266Lunzaro, Mary
  2183. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14264Livingston, James
  2184. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14263Lindsay, Emery
  2185. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14262Latebis, Deborah
  2186. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14261Kotas, Joseph
  2187. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14260Kelly, Nadia
  2188. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14259Harnley, Gayle
  2189. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14258Grisco, Dorothy
  2190. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14257Francis, Coleettee
  2191. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14256Francis, Colleette
  2192. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14255Fleagle, Russ
  2193. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14254Feeney, Teresa
  2194. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14253DeSilva, Michelle
  2195. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14252Crewer, Mark
  2196. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14251Contos,
  2197. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14250Clausell, Katie
  2198. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14249Carter, Dorothy
  2199. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14248Campbell, Dewey
  2200. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14247Blair, Jenifer
  2201. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14243Biggs, Lorelee
  2202. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14242Barneke, Rose
  2203. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14241Baker, Marcus
  2204. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14078Loerop, Richard
  2205. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14077McNally Thomas M.
  2206. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14076Donohue, Thomas M.
  2207. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14074Hockett, Matthew
  2208. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14041Koscik, Nancey
  2209. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13795Kein, Laura
  2210. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13646Drennan, Hether
  2211. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13645Miller, Debbie
  2212. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13644Daly, Helen
  2213. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13643Brottman, Sandrea
  2214. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13630Rowley, Susan
  2215. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13561Krech, Elizabeth Joyce
  2216. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13539Scheck, Judith M.
  2217. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13536Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District
    Hanas, Gerald R.
  2218. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13521Densmore, Marisue
  2219. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13520Zawacki, Thomas
  2220. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13519White, Andrew
  2221. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13518Byerly, Robert
  2222. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13499Agnieszka Slys
    no comments attached
    Chicago, IL
  2223. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13481Mack, Nora
  2224. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13480Roelofson, Phil
  2225. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13479Jones, Tony
  2226. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13478Osberg, John
  2227. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13477Gruel, Rob
  2228. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13476Pecucci, Bill
  2229. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13475Cupello, John
  2230. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13474Garcia, Olegari
  2231. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13472Juarez, Frank
  2232. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13470Pierce, Warren
  2233. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13469Sowa, Adam
  2234. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13468Beaudoin, Kathy
  2235. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13464Launer, Inga
  2236. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13423Mulligan, John
  2237. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13422Casey, Steve
  2238. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13421Reedy, Geoffrey
  2239. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13420Hutchins, Matt
  2240. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13419Booth, Brian
  2241. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13417Bugasch, Dale
  2242. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13416DeJuilio, Ken
  2243. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13322Casey, Mike
  2244. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13321Pierce, Dana
  2245. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13320Harper, Adam
  2246. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13319Bugasch, Elaine
  2247. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13318Booth, Beverly
  2248. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13317Martenson, Dan
  2249. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13316Illegible
  2250. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13315Goveya, Steve
  2251. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13303Newell, Lisa
  2252. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13302Jaguszewski, Sharon
  2253. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13301Garcia, Noel, J
  2254. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13300Sheets, Philip
  2255. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13299Pearlman, Laurence
  2256. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13204Patricia Yard
    The impact of this sale poses undue and under/uncompensated burdens on the local citizens, risks to our children's education and safety, and is generally unfair. It impacts the quality of life of myself and my family as regular travellers of several of the grade crossings, one of which is between my home and my children's school. Please do not recommend the sale's approval.
    Aurora, IL
  2257. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13203Mary Konkle
    Please don't allow the pruchase of the railroad to go through. We already have issues with the trains now that run through our nieghborhoods. This purchase will cause such a problem with traffic and congestion issues. People who are trying to go to work, students trying to go to and from school and just getting around town will become a hassle. This area is not the area that should have this volume of train traffic in it.
    Aurora, IL
  2258. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13202Frank Regan
    I urge you to help pass H.R. 6707. We are in danger of losing any value to our home and the right to a good quality of life due to the possible CN merger with E&J rail road. This will be detrimental to us financially and destroy our community. We believe the following statement from the admin of fightrail congestion" to be a frightful realization should H.R. 6707 not pass: regarding the subprime mortgage crisis. That crisis was started because an industry put its short-term profits above the public good, and as a consequence, American taxpayers will bear the economic burden. On a much smaller scale, that is what we are facing with the CN acquisition of the EJ&E. Unless H.R. 6707 passes, the railroads will continue to have the ability to secure increased profit margins at the expense of the communities in which they operate – and ultimately – all Americans. Absent adequate mitigation funding by CN, the American taxpayer will be faced with paying billions of dollars to clean up CN's mess in the region for decades to come if the STB approves CN's application to buy the EJ&E. Thank you for your consideration of this matter. Kind Regards, Frank Regan Wayne, IL 60184"
  2259. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13201Elizabeth Regan
    My husband and I urge you to help pass H.R. 6707. We are in danger of losing any value to our home and the right to a good quality of life due to the possible CN merger with E&J rail road. This will be detrimental to us financially and destroy our community. We believe the following statement from the admin of fightrail congestion" to be a frightful realization should H.R. 6707 not pass: regarding the subprime mortgage crisis. That crisis was started because an industry put its short-term profits above the public good, and as a consequence, American taxpayers will bear the economic burden. On a much smaller scale, that is what we are facing with the CN acquisition of the EJ&E. Unless H.R. 6707 passes, the railroads will continue to have the ability to secure increased profit margins at the expense of the communities in which they operate – and ultimately – all Americans. Absent adequate mitigation funding by CN, the American taxpayer will be faced with paying billions of dollars to clean up CN's mess in the region for decades to come if the STB approves CN's application to buy the EJ&E. Thank you for your consideration of this matter. Kind Regards, Elizabeth Regan Wayne, IL 60184"
  2260. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13200Doraellen Laumer
    The Canadian National plan to use the EJ&E as a bypass for freight traffic will severely impact the communities that have railroad traffic crossing multiple intersections within a small square mile area. Several of the railroad crossings cross a single lane road or highway in our communities. Traffic backs up for miles during peak travel times due to the trains crossing. When the EJ&E train crosses Route 60 in Mundelein, I am stuck in traffic. I have been late for work and appointments in the morning, afternoon and evenings. On two occasions, the trains have stopped on the tracks and did not move. The waste of time is one loss, the waste of gas is expensive at $ 4.05 a gallon and all the automobile fumes are not good for the village’s residents or environment. The EJ&E trains that cross Route 60 in Mundelein also cross Butterfield Road and Route 45. These three main arteries all within a short distance of each other provide access to the main hospital in the area, Condell Hospital in Libertyville. Should I ever have a medical emergency during a train crossing, I can NOT get to the hospital without taking the longer route. Emergency vehicles are also limited to available routes when one train crosses three roads. If Canadian National wishes to invest in the United States, then they should invest in the communities that are affected by increased train traffic. Widen roads, underpasses, ensuring that no derailment occur will protect the residents of the communities. Decreasing train traffic in one area while increasing train traffic in another area still impacts the American people.
    Long Grove, IL
  2261. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13199DEEPAN
    I am voicing my concern regarding the proposed purchase of the EJ and E rail line by Canadian National. I am not for the sale.
    AURORA, IL
  2262. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13198K Contractor
    We have 3 young children that would be impacted due to the increased rail traffic. Not to mention potential safety concerns related to crossing rail road tracks; potential delays in getting kids to & from school. Please stop / prevent Canadian National Railroad from purchasing EJ and E rail lines
    Naperville, IL
  2263. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13197Jim Radzienda
    Surface Transportation Board 395 E Street SW Washington, DC 20423 RE: STB Finance Docket No. 35087 Proposed Acquisition of the EJ&E Railroad by Canadian National Dear Ms. Johnson-Ball: I am a resident of Frankfort, and I am formally opposing the proposed Canadian National Railway acquisition of the EJ&E Railroad. Environmental Impact If the CN purchase of the EJ & E is allowed to proceed, the impact to surrounding schools, churches and neighborhoods will have devastating consequences. The sound and vibration of thundering, fuming freight trains every 51 minutes will be felt for miles along these tracks. The noise and most concerning, the increased risk of a toxic spill due to the 600% spike in harmful chemicals hauling through town at 45 miles per hour begs the question, “Will the STB ensure that the final environmental impact study addresses the significant negative environmental impact to our community?” The Cost to US Taxpayers The $40 million CN has proposed to spend on infrastructure improvements is a drop in the bucket. Who will pay for the rest of the underpasses, grade separations and projected necessary infrastructure improvements that are needed to support projected population growth. Who will pay for the anticipated decline in property values? If the STB approves this transaction, then CN should be required to pay. Emergency Response Minutes count when lives are at stake. With 28 trains a day, police cars and fire trucks will be forced to wait with their sirens blaring, and considering Frankfort’s population is anticipated to top 55,000, the impact could cost lives. Is Congestion Better in the Suburbs? Moving Chicago’s rail congestion to the suburbs is not an effective solution. Please consider that relocating this problem does not effectively address the issue. CN Safety Record It has been 25 years since the EJ&E tracks in Frankfort have received major repairs. Considering CN’s reluctance to implement Canadian safety measures, and its employees’ “culture of fear,” does the STB expect CN to honor US safety requirements? Please give CN’s safety record your utmost priority when considering this purchase. Respectfully submitted, James M. Radzienda
    Mokena, IL
  2264. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13196Joe Kotas
    The impact of the proposed project on School District 204 is unimaginably burdensome. The train tracks split the district in half and would represent untold torment on students getting to and from school on a daily basis. It is not fair in any way, shape or form to allow this railroad company to cause such an incredible hardship on the students in this area.
    Aurora, IL
  2265. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13195Kupinski
    You need to ensure that this mess that is happening with the E&J rail way doesn't happen. This is a subdivision with many people involved that would have their lives turned upside by this damn train. This train can easily take up to 20 minutes to pass and in the process of passing takes up 2 different crossings so there is no alternate route to get around the train. This will effect many people should there be an emergency that requires paramedics to intervene. Jobs and commute times will be on the line since there will be a need to leave extra early or drive 10 miles out of your way to get around this nuisance! This train needs to find another route or create an overpass for communicators. Please stop this train or derail it!
    Andra · Bartlett, Il
  2266. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13194Laura Hayden
    We are very much against the proposed purchase of the EJ and E rail line by Canadian National. This will affect our rocky housing market, the traffic in our area, the delays it will cause commuters on a daily basis. There are absolutely no benefits of approving the purchase and I am very hopeful that the outcome will be favorable with this decision to approve this proposal.
    Aurora, Illinois
  2267. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13193JMTS Transportation Services
    As a trucking company owner I am concerned with the EJE and Canadian National Railroad attempted merger. This merger will not affect the reduction truck traffic as this cargo is, and will be rail movements. Never being on the road until city delivery. The impact will be increased delays and running engines at all the grade level crossings along the route. The communities that favor the deal favor the decrease in rail traffic, same reason the communities against the increaed rail traffic. CN will back fill the rail they claim to be abandoning with other carriers freight as well as overflow. I'm concerned that the deal will pull traffic away from US ports and providers such as trucks, railroads, and long shoreman. Finally this deal will be viewed across the country in future merger considerations. Being rushed as CN has sued your office over, causes me concern. Anything worth doing is worth evaluating properly on OUR schedule. Thank you. We request that you deny this merger. John McLinn
    John McLinn · Hoffman Estates, Illinois
  2268. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13192Janice Hewitt
    Please allow me to share Senator Durbin's comments. These are the concerns of our entire community. It is clear that this acquisition would have a dramatic impact on the Chicago region for years to come. If the purchase goes through, there will be a 400 percent increase in rail traffic along the EJ&E line, which cuts through many suburban Chicago communities. To date, Canadian National has not demonstrated a willingness to meet the needs of the communities along the EJ&E line, provide long-term commitments to the region, or guarantee full cooperation with the proposed STAR Line and current Amtrak service. Residents in the suburban areas that will be directly affected by the sale have expressed concerns that the sale will lead to increased air and noise pollution, traffic gridlock as the number of passing trains increases, and a drop in the property value of nearby homes. Joined by other members of the Illinois Congressional delegation, I met with Canadian National Railroad President E. Hunter Harrison to seek further details of the proposal. Mr. Harrison explained why the transaction would be good for CN's business, but he was indifferent to the potential burden on suburban communities in terms of traffic, safety issues, quality of life, and the undue tax burden associated with supporting this private transaction." You CAN NOT allow this to happen. We ask for your support in this decision. Thank you. Jan Hewitt"
  2269. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13191Linda G. Zimmerman
    It is very unsettling that the Canadian Railroad is as close as it is to purchasing the EJ &E Railroad on the outskirts of Chicago. I live in Barrington, Illinois. The CN Railroad is not offering enough financial assistance to the towns that will be inconvenienced by the extra [as much 20-25 more] trains per day. Barrington is situated such that 2 – 4 major intersections could be blocked with a single train passing through town. Traffic on the local roads increases more with each new development north and west of the area. This town would be gridlocked all day, everyday. When I travel south and east from my home, I have three options as far as roads and all three roads are intersected by these train tracks. The closest hospital in the area is north and west of downtown Barrington and increased train traffic, as well as gridlocked roads, could be a matter of life and death in some cases. I drive 16 miles east of Barrington to go to work. It currently takes me 40-45 minutes to drive, during rush hour. I can’t imagine how long it will take me if the roads are gridlocked with vehicles and trains. My husband takes the Metra Commuter train to Chicago but the train station is on the other side of the tracks. Downtown Barrington is struggling to bring businesses into the downtown area. Traffic on Route 59 and Main Street is very heavily traveled with cars and trucks. Several years ago, leaders in the area tried to get a bypass around town because of the congestion. If you add 20-25 more trains per day, to the already congested area, Barrington will hardly be a viable town. People will avoid traveling into the Barrington area and businesses would never want to locate in a town that is constantly gridlocked. If this sale is allowed to go through, CN Railroad needs to do the right thing! The right thing to do, would be to provide enough funding to finance constructing overpasses and/or underpasses. Please pass H.R. 6707 so Barrington and other communities along the tracks can live and travel without the danger and distraction from too many trains and traffic. P.S. There are several areas around Chicago that will have relief from too many trains if this sale goes through. Does it make sense to move the problem or solve the problem? Thank you for your time and consideration. Linda G. Zimmerman 21373 N. Crestview Drive Barrington, IL 60010 847-651-8814
    Barrington, Illinois
  2270. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13190R. Dennis Ball
    Ms. Phillis Johnson-Ball Surface Transportation Board 395 E Street, SW Washington, DC 20423 Ref: STB Finance Docket No. 35087 Dear Ms. Johnson-Ball, I am a twenty year resident of the Barrington, Illinois area. My kids are grown and gone. But I believe that the vitality of a neighborhood requires children. I attended the Surface Transportation Board Meeting that was held at our local high school. The superintendent of the high school pointed out the buses for the high school have to cross the E J & E railroad tracks over 800 times per month. The high school itself is located about two blocks from an E J & E crossing. Most of those students who do not take the bus have to cross those tracks to get to the high school. I wonder what the actuary tables would tell us the probability of an accident would be with high school students, late for school, would be over a year? The plan is to increase the traffic by a factor of at least four. Why is a railroad more important than a child? Can you explain to a grieving parent that this action helped relieve congestion? I am told that this purchase will relieve congestion in other parts of the city but does that solve the problem or push it down the road? And are you willing to be the person that we point to if there is a problem because of your decision? You need to make a comprehensive study of what is necessary to solve the problem. Allowing a private entity, and a foreign one at that, make a decision for you that impacts a number of neighborhoods and cause a local crisis that will literally require millions of tax dollars is avoiding your responsibility to the local residents. I am hoping that you are a distant relative and will take pity on a long lost relative. In October of 2005, I had a double bypass. In order for me to get to Good Shepherd Hospital in Barrington, Illinois, I must cross the CN railroad. I am terrified. I want to express my opposition to the prospective acquisition of the EJ&E line by Canadian National Railway. I strongly feel that the negative impact this proposed transaction will have on our local communities is immense. The increased number of longer and faster freight trains running through our neighborhoods will result in:  More accidents and deaths along the rail line  An increase in automobile traffic gridlock at rail crossings  Elevated pollution and noise levels  Dangerously longer response times of our Police, Fire and Emergency Medical Teams  Disruption and/or closure of local business activities  Adverse impact on our property values Additionally, recent studies by RTA have revealed that a potential overcrowding of the EJ&E lines will also interfere with commuter METRA train lines affecting our ability to get to and from our workplaces in a timely manner. Please do not let us be “railroaded” by Canadian National. We are hopeful that you will make the decision to vote against this acquisition and to help keep our communities safe for us and for future generations. Respectfully yours, R. Dennis Ball 20364 Meadow Lane Deer Park, IL 60010
    Deer Park, Illinois
  2271. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13189Dolores Nori
    No to the Frankfort Train Station
    Matteson, IL
  2272. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13188Kim Gits
    I am writing to express my concern with the propsed purchase of the EJ and E rail line by Canadian National. The rail line in question stretches more than 11 miles through my school district. Seven schools located within a half mile of the tracks. There are two grade-level crossings of particular concern. School buses cross the Ogden Avenue tracks a total of 164 times each day and the Montgomery Avenue tracks 139 times each day. If the proposed sale goes through, there is an expected increase not only in the number of trains traveling though the community, but also in train length. Gate closures are anticipated to increase up to 10 minutes per train. Delays created by rail traffic will impact students arrival to school as well as their timely return home. Congestion in our area is already a problem and the changes this sale would create will make matters much worse. I am also extremely concerned about student safety. The expected increase in traffic will create many more opportunities for accidents. The only possible solution is to build overpasses for the train traffic and I feel very strongly that this should NOT be done at taxpayers' expense for the benefit of shareholders of Canadian National.
    Naperville, IL
  2273. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13187Jan Hewitt
    You must stop the CN MONSTER. There is no reason you should allow this foreign company to ruin our communities by destroying the environment and endangering our lives. CN can not be allowed to finalize this transaction with no plan to pay for the necessary safeguards and improvements. Thank you.
    Wayne, IL
  2274. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13186Janice Carr
    Disapprove the Canadian buy out. Those living on the south side of the tracks have only Route 45 as their exit to the north side of the tracks. In an emergency that isn't good enough! More thought is required to assist the people affected all the way east and west and south of the tracks.
    Frankfort, IL
  2275. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13185Diana Sullivan
    I do not support the purchase of this rialway - it has to many negative impacts on our immediate community and the safety of our children!
    Naperville, Illinois
  2276. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13184Danielle Cross
    I am totally opposed to the proposed purchase of the EJ and E rail line by Canadian National.
    Naperville, IL
  2277. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13183Mark Kilayko
    Ms. Phillis Johnson-Ball Surface Transportation Board 395 E Street, SW Washington, DC 20423 Ref: STB Finance Docket No. 35087 Dear Ms. Johnson-Ball, I am writing to express my opposition to the prospective acquisition of the EJ&E line by Canadian National Railway. I strongly feel that the negative impact this proposed transaction will have on our local communities is immense. The increased number of longer and faster freight trains running through our neighborhoods will result in: More accidents and deaths along the rail line An increase in automobile traffic gridlock at rail crossings Elevated pollution and noise levels Dangerously longer response times of our Police, Fire and Emergency Medical Teams Disruption and/or closure of local business activities Adverse impact on our property values Additionally, recent studies by RTA have revealed that a potential overcrowding of the EJ&E lines will also interfere with commuter METRA train lines affecting our ability to get to and from our workplaces in a timely manner. Please do not let us be “railroaded” by Canadian National. We are hopeful that you will make the decision to vote against this acquisition and to help keep our communities safe for us and for future generations. Respectfully yours, Mark Kilayko
    Barrington, IL
  2278. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13182Christopher Kilayko
    Ms. Phillis Johnson-Ball Surface Transportation Board 395 E Street, SW Washington, DC 20423 Ref: STB Finance Docket No. 35087 Dear Ms. Johnson-Ball, I am writing to express my opposition to the prospective acquisition of the EJ&E line by Canadian National Railway. I strongly feel that the negative impact this proposed transaction will have on our local communities is immense. The increased number of longer and faster freight trains running through our neighborhoods will result in: More accidents and deaths along the rail line An increase in automobile traffic gridlock at rail crossings Elevated pollution and noise levels Dangerously longer response times of our Police, Fire and Emergency Medical Teams Disruption and/or closure of local business activities Adverse impact on our property values Additionally, recent studies by RTA have revealed that a potential overcrowding of the EJ&E lines will also interfere with commuter METRA train lines affecting our ability to get to and from our workplaces in a timely manner. Please do not let us be “railroaded” by Canadian National. We are hopeful that you will make the decision to vote against this acquisition and to help keep our communities safe for us and for future generations. Respectfully yours, Christopher J. Kilayko
    Barrington, IL
  2279. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13181Eileen Minahan
    I wish to oppose the proposed purchase of the EJ and E rail line by canadian National. I feel that this purchase will simply move the problems encountered in one area with regards to transportation, crowding, etc to a different area - mainly where I live with my family. Our school district is too large to accommodate the problems that our school buses will encounter trying to bring our students to and from school. Please do not let this purchase go through.
    Naperville, IL
  2280. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13180Caroline Kilayko
    Ms. Phillis Johnson-Ball Surface Transportation Board 395 E Street, SW Washington, DC 20423 Ref: STB Finance Docket No. 35087 Dear Ms. Johnson-Ball, I am writing to express my opposition to the prospective acquisition of the EJ&E line by Canadian National Railway. I strongly feel that the negative impact this proposed transaction will have on our local communities is immense. The increased number of longer and faster freight trains running through our neighborhoods will result in: More accidents and deaths along the rail line An increase in automobile traffic gridlock at rail crossings Elevated pollution and noise levels Dangerously longer response times of our Police, Fire and Emergency Medical Teams Disruption and/or closure of local business activities Adverse impact on our property values Additionally, recent studies by RTA have revealed that a potential overcrowding of the EJ&E lines will also interfere with commuter METRA train lines affecting our ability to get to and from our workplaces in a timely manner. Please do not let us be “railroaded” by Canadian National. We are hopeful that you will make the decision to vote against this acquisition and to help keep our communities safe for us and for future generations. Respectfully yours, Caroline Kilayko
    Barrington, IL
  2281. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13179Susan Kilayko
    Ms. Phillis Johnson-Ball Surface Transportation Board 395 E Street, SW Washington, DC 20423 Ref: STB Finance Docket No. 35087 Dear Ms. Johnson-Ball, I am writing to express my opposition to the prospective acquisition of the EJ&E line by Canadian National Railway. I strongly feel that the negative impact this proposed transaction will have on our local communities is immense. The increased number of longer and faster freight trains running through our neighborhoods will result in: More accidents and deaths along the rail line An increase in automobile traffic gridlock at rail crossings Elevated pollution and noise levels Dangerously longer response times of our Police, Fire and Emergency Medical Teams Disruption and/or closure of local business activities Adverse impact on our property values Additionally, recent studies by RTA have revealed that a potential overcrowding of the EJ&E lines will also interfere with commuter METRA train lines affecting our ability to get to and from our workplaces in a timely manner. Please do not let us be “railroaded” by Canadian National. We are hopeful that you will make the decision to vote against this acquisition and to help keep our communities safe for us and for future generations. Respectfully yours, Susan Kilayko
    Barrington, IL
  2282. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13178Village of Riverside
    To reduce freight train congestion in Chicago's near west suburbs, I support the Canadian National's proposal to reroute freight traffic from our community to the EJ&E Railway.
    Sandra Cavalieri · Riverside, IL
  2283. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13175Mark Kilayko
    Ms. Phillis Johnson-Ball Surface Transportation Board 395 E Street, SW Washington, DC 20423 Ref: STB Finance Docket No. 35087 Dear Ms. Johnson-Ball, I am writing to express my opposition to the prospective acquisition of the EJ&E line by Canadian National Railway. I strongly feel that the negative impact this proposed transaction will have on our local communities is immense. The increased number of longer and faster freight trains running through our neighborhoods will result in: More accidents and deaths along the rail line An increase in automobile traffic gridlock at rail crossings Elevated pollution and noise levels Dangerously longer response times of our Police, Fire and Emergency Medical Teams Disruption and/or closure of local business activities Adverse impact on our property values Additionally, recent studies by RTA have revealed that a potential overcrowding of the EJ&E lines will also interfere with commuter METRA train lines affecting our ability to get to and from our workplaces in a timely manner. Please do not let us be “railroaded” by Canadian National. We are hopeful that you will make the decision to vote against this acquisition and to help keep our communities safe for us and for future generations. Respectfully yours, Mark J. Kilayko
    Barrington, Il
  2284. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13173Vicki Donelson
    While regional transportation of goods is important, more important is the safety and quality of life for those whose lives would be affected by the sale of the EJ&J railroad. We need to develop infrastructure in our country to handle these transportation issues elsewhere without disrupting and risking the lives of school children, emergency vehicle responses and communities. Merely moving the trains to this line will create an entirely new set of serious economic, health and transportation issues for these communities. Please look for alternative ways to alleviate busy railways and say no to the Canadian Railway purchase of EJ & J.
    Aurora, IL
  2285. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13172Christie Kruchten
    I am writing to voice my opposition to the purchase of the EJ&E Rail line to Canadian Rail. As the third largest district in the state of Illinois, Indian Prairie School District 204 transports 17,500 students each day. The rail line in question stretches more than 11 miles through the district with seven schools located within a half mile of the tracks. There are two grade-level crossings of particular concern. School buses cross the Ogden Avenue tracks a total of 164 times each day and the Montgomery Avenue tracks 139 times each day. If the proposed sale goes through, there is an expected increase not only in the number of trains traveling though the community, but also in train length. Gate closures are anticipated to increase up to 10 minutes per train. Delays created by rail traffic will impact students arrival to school as well as their timely return home. In addition, the noise pollution and additional crossing safety concerns are an issue. Many neighborhoods with children literally back up to the train tracks. Increasing traffic will only cause safety issues and continue to decrease the values of our homes. Please do NOT allow this purchase to go through. Many Thanks, Christie Kruchten 2645 Ridge Rd Aurora, IL 60504 630-803-4311
    Aurora, IL
  2286. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13171Edmund
    I oppose the purchase of the EJ&E by the Canadian National Railway. The proposed sale will create an increase of not only in the number of trains traveling though our community, but also in train length. This means that gate closures are anticipated to increase up to 10 minutes per train. Delays created by rail traffic will impact students arrival to school as well as their timely return home and will have a negative economic impact in our community as well.
    Aurora, Illinois
  2287. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13170Angela Bannon
    I live very close to the train tracks, and take my two kids to District 204 schools everyday. Every parent and child in my neighborhood has the same concerns. Traffic is already so congested with the current trains, and trying to pull out of our subdivision to get anywhere is close to impossible when there is a mile long of cars going through just after the train has passed. I do not believe that the DEIS fully recognizes the full impact of the proposed acquisition to our comminity. Not only that, but the safety concerns regarding pedestrian crossings have not fully been addressed either. On top of that, all of our home values will for certain go down as there will be a train blaring though double the amount of times it does already. There are so many issues at stake if the purchase of this rail line goes through. They are all at the expense of the people, chilren especially, that live in the surrounding communitites. Please DO NOT approve this purchase!!!
    Chicago, IL
  2288. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13168John B. Waggoner
    I am opposed to the CN acquisition of the EJ&E Rail Line's current configuration (impact on vehicle delays; emergency vehicle response times (long trains blocking series of crossings)). If bypassing Chicago can provide significant cost savings, search for an alternate route that may involve relocating some of the existing EJ&E lines to eliminate objections to the current proposal. This would add cost and time for a study to determine if such a plan is feasible.
    Shorewood, IL
  2289. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13165Arthur Holzknecht
    Arthur J. Holzknecht 148 Raymond Ave. Barrington, IL 60010 Email: arth@ameritech.net Tel: 847.382.8987 September 22, 2008 Phillis Johnson-Ball Surface Transportation Board 395 E. Street, SW Washington, DC 20423 Re: STB Finance Docket No. 35087, Comments on Draft Environmental Impact Statement Dear Ms. Johnson-Ball, I am writing in response to the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) recently completed by the STB regarding the proposed acquisition of the EJ&E railroad by the Canadian National Railway (CN). I have found the DEIS to be critically flawed in multiple areas of analysis, and the resulting conclusions unsupported by the facts. This acquisition as currently proposed will have severe detrimental environmental impacts and must not be allowed to proceed. It is clear that the DEIS contains so many flaws that it cannot serve as a sound foundation for the Final EIS. Much of the data must be re-taken, and the data must be analyzed in the proper context, using the most modern, sophisticated analytical tools available. Anything less is a grave injustice to the impacted communities. Here is a brief summary of the major problems with the DEIS: 1. Traffic patterns and projected growth grossly underestimated The DEIS identified only a handful of crossings that require grade separations. Critical crossing at Lake Cook Road and Northwest Highway (Route 14) also will require grade separations. The DEIS underestimated crossings when school is in session. Furthermore, there are huge numbers of pedestrian crossings of Lake Cook Road by students going to and from Barrington High School, in addition to hundreds of school bus crossings. Population growth in counties that border the EJ&E, and the attendant increased traffic, are underestimated. The DEIS also needs to mandate grade separations at rail-rail crossings, such as the UP NW line crossing in Barrington. Otherwise the impacts to Metra commuter rail on-time performance, planned expansion of service, and passenger safety will be severely compromised. 2. Alternatives to the acquisition not given due consideration The DEIS unreasonably rules out the CREATE program as a viable alternative to this acquisition. CN spokespersons have made numerous public statements justifying this acquisition as a private sector solution to the Chicago freight rail congestion problem, and therefore as an alternative to CREATE. CN has cited CREATE’s lack of secured funding as a key reason they are pursuing the EJ&E acquisition as an alternative solution. The DEIS uses an unreasonably narrow interpretation of CN’s stated goals of the acquisition to eliminate CREATE from consideration. Clearly, by far the single most important reason CN is pursuing this transaction is to improve the efficiency of its operations, something that CREATE will also accomplish. The other stated objectives are merely window dressing and should be discounted when considering alternatives. CREATE is a viable alternative and must be given due consideration. 3. Regional economic impact not properly considered The DEIS fails to consider the broad regional economic impacts of unmitigated increased freight rail congestion. This includes: • Reduction in property tax revenues due to decreased property values • Reduction in sales tax revenue due to decreased economic activity in affected towns • Loss of jobs besides those in railroad operations, and the attendant tax losses • Deterioration in infrastructure in affected towns due to the need to divert massive funds to pay for mitigation • Tax burden of debt servicing to pay for mitigation • Economic effects of destabilized communities as residents flee the area to escape monumental congestion, noise, pollution, and crippling taxes to pay for mitigation • Economic costs of increased traffic delays 4. Unrealistic assumptions for mitigation funding The DEIS identifies several mitigation steps that are appropriate, such as grade separations, noise barriers, etc. However, it neglects to consider that there is no reasonably foreseeable source of taxpayer funds for the mitigation. Therefore, such mitigation is not likely to occur at all. Government agencies that would be tapped for mitigation funding have publicly stated that there are no funds available. The acquisition should not be allowed to proceed until mitigation is fully funded and in place, and mitigation construction completed. Otherwise, statements stipulating environmental mitigation are empty of any real meaning. 5. Lack of critical analysis of supposed benefits to some communities The DEIS states that while some communities will be negatively impacted, others will see benefits that help to balance the negative impacts. These benefits are mainly derived from the supposed reduction in freight traffic along some lines as trains are rerouted along the EJ&E. However, these “benefits” are transient whereas the negative impacts are permanent, and will only get worse over time. The vacated capacity some communities will experience will soon be consumed by other railroads as they adjust to the projected increases in regional freight traffic. It is obvious that such valuable rail capacity will not be left idle indefinitely. 6. STAR line impact not properly considered It is clear that if the EJ&E is operated at full capacity by CN, it will not be possible to accommodate the commuter rail traffic on the proposed STAR line. CN has made empty and vague statements regarding their willingness to work with Metra on the STAR line. Without concrete assurances of trackage rights for the STAR line by CN, the acquisition effectively kills the STAR line. The EIS must consider the elimination of the STAR line as part of the impact, with its attendant increase in traffic congestion, commute times, and vehicle air pollution. If approved, the STB will bear full responsibility for approving a transaction that eliminated the possibility of the country’s first suburb-to-suburb commuter rail line. It is difficult to overstate the negative impact of such an outcome. 7. Noise impacts use discredited thresholds and obsolete analytical methodology The DEIS fails to use modern computer tools to analyze noise impacts. The STB must use the methodology commonly used in industry, by the EPA, and by other agencies. The DEIS must use fair and reasonable noise thresholds that are supported by credible scientific analysis when determining noise impacts and requiring mitigation. 8. Impacts to property values grossly underestimated The DEIS only considers that property values of homes within 250 feet of the EJ&E tracks will be negatively impacted. This is patently ludicrous. It is obvious that entire neighborhoods in the vicinity will suffer decreased property values. Those homes that are closest will suffer the biggest impact, but those homes presumably already have railroad proximity factored into their value. The DEIS states, without supporting documentation, that the property value impacts are negligible. They are most certainly not negligible. Any assertion to the contrary needs to be supported with hard data. 9. Threat to public safety underestimated The DEIS fails to properly consider the reduced access to first responders and emergency medical personnel. Furthermore, disaster response will be severely compromised. For example, in Barrington it is reasonably foreseeable if there is a hazmat spill due to a derailment that the derailment would also block crossings needed by emergency response personnel. The regional infrastructure does not have grade separated alternate routes. This serves to amplify the negative impacts, since there are no workarounds. 10. Threats to sensitive areas and water supply not adequately considered Barrington gets its water supply from underground aquifers. If there were a hazmat spill that contaminated the groundwater the area would be environmentally and economically destroyed. Barrington is prohibited from tapping Lake Michigan water. Without a local water supply, the town dies. Furthermore, the numerous wetlands, forest preserves, and natural areas make the impact of contamination greater, and access by cleanup crews more difficult. 11. DEIS states that impacted communities should negotiate individually with CN, rather than proposing a comprehensive solution The DEIS asserts that individual communities should negotiate with CN. This flies in the face of good regional planning, and makes for haphazard solutions. Just as this proposed acquisition purports to solve one regional problem (freight congestion in Chicago) but causes a host of other unintended consequences, so would such a piecemeal approach to dealing with the impact create other problems. The CREATE program attempts to deal holistically with regional freight congestion. The DEIS recommended approach of individual negotiation has been roundly criticized by regional planning agencies as a recipe for disaster. Furthermore, CN has not acted in good faith with affected communities. They have made no realistic cost-sharing proposals. They have repeatedly downplayed impacts. They have engaged in a ruthless propaganda campaign against affected communities, attempting to demonize them as self-serving “NIMBY’s”, rather than people with legitimate concerns. Why should we expect them to change this behavior? It is unfair and unrealistic to expect cash strapped municipalities to negotiate with powerful multinational corporations with billions of dollars in assets and armies of lobbyists, lawyers and public relations experts at their disposal. We need the STB to impose and enforce the required mitigation before the deal can proceed. In summary, the DEIS is wholly inadequate on multiple fronts. It is a fatally flawed analysis and must be completely redone. However, despite the many deep shortcomings, the DEIS identifies many severe problems with this transaction. It is abundantly clear that the proposed acquisition of the EJ&E by CN does not serve the public interest, is detrimental to the region, would unfairly burden taxpayers, hurts the regional economy and destroys jobs, increases pollution, and increases traffic congestion. It must be denied. Yours truly, Arthur Holzknecht
    Barrington, IL
  2290. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13163AJAY AGRAWAL
    Hi Sir I would like to request you to block the buying of EJ&E by Canadian railways. The proposed buy out will greatly impact our community (Bridge Water and Riverwest) as they are situated very close to the railway tracks. The passage of trains causes a lot of noise disturbance and vibrations along the way. Also, it is going to result in more traffic chaos on River road crossing. Further the emergency response also will be greatly affected by the increased movement. With best wishes Ajay
    NAPERVILLE, IL
  2291. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13162Adolfo Lopez
    Dear Surface Transportation Board: I am a father of a child who attends Georgetown Elementary school in Aurora IL. Everyday when I come home from work I am stopped by a train which delays me from picking up my daughter from school and meeting important deadlines. I can not imagine having more trains and longer trains passing by OGDEN avenue on my way to and from work. Please keep us in mind and do not approve the purchase. Sincerely, Adolfo Lopez (father of two beautiful girls) Thank You
    Aurora, IL
  2292. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13160none
    this is about the EJ & E being purchased from Canadian Raid Road (docket number 35087). i live on the south side of the train and do not want the approval to go thru. we are very concerned that the emergency vehicles will not be able to get thru to us. the intersection case be blocked for a long time. also we have a school right by the crossing that would seem very dangerous. our community is not prepared for the train volume proposed. i use to live in Riverdale il and know high volume of trains. the emergency depts have been located so there would be no issues long ago. we are not prepared for this and is not what we expected!!!!
    joe gergely · frankfort, il
  2293. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13159Jennifer Dupree
    I am opposed to the proposed purchase of the EJ and E rail line by Canadian National. I don't like the idea of more trains and the impact it will have on our quality of life. Please do not allow this sale to happen. Thank you!
    Auroro, IL
  2294. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13158Navjot Kaur
    It is to request please pass the bill H.R. 6707. Traffic in Naperville is a lot and we as parents are spending a lot of time in traffic in commuting from work and to school for our children. Students need quality time with their studies and families. They need to be at school on time and make the most of their time in sports and education, instead of in sitting in cars or buses and watching and waiting for trains to pass.
    Naperville, IL
  2295. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13156Brian J. Ebers, Sr.
    I am writing in opposition to the proposed rail traffic expansion by CN through the Frankfort area. I recently purchased a third home in Frankfort near the rail lines with the 10 year experience that only a few trains pass by each day, including in the early am. Frequently my family including two children and a pregnant mom are woken up by the existing traffic. We are able to cope with the current amount of traffic but find it difficult at times. The proposed increase to twenty-eight trains per day will most likely make our lives miserable. The impact study does not address how the community and specifically subdivisions adjacent to the rail line are supposed to deal with the increased traffic and maintain any quality of daily life. Please stop by our subdivision, Cardinal Lake, in Frankfort so you can see exactly how close the rail lines are to residential housing and the hard impact increasing traffic will have on the residents.
    Frankfort, Illinois
  2296. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13153Nancy Klimek
    I am a concerned parent in District 204. The distrct transports over 17,000 student daily and the area of rail purchase in questions runs through our school district in the Naperville Aurora areas. These areas a highly residential. Increased rail traffic will not only affect timliness but our children's saftey. Respectfully, Nancy M. Klimek
    Naperville, IL
  2297. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13152Diane DiGiovanni
    no comments received
    Frankfort, IL
  2298. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13150Denise Burns
    pass H.R. 6707 before Congress adjourns
    Aurora, IL
  2299. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13149Catherine Strahan
    I am in favor of denying the purchase of EJ and E rail line by Canadian National on the grounds that the risks to the community and commuting students far outweigh the beneftis. This pertains to HR 6707.
    Naperville, IL
  2300. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13148Mari Sweeney
    I am strongly against the sale of EJ&E to Canadian National. I live in the Westridge subdivision in Bartlett, which is west of Route 59, at the corner of Westridge Blvd. & West Bartlett Road. We have lived there for almost 6 years & love the neighborhood. The biggest downfall is that West Bartlett Road is only a two-lane road with the closest fire department on the other side of the train tracks. In the matter of life & death or my house is burning down, the EMS or fire department would be significantly delayed in getting to my residence, which could result in imminent death. Plus, there are thousands of children in the neighborhood going to local area schools. Why would we want to endanger their lives, by having to breath in the added contaminants? The children are our future, let them live healthy clean lives.
    Bartlett, IL
  2301. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13146Catalina Ramos
    I am very concerned about the desicion of selling the rail road to the Canadian company. Please vote against.
    Aurora, IL
  2302. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13145Carol Robertson
    This email is to oppose the proposed purchase of the EJ and E rail line by Canadian National. That purchase will significantly increase rail traffic and will have dramacic impact on the School district's transportation system. As the third largest district in the state, Indian Prairie transports 17,500 students each day. The rail line in question stretches more than 11 miles through the district with seven schools located within a half mile of the tracks. There are two grade-level crossings of particular concern. School buses cross the Ogden Avenue tracks a total of 164 times each day and the Montgomery Avenue tracks 139 times each day. If the proposed sale goes through, there is an expected increase not only in the number of trains traveling though the community, but also in train length. Gate closures are anticipated to increase up to 10 minutes per train. Delays created by rail traffic will impact students arrival to school as well as their timely return home. I have big concerns about the proposed rail purchase. Please do not allow this to happen.
    Plainfield, IL
  2303. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13144Sharon Root
    Please help save our community and all the other communities along the EJ&E railroad tracks that Canadian National Railroad wish to purchase. I have been going to meetings for almost a year now and the concerns continue to be the same. They are, the quality of life in our communities along with the value of the homes along the track. There is also the enviormental issues as well as safety issues. Our house is 112 yrs. old and we do not think that it will be able to withstand the vibration from all the trains that will by passing by our house and the speed at which they will be traveling. Thank you for any help that you can give to all the communities that will be affected in a negative way, if this purchase goes thru. The thought that a Railroad outside of the United States can dictate what they want and what they will do, which is not much, is way beyond making any sense to me.
    Frankfort, Il
  2304. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13142Sean Khan
    Docket No. FD-35087 I just wanted to let you know that I am against the bill HR6707, The rail line is approximately 2 blocks from my house, and the congestion it will create at the crossing will negatively impact our community. We cannot sleep as is due to rail traffic at night and the merger of CN and E&J railways will increase the traffic ten folds and I and all our community members are against it, I hope you will do everything to stop this merger. This merger is not good for our area schools either Thank You Sean Khan
    Aurora, IL
  2305. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13141jackie neri
    please do not allow the expansion of the railway tracks. my family and I live off harlem avenue and would be greatly impacted with the expansion. (hauling dangerous materials, noise pollution-blowing of whistle day and evenings, dangerous situations for our childrens bus transportation, and the amount of trains per day, and the time. my church and many of my fellow neighbors churches will be effected with the proposed expansion. please do not let this happen.....
    FRANKFORT, il
  2306. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13140Robert J Drazkowski
    No to Docket No. FD-35087.
    Naperville, IL
  2307. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13138Laurence Pearlman
    I am a resident of Naperville, IL and am directly affected by Docket 35087, the purchase of the EJ&E Railway by Canadian National. As currently stated, I oppose the purchase, My children attend Indian Prairie Schools. As the third largest district in the state, Indian Prairie transports 17,500 students each day. The rail line in question stretches more than 11 miles through the district with seven schools located within a half mile of the tracks. There are two grade-level crossings of particular concern. School buses cross the Ogden Avenue tracks a total of 164 times each day and the Montgomery Avenue tracks 139 times each day. If the proposed sale goes through, there is an expected increase not only in the number of trains traveling though the community, but also in train length. Gate closures are anticipated to increase up to 10 minutes per train. Delays created by rail traffic will impact students arrival to school as well as their timely return home. I would propose the STB require CN to implement the following actions as conditions of the merger: 1) 100% funding by CN of Under/Over passes as key intersections, including Ogden Avenue (US 34) and Diehl Road, both are critical locations for high schools and are busy intersections. 2) 100% funding by CN for fencing or retaining walls to ensure students do not use tracks as a shortcut on key routes to schools (A West Chicago Child was killed along the same line in 2008) 3) 100% funding by CN of video enforcement for other key intersections similar to that in place on the BNSF at River Road in Naperville 4) Assurance that the STARR line will have trackage rights to operate commuter trains, as per existing agreements between METRA and the EJ&E Railway. Thank you for your consideration.
    Naperville, IL
  2308. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13136Susan Degand
    I do not want the FD 35087 railroad petition to pass. We have over 300 school busses traveling across those railroad tracks everyday and it will be a huge mess with more trains to battle. Also the noise level has recently increased and will surely be a huge distraction to residents if this goes through. Again, do not pass the FD 35087 Thank You
    Aurora, Il
  2309. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13135Cari Pellegrini
    Regarding: the proposed purchase of the EJ and E rail line by Canadian National. I am very concerned about the negative impact this sale/purchase will have on our community: from the obvious - traffic delays/congestion, safety on our roads, extra noise and polution to the more subtle but heart of the matter - the impact on our children and our families. How? More train traffic and longer trains means longer waits at the crossing therefore longer time to/from school and after school activities for many children. According to Indian Prairie Superintendent Dr. Stephen Daeschner this will have significant impact on our school transportation system", as he has already outlined for you. Further, the trains will greatly impact already long commute times for many parents resulting in less family time and way more stress. We have many crossings on major commute routes that do NOT have an overpass - Diehl Road b/w Rte 59 and Eola; Liberty Rd b/w Rte 59 & Eola; Ogden Ave, Montgomery Rd, but you already know this. I encourage you to take a morning rush hour drive Montgomery Rd down Eola to Diehl to 88 & then consider exactly how dramatic even a 10 minute train delay will be to traffic flow. Addtionally, with the new high school on Eola, we will already have an influx of traffic, inexperienced TEEN drivers on this Eola route. Now you add in a few morning trains that back up traffic during the rush hour w/ commuters and Teens all vying to arrive on time, and without sounding cliche that's just an accident waiting to happen. You might think that I am exaggerating the impact of one 10 minute delay, but think of the back up with a minor fender bender or a routine traffic stop (& that allows for traffic to keep moving). Just this a.m. at 5:15 I had to wait for the train to cross at Diehl - thankfully, I caught the tail end as sometimes these trains creep forward then back up, again and again! It is disconcerting that despite public outcry and concerns raised by our aldermen and school officials that this sale could move forward. AND, that IF it does move forward, we, as a community, will foot the bill for mitigation of the resulting transportation and safety issues rather than Canadian National. This is just the tip of the iceberg as to the negative cause/effect on our community's day to day. Thank you for your consideration and time. Sincerely, Cari Pellegrini"
  2310. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13134Lori Jackson
    Like all companies, Canadian National is looking out for the best interest of one entity -- Canadian National. The negative impact this will have on our communities is indescribable. Just last week, it took me 32 minutes to travel 6.1 miles to my child's school. Allowing additional train traffic will only exacerbate this problem. Canadian National wants all of the benefits without any of the costs. One of the main initiatives to alleviate congestion in our area is a regional train line. I have no doubt that this will not happen if this sale is approved. Canadian National says they need this line to help alleviate traffic on the tracks of Chicago. I don't believe in the sincerity of this statement. After initial rerouting to the suburbs, I think Canadian National will add more trains and the Chicago train tracks will be as busy as ever. Canadian Nation is a business. Like all businesses it would like to increase its profits. The best way to do this is to add additional lines with additional trains. I refuse to be snowballed" into believing that by making an expensive purchase and simply by re-routing current trains that their profits will increase dramatically. We all know that their true purpose for this purchase is not to alleviate train congestion, but to add additional revenue with additional train lines at the expense of those whom live around the EJ &E rail lines. Please oppose this sale."
  2311. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13133Rosalie Plechaty
    Please make every effort possible to provide the necessary funds for infrastructure improvements should the railroad get bought... Thank you, Rosalie Plechaty
    Frankfort, IL
  2312. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13132William J Kalvelage
    Sept.24 08 Nothing has changed exceptthe trains are getting longer .Also the wait longer Childern are still getting killed decorations on thewalls are still shacking as the trains go by.and still bo way get to CN.
    Park Forest, Illonis
  2313. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13131Peter Kohl
    Please deny the CN purchase of the EJ&E rail line. The Surface Transportation Board will be ruling on Docket No. FD-35087 regarding Canadian National's purchase of the EJ&E railroad tracks. This purchase will move significant rail traffic into areas where significant railroad crossing upgrades will be needed to mitigate the rail traffic increase. The proper mitigation must be ensured at 100% of CN's expense for safe and efficient student, emergency, and commuter traffic. For example, as the third largest school district in the state of Illinois, Indian Prairie transports 17,500 students each day. The EJ&E rail line in question stretches more than 11 miles through the district with seven schools located within a half mile of the tracks. There are two grade-level crossings of particular concern. School buses cross the Ogden Avenue tracks a total of 164 times each day and the Montgomery Avenue tracks 139 times each day. If the proposed sale goes through, there is an expected increase not only in the number of trains traveling though the community, but also in train length. Gate closures are anticipated to increase up to 10 minutes per train. Delays created by rail traffic will impact students arrival to school as well as their timely return home. Alternative bus routes are grade crossings as well. Travel impacts would also be experienced by emergency vehicles and the increasing commuter traffic as the counties west of the line continue to grow and require access to the established resources east of the rail line. Thank you for your service!
    Naperville, IL
  2314. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13130Meg Kresach
    I do not want to see increased train traffic through the community of Frankfort Illinois 60423. This traffic would have an impact on the traffic flow of the community as well as I live in the golf course community that the tracks run parallel to currently and this inreased train traffic would have an impact on the resale of our homes. There is also a concern of a cost on maintaing the road repairs at railroad crossing that would come at the expense of the taxpayer. I am opposed to the Canadian National proposal.
    Fankfort, Il
  2315. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13129Michael Allison
    Please do not approve the sale of EJ & E railroad to Canadian National. The increase of rail will severely impact traffic especially the transportation of students on school buses and emergency vehicles that maybe unable to get to their destination on a timely matter
    Aurora,, il
  2316. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13128Margaret and James Doorn
    My husband and I am against increased rail traffic and say No" to the proposed increase. Thank you for your time in consideration in our statement. Margaret C.P. Doorn"
  2317. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13127Paul Chow
    STB Finance Docekt 35087 We strongly oppose the purchase of the EJ&E by the Canadian National Railway Corporation.
    Plainfield, Illinois
  2318. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13126Glenn Rolbiecki
    Additional Delays will be created by rail traffic which will impact my students arrival to school as well as their timely return home. This is my concern about the proposed rail purchase
    Naperville, IL
  2319. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13125Heather Kenneally
    I am writing to voice my concern over the sale of the EJ&E railway to CN. I will be directly affected by the sale in the following ways, my children are bussed to school and have to cross those tracks each day. This will add more time to the commute. My husband has a long commute already, this will add to that as well as wasting gas while sitting at a crossing for upwards of ten minutes. This sale will also affect emergency response times in a negative way. I am also not looking forward to the increased train whistles. I have two crossings by my house and one of them was in the works to be a silent crossing. A welcome blessing for me, however, with the sale and increased train traffic, I am sure that will not happen. I am also concerned that my taxes will go up to pay to make several crossings, grade crossings. Thankyou for your time and concern in this matter. Heather Kenneally
    Aurora, IL
  2320. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13124Nancy Bertschy
    As a resident of Aurora and the third largest school district in the state, Indian Prairie transports 17,500 students each day. A purchase by the Canadian Rail of the EJ and E rail line stretches more than 11 miles through the district with seven schools located within a half mile of the tracks. There are two grade-level crossings of particular concern. School buses cross the Ogden Avenue tracks a total of 164 times each day and the Montgomery Avenue tracks 139 times each day. If the proposed sale goes through, there is an expected increase not only in the number of trains traveling though the community, but also in train length. Gate closures are anticipated to increase up to 10 minutes per train. Delays created by rail traffic will impact students arrival to school as well as their timely return home. These roads are already heavily traveled without the additional train traffic which will increase congestion, noise and polution. Please don't allow the purchase by the Canadian Rail.
    Aurora, IL
  2321. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13123Robert Verrando
    I oppose the purchase of the EJ and E rail line by Canadian National. I live in the area of the line, and wish you to recognize that our infrastructure and economic and residential development was based on the absence of high volume rail traffic on this line. The proposal's supporters either stand to profit from the railroad's success or live in areas which were built around their current traffic load. We should not be required to sacrifice to resolve problems they have created themselves. If the proposal is accepted, the railroad should be required to pay for mitigation of the problems it causes.
    Naperville, IL
  2322. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13121Sue LaBarbera
    Please do not allow for the purchase of the EJ&J Railroad by Canadian National. I live in Indian Prairie School District 204 and the impact on us would be devistating. The additional time needed to travel to schools in our large district is already a burdon, but the need to add time to that commute would be unbearable. Also, the financial implications are large and really unnecessary. Please consider my point-of-view when making your decision. Thank you in advance.
    Naperville, IL
  2323. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13119John Luscombe
    See attachment, I am in full agreement with this letter.
    Frankfort, IL
  2324. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13118Christopher Siek
    Please help us stop the purchase of the EJ&E rail line by Canadian National. The environmental study demonstrated that it would significantly impact quality of life in our area. Here are some of the issues of this proposed purchase: -Train traffic in our area would more than triple -Canadian National is offering to provide only enough money to build overpasses/underpasses for 2 crossings, while Senator Durbin counted the number of crossings that will require such action at 140 -In school district 204, there are 2 crossings that school buses traverse more than 300 times daily--that's only our school district and only 2 crossings -Traffic congestion has increased significantly in this area in recent years, and the estimated 10 minutes longer per gate closure at crossings plus the triple train load would be a major hardship This purchase would cause us, the citizens, many problems and provide us with absolutely no benefit. We're getting tired of paying the bill for big business who couldn't care less about how their getting richer affects us. Thanks for your consideration on this issue, and please do the right thing. Sincerely, Christopher Siek
    Naperville, IL
  2325. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13117Steve Purucker
    I encourage you to reject the Canadian National purchase of the EJ & E railroad that goes through Frankfort. The added traffic will be unsafe for our community.
    Frankfort, IL
  2326. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13116Carol Rowe
    Carol & Charles Rowe Finance Docket Number 35087 22 Elm Place Lake Zurich, IL 60047 Phyllis Johnson-Ball Surface Transportation Board 395 E St SW Washington, DC 20423 Dear Phyllis Johnson-Ball, September 23, 2008 Our property boarders the EJ&E railway in Lake Zurich, Illinois and we are most concerned with the issues of increased rail traffic if the Canadian National buys EJ&E. The most obvious concern for us is the train noise and vibrations. These issues devalue our property and reduces the salability and price of our home. Our direct neighbors and good friends whose property also boarders the tracks have put their house on the market in an attempt to sell before the EJ&E buyout! We also feel the need to move if the buyout is allowed to go through. We don’t want to move; it would mean leaving our home, friends and community of 12 years and mostly, a larger mortgage payment of which we cannot afford in this economy! Second is the increase of traffic congestion during rush hour times. Currently during rush hour it is nearly impossible to turn south on to Ela Road from our Hillmans Subdivision. Starting around 4pm, west bound Rt 22 traffic, turning south on to Ela Road already backs up traffic from the light at Rt 12 and Ela, causing traffic to wait in the turn lane on Rt 22. With the addition of more trains during rush hour, more traffic will back up on Rt 22 to make the turn and make it so we residents will be unable to turn south, having to go north to attempt a detour. A difficult task as Lake Zurich has no other north/south through streets. My third concern and question is about the cost to the American tax payer. Why in the world should we shoulder the cost of the needed upgrades to the railway crossings for a private business, Canadian or otherwise? Illinois has more important road improvements that need to be attended to first, that have been waiting for years for funding. We can’t afford to put the need of CN, a private business, before the needs of the many. How far back will this push other more pressing projects that have been waiting funding? The CN will be taking far more from Illinois citizens than will ever be returned to them. Where is the benefit to the people of the United States, faster product to the markets? That’s not a need or a want that is looking to be filled by anyone other than Canadian National, a private foreign company looking to take the American taxpayer on a one way ride. Thank you for your time and consideration in this matter. Sincerely, Carol & Charles Rowe
    Lake Zurich, Illinois
  2327. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13114Lisa Cox
    My children will cross these railroads each day in buses. The increase in rail traffic, and length of trains, will lengthen the time spent on buses and away from school or home. I am also VERY concerned about emergency response times in case of medical, police or fire emergencies. PLEASE do not allow EJ&E to purchase this railline! Our community will suffer greatly if you do!
    Naperville, IL
  2328. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13113Jill Prusak
    Indian Prairie transports 17,500 students each day. Additional traffic on the rails will cause delays and increase the likelihood of accidents to children attending schools in our area. As a home owner, there is the additional concern of the increase in noise that more trains will create.
    Naperville, IL
  2329. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13111Lisa Korte
    RE: Opposition to proposed CN purchase of EJ&E rail lines and re-routing of rail traffic through our suburban communities. REFERENCE Congressional Bill H.R. 6707: The comunity encourages passing of this bill entitling federal authorities to deny approval of rail purchases when public costs outweigh transportation benefits and to impose strict mitigation conditions upon any approved purchase after August 1, 2008. Our opposition is strong and widespread for good reason. As the third largest school district in the state, Indian Prairie transports 17,500 students each day. The rail line in question stretches more than 11 miles through the district with seven schools located within a half mile of the tracks. There are two grade-level crossings of particular concern. School buses cross the Ogden Avenue tracks a total of 164 times each day and the Montgomery Avenue tracks 139 times each day. If the proposed sale goes through, there is an expected increase not only in the number of trains traveling though the community, but also in train length. Gate closures are anticipated to increase up to 10 minutes per train. Delays created by rail traffic will impact students arrival to school as well as their timely return home. We hope your genuineness in requesting feedback has given you many opportunities to hear the negative resultsan an opportunity to see how bad a situation this proposed sale creates for the citizens and taxpayers.
    Naperville, IL
  2330. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13110JULIE SHACKELFORD
    The purchase of EJ and E by Canadian National would grossly increase train traffic in my urban neighborhood. The train traffic would split schools and access to the hospital. It would also increase pollution and noise. Please do not approve the sale.
    AURORA, IL
  2331. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13109Mary Landers
    Please consider the hardship that the proposed Canadian National acquisition will put on the students and teachers of the Indian Prairie School District. There are 17,500 students transported daily. The rail line stretches for more than 11 miles through the district. Two crossings in particular have a total of 164 crossings each day and 139 crossings per day. Delays created by rail traffic will impact students arrival to school as well as their timely return home. Please vote that the Canadian National rail line purchase does not go through. Thank you. mary landers
    Aurora, Il
  2332. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13108Monica Braver
    Docket No. FD-35087 I am a resident and community member in the Indian Prairie district 204. I moved to this area 5 years ago so that my children could have the opportunity to attend some of the state's best schools and this is being jepordized with this proposed measure with the railways. Please don't let this purchase happen. All that many families have in this community are the hopes for a better future through education for our children and simply to get to work on time. The disruption of these vital but simple necessities would be very harmful and irresponsible. Please help us protect our way of living, we are very happy the way things are now. We all deserve to live in peace and not have money and industry destroy what is our lives. Please say no to the purchase of the rail line.
    Aurora, IL
  2333. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13106Beth Pingry
    I oppose the proposed purchase of the EJ and E rail line by Canadian National.
    Naperville, IL
  2334. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13105Linda Skaggs
    I am completely opposed to the purchase of the EJ and E rail line by Canadian National due to the impact that increased rail traffic will have on our school district's (in Illinois, Indian Prairie School District 204) transportation system. As the third largest district in the state, Indian Prairie transports 17,500 students each day. The rail line in question stretches more than 11 miles through the district with seven schools located within a half mile of the tracks. There are two grade-level crossings of particular concern. School buses cross the Ogden Avenue tracks a total of 164 times each day and the Montgomery Avenue tracks 139 times each day. If the proposed sale goes through, there is an expected increase not only in the number of trains traveling though the community, but also in train length. Gate closures are anticipated to increase up to 10 minutes per train. Delays created by rail traffic will impact students arrival to school as well as their timely return home. In addition to the huge impact this will have on our school transportation system, emergency vehicles must also travel through the community and will see a major impact by this increased train taffic.
    Aurora, IL
  2335. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13104Lihsiang Weng Ma
    We shouldn't approve the proposed purchase of the EJ and E rail line by Canadian National. The impact will be very huge on the kid's daily commute time. In the long run, people is moving out of district 204 which actually it is happening right now.
    Naperville, IL
  2336. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13103JOAN MURAWSKI
    ³PLEASE PASS H.R. 6707 INTO LAW BEFORE ADJOURNMENT!²
    BARRINGTON, IL
  2337. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13102Lynn Hillier
    I am extremely concerned about the proposed purchase of the EJ and E rail line by Canadian National. This will impact my community in a number of ways. One of my major concerns is the increased rail traffic and delays that it will cause on Route 34 and Montgomery Road. My son travels this route every day to school. I am worried about his travel time increasing and also about increased risks of accidents caused by these delays & backups. Also, the noise of the whistles already wakes me in the middle of the night - this morning - at 4am, I counted 3 within an hour! My other major concern is the impact this will have on my taxes. The city will have no choice but to build bridges over the grade level crossings, which I understand will not be reimbursed by Canadian National. Especially in this economy, I cannot afford an increase in my taxes because of this issue. If this purchase is approved, I feel Canadian National needs to pay 100% for the construction & materials of the bridges. Thank you for your time.
    Aurora, IL
  2338. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13101Abigail Fisher
    Please pass H.R. 6707 into law before adjournment. It is vital to hold railways responsible for their impact on our community.
    Fox River Grove, IL
  2339. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13100Richard Hall
    Re: CANADIAN NATIONAL RAILWAY COMPANY AND GRAND TRUNK CORPORATION--CONTROL--EJ&E WEST COMPANY I am a resident of Plainfield, one of the towns that would be affected by the large increase in rail traffic if this acquasition is approved. Given the rapid growth of this area over the last several years and the failure of raod building to keep pace, vehicle traffic is already very congested in the area. The railroad tracks that would see the increase in volume cut directly through town. A significant increase in rail traffice, and/or much longer trains, will make the moring and evening commutes intolerable. Please do not approve Canadian National purchase of the EJ&E rail line.
    Plainfield, IL
  2340. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13099Joseph A. Elliot
    STB Finance Docket No. 35087 I am writing to comment on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS), and to offer my support for CN's proposed acquisition of the Eljin, Joliet, and Eastern Railway (EJ&E). This transaction will benefit Chicago and surrounding communities by removing freight rail congestion from the heart of Chicago, and shifting it to the EJ&E's underutilized line. Shifting traffic over to the EJ&E lines will allow trains to move faster and stop less frequently, which will help to reduce the amount of diesel emissions. There are no negative environmental impacts resulting from this proposed transaction. CN is able to make infrastructure improvements that ensure the continued safety of employees and the communities through which their trains move. CN service is the benchmark in the railroad industry. Please support CN's acquisition of the EJ&E Railway.
    Knoxville, TN
  2341. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13098Pat Brown-Wyrick
    Please vote NO for the acquisition of the EJ&E railroad by Canadian National--this would be devastating to hundreds of thousands of citizens along these tracks not to mention the safety issues for our children on school buses and the risk to all the schools located along these tracks. Please, if you have any interest in the citizen's opinions vote NO to this purchase!!
    Frankfort, IL
  2342. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13097Marlene Aprati
    Please pass H.R 6707 into law before adjournment. The railroads need to be responsible for the havoc they create in communities.
    Barrington, Illinois
  2343. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13096Robert Einhorn
    No to Increased Rail Traffic.
    Frankfort, IL
  2344. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13095Lynne Kincaid
    Dear Ms. Johnson-Ball: I am a resident of Frankfort, and I am formally opposing the proposed Canadian National Railway acquisition of the EJ&E Railroad. I am concerned that the negative impact to the quality of life in my community is being overrun by big business. This precedent-setting case needs the assurance that the STB will ensure that environmental impact to our community (and many others) is sufficiently considered. The $40 million CN has proposed to spend on infrastructure improvements is a clearly insufficient. If the STB approves this transaction, then CN should be required to pay for the improvements to our infrastructure. Please acknowledge that CN's safety record and questionable internal culture of intimidation can result in compromising the safety of my children, my home, and my village as more toxic chemicals would be hauling through town at 45 mph. Thank you for your thoughtful consideration, Lynne Kincaid
    Frankfort, IL
  2345. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13093William Kruer
    I am a resident of Frankfort, and I am formally opposing the proposed Canadian National Railway acquisition of the EJ&E Railroad. If the CN purchase of the EJ & E is allowed to proceed, the impact to surrounding schools, churches and neighborhoods will have devastating consequences. The sound and vibration of thundering, fuming freight trains every 51 minutes will be felt for miles along these tracks. The noise and most concerning, the increased risk of a toxic spill due to the 600% spike in harmful chemicals hauling through town at 45 miles per hour begs the question, “Will the STB ensure that the final environmental impact study addresses the significant negative environmental impact to our community?” My home is a mere 400 Feet from the tracks and will clearly be in harms way. The $40 million CN has proposed to spend on infrastructure improvements is a drop in the bucket. Who will pay for the rest of the underpasses, grade separations and projected necessary infrastructure improvements that are needed to support projected population growth. Who will pay for the anticipated decline in property values? If the STB approves this transaction, then CN should be required to pay. Minutes count when lives are at stake. With 28 trains a day, police cars and fire trucks will be forced to wait with their sirens blaring, and considering Frankfort’s population is anticipated to top 55,000, the impact could cost lives. Moving Chicago’s rail congestion to the suburbs is not an effective solution. Please consider that relocating this problem does not effectively address the issue. It has been 25 years since the EJ&E tracks in Frankfort have received major repairs. Considering CN’s reluctance to implement Canadian safety measures, and its employees’ “culture of fear,” does the STB expect CN to honor US safety requirements? Please give CN’s safety record your utmost priority when considering this purchase. Respectfully submitted, William Kruer
    Frankfort, IL
  2346. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13092Lou Desmond
    I oppose the proposed EJE merger based on 2 reasons - real or perceived. These are 1) lack of intrastructure dollars to prevent the blockage of automotive roadways (i.e., train or road overpasses in congested and future congested population centers) and 2) the increase of railcars per train. Cheers and God Bless Y'all! Lou Desmond
    Morris, IL
  2347. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13091Daniel Smith
    137 crossings involved @ 3million each to upgrade is equal 411,000,000. The purchase price is 300 million. Who is the winner? Not to mention the destructive ramifications to all the community's along the railway. Also do you really believe the 28 trains/day!!!
    Frankfort, il
  2348. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13088Elmwood Park Residents
    We support the proposal for the merger of CN and EJ&E railroads and the rerouting of freight rail traffic into the less-congested outer suburbs, away from our community. We urge the STB to approve this action to relieve the congestion at our crossings and improve our safety and quality of life.
    Michael Warnock · Elmwood Park, IL
  2349. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13086Robert and Sharon Stigter
    Regarding: STB Finance Docket No. 35087 We are residents of Frankfort, and we are formally opposing the proposed Canadian National Railway acquisition of the EJ&E Railroad. If the CN purchase of the EJ & E is allowed to proceed, the impact to the town of Frankfort will have a significant negative impact. We purchased our home 6 years ago knowing there were tracks roughly a block away from our home. We also knew there were only 6 trains running per day which seemed to be a very tolerable number. I must admit however, even these few trains cause a significant problem due to the noise and vibration. In fact due to the current noise level, we frequently wake up on those cool summer nights when the windows are open. My grandchildren have difficulty taking naps when they visit and the peace and quiet of the daytime hours get significantly affected as well. A proposed increase of 28 trains per day will create an intolerable situation for our community. While the noise is certainly the most concerning problem, we are also concerned about the increased risk of a toxic spill due to the 600% spike in harmful chemicals hauled through town. Every time we hear of a toxic spill somewhere else, we feel blessed that we have never had to be evacuated for that kind of reason from our home. Accidents always are possible, which means this kind of an increase in traffic will certainly raise our risk of an occurrence affecting us. Finally there are many other issues which will significantly affect us as well, such as the impact to emergency vehicle response times, traffic congestion at crossings, danger to vehicle and foot traffic and a significant decrease in property values. Please agree that moving Chicago’s rail congestion to the suburbs is not an effective solution.
    Frankfort, IL
  2350. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13057Buckster, S
  2351. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12912Karen Dralle
    Please pass H.R. 6707 into law before adjournment. It is vital to hold railways responsible for their impact on our community.
    Barrington, IL
  2352. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12911Christy O'Brochta
    Please stop CN from creating a freight superhighway in our region. We live 1 block from the train and we are worried about the hazardous materials the trains may carry, as well as the safety of our children from an increase in trains with no barriers between the homes and the tracks. Please say no to more CN trains!
    Frankfort, IL
  2353. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12910Ellen Anderson
    This has to be stopped!!!! There needs to be a regional solution to this problem!!! There are way too many grade crossings and thus too many beutiful communitues that will be destroyed by this acquisition.
    Barrington, IL
  2354. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12909mary bogdan
    this note is in regards to the STB Finance docket 35087 regarding CN's bid to purchase the EJ&E railroad which happens to border my backyard. i feel that necessary environmental research needs to be done prior to the sale on how this will not only affect the area but specifically how it will affect those living in the area (and by that i dont mean congestion/annoyance). i have 4 children in my home and there is nothing that i have read that indicates any affects of increased traffic and what is going to be hauled and how it will affect them and everything along the tracks. CN can state that traffic will increase up to 28 trails a day but we all know that's a pretty low number just for the sake of the public and would change as soon as the deal is done. The LEAST the STB can do for those villages that will be affected is to do a thorough study on how this business transaction will affect the people and environment all along these tracks. If this is something that we all will have to live with - we need to be sure that it's also something that wont harm us.
    Frankfort, IL
  2355. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12907Steven Conforti
    I am submitting this e-mail to express my OPPOSITION TO THE SALE of the EJ&E Rail Road line to the Canadian National Rail Road line. I have lived in New Lenox since Oct 2001 and this sale will destroy the Peace and Quiet, Relaxing way of life in this town. Please REJECT THIS SALE so New Lenox can remain a good place to live. I hope this short note will help convince you not to let this sale take place, Thank You Very Much, Steven Conforti
    New Lenox, IL
  2356. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12906James Lurgio
    I can live with the whistles from six trains a day through Frankfort, but if we are going to get a train every hour, my family and I will never get to sleep or be able to carry on a continuous conversation unless the whistles stop. The final Environmental Impact Statement needs to include recommendations for the CN to pay for safety improvements at all crossings in Frankfort so that the Federal Railroad Administration will approve a quiet zone through our community. Stop the Whistle.
    Frankfort, IL
  2357. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12904Judy Hill
    I am opposed to the increased train traffic proposed to run on the EJ&E Railroad tracks for the C & N Railroad. My opinion is that our Federal Regulators and Members of Congress need to stop C&N from creating a freight superhighway in our region. Please stop this!
    Frankfort, IL
  2358. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12901Angelo Rotondi
    I moved my buisness from Dolton Il to get away those trains. I dont want to wait in traffic for those trains again!
    Frankfort, IL
  2359. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12900Craig Bomba
    I strongly oppose the Canadian National Railway's desire to acquire and significantly impact rail traffic on the EJ&E railway. Aside from significant traffic delays on a daily basis and increased noise the most significant impact would be emergency services. Current health facilities are within 1 mile from my home, but require crossing the tracks. There aren't any overpasses that would allow me to bypass this limitation. Additionally, fire and ambulance are also located on the opposite side of the tracks from my home and would not be able to reach me. The only reason for relocating" the current Canadian National traffic to the EJ&E rail was to offload congestion from current Chicago inner ring suburbs. These suburbs do have the under/over passes in place allowing citizens to get to/from emergency services that I do not. I firmly believe the desire to offset congestion from the existing rails is not reason enough to jeopardize the ability of Plainfield residence to gain access to emergency and health services."
  2360. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12899Linda Lowery
    Please pass 6707 into law!!!
    Barrington, Illinois
  2361. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12898David Pokraka
    The CN proposal to purchase the EJ&E must be approved to help reduce our dependence on foreign oil and reduce pollution. The stats show, overwhelmingly, that train transportation uses less energy and emits less pollution than truck transportation. This purchase will reduce the time for trains to get through Chicago and further encourage the use of trains. Additionally 1,000's fewer cars and trucks will be waiting at crossings with their engines running further reducing energy uses and reducing pollution. I know they should shut their engines but most don’t.
    Riverside, IL
  2362. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12885Marisel Guntin
    Dear Ms. Johnson-Ball, I am writing to express my opposition to the prospective acquisition of the EJ&E line by Canadian National Railway. I strongly feel that the negative impact this proposed transaction will have on our local communities is immense. The increased number of longer and faster freight trains running through our neighborhoods will result in: * More accidents and deaths along the rail line * An increase in automobile traffic gridlock at rail crossings * Elevated pollution and noise levels * Dangerously longer response times of our Police, Fire and Emergency Medical Teams * Disruption and/or closure of local business activities * Adverse impact on our property values Additionally, recent studies by RTA have revealed that a potential overcrowding of the EJ&E lines will also interfere with commuter METRA train lines affecting our ability to get to and from our workplaces in a timely manner. Please do not let us be “railroaded” by Canadian National. We are hopeful that you will make the decision to vote against this acquisition and to help keep our communities safe for us and for future generations. Respectfully yours, Marisel Guntin
    Barrington, Illinois
  2363. (printed as 9/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12881Ed Gimtom
    September 23rd, 2008 Jewel Park Resident Barrington, IL 847.387.3074 Ed.Guntin@comcast.net Members of the Surface Transportation Board: I have a home in a Barrington community known as Jewel Park. My home is situated not more than 100 yards from the EJ&E train tracks. When I purchased my home (prior to the CN proposed purchase of EJ&E), my wife and I took into consideration that trains did not travel on these tracks frequently enough to warrant concern for noise, vibration and more importantly safety for my family and the Barrington community in general. The proposed purchase by CN and its intent to increase train transport in the Barrington area by more than 400% changes everything. Members of the Board, I have three children (ages 8, 13 and 14) which attend local schools in Barrington. It was my family’s intent to frequently visit Citizens Park, a beautiful park recently finished, which is adjacent to the EJ&E train tracks and located around the corner from Jewel Park on Lake Zurich road. I am extremely concerned for the safety of my children and all children in Jewel Park and neighboring communities who need to cross the train tracks on Lake Zurich road to enter Citizens Park. With trains traveling as much as 20-25 times a day under CN’s proposal, it’s plausible that a child that veers away from a parent’s attention for just a moment to view a train crossing up close from Citizens Park can be injured or God forbid killed. I am also very concerned about fire rescue and paramedic assistance. As I’m sure you have been informed, the Barrington Fire Department is located near the train tracks on Route 14. If someone in Jewel Park or a neighboring community were injured or ill and needed immediate emergency attention or a home was on fire, it could be a life threatening situation or a complete loss of property if the fire department were unable to attend to the emergency due to an unfortunate circumstance of a train passing at the time of the emergency. The risk of this happening is already there with the current volume of trains. Raising the volume of train traffic by more than 400% substantially increases the probability that a life threatening situation or loss of property will arise. It goes without saying that increasing train crossings by more than 400% will also cause a disastrous bottleneck of traffic in Barrington. Many Barrington commuters including my wife and I will be severely impacted by traffic delays caused by this congestion. Not to mention the issues this will cause to commercially develop the Barrington Village. You may be aware that the Barrington Village is considering a redevelopment projection at Hough, Main and Station which could substantially bring commercial and cultural value to Barrington. I expect that if the CN proposal is accepted by this Board, the project will be in complete jeopardy since few commercial proprietors will desire to establish their businesses in the Barrington area due to congestion problems. Members of the Board, if you allow CN to proceed with its proposed volume of trains, CN’s actions will substantially devalue commercial and residential real estate throughout Barrington. Presently, Barrington is sought out by many families as a prominent place to raise young children. Some sources rank Barrington 25th in the nation in this regard. Barrington is known for great schools, public safety, culture, sports, and a wonderful hospital. CN’s proposal will change the view prospective families will have on Barrington as a premier area to live. If CN’s proposal is accepted, less families will want to move to Barrington, tax revenues will eventually drop from a decline in growth, schools will have less funds to provide the great education our children enjoy today, fewer doctors will want to live in Barrington to work at Good Shepherd Hospital—well, I think you get the picture. I, my family, and I’m sure my fellow residents in Barrington are counting on the Board’s wisdom and judgment to place health, safety, and environmental protection above commercial interests. You are our advocates. Please do not allow CN to destroy this precious community. I respectfully ask that this Board do everything in its power to stop CN or for that matter any buyer of EJ&E from increasing the volume of train traffic from where it is today. On behalf of myself and my family I thank you for your time and attention. Sincerely, Ed Guntin, Esq.
    Barrington, Illinois
  2364. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-16115Jones, Daniel
  2365. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-16114Hajek, John
  2366. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-16095McGuire,Karen
  2367. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-16094Merkel,Maureen
  2368. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-16091Jan Hewitt
    I am writing to express my opposition to the prospective acquisition of the EJ&E line by Canadian National Railway. I strongly feel that the negative impact this proposed transaction will have on our local communities is immense. The increased number of longer and faster freight trains running through our neighborhoods will result in: More accidents and deaths along the rail line An increase in automobile traffic gridlock at rail crossings Elevated pollution and noise levels Dangerously longer response times of our Police, Fire and Emergency Medical Teams Disruption and/or closure of local business activities Adverse impact on our property values Additionally, recent studies by RTA have revealed that a potential overcrowding of the EJ&E lines will also interfere with commuter METRA train lines affecting our ability to get to and from our workplaces in a timely manner. Please do not let us be “railroaded” by Canadian National. We are hopeful that you will make the decision to vote against this acquisition and to help keep our communities safe for us and for future generations. Respectfully yours, Jan Hewitt
    Wayne, IL
  2369. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-16090Jan Hewitt
    You can not possibly approve the CN acquisition of EJ&E. The draft EIS was a farce. It did not even touch on the many issues that need to be addressed. The statistics used were ancient. To allow this acquisition without properly addressing the environmental and safety issues will bring harm to all communities along the line. YOU must stand up to this foreign company that brings no benefit to the US. DO THE RIGHT THING!!!!!!
    Wayne, IL
  2370. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-16089John Sanger
    I support the Canadian Nation's proposal to reroute freight rail traffic from our communities to the EJ&E railroad.
    Elmwood Park, Illinois
  2371. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-16087Jan Hewitt
    I am a resident of Illinois, and strongly object to CN's Proposed Action, and will be drastically harmed thereby." My "strong objection" involves enviromnental and safety concerns not addressed by the draft EIS. dN's plans will harm me and my community by causing traffic congestion, limitting emergency response units, and endangering the families, students and private wells with the transport of hazardous material. You MUST OPPOSE."
  2372. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-16086T.R.A.C.
    The basis of this filing is CN has stated 90% of the cargo forecast does not take into account that during the specified period of the DEIS a known event occurred that, if history repeats, will impact 50% of their purpose and need assertions. The Third Lock of the Panama Canal will return to the global shipper the option of an all water route via the 14,500 TEU vessels. This construction began on September 3, 2007 and will be open in 2013/14. The CN FD 35087 was submitted two weeks after the PCA ground breaking occurred - CN has an obligation to take all likely information into account for the STB purpose and need to be justified. Month before the FD35087 U.S. DOT filed regulations in 2007 with an effective date of 1/1/09 for HazMat restrictions. CN submitted a forecast showing 20% of their forecast includes HazMat cargo. If CN had complied with the U.S. DOT requirement to meek with all effected communities by 6/1/08 to review the 27 risk factors then there forecast would have been validated as something the believed to be truthful and accurate. No meetings have been requested or held. The Ethanol Products are of course hydroscopic and will destroy the sole source water supply for the communities along the EJ&EW. The Supreme Court has ruled that NO Great Water will be diverted beyond the current authorized users. The CN approach to congestion with other railroads does not in their application show the impact they already have paid for shown in the attached presentation from a researcher sponsored by CN. The approach used by CN in the DEIS ignore the RTC simulation process and uses instead the CN single railroad internal model which is useful perhaps in Canada but not when there are multiple railroad carriers in crossing the EJ&EW. CN has slanted information with multiple formulas for carbon index to comply with the Chicago Area wide restrictions. Which formula is trusted and correct. CN has reported a seasonality impact of 5X for 12 weeks during the late summer and early fall on their website www.cn.ca and shows a linear forecast in the FD35087. CN has in the DEIS stated that they will be using the current route during the stated three construction season. If they as they have state in public, DEIS public event, that they are really planning to double track the EJ&EW the construction detours most likely will go into 2013. With the Panama Canal Third Lock opening immediately thereafter the FD35087 Purpose and Needs are further in question. The CIGMA study on the impact of the Panama Canal give the Intermodal Industry experts analysis of the Third Lock. The author is associated with the Port of Long Beach and L.A. The option that best matches the the current legal action against the STB and the attached evidence support a moratorium for a minimum of 5 years. The CN potential windfall profits from their sale of the St. Charles Airline and Lake Front ROW should be allocated toward any offsetting cost of mitigation to create a Sealed Safety Corridor along the EJ&EW if the moratorium is released. The architects of the McCormick place have designed the building in a way to close off the opening and repurpose the interior space. This fact represents a valuation basis of multiple millions to CN. The Mercy Hospital negotiations adjacent to the CN ROW show the STB the third party market valuation of the Lake Michigan Lake front acreage. Is the real purpose and need of CN to relocate to maximize their corporate profits without any significant offsetting mitigation to those communities impacted. The Presidential Order regarding social justice in the DEIS ignored the 211,000 latino population that the U.S. Government sponsored Study at Norte Dame = Latino Study Department documented within the route of the EJ&EW. The HDR and STB had the link to this important study in my 1/28/08 filing on this transaction. The data used in the DEIS is dated and incorrect. The DEIS is responsible to address impact only to the EJ&EW route and not to residents which currently have move next to a class 1 railroad. This is absolutely in contradiction to President Clintons Presidential Order. http://www.pancanal.com/eng/plan/documentos/propuesta/acp-expansion-proposal.pdf The Panama Canal Expansion was approved by 77% the voters of Panama on Oct 6, 2006. This will remove the designation of Post PanaMax vessels and almost all vessels will be able to navigate this shorten route. The impact on CN's forecast is ignored. The 90% of the Non Chicago destination must be factored by the STB to determine if CN has knowingly overstate their purpose and needs. The Third Lock impact is well known and reported clearly CN had a responsibility to the STB to forecast with this competitive information.
    Richard Burkhart · Deer Park, Il
  2373. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-16084Walter Biga, Jr.
    I am writing to voice my objection to the sale of EJ&E Rail lines to the Canadian National Railway Corp. I am concerned about the length of their freight lines and the vehicle delays at railroad crossings in our community, especially the delay for emergency response teams. I feel that the needs of the local communities impacted should take priority to the needs of a corporation.
    Plainfield, IL
  2374. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15818Donohue, Laura L.
  2375. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15807Burleigh, Merle L.
  2376. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15783Bajor, Christine
  2377. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15761Matousek, Dennis
  2378. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15759Urban, Susan
  2379. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15757Raglur
  2380. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15750Strahl, J. David
  2381. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15738Strahl, Julie
  2382. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15732Krehy, Anne
  2383. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15722Verbeek, Karen
  2384. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15720Bradshaw, Barry
  2385. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15675Cardenas, George
  2386. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15645Wilkes, Tina
  2387. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15604Panagakis, Peter
  2388. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15574Wiese, Christine
  2389. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15573alleman, William
  2390. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15572Conherae, Michael
  2391. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15571Allbee, Matthew
  2392. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15570Horner, Jeff
  2393. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15569Chickerllo, Carol
  2394. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15347Kelly, James
  2395. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15346Benson, William
  2396. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15345Jennings, Andrew
  2397. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15183Village of Wheeling
    Merrihew, Timothy
  2398. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15182Village of Wheeling
    Stavros, Anthony
  2399. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15121Gissler, Kyle
  2400. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15079Steger
  2401. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15059Van Linden, William
  2402. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15052Argiris, Dean
  2403. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15050Bolland Mary
  2404. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15043Heer, Robert
  2405. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15042Horcher, Patrick
  2406. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15041Brady, Kenneth
  2407. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15040Rooney, J. Mark
  2408. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14968Leipzig, Robert
  2409. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14967Stone, John
  2410. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14848Anonymous
  2411. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14847Bishop, June
  2412. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14825Erwin, Cliff
  2413. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14824Erwin, Shirley
  2414. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14821Reminton Crossing Community Association
    Gardner, Neil
  2415. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14817Vitas, Bob
  2416. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14814Vasconez, Charles E.
  2417. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14809Bishop, J.
  2418. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14808Bishop, J.
  2419. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14807Bishop, June
  2420. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14804Haack, Dean
  2421. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14801Lynch, William M.
  2422. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14791Bachler, Jeff
  2423. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14787Krawulski
  2424. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14785Stigter, Robert
  2425. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14784Ellermann, Mandy
  2426. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14776Feigl, Josh
  2427. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14775Feigl, Wendy
  2428. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14766Madden, Vanessa
  2429. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14743Ruhl, Laura
  2430. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14737Thompson, Jim
  2431. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14734Brotnow, James B.
  2432. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14733Tarvid, Donna M.
  2433. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14715Wilson, Carol
  2434. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14702DeGroot, Shannon
  2435. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14693Gagliardi, Bonnie
  2436. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14690Coons, Peggy
  2437. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14682Plummer, Jay
  2438. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14652Wulff, Marion
  2439. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14650Rowe, Carol
  2440. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14647Orbrecht, Michael G.
  2441. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14643Simpson, Elaine
  2442. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14640Abruscato, Judy
  2443. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14639Horcher, Michael
  2444. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14634Dickerhofe, Stephen
  2445. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14611Tarvid, Donna M.
  2446. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14519Reiser-Loeber, Elizabeth
  2447. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14513Natkin, Joyce
  2448. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14507Village of Riverside
    Shields, Thomas C.
  2449. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14437Lyman, Richard
  2450. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14433Bautista
  2451. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14430Wscolek, John
  2452. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14411Casper, Frank
  2453. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14410Tkachuk, Nick
  2454. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14408Nemec, Patricia
  2455. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14348City Council City of Chicago
    Pope, John A
  2456. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14339TRAC
    The U.S.DOT HazMat regulations going into effect on 1/1/09 are major concerns that the City of Chicago and CN will attempt to route these life threatening chemical via the proposed EJ&EW route. The nature of the glacial formations and geography is a factor regarding the DEIS that has been research and documented in the attached university thesis. As part of the DEIS it is requested that this research be considered and the local soils be tested to ensure that non mitigable damage to the sole water supply not be ruined. The derailment predictions coupled with the Slack Effect" of these documented correlations to the extended length of the project CN trains. The Ethanol trans loading sites on the CN ROW will result in spills in this hydroscopic product. The number of individual wells and septic systems will act act conduits into the sole water table for a community. This is not a factor in the CN current network since the the water supply is from the Great Lakes. The Supreme Court prohibits the EJ&EW communities from this source forever. The fact that the EJ&EW goes near the Fox River this water source will be at risk. The J tracks go over a bridge over the Des Plaines River so the Joliet water source will be at risk as well as those communities downstream. The tragic Chatsworth Commuter train crash with a freight train was calculated by the FRA as an event that could not happen. The probable cause was an engineer texting to a teenager. Had the freight train been transporting Ethanol for example the accident would have been infinitely of a tragedy. Had this happened with a Metra and CN train it would have ignited our community and ruined our water supply. The moratorium requested in this environmental arena should actually be a out right denial of CN's request. There is NO possible way the Grand Trunk Company would be able to compensate the community for this probable accident. The current route has multiple paths to reach an accident and the separation between commuter and freight is already in place. The community volunteer fire protection is neither equipped or staffed to handle the type of accident that occurred in Chatsworth nor a multi day fire fueled by ethanol. UPS has a history of training their shippers to ship HazMat below the 1000 pound cut off before a placard is required. A shipper may in fact ship multiple bills of lading each with below the 1000 point. The local fire and police therefore have no idea that they and public are at a higher risk. The CN plan to ship 20% HazMat cargo of course does not count this standard loop hole that UPS encourages on a daily basis. UPS is in fact the largest shipper of HazMat cargo via trains. Thanks you."
    Richard Burkhart · Deer Park, IL
  2457. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14070Varley, Roger D.
  2458. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14033Bernard, Dorothy
  2459. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13947Smith, Bart
  2460. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13945Hendrix, Kathy
  2461. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13941Ryhl, Barbara
  2462. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13937Lindenmuth, Robert M.
  2463. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13814Starks, Eva
  2464. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13485Misiorowski, Richard
  2465. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13482Ralson, Amanda J.
  2466. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13365Wojciechowski, Barbara
  2467. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13364Wiselka, Karren
  2468. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13363Venejlni, Michael
  2469. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13362Skrbec, Karen
  2470. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13361Singraber, Kathleen
  2471. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13360Siapno, Janet
  2472. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13359Salvino, Bob
  2473. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13358Rorgenski, Robert
  2474. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13357Rivera, Andrea
  2475. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13356Ringer,
  2476. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13355Pritchett, Karen
  2477. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13354Orico, Kelly
  2478. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13353Murdoch, Howard
  2479. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13351Mitlraj, Mark
  2480. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13350McKoulsky, Wanda
  2481. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13349Mastalesh, Sheryl
  2482. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13348Mastalesh, John
  2483. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13347Leonardi, Wayne
  2484. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13346Kohut, Shirley
  2485. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13345Kerrins, Martin
  2486. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13344Johnson, Virginia
  2487. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13343Jodoin, Gene
  2488. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13342Johnson, Jay
  2489. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13341Jajko, Ann
  2490. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13340Hudson, Eugene
  2491. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13339Holck, Herbert
  2492. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13338Hewes, Susane
  2493. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13336Halford, Carie
  2494. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13335Gorman, Bob
  2495. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13334Fleagle, Jill
  2496. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13333Fijut, Linda
  2497. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13332Farvaro, Charles
  2498. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13331Farvaro, Charles
  2499. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13330Fantangelo, Marisa
  2500. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13329Eichler, Mary
  2501. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13328Corey, Dan
  2502. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13327Cerbin, Albert
  2503. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13326Burks, Denise
  2504. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13325Balone, Gino
  2505. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13324Backus, Lyle
  2506. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13053Cottone, Debbie
  2507. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13052Eckert, Barb
  2508. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13051Eckert, B
  2509. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13050Harden, Michael
  2510. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12964Spear, Jim
  2511. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12963Klausing, Susan
  2512. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12962Summers, Eva
  2513. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12961Lemke, Martha
  2514. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12960Orchard, Mark
  2515. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12959Ablan, Maria
  2516. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12958Mangano, Lori
  2517. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12957Gora, Arthur
  2518. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12956Orchard, Nancy
  2519. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12955Genova, Gary
  2520. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12954Genova, Michele
  2521. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12953Gornik, Rick
  2522. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12941Southest Chicago Commission
    Gill,Richard
  2523. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12940Englert,Marcia
  2524. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12939Lutz,Mary
  2525. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12938Davis,Janine
  2526. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12937Webb,Robert
  2527. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12936Bjorkman,Stacy
  2528. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12935Marciniak,James
  2529. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12934Vaughan,Angela
  2530. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12933Kacanowski,James
  2531. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12932Leng,Richard
  2532. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12931Miller,Donald
  2533. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12930Spatoulas,Thanos
  2534. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12929Burkhart,Rinold
  2535. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12928Stukel,Sharon
  2536. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12927Biga,Walter Jr.
  2537. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12926Yager,Kelly
  2538. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12923DeCastro,Nilo
  2539. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12922Adona,Eric
  2540. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12921Lenderman,Colleen
  2541. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12919Sreenivas,Boddu
  2542. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12918Borrico,Nicole
  2543. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12917Kellum,Dean
  2544. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12916Kelly,Brian
  2545. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12915Kubinski,Bernie
  2546. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12913Hewitt,Jan
  2547. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12908Adair,Linda
  2548. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12905Gardiner,Jane
  2549. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12903Roberts,Mary
  2550. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12902Hoffman,Michael
  2551. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12879R. S. Hall
    I am writing to add my voice to those opposing the acquisition of the EJ&E West Company by the Canadian National Railway. I echo the sentiments you have heard from this area's elected state and national representatives regarding this proposed sale: - There will be significant vehicle delays at railroad crossings on already congested roads in the area - Response times for emergency vehicles will be dramatically increased due to the increase in rail traffic - A dramatic increase in noise and pollution from the resulting increase in train traffic In the movies, the sound of a distant train whistle often had romantic overtones. But for my neighbors and my family here in Aurora, the sound of a train whistle is not an infrequent - and certainly not a romantic - occurrence. We may hear as many as 5 to 10 trains in an evening. If the CN projections are correct, that number may increase 3 or 4-fold on a daily basis. I assure you, that the sound of 15 to 40 trains per day will diminish the quality of life for all of us in this area, especially since we live near 3 crossing grades, so we will that whistle times 3. I urge you and the members of the STB to reject this proposed sale for the sake of the health and well being of the people who live near and along the EJ&E line. Thank you for you consideration.
    Aurora, IL
  2552. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12878Robert Skwarek
    Hello and thank you for this opportunity. The CN purchase of the EJ&E railroad through Bartlett, IL is a disaster waiting to happen. I live to the west of the West Bartlett Road railroad gate which is already overly trafficked and dangerous. CN will no install under/overpasses at this locale which dozens of school buses and thousands of cars pass each day. Without grade improvements, we will be cut off from emergency services and the traffic delays will cost millions of dollars in lost productivity/time over the years. This is just one of many concerns our community has with this buyout and I haven't even touched on the potential loss of the STAR line project. Thank you for your time. We know you'll do the right thing - if CN MUST buy the railway, PLEASE make them make the necessary grade improvements.
    Bartlett, IL
  2553. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12876Kenneth Kirsch
    I am a life long resident of Frankfort. I do not think it is fair for us to shoulder the burden of CN railroads acquisition of the EJ&E line. I believe that if Canadian Northern wishes to use the line, they should be responsible for improving the infrastructure first. I am not saying that they should not be allowed to buy the EJ&E railroad, but should make the improvements to the roads and noise abatement. Why should our small communities be required to do this without any benefits. The trains that roll though now already rattle our home and wake us at night. I pass the crossing on average 27 times per week. I'm sure that even CN's executives would not want to live next to what they are proposing to do next to my home. Thank you for the opportunity to place my comment.
    Frankfort, Illinios
  2554. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12874Stephen Baldwin MD
    I oppose the purchase of EJ&E by CN. I am a Physician and a resident living west of the tracks. Increased rail traffic will cut off access to health care facilities in the area for long periods of time when the roads are blocked by long trains. There are no viaducts or overpasses in this area.
    Plainfield, Illinois
  2555. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12869Glenn & Veronica Grimpe
    We support the Canadian National's proposal to reroute freight rail traffic from our communities to the EJ&E railroad.
    Elmwood Park, Illinois
  2556. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12867Marjorie Sanger
    I support the Canadian National's proposal to reroute freight rail traffic from our communities to the EJ&E railroad.
    Elmwood Park, Illinois
  2557. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12865Bob Acke
    The CN Railroad should not be allowed to purchase the E, J & E Railroad, because they would greatly increase the numbers and lengths of trains that run on this line. This not only would delay people as they go about their daily business, it could prove tragic if emergency vehicles can not cross blocked crossings. Additionally the increased number of crossing increases the liklihood of a fatal vehicle-train collision. I understand that neighborhoods in the inner suburbs and Chicago may benefit from this transition, but I don't think that validates it. The fact that this foreign company would reap huge profits from this sale, while cash-strapped local governments would be faced with huge public works projects to try to mitigate the effect of more frequent and longer trains, is one more huge reason why this sale should not be permitted.
    Cary, IL
  2558. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12863Allie Roney
    Re: STB Finance Docket No. 35087 I am writing in opposition to the prospective acquisition of the EJ&E line by Canadian National Railway. If the number of trains increases on the EJ&E line, public safety will be harmed as every route from our house to the Barrington hospital will be blocked by long trains. Sincerely, Allie A. Roney
    Barrington, IL
  2559. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12861Ed Roney
    Re: STB Finance Docket No. 35087 I am writing in opposition to the prospective acquisition of the EJ&E line by Canadian National Railway. If the number of trains increases on the EJ&E line, public safety will be harmed as every route from our house to the Barrington hospital will be blocked by long trains. Sincerely, Edward M Roney
    barrington, IL
  2560. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12857Nina Handeland
    PLEASE PASS H.R. 6707 INTO LAW BEFORE ADJOURNMENT!
    Hawthorn Woods, il
  2561. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12856Ellen McLaughlin
    I have attended meetings, read reports, etc. It seems almost surreal that this thing has gone this far. I have to believe that someone is listening to the citizens. The interests of a foreign business threatens us in so many ways. I implore you to listen to the multitudes and use your reasoning in concluding that if this thing passes, it is a virtual series of disasters ahead. If somehow that eludes you, then use your conscience and your heart.
    Barrington, IL
  2562. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12855citizen
    Please pass H.R.6707 into law before adjournment.One freight train tied up traffic and children trying to go to school as it crossed Lake Cook Rd., rt 59,and highway 14 all at the same time.
    Joyce B. Kesler · Barrington, Il
  2563. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12854Helen R. Hart
    Please make the railroads responcible for their impact on our community.
    Barrington Hills, Illinois
  2564. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12852Thomas P. McLaughliln
    The arguments against the Canadian National's proposal are so strong that there is no justifiable way to support it. The peoples' words of concern for safety, environment, etc outweigh the interests of big business. There is true and present danger."
  2565. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12850Wanchalee Mui
    Please pass H.R. 6707 into law before adjournment.
    Cary, IL
  2566. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12847Lauren Linsner
    Please pass H.R. 6707 into law before adjournment. It is vital to hold railways responsible for their impact on our community.
    Lake Zurich, IL
  2567. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12514Kelly Yager
    Please pass H.R. 6707 into law before adjournment. People come before freight. Our communities are counting on you.
    Barrington, Illinois
  2568. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12510Nilo deCastro
    Barrington, IL
  2569. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12508Eric J. Adona
    Please approve the Canadian National's proposal to buy the EJ&E railroad. I have lived my whole life in Franklin Park and the only constant has been the massive amount of freight traffic that goes through my town. I worked for the Village of Franklin Park 5 summers and I can't tell you how many freight trains I have caught or had to go around. Whats worse is that my town is right before the railroad and the trains often stop and wait so they can proceed through it. Not only is it an inconvenience that the freight trains can block access from half the town, but the police often have to go around the trains to reach an emergency on the south side of the town. Any decrease in freight traffic would improve the quality of life in Franklin Park.
    Franklin Park, Illinois
  2570. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12502Colleen Lenderman
    Please pass H.R. 6707 into law before adjournment. It is vital to hold railways responsible for their impact on our community.
    Hoffman Estates, IL
  2571. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12499South East Chicago Commission
    This comment regarding the CN/EJE DEIS follows on our comment filed 2/13/08 regarding the scoping document. The South East Chicago Commission is active in an area along the CN's lakefront line, north of Grand Crossing, in Chicago. That line stands to lose all of its freight traffic shortly after the proposed acquisition, and eventually its Amtrak traffic. We wish to re-state our concern about disposition and re-use of the CN's portion of the joint CN-Metra right-of-way along the lakefront line. We understand that abandonment by CN may require a separate STB process. However, the South East Chicago Commission wishes to go on record at this DEIS stage, with the following: From inception to completion, planning and implementation of re-use of the property must be conducted with full public participation, regardless of which public agencies and private parties are involved in the process. Such agencies and parties may include, but are not limited to, Canadian National, Metra, Chicago Transit Authority, public utilities, communications companies, City of Chicago (Department of Transportation, Department of Environment, Park District, Planning Department, Chicago Plan Commission, Aldermanic Wards, Streets & Sanitation, Water, Electricity), Chicago Olympics Committee, US Olympics Committee, State of Illinois (Department of Transportation, Environmental Protection Agency, Illinois Commerce Commission), US Corps of Engineers, Federal Communications Commission, and US Surface Transportation Board.
    Richard R. Gill · Chicago, IL
  2572. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12498Marcia Englert
    Please either deny the CN Railroad's request to acquire the EJ&E Railroad, or require the CN to provide funds for conversion of some of the at grade crossings in New Lenox. We have five at-grade crossings which split our town in half. I live on the south side of this railroad, and I fear that I will not be able to reach hospitals, or other public safety aid in event of an emergency. There is the possibility that all of these crossings could be blocked at one time, for who knows how long. This is a real concern to this Village. Please consider our residents when making your decision. Thank you so much for your interest in allowing us to voice our concerns. Marcia Englert
    New Lenox, Illinois
  2573. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12496Mary Lutz
    I cannot believe that we in America are contiplating on letting another country come in to our small towns and distrupt our lives. I will support the CN purchase ONLY IF they will put in writing how they will improve all the rails along their route. They MUST be held accountable and therefore they MUST either---at their OWN COST---build bridges or underpasses in each small town so that their trains will not interrupt our daily lives. They MUST pay for all the improvements....not us.
    Barrington, IL
  2574. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12495VERY Concerned Citizen
    PLEASE PASS H.R. 6707 INTO LAW BEFORE ADJOURNMENT!
    Janine Davis · Kildeer, IL
  2575. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12493Robert D Webb
    This transaction should not be approved. There are no net benefits to the region and all economic benefits flow to the CN. To suggest that any mitigation costs at all should be borne by the local, state or Federal taxpayers or governmental entities is inappropriate given that no benefits of any kind go to any party or entity other than CN. See also my letter of January 24, 2008 which is still valid as to its contents.
    Barrington, IL
  2576. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12491Stacy Bjorkman
    Please pass H.R. 6707 into law before adjournment. It is vital to hold railways responsible for their impact on our community.""
  2577. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12489James G. Marciniak
    I am writing to support the proposed purchase of the Elgin, Joliet and Eastern Railroad by the Canadian National Railway, and to support CN's plans to improve the efficiency of our national rail network by using the EJ&E to route more traffic around and not through the congested Chicago urban area. I believe that the effects of increased EJ&E rail traffic on the quality of life in outlying suburbs have been overstated. Even with the planned increases in train frequency, these areas will see far less rail activity than near suburbs like mine have experienced daily for generations. The economic benefits of improved rail traffic flow resulting from the CN/EJ&E purchase are well known. Indeed, routing national rail traffic around and not through urban Chicago has been an industry goal for over a century. There has been much news coverage of the anti-CN/EJ&E sentiments of our wealthy and media-savvy neighbors in some of EJ&E's lineside communities. Please do not mistake the volume of this comment for majority sentiment. While the near suburbs will enjoy some reduction in train frequency on CN's existing lines to urban Chicago, the chief benefit of CN's purchase of the EJ&E will be in improvement in national rail system efficiency. This will benefit not only all of the people of this region, from Barrington to Berwyn, but the national economy as well. Please approve the CN's purchase of, and future traffic plans for, the EJ&E.
    Riverside, IL
  2578. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12488Angela Vaughan
    PLEASE PASS H.R. 6707 INTO LAW BEFORE ADJOURNMENT
    Frankfort, il
  2579. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12485James Kacanowski
    This has to be stop. 5 trains a night come by now. I have not sleep in 4 years as it is. I cannot even imagine 300% increase in traffic. I will do ANYTHING to stop this. if I have go the tracks and tear them up I will.
    Plainfield, Illnois
  2580. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12484Richard C. Leng
    I oppose the current proposal of the Canadian National Railroad to purchase the EJ&E right of way because it would turn an already severly congested trafic condition into gridlock. The EJ&E line crooses six roads in Barrington (Cuba Rd, Lake Zurich Rd., N.W. Hghwy, Rte. 59, Lake-Cook Rd. and Otis Rd. Three of these roads are major regional arterys. Rte 59 is the primary north/south route to the Chain of Lakes recreation area. N.W. Highway is a four-lane road which serves as a major route to Wisconsin. Lake Cook road is the only road providing access across the Fox River to the North Shore suburbs of Chicago. Barrington is already severly stressed by traffic congestion. In peak traffic hours Barrington is nearly impassable. Barrington is also crossed by the Union Pacific northwest line which is a major commuter line to Chicago. Several trains per hour already pass through Barrington. The EJ&E line has been almost dormant. Adding 25 to 30 10,000' freight trains per day to the already overcongested Barrington traffic grid would have profoundly negative consequences, not only for the residents of Barrington, but for the entire region. The north-South and East-West corridors would be particularly impacted as there are no alternative routes. The problem and the solution are the same. The problem is the grade level crossings. Trafficon the major routes has to stop to allow trains to pass . The solution is to build underpasses (or overpasses). If the Illinois Department of Transportation were consulted it would be obvious that the traffic congestion issue is already critical. Approval of the CN proposal without addressing the traffic issue will strangle the area in traffic congestion. The proposed acquisition provides an excellent opportunity to create a positive out of a negative.
    Barrington, IL
  2581. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12483DONALD MILLER
    WHY WOULD YOU ALLOW THIS ACQUISITION TO TAKE PLACE? IT WOULD HAVE SO MANY NEGATIVE IMPACTS. IT IS SICK THAT IF THIS SALE GOES THROUGH THAT THE TAXPAYERS WILL THEN ALSO HAVE THE LARGE TAX BURDEN FOR NEEDED EQUIPMENT & CHANGES THAT WOULD BE REQUIRED. THIS WOULD DESTROY OUR TOWN. 1. 555% Increase in Daily Number of Trains Traveling Through the village of Wayne. The proposed acquisition by CN would shift a significant amount of freight train traffic that currently moves over CN’s rail lines in the City of Chicago to sections of the EJ&E rail line that moves through the Village. Specifically, the proposed acquisition would increase the average number of trains that move through the Village from the current rate of 4.4 trains per day to 24.4 trains per day. This means that a freight train will pass through the Village every hour, 24 hours per day. The increased noise will become, at best, an ever present nuisance and at worst, a potential health hazard. In addition, this will cause severe delays for all motor vehicles attempting to pass through the Village, including school buses transporting students to Wayne Elementary School. Most importantly, it will have a potentially lethal impact on victims of traffic accidents, emergency medical incidents, criminal activity and other emergencies by delaying Police, Fire and EMS response times. 2. 1,285% Increase in Daily Gross Tons of Freight Traveling Through the Village. The proposed acquisition would increase the gross tons of freight that moves through the Village from the current rate of 14,397 tons per day to 184,969 tons per day. This is an increase of 170,572 tons per day. The increased tonnage combined with the increased volume of trains will create strong and persistent vibrations that will constitute a nuisance and a danger to homes and other buildings near the EJ&E rail line. 3. 1,258% Increase in Daily Carloads of Hazardous Materials Traveling Through the Village. The proposed acquisition would increase the daily carloads of hazardous material that moves through the Village from 21.1 carloads per day to 265.5 carloads per day. This is an increase of 244.4 carloads per day. This is a critical issue as the sole source of water to all residents and businesses in the Village is from private wells. In addition, any potential accidents would have disastrous consequences because the rail line runs next to residential areas and is less than one mile from the Wayne Elementary School. 4. Interference with the Emergency Vehicles and Traffic Generally. CN projects that the average length of trains passing through the Village will be 8,000 to 10,000 feet in length. As previously stated, the proposed acquisition would increase the average number of trains that move through the Village from the current rate of 4.4 trains per day to 24.4 trains per day. Such frequency and length of trains would severely interfere with emergency vehicle access to major portions of the Village and with the general motoring public in the Village. To illustrate, there are two local highways running east and west through the Village. They are Smith Road to the south and Army Trail Road to the north. In addition, there is one county highway that runs east and west at the northern edge of the Village, Stearns Road. All three roads intersect the EJ&E rail line, which runs north and south through the entire length of the Village, at at-grade rail crossings. The distance between Smith Road and Army Trail Road is approximately 5,000 feet. Therefore, each train would simultaneously block both of the roads that run east and west through the Village. This would divert vehicular traffic to Stearns Road, which is less than 10,000 feet from Army Trail Road , and therefore, could be blocked simultaneously with Army Trail Road. Stearns Road has existing vehicle traffic levels of 10,800 average daily trips (“ADT”), Army Trail Road has existing vehicle traffic levels of 8,100 ADT, and Smith Roadhas existing vehicle traffic levels of 5,300 ADT. All of these levels are projected to increase in the future as a result of population growth in the region. Clearly, the proposed changes would force Stearns Road to accept a higher level of vehicular traffic than it currently services. The blockage of one train every hour on this road would frustrate efforts by the federal and state governments, Kane County, the Village of Wayne and its surrounding sister communities to improve traffic flow in the region, through the Stearns Road Regional Bridge, which is in early stages of construction and will provide a means of carrying vehicles on Stearns Road over the Fox River. Even more obvious, the length and frequency of trains passing through the Village would, in essence, erect a wall running north and south through the Village, cutting off its east side from its west side. This will cause severe delays for all motor vehicles attempting to pass through the Village, including school buses transporting students to Wayne Elementary School. Of great concern is that, to the extent that police, fire and paramedic responses are delayed, the impact on victims could be tragic. 5. Increased Risk of Accidents. The projected increase in the number of trains that would pass EJ&E at-grade crossings on a daily basis would result in an increased risk of accidents. Not only would the risk of accidents increase at the actual crossings, the risk of accidents would increase on other roads throughout the Village as vehicles attempt to avoid the crossings. This risk level would increase exponentially as ADT levels are projected to increase due to future population growth in the region. 6. Noise, Vibration and Air Quality (Effects on Environment and Property Values). The increases in train frequency and tonnage will create continuous noise and vibrations. The cumulative effect of these disturbances over time could severely impact the local environment and the safety and property values of nearby homes. Furthermore, increases in motor vehicles delayed at at-grade crossings will significantly increase carbon emissions and negatively impact air quality in the Village. 7. Costs of creating Quiet Zones. Increased train traffic and related sounding of train horns may lead to the need for establishment of Quiet Zones. To fulfill Federal Railroad Administration Quiet Zone requirements, the Village must install very expensive safety improvements. The cost of this quality of life issue would fall mainly on the Village and its taxpayers. 8. Interference with suburban commuter rail service. The proposed acquisition will interfere with efforts to create suburb to suburb mobility for residents, workers and visitors in the region. For example, it directly jeopardizes the proposed Metra Suburban Transit Access Route (the “Star Line”), which is planned to utilize the same EJ&E rail lines to provide north-south commuter rail service to connect the northwest suburbs to existing Metra commuter lines. 9. Impacts on Pratt’s Wayne Woods Forest Preserve. The Pratt’s Wayne Woods Forest Preserve, owned and maintained by the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County (“Forest Preserve”) is located on the Village’s north and east borders. The open space, flora and fauna of this District Preserve have been an integral part of the quality of life of Village residents for several decades. Any potential negative impact on this District Preserve would have a corresponding negative impact on that quality of life.
    WAYNE, IL
  2582. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12481Thanos Spatoulas
    As a resident of Lake Zurich, Illinois, I would like to state my strong opposition to the Canadian National Rail Road’s acquisition of the EJ&E Rail Road currently pending an environmental review by the U.S. Surface Transportation Board in Washington, D.C. This acquisition has absolutely no value for Lake Zurich or any of the other Illinois communities along the EJ&E rail line and in fact will only serve to destroy the local environment and ruin the economy of our communities. The State of Illinois and the Chicago metropolitan area can ill afford the negative consequences of this transaction. The STB draft Environmental Impact Statement has failed to identify the real impacts of the acquisition and the STB has entirely skirted the critical issue of the adverse economic impacts this acquisition will have on the local, state and national economies. It is bad enough already that our Federal government has led us into a major nationwide recession, but for the STB to further exacerbate the situation by approving this deal will only serve to further bury our struggling economy; all for the benefit of a foreign company. The Canadian National has expressed no sincere interest in the environmental and economic needs of the Illinois communities that will be impacted by their operations. In fact, they have been less than cooperative with our local Lake Zurich officials. Repeated attempts at obtaining vital hazardous materials information for the public safety officials has either fallen on deaf ears at the CN, or they have simply chosen to ignore our requests. If this is indicative of their current level of cooperation with Lake Zurich then any future cooperation assuming they obtain STB approval will prove futile. In reviewing the EIS released by the STB, there is just cause for much alarm by all residents, businesses and industries paying property taxes in Lake Zurich. It is rather apparent that the STB and CN are attempting to expedite the approval and acquisition processes in advance of the upcoming Presidential elections and before our next President is inaugurated on January 20th. Why? Simply put, the terms of the current STB members will expire and newly appointed members by the next President could spell disaster for the CN RR; as it should! This matter is of such importance that it should be reviewed by newly appointed STB members who will be in office to face the consequences of their decision. That said, it is now important to point out the fatal flaws in the EIS and to point out the costly mitigation measures that the CN and not Lake Zurich and US tax payers should incur in the unlikely event the STB approves this foolish attempt to monopolize the railroad freight industry in the US; which is the ultimate plan of the CN. The Village President of Lake Zurich and the Board of Trustees have gone on record opposing the transaction, and I as a resident taxpayer strongly oppose this acquisition. My specific reasons are spelled out below: • The acquisition will bombard quiet residential neighborhoods and school properties with increased noise and vibrations from dramatically increased train traffic. • Disruptions to various businesses, negative impact on property values and hesitancy to build will impair realization of current and future plans within the Downtown redevelopment area. • Additional delays from increased train traffic will negatively impact public, vehicular and pedestrian safety. • Average train lengths of 10,000 feet will block our at-grade crossings and all major arterial roads near these at-grade crossings. • The added delay will increase emergency response times of the Village’s emergency services personnel and will potentially cause unnecessary loss of life. • Community School District 95 buses cross the Village’s at-grade crossings 233 times per day and increased train traffic will dramatically impact transportation of students and the added trains will increase potential train/school bus conflicts. • Lake Zurich High School and May Whitney Elementary School directly abut the existing railroad tracks thereby presenting a hazard to students that will cross the tracks despite the danger and the warnings. • Many School District 95 classrooms and children are within a few hundred yards of hazardous rail cargo. • The long-planned and much-needed commuter rail service, STAR Line, is slated to use the EJ&E tracks which would decrease the amount of carbon emissions by reducing automobile traffic. The proposed transaction will jeopardize STAR Line’s viability and effectiveness with significant negative impact on the region’s traffic congestion and air quality. The STB needs to clearly understand our economic situation and must require the CN be 100% financially accountable to mitigate all of the adverse public safety and environmental impacts imparted on the Village of Lake Zurich. The STB should not ignore our pleas for full consideration of the mitigation measures stated below: Land Use and Socioeconomics - The projected increase in trains actually would impact negatively on the land uses abutting the line. For example, areas planned or approved for residential and other land uses may not be viable any longer because of the significant increase in freight trains, as well as overall quality of life issues. The Village recently experienced a negative socioeconomic impact due to the proposed increase of trains. Specifically, the Village lost a $22 million dollar construction project for an affordable/assisted senior living facility and 45 full time jobs associated with this project. This project was within the Village’s downtown redevelopment district which STB identified in the Draft EIS. The proposed acquisition will continue to adversely affect current and future land uses, physical character of the adjoining lands in our community. The proposed transaction would significantly and adversely affect travel patterns, travel times, and accessibility within Lake Zurich. Home values near the line will decrease an average of 5.5% in excess of the 15% decline caused by the weak economy and mortgage financing crisis. To mitigate this situation we do not want any more freight trains traversing our Village. Safety – Recently, and based on current train frequency, three separate accidents occurred in our area involving the death of children. Although the railroad may not be at fault, greater train frequency will increase the probability of additional accidents of this nature. In order to address this safety concern, the installation of barrier walls along the rail adjacent to residential and school property, pedestrian crossing bridges and controlled access points should be provided at no cost to Lake Zurich. Hazardous Materials Transportation – The Draft EIS does not address any resources or educational support programs from CN for local communities or emergency responders. Multiple attempts have been made by the Village fire officials to secure information on the types and quantities of chemicals that CN expects to be transporting on the line. However, no specific information has been provided. Local emergency service responders are entitled to receive a detailed manifest that includes the information requested along with response training, evacuation planning, response and recovery resources, as it relates to the chemical hazards at no cost to Lake Zurich. Noise and Vibration – The Quiet Zone should be maintained through an agreement with the CN, as the railroad still has ultimate control on whether they need to maintain this corridor. CN should perform a noise analysis as part of their environmental study and should contact every property owner residing in the subdivisions and adjoining areas noted below, (all located within 500 feet of the EJ&E tracks) to discuss additional landscape buffers and/or fencing. Noise walls or other types of sound barriers similar to those used by IDOT to protect properties from highway noise, should be built to mitigate sound and prevent egress and ingress onto the railroad right-of-way to protect these areas of the Village. These areas include: Concord Village, Wicklow Village, Braemar, Carolyn Court, Hillman’s, Bruce, Mionske, Prospect Park, and Hefler’s Subdivisions; The Landings and Terrace Lane Apartments; School District 95 (Lake Zurich High School; May Whitney); and the entire Downtown Lake Zurich Redevelopment Area. Transportation Systems – The intersections at Old Rand Road and East Main Street would experience traffic backing up over the tracks, especially around school times and during the AM and PM rush hours. CN should fund construction of overpasses and/or underpasses for the following at-grade crossings: Oakwood Road, East Main Street, Old Rand Road, and Cuba Road. The Village believes that mitigation for these at grade crossing is appropriate and warranted. In closing, I would encourage the STB to REJECT the Canadian National Rail Road acquisition of the EJ&E Rail Road as this is the only correct decision given the catastrophic impact it will have in Lake Zurich and all of the communities in the Chicago metropolitan area. I wish to thank you for your time and thoughtful consideration.
    Lake Zurich, IL
  2583. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12479Rinold Burkhart
    I encourage all representatives of our government to represent the best interests of society at large (our country, our state). I'm concerned this issue has become a NIMBY" situation where the common refrain is not in my backyard."
  2584. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12477Sharon Stukel
    I am writing concerning CN's purchase of the EJ&E Railway. I hope that you will not permit this purchase to be finalized. Our area already sees much rail traffic and most of our crossing are at grade level. The infrustructure in this area is already overloaded due to the massive population growth in the last 15 years and further stressing the system would not be a wise decision. As the environmental and oil crisis encourage commuters to use more mass transportation, this acquisition would cause conflict with passenger trains vying for track and crossing position. Traffic delays, difficulty getting emergency services to locations, crossing safety, the impact on neighborhoods full of children and elderly are decision factors in all communities. I would like to impress upon you however, that Joliet already carries more than it's share of the transportation burden. Please consider voting no to this purchase by CN. Thank you. Sharon Stukel
    Joliet, IL
  2585. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12476Brian Kelly
    Please do not approve the sale of EJ&E to BN without the necessary remediation efforts required to protect our neighborhood. Thank you
    Barrington, IL
  2586. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12474Bernie Kubinski
    I encourage you to approve the sale of the EJ&E to the CN because the long term effects will benifit the area in the long term. The need for better rail services should start now, and the CN is the way to go.
    Plainfield, IL
  2587. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12472Jan Hewitt
    I am a Wayne resident completely opposed to the CN acquision of the EJE. The draft EIS contained incorrect information, it was not thorough, and failed to address important environmental issues. You can not responsibly approve this sale until these matters are addressed. Thank you.
    Wayne, Illinois
  2588. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12471Karen McGuire
    1. Traffic in my area (west side of Joliet) is ridiculous the way it is. It now takes me 40 minutes to travel 10 miles to work. If you put this rail system in, I may as well move. 2. Hazardous waste going through my neighborhood is dangerous. How would any of you like to be exposed to what we will be? 3. My house value will plummet if this goes through due to such heavy traffic that no one will want to purchase property in my neighborhood, and the fact that hazardous waste will be going through. 4. NOISE! Trains will be going through all hours of the day and night, PLEASE don't let CN get away with this!
    Joliet, IL
  2589. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12469Linda Adair
    Please do not approve the efforts of CNR to buy the tracks and run 20-25 trails on this RR each day. When built we were out in the country but now it is a busy suburban area that cannot withstand the endless waiting for trains to pass. If approved to go through, our town will not survive.
    Barrington Hills, IL
  2590. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12467jane gardiner
    Regarding Canadian National taking over the EJ&E lines-NO,NO,NO,No,Nooooo! More freight trains without viaducts/overpasses would cause chaos in the Western suburbs. If they want the line-- make CN commit to building same (on their dime). Transporting dangerous goods thru largely residential areas is asking for disaster -- make CN promise not to send those materials over the EJ&E line. Messing up existing plans for a commuter link to the airport and city impacts far more than the commuters involved --it has impact on the carbon footprint for the entire area. Help keep the earth liveable. Just say NO!
    Naperville, IL
  2591. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12466Mary Roberts
    Re; Docket #35087 I live in Barrington, Illinois and my family and my community will be profoundly and negatively impacted by the purchase of the EJ&E Rail Road by Canadian National. Please put the people of America before a foreign company. Please don't allow this disruptive and dangerous purchase to go through. Thank you! Mary Roberts
    Barrington, IL
  2592. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12465Michael Hoffman
    Plainfield, IL
  2593. (printed as 9/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12462Maureen Merkel
    This is in reference to: STB Finance Docket No. 35087 Dear Ms. Johnson-Ball, I know that you have received numerous statements on behalf of the CN rail acquisition of EJ&E. As an educated woman, a concerned citizen and as a mother, I'm quite baffled that concerns of a foreign, for profit, company may take precedence over the financial health, development and safety of our communities throughout Illinois and the United States. After a thorough review of the DEIS, it is quite evident that many financial, safety, and community development and planning timelines were not covered well. Even of those that were covered, it discusses the key community areas that will be severely and devastatingly affected in regards to safety and financial impacts. These alone warrant about $50-60 million dollars each to be made whole. This does not take into consideration the timetable of 5-10 years to actually get the urban planning to catch up to these necessary changes. Yet, these communities have no direct benefit to receive as a result of the purchase. Additionally, there are areas in Chicago (where I recently moved from), that say they may see and receive a benefit from this deal. These areas that will receive direct benefit, in Chicago, should also then be the areas to have to pay for the costs of mitigation. It seems quite simple, that in this politically charged election year, where the rights, concerns, financial security, homeland security, and environmental and safety of U.S. citizens are compromised, the answer should be as simple. It should be hands-down, no contest, and No DEAL to a foreign company, like Canadian National, that has a horrible safety record and clearly has taken quite an insulting presumption, that their $40 million, would cover everything and that U.S. lives and U.S. local, state, and federal taxes should foot the additional $150 million dollar bill, and not to mention the greatest cost of all - the homelives and safety of our citizens and families. I urge you to do the RIGHT thing for our communities and say NO to Canadian National Thank You, Maureen Merkel, Jim Merkel, and our daughters Alexandra and Alaina
    Hawthorn Woods, IL
  2594. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-16136Kalavagunta, Sucharitha
  2595. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-16129Molnar, Tom
  2596. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-16100Zambolis, Dean
  2597. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-16099Slayzach, Tony
  2598. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-16098Shotsberger, Jim
  2599. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-16097Rutherford, William
  2600. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-16096Piscitello, Lisa
  2601. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-16092Moran,Eileen
  2602. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-16083Westlund,Jessica
  2603. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-16082Kennedy,John
  2604. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-16081Tomasz Dziuba
    I am a resident of Illinois, and strongly object to CN's Proposed Action, and will be drastically harmed thereby.""
  2605. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-16080Troup,Dianne
  2606. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-16079Richard L. Sweet
    Hawthorn Woods, IL
  2607. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-16078LUKE HANDZLIK
    I am a resident of the St. Charles, Illinois. I wish to state my strong objection to the proposed purchase of the EJ & E West Company by the Canadian National Railway, and to the Drafte Environmental Impact Statement.
    ST CHARLES, IL
  2608. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-16077Richard L. Sweet
    see attachment
    Hawthorn Woods, IL
  2609. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-16076Vlcek,Elizabeth
  2610. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-16008Harper, Meghan
  2611. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15893Deputy Chief of Police, Franklin Park
    O'Connoer, Joe
  2612. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15821Davidson, Steven A.
  2613. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15758Murray, James R.
  2614. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15728Harper, Ryan
  2615. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15724Loizzo, Heather
  2616. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15718Harper, Gregory
  2617. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15681Stone, Jean
  2618. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15678Beele, Todd
  2619. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15631Jamison, Dereck
  2620. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15567Donile, Missa c.
  2621. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15566Shields, Chris
  2622. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15565Hogsett, Chris
  2623. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15564Sanders, Kristin N.
  2624. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15563Slozga, Donna
  2625. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15562Sassanelli, Nick
  2626. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15561Barnes, Karen
  2627. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15560Okoto, Nicki
  2628. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15559Barnhart, Bill
  2629. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15558Ansari, Mohammed
  2630. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15557Jacobsen, Virginia
  2631. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15556Barnhart, Rebecca R.
  2632. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15555Duffield, Matt
  2633. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15553Inda, Ramona
  2634. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15552Cole, Sam
  2635. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15551Bennett, Tracy
  2636. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15550Estrada, Sheila
  2637. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15549Ammendola, Richard
  2638. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15548Kondry, Lois
  2639. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15547Dorik, Dean L.
  2640. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15351Ernat, Bill
  2641. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15343Oak Ridge Marsh Conservation Group
    Mihelic, Jim
  2642. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15278Sutor, Aginishka
  2643. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15244Trascritti, Charles
  2644. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15221Richardson, Tracy
  2645. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15175Salom, Rejesh
  2646. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15170Urick, Jenny
  2647. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15164Hernandez, Jose
  2648. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15163Brown, Dorothy
  2649. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15162Kuniej, Ketra
  2650. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15156Leibel, James
  2651. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15152Wheeler, R
  2652. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15151Garcia, Denise
  2653. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15124Andrews, Roberta L.
  2654. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15106Dunsey, Joaeph H.
  2655. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15091Thompson, Sandra A.
  2656. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14934State Representative 57th District
    Nekritz, Elaine
  2657. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14852Patel, Anand
  2658. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14851Ravsi, Jasmine
  2659. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14841Williams, Holly
  2660. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14823Hoydn, Christina
  2661. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14806Hoey, Mary
  2662. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14805Spiess, Cheri
  2663. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14802Houlihan, Pat
  2664. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14798Frankowski, Donald F.
  2665. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14797Frankowski, Allison
  2666. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14796Frankowski, Ethan
  2667. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14794Miller, Bobby
  2668. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14792Frankowski, Dan V.
  2669. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14790Haack, Barbara
  2670. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14788Canino, Miicheal
  2671. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14780Hansen, Lois L.
  2672. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14778Randolph, James
  2673. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14774Bysina, Mike
  2674. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14773Adkins, Raymond
  2675. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14771Ali, Akber
  2676. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14760Carlson, Terry
  2677. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14755Frankowski, Mary
  2678. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14746Griffith, Martha
  2679. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14745Miller, Elysa
  2680. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14740Muehl, Eleanore D.
  2681. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14738Holzknecht, Arthur
  2682. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14729Plebanski Jr., Robert
  2683. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14701Laz, Marcia
  2684. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14700Pina, Rich
  2685. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14686Adkins, Louise
  2686. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14679McArdle, Kim
  2687. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14677Lehane, Joshua
  2688. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14676Horne, Barbara
  2689. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14663Claybridge Builders Inc.
    Totsch, Beverly
  2690. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14649Morell, Steve
  2691. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14644Hofeld, Rich
  2692. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14642Lauro, Joe
  2693. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14641Office of the Village Clerk
    Acey, Evan
  2694. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14638Wolfe, Tom
  2695. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14636Visker, Susan
  2696. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14635Beck, Laura
  2697. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14633Stewart, Thomas J.
  2698. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14632Hatchett, Hellen S.
  2699. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14630Seymour, William
  2700. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14629Evans, Judith
  2701. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14627Franz, Mark
  2702. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14624Kukulka, John
  2703. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14618Williams, Scott
  2704. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14608Lovati, Robert F.
  2705. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14606Johnson, David L.
  2706. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14591Morton, Cheryl E.
  2707. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14585McDonald, Carole A.
  2708. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14583Maticic, Tracy
  2709. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14576Wenger, W.L.
  2710. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14575Bilyeu, Connie
  2711. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14571Schondorf. Sharon
  2712. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14568Satkus, Cheryl
  2713. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14511Village of Franklin Park
    Hough, David
  2714. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14498The City of Berwyn, Illinois Fire Department
    O'Halloran, Denis
  2715. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14490Beth
  2716. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14485Jeffries, James
  2717. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14472Nelson, Carol H.
  2718. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14454Mason, Bruce
  2719. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14442Berger, Debra
  2720. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14428Vontin, Howard P.
  2721. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14421Schilz, Patricia
  2722. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14420Guyette, Barbara
  2723. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14416Schulze, Norma Jean
  2724. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14404Bilski, John
  2725. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14386Bilski, John
  2726. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14385Deemer, Steve
  2727. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14350West Chicago Public Library District
    Cullonton, David J.
  2728. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14346Village of New Lenox
    Dye, Nancy M.
  2729. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14086Jeffries, Linda
  2730. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14081Elrod, Keith
  2731. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14080Faust, Thomas
  2732. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14079Paket Corporation
    O'Malley, Mark
  2733. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14042Hankins, Julie
  2734. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14031Johnson, Susan
  2735. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14019Johnson, Donald
  2736. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14001Krolopp, Dorcas
  2737. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13900Illegible
  2738. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13898Orban, Roger
  2739. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13878Way, Bill
  2740. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13873Illegible
  2741. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13871Cartolano, Curtis M.
  2742. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13866Thode, Judi
  2743. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13865Thode, Matthew
  2744. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13789Blume, Wayne
  2745. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13786Michehl, George K.
  2746. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13746Capezzuto, Nancy
  2747. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13742Milovic, Nancy A.
  2748. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13738Carr, Victoria
  2749. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13723St. Martin, Leah Maciel
  2750. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13648Szymanski, Susan
  2751. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13647Larrabee, John E.
  2752. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13641Palmer, Carol
  2753. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13553Gillen, Laura Ann
  2754. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13297Eichelberger, Elizabeth
  2755. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13296Dome, Lynn
  2756. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13295Chuvy, Fran
  2757. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13294Bolland, Mary
  2758. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13293Belke, Bruce
  2759. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13292Barczak, Mary
  2760. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13291Ams, Deborah
  2761. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13285Slezak, Tony
  2762. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13143Zientek, Theodore
  2763. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13139Zambolis, George
  2764. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13122Wermes, James
  2765. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13120Taylor, Margaret
  2766. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13115Ethridge, Margaret
  2767. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13112Spindes, Mario
  2768. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13107Shaleen, David
  2769. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13094Swigart, Loretta
  2770. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13090Robertson, John
  2771. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13089Riva, Jerry
  2772. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13087Phipps, Nicole
  2773. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13085Novotny, Joan
  2774. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13084Nebel, Luis
  2775. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13082Mecker, Richard
  2776. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13081Manzanna
  2777. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13080Lanam, James
  2778. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13079Kloos, Marguerite
  2779. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13078Klavanowitch, Richard
  2780. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13077Jones, Suzanne
  2781. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13076Johnson, Doug
  2782. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13075Johnson, Maureen
  2783. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13074Jesse, Robert
  2784. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13073Horton, Annie
  2785. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13072Harris, Cynthia
  2786. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13071Gustafson, Diane
  2787. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13070Goelitz, Erica
  2788. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13069Gilson, Edith
  2789. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13068Fisher, Judy
  2790. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13067Ethridge, Margaret
  2791. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13066Englund, Shirley
  2792. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13058Hulina, Randy
  2793. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13055Klupshas, Frank
  2794. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13054Maticic, Tracy
  2795. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12942Forest Preserve Commission of Du Page County
    Pierotti,D Jr.
  2796. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12920O'Neil,Jeanne
  2797. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12897Cash,Harold
  2798. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12896Dziuba,Tomasz
  2799. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12894Owens,Roger
  2800. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12892Sutor,Agnieszka
  2801. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12889Sweet,Richard
  2802. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12883Handzlik,Luke
  2803. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12736Hahn,Randy
  2804. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12735Hahn,Diane
  2805. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12722Norton,Simone
  2806. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12721Desjardins,Heather
  2807. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12677Walsh,Peter
  2808. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12670Cipperoni,Joseph
  2809. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12669Cipperoni,Gino
  2810. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12668Cipperoni,Louis
  2811. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12667Cipperoni,Anthony
  2812. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12666Cipperoni,Mia
  2813. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12665Cipperoni,Marjorie
  2814. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12647Messer,Joe
  2815. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12645Hutchins,James
  2816. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12644Gangwal,Nita
  2817. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12643Peterson,Matt
  2818. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12640Aurelio,Giuseppe
  2819. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12639Mulligan,Matt
  2820. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12638Pierce,Taylor
  2821. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12601Zimmerman,Patricia
  2822. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12600Klawitter,Joann
  2823. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12599Worthington,Kristine
  2824. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12597Miller,Ann
  2825. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12572Place,Lorene
  2826. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12569Carlino,Julie
  2827. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12568Gornix,Kathleen
  2828. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12567Walding,Peggy
  2829. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12566Clement,Vicki
  2830. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12564McCullough,Nancy
  2831. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12556Battista,Pamela
  2832. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12551Murvine,Doug
  2833. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12546Rossa,Ray
  2834. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12545Casey,Kevin
  2835. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12538Binke,Kathleen
  2836. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12537See,Sherry
  2837. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12536Neil,Karen
  2838. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12535Hoffman,Linda
  2839. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12534Groenewold,Laura
  2840. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12532Behrens,Eva
  2841. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12528Carlstedt,Jen
  2842. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12527Jordan,Dave
  2843. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12526Galmines,Shannyn
  2844. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12525Demos,Kim
  2845. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12524Demos,Brian
  2846. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12523Berlin,Donald
  2847. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12522Evans,Lana
  2848. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12521Curry,Dorothy
  2849. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12520Bahl,Dharam
  2850. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12519Callow,Neal
  2851. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12518Baskind,Ellen
  2852. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12517Garza,Christine
  2853. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12516Garza,Lucy
  2854. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12515Mahaffey,Richard
  2855. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12513Lebeck,Alison
  2856. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12512Roche,John
  2857. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12511Johnson,Susan
  2858. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12509Johnson,Donald
  2859. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12507Fields,Donald
  2860. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12506Desjardins,Heather
  2861. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12505McCarty,Daniel
  2862. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12504Sims,Laurel
  2863. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12503Risky.Clare
  2864. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12501Bellina,June
  2865. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12500Marion,Brian
  2866. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12497Katzen,Kimberly
  2867. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12494Witek,Mary
  2868. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12492Samonds,Cynthia
  2869. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12490Buongiorno,Karla
  2870. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12487Hollingsworth,Tammy
  2871. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12486Beck,Laura
  2872. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12482Martin,James
  2873. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12480John,Pettit
  2874. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12478Canavan,Patty
  2875. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12475Hughes,Annette
  2876. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12473Pettit,Dawn
  2877. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12470Roberts,Mary
  2878. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12468Rapinchuk,Daniel
  2879. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12464Spikings,Barbara
  2880. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12463Plas,Mathias
  2881. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12461Tierney,Timothy
  2882. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12460Fry,Mark
  2883. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12459Wilson,Anne
  2884. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12458Harold Cash
    I am a resident of Illinois and I strongly support Canadian National Railway's Proposed Acquisition of the Elgin, Joiliet and Eastern West Company.
    St. Charles, IL
  2885. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12457Markham,Tom
  2886. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12456Perna,Cindy
  2887. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12455Roger Owens
    My issue is two fold: 1.Quality of life 2.Availability of hospital emergency treatment. I'm a bleeder and if I don't get to the hospital ASAP I will bleed to death Last May 2007 I lost 8 pints of blood in a short period of time. These CN trains will cripple Barrington and tie up traffic for long periods of time. You can not approve this purchase without trampling on our rights and for a foreign corp! You people should be doing what is for the best interest of US citizens. Your guidelines are not placing the proper values on quality of life when they favor the railroad industry as they do.Pls,Pls,Pls help us. We need your support.
    Barrington, IL
  2888. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12454Plummer,Joanna
  2889. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12453Agnieszka Sutor
    I am a resident of Illinois(Wayne) and strongly object to CN's Proposed Action, and will be drastically harmed thereby." I can not imagine living with so many trains passing by.I will be forced to sell my house because i won't be able to enjoy my property any more.I thin that i have a right to enjoy my property."
  2890. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12452Nawrocki,Marlene
  2891. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12451Griesenauer,Bill
  2892. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12450Sisk,Gabriel
  2893. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12449Spethmann,David
  2894. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12448Sons,Jason
  2895. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12447Blank,Norman
  2896. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12446Wilson,James
  2897. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12445Eileen Moran
    I support the Canadian Nat. proposal to re-route train traffic to the EJ&J railway
    Riverside, Il
  2898. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12444Jacobucci,Amy
  2899. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12443Gacki,Dale
  2900. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12442Huguelet,James
  2901. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12441Garfinkle
    I am against the CN acquisition of the EJ&E Rail Line. The traffic congestion in this area is horrific even without the consideration of the rail line due to the growth in this area. This would cause a gridlock of traffic not to mention the danger of emergency vehicles not getting through. I work at a school in the area and it would be virtually impossible to get to work for the reason being the two main roads leading to that school have train tracks. Thank you for your time.
    Kristine · Plainfield, IL
  2902. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12440Tomany,Stephen
  2903. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12439ken johnson
    in favor of Canadian National proposal to reroute to EJ&E
    riverside, Illinois
  2904. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12438Vacco,Philip
  2905. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12437char johnson
    I am for the Canadian National Railroad proposal to reroute to EJ&E to releave congestion.
    riverside, Illinois
  2906. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12436Kari,George
  2907. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12435Kumrow,Brian
  2908. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12434Dorothy Kalous
    I support Canadian National railway's proposal to reroute freight traffic to EJ&E railray.
    Riverside, Illinois
  2909. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12433Kein,Douglas
  2910. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12432David Moreau
    It is time to reduce the rail congestion in the BNSF corridor. Riverside has shouldered the burden of traffic jams, delayed emergency response,and safety for our commuters and school children for too long. Let the CN have its way in its rerouting of some trains to the EJ&E. Impose on it safety requirements, if need be, such as an over-pass program, or pedestrian tunnels etc. But do allow the CN/EJ&E purchase to go through.
    Riverside, IL
  2911. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12431WAYNE GABRY
    STB PLEASE APPROVE THE CN PURCHASE OF THE EJ&E
    RIVERSIDE, IL
  2912. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12430Chris McCarthy
    I am writing to inform you of my support for the Canadian National's proposal to reroute freight traffic from our community to the EJ&E Railway. This just make good common sense. The congestion being caused by both freight and commuter train traffic in my community is unbearable. Further, the travel time required to move freight from the north of the city to the south of the city is ridiculous. The proposed purchase by CN of the EJ&E Railway should be approved without delay. Thus far, the media focus has been biased in favor of those communities who will experience an increase in train traffic. I am ringing in an endorsement from a community that will benefit from this purchase, a community that has been taking the brunt of the train traffic for years. Thank you, Chris McCarthy 727 Selborne Road Riverside, IL 60546 708-466-7128
    Riverside, IL
  2913. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12429Molly Carl
    My family of 4 supports the Canadian National's proposal to retoute freight traffic from our Riverside community to the EJ&E railway in order to reduce traffic congestion, and reduce noise and environmental pollution. Thank you for yor consideration. Molly
    Riverside, IL
  2914. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12428Dave Barnhart
    The CN take over is bad for our community and the draft environmental impact study (DEIS) is flawed because consequences to local tax bases for communities along the EJ&E are ignored, contradictory CN data is used in assessing air quality, the noise assessment methodology is out dated and rejected by the U.S.EPA, the list of substantially affected grade crossing is fatally flawed becouse vehicle traffic counts are wrong, increased risk of hazardous material spills is minimized and CN`s deplorable Canadian safty record is ignored, life and death first responder impacts are downplayed, residential housing value impacts are ignored without real analysis.
    Naperville, IL
  2915. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12427Charles Corbisiero
    As a resident of Riverside, Illinois I am writing to let you know I support Canadian National's proposed acquisition of the EJ&E Railway. This transaction will enable CN to reroute freight traffic away from congested rail crossings in Chicago and collar Cook County suburbs. I urge you to approve the proposed transaction as soon as possible.
    Riverside, Illinois
  2916. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12426Stromberger,Cara
  2917. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12425Schoenly,Karen
  2918. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12424Shah,Viresh
  2919. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12423Cich,Frank
  2920. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12422Mikashus,Nancy
  2921. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12421Larson,Les
  2922. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12420Capiccionl,Dean
  2923. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12419Teichmiller,Alan
  2924. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12418Martin,Claudia
  2925. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12417Scouten,Charles
  2926. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12416Colwell,Chris
  2927. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12415Gabriel,Sean
  2928. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12414Prinos,Gary
  2929. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12413Smuskiewicz,Lucille
  2930. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12412Nichols,Catherine
  2931. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12411Nichols,Michaels
  2932. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12410Pszczolkowski
  2933. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12409Thomas,Carina
  2934. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12408Petsinger,Julie
  2935. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12407Finney,Dennis
  2936. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12406Shobha,Jacob
  2937. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12405Schaefer,Anthony
  2938. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12404Jaramillo,Amelia
  2939. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12403O'Connor,Frances
  2940. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12396Rees,Robert
  2941. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12305Resident & Board Member
    Please review attached correspondence. Thank you!
    Jeff Nordquist · North Barrington, IL
  2942. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12303James M. Hastings
    I am completely opposed to any agreement to allow this rail line sale to CN. I refer to the hearing of 9/11/08 in Joliet, IL. This sale would completely destroy the transportation flow of our communities. Since all the necessary infrastructure exists in Chicago,that is what they should use.
    New Lenox, IL
  2943. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12301David Pszczolkowski
    To Vicki Rutson in c/o Honorable Anne Quinlan, I am a resident of Wayne, Illinois, and strongly object to CN's Proposed Action, and will be drastically harmed if it moves forward. No amount of mitigation can justify the risk to me, my family and my community. Here are just some of the numerous and catastrophic harms to Wayne that would result from CN's plans. 1. 555% Increase in Daily Number of Trains Traveling Through the Village / Emergency Vehicle Delays. We know this is only the beginning, the number in 5 years will only increase. At higher risk to Wayne residents. The proposed acquisition by CN would shift a significant amount of freight train traffic that currently moves over CN’s rail lines in the City of Chicago to sections of the EJ&E rail line that moves through the Village. Specifically, the proposed acquisition would increase the average number of trains that move through the Village from the current rate of 4.4 trains per day to 24.4 trains per day. This means that a freight train will pass through the Village every hour, 24 hours per day. The increased noise will become, at best, an ever present nuisance and at worst, a potential health hazard. In addition, this will cause severe delays for all motor vehicles attempting to pass through the Village, including school buses transporting students to Wayne Elementary School. Most importantly, it will have a potentially lethal impact on victims of traffic accidents, emergency medical incidents, criminal activity and other emergencies by delaying Police, Fire and EMS response times. 2. 1,285% Increase in Daily Gross Tons of Freight Traveling Through the Village The proposed acquisition would increase the gross tons of freight that moves through the Village from the current rate of 14,397 tons per day to 184,969 tons per day. This is an increase of 170,572 tons per day. The increased tonnage combined with the increased volume of trains will create strong and persistent vibrations that will constitute a nuisance and a danger to homes and other buildings near the EJ&E rail line. 3. 1,258% Increase in Daily Carloads of Hazardous Materials travelling Through the Village The proposed acquisition would increase the daily carloads of hazardous material that moves through the Village from 21.1 carloads per day to 265.5 carloads per day. This is an increase of 244.4 carloads per day. This is a critical issue as the sole source of water to all residents and businesses in the Village is from private wells. My well is a private well. Who will provide me with water once the hazardous accident occurs. CNN's record is clear, they will not. In addition, any potential accidents would have disastrous consequences because the rail line runs next to residential areas and is less than one mile from the Wayne Elementary School. My home is within 1000ft. 4. Interference with the Emergency Vehicles and Traffic Generally CN projects that the average length of trains passing through the Village will be 8,000 to 10,000 feet in length. As previously stated, the proposed acquisition would increase the average number of trains that move through the Village from the current rate of 4.4 trains per day to 24.4 trains per day. Such frequency and length of trains would severely interfere with emergency vehicle access to major portions of the Village and with the general motoring public in the Village. I will be trapped in my village with three crossings being held up by one super train". No overpasses at Stearns, Army Trail and Smith roads. To illustrate, there are two local highways running east and west through the Village. They are Smith Road to the south and Army Trail Road to the north. In addition, there is one county highway that runs east and west at the northern edge of the Village, Stearns Road. All three roads intersect the EJ&E rail line, which runs north and south through the entire length of the Village, at at-grade rail crossings. The distance between Smith Road and Army Trail Road is approximately 5,000 feet. Therefore, each train would simultaneously block both of the roads that run east and west through the Village. This would divert vehicular traffic to Stearns Road, which is less than 10,000 feet from Army Trail Road , and therefore, could be blocked simultaneously with Army Trail Road Stearns Road has existing vehicle traffic levels of 10,800 average daily trips (“ADT”), Army Trail Road has existing vehicle traffic levels of 8,100 ADT, and Smith Roadhas existing vehicle traffic levels of 5,300 ADT. All of these levels are projected to increase in the future as a result of population growth in the region. Clearly, the proposed changes would force Stearns Road to accept a higher level of vehicular traffic than it currently services. The blockage of one train every hour on this road would frustrate efforts by the federal and state governments, Kane County, the Village of Wayne and its surrounding sister communities to improve traffic flow in the region, through the Stearns Road Regional Bridge, which is in early stages of construction and will provide a means of carrying vehicles on Stearns Road over the Fox River. Even more obvious, the length and frequency of trains passing through the Village would, in essence, erect a wall running north and south through the Village, cutting off its east side from its west side. This will cause severe delays for all motor vehicles attempting to pass through the Village, including school buses transporting students to Wayne Elementary School. Of great concern is that, to the extent that police, fire and paramedic responses are delayed, the impact on victims could be tragic. 5. Increased Risk of Accidents The projected increase in the number of trains that would pass EJ&E at-grade crossings on a daily basis would result in an increased risk of accidents. Not only would the risk of accidents increase at the actual crossings, the risk of accidents would increase on other roads throughout the Village as vehicles attempt to avoid the crossings. This risk level would increase exponentially as ADT levels are projected to increase due to future population growth in the region. 6. Noise, Vibration and Air Quality (Effects on Environment and property Values) The increases in train frequency and tonnage will create continuous noise and vibrations. The cumulative effect of these disturbances over time could severely impact the local environment and the safety and property values of nearby homes. Furthermore, increases in motor vehicles delayed at at-grade crossings will significantly increase carbon emissions and negatively impact air quality in the Village. Homes built recently accross the street from where I live can not sell with this aquisition being made aware to the the proposal. These $800,000 homes have been reduced by 20% and still stay vacant. This is normally a quiet and highly desireable location. These are not starter homes impacted by the mortgage crisis. 7. Costs of creating Quiet Zones Increased train traffic and related sounding of train horns may lead to the need for establishment of Quiet Zones. To fulfill Federal Railroad Administration Quiet Zone requirements, the Village must install very expensive safety improvements. The cost of this quality of life issue would fall mainly on the Village and its taxpayers. 8. Interference with suburban commuter rail service The proposed acquisition will interfere with efforts to create suburb to suburb mobility for residents, workers and visitors in the region. For example, it directly jeopardizes the proposed Metra Suburban Transit Access Route (the “Star Line”), which is planned to utilize the same EJ&E rail lines to provide north-south commuter rail service to connect the northwest suburbs to existing Metra commuter lines. 9. Impacts on Pratt’s Wayne Woods Forest Preserve The Pratt’s Wayne Woods Forest Preserve, owned and maintained by the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County (“Forest Preserve”) is located on the Village’s north and east borders. The open space, flora and fauna of this District Preserve have been an integral part of the quality of life of Village residents for several decades. Any potential negative impact on this District Preserve would have a corresponding negative impact on that quality of life. A proper mitigation would be for CNN to purchase my $675,000 dollar home and relocate me. Since no one will desire to live here anymore. Sincerely, David Pszczolkowski"
  2944. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12297Kelly Iandolo
    Freight trains in Franklin Park make the morning commute impossible on some days. As many as three or four commuter trains will pass while a freight train is blocking access to the commuter trains! Please reroute the trains
    Northlake, IL
  2945. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12296Chadha
    I am a resident Plainfild Il, In the subdivision Aburn Lakes. My home backs up to the railroad tracks, and to be honest the trains currently have great impact on us right now. To increse the flow and the hazards would be detramental. There are so many other reasons than just the noise. I have 2 small children who are greatly affected by the trail as well, by traveling to school, trying to sleep at 2 3 4 in the morning, or just playing out in the back yard. And that is only a small part in this whole thing here are the other concerns we all strongly feel are important. .1. 555% Increase in Daily Number of Trains Traveling Through the Village / Emergency Vehicle Delays The proposed acquisition by CN would shift a significant amount of freight train traffic that currently moves over CN’s rail lines in the City of Chicago to sections of the EJ&E rail line that moves through the Village. Specifically, the proposed acquisition would increase the average number of trains that move through the Village from the current rate of 4.4 trains per day to 24.4 trains per day. This means that a freight train will pass through the Village every hour, 24 hours per day. The increased noise will become, at best, an ever present nuisance and at worst, a potential health hazard. In addition, this will cause severe delays for all motor vehicles attempting to pass through the Village, including school buses transporting students to Wayne Elementary School. Most importantly, it will have a potentially lethal impact on victims of traffic accidents, emergency medical incidents, criminal activity and other emergencies by delaying Police, Fire and EMS response times. 2. 1,285% Increase in Daily Gross Tons of Freight Traveling Through the Village The proposed acquisition would increase the gross tons of freight that moves through the Village from the current rate of 14,397 tons per day to 184,969 tons per day. This is an increase of 170,572 tons per day. The increased tonnage combined with the increased volume of trains will create strong and persistent vibrations that will constitute a nuisance and a danger to homes and other buildings near the EJ&E rail line. 3. 1,258% Increase in Daily Carloads of Hazardous Materials Traveling Through the Village The proposed acquisition would increase the daily carloads of hazardous material that moves through the Village from 21.1 carloads per day to 265.5 carloads per day. This is an increase of 244.4 carloads per day. This is a critical issue as the sole source of water to all residents and businesses in the Village is from private wells. In addition, any potential accidents would have disastrous consequences because the rail line runs next to residential areas and is less than one mile from the Wayne Elementary School. 4. Interference with the Emergency Vehicles and Traffic Generally CN projects that the average length of trains passing through the Village will be 8,000 to 10,000 feet in length. As previously stated, the proposed acquisition would increase the average number of trains that move through the Village from the current rate of 4.4 trains per day to 24.4 trains per day. Such frequency and length of trains would severely interfere with emergency vehicle access to major portions of the Village and with the general motoring public in the Village. To illustrate, there are two local highways running east and west through the Village. They are Smith Road to the south and Army Trail Road to the north. In addition, there is one county highway that runs east and west at the northern edge of the Village, Stearns Road. All three roads intersect the EJ&E rail line, which runs north and south through the entire length of the Village, at at-grade rail crossings. The distance between Smith Road and Army Trail Road is approximately 5,000 feet. Therefore, each train would simultaneously block both of the roads that run east and west through the Village. This would divert vehicular traffic to Stearns Road, which is less than 10,000 feet from Army Trail Road , and therefore, could be blocked simultaneously with Army Trail Road . Stearns Road has existing vehicle traffic levels of 10,800 average daily trips (“ADT”), Army Trail Road has existing vehicle traffic levels of 8,100 ADT, and Smith Roadhas existing vehicle traffic levels of 5,300 ADT. All of these levels are projected to increase in the future as a result of population growth in the region. Clearly, the proposed changes would force Stearns Road to accept a higher level of vehicular traffic than it currently services. The blockage of one train every hour on this road would frustrate efforts by the federal and state governments, Kane County, the Village of Wayne and its surrounding sister communities to improve traffic flow in the region, through the Stearns Road Regional Bridge, which is in early stages of construction and will provide a means of carrying vehicles on Stearns Road over the Fox River. Even more obvious, the length and frequency of trains passing through the Village would, in essence, erect a wall running north and south through the Village, cutting off its east side from its west side. This will cause severe delays for all motor vehicles attempting to pass through the Village, including school buses transporting students to Wayne Elementary School. Of great concern is that, to the extent that police, fire and paramedic responses are delayed, the impact on victims could be tragic. 5. Increased Risk of Accidents The projected increase in the number of trains that would pass EJ&E at-grade crossings on a daily basis would result in an increased risk of accidents. Not only would the risk of accidents increase at the actual crossings, the risk of accidents would increase on other roads throughout the Village as vehicles attempt to avoid the crossings. This risk level would increase exponentially as ADT levels are projected to increase due to future population growth in the region. 6. Noise, Vibration and Air Quality (Effects on Environment and Property Values) The increases in train frequency and tonnage will create continuous noise and vibrations. The cumulative effect of these disturbances over time could severely impact the local environment and the safety and property values of nearby homes. Furthermore, increases in motor vehicles delayed at at-grade crossings will significantly increase carbon emissions and negatively impact air quality in the Village. 7. Costs of creating Quiet Zones Increased train traffic and related sounding of train horns may lead to the need for establishment of Quiet Zones. To fulfill Federal Railroad Administration Quiet Zone requirements, the Village must install very expensive safety improvements. The cost of this quality of life issue would fall mainly on the Village and its taxpayers. 8. Interference with suburban commuter rail service The proposed acquisition will interfere with efforts to create suburb to suburb mobility for residents, workers and visitors in the region. For example, it directly jeopardizes the proposed Metra Suburban Transit Access Route (the “Star Line”), which is planned to utilize the same EJ&E rail lines to provide north-south commuter rail service to connect the northwest suburbs to existing Metra commuter lines. 9. Impacts on Pratt’s Wayne Woods Forest Preserve The Pratt’s Wayne Woods Forest Preserve, owned and maintained by the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County (“Forest Preserve”) is located on the Village’s north and east borders. The open space, flora and fauna of this District Preserve have been an integral part of the quality of life of Village residents for several decades. Any potential negative impact on this District Preserve would have a corresponding negative impact on that quality of life. Please stop the CN railroad, for your citizens well being.
    Kelly · Plainfield, Il
  2946. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12295Connie Dubenic
    I have lived in NL since 1983. We moved here to raise our children in a small town envirorment safe from the pollution of the big city. I am adamantly against your plans to use our railways to transport ANYTHING HAZORDOUS through our community. Also, you have no plans to build overpasses for our roads at the railroad crossings. You must make improvements before you even think of using our railways. We will fight for this right to have a safe environment for our families. Thank you.
    New Lenox, IL
  2947. (printed as 9/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12294Kay Perry
    EJ&E railroad sale to CN" would cause great hardship to our subdivision, Remington Crossing. 123 homes were built on this site 4 to 7 years ago. Having the freight train increase would cause noise pollution, traffic congestion and the inability for us to enjoy our homes. This would be an invasion of privacy, trespass and nuisance. It would severely decrease the value of our homes in an already difficult market. We ask that you please not let this sale go through."
  2948. (printed as 9/21/2008)
    Comment
    EI-16103Pesek, Michael J.
  2949. (printed as 9/21/2008)
    Comment
    EI-16056Martin, Sandra
  2950. (printed as 9/21/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15964Bijronia, Sanjay
  2951. (printed as 9/21/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15283Rastetter, Greg
  2952. (printed as 9/21/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15233Eichwalkd, Nancy
  2953. (printed as 9/21/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15231Eichwalk, Lloyd
  2954. (printed as 9/21/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15173Beaulien, James D.
  2955. (printed as 9/21/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15126Iannantone, Gina
  2956. (printed as 9/21/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15110Londrie, Sharon
  2957. (printed as 9/21/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15075Hiemenz, Heather
  2958. (printed as 9/21/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15072Lech, Robert
  2959. (printed as 9/21/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14974Jarman,
  2960. (printed as 9/21/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14861Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital
    Svoboda, Robin
  2961. (printed as 9/21/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14860Bowers, Tammy
  2962. (printed as 9/21/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14859Bowers, Tammy
  2963. (printed as 9/21/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14858Woods, Patricia K.
  2964. (printed as 9/21/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14857Woods, Patricia K.
  2965. (printed as 9/21/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14856Brown, Linda
  2966. (printed as 9/21/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14855Woods, Kelly C.
  2967. (printed as 9/21/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14854Woods, james
  2968. (printed as 9/21/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14853Nazerian, Keyvan Dr.
  2969. (printed as 9/21/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14850Snodgrass, Karin
  2970. (printed as 9/21/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14849Ramirez, Victor H.
  2971. (printed as 9/21/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14822Richards, Aaron
  2972. (printed as 9/21/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14800Lopez Jr., David
  2973. (printed as 9/21/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14799Caria, Leonard
  2974. (printed as 9/21/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14793Hoey, Mary
  2975. (printed as 9/21/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14777Eustace, John
  2976. (printed as 9/21/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14772Martin, James C.
  2977. (printed as 9/21/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14770Aevernann, James
  2978. (printed as 9/21/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14769Murphy, Myra
  2979. (printed as 9/21/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14765Warwood, John M.
  2980. (printed as 9/21/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14764Stanciels
  2981. (printed as 9/21/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14763Morrison, Jennifer
  2982. (printed as 9/21/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14762Morrison, Steve
  2983. (printed as 9/21/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14761Snodgrass, Steven
  2984. (printed as 9/21/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14759Caria, Darlene
  2985. (printed as 9/21/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14730Lovati, Kimberly A.
  2986. (printed as 9/21/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14691Koenig, Venessa
  2987. (printed as 9/21/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14687Kosik-Cosenza, Laura
  2988. (printed as 9/21/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14672Bergman, Ken
  2989. (printed as 9/21/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14660Marting, David
  2990. (printed as 9/21/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14657Mallory, J.
  2991. (printed as 9/21/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14593Sheikh, Shahio
  2992. (printed as 9/21/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14588Lupez, Santos F.
  2993. (printed as 9/21/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14578Richards, Valerie
  2994. (printed as 9/21/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14516Skwirut, Sandra
  2995. (printed as 9/21/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14500Kagebein, Suzanne
  2996. (printed as 9/21/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14499Henke, Ted
  2997. (printed as 9/21/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14496Britt, Thomas M.
  2998. (printed as 9/21/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14483Cissell, Laura
  2999. (printed as 9/21/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14293Britt, Thomas M.
  3000. (printed as 9/21/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14089Wiechern, Joan
  3001. (printed as 9/21/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14082Yanchick, Chris
  3002. (printed as 9/21/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14022Bierig, Barbara
  3003. (printed as 9/21/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14014Kous II, William F.
  3004. (printed as 9/21/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13401Dunker, Henry
  3005. (printed as 9/21/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13304Warwood, John
  3006. (printed as 9/21/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13298Dehaven, Michele
  3007. (printed as 9/21/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13290Vietri, Joyce
  3008. (printed as 9/21/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13289Unknown
  3009. (printed as 9/21/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13288Ullom, Lisa
  3010. (printed as 9/21/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13287Tatdenhorst, Courtney
  3011. (printed as 9/21/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13286Shelton, Bruce
  3012. (printed as 9/21/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13177Rubien, Julie
  3013. (printed as 9/21/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13176Rokusek, Edward
  3014. (printed as 9/21/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13174Robbeles, Jessie J.
  3015. (printed as 9/21/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13169Pachoiski, Kevin
  3016. (printed as 9/21/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13167Kurtz, Cheri
  3017. (printed as 9/21/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13166Krause, Lawrence
  3018. (printed as 9/21/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13164Karolich, Nina
  3019. (printed as 9/21/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13161Golden, Erica
  3020. (printed as 9/21/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13157Giancarlo, Richard
  3021. (printed as 9/21/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13155Conrath, Allan
  3022. (printed as 9/21/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13154Conrad, Dale
  3023. (printed as 9/21/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13151Cobb, Jim
  3024. (printed as 9/21/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12529Dalton, Jack J.
  3025. (printed as 9/21/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12402Morrison,Jennifer
  3026. (printed as 9/21/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12401Morrison,Jennifer
  3027. (printed as 9/21/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12400Morales,Kathleen
  3028. (printed as 9/21/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12291dave barnhart
    The Draft EIS is insufficient for several reasons: 1. The anticiapted decrease in home values were not properly analyzed. 2. EMS impacts were not properly emphasized 3. Freight Capacity is based on current CN operating plan, NOT full capacity 4. The pollution created by idling vehicles was not accounted for 5. No consideration was given to the consequences for the area tax base and the long term financial drain on the community
    naperville, il
  3029. (printed as 9/21/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12290Kostas Dovas
    I am opposed to the proposed aquisition of EJ&E by CN due to the impact on vehicle delays in our already congested neighnorhoods, increased response times of ror safety vehicles and finally the unwanted increase in noise and pollution in our community.
    Plainfield, IL
  3030. (printed as 9/21/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12288Paula Cree
    This is concerning the CN acquisition of the EJ&E. My husband and I are very much opposed to this. We are concerned about significant vehicle delays at railroad crossings for both personal vehicles as well as emergency vehicles. The safety of the crossings, as well as increased noise levels is a huge concern to us. We live less than a mile from a crossing, and the noise level would certainly increase if the sale goes thru. I am also concerned for the safety of children of various ages who take school buses to get to many Naperville schools, not to mention high school kids who drive and would be slowed by having to stop for trains during the day. Just getting to and from work will get harder to do if the number of trains is increased from an average of 16 trains a day up tp 42 trains per day. All we will be able to do is sit all day and wait for a clear crossing. We'll never get any place at that rate!!! We bought our home in what we thought to be a very lovely and quiet area of Naperville, and now this is happening. On nice evenings when we have the windows open, we can hear the trains like they were right in our back yard...and if the amount of train traffic increases with this sale, it will be almost impossible to have our windows open at any time. Getting to and from appointments and other destinations will be more difficult if the train traffic is increased. With long trains passing thru ...at 10,000 feet in length, vehicle traffic will be at a stand still! I am also concerned about pollution from these trains and the impact it would have on our lives. Our grandchildren play here a lot, and pollution is also a big concern for them. We are opposed to this sale, and hope the health and well being of neighbors in the area, and safety of the mass population will be concidered before a decission is made. The impact on emergency vehicles is a major concern as well as the increase of noise and vibration factors as trains go thru our area. Please do not allow this to happen to our community! Please DO NOT allow this sale to go thru. Safety issues are very important, but on another level, house prices in this area are certain to fall if the sale goes thru. With the houseing market in a slump right now this would certainly not help the value of our homes. This would greatly have a negative impact on the economy of our area. As retirement is close on the horizon for us, we would be greatly impacted by an even further falling housing market. Please.....DO NOT ALLOW THIS SALE TO GO THRU.
    Naperville, Il
  3031. (printed as 9/21/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12286Frandolf
    I am a resident of Illinois, and strongly object to CN's Proposed Action, and will be drastically harmed thereby. My family lives a block from the railroad track and the proposed acquisition will create catastrophic harm to my family and neighborhood. The increase rail traffic will cut us off from the main road which we use to drive by kid to school. It will delay the commuter trains that take to go to work on a daily basis. The emergency response from our closest fire department will be drastically affected since they're located in the other side to the tracks. But most of all my concern is with the hazardous materials that will move next to my subdivision. Our subdivision has many kids and I don't want our health and theirs to get jeopardize. Thank You and I hope you take into consideration our lives when you to vote on the acquisition of the EJ&E rail line.
    Bartlett, IL
  3032. (printed as 9/21/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12285Craig and Carole Stokely
    We are strongly opposed to the proposed CN acquisition of the EJ&E rail line.
    Wayne, IL
  3033. (printed as 9/21/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12284NA
    Please accept this correspondence as SUPPORT for the CNI (Canadian National) acquisition of EJ&E West Company. While I am certain you have heard from numerous individuals speaking out against the merger, those individuals do not speak for all of the residents in or around Will Co IL. Greater rail access and efficiency is critical to the economy and should be supported. Regards, Eric Wilson
    Eric Wilson · Shorewood, IL
  3034. (printed as 9/21/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12283dean zoumboulis
    please do not let cn derail our towns
    wayne, il
  3035. (printed as 9/21/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12282Paul and Linda Kuhn
    We would like to express our objection to the purchase of the Elgin, Joliet and Eastern Railway by Canadian National Railways. Since we live about 1/2 block from the train tracks, the noise from the increased train traffic would affect us directly. Also, due to the fact that the train tracks cross every north-south street in town, our commute to any destination would be delayed most of the time, due to the fact that the average train crossing would be greater than once per hour. However, our most important concern is the availability of emergency services. All of the fire and police stations in town are to the north of the tracks; we live to the south of the tracks. Therefore, any emergency services that we, or the rest of the residents of the town to the south of the tracks, would need would have a very great chance of being delayed due to train traffic. It is very upsetting to think about how many lives may be affected or lost due to emergency vehicles being stuck at a train crossing. We have been advised to contact you with our concerns, and it is our greatest hope that the comments and concerns of the leaders and citizens of our community and our surrounding communities will be taken seriously into account as this purchase is considered. Thank you for your attention to our concerns.
    New Lenox, IL
  3036. (printed as 9/21/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12281SHEILA JAROSZ
    I am opposed to the CN acquisition of the EJ&E. The impact in Plainfield will be enormous. The trains now impair traffic, an increase will paralyze the town.
    PLAINFIELD, IL
  3037. (printed as 9/21/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12280Charlene Herman
    My husband and I are senoir citizens. We feel our investment, which is our home. Will be effected by the Cn Railroad. Also all the railroad crossing will be a nightmare. All the people living west of the tracks will be gravely ffected. How will those living next to the tracks be able to live a normal life? How will they sleep at night. As it is now we hear the trains at 3:00 oclock in the morning. The biggest thing this will destroy all the towns along the tracks. Please don't let ithappen.
    Plainfield, Il
  3038. (printed as 9/21/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12279Dahlas GREGORY
    Phillis Johnson-Ball Surface Transportation Board 395 E Street, SW Washington, DC 20423 Ref: STB Finance Docket No. 35087 RE: Canadian National Railway Company and Grand Trunk Corporation-Control— EJ&E West Company (STB Finance Docket No. 35087) Dear Ms. Ball: I would like to voice my concern and opposition to the proposed acquisition of the EJ&E Railroad by Canadian National. According to Resolution 09-R-0007, passed by the City of West Chicago on January 21, 2008, estimates provided by Canadian National indicate that the average number of daily trains that run along the segment of the EJ&E rail line running through West Chicago, north of the Union Pacific tracks, will increase from 4.4 to 24.4 trains per day, and that the gross tons of freight per day that run over that segment will increase from 14,397 tons to 184,969 tons, an increase of 1,185 percent which would be the greatest of all locations along the EJ&E. Canadian National further estimates that the average number of daily trains that run along the segment of the EJ&E rail line that runs through West Chicago, south of the Union Pacific tracks, will increase from 10.7 to 34.5 trains per day with an increase in gross tonnage of 294%. Furthermore, it is believed that Increases in traffic congestion, noise and pollution are not the only by-products of such increases. The projected increase in the volume of train traffic and rail related operations will result in more frequent blockages of the at-grade crossings in West Chicago, negatively impacting emergency vehicular access and resulting in longer emergency response times. It will also present a significantly greater risk of accident at those grade crossings traversed by West Chicago Community High School students walking to and from school. Additionally, it is projected that train lengths will be much longer than current EJ&E train lengths and hazardous materials’ traffic in West Chicago, north of the Union Pacific tracks would increase from the current 21 carloads per year to 265 carloads per year and 31 carloads per year to 301 carloads per year for the line south of the Union Pacific track. Given these staggering statistics, the negative impact to public health, safety and quality of life would be significant. Therefore, I ask you to carefully consider all the ramifications such an acquisition poses and vote against this proposal. Sincerely, Dahlas Gregory
    West Chicago, IL
  3039. (printed as 9/21/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12278----- -----
    Phillis Johnson-Ball Surface Transportation Board 395 E Street, SW Washington, DC 20423 Ref: STB Finance Docket No. 35087 RE: Canadian National Railway Company and Grand Trunk Corporation-Control— EJ&E West Company (STB Finance Docket No. 35087) Dear Ms. Ball: I would like to voice my concern and opposition to the proposed acquisition of the EJ&E Railroad by Canadian National. According to Resolution 09-R-0007, passed by the City of West Chicago on January 21, 2008, estimates provided by Canadian National indicate that the average number of daily trains that run along the segment of the EJ&E rail line running through West Chicago, north of the Union Pacific tracks, will increase from 4.4 to 24.4 trains per day, and that the gross tons of freight per day that run over that segment will increase from 14,397 tons to 184,969 tons, an increase of 1,185 percent which would be the greatest of all locations along the EJ&E. Canadian National further estimates that the average number of daily trains that run along the segment of the EJ&E rail line that runs through West Chicago, south of the Union Pacific tracks, will increase from 10.7 to 34.5 trains per day with an increase in gross tonnage of 294%. Furthermore, it is believed that Increases in traffic congestion, noise and pollution are not the only by-products of such increases. The projected increase in the volume of train traffic and rail related operations will result in more frequent blockages of the at-grade crossings in West Chicago, negatively impacting emergency vehicular access and resulting in longer emergency response times. It will also present a significantly greater risk of accident at those grade crossings traversed by West Chicago Community High School students walking to and from school. Additionally, it is projected that train lengths will be much longer than current EJ&E train lengths and hazardous materials’ traffic in West Chicago, north of the Union Pacific tracks would increase from the current 21 carloads per year to 265 carloads per year and 31 carloads per year to 301 carloads per year for the line south of the Union Pacific track. Given these staggering statistics, the negative impact to public health, safety and quality of life would be significant. Therefore, I ask you to carefully consider all the ramifications such an acquisition poses and vote against this proposal. Sincerely, Heather Greubel
    Heather Greubel · Aurora, IL
  3040. (printed as 9/21/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12277administrator ----
    Phillis Johnson-Ball Surface Transportation Board 395 E Street, SW Washington, DC 20423 Ref: STB Finance Docket No. 35087 RE: Canadian National Railway Company and Grand Trunk Corporation-Control— EJ&E West Company (STB Finance Docket No. 35087) Dear Ms. Ball: I would like to voice my concern and opposition to the proposed acquisition of the EJ&E Railroad by Canadian National. According to Resolution 09-R-0007, passed by the City of West Chicago on January 21, 2008, estimates provided by Canadian National indicate that the average number of daily trains that run along the segment of the EJ&E rail line running through West Chicago, north of the Union Pacific tracks, will increase from 4.4 to 24.4 trains per day, and that the gross tons of freight per day that run over that segment will increase from 14,397 tons to 184,969 tons, an increase of 1,185 percent which would be the greatest of all locations along the EJ&E. Canadian National further estimates that the average number of daily trains that run along the segment of the EJ&E rail line that runs through West Chicago, south of the Union Pacific tracks, will increase from 10.7 to 34.5 trains per day with an increase in gross tonnage of 294%. Furthermore, it is believed that Increases in traffic congestion, noise and pollution are not the only by-products of such increases. The projected increase in the volume of train traffic and rail related operations will result in more frequent blockages of the at-grade crossings in West Chicago, negatively impacting emergency vehicular access and resulting in longer emergency response times. It will also present a significantly greater risk of accident at those grade crossings traversed by West Chicago Community High School students walking to and from school. Additionally, it is projected that train lengths will be much longer than current EJ&E train lengths and hazardous materials’ traffic in West Chicago, north of the Union Pacific tracks would increase from the current 21 carloads per year to 265 carloads per year and 31 carloads per year to 301 carloads per year for the line south of the Union Pacific track. Given these staggering statistics, the negative impact to public health, safety and quality of life would be significant. Therefore, I ask you to carefully consider all the ramifications such an acquisition poses and vote against this proposal. Sincerely, Eleanor Wheeland
    Eleanor Wheeland · West Chicgao, IL
  3041. (printed as 9/21/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12276administrator ----
    Phillis Johnson-Ball Surface Transportation Board 395 E Street, SW Washington, DC 20423 Ref: STB Finance Docket No. 35087 RE: Canadian National Railway Company and Grand Trunk Corporation-Control— EJ&E West Company (STB Finance Docket No. 35087) Dear Ms. Ball: I would like to voice my concern and opposition to the proposed acquisition of the EJ&E Railroad by Canadian National. According to Resolution 09-R-0007, passed by the City of West Chicago on January 21, 2008, estimates provided by Canadian National indicate that the average number of daily trains that run along the segment of the EJ&E rail line running through West Chicago, north of the Union Pacific tracks, will increase from 4.4 to 24.4 trains per day, and that the gross tons of freight per day that run over that segment will increase from 14,397 tons to 184,969 tons, an increase of 1,185 percent which would be the greatest of all locations along the EJ&E. Canadian National further estimates that the average number of daily trains that run along the segment of the EJ&E rail line that runs through West Chicago, south of the Union Pacific tracks, will increase from 10.7 to 34.5 trains per day with an increase in gross tonnage of 294%. Furthermore, it is believed that Increases in traffic congestion, noise and pollution are not the only by-products of such increases. The projected increase in the volume of train traffic and rail related operations will result in more frequent blockages of the at-grade crossings in West Chicago, negatively impacting emergency vehicular access and resulting in longer emergency response times. It will also present a significantly greater risk of accident at those grade crossings traversed by West Chicago Community High School students walking to and from school. Additionally, it is projected that train lengths will be much longer than current EJ&E train lengths and hazardous materials’ traffic in West Chicago, north of the Union Pacific tracks would increase from the current 21 carloads per year to 265 carloads per year and 31 carloads per year to 301 carloads per year for the line south of the Union Pacific track. Given these staggering statistics, the negative impact to public health, safety and quality of life would be significant. Therefore, I ask you to carefully consider all the ramifications such an acquisition poses and vote against this proposal. Sincerely, Amber Zelman
    Amber Planek · West Chicgao, IL
  3042. (printed as 9/21/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12275Bobbi Gregory
    Phillis Johnson-Ball Surface Transportation Board 395 E Street, SW Washington, DC 20423 Ref: STB Finance Docket No. 35087 RE: Canadian National Railway Company and Grand Trunk Corporation-Control— EJ&E West Company (STB Finance Docket No. 35087) Dear Ms. Ball: I would like to voice my concern and opposition to the proposed acquisition of the EJ&E Railroad by Canadian National. According to Resolution 09-R-0007, passed by the City of West Chicago on January 21, 2008, estimates provided by Canadian National indicate that the average number of daily trains that run along the segment of the EJ&E rail line running through West Chicago, north of the Union Pacific tracks, will increase from 4.4 to 24.4 trains per day, and that the gross tons of freight per day that run over that segment will increase from 14,397 tons to 184,969 tons, an increase of 1,185 percent which would be the greatest of all locations along the EJ&E. Canadian National further estimates that the average number of daily trains that run along the segment of the EJ&E rail line that runs through West Chicago, south of the Union Pacific tracks, will increase from 10.7 to 34.5 trains per day with an increase in gross tonnage of 294%. Furthermore, it is believed that Increases in traffic congestion, noise and pollution are not the only by-products of such increases. The projected increase in the volume of train traffic and rail related operations will result in more frequent blockages of the at-grade crossings in West Chicago, negatively impacting emergency vehicular access and resulting in longer emergency response times. It will also present a significantly greater risk of accident at those grade crossings traversed by West Chicago Community High School students walking to and from school. Additionally, it is projected that train lengths will be much longer than current EJ&E train lengths and hazardous materials’ traffic in West Chicago, north of the Union Pacific tracks would increase from the current 21 carloads per year to 265 carloads per year and 31 carloads per year to 301 carloads per year for the line south of the Union Pacific track. Given these staggering statistics, the negative impact to public health, safety and quality of life would be significant. Therefore, I ask you to carefully consider all the ramifications such an acquisition poses and vote against this proposal. Sincerely, Bobbi Gregory
    West Chicago, IL
  3043. (printed as 9/21/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12274David Porter
    Phillis Johnson-Ball Surface Transportation Board 395 E Street, SW Washington, DC 20423 Ref: STB Finance Docket No. 35087 RE: Canadian National Railway Company and Grand Trunk Corporation-Control— EJ&E West Company (STB Finance Docket No. 35087) Dear Ms. Ball: I would like to voice my concern and opposition to the proposed acquisition of the EJ&E Railroad by Canadian National. According to Resolution 09-R-0007, passed by the City of West Chicago on January 21, 2008, estimates provided by Canadian National indicate that the average number of daily trains that run along the segment of the EJ&E rail line running through West Chicago, north of the Union Pacific tracks, will increase from 4.4 to 24.4 trains per day, and that the gross tons of freight per day that run over that segment will increase from 14,397 tons to 184,969 tons, an increase of 1,185 percent which would be the greatest of all locations along the EJ&E. Canadian National further estimates that the average number of daily trains that run along the segment of the EJ&E rail line that runs through West Chicago, south of the Union Pacific tracks, will increase from 10.7 to 34.5 trains per day with an increase in gross tonnage of 294%. Furthermore, it is believed that Increases in traffic congestion, noise and pollution are not the only by-products of such increases. The projected increase in the volume of train traffic and rail related operations will result in more frequent blockages of the at-grade crossings in West Chicago, negatively impacting emergency vehicular access and resulting in longer emergency response times. It will also present a significantly greater risk of accident at those grade crossings traversed by West Chicago Community High School students walking to and from school. Additionally, it is projected that train lengths will be much longer than current EJ&E train lengths and hazardous materials’ traffic in West Chicago, north of the Union Pacific tracks would increase from the current 21 carloads per year to 265 carloads per year and 31 carloads per year to 301 carloads per year for the line south of the Union Pacific track. Given these staggering statistics, the negative impact to public health, safety and quality of life would be significant. Therefore, I ask you to carefully consider all the ramifications such an acquisition poses and vote against this proposal. Sincerely, Dave Porter
    Batavia, IL
  3044. (printed as 9/21/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12273Nancy Planek
    Phillis Johnson-Ball Surface Transportation Board 395 E Street, SW Washington, DC 20423 Ref: STB Finance Docket No. 35087 RE: Canadian National Railway Company and Grand Trunk Corporation-Control— EJ&E West Company (STB Finance Docket No. 35087) Dear Ms. Ball: I would like to voice my concern and opposition to the proposed acquisition of the EJ&E Railroad by Canadian National. According to Resolution 09-R-0007, passed by the City of West Chicago on January 21, 2008, estimates provided by Canadian National indicate that the average number of daily trains that run along the segment of the EJ&E rail line running through West Chicago, north of the Union Pacific tracks, will increase from 4.4 to 24.4 trains per day, and that the gross tons of freight per day that run over that segment will increase from 14,397 tons to 184,969 tons, an increase of 1,185 percent which would be the greatest of all locations along the EJ&E. Canadian National further estimates that the average number of daily trains that run along the segment of the EJ&E rail line that runs through West Chicago, south of the Union Pacific tracks, will increase from 10.7 to 34.5 trains per day with an increase in gross tonnage of 294%. Furthermore, it is believed that Increases in traffic congestion, noise and pollution are not the only by-products of such increases. The projected increase in the volume of train traffic and rail related operations will result in more frequent blockages of the at-grade crossings in West Chicago, negatively impacting emergency vehicular access and resulting in longer emergency response times. It will also present a significantly greater risk of accident at those grade crossings traversed by West Chicago Community High School students walking to and from school. Additionally, it is projected that train lengths will be much longer than current EJ&E train lengths and hazardous materials’ traffic in West Chicago, north of the Union Pacific tracks would increase from the current 21 carloads per year to 265 carloads per year and 31 carloads per year to 301 carloads per year for the line south of the Union Pacific track. Given these staggering statistics, the negative impact to public health, safety and quality of life would be significant. Therefore, I ask you to carefully consider all the ramifications such an acquisition poses and vote against this proposal. Sincerely, Nancy Planek
    West Chicago, IL
  3045. (printed as 9/21/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12272stephen smith
    Dear ms.johnson-ball I am opposed to the purchase of the ej&e by cn railway because of the proposed incease in freight traffic and the destructive impact this will have on my and many other communities with no defined benifit to anyone other than cn.If cn had to cover all the costs related to their plan ,i doubt they would be so anxious to push this down our collective impacted throats Please do not allow such an injustice.the result would be devistating in the near term and regretable as a precedent
    barrington, il
  3046. (printed as 9/21/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12271Thomas Henderson
    Please do whatever you can to STOP the proposed purchase of the Elgin, Joliet and Eastern Railway by Canadian National. The environmental impact will be very significant. Saftey is also a huge concern. All the communities that will be impacted by this purchase are totally against it. We need your help. Thank you.
    New Lenox, IL.
  3047. (printed as 9/21/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12270barbara keller
    Phillis Johnson-Ball Surface Transportation Board 395 E Street, SW Washington, DC 20423 Ref: STB Finance Docket No. 35087 RE: Canadian National Railway Company and Grand Trunk Corporation-Control— EJ&E West Company (STB Finance Docket No. 35087) Dear Ms. Ball: I would like to voice my concern and opposition to the proposed acquisition of the EJ&E Railroad by Canadian National. According to Resolution 09-R-0007, passed by the City of West Chicago on January 21, 2008, estimates provided by Canadian National indicate that the average number of daily trains that run along the segment of the EJ&E rail line running through West Chicago, north of the Union Pacific tracks, will increase from 4.4 to 24.4 trains per day, and that the gross tons of freight per day that run over that segment will increase from 14,397 tons to 184,969 tons, an increase of 1,185 percent which would be the greatest of all locations along the EJ&E. Canadian National further estimates that the average number of daily trains that run along the segment of the EJ&E rail line that runs through West Chicago, south of the Union Pacific tracks, will increase from 10.7 to 34.5 trains per day with an increase in gross tonnage of 294%. Furthermore, it is believed that Increases in traffic congestion, noise and pollution are not the only by-products of such increases. The projected increase in the volume of train traffic and rail related operations will result in more frequent blockages of the at-grade crossings in West Chicago, negatively impacting emergency vehicular access and resulting in longer emergency response times. It will also present a significantly greater risk of accident at those grade crossings traversed by West Chicago Community High School students walking to and from school. Additionally, it is projected that train lengths will be much longer than current EJ&E train lengths and hazardous materials’ traffic in West Chicago, north of the Union Pacific tracks would increase from the current 21 carloads per year to 265 carloads per year and 31 carloads per year to 301 carloads per year for the line south of the Union Pacific track. Given these staggering statistics, the negative impact to public health, safety and quality of life would be significant. Therefore, I ask you to carefully consider all the ramifications such an acquisition poses and vote against this proposal. Sincerely, Barbara Keller
    woodridge, Illinois
  3048. (printed as 9/21/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12269Loane Dierking
    Phillis Johnson-Ball Surface Transportation Board 395 E Street, SW Washington, DC 20423 Ref: STB Finance Docket No. 35087 RE: Canadian National Railway Company and Grand Trunk Corporation-Control— EJ&E West Company (STB Finance Docket No. 35087) Dear Ms. Ball: I would like to voice my concern and opposition to the proposed acquisition of the EJ&E Railroad by Canadian National. According to Resolution 09-R-0007, passed by the City of West Chicago on January 21, 2008, estimates provided by Canadian National indicate that the average number of daily trains that run along the segment of the EJ&E rail line running through West Chicago, north of the Union Pacific tracks, will increase from 4.4 to 24.4 trains per day, and that the gross tons of freight per day that run over that segment will increase from 14,397 tons to 184,969 tons, an increase of 1,185 percent which would be the greatest of all locations along the EJ&E. Canadian National further estimates that the average number of daily trains that run along the segment of the EJ&E rail line that runs through West Chicago, south of the Union Pacific tracks, will increase from 10.7 to 34.5 trains per day with an increase in gross tonnage of 294%. Furthermore, it is believed that Increases in traffic congestion, noise and pollution are not the only by-products of such increases. The projected increase in the volume of train traffic and rail related operations will result in more frequent blockages of the at-grade crossings in West Chicago, negatively impacting emergency vehicular access and resulting in longer emergency response times. It will also present a significantly greater risk of accident at those grade crossings traversed by West Chicago Community High School students walking to and from school. Additionally, it is projected that train lengths will be much longer than current EJ&E train lengths and hazardous materials’ traffic in West Chicago, north of the Union Pacific tracks would increase from the current 21 carloads per year to 265 carloads per year and 31 carloads per year to 301 carloads per year for the line south of the Union Pacific track. Given these staggering statistics, the negative impact to public health, safety and quality of life would be significant. Therefore, I ask you to carefully consider all the ramifications such an acquisition poses and vote against this proposal. Sincerely, Loane Dierking
    Batavia, Ill.
  3049. (printed as 9/21/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12268Carl Mennecke
    Phillis Johnson-Ball Surface Transportation Board 395 E Street, SW Washington, DC 20423 Ref: STB Finance Docket No. 35087 RE: Canadian National Railway Company and Grand Trunk Corporation-Control— EJ&E West Company (STB Finance Docket No. 35087) Dear Ms. Ball: I would like to voice my concern and opposition to the proposed acquisition of the EJ&E Railroad by Canadian National. According to Resolution 09-R-0007, passed by the City of West Chicago on January 21, 2008, estimates provided by Canadian National indicate that the average number of daily trains that run along the segment of the EJ&E rail line running through West Chicago, north of the Union Pacific tracks, will increase from 4.4 to 24.4 trains per day, and that the gross tons of freight per day that run over that segment will increase from 14,397 tons to 184,969 tons, an increase of 1,185 percent which would be the greatest of all locations along the EJ&E. Canadian National further estimates that the average number of daily trains that run along the segment of the EJ&E rail line that runs through West Chicago, south of the Union Pacific tracks, will increase from 10.7 to 34.5 trains per day with an increase in gross tonnage of 294%. Furthermore, it is believed that Increases in traffic congestion, noise and pollution are not the only by-products of such increases. The projected increase in the volume of train traffic and rail related operations will result in more frequent blockages of the at-grade crossings in West Chicago, negatively impacting emergency vehicular access and resulting in longer emergency response times. It will also present a significantly greater risk of accident at those grade crossings traversed by West Chicago Community High School students walking to and from school. Additionally, it is projected that train lengths will be much longer than current EJ&E train lengths and hazardous materials’ traffic in West Chicago, north of the Union Pacific tracks would increase from the current 21 carloads per year to 265 carloads per year and 31 carloads per year to 301 carloads per year for the line south of the Union Pacific track. Given these staggering statistics, the negative impact to public health, safety and quality of life would be significant. Therefore, I ask you to carefully consider all the ramifications such an acquisition poses and vote against this proposal. Sincerely, Carl Mennecke
    Geneva, Illinois
  3050. (printed as 9/21/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12267Dolores Mennecke
    Phillis Johnson-Ball Surface Transportation Board 395 E Street, SW Washington, DC 20423 Ref: STB Finance Docket No. 35087 RE: Canadian National Railway Company and Grand Trunk Corporation-Control— EJ&E West Company (STB Finance Docket No. 35087) Dear Ms. Ball: I would like to voice my concern and opposition to the proposed acquisition of the EJ&E Railroad by Canadian National. According to Resolution 09-R-0007, passed by the City of West Chicago on January 21, 2008, estimates provided by Canadian National indicate that the average number of daily trains that run along the segment of the EJ&E rail line running through West Chicago, north of the Union Pacific tracks, will increase from 4.4 to 24.4 trains per day, and that the gross tons of freight per day that run over that segment will increase from 14,397 tons to 184,969 tons, an increase of 1,185 percent which would be the greatest of all locations along the EJ&E. Canadian National further estimates that the average number of daily trains that run along the segment of the EJ&E rail line that runs through West Chicago, south of the Union Pacific tracks, will increase from 10.7 to 34.5 trains per day with an increase in gross tonnage of 294%. Furthermore, it is believed that Increases in traffic congestion, noise and pollution are not the only by-products of such increases. The projected increase in the volume of train traffic and rail related operations will result in more frequent blockages of the at-grade crossings in West Chicago, negatively impacting emergency vehicular access and resulting in longer emergency response times. It will also present a significantly greater risk of accident at those grade crossings traversed by West Chicago Community High School students walking to and from school. Additionally, it is projected that train lengths will be much longer than current EJ&E train lengths and hazardous materials’ traffic in West Chicago, north of the Union Pacific tracks would increase from the current 21 carloads per year to 265 carloads per year and 31 carloads per year to 301 carloads per year for the line south of the Union Pacific track. Given these staggering statistics, the negative impact to public health, safety and quality of life would be significant. Therefore, I ask you to carefully consider all the ramifications such an acquisition poses and vote against this proposal. Sincerely, Dolores Mennecke
    Geneva, Illinois
  3051. (printed as 9/21/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12266Sharon Gerecke
    Dear Surface Transportation Board, If the proposed acquisition of the EJ&E railway by CN becomes a reality without FULL mitigation of the costs for infrastructure,quiet zones/sound barriers,crosssing gates,compensation for property loss,hazmat safety training,etc., it will be a real stab in the back to the communities who live along the EJ&E railway. How can you approve a venture such a this, that will ruin our communties by congesting our traffic,reduce our air quality and health,disproportionally threaten our safety and then ask us to pay for it too? That is an absolute insult to us as Americans. CN(a 6 billion dollar company) had profits of 2 billion dollars last year. They seem to get bigger and bigger with more and more acquisitions of railways. Where is their responsibility in this situation? They want to purchase the EJ&E for 300 million and will make a hefty profit while individuals and communties like mine are the real losers". I bought my home a year ago in Mokena knowing the character of the regional Class II railway closeby. I accepted 6-8 trains a day and the character of the EJ&E which had been in existence for around a hundred years. So now I am going to be victimized by 28+ long trains a day carrying hazardous cargo 300 ft from my home? And what's to say they won't put tandem rail cars and more trains after this is approved? With the opening of Port Rupert Sound, it looks like more cargo is likely to be heading this way.Would you approve the building of tracks through our community if they were not already there for this type of super train increase? Why not take the CREATE suggestions to alleviate rail congestion or build track through a non-populated area farther out? With the cost of all the safety and underpasses/overpasses,etc that will ensue, this would be better options for all in the future. I truly feel "railroaded" by business and political interests and for the first time in my life, I am losing faith in my government to protect me by putting a private Canadian company's business interests first. This is not good for our regional area, WE ARE THE REGIONAL AREA. The stress of trains of this magnitude going past my home 24/7 will severely impact my health. It already has with the thought of it and the ramifications it brings. So what do I do in an economy and housing market of today? I worked hard as a teacher all my life and hopefully helped others. Who is helping me? Will YOU? Now in retirement I looked forward to the peace & tranquility of this area with the Old Plank bike trail,forest preserves and charming historic towns with local farmer's markets nearby. I grew up near Midway airport and lived with airplane noise early in my life. Now I thought I had found a wonderful peaceful place to be near my children/grandchildren. I felt so lucky and blessed to have sold my home last year and found a home to retire in close to my grandchildren. Now I feel quite the opposite and fear for the safety and health of myself and my family. I cannot live in this state of stress and fear. My home value will plummet and I probably will not be able to sell easily. Who will want to buy my home now? I beg you to tour before you make this important decision and see what a negative impact this will make on our communities and quality of life. I know life is not always fair, but this is putting too much of a burden on the residents of the affected communities by this acquisition. IT WILL CHANGE EVERYTHING!!! PLEASE members of the STB, consider if you would want to live here. I would not have bought my home last year had I known of this 400% train increase coming to these communtities of Mokena, New Lenox and Frankfort. Do the morally right thing and DENY this acquisition by CN. If not, you might sleep at night but know that I will not. Respectfully submitted, Sharon Gerecke"
  3052. (printed as 9/21/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12265Leonard Wojtowicz
    This comment is concerning STB Finance Docket No. 35087. I am writing this comment to express my concern over the CN aquisition of the EJ&E rail line. I would like to remind that this is government for the people by the people, not for industry at the expense of the people. The communities along the EJ&E are not prepared for a 300% increase in rail traffic. Although CN states that the STB only should look at rail traffic reduction when makking this decision, I would state that the STB must look at the safety and welfare of the communities along the line. CN stands to gain from this aquisition, yet the people stand to lose. I am concerned with the safety of my family and neighbors. One tanker leak of chlorine gas or ammmonium hydroxide can wipe out our communities. I understand the arguement that all must share in keeping transporation moving in America. I would reconsider my stance on this merger if CN promised to provide equipment and train emergency response crews along the line. Have the communities idenitiy all grade crossing that need underpasses and overpasses and have CN pay of all of these uppgrades. CN must establish quite zones along the line and must pay for all grade crossing upgrades to establish these quiet zones. CN must install sound barriers and buffers along the line for all communities directly adjacent to the rail line. CN must present to the STB their safety history and record and prove to the board they can transport hazardous material safely without incident. Only if they promise to pay for all these improvements and prove they have an excellent safety record could the STB think of appproving this aquisition. If not, this aquisition needs to be rejected. Please - for the safety of my community and family please consider this aquistiion carefully before making a decision. Remember this is government for the people by the people and the people have spoken.
    Plainfield, Illinois
  3053. (printed as 9/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-16088Dion, Bernerd
  3054. (printed as 9/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15825Major, Cathy
  3055. (printed as 9/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15819Osmus, Howard G.
  3056. (printed as 9/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15712Cidell, Linda
  3057. (printed as 9/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15671Bird, Marilyn
  3058. (printed as 9/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15600Linke, Warren
  3059. (printed as 9/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15279Fassiotto, Shirley
  3060. (printed as 9/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15078Torkelson, Howard
  3061. (printed as 9/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15060Stanfield, Mary Kay
  3062. (printed as 9/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14816Hallman, Thomas J.
  3063. (printed as 9/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14786Plummer, Joanna
  3064. (printed as 9/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14768Hinkelman, Gerald
  3065. (printed as 9/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14758Baird, David
  3066. (printed as 9/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14735Cingrani, Debbie
  3067. (printed as 9/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14683Crost, Neal
  3068. (printed as 9/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14681Hallman, Kim
  3069. (printed as 9/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14662Giza, Walter
  3070. (printed as 9/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14658Vacco, Phillip J.
  3071. (printed as 9/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14656Martin, Jean
  3072. (printed as 9/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14655Obrecht, Debra Lynn
  3073. (printed as 9/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14648Herman, JoAnne
  3074. (printed as 9/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14646Smith, Hugh
  3075. (printed as 9/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14645Cidell, Lauren
  3076. (printed as 9/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14610Schaller, Suzanne
  3077. (printed as 9/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14604Tubin, Stephen Joel
  3078. (printed as 9/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14602Quattrochi-Tubin, Susan
  3079. (printed as 9/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14587Kufer Jr., John D.
  3080. (printed as 9/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14584Ballard, Carole
  3081. (printed as 9/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14577Loecke, Colette
  3082. (printed as 9/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14574Dunker, Elizabeth
  3083. (printed as 9/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14573Fenlon, Christine
  3084. (printed as 9/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14536Leick, Jocelyn
  3085. (printed as 9/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14534LaMorte, Jack
  3086. (printed as 9/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14532LaMorte, Ashely
  3087. (printed as 9/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14466Jassen, Alice
  3088. (printed as 9/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14463Brosnan, Thomas
  3089. (printed as 9/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14452Randolph, David
  3090. (printed as 9/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14423Tracy, Lorrie
  3091. (printed as 9/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14294Cidell, william
  3092. (printed as 9/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14291Smith, Barbara J.
  3093. (printed as 9/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14290Schrader, Charles F.
  3094. (printed as 9/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14286Sidenstick, Gerald
  3095. (printed as 9/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14285Salz, Victor
  3096. (printed as 9/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14284Fredrickson, Nancy S.
  3097. (printed as 9/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14283Winker, Jenny
  3098. (printed as 9/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14010Clem, Jill
  3099. (printed as 9/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13737Wilson, James T.
  3100. (printed as 9/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13065Ivec, Diane
  3101. (printed as 9/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13064Branshaw, Phillip
  3102. (printed as 9/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13063Nawrocki, Marlene
  3103. (printed as 9/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12895Vajda, Mike
  3104. (printed as 9/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12893Smith, Deb
  3105. (printed as 9/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12891Smeets, Greg
  3106. (printed as 9/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12890Ruffino, Anthony N.
  3107. (printed as 9/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12888Mylander, Donna
  3108. (printed as 9/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12887Marsiglio, Anthony
  3109. (printed as 9/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12886Larsen, Dwayne
  3110. (printed as 9/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12884Lares, Nancy
  3111. (printed as 9/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12882LaMorte, Tara
  3112. (printed as 9/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12880Kurtz, Cheri
  3113. (printed as 9/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12877Kelly, Diane
  3114. (printed as 9/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12875Jacobucci, Amy
  3115. (printed as 9/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12873Francoeur, Lisa
  3116. (printed as 9/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12872Flakus, Thomas
  3117. (printed as 9/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12871Fish, Luis
  3118. (printed as 9/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12870Ferguson, Mary
  3119. (printed as 9/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12868Earlenbaugh, Kim
  3120. (printed as 9/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12866Dobas, Nancy
  3121. (printed as 9/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12864Daemond, Barry
  3122. (printed as 9/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12862Ciric, Patricia
  3123. (printed as 9/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12860Aguilar, Sharon
  3124. (printed as 9/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12533Wingate, Chris
  3125. (printed as 9/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12530Soldano, Cyndi
  3126. (printed as 9/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12399Barbier,John
  3127. (printed as 9/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12398Chen,Suki
  3128. (printed as 9/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12397Crane,Dan
  3129. (printed as 9/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12264Michael G Cacraft
    Phillis Johnson-Ball Surface Transportation Board 395 E Street, SW Washington, DC 20423 Ref: STB Finance Docket No. 35087 RE: Canadian National Railway Company and Grand Trunk Corporation-Control— EJ&E West Company (STB Finance Docket No. 35087) Dear Ms. Ball, I would like to voice my concern and opposition to the proposed acquisition of the EJ&E Railroad by Canadian National. According to Resolution 09-R-0007, passed by the City of West Chicago on January 21, 2008, estimates provided by Canadian National indicate that the average number of daily trains that run along the segment of the EJ&E rail line running through West Chicago, north of the Union Pacific tracks, will increase from 4.4 to 24.4 trains per day, and that the gross tons of freight per day that run over that segment will increase from 14,397 tons to 184,969 tons, an increase of 1,185 percent which would be the greatest of all locations along the EJ&E. Canadian National further estimates that the average number of daily trains that run along the segment of the EJ&E rail line that runs through West Chicago, south of the Union Pacific tracks, will increase from 10.7 to 34.5 trains per day with an increase in gross tonnage of 294%. Furthermore, it is believed that Increases in traffic congestion, noise and pollution are not the only by-products of such increases. The projected increase in the volume of train traffic and rail related operations will result in more frequent blockages of the at-grade crossings in West Chicago, negatively impacting emergency vehicular access and resulting in longer emergency response times. It will also present a significantly greater risk of accident at those grade crossings traversed by West Chicago Community High School students walking to and from school. Additionally, it is projected that train lengths will be much longer than current EJ&E train lengths and hazardous materials’ traffic in West Chicago, north of the Union Pacific tracks would increase from the current 21 carloads per year to 265 carloads per year and 31 carloads per year to 301 carloads per year for the line south of the Union Pacific track. Given these staggering statistics, the negative impact to public health, safety and quality of life would be significant. Therefore, I ask you to carefully consider all the ramifications such an acquisition poses and vote against this proposal. Sincerely, Michael G Cracraft
    West Chicago, Illinois
  3130. (printed as 9/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12263Michael G Cacraft
    Phillis Johnson-Ball Surface Transportation Board 395 E Street, SW Washington, DC 20423 Ref: STB Finance Docket No. 35087 RE: Canadian National Railway Company and Grand Trunk Corporation-Control— EJ&E West Company (STB Finance Docket No. 35087) Dear Ms. Ball, I would like to voice my concern and opposition to the proposed acquisition of the EJ&E Railroad by Canadian National. According to Resolution 09-R-0007, passed by the City of West Chicago on January 21, 2008, estimates provided by Canadian National indicate that the average number of daily trains that run along the segment of the EJ&E rail line running through West Chicago, north of the Union Pacific tracks, will increase from 4.4 to 24.4 trains per day, and that the gross tons of freight per day that run over that segment will increase from 14,397 tons to 184,969 tons, an increase of 1,185 percent which would be the greatest of all locations along the EJ&E. Canadian National further estimates that the average number of daily trains that run along the segment of the EJ&E rail line that runs through West Chicago, south of the Union Pacific tracks, will increase from 10.7 to 34.5 trains per day with an increase in gross tonnage of 294%. Furthermore, it is believed that Increases in traffic congestion, noise and pollution are not the only by-products of such increases. The projected increase in the volume of train traffic and rail related operations will result in more frequent blockages of the at-grade crossings in West Chicago, negatively impacting emergency vehicular access and resulting in longer emergency response times. It will also present a significantly greater risk of accident at those grade crossings traversed by West Chicago Community High School students walking to and from school. Additionally, it is projected that train lengths will be much longer than current EJ&E train lengths and hazardous materials’ traffic in West Chicago, north of the Union Pacific tracks would increase from the current 21 carloads per year to 265 carloads per year and 31 carloads per year to 301 carloads per year for the line south of the Union Pacific track. Given these staggering statistics, the negative impact to public health, safety and quality of life would be significant. Therefore, I ask you to carefully consider all the ramifications such an acquisition poses and vote against this proposal. Sincerely, Beth Mischnick
    West Chicago, Illinois
  3131. (printed as 9/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12261Ron Rakow
    Phillis Johnson-Ball Surface Transportation Board 395 E Street, SW Washington, DC 20423 Ref: STB Finance Docket No. 35087 RE: Canadian National Railway Company and Grand Trunk Corporation-Control— EJ&E West Company (STB Finance Docket No. 35087) Dear Ms. Ball: As a resident of the City of West Chicago, I would like to voice my concern and opposition to the proposed acquisition of the EJ&E Railroad by Canadian National. According to Resolution 09-R-0007, passed by the City of West Chicago on January 21, 2008, estimates provided by Canadian National indicate that the average number of daily trains that run along the segment of the EJ&E rail line running through West Chicago, north of the Union Pacific tracks, will increase from 4.4 to 24.4 trains per day, and that the gross tons of freight per day that run over that segment will increase from 14,397 tons to 184,969 tons, an increase of 1,185 percent which would be the greatest of all locations along the EJ&E. Canadian National further estimates that the average number of daily trains that run along the segment of the EJ&E rail line that runs through West Chicago, south of the Union Pacific tracks, will increase from 10.7 to 34.5 trains per day with an increase in gross tonnage of 294%. Furthermore, it is believed that Increases in traffic congestion, noise and pollution are not the only by-products of such increases. The projected increase in the volume of train traffic and rail related operations will result in more frequent blockages of the at-grade crossings in West Chicago, negatively impacting emergency vehicular access and resulting in longer emergency response times. It will also present a significantly greater risk of accident at those grade crossings traversed by West Chicago Community High School students walking to and from school. Additionally, it is projected that train lengths will be much longer than current EJ&E train lengths and hazardous materials’ traffic in West Chicago, north of the Union Pacific tracks would increase from the current 21 carloads per year to 265 carloads per year and 31 carloads per year to 301 carloads per year for the line south of the Union Pacific track. Given these staggering statistics, the negative impact to public health, safety and quality of life would be significant. Therefore, I ask you to carefully consider all the ramifications such an acquisition poses and vote against this proposal. Sincerely, Eldra Rakow
    West Chicago, Il.
  3132. (printed as 9/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12260Eldra Rakow
    Phillis Johnson-Ball Surface Transportation Board 395 E Street, SW Washington, DC 20423 Ref: STB Finance Docket No. 35087 RE: Canadian National Railway Company and Grand Trunk Corporation-Control— EJ&E West Company (STB Finance Docket No. 35087) Dear Ms. Ball: As a resident of the City of West Chicago, I would like to voice my concern and opposition to the proposed acquisition of the EJ&E Railroad by Canadian National. According to Resolution 09-R-0007, passed by the City of West Chicago on January 21, 2008, estimates provided by Canadian National indicate that the average number of daily trains that run along the segment of the EJ&E rail line running through West Chicago, north of the Union Pacific tracks, will increase from 4.4 to 24.4 trains per day, and that the gross tons of freight per day that run over that segment will increase from 14,397 tons to 184,969 tons, an increase of 1,185 percent which would be the greatest of all locations along the EJ&E. Canadian National further estimates that the average number of daily trains that run along the segment of the EJ&E rail line that runs through West Chicago, south of the Union Pacific tracks, will increase from 10.7 to 34.5 trains per day with an increase in gross tonnage of 294%. Furthermore, it is believed that Increases in traffic congestion, noise and pollution are not the only by-products of such increases. The projected increase in the volume of train traffic and rail related operations will result in more frequent blockages of the at-grade crossings in West Chicago, negatively impacting emergency vehicular access and resulting in longer emergency response times. It will also present a significantly greater risk of accident at those grade crossings traversed by West Chicago Community High School students walking to and from school. Additionally, it is projected that train lengths will be much longer than current EJ&E train lengths and hazardous materials’ traffic in West Chicago, north of the Union Pacific tracks would increase from the current 21 carloads per year to 265 carloads per year and 31 carloads per year to 301 carloads per year for the line south of the Union Pacific track. Given these staggering statistics, the negative impact to public health, safety and quality of life would be significant. Therefore, I ask you to carefully consider all the ramifications such an acquisition poses and vote against this proposal. Sincerely, Eldra Rakow
    West Chicago, Il.
  3133. (printed as 9/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12257Beth Mischnick
    Phillis Johnson-Ball Surface Transportation Board 395 E Street, SW Washington, DC 20423 Ref: STB Finance Docket No. 35087 RE: Canadian National Railway Company and Grand Trunk Corporation-Control— EJ&E West Company (STB Finance Docket No. 35087) Dear Ms. Ball, I would like to voice my concern and opposition to the proposed acquisition of the EJ&E Railroad by Canadian National. According to Resolution 09-R-0007, passed by the City of West Chicago on January 21, 2008, estimates provided by Canadian National indicate that the average number of daily trains that run along the segment of the EJ&E rail line running through West Chicago, north of the Union Pacific tracks, will increase from 4.4 to 24.4 trains per day, and that the gross tons of freight per day that run over that segment will increase from 14,397 tons to 184,969 tons, an increase of 1,185 percent which would be the greatest of all locations along the EJ&E. Canadian National further estimates that the average number of daily trains that run along the segment of the EJ&E rail line that runs through West Chicago, south of the Union Pacific tracks, will increase from 10.7 to 34.5 trains per day with an increase in gross tonnage of 294%. Furthermore, it is believed that Increases in traffic congestion, noise and pollution are not the only by-products of such increases. The projected increase in the volume of train traffic and rail related operations will result in more frequent blockages of the at-grade crossings in West Chicago, negatively impacting emergency vehicular access and resulting in longer emergency response times. It will also present a significantly greater risk of accident at those grade crossings traversed by West Chicago Community High School students walking to and from school. Additionally, it is projected that train lengths will be much longer than current EJ&E train lengths and hazardous materials’ traffic in West Chicago, north of the Union Pacific tracks would increase from the current 21 carloads per year to 265 carloads per year and 31 carloads per year to 301 carloads per year for the line south of the Union Pacific track. Given these staggering statistics, the negative impact to public health, safety and quality of life would be significant. Therefore, I ask you to carefully consider all the ramifications such an acquisition poses and vote against this proposal. Sincerely, Beth Mischnick
    Carol Stream, Illinois
  3134. (printed as 9/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12256----- -----
    Phillis Johnson-Ball Surface Transportation Board 395 E Street, SW Washington, DC 20423 Ref: STB Finance Docket No. 35087 RE: Canadian National Railway Company and Grand Trunk Corporation-Control— EJ&E West Company (STB Finance Docket No. 35087) Dear Ms. Ball: As a resident of the City of West Chicago, I would like to voice my concern and opposition to the proposed acquisition of the EJ&E Railroad by Canadian National. According to Resolution 09-R-0007, passed by the City of West Chicago on January 21, 2008, estimates provided by Canadian National indicate that the average number of daily trains that run along the segment of the EJ&E rail line running through West Chicago, north of the Union Pacific tracks, will increase from 4.4 to 24.4 trains per day, and that the gross tons of freight per day that run over that segment will increase from 14,397 tons to 184,969 tons, an increase of 1,185 percent which would be the greatest of all locations along the EJ&E. Canadian National further estimates that the average number of daily trains that run along the segment of the EJ&E rail line that runs through West Chicago, south of the Union Pacific tracks, will increase from 10.7 to 34.5 trains per day with an increase in gross tonnage of 294%. Furthermore, it is believed that Increases in traffic congestion, noise and pollution are not the only by-products of such increases. The projected increase in the volume of train traffic and rail related operations will result in more frequent blockages of the at-grade crossings in West Chicago, negatively impacting emergency vehicular access and resulting in longer emergency response times. It will also present a significantly greater risk of accident at those grade crossings traversed by West Chicago Community High School students walking to and from school. Additionally, it is projected that train lengths will be much longer than current EJ&E train lengths and hazardous materials’ traffic in West Chicago, north of the Union Pacific tracks would increase from the current 21 carloads per year to 265 carloads per year and 31 carloads per year to 301 carloads per year for the line south of the Union Pacific track. Given these staggering statistics, the negative impact to public health, safety and quality of life would be significant. Therefore, I ask you to carefully consider all the ramifications such an acquisition poses and vote against this proposal. Sincerely,
    Dian Cracraft · West Chicago, IL
  3135. (printed as 9/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12255n/a
    Please approve the CN purchase of theEJ&E
    Betty Johnson · Harvey, Ill
  3136. (printed as 9/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12254Theresa O'Hara
    The CN acquisition of EJ&E railroad will greatly impact my commute and I strongly oppose it. I will have to find a different route that does not include any of the affected railroad crossings.
    Shorewood, IL
  3137. (printed as 9/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12253Don Evans
    Please do not approve the proposed CN acquisition of the EJ&E. Temporarily shifting a rail transportation problem from one location to another does nothing to solve the problem. It only delays the needed solution to the problem. The towns and people along CN's present route understandably seek relief, but they must be kidding themselves to believe CN's spin and not realize that the existing route will once again grow just as congested with new freight traffic that will fill the temporary void. A comprehensive and regional plan is necessary, something CN wasn't interested in when it was no longer in their selfish interest. Diverting 15-20 freight trains a day onto the EJ&E makes no sense, it only increases CN's profits at the expense of the American taxpayers. Think of the effects of having all of the railroad crossings in our community blocked for 5-10 minutes each time, 15-20 times a day, every day! public safety - the police, fire dept., and ambulances will be blocked by down railroad crossing gates and unable to respond to emergencies public health - more fatal accidents" of freight trains hitting cars and pedestrians (especially kids) traffic and school transportation issues - much longer commutes to work, school and shopping environmental issues – noise, vibrations, threat to municipal water supply from toxic spills, tremendous increases in vehicular exhaust and wasted gasoline/diesel caused by engines idling at down crossing gates Decreased property values - And then there is this - Canadian National expects us to pay the hundreds of millions of dollars it will take to build bridges and underpasses over and under their railroad crossings. Canadian National is the poster child for poor rail safety practices. No other railroad in Canada was subject to a government audit. No other railroad in Canada has been accused by its government of "creating a climate of fear" when it comes to how it treats employees who dare to bring up safety-related problems with management. Canadian National talks a good game about working with affected communities and being willing to pay their "fair share" of mitigating requirements, but by their own actions the CN has proven that they cannot be taken at the word. The CN's attempts to bully everyone in their way, including the STB, should serve as a warning to all involved. Canadian National cannot be trusted. Canadian National is a bad neighbor. Canadian National must be forced to pay for all of the mitigating requirements (including all of the overpasses and underpasses) or CN's proposed acquisition of the EJ&E must be denied. Thank you for your time and consideration."
  3138. (printed as 9/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12252Resident
    I am for HR6707. The tracks are 20 feet from my back yard. It is a beautiful neighborhood with lots of kids. If HR6707 does not pass the neighborhood will be ruin. I was recently relocated and no one will even look at the house due to EJ&J issue. It is devastating enough what the economy is like and now we have to worry about our safety and the safety of our kids. Not to mention the financial burden of being stuck due to a decision to allow even more trains to flow through. I am very disappointed that no on is considering the people who will be directly affected by this. Sincerely Theresa DelFiacco
    Theresa DelFiacco · Plainfield, IL
  3139. (printed as 9/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12251arlene m. grimes
    i wish to comment on proposed sale of eje rail sale to canandian national environmental impact. (stbfinance docket 35087) the cn must not be allowed to purchase the line, due to high probability of hazmat spills that may occur due to increased volume of rail traffic that they are planning to implement. i live in a community of 55+ individuals that is within 0.5 to 1 mile of the proposed rail lines. the cn has filed suit in appeals court to have the purchase approved before the environmental impact study is completed. this should not be allowed. i encourage you to fight this infringement on public safety for the good of all the communities involved and near to these lines. cn should also assume the costs of mitigation for the crossings and lines improvements that will be necessary should the sale proceed. thank you arlene m. grimes
    naperville, il
  3140. (printed as 9/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12250Karen Powal
    PLEASE listen to the people. We feel CN purchasing EJ&E RR would be a disaster. The crossings are closed every couple of years for repairs usually taking a week. With increasing train traffic from 4-5 daily trains to 20+ these crossing will need to be closed for repairs at least once a year creating even more conjestion & inconvience. Who will pay for these more frequent repairs. Again the tax payers? Will these repairs take money that would otherwise be used to improve existing roads? CN has a POOR record for safety & only cares about making profits. CN also has deep pockets & it refusing to commit on paper their plans for migration. I hope their deep pockets are not buying their quick approval. They must be up to no good or they wouldn't be in such a hurry to get this passed. Also, why won't they commit to migration?? Mayor Dailey wants this sale to happen but the trains in the city are at least stopped on overpasses not causing danger & inconvenience. Stopping trains on EJ&E tracks would completely shut down communities and cause extreme danger. The communities built up along the EJ&E were done knowing the tracks were used lightly & with CN changing this to extreme use will devastate everything surrounding these tracks. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE DO NOT MAKE A HASTY DECISION. We need more studies as to the impact CN will have on the surrounding communities. We also need a commitment in writing from CN as to their plans for migration and length and number of trains they plan to run. I recently tried calling your 800# & found you are no longer taking calls. Hope that doesn't mean you have already made a decision & everyone against the purchase is wasting their time. We the people are begging you not to let CN purchase EJ&E. THANK YOU!!! Karen Powal
    Deer Park, IL
  3141. (printed as 9/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12249Tara La Morte
    I just read an article in the New Lenox Patriot that explained more about the Canadian National Railway's Proposal to purchase the EJ&E line which could increase freight train traffic from 6 trains to around 30 trains. This would be extremely difficult for our community. They only proposed for $40,000,000 dollars to be used for overpasses, roads, etc... Which means our tax dollars would be paying for the rest. Having this many freight trains coming through our community would also be dangerous for school buses crossing the tracks, ambulances trying to get to an emergency on the other side, backed up traffic, the list goes on and on. We all know how frustrating it is being caught by a train when we are in a hurry. Imagine this happening 30 times a day. Tara La Morte 601 Misty Creek Dr. New Lenox, IL 60451 phone (815) 463-9446 fax (815) 463-9447 email taral@straaton.com
    New Lenox, IL
  3142. (printed as 9/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12248Michael Ciric
    I am voicing my concern regarding the sale of the EJ&E to CN. The residents in the Plainfield / Joliet area are mired in traffic congestion and gridlock now, the sale of the EJ&E would just add to it. We have been attempting to get a hospital approved in the area and the state board has rejected it at least seven times; this hospital was, in part, to deal with the current levels of congestion and long delays at EJ&E at grade crossings. The fact is: people are dying in route to the nearest hospital due to this congestion and gridlock. What should be a maximum of 10 minutes to get to a hospital takes, on average, 40 minutes. How many deaths will occur if the CN is allowed to proceed with their expansion? With 2 mile long trains? I urge the STB to reject the sale of the EJ&E to CN unless the following conditions are met: 1. Current At Grade Crossings in and around Plainfield / Joliet be changed to under or over pass design. 2. Current plans for Edwards Hospital are approved and allowed to proceed without interference from the state board. This hospital must be made available to the public! 3. Noise abatements be made manditory wherever tracks enter residential areas. 4. No rail traffic permitted during the hours of 9pm to 9am (the 9am hour selected so children going to school, via bus, are not stalled at at-grade crossings). The STB needs to reject the sale of the EJ&E to CN. Our current congestion, noise and inability to get to a local hospital in a timely manner are just some of the major reasons. There is also the environmental impact to consider. Please do the right thing and reject this sale until at least some of the recommendations listed herein are adopted as a condition of sale. Additionally, the CN must bear 100% of the costs related to those changes. Thank You
    Plainfield, Il
  3143. (printed as 9/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12247Louis Rios
    do not allow CN to aquire the EJ&E rail line. congestion is already strained and will only increase.
    PLAINFIELD, Illinois
  3144. (printed as 9/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12246Clantha Bates
    I am writing regarding the proposed CN acquisition of the EJ&E West Company. I live in a community that would be impacted by this acquisition which would cause the railroad traffic to increase significantly. I urge you to deny this acquisition to ensure that my community as well as others do not have to deal with the additional burden of more traffic during our daily commutes. Best Regards, Clantha Bates
    Aurora, IL
  3145. (printed as 9/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12245Daniel Solomon
    I am in opposition to the proposed acquisition of EJ&E Railroad by Canadian National Railway Corp. The impact to my community would not be a welcomed one. Our roadway congestion is already at high levels and I feel the increased rail traffic, as a result of this acquisition, would further degrade my community with significant vehicle delays, reduction of emergency response times, pollution (air and noise), and ground vibrations. Please do not support this acquisition, and further, I ask that you work in opposition to it. Respectfully yours, Daniel Solomon
    Romeoville, IL
  3146. (printed as 9/19/2008)
    Comment
    EI-16085Faulk, Edwin
  3147. (printed as 9/19/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15898Szymanek, David J.
  3148. (printed as 9/19/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15826Stavron, Allyson H.
  3149. (printed as 9/19/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15092Dougal, Don
  3150. (printed as 9/19/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15055Naples, Caroline
  3151. (printed as 9/19/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14865Demos, Kim
  3152. (printed as 9/19/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14864Demos, Brian
  3153. (printed as 9/19/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14803Cole, Barbara
  3154. (printed as 9/19/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14736Valk, Marni J.
  3155. (printed as 9/19/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14719Riley, Sharon
  3156. (printed as 9/19/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14718Hadgisava, Nancy
  3157. (printed as 9/19/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14717Larsen, Robert
  3158. (printed as 9/19/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14716Wyrick, Pat
  3159. (printed as 9/19/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14714Scouten, Charles G.
  3160. (printed as 9/19/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14712Monehan, Louise
  3161. (printed as 9/19/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14710Hoey, Mary
  3162. (printed as 9/19/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14708McFadden, Michael
  3163. (printed as 9/19/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14706Dunker, Elizabeth
  3164. (printed as 9/19/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14705Kring, Jill
  3165. (printed as 9/19/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14704Shopp Baskind, Ellen
  3166. (printed as 9/19/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14673Papa, Anthony
  3167. (printed as 9/19/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14666Martin, Claudia
  3168. (printed as 9/19/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14590Dunker, Elizabeth
  3169. (printed as 9/19/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14524Applied Soil Mechanics, Inc.
    Calhoon, Max L.
  3170. (printed as 9/19/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14497Debruyn, Tom
  3171. (printed as 9/19/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14439Ruthrauff, Linda
  3172. (printed as 9/19/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14405Urban, Nadine
  3173. (printed as 9/19/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14352Indiana Chamber
    Brinegar, Kevin
  3174. (printed as 9/19/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14292Schneck, Patricia A.
  3175. (printed as 9/19/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14288Smith, Bill
  3176. (printed as 9/19/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13864Reavis High School District 220
    Steyskal, James Dr.
  3177. (printed as 9/19/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13857Kane County Division of Transportation
    Schoedel, Carl
  3178. (printed as 9/19/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13736Marion, Brian
  3179. (printed as 9/19/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13552Riverside Department of Fire/Rescue
    Mulligan, Kevin
  3180. (printed as 9/19/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13551Indiana Chamber
    Brinegar, Kevin
  3181. (printed as 9/19/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13415Payne, Jason H.
  3182. (printed as 9/19/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13412Baum, Cheryl T.
  3183. (printed as 9/19/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13406Clesen, Helen
  3184. (printed as 9/19/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13403Eustace, Michael
  3185. (printed as 9/19/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13399Smith, Barbara G.
  3186. (printed as 9/19/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13398Parise, Michael
  3187. (printed as 9/19/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13397Bollman, Robert
  3188. (printed as 9/19/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13392Bruno, Carol A.
  3189. (printed as 9/19/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13385Prinos, Alla
  3190. (printed as 9/19/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13384Kosek, Michelle
  3191. (printed as 9/19/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13383Kapusta, Nancy
  3192. (printed as 9/19/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13374Davis, Gary
  3193. (printed as 9/19/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13372Ozcan, Shelia A.
  3194. (printed as 9/19/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13367Fanta, Scott W.
  3195. (printed as 9/19/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13061Hack, Tim
  3196. (printed as 9/19/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13059Vidinich, Tricia
  3197. (printed as 9/19/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12859Gentile, Lori
  3198. (printed as 9/19/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12858Faulk, Gayle
  3199. (printed as 9/19/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12853Farbizio, Denise
  3200. (printed as 9/19/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12851Ethredge, Vere
  3201. (printed as 9/19/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12849Degironne, Mark
  3202. (printed as 9/19/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12848Daemond, Barry
  3203. (printed as 9/19/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12846Cronwell, Alva
  3204. (printed as 9/19/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12845Cottingim, Michelle
  3205. (printed as 9/19/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12844Cassidy, Marie
  3206. (printed as 9/19/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12843Schroeder,Deborah
  3207. (printed as 9/19/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12842Carter, Amy
  3208. (printed as 9/19/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12841Renick,Jeff
  3209. (printed as 9/19/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12840Busekros, Eleanor
  3210. (printed as 9/19/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12839Prinos,Gary
  3211. (printed as 9/19/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12838Busekros, Eleanor
  3212. (printed as 9/19/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12837Burke, Nancy
  3213. (printed as 9/19/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12836Cipot,Stefan
  3214. (printed as 9/19/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12835Burke, Adam
  3215. (printed as 9/19/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12834Pignone,Carolyn
  3216. (printed as 9/19/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12833Brumund, George
  3217. (printed as 9/19/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12832Overbeek,Steve
  3218. (printed as 9/19/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12831Brown, Gwendolyn
  3219. (printed as 9/19/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12830Oker,Donna
  3220. (printed as 9/19/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12829Baskind, Ellen
  3221. (printed as 9/19/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12827Nichols,Mike
  3222. (printed as 9/19/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12826Baltz, John
  3223. (printed as 9/19/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12825Wicker, Sandra
  3224. (printed as 9/19/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12824Vosen, Susan
  3225. (printed as 9/19/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12823Hurst, Bertha
  3226. (printed as 9/19/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12822Thompson, Mark
  3227. (printed as 9/19/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12821Nichols,Lola
  3228. (printed as 9/19/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12820Takacs, Dorothy
  3229. (printed as 9/19/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12819Solita, Joseph
  3230. (printed as 9/19/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12818Nommesch,Barbara
  3231. (printed as 9/19/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12817Skowronski, Clifford
  3232. (printed as 9/19/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12816Shust, Allen
  3233. (printed as 9/19/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12815Schroeder, Deborah
  3234. (printed as 9/19/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12814Milanovich,Mike
  3235. (printed as 9/19/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12813Mensa,Gina
  3236. (printed as 9/19/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12812McKechnie,Christine
  3237. (printed as 9/19/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12811Kuzmanich,Eva
  3238. (printed as 9/19/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12810Kregul,Tim
  3239. (printed as 9/19/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12809Ko,Jill
  3240. (printed as 9/19/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12808Klub,Phillip
  3241. (printed as 9/19/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12807Kerr,Cynthia
  3242. (printed as 9/19/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12806Carlinsky,Mark
  3243. (printed as 9/19/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12805Harrison,Krystal
  3244. (printed as 9/19/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12804Griswold,Bernadette
  3245. (printed as 9/19/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12803Gorgol,Valerie
  3246. (printed as 9/19/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12802Germain,Pamela
  3247. (printed as 9/19/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12531Weir, Tony
  3248. (printed as 9/19/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12244Lynn R Cook
    STB Finance Docket No. FD-35087 I am all FOR fewer trains coming through the South Holland village!!!!!
    South Holland, IL
  3249. (printed as 9/19/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12243DEBORAH SCHROEDER
    I AM IN OPPOSITION TO THE ACQUISITION OF THE EJ&E LINE BY CANADIAN NATIONAL RAILWAY'S FOR THE FOLLOWING REASONS: -INCREASED RISK TO SCHOOL CHILDREN WHO LIVE AND PLAY IN THE AREA -LOWER PROPERTY VALUES -DELAYS IN EMERGENCY SERVICE RESPONSE TIMES -INCREASED TRAFFIC CONGETSION & POLLUTION -INCREASE IN THE AMOUNT OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS TRANSPORTED THROUGH OUR AREA. -INCREASE IN THE AMOUNT OF GASOLINE AND DIESEL FUEL USE FROM VEHICLES IDLING. I DO NOT WANT CANADIAN NATIONAL RAILWAY TO ACQUIRE THE EJ&E LINE. PLEASE STOP THE ACQUISITION.!
    AURORA, IL
  3250. (printed as 9/19/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12242Phillip A. Hansen, Jr.
    September 19, 2008 Ms. Phillis Johnson-Ball Surface Transportation Board 395 E Street, SW Washington, DC 20423 Ref: STB Finance Docket No. 35087 Dear Ms. Johnson-Ball, I am writing to express my opposition to the prospective acquisition of the EJ&E line by Canadian National Railway. I strongly feel that the negative impact this proposed transaction will have on our local communities is immense. The increased number of longer and faster freight trains running through our neighborhoods will result in: *More accidents and deaths along the rail line *An increase in automobile traffic gridlock at rail crossings *Elevated pollution and noise levels *Dangerously longer response times of our Police, Fire and Emergency Medical Teams *Disruption and/or closure of local business activities *Adverse impact on our property values Additionally, recent studies by RTA have revealed that a potential overcrowding of the EJ&E lines will also interfere with commuter METRA train lines affecting our ability to get to and from our workplaces in a timely manner. Please do not let us be “railroaded” by Canadian National. We are hopeful that you will make the decision to vote against this acquisition and to help keep our communities safe for us and for future generations. Respectfully yours, Phillip A. Hansen, Jr. Director, Oakhurst Community Association
    Aurora, IL
  3251. (printed as 9/19/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12241Edward Bemis
    Five years ago when I purchased my home by the EJ&E railroad tracks I was told it was a limited use spur track for coal trains and the crossing at 119th street did not even have railroad gates. Now on the same tracks you want to run longer and faster trains? i think this is a disaster waiting to happen, how can a limited use track now be a heavy use track with no apparent upgrade to the load capacity of the tracks. The sale to CN would be a major mistake and many future law suites, I can see it coming.
    Plainfield, IL
  3252. (printed as 9/19/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12240James R. Jacoby
    We are very concerned about the acquisition by CN of the EJ&E rail line. We are concerned about the added noise, traffic congestion, pollution, delays (personal as well as emergency vehicles) and safety at the railroad crossing. We are against this acquisition.
    Plainfield, IL
  3253. (printed as 9/19/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12239Tara Powell
    I am against the CN Railway company coming into our town here in Mokena.
    Mokena, IL
  3254. (printed as 9/19/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12238Russell Tarvid
    I am writing regarding the proposed acquisition of the EJ&E by Canadian National. The reasons this is a horrible idea are far too numerous to itemize here. Let me briefly say the economic impact this would have on the entire Chicagoland region would be traumatic. In addition to the very obvious environmental hazards and related risks to human lives, the effect on the regions economy would be catastrophic. So many area will be gridlocked that the area's economy will fail. The only positive CN claims, the decrease of trains within the EJ&E arc, is clearly false. Everyone, including the CN, acknowledges that benefit will be very short-lived. Please consider the terrible consequences that will undoubtedley occur if this acquisition were allowed. Thank you for your consideration.
    Frankfort, IL
  3255. (printed as 9/19/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12237Frank Listwan
    Twice a day I cross the Chicago & Northwestern tracks at Finley Rd.& Cresent Blvd. in Lombard IL. There is always a frieght train loaded with coal waiting to go thru Chicago. I think of all the money wasted by it sitting there. Then I realize that this is a national security issue because the coal fired power plants in the U.S.A. need the coal that is on these trains. Digging deeper I find out that we are also selling this coal overseas and that is helping reduce our trade deficit. Knowing that the railroad tracks are under Federal Jurisdiction, the sooner that our government approves the sale of the Elgin,Joliet & Eastern Railway to Canadian National Railway and this train jam is resolved, our country will be the better off because of it. Sincerely, Frank Listwan
    Addison, Illinois
  3256. (printed as 9/19/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12064Peter Cochefski
  3257. (printed as 9/19/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12063Cathryn Cochefski
  3258. (printed as 9/19/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12015Mark Thompson
    As a resident of a community that will be greatly HARMED by the CN purchase of EJ&E, I ask for you to do not approve this pruchase by CN. I am perplexed at CN's position relative to environemental, safety and lack of any concern for our community. How a company can propose and expect approval and publicly state they will not pay ALL mitigation costs is unbelievable. There are so many issues and reasons (safety, noise, traffic, etc. etc.) why this SHOULD NOT BE APPROVED that I appeal to you to stop this purchase ASAP. Sincerly, Mark A Thompson
    Naperville, IL
  3259. (printed as 9/19/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12014Peter Schaffer
    STB, CN is not materially cooperating with METRA on the creation of the proposed METRA STAR line on the EJE tracks. CN has stated that METRA could run new tracks along the EJE tracks and that Freight would have a priority. Creating new tracks would be cost prohibitive and would kill the creation of the METRA STAR line. Putting Freight as a priority over commuter service would doom the line, as train schedules would not be reliable enough to support serious usage by commuters. The Chicago region, population, and traffic congestion is growing to a point of traffic gridlock. The METRA STAR suburb-to-suburb line is needed to enable intra-rail movement of people and travel to jobs like Sears Corporation and Prairie Stone Center right on the EJE line. Have you considered the volume of cars and emission pollutants that will result from NOT having a METRA STAR line? The PEOPLE of the region will benefit greatly from the creation of the STAR line. There will be measurable and significantly less motor vehicle suburb-to-suburb traffic and emission pollutants with a STAR line vs. not having one. This one measure alone I suspect would be enough from an environmental perspective to deny the creation of CN rail freight superhighway as it is currently proposed. The STAR line is not optional and should not be discussed lightly or satisfied with empty promises from CN. I have not seen anywhere in writing where CN is accountable and locked into the empty promises being proposed. And even if there were, who in the world would actually be responsible for measuring and enforcing the promises? This is a bad deal for all but one party. Regards, Peter Schaffer
    Barrington, IL
  3260. (printed as 9/19/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12013Tricia Vidinich
    I am writing in opposition of the use of the EJ&E lines by the CN railway. The plan to drastically increase the number of trains through our community is totally unacceptable. The impact on the safety and quality of life of the residents MUST be considered. The population explosion in Will county over the past 10 years has already placed a strain on the roads and travel times through the suburbs. Increasing the number of trains that travel through our town by nearly 200% will undoubtedly impede the flow of traffic even more. Not only will ordinary residents feel the impact, but school buses trying to get to children and ambulances trying to get to those that need assistance cannot be delayed. The addition of 26 daily trains, some of which could be two miles in length, would certainly affect the routes and travel times of these vehicles. Please DO NOT approve this plan. Thank you.
    Bolingbrook, IL
  3261. (printed as 9/19/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12012Tracy Woodman
    This private deal is not in the public interest of our region. The people of our region shouldn't be placed at risk so that a private foreign company has a competitive advantage against American railroads in rushing Asian goods from Canada to Europe and South America . Enough is enough!!
    New Lenox, IL
  3262. (printed as 9/19/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12011Anthony Mielcarz
    I oppose the sale of the EJ&E RR. to the Canadian National/Grand Trunk RR..I have attended the hearing at the Matteson holiday Inn on Aug.25,2008 also was at the earlier presenation at the same location several months earlier. Received the report from your department , downloaded it and saw how the take over by the CN & GT RR would drastically effect my life and that of all of the surroundly town that the EJ&E goes through. First of all the orginal time line to render a decision was several years down the road now it has moved up to a much sooner date.Not soon enough for the CN so they have file to sue for a 12/31/08 date. Hold your ground and be fair to all. I gave a dicitation at the earlier meeting and was going to speak at the hearing,BUT while looking at the over view maps and noticing that they finally showed all the sidings (that CN leases from the EJ)that are right behind my home. there was a different 8x14 layout right by my area. I and my neighbor were informed that it was the new configuration that the CN had just given them and you only had several copies available, A STB rep gave us one of the copies of the new design of the north - south interchange to the EJ trackage. It come in by my house next to the no name creek. All my comments that I gave earlier are still the same. The CN has been impossible to talk to about security and safety concerns at the sidings. New concerns a large number of trains going through my neighborhood at higher speeds , the daily coal train to the Indiana power plant shake our house now. But it will not be a fast trains there will be standing trains that are East bound and are blocked by the CTX RR in Chicago Heights. Big traffic tie ups and people in the Matteson,Park Forest and chicago Heights area are denied speedy service for emergency services. Let us not forget the school buses they will also be delayed. We have two existing under passes in our area. The one on Orchard in Park Forest and the one in Matteson on Goveners Hwy (flooded out for several days in recent rains). This and a stopped train tied up traffic on main street for about 6 blocks. We are told of the Butler St under pass in Chicago Heights. (one lane) on a blind curve It is called a game of chicken and drivers have been injured there over who is to back up. I have a lot of deer and coyotes that cross over the tracks right behind my house. Yes there is stiil open areas and parks around our homes and they roam free (for now). I have lived next to railroads most of my life and can live with the exisiting noises and ocasional house shaking but this is asking us to put up with to much!! A long time ago I was thanked by the EJ&E for calling the EJ&E about hearing strange noises in the wee hours of the morning ( late sixties). It turns out that someone was trying to derail a ammunition train from the joliet arsenal. Or so I was told. Now days if you see or hear any thing out of the norm you can not reach anyone st the RR's even the police department have a problem! I know you have heard a lot of comments so thank you for reading mine. Just for your information my copy of the interchange was given to the offical of Park Forest as there were no more copies to give out that night and the Web site now refelect it. Thanks again, Tony and Denise Mielcarz
    Park Forest, il
  3263. (printed as 9/19/2008)
    Comment
    EO-1100Forest Perserve District DuPage County
    Pierotti, Dewey
  3264. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15905Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital
    Romolo, Robert
  3265. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15806Menconi, Karen
  3266. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15377Mosley, Rodney
  3267. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15374Ownes, John
  3268. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15178Czerwinski, Nicholas
  3269. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15177Czerwinski, Richard
  3270. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15167Sadauskas, Joe
  3271. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15166Yalden, Robert C.
  3272. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15165Sadauskas, Katie
  3273. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15160Dilday, Lizabeth H.
  3274. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15086Gawron, Steve
  3275. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15066Costantino, Erik
  3276. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14973Jarman, Chris
  3277. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14866Roggeveen,Wynn Ann
  3278. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14727Horn, Cynthia
  3279. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14726Loecke, John H.
  3280. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14725Austriaco, Aurora
  3281. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14724Gillig, Dennis J.
  3282. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14723Ibbotson, Brian
  3283. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14722Ibbotson, Beryl
  3284. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14721Ponx, Michael
  3285. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14720Dunker, Elizabeth
  3286. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14707Carroll, Deehn
  3287. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14680Patchan, Jo Ann
  3288. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14661Conway, Agnes, E.
  3289. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14509Dearborn Tower Condominium Association
    Mannos, Steven
  3290. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14503Forest Park School District #91
    Cavallo, Louis
  3291. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14501Village of Forest Park
    Ryan, Jim
  3292. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14468Opalinski, Ron
  3293. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14026Seper, Jeannine A.
  3294. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13994Lentz, Steve
  3295. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13540Basek, Geraldine M.
  3296. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13409Cantwell, Vicki
  3297. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13404Walker, Leroy
  3298. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13396Schwarz, Janice R.
  3299. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13395Schwarz, Craig S.
  3300. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13393Parello, Ray
  3301. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13391Gallo, Kim
  3302. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13390Otte, Brian
  3303. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13381Frederick, Mary C.
  3304. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13375Savaglio, Ralph
  3305. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13373Davis, Arlene A.
  3306. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13370Barrington Pulic Library District
    Ryan, Richard J.
  3307. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13306Yates, Maureen E.
  3308. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13060Costantino, Denise
  3309. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13056Cichocki, Lynee
  3310. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13041Lehr, Thomas
  3311. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13040Majka, Jennifer
  3312. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13031Bridge, Dennis
  3313. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12946Thornton Township High School District 205
    Doss, Jerry
  3314. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12945Franklin Park Police Department
    Wolfe, Thoma
  3315. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12801Vidricko,Joe
  3316. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12800Unknown
  3317. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12799Telfer,Michael
  3318. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12798Cull,Chuck
  3319. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12797Perez,Cecile
  3320. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12796Palenik,Mary
  3321. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12795Navarro,Ruth
  3322. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12794Manning,Carol
  3323. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12793Johnson,Lesley
  3324. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12792Janis,Doyle
  3325. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12791Doerk,Grace
  3326. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12790DeYoung,Larry
  3327. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12789Cain,Bernadtette
  3328. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12788Almquist,Frank
  3329. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12642Dewolf,Gerald
  3330. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12618Weiler,Bonnie
  3331. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12543DeWolf,Barbara
  3332. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12541Kreutzig,Marge
  3333. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12230Linda Lau
  3334. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12229Dawn Moeller
  3335. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12228Rosanne Niese
  3336. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12227Illegible
  3337. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12226Good Sheppard Hospital
    Illegible
  3338. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12225Debbie Smith
  3339. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12224Anna Tapri
  3340. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12223Debbie Peterson
  3341. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12222Illegible
  3342. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12221Erica Fryter
  3343. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12220Susan Grossinger
  3344. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12219Shabbir Kanji
  3345. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12218Deborah Murphy
  3346. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12217April Westbrook
  3347. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12216Linda Collett
  3348. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12215David Hardek
  3349. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12214Sarah Ives
  3350. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12213Megan Schultz
  3351. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12212Jennifer Hagen
  3352. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12211Dorothy Zalewski
  3353. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12210Lucy Patterson
  3354. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12209Krystal Mueller
  3355. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12208Sara Alberchinski
  3356. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12207Jeff Wilhoit
  3357. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12206Robert Zimmer
  3358. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12205Donna Curie
  3359. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12204Lauren Curie
  3360. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12203Laurie Wilhoit
  3361. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12202Laurie Yoder
  3362. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12201Barbara Teague
  3363. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12200Steve Whitfield
  3364. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12199Jennifer Cagwin
  3365. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12198Mark Rittgers
  3366. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12197Julie Tremblay
  3367. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12196Gregory Klabisch
  3368. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12195Michael Skurka
  3369. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12194Patrick O'Donnell
  3370. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12193Jeanne Valente
  3371. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12192Elizabeth Dunker
  3372. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12190Melissa Mailito
  3373. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12189Annette Brumby
  3374. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12188Sandra Root
  3375. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12186Thomas Blecker
  3376. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12185Jayne Winnie
  3377. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12184Bruce Kuzmanich
  3378. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12183Michelle Myer
  3379. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12182Bill Paymaster
  3380. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12173Karen Wingfield
  3381. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12168Louis Rossi
  3382. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12167Raymond Spaeth
  3383. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12166Sheri Mathis
  3384. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12165Mary Johnson
  3385. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12164Paul Johnson
  3386. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12163Carol Fuerst
  3387. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12162Sandy McLain
  3388. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12161Al Lemke
  3389. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12160Brendan Fuerst
  3390. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12159Steve and Molly Peterkort
  3391. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12158Dave and Kathryn Karwowski
  3392. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12157Heidi Lauber
  3393. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12156Sharon Root
  3394. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12155C J Soltis
  3395. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12154Jean Muno
  3396. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12153Kelly Burke
  3397. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12152Barbara Veldhuizen
  3398. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12151Dawn Grine
  3399. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12150Denise Figurski
  3400. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12149Kristi Wisdom
  3401. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12148George Suppes
  3402. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12147Cindy Cipriani
  3403. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12146Cary and Wendee Anagnostopoulos
  3404. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12145Robin Hass
  3405. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12144Nancy Jones
  3406. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12143Paulette McGuire
  3407. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12142Melissa Rubino
  3408. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12141Mary Walker
  3409. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12140Tina Kownacki
  3410. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12139Doug Gullang
  3411. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12138Robert Arnold
  3412. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12137V Furiel
  3413. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12136Robert Cooper
  3414. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12135Michelle L'Esperance Skrypek
  3415. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12134Jon Tullos
  3416. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12133Lisa Tullos
  3417. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12132Kurt Carlson
  3418. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12131William Barnes
  3419. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12130Michael and Sharon Root
  3420. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12129Ron Bogdan
  3421. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12128Pete Foy
  3422. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12127Holly Scholz
  3423. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12126Liita Forsyth
  3424. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12125Linda and Warren Klier
  3425. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12124Illegible
  3426. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12123Lyman Teague
  3427. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12122Beryl Teague
  3428. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12121Patricia Widlowski
  3429. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12120Catherine Chezem
  3430. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12119Coleman and LaVerne Ranahan
  3431. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12118Kevin Shoults
  3432. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12117Pam Bertrand
  3433. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12116Kirsch
  3434. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12115Pat Kirsch
  3435. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12114Trish Kirsch
  3436. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12113Ken Kirsch
  3437. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12112Paul Bertrand
  3438. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12111Christy Bertrand
  3439. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12110James Murray
  3440. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12109Mayor Robert Donaldson
  3441. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12108Laura Saari
  3442. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12107Karen McGuire
  3443. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12106John Fisher
  3444. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12105John and Dorothy Cumbee
  3445. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12104Joanne Snow
  3446. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12103Hal Lowe
  3447. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12102Christian and Kimoy Philips
  3448. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12101Robert Meredith
  3449. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12100Mike Kirsch
  3450. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12099Sharon Root
  3451. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12098Jim Bertrand
  3452. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12097Ed Kirsch
  3453. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12096Cheryl Conway
  3454. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12095Linda Davis
  3455. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12094Doyle Shepherd
  3456. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12093Bill Beltz
  3457. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12092Marilyn Rusthoven
  3458. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12091Robert and Mary Buonadonna
  3459. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12090Darlene Doria-Meredith
  3460. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12089Colleen Malloy
  3461. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12088Cornelius Venhuizen
  3462. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12087John Price
  3463. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12086Robert Rusthoven
  3464. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12085illegible
  3465. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12084Joanne Venhuizen
  3466. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12083Charlotte Raffanti
  3467. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12082Robert Dituri
  3468. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12081Gary Renard
  3469. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12080Nancy Boomsma
  3470. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12079Tim Flanagan
  3471. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12078Linda Boesch
  3472. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12077Elfriede Rieger
  3473. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12076Steven Knoop
  3474. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12075Dr. William Lamb
  3475. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12074Patricia Berg
  3476. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12073Christing Mair
  3477. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12072Steve and Pat Michalski
  3478. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12071Yodonna Kulevich
  3479. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12070Leesa Quade
  3480. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12062Cynthia Angermeier
  3481. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12061Dean Zoumboulis
  3482. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12060Jan Hewitt
  3483. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12059Carla Di Giulio
  3484. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12058Melissa Lesters
  3485. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12057Jennifer Benjamin
  3486. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12056Robert Schuster
  3487. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12055Michelle Geoffroy
  3488. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12010Barrington Ill Resident
    Allowing the CN to purchase the EJ&E and increase the train traffic thru our community will completely paralize our town. the track run right thru the middle. We already have 110 trains go thru our town on daily basis between the commuter and freight and the introduction of 15+ freight trains a day will be devasting. CN stands to greatly profit from this purchase. The traffic thru the city of Chicago can handle this but our small towns cannot. If CN is allowed to make this purchase and they must be forced to completely pay for underpasses and over passes to ease the impact on the communities. This is their responsibility, not the government. They are the ones that will make all the money from being able to move more freight quickly. Without the capital improvement, there would be a need to build additional fire houses, hospitals / emergency care facility, and police. This is the only way the entire city and surrounding area can be safe when the enormous freight trains are tying up traffic.
    Sue Bishop · Barrington, IL
  3489. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12009nancy taub
    Please do not consider a yes answer to CN's purchase plans of the EJ & E. thank you.
    barrington, IL
  3490. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12008Wynn Ann Roggeveen
    Dear Ms Johnson-Ball, As a resident and teacher in the Barrington area I am scared to death of the possible CN invasion" of our area. I know you have heard all the reasons but the disruption of the RTA schedule, which will become a most likely probability,only adds to the complications that exist. Emergency, service and school transportation are familiar with and work around a consistent Metra schedule. These CN delays to Metra will put all transportation and crossing up for grabs. Mark our word, if this goes through, the news will never end about the far reaching complications that will occur. There will be no one at STB who can claim ignorance on any issues resulting from this disaster. Truly responsibility of home, business and human life will be a direct result of those people on STB who okay this deal. The buck cannot be passed among any of you. The worst thing is that if it does go through, there are no controls, no way, when everyone sees it won't work, to reverse the decision. Like the greedy crumbling insurance companies that made big bucks for those at top and in control, the CN will make all the profits as the ones truly affected suffer greatly. Also we the tax paper, who are not part of their profits will be responsible for the cost of their mistakes. There is no government bailout for this misuse of power. Help Us Please."
  3491. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12007Massimo Paolella
    In the Elmwood Park area, too many trains pass through the neighborhood on a daily basis--several times a day. They are an inconvenience -- they hold up traffic and they are VERY noisy!
    elmwood park, il
  3492. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12006Janice Barnes
    I am writing to support the Canadian National Railway (CN) proposal to buy the underused Elgin, Joliet and Eastern railroad (EJ&E) which runs around the City of Chicago. As a resident of the South Loop, this measure would provide immense relief to our community which typically has numerous freight trains parked outside of our homes on a daily basis. The pollution and the noise impact are enormous. Please provide some relief.
    Chicago, Illinois
  3493. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12005Colleen Ziegler
    There are way too many trains that pass by everyday all day. I live about 5 ft from the train tracks and they hold up too much traffic, resulting in late arrivals to places. The horn is blown too loud at all hours of the day and night.
    Elmwood Park, il
  3494. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12004Jeff Mangano
    Dear Ms. Johnson-Ball, I am writing to express my opposition to the prospective acquisition of the EJ&E line by Canadian National Railway. I strongly feel that the negative impact this proposed transaction will have on our local communities is immense. The increased number of longer and faster freight trains running through our neighborhoods will result in: More accidents and deaths along the rail line An increase in automobile traffic gridlock at rail crossings Elevated pollution and noise levels Dangerously longer response times of our Police, Fire and Emergency Medical Teams Disruption and/or closure of local business activities Adverse impact on our property values Additionally, recent studies by RTA have revealed that a potential overcrowding of the EJ&E lines will also interfere with commuter METRA train lines affecting our ability to get to and from our workplaces in a timely manner. Please do not let us be “railroaded” by Canadian National. We are hopeful that you will make the decision to vote against this acquisition and to help keep our communities safe for us and for future generations. Respectfully yours,
    lake Zurich, IL
  3495. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12003Matthew Brophy
    Living in North Riverside for the last 11 years has been great. The only concern that I have have raised as a homeowner is the excessive train traffic and intersections being blocked for long periods of time. The train snarls access for emergency vehicles, access to my place of work, snarls access to get my sons to school in the morning and creates a nightmare of cars using our residental streets as if they were main roads when the main intersections are blocked. Friends and neigbhors all worry about the traffic nightmare that long trains cause in our community. I support the CN purchase of the Elgin, Joliet and Eastern Railway. The solution to the problem is the purchase of the EJ&E Railway...... Also with a community that still has many seniors the Main Intersection to Loyola Hospital is often blocked and creates delays that may cost the life of someone that needs to get to Loyola ASAP. Call me if you have any questions. Matthew Brophy
    North Riverside, IL
  3496. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12002DuPage Mayors & Managers Conference
    See attached comments from the DuPage Mayors & Managers Conference regarding the Draft Enivronmental Impact Statement.
    Kama Dobbs · Oak Brook, Illinois
  3497. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12001Janice Theodore
    I oppose the Canadian Railways purchase of the EJ&E line without CNR paying full mitigation for the Barrington area crossings because it will be unsafe to travel through the village and emergency services will be impossible in a timely manner.
    Barrington, IL
  3498. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12000Peter Martino
    I urge you to decline the purchase of EJ&E railroad by CN. They are not a good neighbor, they provide empty promoses to the Chicagoland region. CN will not only increase rail traffic on the EJ&E causing environmental, public saftey, and a decline of property values, but in 3 very short years will increase rail traafic back to current levels on all of their lines. Do not mortgage our future to a corporation(foreign)concerned with only profit.
    Hoffman Estates, Illinois
  3499. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11999Kristina Falat
    As a homeowner who lives adjacent to the E&J railroad (about 200 yards from the tracks), I and my neighbors oppose Canadian National's proposed acquistion. The increase in traffic is unacceptable to a region that already has transportation problems and lacking funding for improvements. The noise, pollution, traffic, and inconveniences will burden the local citizens, not Canadian National railway. CN's safety policies and transportation of hazardous cargo through residential neighborhoods is also unacceptable. The citizens gain nothing from this acquistion; it is a lose-lose situation. I challenge the STB to look deeper beyond those issues not fully detailed in the draft Environmental Impact Statement. This report downplays the real issues rather than addressing them head-on. The constituents oppose this acquistion!
    Aurora, Illinois
  3500. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11998stephan m Egan
    canadian national needs to sign and guarantee the money before any decision is made on if it is ok for them to purchase the ej railroad i have overheard them talking how they will not pay for any mitigation to allow normal traffic and commuter trains to run efficiently so them saying it" is meaningless and will lead to cutting off the western suburban communities from the metro area in my town alone there are 4 major roads without under/over passes as well as 3 other crossings they are within a 2 mile area (which is the length of the trains....) they also have a proposal to run for phase 2 to run 109 trains per day at 10 minutes through the town per train (running at a safe speed on over 100 year old tracks)109trainsX10minutes=1090minutes/60minutes in an hour=18.17 hours per day each and everyday in addition to the other freight trains that currently run through town and the commuter traffic which essentially will cut off all of the towns west of the tracks from going east unless they drive around to toll roads which are miles from their homes"
  3501. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11997Beth Hutchinson
    How long must we continue with this. It is not a good thing from what we can see for our community and the well-fare of our population. We do NOT want this purchase to take place ever.
    Barrington, IL
  3502. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11996Will County Historical Society
    This message is in regards to the proposed track connection between EJ&E and CN tracks on the north side of Joliet (actually in unincorporated Lockport Township, not Joliet). The original proposal calls for the new track to be positioned on the east side of the existing CN tracks, on land currently occupied by two automobile salvage businesses. The newer alternative proposal calls for the new connecting track to be located on the west side of the existing CN tracks, in very close proximity to the Illinois and Michigan Canal Heritage Corridor. In view of the tremendous historical significance of the I&M Canal, I urge you to support the use of the original alignment for the track connection at this location, and discourage the use of the alternative alignment. Thank you for your consideration.
    Bill Molony · Lockport, Illinois
  3503. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11995Roisin Mroz
    This private deal is not in the public interest of our region. The people of our region shouldn't be placed at risk so that a private foreign company has a competitive advantage against American railroads in rushing Asian goods from Canada to Europe and South America. Enough is enough!!
    Chicago, IL
  3504. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11994Sherry Hartmann
    I am a resident of Bartlett, Illinois and strongly object to CN's Proposed Action, and will be drastically harmed thereby. The EJ & E rail line extends through Bartlett, not far from where I live. I wish to state my strong objection to the proposed purchase of the EJ & E West Company by the Canadian National Railway, and to the Draft Environmental Impact Statement. As I'm sure that you are aware, the issues at hand grossly impact residents and businesses in a negative manner. Environmental concerns such as spills, noise, and air quality have not been sufficiently addressed by Canadian National. Other socioeconomic concerns include traffic congestion, public safety, property values, interference with the Stearns Road Bridge which is in the early stages of construction, interference with the proposed Star commuter line as well as current communter rail traffic, and first responder access to the west side of town. As a former police officer, now a mom with two children and another on the way, I recognize the importance of having access to emergency personnel - or should I say having assurance that they have access to us. A few moments could mean the difference between life and death. As a police officer, it is a terrifying moment to be called out for a choking baby or a house fire with occupants inside. It is heart-stopping when you roll up on a rail crossing only to discover that your route is obstructed by a passing freight train and you can't get to where you need to be in sufficient time. Many families, including mine, reside on the west side of the tracks. The fire department is on the east side. It would be a tragedy should any one of us be in need of emergency services and not be able to receive potentially life-saving attention due to a blocked rail crossing. I thank you for your attention to this matter. Sincerely, Sherry Hartmann
    Bartlett, IL
  3505. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11993Patricia Huelskamp
    I strongly protest the moving of many additional trains onto the EJ&E railroad which will undoubtedly cause safety issues and environmental concerns not to mention the traffic nightmare that will occur in Barrington.
    Deer Park, IL
  3506. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11992Lisa C Matlock
    The merger of CN & EJ&E will have far to great of a negative impact on the surrounding communities. It is unsafe and will drastically affect property value. I am opposed to this merger.
    Plainfield, IL
  3507. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11991Dan Zajeski
    I am very much in favor of granting the Canadian National RR the authority to purchase the EJ&E RR lines in the Chicago Metro area.
    South Holland, Illinois
  3508. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11990Paul Wisner
    Can i get some of the 11'X17 C.O.R.A. maps that we had in febuary sent to me so i can mark in the traffic patterns cars and other cars containing hazardous materials on the "EJ&E" ROW? Could you send me a car count "CN" says that they will be moving on that line if this merger is approved. THANK YOU PAUL WISNER"
  3509. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11989Paul Wisner
    So when will out PHILISS the new corrected DRAFT EIS be sent out to replce the flawed one you mailedout in July the EJ&E"maps that were used at the meetings and then when will the next set of hearings be? phillis can i geta set of "EJ&E" maps from you MARTY told me to ask yu about getting them"
  3510. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11988Konstantin Baritko
    I'd like to express support for the Canadian National Railway (CN) proposed purchase of the underused Elgin, Joliet and Eastern railroad (EJ&E) which runs around the City of Chicago. Chicago neighborhoods deserve the same consideration as suburban communities. • Reducing freight train congestion is an economic and environmental benefit to the entire region. • Many Chicago communities have borne the brunt of freight congestion for years. It’s time for our communities to see some rail congestion relief and for the burden to be balanced across the region.
    Chicago, IL
  3511. (printed as 9/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11789Miesmer, Melissa
  3512. (printed as 9/17/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15590Cap, Annette
  3513. (printed as 9/17/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15132Browe, David S.
  3514. (printed as 9/17/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15051Bennett, Mary
  3515. (printed as 9/17/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14757Dzieqinski, Casimir J.
  3516. (printed as 9/17/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14689Shermulis, Jean F.
  3517. (printed as 9/17/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14688Forsgren
  3518. (printed as 9/17/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14586Hill, Lori J.
  3519. (printed as 9/17/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14287Michunda, Anne
  3520. (printed as 9/17/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14035Doran, Nancy
  3521. (printed as 9/17/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13402Wittle, Jacqueline
  3522. (printed as 9/17/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13400Gelatka, William E.
  3523. (printed as 9/17/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13394Burton, Sandra
  3524. (printed as 9/17/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13388Dunker, Elizabeth
  3525. (printed as 9/17/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13045Bowers, Penny
  3526. (printed as 9/17/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13044Kiehn, Phillip
  3527. (printed as 9/17/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13039Trela, D
  3528. (printed as 9/17/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13038Graham, Keith
  3529. (printed as 9/17/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13036Baker, Arthur
  3530. (printed as 9/17/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13034Hull, Michaela
  3531. (printed as 9/17/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13033Frangos, Delaine
  3532. (printed as 9/17/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12787Zerantky-Wolff,Wanda
  3533. (printed as 9/17/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12786Veihl,Robert
  3534. (printed as 9/17/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12785Szydlowski,Mike
  3535. (printed as 9/17/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12784Shuster,Scott
  3536. (printed as 9/17/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12783Phillips,Theodore
  3537. (printed as 9/17/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12782Peterson,Kathy
  3538. (printed as 9/17/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12781Pence,Linda
  3539. (printed as 9/17/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12780Parma,Sam
  3540. (printed as 9/17/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12779Norise,Gregory
  3541. (printed as 9/17/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12778Mangano,Jeff
  3542. (printed as 9/17/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12777Lehr,Tom
  3543. (printed as 9/17/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12776Lach,Judy
  3544. (printed as 9/17/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12774Noreen,Kuenster
  3545. (printed as 9/17/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12773Cochran,Edward
  3546. (printed as 9/17/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12651Shick,Henry
  3547. (printed as 9/17/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12635Furman,Scott
  3548. (printed as 9/17/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12629Lach,Gene
  3549. (printed as 9/17/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12627Kilboy,Gloria
  3550. (printed as 9/17/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12624Barrow,Barton
  3551. (printed as 9/17/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12609Malhotra,Rakesh
  3552. (printed as 9/17/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12606Fredette,Sharon
  3553. (printed as 9/17/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12604Boyle,Edwin
  3554. (printed as 9/17/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12603Rasmussen,Marilyn
  3555. (printed as 9/17/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12549Warrenville Bicyclists and Pedestrian Advisory Commision
    Gard,Alan
  3556. (printed as 9/17/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12181Judy Stevens
  3557. (printed as 9/17/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12179Judy Niemann
  3558. (printed as 9/17/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12054Arne Toman
  3559. (printed as 9/17/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12053Blaho, S.
  3560. (printed as 9/17/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11987Cassandra Savard
    I have worked my entire career to own my own office building and it is located 5 parcels from the EJ&E tracks on Hough Street in Barrington, Illinois. Allowing CN to run the number of trains that they are projecting would take away any value I have worked for over 20 years to achieve. I am even more concerned and alarmed about emergency vehicles being able to maneuver through traffic when the major access to our hospitals will be blocked by freight trains, not to mention the risks associated with the contents of the shipments. Please do what is necessary to stop any further action taking place to allow this acquisition to take place; town after town, village after village has residences and businesses that would be not only severely jeopardized, but the growth necessary to maintain a vital and vibrant community will be totally diminished. Our town already suffers from being split up by three major highways and two railroads....increasing the number of trains would be devastating not only to the residents but to the area businesses and would result in the demise of our community.... Keep the train traffic in the existing industrial areas and not in our back yards!!! Please - Protect our children, protect our neighborhoods, and protect our homes and businesses!!!
    Barrington, IL
  3561. (printed as 9/17/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11986Jan Hewitt
    I AM STRONLY OPPOSED TO THE CN PURCHASE OF THE EJE. I AM VERY CONCERNED ABOUT EMERGENCY RESPONSE UNIT TIME AND THE INCREASE WILL EXPERIENCE WITH THE AMOUNT OF TRAINS CN INTENDS TO PUT ON THIS LINE. OUR SAFETY IS AT RISK, OUR WELFARE IS IN JEOPARDY. YOU MUST CONSIDER THIS WHILE REVIEWING THIS SALE. WHY WOULD YOU APPROVE A DEAL THAT BENEFITS A FOREIGN COMPANY AND BRINGS NOTHING OF BENEFIT TO THE RESIDENTS OF THIS COMMUNITY????
    Wayne, IL
  3562. (printed as 9/17/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11985Russell L. Friend
    By now you've heard from a number of concerned residents of the communities that would be affected by the proposed purchase of the EJ&E railroad by CN railroad. I cross the EJ&E twice each day to commute to work. Regardless of where I cross, I know that having two-mile long freight trains every hour would have a tremendous impact on the environment and the economy of the region. I also cross the CN/Wisconsin Central line twice each day as well and I know first-hand how much time it takes for a 110 car freight to pass. On some days up to 1,000 vehicles are prevented from crossing because the train simultaneously blocks IL Rt 22 and Deerfield Parkway, which are major routes. The blockage has gridlocked traffic for as much as 30 minutes. The North Central Metra trains stop traffic for 5 minutes (only 15 per day). In Barrington the Northwest Metra trains run 86 per day with a several Union Pacific freights. As you know, the Union Pacifc line crosses the EJ&E line. Add 20+ CN super freights which need to slow down to 20 mph and the entire central portion of town is gridlocked. This past summer the EJ&E closed US 14 for a couple weeks to make some upgrades to the crossing. The whole area was locked up such that passing through took up to 30 minutes compared to 5 minutes when it was open. We do not need to idle vehicles while the cost of fuel is at an all-time high and likely to go higher. Our nation expanded during the 19th century because of rail development; primarily for passengers. During the 20th century automobiles caused the expansion of our highway system which has become the standard mode of transportation. Railroads do not need to be subsidized by the public. The CN railroad is a multi-billion dollar foreign business that can pay for improving its system. However, the improvements needed to upgrade the EJ&E line to accommodate super freight trains are totally impractical for the region. Too many homes, businesses, and roadways would be affected. The public cannot afford to pay additional taxes to further enrich foreign entities. I urge the STB to deny the purchase of the EJ&E by CN.
    Cary, IL
  3563. (printed as 9/17/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11984Kari Frankenberg
    Please consider all of the ramifications of the potential purchase of the EJ&E railroad line by CN Railway to the Village of Barrington, Illinois. Our town virtually would come to a standstill when a train passes. We have three major grade crossings at Lake Cook Rd., Rt. 59 and Northwest Highway all within a mile of each other, straight through the center of our town. When these grade crossings are blocked by long freight trains, our school buses, emergency fire, ambulances and police come to an immediate halt. These are serious life, safety health issues. In addition, the railroad as CN intends to use it would significantly impact the real estate values of our town, not only for the residents who live immediately near it's tracks, but also for all community member's homes. When the schools, hospitals and emergency services cannot function, we have a problem. It is not fair for a foreign company to come to the U.S. and tell its villages, states and country to infuse great sums of money to fix the grade crossings because the foreign company needs to become more profitable. Please make CN show Barrington and the State of Illinois the money to fix the problems that it will create if they purchase the EJ & E tracks. Sincerely, Kari Frankenberg
    Barrington, IL
  3564. (printed as 9/17/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11983Deborah Kristmann
    I stongly oppose the purchase of EJ&E by Canadian National. I live within 1.5 mile of 4 intersections that would be impacted by heavy freight train traffic should CN successfully acquire EJ&E. I'm extremely concerned about safety, traffic, noise, environment and costs associated with mitigation. Please, please do not approve this purchase.
    Barrington, IL
  3565. (printed as 9/17/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11982Mary M Perkowitz
    Having the CN railroad purchase the EJ&E rail lines would be detrimental to our village and therefore I am opposed to it. However, should it go through, we need to make sure that CN is forced to sign on the dotted line when the STB spells out mitigation requirements in the Final Environmental Impact Statement. It should be up to them to pay for any improvements, not those who don't want the CN here in the first place.
    Lake Zurich, IL
  3566. (printed as 9/17/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11981Robert Thomson
    I understand the importance of progress. But with true progress comes, proper planning and infrastructure. Please use your HEADS, when making this life changing decision. Of the cn acquisition of EJ&E
    Bartlett, IL
  3567. (printed as 9/17/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11968Clarke,Sherri
  3568. (printed as 9/17/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11835Amanda Ponce
    9/17/08 Dear Sir/Madam, Chicago neighborhoods deserve the same consideration as suburban communities. Reducing freight train congestion is an economic and environmental benefit to the entire region. Many Chicago communities have borne the brunt of freight congestion for years. It's time for our communities to see some rail congestion relief and for the burden to be balanced across the region. Thank you for your attention and action on this matter. Sincerely, Amanda Ponce
    Chicago, IL
  3569. (printed as 9/17/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11834mary carol ziegler
    I Live in Elmwood Park, IL and my home backs to the railroad tracks. There are SO MANY freight trains daily, that tie up traffic, blow their horns like crazy, cause accidents and create pollution for the environment. The pictures on my walls vibrate as they come thru and there are so many of them all day long. Please put thru this proposal to reduce the number of trains that run thru elmwood park daily.
    elmwood park, IL
  3570. (printed as 9/17/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11833Robert Hynes
    STB Finance Docket No. 35087, Canadian National Railway Company and Grand Trunk Corporation Control-EJ&E West Company. I am opposed to the CN-EJE acquisition for several reasons. First, because of the additional noise and additional traffic congestion that will be caused by the large increase in the number of trains on a daily basis. We live close to the tracks, as do many other residents, and are already wakened during the night by the trains. We are already affected by the long traffic tie-ups. There are also retirement communities nearby. Increasing train traffic to the maximum possible will dramatically increase these problems. Secondly, I see a serious concern with impacts on essential public services (police, ambulance, fire engines, and neighborhood school busses that have to cross this line). Thirdly, I believe there will be increased risk in terms of public safety, not only because of problems for essential public services, but also risk associated with accident, hazardous materials, and chemicals. I understand Canadian National Railway does NOT have a good safety record and this heightens my concern. As a final comment, I think if the CN plan is approved, Local Governments (and their TAXPAYERS) will be burdened with many 100’s of millions of dollars in projects to try to alleviate the negative impacts of the huge increase in train traffic and citizens like us will also suffer loss in property values. I urge the Surface Transportation Board to reject this proposal. Robert F. Hynes
    Naperville, IL
  3571. (printed as 9/17/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11830Elonda Bledsoe
    I support the measure for few freight trains in south holland. These trains make it difficult to get children to school and to work. On many mornings when dropping my son off at Thornwood high school I am stopped by a train that last anywhere between 10-15 minutes.
    south Holalnd, Illinois
  3572. (printed as 9/17/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11829Loretta Barba
    I am in support of getting the trains out of our town
    South Holland, IL
  3573. (printed as 9/16/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15808Vinicky, Kelli
  3574. (printed as 9/16/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14867Village of Mokena
    Zoellner, Kirk
  3575. (printed as 9/16/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14863Ashby, J.
  3576. (printed as 9/16/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14572Siggins, Terri
  3577. (printed as 9/16/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14570Schondorf, Sharon
  3578. (printed as 9/16/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13378Mcallister, David
  3579. (printed as 9/16/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13307Cannon, Mark
  3580. (printed as 9/16/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13043Kopel, Annette
  3581. (printed as 9/16/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13042Kopec, Annette
  3582. (printed as 9/16/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12952Medina, Jean
  3583. (printed as 9/16/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12772Wolff,Gerald
  3584. (printed as 9/16/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12771Wisner,Paul
  3585. (printed as 9/16/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12770Sealy,Sharon
  3586. (printed as 9/16/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12769Sealy,Sharon
  3587. (printed as 9/16/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12768Ruth,Sandra
  3588. (printed as 9/16/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12767Minkel,Victoria
  3589. (printed as 9/16/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12766Klabisch,Greg
  3590. (printed as 9/16/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12765Hagen,Michele
  3591. (printed as 9/16/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12764Dixon,Rich
  3592. (printed as 9/16/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12763Dehm,Jean
  3593. (printed as 9/16/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12646Anderson,Lou
  3594. (printed as 9/16/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12641Gangwall,Veer
  3595. (printed as 9/16/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12636Sonnenburg,Susan
  3596. (printed as 9/16/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12628DiCosola,Paul
  3597. (printed as 9/16/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12617Tremblay,Julie
  3598. (printed as 9/16/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12615Klabisch,Gregory
  3599. (printed as 9/16/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12613Cioffi,Joan
  3600. (printed as 9/16/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12612Callaghan,Maggie
  3601. (printed as 9/16/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12610Rogers,Sherry
  3602. (printed as 9/16/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12605Vinicky,Lin
  3603. (printed as 9/16/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12595Woods,Ed
  3604. (printed as 9/16/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12557Davis,Barbara
  3605. (printed as 9/16/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12554Witt,Tommy
  3606. (printed as 9/16/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12329Ozinga,Marty
  3607. (printed as 9/16/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12328Ozinga Transportation
    Betts,Bruce
  3608. (printed as 9/16/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12191Susan Klabisch
  3609. (printed as 9/16/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12187Dean Vaundry
  3610. (printed as 9/16/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12180James Quaid
  3611. (printed as 9/16/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12178Matt and Tiash Milazzo
  3612. (printed as 9/16/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12177Allan and Pat Adzia
  3613. (printed as 9/16/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12176Carol Restivo
  3614. (printed as 9/16/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12175Yvonne Alderson
  3615. (printed as 9/16/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12174Scott Moss
  3616. (printed as 9/16/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12169Randall Ishikawa
  3617. (printed as 9/16/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11967Flor,Eve
  3618. (printed as 9/16/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11909Mourousias,Peter
  3619. (printed as 9/16/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11828MYRA NORISE
    WE MOVED TO SOUTH HOLLAND 4 YEARS AGO. WE FELL IN LOVE WITH THE COMMUNITY AND OUR HOME. HOWEVER, AFTER ABOUT A MONTH WE WERE READY TO MOVE. THE TRAINS WERE UNBEARABLE. THE TRAINS IDLE BEHIND OUR HOME ALL NIGHT, THE CONDUCTORS ON OCCASSIONS WOULD BLOW THEIR HORN NON-STOP WHILE IDLEING IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT FOR NO APPARENT REASON. WE ARE UNABLE TO REALLY ENJOY OUR BACKYARD OR OPEN OUR WINDOWS BECAUSE OF THE IDLING TRAINS, FUMES FROM THE TRAIN ETC. AS SOON AS ONE TRAIN GOES BY HERE COMES ANOTHER ON THE OPPOSITE TRACK. I LOVE SOUTH HOLLAND AND I HOPE THAT THE CANADIAN NATIONAL RAILROAD WILL MOVE THEIR TRAINS OFF THE RAIL LINES THAT RUNS INTO OUR COMMUNITY AND TO THE EJ&E RAILWAY THAT THE RUNS THROUGH THE OUTLINE SUBURBS. I BELIEVE THAT WILL BE FAIR AND WE CAN FULLY ENJOY OUR COMMUNITY.
    SOUTH HOLLAND, IL
  3620. (printed as 9/16/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11826Jason Minton
    Ref: STB Finance Docket No. 35087 My biggest concerns with this deal are listed below: -the impact on noise assessment used is outdated and has been rejected by the US EPA. This will directly impact my family and my willingness to stay in this community. - Current metra rail service will likely be disrupted interfering more frequently with my daily commute. - life and death first responders are not being considered adequately and this poses significant risk to my family. - Additionally, adequate consideration should be given to the at grade crossings and the amount of time and money that will be lost due to the railroads impact on our area. Please consider these suggestions strongly as they directly impact my family and my neighbors.
    Aurora, IL
  3621. (printed as 9/16/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11825Kevin Schramek
    The Honorable Anne K. Quinlan, Acting Secretary Surface Transportation Board 395 E Street, SW Washington, DC 20423 RE: STB Finance Docket No. 35087 Canadian National Railway Company and Grand Trunk Corporation - Control - EJ & E West Company Dear Ms. Quinlan: I am a resident Aurora, Illinois through which the EJ & E rail line extends. I wish to state my strong objection to the proposed purchase of the EJ & E West Company by the Canadian National Railway, and to the Draft Environmental Impact Statement. This purchase would effect me in a very negative way. The increased railway traffic could block my access to fire protection and emergency medical services because they are on the other side of the EJ&E tracks. Currently there is only one underpass at McCoy Avenue and that would be a significant detour from reaching my home. The most direct route, Ogden Avenue does not have an under pass. I hope you will take my family's safety concerns into your decision and Canadian National's refusal to pay for all upgrades and reject the sale. Yours truly, Kevin Schramek
    Aurora, IL
  3622. (printed as 9/16/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11823Peter Schaffer
    STB Finance Docket No. 35087 CN purchsae of EJE rail line Phillis Johnson-Ball Surface Transportation Board 395 E Street, SW Washington DCV, 20423 STB Board Members, As a concerned citizen living in a community along the EJE line. I respectfully request you strongly consider requiring the purchase of the EJE by CN to include the funding of mitigation of rail/road and rail/rail crossings, support the METRA STAR line, and also ask that you seriously consider the unique opportunity for a win-win with the railroad and communities along the EJE line. I will explain my thoughts and ideas for you below. Foreign interests are pursuing this private transaction as a way to circumvent the cost of constructing a new a railway with modern safety requirements as part of the cost of construction. This transaction will result in an undue burden on US taxpayers both local and federal to mitigate rail safety improvements that are needed now and in the future. The transaction will also handicap local communities with business access cut off by trains and invasive road viaducts that block business ingress/egress. No US funded highway construction process would convert a country road into an international superhighway with higher traffic speeds and volume without required safety improvements. I see no difference in this situation at all. There is however a unique opportunity for a win-win. The single most significant objection is that this transaction has zero benefit to community. And let us all face the facts. There are only detriments, and significant amounts of them, from a community and US citizen perspective. Even regionally there will not be the “reduction” in trains or rail accidents suggested and so hoped for by other communities. As reported in the Chicago Tribune, a business along the existing CN lines welcomes the reduction in trains so that additional capacity will be available to move his plastic products. Isn’t that statement simply an oxy-moron? In other words, the current trains levels will be reduced which will allow for the flexibility of adding more trains to move plastic products. This fact puts into question all of the metrics used in measuring future train traffic. There is no guarantee that existing traffic will be reduced to the levels suggested. The rail lines are not being decommissioned, in fact, they shouldn’t be. It’s a regional problem and we must find a regional answer. The CN purchase of EJE can be part of the solution. However, the terms as they are currently proposed are simply abusive, opportunistic and criminal. Increasing rail traffic is reasonable and is within the real world possibility of those communities along the EJE tracks. However, by far it is the volume of rail traffic that is the objection and the safety issues that accompany the transaction itself that is the problem and not the transaction itself. I would suspect you would find a significant pendulum swing in support of the transaction, even from those people in Barrington (like myself), if only the CN actually improved the village in some way and did not burden it without benefit. The meaningful way to build local support is as follows. 1) Explain that increased rail traffic will occur eventually with or without this CN transaction. 2) Require the CN to fund the grade separations. 3) Allow CN to ramp up the length, speed, and frequency on their trains along unencumbered rail lines that have the required safety improvements. The rail/road and rail/rail grade separations are the win for CN, village of Barrington and every other needed community. The 15 mentioned rail/grade separations are not sufficient to claim victory for all parties. However, not 100% of all the rail/grade separations are required either. Some middle ground can be found if one attempts to look. Allowing for the blockage of a four lane state highways (RT14) and regional arteries (Lake-Cook Road) is just simply ill advised and reckless. The win-win points here are as follows; · CN willingly offers up rail grade separations today as a partner. More than the minimum 15 proposed but less than 100% of all crossings. · CN gets to claim victory that it is a responsible corporation that truly works with their community partners. · CN gets the international rail super highway it desires. · The communities get rail safety/congestion improvement that would otherwise not be funded. · The funding of these improvements can be derived from increased profits resulting from the line and can be amortized over many many years or special shipper “use fees” for this route. There will still be some objectors. However, I believe this is the best available compromise where some benefit is provided to the local communities. Regarding Barrington. I believe this situation is unique in that in less than 6000 feet of rail track there are three significant road/rail crossing and one significant rail/rail crossing with the Union Pacific. I feel the cost to run the CN train below grade would provide enormous benefit to the community, to CN, and to the UP. This is a rather short length of track to consider for mitigation. Please consider the unique grade topology of these tracks as they are routed through this relatively short length of track. The rail lines of both the UP and EJE have been raised significantly from existing grade conditions many years ago. I would venture to guess there is at least a twenty-foot raise in grade elevation to support these tracks at their junction. Visiting the community and walking through the existing bike path that runs at grade level under the UP line can further illustrate this. No depressed tunnel was created to support these pedestrians. My point here is that the cost of lowering the EJE rail at this point in the line would not be as significant as one would suspect by looking at a two dimensional map or photo from Google Earth. I have two last topics of consideration for you if you please. 1) Please consider the METRA STAR line seriously and find a way to keep this initiative viable and a priority over freight traffic. The proposed STAR line traverses many communities in a unique way that would result in overall lower number of vehicles on the road during rush hour periods. This line traverses the Sears Corporation property and could provide for rapid transit benefits to the area. An over abundance of freight trains would limit or eliminate the viability of this line and result in additional vehicles and pollution to occur. 2) Throttling and controlling safe growth while encoring private investments in infrastructure. In other words, approve the transaction; give priority to commuter rail on the STAR line and various other commuters rail crossings of the EJE. Also limit freight traffic increases on the EJE until the safety projects are funded and completed. This really would provide a win-win for the region and allow CN to invest securely and responsibly in their future. Please take these concepts into consideration when making your decision and recommendation. There really would not be any other opportunity to address this real and significant problem once the transaction closes without these defined regional benefit conditions. I feel strongly my points addressed here are a real answer to a regional problem and not simply favoring one regional community over the other. I would encourage you to de-emphasis that issue, as it is quite decisive and inflammatory. These issues can be mitigated, it will take money, the money should come from the benefactor, and growth should be allowed in a controlled and responsible manner. Thank you for your considering of these ideas. Respectfully, Peter Schaffer 228 Monument Ave Barrington, IL 60010
    Barrington, IL
  3623. (printed as 9/16/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11818Kratz, David
  3624. (printed as 9/16/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11817Maple Hill Condo Association
    McCarty, Jerry
  3625. (printed as 9/16/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11816Flinkow, Paul
  3626. (printed as 9/16/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11815Flinkow, Brianna
  3627. (printed as 9/16/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11814Davis, John
  3628. (printed as 9/16/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11813Deckert, Brenda
  3629. (printed as 9/16/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11812White, Rich
  3630. (printed as 9/16/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11811Walters, Laura
  3631. (printed as 9/16/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11810Gallo, Kevin
  3632. (printed as 9/16/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11809Brunka, Barb
  3633. (printed as 9/16/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11808Powell, Roger
  3634. (printed as 9/16/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11807Krieman, None
  3635. (printed as 9/16/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11806Salvadore, James
  3636. (printed as 9/16/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11722Michele Hagen
    I oppose the EJ&E railroad going through New Lenox. We cannot handle the traffic we have in the city already, and the fact that CN does not want to contribute much to the upgrades will be needed is ridiculous. I also fear more hazardous materials coming through. Also, changing trains to be approximately 2 miles long, I feel, just will not be safe or be conducive to traffic flow.
    Joliet, IL
  3637. (printed as 9/16/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11721Amanda Holuj
    I am extremeley concerned about Canadian National's attempt to purchase the EJ&E railway. As the wife of a police officer, I feel that the CN's wanting to use of so many freight trains in excess of 1 mile in length is a severe tragedy waiting to happen. The railroad cuts this town in half, and if there were to be an emergency, police and fire could have a very hard time getting help to people who need it in time. Please consider stopping the acquisition of the EJ&E by CN. Lives depend on it.
    New Lenox, IL
  3638. (printed as 9/16/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11720Enrique Salgado
    STB Finance Docket No. 35087. I strongly support the current proposal for the Canadian National Railway to purchase the Elgin, Joliet, and Eastern Railway as Elmwood Park receives a tremendous amount of railway traffic and the congestion is unbearable at times since the area is so highly populated. Also, from a public safety standpoint, it would be great if less trains come through given the fact that there is a school and so may businesses (banks, gas stations, etc.) close by. If approved, the freight train traffic would go through less populated areas and even out the freight traffic across the area. Lastly, the noise and pollution issues would also be lessened as the trains can be quite loud and the less trains, less amount of fumes. I am available should you have additional questions.
    Elmwood Park, Illinois
  3639. (printed as 9/16/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11719Doug Ross
    Dear Ms. Johnson-Ball, I am writing in reference to STB Finance Docket No. 35087. The information that I have reviewed has suggested that if the sale of the EJ&E is allowed to complete then there will be some significant positive environmental changes. In particular, I've read that the sale will permit the CN railway to move their trains much more efficiently through and around the Chicago area, saving gas and reducing pollution. Assuming that the information I've read is correct I am writing to voice my support for the sale on environmental grounds. It seems to me that finding efficiencies in all forms of transportation is a key to preserving the environment and to minimizing further damage. In the ten years that I have lived in Buffalo Grove I have seen many freight trains come through my community. It really isn't that bad. I am certain that CN will continue to send freight trains through Buffalo Grove, and that's fine with me. To be clear: I'm not just trying to offload the freight traffic onto some other community. If there are clear environmental advantages to be gained as a result of this sale, then I think it is in our collective best interest to allow it. Thank you for your consideration and the opportunity to register our opinions. Sincerely yours, Doug Ross
    Buffalo Grove, IL
  3640. (printed as 9/16/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11718Dorothy M. Pampel
    I am a resident of Frankfort, IL, residing in a property located just north of the EJ&E RR on Aberdeen Rd.. I am deeply troubled at the prospect of having 28 or more trains travelling along this rail line. This would cause unlimited discomfort & hazards to our community. Times have changed since this RR was built. It's as if CN thinks they have a Grandfather clause to suit their own profit margins at the expense of Frankfort residents & all the other towns affected. The environmental impact is endless - safety issues, possible hazardous waste spills, delays in emergency responses, noise & vibration, are just a few of the issues in question.Why should the residents along this RR pay the added cost of protecting their environment when it's the CNRR that is reaping the profit. This is totally unjust. CN can find a better way to move freight. Respectfully & sincerely submitted, Dorothy M. Pampel
    Frankfort, IL
  3641. (printed as 9/16/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11717Debra Redder
    This private deal is not in the public interest of our region. The people of our region shouldn't be placed at risk so that a private foreign company has a competitive advantage against American railroads in rushing Asian goods from Canada to Europe and South America. Enough is enough!!
    New Lenox, IL
  3642. (printed as 9/15/2008)
    Reply
    223612Reply
    Bertling Logistics, Inc.
  3643. (printed as 9/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-16075None, Stephen
  3644. (printed as 9/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15890Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital
    Fraterrigo, Colette
  3645. (printed as 9/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15889Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital
    Scott, Mary Rose
  3646. (printed as 9/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15888Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital
    Esposito, Peggy
  3647. (printed as 9/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15887Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital
    Savella, Rosalie
  3648. (printed as 9/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15885Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital
    Olson, Kate
  3649. (printed as 9/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15873dvocate Good Shepherd Hospital
    Fidale, Sue
  3650. (printed as 9/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15872dvocate Good Shepherd Hospital
    Dioguardi, Charlotte
  3651. (printed as 9/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15861Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital
    Cahill-Johnson, Sue
  3652. (printed as 9/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15849Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital
    Yerushalmi, Rosemary
  3653. (printed as 9/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15848Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital
    DeAvilla, Joan
  3654. (printed as 9/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15846Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital
    Beasley, Beth Ann
  3655. (printed as 9/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15583Carpenter, Diane K.
  3656. (printed as 9/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15085Elfering, Gary
  3657. (printed as 9/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14930Village of Park Forest
    Ostenburg, John A.
  3658. (printed as 9/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14739Nordquist, Jefferey S.
  3659. (printed as 9/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14731Amonino, Camille
  3660. (printed as 9/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14685Wolfe, Susan
  3661. (printed as 9/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14475Roig, Robert
  3662. (printed as 9/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13862Village of New Lenox
    Butterfield, David
  3663. (printed as 9/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13377McAllister, Susan
  3664. (printed as 9/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12951Trevarthan, Sherry
  3665. (printed as 9/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12949Trevarthan, Michael
  3666. (printed as 9/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12948Jones, Kelly
  3667. (printed as 9/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12761Walker,Berta
  3668. (printed as 9/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12760Lukes,Kenneth
  3669. (printed as 9/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12759Lehr,Jessica
  3670. (printed as 9/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12758Lehr,Sarah
  3671. (printed as 9/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12757Lehr,Diane
  3672. (printed as 9/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12756Lach,Gene
  3673. (printed as 9/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12748Schiavone,Dolores
  3674. (printed as 9/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12747Davis,Therese
  3675. (printed as 9/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12745Ahlborn,Jim
  3676. (printed as 9/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12739Ruskoski,Eric
  3677. (printed as 9/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12738Ruskoski,Sandra
  3678. (printed as 9/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12733Palmiter,Barbara
  3679. (printed as 9/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12728McMilllan,Blanche
  3680. (printed as 9/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12724Mazur,M
  3681. (printed as 9/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12723Panagos,Jacquelyn
  3682. (printed as 9/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12684Hirtz,Tom
  3683. (printed as 9/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12683Motyka,Bonnie
  3684. (printed as 9/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12682Weathers,Virginia
  3685. (printed as 9/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12674Redman,Ferol
  3686. (printed as 9/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12673Lundy,Ruth
  3687. (printed as 9/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12662Palmiter,George
  3688. (printed as 9/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12658McFadden,Lois
  3689. (printed as 9/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12654Petyko,Connie
  3690. (printed as 9/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12650Sim,James
  3691. (printed as 9/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12621Mahala,Kenneth
  3692. (printed as 9/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12619Murphy,Tom
  3693. (printed as 9/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12616Edwards,Barbara
  3694. (printed as 9/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12614Price,Margaret
  3695. (printed as 9/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12596Anzelmo,Robert
  3696. (printed as 9/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12594Alvinito,Virginia
  3697. (printed as 9/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12579Cocanig,Lottie
  3698. (printed as 9/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12573Kroning,Colleen
  3699. (printed as 9/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12561Lerch-Davis,Genie
  3700. (printed as 9/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12560Benjamin,Thomas
  3701. (printed as 9/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12559Brown,Robbie
  3702. (printed as 9/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12555West,Susan
  3703. (printed as 9/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12552Price,Jerry
  3704. (printed as 9/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12394Johnson,Brian
  3705. (printed as 9/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12393Homenn,Karl
  3706. (printed as 9/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12392Gryka,Donna
  3707. (printed as 9/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12391Dushan,Sharon
  3708. (printed as 9/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12390Dejong,Annatta
  3709. (printed as 9/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12327Winbrook Management,LLC
    Nassimi,Mike
  3710. (printed as 9/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12171Alton Mitchell
  3711. (printed as 9/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11910Bandyk,Joseph
  3712. (printed as 9/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11800White, Darlene
  3713. (printed as 9/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11795Sladcik, Erika
  3714. (printed as 9/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11794Arnold, Tammi
  3715. (printed as 9/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11793Killinger, Scott
  3716. (printed as 9/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11792Murphy, Michael
  3717. (printed as 9/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11791Killinger, Patricia
  3718. (printed as 9/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11790Brown, Robbie
  3719. (printed as 9/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11788Leser, Patrick
  3720. (printed as 9/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11787Ptack, Sherisse
  3721. (printed as 9/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11786Kesler, Sheila
  3722. (printed as 9/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11785Johnson, Brian
  3723. (printed as 9/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11784Jindrich, Willam
  3724. (printed as 9/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11783Ruskoski, Sandra
  3725. (printed as 9/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11782Schorp, Paula
  3726. (printed as 9/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11781Pyrzynski, Larry
  3727. (printed as 9/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11780Johnston, Michael
  3728. (printed as 9/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11779Kuczek, Connie
  3729. (printed as 9/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11778Tipsword, John
  3730. (printed as 9/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11777Purnell, Gary
  3731. (printed as 9/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11776Winnick, Grace
  3732. (printed as 9/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11775Lipinski, William
  3733. (printed as 9/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11774Hansen, Lisa
  3734. (printed as 9/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11773Pahlke, Barb
  3735. (printed as 9/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11772Shindelar, CarolAnn
  3736. (printed as 9/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11771Perkins, Joanne
  3737. (printed as 9/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11770Teague, Charles
  3738. (printed as 9/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11769Johnson, Don
  3739. (printed as 9/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11768O'Sullivan, Kathleen
  3740. (printed as 9/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11716Jan Hewitt
    I am a resident of Wayne, Illinois. I strongly oppose the acuistiton of the EJ&E by CN. I live in a triangle bordered by three rail lines. I have concerns regarding traffic and access to emergency response units. I also understand that CN intends to move tranport of it's hazardous material to this line. I am concerned about, accidents, spills, and response to this type of incident. All homes in this area have private wells. Contamination of the wells by hazardous waste has not been addressed in the EIS. These issues must be addressed! Thank you.
    Wayne, IL
  3741. (printed as 9/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11714Amy Hanson
    I have lived at the intersection of 75th Avenue and Grand Avenue in Elmwood Park for the last three years and have been shocked by the amount of freight that rolls through Elmwood Park. Any reduction in Elmwood Park would be greatly appreciated. The road/rail crossings in Elmwood Park have become very unsafe as many people race accross the tracks in order to avoid being delayed by another freight train. This paranoia was likely the cause of people attempting to cross the tracks in the Thanksgiving Eve traffic in 2005 when a number of cars were stuck on the tracks at the Grand Avenue crossing, and a number of the vehicles were hit. It is disappointing that freight traffic can take just as long to travel through Chicago, as it takes to arrive here. Any reduction in travel time would benefit the consumer who purchase the goods transported on the trains by a reduction in shipping costs, and the environmental benefits would be greatly appreciated by the communities that are innundated by the excessive freight traffic rolling through their boundaries. Please support the purchase of the EJ&E railway by Canadian National.
    Elmwood Park, IL
  3742. (printed as 9/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11713Gindville, Larry
  3743. (printed as 9/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11712DeForest, Richard
  3744. (printed as 9/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11655Tim Feemster
    As a citizen, consumer, and a supply chain professional, I would like to go on record as supporting the CN purchase of the EJ&E Railroad. From a macro sense, this purchase makes tremendous sense as you look at the efficiencies it gives the CN to bypass the congestion of the Chicago railroad maze while bringing freight to Memphis, New Orleans, and Eastern cities via interline railroads. At some point, we have to look at the common good vs. an individual or minority position. Isn't that why we allow eminent domain land purchase? Think of all the fuel savings, congestion savings in Chicago, and speed to market this solutions brings to the CN. Goods from Canada and Asia can speed past Chicago, with minimal disruption, to their final destinations and save the cargo owners multiple days in transit.
    Dallas, TX
  3745. (printed as 9/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11651Dino Kapadia
    Re: STB Finance Docket No. 35087, I am concerned that some number of outlier i.e. non-average commuters may suddenly face firing from their long-standing jobs as a result of tardiness that will be introduced by the Purchase of E.J. & E. rail tracks by Canadian National, and may go postal" on Canadian National. My comments about this unanticipated outcome are attached."
    Frankfort, IL
  3746. (printed as 9/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11648Simbi Acharya
    Re: Docket number: 35087 Chicago neighborhoods deserve the same consideration as suburban communities. Reducing freight train congestion is an economic and environmental benefit to the entire region. Many Chicago communities have borne the brunt of freight congestion for years. It’s time for our communities to see some rail congestion relief and for the burden to be balanced across the region.
    Chicago, IL
  3747. (printed as 9/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11647Jeannine Lau
    Chicago neighborhoods deserve the same consideration as suburban communities. · Reducing freight train congestion is an economic and environmental benefit to the entire region. · Many Chicago communities have borne the brunt of freight congestion for years. It’s time for our communities to see some rail congestion relief and for the burden to be balanced across the region.
    Chicago, IL
  3748. (printed as 9/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11645Debbie Korak
    I am commenting as to the proposed CN RR acquisition of the EJ& E RR. I am a teacher in the Griffith Public Schools. I travel to more than one building, and will be affected by an increase in train traffic. My schedule requires me to begin a class at a school across the tracks 15 minutes after the end of one at my previous school. Increased train traffic will certainly affect my arriving on time. Also, I am able to see the traffic outside of my classroom, and it is now tied up sometimes for 3 blocks. This increases the amount of pollutants in the air in and around the school even as students are outside on the playground. The increased train traffic will also affect the students arrival at school on time, and safety of H.S. students that drive and want to beat the train to avoid detentions.
    Griffith, IN
  3749. (printed as 9/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11643Deborah Murphy
    PLEASE DO NOT approve the purchase of the EJ&E by CN - the potential effects of this will be DISASTEROUS to our community and out lives. Consider the little people before you consider the corporations.
    New Lenox, Il
  3750. (printed as 9/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11640Dinesh Chhabra
    I STRONGLY OBJECT AGAINST THE CN ACQUISITION OF THE ELGIN, JOILIET AND EASTERN WEST COMPANY (EJ&E) TRACKS (DOCKET #35087). AS IT WILL NEGATIVELY AFFECT ME, MY FAMILY AND MY COMMUNITY.
    Naperville, IL
  3751. (printed as 9/14/2008)
    Comment
    EI-16120Swanson, Birgit
  3752. (printed as 9/14/2008)
    Comment
    EI-16074Brian Kumrow
    I'm against CN buting EJ for the simple fact of it will be too much rail traffic at my back door. I live it a subdivision that lines the tracks. 2 train daily is all I can handle.
    Jennifer Kumrow · Plainfield, IL
  3753. (printed as 9/14/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14744Dennison, Tom
  3754. (printed as 9/14/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14461Abdo, Wa'el
  3755. (printed as 9/14/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13905Crowder, Charles F.
  3756. (printed as 9/14/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12729Novosel,Janet
  3757. (printed as 9/14/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12726Stoor,Randy
  3758. (printed as 9/14/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12680Posego,Jodi
  3759. (printed as 9/14/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12679Kuczek,Larry
  3760. (printed as 9/14/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12657Makarowski,John
  3761. (printed as 9/14/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12637Baldwin,Karen
  3762. (printed as 9/14/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12602Bridge,Teri
  3763. (printed as 9/14/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12388Wolff,Gerald
  3764. (printed as 9/14/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12387Sinclair,Robert
  3765. (printed as 9/14/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12386Peternek,Ron
  3766. (printed as 9/14/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11911Wiggins,Michael
  3767. (printed as 9/14/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11723Wiggins, Michelle
  3768. (printed as 9/14/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11637John Bernardi
    Please do NOT allow the canadian national RR purchace the EJ&E. It would hurt so many communitys. Thank you John Bernardi
    Hawthorn Woods, IL
  3769. (printed as 9/14/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11634Dearborn Toer
    Chicago neighborhoods deserve the same consideration as suburban communities. · Reducing freight train congestion is an economic and environmental benefit to the entire region. · Many Chicago communities have borne the brunt of freight congestion for years. It’s time for our communities to see some rail congestion relief and for the burden to be balanced across the region. Please be sure to make a decision based on the big picture and all of the relevant stakeholders/interests, over both the short and long terms, not just the hue and cry coming from a relatively small but vocal group of protestors. Don't let their histrionics prevail over rational analysis.
    Courtney Hunt · Chicago, IL
  3770. (printed as 9/14/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11630Lisa C. Harris
    As a resident of South Holland, IL, I request that consideration be given to taking the Canadian National railroad trains out of South Holland. We have been inconvenienced for years by train tracks. The community has a number of kids that walk and/or bike to school. They are often stopped at the tracks because of the trains that can last up to 20 minutes at times. WE NEED A LONG NEEDED BREAK!
    South Holland, IL
  3771. (printed as 9/14/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11614Sandra Ruskoski
    I BEG you: DO NOT approve the CN acquisition of EJ&E. It will have a disastrous affect on my family and community. I attended the public meeting on Aug 27, 2008 in Barrington, IL. I agree with all the comments that were made that evening. I live one block west of the EJ&E train tracks. From my own perspective the SAFETY of my family is the most important issue. Getting to my home or to the doctor or hospital if I or the ambulance is on the other side of the railroad tracks will be critically compromised. If there is an train accident, my family's safety will be compromised. If there is accident involving a hazardous materials spill my family's safety will be compromised. My family's water supply - we have an individual well - will be compromised. My family's air quality will be compromised. The school buses will face additional risks which may compromise students. CN does NOT have a good safety record. The NUISANCE factor will also come into play on a daily, no... hourly basis. The traffic delays to go anywhere in the local communities will be horrific. The noise level will make it impossible to have a conversation in my own back yard. I will not be able to have my windows open in the summer months. The ECONOMIC impact to my family will be substantial. Our home, which we have owned for over 20 years, will plummet in property value overnight. The vibrations may cause costly home repairs. It will affect local businesses also, as I will certainly change my habits to avoid at all costs having to cross the train tracks (if at all possible.) This proposed transaction will benefit a foreign company's profit at a huge personal and financial expense to millions of local Americans. There will be no benefit to local Chicagoans other than those who would move the problem from their backyards to our backyards. This is not the way to solve the congested rail problems. Make CN find a real solution at their own expense... not ours. Our local communities do not have the financial or managerial wherewithal to deal with the immense issues that this proposed transaction would involve. PLEASE DO NOT ALLOW CN TO ACQUIRE EJ&E. Sincerely, Sandra Ruskoski
    Deer Park, IL
  3772. (printed as 9/14/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11608Wayne Gregory
    I oppose the proposed acquisition of the EJ&E Railroad by Canadian National. It is currently difficult to cross the tracks on Washington and Wood Streets due to heavy train traffic. If train traffic increases several times on both the Union Pacific and EJ&E Railways, it will be essentially impossible to cross these tracks. Sincerely, Wayne Gregory
    West Chicago, IL
  3773. (printed as 9/14/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11600Elizabeth Balla
    As a resident of a community that will be greatly harmed by the number of freight trains that would operate through the region if Canadian National Railway (CN) is allowed to purchase the EJ&E rail line, I urge you to do everything in your power to ensure that the interests of the residents of our region are protected against the negative impacts of this acquisition. It is my understanding that the Draft Environmental Impact Study (DEIS) on this transaction will be released shortly. This document will let the region know what we can expect in the way of public protection from your agency. I am very concerned that my community will be facing significant issues related to public safety, environment, traffic gridlock, emergency response times, and economic loses if this acquisition is approved. None of these issues are being adequately dealt with by the CN, which is why I am asking you to fully address these issues in the EIS. Additionally, in finalizing the DEIS, please ensure the following two issues are fully and adequately addressed: • CN’s unwillingness to provide freight traffic projections beyond three years (a cut off that precedes the Phase 2 expansion of the major new port served by CN – the Port of Prince Rupert in western Canada). CN needs to provide capacity data and operational projections to 2020, at the very least. If the American Association of Railroads can demand taxpayer investments in rail infrastructure to accommodate a projected growth in rail freight of 88% by 2035, it is inconceivable that the CN cannot quantify its own long- range business projections involving the EJ&E. • Due to the significance of the potential impacts to our communities and region, we must ask for a longer review period than 45 days to respond to the DEIS. Communities need 120 days for a due diligence review that can adequately examine the data used to arrive at the conclusions and to respond to the study’s findings. Thank you for your consideration of my request. Sincerely, Elizabeth A. Balla
    Aurora, Illinois
  3774. (printed as 9/14/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11599David Balla
    As a resident of a community that will be greatly harmed by the number of freight trains that would operate through the region if Canadian National Railway (CN) is allowed to purchase the EJ&E rail line, I urge you to do everything in your power to ensure that the interests of the residents of our region are protected against the negative impacts of this acquisition. It is my understanding that the Draft Environmental Impact Study (DEIS) on this transaction will be released shortly. This document will let the region know what we can expect in the way of public protection from your agency. I am very concerned that my community will be facing significant issues related to public safety, environment, traffic gridlock, emergency response times, and economic loses if this acquisition is approved. None of these issues are being adequately dealt with by the CN, which is why I am asking you to fully address these issues in the EIS. Additionally, in finalizing the DEIS, please ensure the following two issues are fully and adequately addressed: • CN’s unwillingness to provide freight traffic projections beyond three years (a cut off that precedes the Phase 2 expansion of the major new port served by CN – the Port of Prince Rupert in western Canada). CN needs to provide capacity data and operational projections to 2020, at the very least. If the American Association of Railroads can demand taxpayer investments in rail infrastructure to accommodate a projected growth in rail freight of 88% by 2035, it is inconceivable that the CN cannot quantify its own long- range business projections involving the EJ&E. • Due to the significance of the potential impacts to our communities and region, we must ask for a longer review period than 45 days to respond to the DEIS. Communities need 120 days for a due diligence review that can adequately examine the data used to arrive at the conclusions and to respond to the study’s findings. Thank you for your consideration of my request. Sincerely, David P. Balla
    Aurora, Illinois
  3775. (printed as 9/14/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11598Jim O'Rourke
    Please... Don't let the CN purchase go through. We have enough traffic problems in northwest Indiana, and there's already enough precious time being lost due to rail traffic in Gary, Griffith, Highland, Munster, Chicago heights, all the way west out to Frankfort, and New Lenox, Il... I drive for a living, and I can't count how many times I've seen emergency vehciles (fire, police, or paramedics)have to wait long times to respond to their emergency.. These are precious minutes to whoever is waiting for them! Also, I don't believe we should be selling these rails to a foreign corporation who will not care how they inconvienience us here, nor give them the advantage they would recieve!! Thanks, Jim O'Rourke
    Chesterton, Indiana
  3776. (printed as 9/14/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11597Cheryl Behymer
    I oppose the sale of the Ej&E railroad to CN. Downtown Chicago has the infostructure to handle many trains without disrupting or endangering the community. Suburbs like Plainfield and Naperville do not have that infostructure. Yes we live by train tracks and the amount of trains that come through now does not disrupt or endanger lives. These cities crossings are not built for that kind of train traffic. The crossings that are at grade need to be built as over or underpasses before more trains use these tracks. I dont feel that a though environmental study was done. Please check the saftly record of CN in Canada. Please dont let this happen.
    Naperville, IL
  3777. (printed as 9/14/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11595North Country in Wayne Community Association
    Comment on Document No. 35087 The Munger Alternative - UP Connection" described in Section 2.4.1.4 of the Draft Environmental Impact Statement ("DEIS") (see page 2-48) should be immediately removed from consideration. This section erroneously claims that the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County (FPDDC) proposed an alternative that the UP Belvidere Subdivision rail line be used as an alternative to connecting CN’s Freeport Subdivision rail line with EJ&E’s Western Subdivision rail line. This is false. On September 12, 2008, the PFFDC issued a press release denying that it proposed such an alternative, and also stating that it did NOT support this alternative. The North Country in Wayne Community Association, comprised of approximately 45 families, strongly objects to this alternative. The UP route crosses high traffic Dunham Road (which include heavy truck traffic), and runs immediately alongside our neighborhood where our families live, and also alongside the Lamplight Equestrian Center, a proud attraction of Wayne which draws thousands of visitors a year. This would dramatically and disproportionately and unnacceptably increase the risk to human health, safety and environment, relative to any other options, and therefore should be immediately removed from any consideration."
    Michael Anastasio
  3778. (printed as 9/14/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11594Barbara McKernin
    Dear Ms. Ball, I am alarmed by the proposed CN acquisition of the EJ&E. I believe the environmental effects will be harmful with so many additional cars and trucks waiting at railroad crossings, not to mention the dangers for emergency vehicles, and absolute inconvenience of thousands of citizens. I am hoping HR 6707 will pass, and that additional time and effort be spent in solving the congestion and environmental problems inherent in the acquisition.
    Romeoville, IL
  3779. (printed as 9/14/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11593Adam Shepherd
    I Support CNs proposal to reduce freight congestion in Chicago. Chicago neighborhoods deserve the same consideration as suburban communities. · Reducing freight train congestion is an economic and environmental benefit to the entire region. · Many Chicago communities have borne the brunt of freight congestion for years. It’s time for our communities to see some rail congestion relief and for the burden to be balanced across the region.
    Chicago, IL
  3780. (printed as 9/14/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11592Troy Wegner
    I support the Canadian National Railway (CN) to buy the underused Elgin, Joliet and Eastern railroad (EJ&E) Chicago is a wold class city with too many trains. These trains limit growth in certain areas do to pollution, noise and saftey concerns. REDUCE THE TRAIN VOLUME Chicago neighborhoods deserve the same consideration as suburban communities. Reducing freight train congestion is an economic and environmental benefit to the entire region. Many Chicago communities have borne the brunt of freight congestion for years. It’s time for our communities to see some rail congestion relief and for the burden to be balanced across the region.
    Chicago, IL
  3781. (printed as 9/13/2008)
    Comment
    EI-16051Cosgrove, Marian
  3782. (printed as 9/13/2008)
    Comment
    EI-16050Cosgrove, Kelly
  3783. (printed as 9/13/2008)
    Comment
    EI-16049Cosgrove, Molly
  3784. (printed as 9/13/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13408Illegible
  3785. (printed as 9/13/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13407Toigo, Christine M.
  3786. (printed as 9/13/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13382DeYoung, Harris
  3787. (printed as 9/13/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13379Leadley, Larry
  3788. (printed as 9/13/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13047Horan, R
  3789. (printed as 9/13/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12762Linke,Taryn
  3790. (printed as 9/13/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12744Ahlborn,Pam
  3791. (printed as 9/13/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12742Bruno,Joe
  3792. (printed as 9/13/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12740Cosgrove,Timothy
  3793. (printed as 9/13/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12737Sadler,Dawn
  3794. (printed as 9/13/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12725Cammarata,M
  3795. (printed as 9/13/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12676Beaumont,George
  3796. (printed as 9/13/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12611Fumo,James
  3797. (printed as 9/13/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12585Stanfa,Anthony
  3798. (printed as 9/13/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12584Rych,Betty
  3799. (printed as 9/13/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12583Rych,Reginald
  3800. (printed as 9/13/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12547Nosbisch.Roberta
  3801. (printed as 9/13/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12540Linke,Kristi
  3802. (printed as 9/13/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12539Linke,Alex
  3803. (printed as 9/13/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12385Yanchick,Christine
  3804. (printed as 9/13/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12384Tomany,Joan
  3805. (printed as 9/13/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12383Markmann,Gregg
  3806. (printed as 9/13/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12382Kosinski
  3807. (printed as 9/13/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12381Kosinski,Ken
  3808. (printed as 9/13/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12380Eagleton,Catherine
  3809. (printed as 9/13/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12379Casey,Karen
  3810. (printed as 9/13/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11726Sutkevicius, Dainius
  3811. (printed as 9/13/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11725Lang, Jeff
  3812. (printed as 9/13/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11724Cascia, Mark
  3813. (printed as 9/13/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11649Evans, Patti
  3814. (printed as 9/13/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11591Michael Lancelot
    Comments on the DEIS: 1) You failed to address taxpayer costs in mitigation. 2) No investigation of CN's claims for benefits to existing line communities. 3) Where are the benefits to region documented? Again, you only accepted CN's claims on face value. 4) Very little, if any, backup to your models and claims of capacity and blockage on the line. This is KEY. This line does not have the capacity if the commuter lines, existing freight traffic on this line and crossing railroads, and vehicular traffic are TRUTHFULLY factored in. 5) The DEIS ignores tax base impact due to falling property values and loss of business revenues due to increased congestion. People will AVOID the area at all costs. Severe business impact was totally ignored. The only ones who benefit from this acquisition are truthfully the CN and its shareholders. Do the right thing--block this deal. Don't be pushed around by a foreign company with no benefit to US taxpayers.
    Deer Park, IL
  3815. (printed as 9/13/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11590Gerald M Warzon
    It is obvious that little if any research has been done on the Environment effect of the purchase of the EJ&E Rail line by Canadian National to Plainfield. Some say the people can take alternates routes!!! Here is what Plainfield is like: Today Highway 59 in the main road running North & South through Plainfield. To the west of Plainfield is the Des Plaines river with no North/South route until you cross the river with only one route within two miles, for residents living on the south side of the city. That route involves crossing a hundred-fifty old single lane bridge, yes one car on at a time on the bridge. To east of Plainfield are a large number of abandon quarrys with NO north/south roads on the south and north side of Plainfield. The only route Plainfield residents have to go south is HWY 59. The City of Plainfield has feeders/exists off of Inerstate 55, hwy 126,hwy30 & hwy59 running directly into the two lane road in downtown Plainfield with approximately 30% of these vehicles being tractor trailers. ON a daily bases, for six hours, traffic is backedup two to three miles outside the City Of Plainfield. The purposed 35 additional daily trains, two miles long, crossing Hwy 126 and Lockport street within quarter mile of hwy 59 in Plainfield would cripple the city for most of the day. Daily rush Hour" traffic would increase from six hours to ten hours. Ambulances, firetrucks and school buses would be stuck in traffic for hours, as there are no alternate routes. Please help, it has nothing to do with noise,it is an environmental issue. The city of Plainfield would be crippled if the sale is allowed and the Safety and welfare of our citizen would suffer. Someone looked at installing a overhead rail on 135th street, let me present to you. Hwy 59 within the city of Plainfield has ten to twenty times the traffic as 135th on a daily bases. Someone is sleeping! May I suggest the Federal Officials involved in this decision visit Plainfield on any day of the week at 8:00am or 5:00pm and be prepared to spend an hour to go three mile without train interference. Add train interference, it will take you an additional half hour or more to get through Plainfield. It's a parking in this city on a daily bases, with train tracks right next to the main route a bad situation today would be untolerable. I would be more than happy to show anyone interesting in seeing this situation first hand, including Canadian Rail who say there is determental environmental effect with this purchase."
  3816. (printed as 9/13/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11589Mary Malizia
    This private deal is not in the public interest of our region. The people of our region shouldn't be placed at risk so that a private foreign company has a competitive advantage against American railroads in rushing Asian goods from Canada to Europe and South America. Enough is enough!!
    New Lenox, IL
  3817. (printed as 9/13/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11588Louis Mauro
    The cnn takeover will cause a great burdon on all people in the romeoville and will county area
    romeoville, IL 60446
  3818. (printed as 9/13/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11587Robert Lancelot
    Chicago, IL
  3819. (printed as 9/13/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11586Bob Lancelot
    Deer Park, IL
  3820. (printed as 9/13/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11585Terri Lancelot
    What recourse do the citizens have if your EIS is incorrect? What if the CN runs their trains less efficiently, slower, or longer? They can block our crossings (and our lives essentially) at will. Once the deal is done, we're out of luck. There are no federal laws to limit crossing blockage by trains (in fact, local statutes have been overturned in the courts). We are helpless against CN if you allow this deal to proceed and your assumptions and calculations are incorrect. Please, please do not approve this deal.
    Deer Park, IL
  3821. (printed as 9/13/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11584Julie O'Rourke
    This private deal is not in the public interest of our region. The people of our region shouldn't be placed at risk so that a private foreign company has a competitive advantage against American railroads in rushing Asian goods from Canada to Europe and South America. Enough is enough!!
    New Lenox, IL
  3822. (printed as 9/13/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11583Reginald Rych
    This private deal is not in the public interest of our region. The people of our region shouldn't be placed at risk so that a private foreign company has a competitive advantage against American railroads in rushing Asian goods from Canada to Europe and South America. Enough is enough!!
    New Lenox, Il
  3823. (printed as 9/13/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11582Charles R. Foster
    At our recent meeting (re Enviro.) of the acquisition by CN railroad of the EJ&E rail line,the charts that were displayed did not display our main highway through Barrington. I asked the agent why HWY #14 was not listed. He stated that was up to the contract people who did the draft". I asked who the "contract people" were. He didn't know !!Something is amiss!"
  3824. (printed as 9/13/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11581Betty Rych
    This private deal is not in the public interest of our region. The people of our region shouldn't be placed at risk so that a private foreign company has a competitive advantage against American railroads in rushing Asian goods from Canada to Europe and South America. Enough is enough!!
    New Lenox, Il
  3825. (printed as 9/13/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11578Teresa Hays
    Please say no to the CN train transaction. We have already experienced too many losses connected with train accidents and the increase in trains traffic can bring nothing but heartache and loss to this community, whether it be by death or toxic spills. The only one to benefit is a foreign company and you need to hold US citizens lives and wellbeing above foreign interests.
    Barrington, IL
  3826. (printed as 9/13/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11577Conlin Lee
    This private deal is not in the public interest of our region. The people of our region shouldn't be placed at risk so that a private foreign company has a competitive advantage against American railroads in rushing Asian goods from Canada to Europe and South America. Enough is enough!!
    New Lenox, Illinois
  3827. (printed as 9/13/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11576New Lenox Resident
    This private deal is not in the public interest of our region. The people of our region shouldn't be placed at risk so that a private foreign company has a competitive advantage against American railroads in rushing Asian goods from Canada to Europe and South America. Enough is enough!!
    Mark VanderVelde · New Lenox, IL
  3828. (printed as 9/13/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11574New Lenox Resident
    This private deal is not in the public interest of our region. The people of our region shouldn't be placed at risk so that a private foreign company has a competitive advantage against American railroads in rushing Asian goods from Canada to Europe and South America. Enough is enough!!
    Roxanne VanderVelde · New Lenox, IL
  3829. (printed as 9/13/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11572Peter Jannotta
    Our neighborhood is overburdened with freight train traffic and freight train idling for very long periods of time. Any possible relief from this is welcome. Thank You
    Chicago, Il
  3830. (printed as 9/13/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11571Larry Lotz
    I invite you to spend the day at my house and witness the mini-earthquakes produced every time one of the trains comes by. I have had things shake off of wall and shelves (some irreplaceable). Light bulbs burn out at an incredible rate now, TV computers etc. and that's net even mentioning the noise and traffic problems. VOTE NO! I like many are growing tired of the invasions from our northern and souther borders.
    Barrington, Illlinois
  3831. (printed as 9/13/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11570Mary O'Rourke
    This private deal is not in the public interest of our region. The people of our region shouldn't be placed at risk so that a private foreign company has a competitive advantage against American railroads in rushing Asian goods from Canada to Europe and South America. Enough is enough!! We the taxpayers are burdened enough.
    Orland Park, IL
  3832. (printed as 9/13/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11568Brendan O'Rourke
    This private deal is not in the public interest of our region. The people of our region shouldn't be placed at risk so that a private foreign company has a competitive advantage against American railroads in rushing Asian goods from Canada to Europe and South America. Enough is enough!! We the taxpayers are burdened enough.
    Orland Park, IL
  3833. (printed as 9/12/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15226Varkalis, Michael
  3834. (printed as 9/12/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15105Peterson, Amy Sue
  3835. (printed as 9/12/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14664Kregul, Tim
  3836. (printed as 9/12/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14614Ryckman, David K.
  3837. (printed as 9/12/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13387Nosbisch, Nicholas
  3838. (printed as 9/12/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13386Copher, Earldine
  3839. (printed as 9/12/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13046Kinyon, John
  3840. (printed as 9/12/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13030Wangle, Taryn
  3841. (printed as 9/12/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12741Leadley,Lois
  3842. (printed as 9/12/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12681Rothgery,Lorraine
  3843. (printed as 9/12/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12678Zazzetti,Joseph
  3844. (printed as 9/12/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12659Seville,Kevin
  3845. (printed as 9/12/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12652Peterson,Torri
  3846. (printed as 9/12/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12649Clemens,Harry
  3847. (printed as 9/12/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12626Will County Govenrmental League
    Quigley,Steven
  3848. (printed as 9/12/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12607Weller,Kevin
  3849. (printed as 9/12/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12590Schroeder,Donald
  3850. (printed as 9/12/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12587Farnetti,John
  3851. (printed as 9/12/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12580Kazlauskas,Michael
  3852. (printed as 9/12/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12578Haff,James
  3853. (printed as 9/12/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12577Kass,Mary
  3854. (printed as 9/12/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12571Snow,James
  3855. (printed as 9/12/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12550Forest Preserve District of Will County
    DeMauro,Marcella
  3856. (printed as 9/12/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12544Vari,Corrine
  3857. (printed as 9/12/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12378Bennett,Michelle
  3858. (printed as 9/12/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12377Zamzig,John
  3859. (printed as 9/12/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12376Welch,Sally
  3860. (printed as 9/12/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12375Walsh,Loretta
  3861. (printed as 9/12/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12374Walker,Mary
  3862. (printed as 9/12/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12373Ukockis
  3863. (printed as 9/12/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12372Teague,Beryl
  3864. (printed as 9/12/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12371Sweeta,Rosann
  3865. (printed as 9/12/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12370Sweas,Frank
  3866. (printed as 9/12/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12369Smith,Sue
  3867. (printed as 9/12/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12368Montini,Angie
  3868. (printed as 9/12/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12367Klier,Linda
  3869. (printed as 9/12/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12366Kiler,Linda
  3870. (printed as 9/12/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12365Hann,Donald
  3871. (printed as 9/12/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12364Hann,Derick
  3872. (printed as 9/12/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12363Gossett,Joan
  3873. (printed as 9/12/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12362Gossett,Joan
  3874. (printed as 9/12/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12361Gavin,Amy
  3875. (printed as 9/12/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12360Falkenthal,Barbara
  3876. (printed as 9/12/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12359Ede,Jim
  3877. (printed as 9/12/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12358Dober,Dennis
  3878. (printed as 9/12/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12357Crowl,Andrew
  3879. (printed as 9/12/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12356Cerbin
  3880. (printed as 9/12/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12355Calderone,Joseph
  3881. (printed as 9/12/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12354Butterfield,Sue
  3882. (printed as 9/12/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12323Federal Railroad Administration
    Boardman,Joseph
  3883. (printed as 9/12/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12172Kathleen Lehman
  3884. (printed as 9/12/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12170Joseph Infantino
  3885. (printed as 9/12/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11728Yovan, Nicole
  3886. (printed as 9/12/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11727Yovan, Louis
  3887. (printed as 9/12/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11711Glass, James
  3888. (printed as 9/12/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11710City Council, City of Chicago
    Olivo, Frank
  3889. (printed as 9/12/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11709Korn, Robin
  3890. (printed as 9/12/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11708Barto, Gary
  3891. (printed as 9/12/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11707Barto, Wayne
  3892. (printed as 9/12/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11706Lehman, Kathleen
  3893. (printed as 9/12/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11705Wankshek, Mary
  3894. (printed as 9/12/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11704Robinson, Jessie
  3895. (printed as 9/12/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11703Skwirut, Sandra
  3896. (printed as 9/12/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11702Amberg, John
  3897. (printed as 9/12/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11701Lockie, William
  3898. (printed as 9/12/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11700Thomas, Eugene
  3899. (printed as 9/12/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11699Falco, Rocly
  3900. (printed as 9/12/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11698Ellis, Carole
  3901. (printed as 9/12/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11697Colonero, Judith
  3902. (printed as 9/12/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11696Eisaman, Richard
  3903. (printed as 9/12/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11695Keifen, Christine
  3904. (printed as 9/12/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11694Scacco, Ronald
  3905. (printed as 9/12/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11693Jones, Thomas
  3906. (printed as 9/12/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11692Barber, Pete
  3907. (printed as 9/12/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11691Dunne, Ed
  3908. (printed as 9/12/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11690Woerner, Carl
  3909. (printed as 9/12/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11689Bounadonna, Chris
  3910. (printed as 9/12/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11564Alix Soske
    This is in regards to docket number 35087 - I have stated my concerns before regarding the CNR's plan to increase freight traffic in my town. Now I am petrified - what happened in LA tonight is bound to happen (a proven 28% increase) in my town of Barrington if railway traffic is increased. Please do not let this happen. This is not necessary. Enough is enough.
    Barrington Hills, IL
  3911. (printed as 9/12/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11563patty bank
    Chicago neighborhoods deserve the same consideration as suburban communities. · Reducing freight train congestion is an economic and environmental benefit to the entire region. · Many Chicago communities have borne the brunt of freight congestion for years. It’s time for our communities to see some rail congestion relief and for the burden to be balanced across the region.
    chicago, il
  3912. (printed as 9/12/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11558HAROLD OLSON
    I would like to voice my opposition to the CN acquisition of the EJ&E.
    NEW LENOX, IL
  3913. (printed as 9/12/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11555Barbara Domiano
    Please register my support allow Canadian National Railway (CN) has to buy the underused Elgin, Joliet and Eastern railroad (EJ&E) which runs around the City of Chicago, thereby diverting rail traffic from the City of Chicago.
    Chicago, IL
  3914. (printed as 9/12/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11554Meetal Acharya
    Chicago neighborhoods deserve the same consideration as suburban communities. ·Reducing freight train congestion is an economic and environmental benefit to the entire region. ·Many Chicago communities have borne the brunt of freight congestion for years. It’s time for our communities to see some rail congestion relief and for the burden to be balanced across the region.
    Chicago, IL
  3915. (printed as 9/12/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11553n.a.
    Regarding the Draft EIS for the CNR acquisition of the EJE RR. I am a Plan Commissioner for the Village of Bartlett. Please note my objection. The proposal would bisect our community for significant portions of the day, adversly affecting the useability of improvements and infrastructure that have been planned and built around the current traffic load of the EJE. Bartlett's new fire station and Koehler Fields are two recent major investments that rely on existing conditions. The service area for the fire station includes both sides of the tracks. Koehler Fields was built for the whole village, with games cycling throughout the day until about 10:00. The schools rely on current levels of access for transportation of children to and from school. Uncertainty about the ability to cross at any given time will cause the fields and schools to lose effectiveness for long and short term activities, causing them to be of less value to the community, and decreasing our quality of life in a very tangible way.
    Mark Hopkins · Bartlett, IL
  3916. (printed as 9/12/2008)
    Comment
    EI-115521525 S. Michigan Condo Association
    Reducing freight train congestion is an economic and environmental benefit to the entire region. Chicago neighborhoods deserve the same consideration as suburban communities. Many Chicago communities have borne the brunt of freight congestion for years. It's time for our communities to see some rail congestion relief and for the burden to be balanced across the region
    Paul Rudolph · Chicago, ill
  3917. (printed as 9/12/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11550Prince Reed
    I support the notion of FEWER FREIGHT TRAINS LESS TIME AT BLOCKED RAILROAD CROSSINGS in the Village of South Holland. I have been anxiously awaiting the proposed merger the Canadian National Railroad has proposed and them moving their trains off the rail lines that run through our community and to the EJ&E Railway that runs through outlying suburbs like Barrington and Frankfort. Other communities have long since benefited from little to no traffic in their areas and though they would see some increase could play a positive role in helping to alleviate rail congestion that impedes access to several schools, senior housing and health facilities in our village. Therefore it is up to governing bodies to determine what is the best solution for the overall benefit of us all.
    South Holland, IL
  3918. (printed as 9/12/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11422City of Chicago
    original letter to follow via USPS
    Thomas G. Byrne · Chicago, Illinois
  3919. (printed as 9/12/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11421Barry Glicklich
    What are the plans for increasing safety at these crossing to mitigate the impacts from the proposed action? To what extent will access be limited based on the proposed increase in traffic? What would the impact to access be if the proposed double track construction were to be pursued? How would access be guaranteed during that time, and how would obstruction be mitigated? Pedestrian & Bicyclist Safety: Prairie Path Availability of local bicycle paths is a key factor in my choice or Warrenville as a desirable place to live. The Illinois Prairie path is a key asset in the region, and the crossing of the EJ&E tracks (both north and south of the I-88 Tollway) is a grave concern. Already, these are unprotected crossing that are dangerous to navigate. How will these crossing be improved or eliminated (by way of bridges, etc.) in CN’s plan? With the increased traffic and increased speed, it is critical that safety issues be addressed at these crossing prior to approval of this purchase. If bridges are not provided, what would be the impact on the usage of these trails (people off-put by concerns of safety, noise, and waiting for trains)? What is expected to be the overall health impact of the resulting decrease in usage)? Are these matters considered as an indirect effect on the health of the surrounding communities? Thank you, and please feel free to contact me if there are further questions.
    Warrenville, Illinois
  3920. (printed as 9/12/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11420Waldemar Gras
    Chicago neighborhoods deserve the same consideration as suburban communities. Reducing freight train congestion is an economic and environmental benefit to the entire region. Many Chicago communities have borne the brunt of freight congestion for years. It’s time for our communities to see some rail congestion relief and for the burden to be balanced across the region.
    Chicago, IL
  3921. (printed as 9/12/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11419Judi Haan
    I approve of the CN purchase of the EJ&E line.
    lansing, il
  3922. (printed as 9/12/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11418Allison
    I approve the CN purchase of the EJ&E railroad. It will be great overall for the the Chicago region
    lansing, il
  3923. (printed as 9/12/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11417Heather Mieloszyk
    The Honorable Anne K. Quinlan, Acting Secretary Surface Transportation Board 395 E Street, SW Washington, DC 20423 RE: STB Finance Docket No. 35087 Canadian National Railway Company and Grand Trunk Corporation - Control - EJ & E West Company Dear Ms. Quinlan: I am a citizen living in Aurora IL. My husband and I have two small daughters, 5 and 1. I oppose the sale of the EJ&E to CN. I get that the CN railroad loses money sending trains through the City of Chicago with the delays, etc., but too bad. That’s the price of running a business that should not be borne on the numerous communities that will be adversely impacted. To run these trains at a faster speed (with sometimes hazardous cargo) in my neighborhood - down the road from where my children go to school - is unacceptable. They need to just deal with the cost and work with the City of Chicago to get the trains through. Of course there is much emotion associated with this deal, but it really is simple. This is about money and business. It is CN’s business and they just need to pay and not shift their operating and risk costs on to others. Too often businesses are allowed through powerful lobbies to not pay the price of running their business. When are we going to say enough is enough? You have the power to stop this. Please listen to the outcry of citizens like me. Thank you. Heather Mieloszyk
    Aurora, Il
  3924. (printed as 9/12/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11416John Whitney
    I am writing with regard to docket number 35087, the proposal to move Canadian National freight traffic around Chicago via the EJ&E suburban line. As a resident of the South Loop neighborhood and someone who lives directly above CN freight traffic (on the east-west 16th street line), I strongly support the proposal to reroute freight traffic out of the center of Chicago to the suburban route. The inner core of Chicago has seen noteable revitalization and population growth in the past few years, and the South Loop in particular has grown. The area is no longer an industrial/manufacturing district, as it was when freight traffic was first routed through the area in the 19th century. The area is now high density residential, and is filled with children and families who are living in close proximity to heavy motor traffic. In my case, close proximity means living directly above the tracks. My condominimum fills with the smell of diesel exhaust each time a train passes, and soot can be found on the windows. The urban environment presents my family with enough health challenges as it is, and the train traffic only adds to that problem. The problem of freight trains idling while waiting on clearance to move through our area is one I am familiar with, and I believe that the rerouting of this traffic outside of the central city would help to improve the quality of life for the thousands of people who live in direct contact with the trains. Many of those people come from minority communities--communities already living with dangerous rates of asthma and severe environmental compromises. Providing relief for these communities is humane. In addition, it is my understanding that the environmental impact of reducing idling time for trains benefits not only my neighborhood and others, but the region overall as needless exhaust is not being put into the air. Furthermore, I see in this proposal an opportunity for fair play in terms of balancing the region's role as a transportation hub between the city and the suburbs. Even with the hopeful removal of freight traffic from the city, my area will still be home to significant Amtrak and METRA train traffic. That traffic proves very beneficial to suburban communities by increasing their access to the city. As a city dweller, it is of minimal benefit to me. I see in the suburban rejection of the proposed rerouting a continued expectation that the urban communities should shoulder all of the weight for local, regional, national, and continental train traffic. In the case of the latter two, that part of the train traffic that our region supports does not need to be placed on the city as an extra burden. The proposal to reroute will simply relieve train traffic in the central city--it will by no means eliminate it. The historical record is clear--decisions relating to infrastructre and transportation policy have favored suburban communities. My request is that the urban community receive fair consideration in this matter and be given relief from needless traffic that is compromising the environment and quality of life for the dense population of the city.
    Chicago, IL
  3925. (printed as 9/12/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11415patrick.waldron@cn.ca
    I had a prior commitment and could not attend the public meeting that occurred Sept 10th at IUN, regarding purchase of EJ&E RR by Canadian National (CN) RR. I am against the purchase of EJ&E by the Canadian National RR system. However, being a realist this appears to be a Done Deal" based on the increased train traffic I see on the EJ&E train tracks located about 40ft directly behind my home in Griffith. Consequently, as part of the final deal with the Canadian National RR, please have CN RR build noise reduction walls between railways and residents’ homes to block the increase in noise that I hear and lessen shaking of our homes that occur when these diesel driven trains come down the EJ&E tracks. Also, more importantly, it may protect a teenager’s life because it will prevent the teenagers from walking down these RR tracks as they currently do. The benefit of saving a teenager’s life far outweighs the cost of building these noise reduction walls."
    Florine J Weston
  3926. (printed as 9/12/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11414Alla Koulakova
    Docket Number 35087 Chicago neighborhoods deserve the same consideration as suburban communities. Reducing freight train congestion is an economic and environmental benefit to the entire region. Many Chicago communities have borne the brunt of freight congestion for years. It’s time for our communities to see some rail congestion relief and for the burden to be balanced across the region.
    Chicago, IL
  3927. served (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Decision
    39220Secretary · also entered in FD 35087 (Sub-No. 1), FD 35087 (Sub-No. 2), FD 35087 (Sub-No. 3), FD 35087 (Sub-No. 4), FD 35087 (Sub-No. 5), FD 35087 (Sub-No. 6), FD 35087 (Sub-No. 7)
    DECISION DENIED THE ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION'S MOTION TO COMPEL.
  3928. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-16073Sanders,Marie
  3929. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-16072Stachurski,Mary
  3930. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-16071Marjorie David
    I support Canadian National Railway's proposed purchase of the EJ&E railroad.
    chicago, IL
  3931. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-16069Dearborn Tower
    City neighborhoods count too!! The trains should be spread out - it is only fair. (For docket # 35087) The south loop deserves a little less train congestion.
    Jeanne Furlan · Chicago, IL
  3932. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-16067Daniel LoSavio
    Canadian National Railway (CN) has proposed to buy the underused Elgin, Joliet and Eastern railroad (EJ&E) which runs around the City of Chicago. This proposal will significantly reduce freight train idling throughout the region, especially in the South Loop." We have may idling trains in my area. At times i don't even want to sit on my balcony because I can smell the exhaust. Reducing freight train congestion is an economic and environmental benefit to the entire region. Many Chicago communities have borne the brunt of freight congestion for years. It’s time for our communities to see some rail congestion relief and for the burden to be balanced across the region. I agree with the proposal."
  3933. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14789Village of Bridgeview Fire Department
    Thurzo, Robert
  3934. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14747Kregul, Tim
  3935. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14654Welter, John R.
  3936. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14653Welter, Diane A.
  3937. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12750Beltrame,Richard
  3938. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12727Dennis,Roy
  3939. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12675Eagleton,John
  3940. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12661Dennis,Theresa
  3941. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12660Niziolek,Anthony
  3942. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12656Stratton,Donna
  3943. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12655Stratton,Alan
  3944. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12608Giarraputo,Kathleen
  3945. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12598Burnside Neighborhood Association
    Walker,Jean
  3946. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12593Berger,Bud
  3947. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12592Adams,Antony
  3948. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12586Sweeney,Brian
  3949. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12582LaBeau,Sylvia
  3950. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12581Suppes,Helen
  3951. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12576Pawlowski,Nancy
  3952. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12563Wisdom,Jeff
  3953. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12542Anderson,Robin
  3954. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12353Vescovi,Kathy
  3955. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12352Vegter,Donna
  3956. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12351Skitchari,Alvera
  3957. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12350Schuster,Barbara
  3958. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12349Savaiano,James
  3959. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12348Sanders,Caroline
  3960. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12347Salvatori,Pat
  3961. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12346Oliver,Mary
  3962. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12345Nowak,Rita
  3963. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12344Novotny,Tom
  3964. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12343Milkeris,Jean
  3965. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12342Lee,James
  3966. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12341Kelsch,Scott
  3967. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12340Hunley,Cynthia
  3968. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12339Hassell,Catherine
  3969. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12338Greenawalt,Patricia
  3970. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12337Fredrick,Donald
  3971. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12336Dunn,Cindie
  3972. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12335Dober,Judy
  3973. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12334Bruecher,Bob
  3974. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12333Belky,Celeste
  3975. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12324City of Chicago 23rd Ward Alderman
    Zalewski,Michael
  3976. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12069Erika Froude
  3977. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12066Charles Wiechern
  3978. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12052Wolf, Sharron
  3979. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12051Teague, Lyman
  3980. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12050Soffit, Joan
  3981. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12049Paul, Peg
  3982. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12048Milkeris, Richard
  3983. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12047McNicholas, Michael
  3984. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12046McGuire, Chris
  3985. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12045McGuire, Kevin
  3986. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12044Lawruk, Robert
  3987. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12043Lavagie, Pat
  3988. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12042Jones, Shirley
  3989. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12041Johnson, William
  3990. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12040Jacobs, Todd
  3991. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12039Hooks, Tom
  3992. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12038Hooks, Thomas
  3993. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12037Greenawald, Susan
  3994. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12036Gordy, Karen
  3995. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12035Ganns, Gregory
  3996. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12034Frabizio, Mike
  3997. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12032Deswick, Maris
  3998. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11974Farnetti,Mary Lynn
  3999. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11973Briar Cove Subdivision
    Slifko,JoAnn
  4000. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11972Town of Schererville
    Mang,Shirley
  4001. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11971Town of Dyer
    Novogroder,George
  4002. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11970Town of Griffith
    Bolanos,Alicia
  4003. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11969Town of Griffith
    Slavich,James
  4004. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11937Village of New Lenox
    Bowden,Annette
  4005. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11932Horvath,Brian
  4006. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11931Lawruk,Robert
  4007. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11930Lopes,George
  4008. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11929Evans,William
  4009. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11928Lopes,Geraldine
  4010. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11927Evans,Patricia
  4011. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11926Root,Sharon
  4012. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11925Damon,Barry
  4013. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11924Smith,Laurie
  4014. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11923Horvath,Lynne
  4015. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11922Garza,Raymond
  4016. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11921Village of Plainfield
    Persons,Allen
  4017. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11920Will County Board Chairman/Frankfort Township
    Moustis,James
  4018. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11804DeVos, David
  4019. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11803Paolella, Elaine
  4020. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11802Rainey, Mary
  4021. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11801Smuskiewicz, Daniel
  4022. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11799Reinke, Rose
  4023. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11798Krawulski, Cynthia
  4024. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11797Lindberg, None
  4025. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11796Cook County Board of Commissioners
    Goslin, Gregg
  4026. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11747Hartman, Karl
  4027. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11745Lindsay, Leslie
  4028. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11744Lindsay, Leslie
  4029. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11742Shahady, Edward
  4030. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11741Nicholson, Mike
  4031. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11740Dichoso, Mary Ann
  4032. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11736Tank-Murphy, Cindy
  4033. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11729None, Rachel
  4034. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11688Schaffer, Peter
  4035. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11687Eisenstot,Arthur
  4036. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11685Nelson,Karen
  4037. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11684Frye,Lonnie
  4038. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11683Reineke,Leanna
  4039. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11682True,Thomas
  4040. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11681True,Thomas
  4041. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11680True,Suezan
  4042. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11679Michalski,Sandra
  4043. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11678Michalski,Thomas
  4044. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11677Michalski,T.J.
  4045. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11676Michalski,Tiegan
  4046. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11675Selesky,Gary
  4047. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11674Harty,Susan
  4048. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11673Stebbins,Richard
  4049. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11672Cyko,Rose
  4050. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11671Schick,James
  4051. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11670Bronson,Bob
  4052. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11669Mitchell,Judy
  4053. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11668Blaha,Melanie
  4054. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11667Nichols-Yehling,Michelle
  4055. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11666O'Connell,Maryanne
  4056. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11664Gindville,Larry
  4057. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11654Morris,Willie
  4058. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11652Morris,Marilyn
  4059. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11650Ross,Laverne
  4060. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11641Cannata, Leonard
  4061. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11639Graske, George
  4062. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11638Reed,Joseph
  4063. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11635Mooney,Thomas
  4064. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11632Mooney,Thomas
  4065. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11628Dement,Jeffrey
  4066. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11626Olson,Robert
  4067. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11624Kapadia,Dino
  4068. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11622Reis,Arthur
  4069. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11611Purcell,Roberta
  4070. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11605Considine,John
  4071. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11604Billings,Christine
  4072. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11603Aglipay,Natalie
  4073. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11596Almanza,Margie
  4074. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11580Louder,Kathleen
  4075. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11579Hren,Susan
  4076. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11575Cottrell,William
  4077. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11573Cacich,Dan
  4078. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11569Armstrong,Kent
  4079. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11567Root,Sharon
  4080. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11565Milostan,Judith
  4081. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11562Carlson,Jo
  4082. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11561Fannon,Jeffrey
  4083. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11560Scanlan,Janet
  4084. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11559Lawruk,Patricia
  4085. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11557Sladcik,Erica
  4086. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11556Stockman,Christopher
  4087. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11551Hibbott,Barbara
  4088. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11548Mullan,Jeffrey
  4089. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11547Muckian,Brian
  4090. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11546Talaga,Kelly
  4091. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11528Myers, Bertha
  4092. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11527Southard, Valerie
  4093. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11526Brown, Nora
  4094. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11525Brock, Billie
  4095. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11524Rykoff, Hildegard
  4096. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11523Ohara, Cara
  4097. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11522McLean, Carl
  4098. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11521Curie, David
  4099. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11520Donoghue, Meg
  4100. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11519Skwiryt, Sandra
  4101. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11518Andrews, Burt
  4102. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11517Moore, Jeannine
  4103. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11516Yurcisin, Andy
  4104. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11515Olson, Donald
  4105. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11514Bingham, Scott
  4106. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11513Amin, J.
  4107. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11512Curie, Nicole
  4108. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11511Pelletiere, Vincent
  4109. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11510Kavouras, Vickie
  4110. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11509Village of Vernon Hills
    Allison, Michael
  4111. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11508Plummer, Rich
  4112. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11507Ellefson, Genny
  4113. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11506Tri-County Emergency Physicians, LTD.
    Kanehann, Susan
  4114. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11505Albright, Clay
  4115. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11504Horstmann, Richard
  4116. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11503Every, Jeanne
  4117. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11502DiMarzo, Denise
  4118. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11501Handville, N.
  4119. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11500Seigle, Harry
  4120. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11498Baum, Joe
  4121. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11497Witek, Eric
  4122. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11496Fortier, Amy
  4123. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11495Kelly, Mark
  4124. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11494Gore, Bill
  4125. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11493Howell, Mike
  4126. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11492Howell, Harley
  4127. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11491Gattone, Joseph
  4128. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11490Biscan, Debra
  4129. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11489Delli, Patricia
  4130. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11488Delli, Gregory
  4131. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11487Michuda, Mark
  4132. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11486Amelio, Barbara
  4133. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11485Olivieri, Donald
  4134. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11484Kurowski, Richard
  4135. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11483Animal Emergency Referral Center
    MacKenzie, John
  4136. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11482Hoffman, Darbi
  4137. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11481Thompson, Andrea
  4138. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11480Griffin, Vanessa
  4139. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11479Guernsey, Susan
  4140. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11478Kukowski, Barbara
  4141. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11477Root, Michael
  4142. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11454Lipkivitch, Dona
  4143. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11453Kramer, Steve
  4144. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11452Lopez, Mark
  4145. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11451Witkowski, Jane
  4146. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11450Strauss, Catherine
  4147. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11413Rebecca Steffes
    I support Canadian National Railway's (CN) proposal to buy the underused Elgin, Joliet and Eastern railroad (EJ&E) which runs around the City of Chicago.
    Chicago, Illinois
  4148. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11412Misty Creek Townhomes
    I represent 171 homeowners in a middleclass community. We are already strapped by the current economic issues we Americans are facing in a crumbling economy between gas prices and home devaluation and job losses to point out a few things we are struggling. This sale will serve no good purpose but to line the pockets of the Canadian Railroads on the backs of the taxpayers. Haven't we had enough???? I am a disabled 52 years young person who has worked for 39 years and not to have my home become worthless due to a transaction such as this. I serve my community on a daily basis with the work I do and I speak for all 171 of the homeowners and taxpayers in my community as I am an elected representative of my community and I see no value to the community by going forward and approving this sale.
    Kathleen Powers · Aurora, IL
  4149. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11411Greg Bretz
    I am a current resident of the south loop in Chicago and have lived here for approxiamtely 5 years. I am writing to ask for your support of Docket #35087. Today the Chicago metro area is one of the largest hubs in the United States for rail transportation. This brings many jobs and economic benefits to the area. Unfortunately, as the rail system exist today, it can take over 24 hours for a train to navigate through the city's many streets, stops and crossings. This inefficiency has is costing the rail companies a significant ammount of money every year and has caused them to rethink the routing of rail lines through Chicago. If these lines are in fact moved to another city, such as St. Louis, it will have a significant negative impact on the greater Chicago area's economy and could cost many people their jobs. This proposal will help resolve this issue by providing a much more efficient route for trains to make their way through the Chicago region by taking a less congensted route through the suburban areas. This will allow the rail lines to remain efficient and profitable while also keeping the rail jobs in the Chicago area. I understand there is and will be intense opposition by the residents of these suburban communities. However, the lives of residents that currently live near the existing rail lines should be shown the same ammount of consideration as suburban residents. The fact is that this proposal will benefit the greater Chicago area by keeping commerce and jobs here and, although it may have a small impact on some residents, urban communities deserve the same consideration as suburban. The urban community has carried the overwhelming burden of rail transportation congestion for centuries and this burden should be spread more equally throughout the greater Chicago region, especially if it will benefit the overll economy of the region.
    Chicago, IL
  4150. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11410Andrea Begala
    I am writing simply to voice my concern about the Canadian National plan to purchase EJ&E and route potentially hazardous materials through the town I live in and love. I am currently located less than 2 blocks away from the tracks and have already signed the petition to stop this plan from happening. There are many children, elderly and families in this area and a mass evacuation because of a spill or derailment could ruin this neighborhood. Please consider what the people of Lake County Indiana, and especially those of Griffith Indiana are saying when they voice their concern, we speak only out of the love for our families and our community. Thank you for your time. Andrea Begala
    Griffith, IN
  4151. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11301Alyssa Arata
    Reducing freight train congestion through the city of Chicago would be beneficial to the entire region. I live next to the St. Charles Air Line Railroad and I see every train that passes (many times each day). They are always moving slowly, or sit idle for several minutes to hours. This route costs the freight companies extra time to travel that could be spent avoiding the city and making their way up to Canada or to the west. The pollution that these idle trains spew as well as the gasoline wasted is an environmental concern for everyone. Please consider alleviating this freight traffic with the Canadian National Railway's proposal to reroute via the EJ&E line. Thank you.
    Chicago, IL
  4152. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11299Infinity Smile LTD
    Please give favorable consideration to the proposed purchase of the EJ&E railway by Canadian National. This would greatly relieve the current bottleneck in the Chicago hub of the national rail transportation system. The environmental, business and residential travel improvements achieved will be dramatic.
    Steven E. Sylvester · South Holland, IL
  4153. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11297Brooke Cantu
    I have lived by this railroad track for almost half of my life (25 years) and truly do not mind the sound of the trains, otherwise I would have moved along time ago. However, the train traffic is minimal at this time and the quality of my life will certainly change under your ownership and train schedule. That is not something that I would like to see happen. As I near retirement, my house is a very important investment and I can see the increase in train traffic to be a significant negative impact in the value of my home. This is a huge concern of mine and was wondering how you would accomodate those of us who want to sell our homes but will see a drastic change of value in our homes?
    Aurora, IL
  4154. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11296Matthew Arata
    Chicago neighborhoods deserve the same consideration as suburban communities when considering where to route freight train traffic. Reducing freight train congestion is an economic and environmental benefit to the entire region. Many Chicago communities have borne the brunt of freight congestion for years. It’s time for our communities to see some rail congestion relief and for the burden to be balanced across the region.
    Chicago, IL
  4155. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11294Jennifer Wegner
    I would like to see the train rerouted.
    Chicago, Il
  4156. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11293Tim Knightly
    I support the proposal Docket Number 35087 Chicago neighborhoods deserve the same consideration as suburban communities. Reducing freight train congestion is an economic and environmental benefit to the entire region. Many Chicago communities have borne the brunt of freight congestion for years. It’s time for our communities to see some rail congestion relief and for the burden to be balanced across the region.
    Chicago, IL
  4157. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11291Nicole & tony Tudisco
    We strongly object" to CN's Proposed Action. Our property values are already plumetting with the current conditions! An increase of train activity that we hear projected from 25 to 43 trains per day will put a strain of delays, noise, higher probability for accidents and potentially affect our area for re-sale. No one wants to move a couple blocks from 40 trains a day!"
  4158. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11289Dennis Hanify
    Phillis Johnson-Ball Surface Transportation Board 395 E Street, SW Washington DC 20423 Re: Finance Document FD-35087, the acquisition of the EJ&E railroad by the Canadian National Railroad. Since I recently had to be transported to the Emergency Room for a heart problem three times in one week, I can attest to the need for prompt response and treatment by the Village Paramedics. However, if my home had been located a couple of blocks to the south west, on The Other Side of the Tracks", I might not be alive to send this E-mail. Twenty-two freight trains per day commonly block the tracks for 20 to 30 minutes at a time and often longer, cutting of emergency services to a large portion of the village. This is not acceptable! They also frequently park trains for hours (sometimes for over twenty-four hours) within 50 feet of homes. I can only imagine the health impact of three to eight 1,500 HP locomotives idling that close to homes, a high school and a day care center not to mention the effect of hundreds of cars and trucks waiting at the crossings 22 times a day. This is not acceptable! I have also observed on numerous occasions, grade and high school age children crawling over and under trains standing on the crossing to get to school and day care particularly during inclement weather. This is not acceptable! I realize that this acquisition will move these problems to another area but those areas have significantly less population (1.4 million rather than 4.1 million) and the density of homes and schools near the tracks is far less. We therefore urge you to approve the acquisition of the EJ&E railroad by the Canadian National Railroad. Respectfully Submitted, Mr. & Mrs. Dennis W. Hanify 660 E. 169th St. South Holland, IL 60473-3078 Phone: 708/333-6733 E-mail: hanify@sbcglobal.net"
  4159. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11287Jeffrey Sokol
    Chicago neighborhoods deserve the same consideration as suburban communities. Reducing freight train congestion is an economic and environmental benefit to the entire region. Many Chicago communities have borne the brunt of freight congestion for years. It’s time for our communities to see some rail congestion relief and for the burden to be balanced across the region.
    Chicago, IL
  4160. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11285Donna Keca
    I strongly oppose the approval of the EJ&E to Canadian National sale. Canadian National has consistently demonstrated corporate irresponsibility by way of dangerous derailments, spills and collisions. These items are well documented in their own country - including warnings to the US of CN's dismal safety record. The thought of CN's trains rumbling through Northern Illinois' densely populated areas is unacceptable. No company - foreign or domestic - should be allowed to sway basic reasoning of the US federal government where US citizen's safety and quality of life are so concerned. Much more thorough study and investigation must be undertaken in this process - only then will the STB see that allowing the CN sale makes no sense to the good taxpaying citizens of the USA.
    Aurora, IL
  4161. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11280Howard Campbell
    Chicago neighborhoods deserve the same consideration as suburban communities.Reducing freight train congestion is an economic and environmental benefit to the entire region.Many Chicago communities have borne the brunt of freight congestion for years.It’s time for our communities to see some rail congestion relief and for the burden to be balanced across the region.
    Chicago, IL
  4162. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11278Ryan MItchell
    Chicago neighborhoods deserve the same consideration as suburban communities. · Reducing freight train congestion is an economic and environmental benefit to the entire region. · Many Chicago communities have borne the brunt of freight congestion for years. It’s time for our communities to see some rail congestion relief and for the burden to be balanced across the region.
    Chicago, IL
  4163. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11277Nancy Fisher
    Please appose the merger of the CNN with the EJ&E. I live in New Lenox and have been told that I will not be negatively affected by this merger. There are only 5 North and South streets that run in our city. All of these streets will be blocked by freight trains if the merger goes through. We will be unable to get emergency services when needed is a huge concern. The CNN tells us that we in the communicty will have to pay for any road crossing improvements. I do not have any more money to pay higher taxes. It is all I can do to put food on the table, pay my property taxes and put gas in the car. Please take my concerns into consideration. Thank you.
    New Lenox, IL
  4164. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11275Kathryn McKechnie
    Chicago neighborhoods deserve the same consideration as suburban communities. Reducing freight train congestion is an economic and environmental benefit to the entire region. Many Chicago communities have borne the brunt of freight congestion for years. It’s time for our communities to see some rail congestion relief and for the burden to be balanced across the region.
    Chicago, IL
  4165. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11274William F. Zancho
    Please see my comments regarding Tax Payers in the attached.
    Hawthron Woods, Illinois
  4166. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11273Chunjie Mi
    Many Chicago communities have borne the brunt of freight congestion for years. It’s time for our communities to see some rail congestion relief and for the burden to be balanced across the region. Reducing freight train congestion is an economic and environmental benefit to the entire region. Finally, Chicago neighborhoods deserve the same consideration as suburban communities.
    Chicago, IL
  4167. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11272William F. Zancho
    Please see my comments regarding Train Traffic Preparedness in the attached.
    Hawthron Woods, Illinois
  4168. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11271Chris Correl
    I think the CN buying the EJ&E is a good idea because the city of Joliet will be getting more jobs. And considering how many jobs have already left the city, state, and Illinois budget problems we've been having it can only be good for everyone. Also, considering the purchase would cut down on conjestion throughout the Chicago, you now have less trains(UP, BNSF, etc) sitting for hours burning up fuel. From a straight environmental view, it would be good to burn up gas when a train is moving, not standing still.
    Lockport, IL
  4169. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11270William F. Zancho
    Please see my comments on Increased Safety Response Times in the attached.
    Hawthorn Woods, Illinois
  4170. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11269William F. Zancho
    Please see my comments regarding the STAR line application in the attached
    Hawthorn Woods, Illinois
  4171. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11268Kevin Murphy
    Dear Ms. Rutson, I wanted to write to express my objection to CN's Proposed Action to purchase E&J Rail. The increased rail traffic will have significant negative impacts to our current standard of living. I believe my community is willing to work out issues with CN, but I do not believe their current proposal adequately addresses the concerns of the community. I urge you to consider my concerns and deny the current proposal. Thank you. Sincerely, Kevin P. Murphy
    Aurora, IL
  4172. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11267Kris VanHooser
    CHICAGO NEIGHBORHOODS DESERVE THE SAME CONSIDERATION AS SUBMURBAN COMMUNITIES. Reducing freight train congestion is an economic and environmental benefit to the entire regions. Many Chicago communities have borne the brunt of freight congestion for years. It is time for our communities to see some rail congestion relief and for the burden to be balanced across the region.
    Chicago, IL
  4173. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11266Jill Richardson
    Chicago neighborhoods deserve the same consideration as suburban communities. · Reducing freight train congestion is an economic and environmental benefit to the entire region. · Many Chicago communities have borne the brunt of freight congestion for years. It’s time for our communities to see some rail congestion relief and for the burden to be balanced across the region.
    Chicago, IL
  4174. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11265Illinois Road & Transportations Builders Association
    Attached are comments filed on behalf of the Illinois Road & Transportation Builders Association.
    David A. De Young · Itasca, Illinois
  4175. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11264Barbara Horton
    I support the position of getting the freight trains out of our community. The sleep of my family is constantly disturbed.
    South Holland, Illinois
  4176. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11263Fiona Lee
    I am a resident of New Lenox, a community that will be negatively impacted with the increased number of trains being proposed with the purchase of the EJ&E railroad by the CN railroad, I would like to express my concerns. I understand that the number of trains may exceed 28 trains in the future and that these trains may extend 3 miles in length causing over 20 minute crossing delays. I strongly believe that this is unacceptable. If CN wants to come in to our country and do business lets have them do the right way, help fund the operation. We the taxpayers should have to foot the bill for them to do business, while they reap the profits. Have them put a percentage of their profits back into the communities they are affecting. Maybe we should consider taxing them. That money could be used to fund the over passes or under passes, safer crossings, hazzardious material training and equipment, etc. Further more this will not deplete any train traffic in Cook county, do they honestly think no one else will pick up the rails they are vacating. Think about it, it's not going to work the way it is being proposed. I beg you to do the right thing and make history. Stand up for our country and our towns, don't be walked on anymore. Please vote no to CN.
    New Lenox, Illinois
  4177. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11262James Kocinski
    Listening to various local concerns , they are just that local concerns. I am in favor of allowing CN their request . The big picture looks good for the Nation and the economy.
    South Holland, Illinois
  4178. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11261Sandy Skulski
    3 concerns regarding the proposed purchase of CN-EJ&E: First, my Barrington High School freshman's bus picks him up at 6:15 am which means he should be going to bed at 9:00 pm to get his 8 hours of necessary sleep. His bus route crosses these tracks 4 times. I'm sure the transportation company will have to pick up even earlier to get these kids to school on time. How much more sleep are these kids expected to relinguish? Also, our only fire department is 8 miles away in Barlett. It already takes over 14 minutes in good traffic to reach us. In the last 4 years, 2 homes across the street from us have burnt to the ground waiting for emergency response. Also, the steep hill on Shoe Factory Rd. just west of Route 59, blocks the view of traffic stopped for trains. The speed limit is 45 which means there are going to be many accidents, with lose of life and serious injuries here if there is increased train traffic.
    Hoffman Estates, il
  4179. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11259Village of South Holland
    I am in support of the Canadian National R.R. 's purchase of the EJ&E R.R. I have been a resident of South Holland for the past 20 years and live approximately two blocks from the train tracks. The increase in the number of trains over the years has been disturbing. There is more train activity at night, which affects my sleep and the constant train ideling is annoying and loud. My biggest reason for supporting this purchase would be to reduce the pollution in the area caused by the trains, the frequent traffic jams when the trains are passing through, and the affects the train vibrations are having on our streets and homes (numerous cracks). Again, in an effort to improve our community with a reduction in the train activity, I request that the STB approve the CN purchase of the EJ&E railroad. Thank you, Ellamae Brown
    Ellamae Brown · South Holland, IL
  4180. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11258John Duffy
    Realizing the impact more trains going thru the area and traffic congestion,blocking emergency services needed in different areas,I SAY NO to CN's purchase of EJ&E. If CN wants to build,equipt new police stations and fire stations for each town and village that gets divided by CN's railroad crossings and pay the salaries of Public Service Employees,I'd say fine but you know they will NOT.Also think of the noise,and the hazards being shipped by rail and what if something were to happen. I SAY NOOOOOOOOOOO to the purchase
    Joliet, Illinois
  4181. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11254Daphne Glass
    Please stop the trains from running through our neighborhood, this would drastically improve our quality of living. Currently I only obtain approximately 4 hours of sleep per night due to the train noise (from constant horn blowing). Its only within recent years that I have become a light sleeper and this affects my entire day and mood as well as family life. Please approve the Canadian National Railroad's moving of train of the rail ines through my community to the EJ&R railway. Thank you for your consideration.
    south holland, IL
  4182. (printed as 9/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10925Devine, Judy
  4183. (printed as 9/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15883dvocate Good Shepherd Hospital
    Oliver, Mary
  4184. (printed as 9/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15882dvocate Good Shepherd Hospital
    Becker, Janet
  4185. (printed as 9/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15860Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital
    Jones, Lillian
  4186. (printed as 9/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15850Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital
    Fisher, Linda
  4187. (printed as 9/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15638Garnett, Karen A.
  4188. (printed as 9/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14684Therrien, Walter
  4189. (printed as 9/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13531Koehler, Donna
  4190. (printed as 9/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13530Koehler, Thomas
  4191. (printed as 9/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13529Summit, Joan
  4192. (printed as 9/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13528Sienko, Angeline
  4193. (printed as 9/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13517Shelton, Tanya L.
  4194. (printed as 9/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13516Johnson, Paul H.
  4195. (printed as 9/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13513Thompson, Julian
  4196. (printed as 9/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13511Newson, Elizabeth
  4197. (printed as 9/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13509Skordinski, Jim
  4198. (printed as 9/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13506Williams
  4199. (printed as 9/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13504Brown, Mildred
  4200. (printed as 9/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13498Einhorn, Michael S.
  4201. (printed as 9/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13497Stewart, Margaret
  4202. (printed as 9/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13496Bravo, Susan A.
  4203. (printed as 9/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13494Kocinski, James
  4204. (printed as 9/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13492Zimmerman, Ricahrd P.
  4205. (printed as 9/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13491Beard, Gladys
  4206. (printed as 9/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13489Williams, Vera
  4207. (printed as 9/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13488Johnson, Mary E.
  4208. (printed as 9/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13389Murray, James R.
  4209. (printed as 9/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12950Jaros, Dorothy
  4210. (printed as 9/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12663Gaj,Ron
  4211. (printed as 9/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12653Greenawalt,Matthew
  4212. (printed as 9/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12623Adams,Tony
  4213. (printed as 9/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12574Greenawalt,Susan
  4214. (printed as 9/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12553Martenson,Lorraine
  4215. (printed as 9/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12548Northwest Municipal Conference
    Cummings,Kerry
  4216. (printed as 9/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12389Skwirut,Sandra
  4217. (printed as 9/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12067Rachel & Joel Williams
  4218. (printed as 9/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12065Charles Walsh
  4219. (printed as 9/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12033Dombrowski, Rosemary
  4220. (printed as 9/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12031Bingham, Sharon
  4221. (printed as 9/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12030Anderson, Robin
  4222. (printed as 9/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12029Wright, Tamu
  4223. (printed as 9/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12028Walsh, Pete
  4224. (printed as 9/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12027None, Denna
  4225. (printed as 9/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12026Stroude, Janice
  4226. (printed as 9/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12025Singh, Chris
  4227. (printed as 9/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12024Simon, Peter
  4228. (printed as 9/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12023Scalzi, Franzesca
  4229. (printed as 9/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12022Montalbano, Corinne
  4230. (printed as 9/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12021Landers, Paul
  4231. (printed as 9/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12020Knot, Deborah
  4232. (printed as 9/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12019Jaros, Dorothy
  4233. (printed as 9/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12018Jaros, Dorothy
  4234. (printed as 9/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12017Henry, B
  4235. (printed as 9/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12016Guzdzoil, Ed
  4236. (printed as 9/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11977Frederick,Beth
  4237. (printed as 9/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11976Clausky,Pam
  4238. (printed as 9/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11975Anderson,Sara
  4239. (printed as 9/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11963Stabosz,Thomas
  4240. (printed as 9/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11938Betts,Bruce
  4241. (printed as 9/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11908Austgen Kuiper and Associates
    Austgen,David
  4242. (printed as 9/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11767Bournes, Jeanette
  4243. (printed as 9/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11766Belovich, Sue
  4244. (printed as 9/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11765Wolf, Noel
  4245. (printed as 9/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11764Prell, Jill
  4246. (printed as 9/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11763Valadez, Michael
  4247. (printed as 9/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11762Rouse, Debra
  4248. (printed as 9/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11761Walsh, Tim
  4249. (printed as 9/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11760Sochor, Gene
  4250. (printed as 9/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11759Carranza, Carmen
  4251. (printed as 9/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11758Sochor, Phyllis
  4252. (printed as 9/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11757Bruguglio, Charles
  4253. (printed as 9/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11756Pankuch, Leanne
  4254. (printed as 9/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11755Burns, Kim
  4255. (printed as 9/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11754Cavin, Jackie
  4256. (printed as 9/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11753Sedovic, David
  4257. (printed as 9/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11752Kuehn, Lida
  4258. (printed as 9/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11751Chan, Louisa
  4259. (printed as 9/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11750Severin, Michael
  4260. (printed as 9/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11748McKillip, Brendan
  4261. (printed as 9/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11739Janus, Kristy
  4262. (printed as 9/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11738Flynn, Kelly
  4263. (printed as 9/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11737Arneth, Jessica
  4264. (printed as 9/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11735Fleisher, Shelly
  4265. (printed as 9/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11734Fleisher, Vicki
  4266. (printed as 9/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11733Rutson, Vicki
  4267. (printed as 9/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11732Scott, Shiela
  4268. (printed as 9/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11731Jendraszkiewicz, Daryl
  4269. (printed as 9/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11730None, Suzanne
  4270. (printed as 9/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11476Pienkowski, Carmela
  4271. (printed as 9/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11475None
  4272. (printed as 9/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11474Williams, Henry
  4273. (printed as 9/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11473VanLinden, William
  4274. (printed as 9/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11472Miller, Chris
  4275. (printed as 9/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11471Bartos, Jim
  4276. (printed as 9/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11470None
  4277. (printed as 9/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11469Miller, Chris
  4278. (printed as 9/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11468Parks, Bernard
  4279. (printed as 9/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11467Bartnicki, Ronald
  4280. (printed as 9/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11466Dobosz, Stan
  4281. (printed as 9/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11465Seberger, Jeannette
  4282. (printed as 9/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11464Tanis, Karen
  4283. (printed as 9/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11463Svetanoff, Joseph
  4284. (printed as 9/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11462Satkus, Cheryl
  4285. (printed as 9/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11461Ruthrauff, Dennis
  4286. (printed as 9/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11460Ferner, C.O. Clint""
  4287. (printed as 9/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11459Anders, Jacqueline
  4288. (printed as 9/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11458Roberts, Jonathan
  4289. (printed as 9/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11457Reid, Dan
  4290. (printed as 9/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11456Randolph, Jackie
  4291. (printed as 9/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11455Miller, Chris
  4292. (printed as 9/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11448Zastro, Earl
  4293. (printed as 9/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11447Murphy, Lisa
  4294. (printed as 9/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11446Gillette, Kenneth
  4295. (printed as 9/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11445None
  4296. (printed as 9/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11444Cousins, Rebecca
  4297. (printed as 9/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11443Urben, Mark
  4298. (printed as 9/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11442Urben, Tracy
  4299. (printed as 9/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11441Hollock, Barbara
  4300. (printed as 9/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11440Savaglio, Angel
  4301. (printed as 9/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11439Mascari, Pat
  4302. (printed as 9/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11438Ingersoll, Eric
  4303. (printed as 9/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11437Harrington, Joseph
  4304. (printed as 9/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11436Macnicol, Alan
  4305. (printed as 9/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11435Russell, Duncan
  4306. (printed as 9/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11434Pouliot, Dawn
  4307. (printed as 9/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11433Gray, Karen
  4308. (printed as 9/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11432Lenz, Janet
  4309. (printed as 9/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11431DeGustino, Amy
  4310. (printed as 9/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11430Every, Joseph
  4311. (printed as 9/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11429Kutsch, John
  4312. (printed as 9/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11428Palmer, Nate
  4313. (printed as 9/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11427Mucia, Diane
  4314. (printed as 9/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11426None, Steve
  4315. (printed as 9/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11425Gulotta, Marcello
  4316. (printed as 9/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11424PLONIS, ANNE
  4317. (printed as 9/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11256Kerry Given
    Traffic congestion is a growing problem in the Aurora/Naperville area with many local streets becoming very congested during rush hours and on weekends. The proposed acquisition of EJ&E by the CNR will make this much worse since several key arteries do not have overpasses over the rail tracks (Ogden Ave., Diehl Rd., and Liberty/Jefferson). This acquisition should not be approved unless CNR first builds overpasses for these major local highways. Thank you.
    Aurora, IL
  4318. (printed as 9/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11252President - Village of Worth
    I am in favor of the CN's acquisition of the EJ & E railroad. This merger will poitively impact the majority of the Chicago Land area and negatively impact few municipalities. The residents of my little town of Worth,IL would have between 8 and 9 fewer trains to contend with each day. So would our Paramedics as they drive patients to the emergency room. The entire region would also have have tremendous economic improvement by this new arrangement. I urge you to look at the good majority of Illinois citizens would reap if this acquisitionn goes through. Thank you, Worth Mayor Ed Guzdziol
    Edward S. Guzdziol · Worth, IL
  4319. (printed as 9/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11246Diane Will
    Please, Do not let this pass. This would be the life altering. I drive over these track everyday on the way to work (I teach at one of Dist. 204 schools). At this time if a train goes by it increases my drive by 20 minutes. If this happens every day it will impact the entire school. My son drives over them to go to work, my daughter to go to school. I drive over them to take my daughter to dance (at least 6-8 times per week). My husband drives over them to get onto the toll road. This will affect EVERYTHING we do. The fire department has to cross them to get to my home. If this passes, we, the people who will be made to suffer, should have absolutely no cost put upon them to build over/under passes. We will not be profitting, those who do should be made to do the improvements. No matter how it's looked upon, this will do nothing but hurt us. I beg you not to allow this to go through.
    Aurora, IL
  4320. (printed as 9/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11133William Schick
    I am opposed to the Canadian National Railroad aquisition of the EJ&E railroad. The increased train traffic through our communities will have a negative impact on private citizens commuting time as well as Emergency vehicle response times. The increase in train traffic may also have negative ecological impacts on the area. There are crossings in the area that do not have crossing gates and the basic infrastucture may not support the increase in traffic.
    Frankfort, IL
  4321. (printed as 9/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11132RON GAJ
    Re: Candadian National Railroad (CN) purchase of EJ&E Railroad As a resident who lives in Hawthorn Woods, Illinois and is separated by the EJ&E track from our fire station and ambulance emergency center, I would very much appreciate it if you take this kind of scenario in mind, as my example is only one of thousands that would be impacted by an increase of rail traffic on this line. In the case of us who live here in Hawthorn Woods, the emergency vehicles would have to travel an additional 4 miles to reach our nearest main road intersection. This rail system was never intended to absorb hourly freight trains. CN argues that they need the EJ&E line to off set the crowded conditions on other tracks. You and I would have to had just fallen off the back of a watermellon truck to blieve that. CN is a growing company. They are increasing their port facilites in British Columbia to take on additional freight, and they now need additional tracks to absorb that activity. One has only to look at their historical performance to see their pattern of growth. They have absolutely no intention of reducing the volume of traffic on any of their other lines. The purchase of the EJ&E fits right into their plans for expansion. I urge you to vote against the purchase of the EJ&E by CN. In advance, thank you for your consideration.
    HAWTHORN WOODS, ILLINOIS
  4322. (printed as 9/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11131Les McAnelly
    I live within approximately 500 feet of the EJ&E line that is proposed to be taken over by Canadian National line. I deserve assurance that the Noise and Vibration inicrease that will impact my family for the rest of our lives is being taken into consideration and some mitigation will be taken to minimize the adverse effects on our lives, safety and health. Loss of sleep is a particular concern of mine since this condition already exsists with the current level of train traffic and we are told that we can expect a tripling of traffic. I am asking for consideration of sound barriers in areas near residential neighborhoods at a minimum. I am upset that these people can invade our communities our homes and our lives at all and we have little say in that. We have been allowed to express our concerns but my fear is that they will fall on deaf ears. The average person is loosing his voice in america to powerful economic intersts at every turn but I am hoping that the powerful interests in this case will have some compassion for the thosands of people who lives will be adversely impacted by this invasion of our communities and our lives.
    Aurora, Illinois
  4323. (printed as 9/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11130Laura Granat
    I strongly urge you to decline the CN purchase of the EJ & J railroad. I am a homeowner for the past 10 years whose townhome faces directly toward the tracks and in between 2 at grade crossings. The increased rail traffic will greatly impact my home and life in a negative way. Not only will it take longer to travel any where outside of my subdivision but the value of my home will decrease and the noise and air polution will cause me to stay in my home with the doors and windows closed at all times. Yes, I could sell my home but with an additional decrease in value added to the values being lowered by the market already I would definately be taking a loss. Is this the American dream?
    Aurora, IL
  4324. (printed as 9/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11129Teresa Sorrentino
    I'm submitting my comments in regards to STB Finance Docket No. 35087. I am writing today as a supporter of the purchase of the Elgin, Joliet and Eastern Railway by the Canadian National Railway. As a resident of Elmwood Park, IL, my community will see a decrease of approximately 14% in rail traffic if the sale is allowed. This decrease and the potential cap to rail traffic would be a great benefit. Our community is literally split in two by the train tracks. Train traffic has grown nearly 500% in the last 20 years in this community and it has become increasingly challenging to “get to the other side of the tracks.” Many of our community assets are on the North side of the tracks including the recreation center, public library, aquatic center and village hall. What should be a short drive or walk at times turns into a 20 minute commute. Our residents should not be deprived of these community assets. Train traffic should not be a deciding factor in whether or not a child attends swimming lessons or a library story time, but the reality in Elmwood Park is that train traffic is ALWAYS a factor. Train traffic also puts a strain on local commerce. I know several members of the community who will drive to another community to grocery shop simply because they may have to wait at the tracks due to excessive train traffic. This too is detrimental to the overall health of the community. The sale of the EJ&E would mean a slight reduction in rail traffic in Elmwood Park from 140 trains per day to 120. This traffic will need to be re-routed, but no matter where it is re-rerouted, those communities will still not have anywhere near the level of train traffic as Elmwood Park. Other communities must understand that this sale will benefit millions of people in the Chicagoland area. When broken down, the major objections from other communities are thinly disguised arguments that support a not in my back yard" stance. Unfortunately, those arguments are also the hallmarks of elitism. An underlying theme is that the residents of more affluent communities should not have to be inconvenienced by train traffic and commerce and that the less affluent communities should continue to bare those burdens. There is no merit to these arguments. I fully support the sale of the EJ&E and will anxiously await the benefit to those in my community and other inner-ring suburbs. Sincerely, Teresa A. Sorrentino, Esq."
  4325. (printed as 9/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11128Cynthia Landess
    I very strongly object to CN's proposed action. As a single mother it was a proud day when I was able to purchase a home for me and my two children. Yes, we did have to purchase a home next to the railroad but at the time it was a trade off for being able to put them in a SAFE neighborhood with great schools. I know all of the arguments for why this purchase should not be allowed as well as you do and I agree with every last bit of it. Here is a concern I haven't heard mentioned: Every night trains come through here blowing there horns and waking everyone. It is difficult for the kids to get a good nights sleep and go to school the next day being properly rested. It effects them more then anyone seems to understand or care to understand. This is not just my issue. I have spoke to numerous parents in the neighborhood and all of them have the same problem. While this is a tough problem for us now I can't see how any of these kids will be able to function day to day if this sale is allowed. I am no different then any other parent, we all want the same things for our kids. We want them to be happy, safe and have a good education. All of which will be near impossible with the sale of the railroad. Please don't let our American dream be crushed by a Canadian company.
    AURORA, IL
  4326. (printed as 9/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11127Sara Carroll
    Please don't allow CH railroad to purchase tracks in Aurora, IL. Too risky, little concern of railroad for safety or impact with the high population area, not willing to build overpasses of tracks to allow traffic to pass without stopping for trains.
    Aurora, IL
  4327. (printed as 9/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11126Amy Brozak
    Dear Ms. Rutson, In regard to the purchase of the railroad by CN, I cannot stress enough how devastating that would be for communities up and down the railway. But with the adage speak for yourself in mind, that's what I'll do. My point of view is as a parent, employee, and resident. As a parent, I know that the increased rail traffic poses an increased hazard to my children as they cross the tracks on school buses, practice sports on fields near the tracks, (I've had to reign in more than one youngster who was wandering toward the tracks,) or travel on their own by foot, bike or car through already busy intersections. These are worries by all parents, of coarse, but as our communies in this area grow, and make no mistake, they are growing, the last thing we need to do is put our growing number of children in a growing amount of potential danger. As an employee, the traffic already is well, it's traffic, and it's never fun. But to throw in increased stopping for more trains is only going to make things worse for everyone. (That's a selfish reason, but it's still true.) As a community member, I am probably most concerned. Someday, my children will grow, and they'll look out for themselves. And I can leave earlier for work and sit anxiously watching 100 railcars go by, I'll get there eventually. But my community will suffer. Other children will be put in danger. Quality of life will be affected by nice people growing tired of constant train whistles, and choosing to live somewhere a bit quieter, a bit safer, and with a bit less traffic. They'll be looking for a place like we are right now. I recognize that change is inevitable, and I recognize that this letter is full of emotion and opinion instead of facts, and figures, but I bet if you asked the folks who currently live near a busy CN used railway today what their preference would be, I'm sure that they'd be jumping at the chance to move the rail congestion out of their town. I don't disagree with them. I just ask that you don't move it out of one community to put it in another.
    AURORA, Il
  4328. (printed as 9/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11125Kim Cancio
    Regarding STB Finance Docket #35087. I would like to state my opinion regarding the buy out of the EJ&E railroad. As a resident who lives within several yards of this railway, I am not in support of the buy-out of said railroad as it will increase railway congestion, impacting local traffic and causing safety concerns. Please, do what you can to stop this take over.
    Aurora, IL
  4329. (printed as 9/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11124Ashwin Kunde
    This purchase is going to increase noise pollution, overall This neighbourhood has lot of babies and toddlers, they will be exposed to hazardous material which this line will be carrying. More over this line will kill STAR METRA line which was proposed earlier. I strongly object to this line.
    Aurora, IL
  4330. (printed as 9/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11123Laura
    Hi, My comment is regarding the meeting discussing the congestion caused by the large amount of freight trains in certain areas, in which I will not be able to attend. I take the train downtown out of Hegewisch. I'm ok with the amount of trains that go through the tracks south of the station, but I'm not ok with the trains stopping!!! If you could email me or mail me a letter discussing the reason these trains stop, I'd gladly appreciate it. It's a huge inconvenience. Either help us understand why this occurs more than it should or make it so the trains are not blocking the road when they stop. What if an amublance needs to get by!?!? Thank you for your time- Laura
    Lansing, IL
  4331. (printed as 9/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11122Richard Weber
    I wish to express my strong objection to the proposed CN-EJ&E railroad merger. The proposed merger jeopardizes the safety and the quality of living in my community as well as many others. It represents almost a sixfold increase of railroad traffic going through my community, disrupting traffic on all east/west roads, increasing noise at every hour of the day and night, interfering with the ability of emergency vehicles to get to the places they are needed, and significantly adding to air pollution. Overall, the merger threatens to increase the risk of accidents and other dangers while lowering property values.
    Aurora, IL
  4332. (printed as 9/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11121Mitchell E. Daniels, Jr.
    Comments of Indiana Governor Mitchell E. Daniels, Jr.
    Indianapolis, Indiana
  4333. (printed as 9/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11120Gail Vertelka
    I am a senior citizen living in Aurora's 9th ward. I strongly object to the routing of longer trains with hazardous materials through my neighborhood. I worry that if I should need emergency medical help, the responders will be delayed by one of these trains. Since I have several serious health issues this is a very real concern. I also have very young grandchildren living in this area. I do not feel that this is in their best interest. We have no idea what future health problems may befall them because of this ill advised plan. Please reconsider!
    Aurora, IL
  4334. (printed as 9/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11119Private citizen
    The Honorable Anne K. Quinlan, Acting Secretary Surface Transportation Board 395 E Street, SW Washington, DC 20423 RE: STB Finance Docket No. 35087 Canadian National Railway Company and Grand Trunk Corporation - Control - EJ & E West Company Dear Ms. Quinlan: I am a resident of the town of Aurora, Illinois through which the EJ & E rail line extends. I wish to state my strong objection to the proposed purchase of the EJ & E West Company by the Canadian National Railway. I purchased my home almost 8 years ago. I thoroughly researched the location we chose and was aware that there were train tracks fairly close to our home. I was also comforted knowing that the number of trains passing through those tracks was minimal. I have spent time sitting at those tracks waiting for a train to pass. Who cares? It's only a few minutes, right? Well, a 130 box train takes about 4 minutes to completely pass so I can be on my way. 4 minutes may not seem like a lot, but when you work full-time, take care of 3 active children, are an active volunteer at the school and churches, you can imagine how busy a day can get. 4 minutes late can throw off a highly functional schedule. And when you talk about adding another 30-40 of these potential delays EVERY.SINGLE.DAY, well that becomes a huge burden. I will be forced to cut back on my volunteer support for our schools, our churches, and any other organization that could desperately use that help. I am not unsympathetic to the people who currently have these trains going through their towns and villages, but you know what, they bought their properties knowing that those trains already existed! They were aware of the issue and made conscious decisions to deal with their existence. What you are proposing with this purchase is an enormous burden on the people of Aurora and the other towns living along the EJ&E lines. What was my husband's first comment when he heard about this situation…Is it time to move?" I'm sure we aren't the only ones who feel that way. This CHANGE will drastically impact the economic viability of the places we live today. This is not a light decision. I stronly hope that you will advise the STB to vote against this proposed purchase."
    Barbara Padlo
  4335. (printed as 9/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11118Katrina Savaglio
    I live roughyl 1 mile from the tracks. I have two children, ages 11 and 9. This is a quiet residential area, that will be greatly affected by increased freight travel, and I fear that the increased train traffic and cars waiting for the trains will be a danger to my children and family. This is a dangerous crossing already, with two deaths occurring over the past two years.
    Aurora, Illinois
  4336. (printed as 9/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11116Laurie Serikaku
    Please do not approve the sale of EJ&E to CNR. The current rail traffic already backs vehicle traffic in both east-west and north-south directions (if vehicles are backed up e-w, n-s cars cannot turn into those streets). I live in School District 204 and so many buses would be delayed by trains. Just this in the last 2 weeks I was delayed by trains stopping on the tracks. Those communities who think CN will reduce traffic currently going through their communities are wrong--they'll just increase it on both lines. Why haven't they paid for mitigation in those communities? Why believe they'll pay for them in ours? Their motive is profit, not quality of life, which is our concern.
    Aurora, IL
  4337. (printed as 9/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-20428Anonymous
    Carpenterville, IL
  4338. (printed as 9/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-16064Leodis Roe
    I support Canadian Nationals proposal to reroute the trains. It is the most frustrating thing to sit at a railroad crossing trying to pick up my child or get to work, only to have the train stop in the middle of the street and not move. Something has to be done. South Holland is the worse of all and the arteries into Lynwood are not much better.
    Lynwood, IL
  4339. (printed as 9/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15892Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital
    Cook, Noel
  4340. (printed as 9/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15581Wiltgen, Brenda
  4341. (printed as 9/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15359Schweiger, Rick
  4342. (printed as 9/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15337Orloff, Joan
  4343. (printed as 9/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15336Posuch, Edward
  4344. (printed as 9/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15335Stowasser, Jim
  4345. (printed as 9/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15334Howard, Matthew A.
  4346. (printed as 9/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15333Meador, Jeff
  4347. (printed as 9/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15332Conrath, Teri
  4348. (printed as 9/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15331Stonebridge Community Association
    Asheim, Paul
  4349. (printed as 9/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15082McLeod, Chris
  4350. (printed as 9/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14933Forest Preserve District of Cook County, Illinois
    Vanderploeg, Wayne
  4351. (printed as 9/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13806Wiltgen, Kevin
  4352. (printed as 9/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13501Wright, Tamu
  4353. (printed as 9/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13405Vollmer, Simon F.
  4354. (printed as 9/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12672Barkauski,Gary
  4355. (printed as 9/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12664Lipsteuer,Beth
  4356. (printed as 9/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12330Crouch,Peter
  4357. (printed as 9/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12319Bower,Bethany
  4358. (printed as 9/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11957Summers,Dawn
  4359. (printed as 9/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11956Sweetman,Joanne
  4360. (printed as 9/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11955Ruthard,Robert
  4361. (printed as 9/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11954O'Connor,Hetti
  4362. (printed as 9/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11953Lynn,Ginger
  4363. (printed as 9/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11952Lohman,Steve
  4364. (printed as 9/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11951Gallagher,William
  4365. (printed as 9/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11950Disalvo,Diane
  4366. (printed as 9/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11949Lindlee,Julie
  4367. (printed as 9/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11900Englund,Richard
  4368. (printed as 9/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11860Thorns,Dorothy
  4369. (printed as 9/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11857Brasini,Jocelyn
  4370. (printed as 9/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11851Neri,D
  4371. (printed as 9/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11838Village of La Grange
    Asperger,Elizabeth
  4372. (printed as 9/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11837Kratz,Nancy
  4373. (printed as 9/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11408Van Poucke,Mike
  4374. (printed as 9/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11407Wagoner,Annamarie
  4375. (printed as 9/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11406Tolomei,John
  4376. (printed as 9/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11405Ralson,Mandi
  4377. (printed as 9/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11404Potts,Eula
  4378. (printed as 9/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11403Kramer,Walter
    35087
  4379. (printed as 9/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11402Williams,Mark
  4380. (printed as 9/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11401Weyer,Elizabeth
  4381. (printed as 9/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11400Regan,Frank
  4382. (printed as 9/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11399Murphy,Alan
  4383. (printed as 9/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11398Murphy,Alan
  4384. (printed as 9/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11397Murphy,Alan
  4385. (printed as 9/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11396For The People Grass Roots Organization
    Murphy,Alan
  4386. (printed as 9/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11395For The People Grass Roots Organization
    Murphy,Alan
  4387. (printed as 9/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11394For The People Grass Roots Organization
    Murphy,Alan
  4388. (printed as 9/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11393For The People Grass Roots Organization
    Murphy,Alan
  4389. (printed as 9/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11392McEntee,Mary
  4390. (printed as 9/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11391Marimello,Nancy
  4391. (printed as 9/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11390MacNicol,Alan
  4392. (printed as 9/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11389Kelly,Mary
  4393. (printed as 9/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11388Josupait,Linda
  4394. (printed as 9/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11387Greenberg,Larry
  4395. (printed as 9/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11386Anderson,Bob
  4396. (printed as 9/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11385Seltzer,Jennifer
  4397. (printed as 9/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11384Ladner,Lawrence
  4398. (printed as 9/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11383Liesinger,Maxine
  4399. (printed as 9/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11382Kolasa,Jenneen
  4400. (printed as 9/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11381Ladner,Kathleen
  4401. (printed as 9/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11380Elmore,Tom
  4402. (printed as 9/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11379Cervenka,Marilynn
  4403. (printed as 9/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11378Brill,Paul
  4404. (printed as 9/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11377Weeden,Walter
  4405. (printed as 9/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11376Lindberg,Barbara
  4406. (printed as 9/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11375Selk,Rick
  4407. (printed as 9/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11374Rutherford,Elaine
  4408. (printed as 9/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11373Michelassi,Tony
  4409. (printed as 9/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11372Himes,Richard
  4410. (printed as 9/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11371Neuman-Javornik,Emy
  4411. (printed as 9/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11370Bemis,Edward
  4412. (printed as 9/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11369Rutherford,E
  4413. (printed as 9/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11368Cassioppi,Gerald
  4414. (printed as 9/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11367Harvey,Kris
  4415. (printed as 9/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11366Wagoner,Annamarie
  4416. (printed as 9/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11365Parker,Cheryl
  4417. (printed as 9/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11364Reichert,K
  4418. (printed as 9/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11363Cimino,Richard
  4419. (printed as 9/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11362Daugherty,Jolene
  4420. (printed as 9/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11361Roberts,Jane
  4421. (printed as 9/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11358Kolasa,Richard
  4422. (printed as 9/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11357Novinger,Richard
  4423. (printed as 9/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11354Robertstad,Edith
  4424. (printed as 9/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11353Krishnamookthy,Muthuswamy
  4425. (printed as 9/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11352Tillman,Janet
  4426. (printed as 9/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11351Dugan,Christopher
  4427. (printed as 9/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11350Cimino,E
  4428. (printed as 9/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11348Kelly,Calvin
  4429. (printed as 9/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11347Solms,Joan
  4430. (printed as 9/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11346Reichert,Stephen
  4431. (printed as 9/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11345Van Poucke,Mike
  4432. (printed as 9/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11344Alfonseca,Rafael
  4433. (printed as 9/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11310Suhs,Jill
  4434. (printed as 9/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11309Lipsteuer,Beth
  4435. (printed as 9/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11242Senger,Darlene
  4436. (printed as 9/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11115Donald Ter Haar
    Dear Ms. Johnson-Ball, I am writing to strongly encourage the STB to approve the CN aquisition of EJ&E RR and move the train freight traffic to Chicago's outer suburbs and rural areas. This move will dramatically reduce conjestion in the inner suburbs and city of Chicago. Thank you. Dale Ter Haar
    South Holland, IL
  4437. (printed as 9/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11114Betty O'Brian
    Pertainig to the purchase of the E. J. & E. railroad line by C. N. If you are truly impartial and fair, C. N. must be required to pay mitigation costs for all problems created in all communities involved. The residents of these communities will not reap any benefits from this transaction, only negative impacts. Why should we be forced to pay to mitigate the problems that will arise when C. N. will be reaping all of the rewards. If this was not a lucrative move for them to make, they wouldn't be doing it. Will you penalize us twice by creating multiple problems for us to deal with and then force us to pay to fix them while C. N. only receives profits?
    Bartlett, Illinois
  4438. (printed as 9/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11113Newbrook homeowners association
    Dear STB, I'm writting in strong opposition to the purchase of the EJ&E by the CN Railway. This proposed purchase brings yo benefit to the town of Frankfort. What this does bring is decreased property values, delays in travel times do to streets being blocked by trains, greater potential for train accidents, more hazardous materials in out back yards, increase in polution, noise and vibrations, increase in potential pedestrian, bike and vehicle accidents, safety of our school witch is less the 2 1 block away. So I ask how is any of this good to the US citizens and the quality of life for us. I urge the STB to take there time review all the letters, filings, statements given and at the end rule Against the sales of the EJ&E to CN. In effort to preseve the quality of life. Thank you for your consideration, Ron Bogdan
    Ron Bogdan · Frankfort, Il
  4439. (printed as 9/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11112Oakhurst Community
    I have been a resident of the Oakhurst subdivision in the city of Aurora for 24 years. The many wonderful communities that have sprouted since our arrival have resulted in a wonderful residential and light industrial area for millions of residents. As a result of this growth and prosperity, we have endured significant tax increases, difficult road construction such as the current I-88 expansion leading to horrible commute times. As a proud American who has contributed to this areas growth, I find it disgusting to see a foreign company try to railroad" our community and your citizens with a merger or leasing agreement that would invite more hazardous material risks, incredible traffic delays through almost every significant east-west route while trying to pass the cost of mitigation back onto your constituants backs so that they can profit off the backs of US Citizens. Additionally, the impact to school transportation, medical and emergency vehicles and operations would result in significant decrease in service execution. Even if CN Rail agreed in writing to pay all bridge construction, it would need to execute before they increased rail traffic and would still result in traffic congestion during construction. I think I can speak for most of my neighbors in saying that we highly recommend that the STB reject this planned merger or leasing to CN Rail until an objective study of all the enviromental impact can be reviewed. Remember that urban sprawl in this area continues to move westward into Sugar Grove, Oswego, St CVharles and other towns that will need to move east through this rail traffic and make congestion even worse. Do proper diligence and THEN REJECT THIS PLAN"
    Michael Voaden
  4440. (printed as 9/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11111Ronald Fink Jr
    I do not want this sale to go through. It will have very negative effects on our community. Traffic is already bad due to this railroad line and the length/speed of these trains. We can not have more trains!
    Aurora, IL
  4441. (printed as 9/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11110Jennifer Fink
    I am outraged by the proposed sale of EJ&E to Canadian National Railway!! I believe it will be a detriment to our community. The delayed emergency response times, traffic problems, and overall effect on our community will be unacceptable. I believe it will seriously hurt our local economy by driving residents, customers, and business to leave the area. I have yet to hear a single person that approves of this transaction. Unless Canadian National Railway or the Surface and Transportation Board will personally fund the building of bridges at EVERY intersection this sale must be stopped. It is foolish arrogance for our federal government to push through with a transaction of this size, ignoring the public outrage, and to insist that we as local taxpayers need to foot the bill. I sincerely hope that the City of Aurora, the State of Illinois, and others takes Canadian National Railway or even the STB and federal government to court. We can not afford for this sale to go through. This sale must be stopped at all costs.
    Aurora, IL
  4442. (printed as 9/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11109Wsol,Sharon
  4443. (printed as 9/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11108Schroeck,Michael
  4444. (printed as 9/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11107Mott,Delores
  4445. (printed as 9/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11106Klock,Angela
  4446. (printed as 9/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11105Hairenberg,Julie
  4447. (printed as 9/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11104Graffia,David
  4448. (printed as 9/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11103Giannetta,Mario
  4449. (printed as 9/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11102Ford,Wendy
  4450. (printed as 9/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11101Curtis,Jim
  4451. (printed as 9/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11100Bulk,Marney
  4452. (printed as 9/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11099Booker,Reginald
  4453. (printed as 9/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11078Scosanni,Angela
  4454. (printed as 9/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11077Forner,Karen
  4455. (printed as 9/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10963Marilyn Lanigan
    When we moved into South Holland 35 years ago, we were told 2 trains a day." Now, and for the last many years,there have been many trains a day and night. The Grand Trunk/CN tracks are just barely beyond our back yard so we get all the noise and pollution. They are also between our house and most places that we want to go. We would be delighted to share these burdens with the people in Frankfort, Barrington, etc. Please vote for the acquisition of the EJ & E. Thanks."
  4456. (printed as 9/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10914Angela Klock
    I am opposed to the CN acquisition of the EJ&E for the following reasons (not in any specific order - they are all major concerns): 1 - noise pollution and environmental disruption that will arise from additional trains going through New Lenox and neighboring communities. 2 - traffic backups along major arteries due to larger number of trains crossing Cedar and Nelson roads. (There are currently no bridges for trains - or cars.) 3- emergency response problems due to trains cutting off these same major arteries. 4 - the obvious danger of numerous long trains going through highly residential areas with many families with small children.
    New Lenox, IL
  4457. (printed as 9/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10911Simon F. Vollmer
    Concerns over Proposed Canadian National Railway Company acquisition of the Elgin, Joliet & Eastern Railway Company - see attachment
    Hawthorn Woods, IL
  4458. (printed as 9/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10907John Goluch
    During these days of public commentary on the EIS regarding the CN purchase of the EJ&E railroad, I ask that members of the STB remember that they, and the elected officials who appointed them, do not work for a foreign business interest(CN). You work for us, the United States citizens of the states of Illinois and Indiana.
    Aurora, IL
  4459. (printed as 9/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10905kandy gore
    I Oppose the purchase of the EJE railway to CN.
    Hawthorn Woods, Illinois
  4460. (printed as 9/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7699Civilean Carter
  4461. (printed as 9/8/2008)
    Oral
    223553Oral Argument/Hearing Request
    Honorable Richard G. Lugar, Honorable Evan Bayh, Honorable Peter J Visclosky, Honorable Mitchell E. Daniels, Jr.
  4462. (printed as 9/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-16063therese davis
    warrenville, IL
  4463. (printed as 9/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-16062Jeffrey A. Dement
    RE: STB Finance Docket #35087 Is This The American Way? Is it the American way when a foreign company can say to Illinois residents, in order to make more money it is necessary to endanger your community. That is exactly what Canadian National wants to do to many suburban cities. Thousands of individuals and hundreds of businesses will be negatively affected by Canadian Nationals desire to streamline their operations. The Village of Plainfield has 17 crossings, only one is grade separated. Forty-two trains, each 10,000 feet long will bring our Village to a standstill. Ambulances, police cars, school buses, fire trucks and of course, commuters will be waiting, waiting for CN so they can improve their surface transportation while Plainfield's surface transportation is stopped at 16 train crossings. Jeffrey A. Dement Trustee, Village of Plainfield
    Plainfield, Illinois
  4464. (printed as 9/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15039Dunn, Kristin M.
  4465. (printed as 9/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14845Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital
    Hack, Christine H.
  4466. (printed as 9/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14795Miller, Teri
  4467. (printed as 9/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14742Dorey, Audrey
  4468. (printed as 9/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14678Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital
    Witkowski, Robert MD
  4469. (printed as 9/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14447Rossi, Paul
  4470. (printed as 9/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13308Russell, Charleen
  4471. (printed as 9/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12332Vanderze.Don
  4472. (printed as 9/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12325Riverside Police Department
    Weitzel,Tom
  4473. (printed as 9/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11966King,Joan
  4474. (printed as 9/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11965Noland,Doug
  4475. (printed as 9/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11964Bridges of Mokena Townhomes
    Horvath,Brian
  4476. (printed as 9/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11948Robinson,George
  4477. (printed as 9/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11939Hoffman,Pam
  4478. (printed as 9/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11936Daly,Thomas
  4479. (printed as 9/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11935Billman,Earl
  4480. (printed as 9/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11934Rowley,Rick
  4481. (printed as 9/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11919Bridges of Mokena Townhomes
    Horvath.Brian
  4482. (printed as 9/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11918Plainfield Police Department
    Bennett,Donald
  4483. (printed as 9/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11917Mooney,Thomas
  4484. (printed as 9/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11916Rowley,Susan
  4485. (printed as 9/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11915Nemec,Nancy
  4486. (printed as 9/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11914Eilks,Juliet
  4487. (printed as 9/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11912Lewis,Lindsay
  4488. (printed as 9/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11901Adler,Daniel
  4489. (printed as 9/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11899Krouse,Karen
  4490. (printed as 9/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11898Case,Sharon
  4491. (printed as 9/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11889Junia,Joe
  4492. (printed as 9/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11887Kurek,Christine
  4493. (printed as 9/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11886Hahm,Daniel
  4494. (printed as 9/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11867Lopat,Paula
  4495. (printed as 9/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11866Lopat,Donald
  4496. (printed as 9/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11865Case,Larry
  4497. (printed as 9/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11859Faulkner,Irmgard
  4498. (printed as 9/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11858Peterson,Lois
  4499. (printed as 9/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11856Redemske,Ron
  4500. (printed as 9/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11855Krafft,William
  4501. (printed as 9/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11854Sullivan,Sean
  4502. (printed as 9/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11853Lewis,A
  4503. (printed as 9/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11850Lewis,Mark
  4504. (printed as 9/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11848Cawley,Shirley
  4505. (printed as 9/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11847Parrino,Joseph
  4506. (printed as 9/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11839La Grange Park
    Discipio,James
  4507. (printed as 9/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11836Neumann,Richard
  4508. (printed as 9/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11644Simpson, Thomas
  4509. (printed as 9/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11636Adams, Deborah
  4510. (printed as 9/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11633Stover, Cheryl
  4511. (printed as 9/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11631Turay, Paul
  4512. (printed as 9/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11629O'Neill, Susan
  4513. (printed as 9/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11627Vargo, Carol
  4514. (printed as 9/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11625Bodnar, Raymond
  4515. (printed as 9/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11623Trout, Lisa
  4516. (printed as 9/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11621Bell, Norman
  4517. (printed as 9/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11619Antikiewicz, Ann
  4518. (printed as 9/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11618Kistner, Heather
  4519. (printed as 9/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11617Erickson, Michael
  4520. (printed as 9/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11616Sanders, Marie
  4521. (printed as 9/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11615Cottrell, William
  4522. (printed as 9/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11613Jacksonm Bobby
  4523. (printed as 9/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11612Jones, Jerome
  4524. (printed as 9/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11610Fraser, Jayme
  4525. (printed as 9/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11609Medenblik, Jackie
  4526. (printed as 9/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11607Wach, Susan
  4527. (printed as 9/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11606Postacchini, Pamela
  4528. (printed as 9/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11602Rowe, Dianne
  4529. (printed as 9/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11566Cunningham,Melissa
  4530. (printed as 9/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11449Vinicky, Ronald
  4531. (printed as 9/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11360Pouliof
  4532. (printed as 9/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11359Murray,Cindy
  4533. (printed as 9/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11356Tillman,Janet
  4534. (printed as 9/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11355Soule,Laura
  4535. (printed as 9/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11349Kelly,Mary
  4536. (printed as 9/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11333Aceret,Steve
  4537. (printed as 9/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11311Cozzi,Mary
  4538. (printed as 9/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11306Jacobs,Laurie
  4539. (printed as 9/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11238Rail 1 Media Inc.
    Ehlers,John
  4540. (printed as 9/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11237Chicago Southland Economic Development Corporation
    Unknown
  4541. (printed as 9/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11236Wendt,William Jr.
  4542. (printed as 9/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11235Johnson,A
  4543. (printed as 9/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11234Sprinkle,Frank
  4544. (printed as 9/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11135Susman,Harriet
  4545. (printed as 9/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11098US Congress House of Representatives
    Visclosky, Peter
  4546. (printed as 9/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11097Nodo,Linda
  4547. (printed as 9/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11096Dodge,Trisha
  4548. (printed as 9/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11095Daugherty,Julie
  4549. (printed as 9/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11094Cosgrove,Matt
  4550. (printed as 9/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11087Foote, None
  4551. (printed as 9/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11076VanKampen,Kelly
  4552. (printed as 9/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11075VanderZee,Jackie
  4553. (printed as 9/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11073Unknown
  4554. (printed as 9/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11072Sauna,Joe
  4555. (printed as 9/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11071Mierzwa,Phillip
  4556. (printed as 9/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11070Mascari,Patrick
  4557. (printed as 9/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11069Loffredo,Katie
  4558. (printed as 9/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11067Leibel,James
  4559. (printed as 9/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11066Kilroy,Tom
  4560. (printed as 9/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11065Kezler,Mary
  4561. (printed as 9/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11064Jarman,Alis
  4562. (printed as 9/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11063Hawrysz,Karen
  4563. (printed as 9/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11061Gustafson,Harold
  4564. (printed as 9/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11060Frasier,Jamie
  4565. (printed as 9/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11058Behymer,J
  4566. (printed as 9/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11057Audi,Suzann
  4567. (printed as 9/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11030Tofighi,Shadan
  4568. (printed as 9/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11028Fried,Bill
  4569. (printed as 9/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10931Obi, Amalia
  4570. (printed as 9/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10893John A. Schweizer
    I've lived in the village of Barrington, Ill., for 25 years and for 17 years have been on the Board of Directors of the Barrington area's oldest, largest, best-known and most active environmental organization. Citizens For Conservation, Inc., is all about saving open space and restoring native habitat (prairies, wetlands, savanna, etc.). It owns and manages several hundred acres of preserves and manage other special sites for the Village of Barrington and both the Cook County and Lake County Forest Preserve Districts. There are good reasons why this organization has not jumped into the fray against the CN/EJ&E deal despite pressure from assorted local public officials, civic leaders and even some members of CFC’s Board of Directors. At a Board of Directors meeting in March 2008, enough directors opined that 15 or 20 additional trains a day, running 30 or 40 mph, would have very little impact on wildlife or native vegetation, even in nearby Cuba Marsh Forest Preserve, which is bisected by the EJ&E and is home to acres of rare black soil oak savanna. Certainly the trains' impact on birds, deer and other wildlife is nothing compared with that of the thousands of cars and trucks zipping around daily. And enough directors felt it'd be hypocritical for CFC, an environmental organization, to come out against something that would help reduce regional air pollution and diesel fuel wastage (from idling locomotives on congested tracks). The real environmental damage -- and it was considerable -- occurred when the EJ&E was constructed 120 years ago and in subsequent decades when herbiciding and other bad practices weren't reined in. All railroads share that history. So, despite some pressure from Barrington-area officials and pleas from some CFC directors opposed to the CN deal, the CFC Board declined to even bring the matter to a vote. While local nimby" opponents hope for some mitigating concessions (an underpass or two, perhaps) from CN to alleviate their anticipated inconveniences, conservationists ought to try working with CN toward improvement of natural areas along the EJ&E right-of-way. From all the outrage, one would think rail traffic is something new to Barrington. But the UP/Metra Northwest line, which slices through the heart of the congested village, sees from 70 to 75 train movements every weekday: 63 Metra trains and eight to 12 freight movements. And, lest one think village leaders are doing all they can to reduce traffic congestion, be aware that the village, inexplicably, is putting a second deck on the sprawling Metra parking area in the middle of town to expand its capacity instead of going with two or three satellite lots in the municipalities surrounding the Village of Barrington, such as Barrington Hills, Lake Barrington, North Barrington and South Barrington. This will encourage even more motor vehicle traffic throughout the village."
  4571. (printed as 9/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10891Claudio Trento
    I am writing to express my opposition of the CN Aquisition of the EJ&E railway. I truly believe this action will negatively impact the safety, congestion and travel for a majority of residents (including my family members), schools, business and all of the emergency service agencies within the New Lenox, Mokena and Frankfort areas.
    New Lenox, IL
  4572. (printed as 9/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10889William Leahy
    Myself and neighbors support the purchace of th E J E RR...Thanks...Bill
    N. Riverside, IL
  4573. (printed as 9/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10724Barger, Julie
  4574. (printed as 9/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10561John A. Schweizer
    I've lived in the village of Barrington, Ill., for 25 years and for 17 years have been on the Board of Directors of the Barrington area's oldest, largest, best-known and most active environmental organization. Citizens For Conservation, Inc., is all about saving open space and restoring native habitat (prairies, wetlands, savanna, etc.). It owns and manages several hundred acres of preserves and manage other special sites for the Village of Barrington and both the Cook County and Lake County Forest Preserve Districts. There are good reasons why this organization has not jumped into the fray against the CN/EJ&E deal despite pressure from assorted local public officials, civic leaders and even some members of CFC’s Board of Directors. At a Board of Directors meeting in March 2008, enough directors opined that 15 or 20 additional trains a day, running 30 or 40 mph, would have very little impact on wildlife or native vegetation, even in nearby Cuba Marsh Forest Preserve, which is bisected by the EJ&E and is home to acres of rare black soil oak savanna. Certainly the trains' impact on birds, deer and other wildlife is nothing compared with that of the thousands of cars and trucks zipping around daily. And enough directors felt it'd be hypocritical for CFC, an environmental organization, to come out against something that would help reduce regional air pollution and diesel fuel wastage (from idling locomotives on congested tracks). The real environmental damage -- and it was considerable -- occurred when the EJ&E was constructed 120 years ago and in subsequent decades when herbiciding and other bad practices weren't reined in. All railroads share that history. So, despite some pressure from Barrington-area officials and pleas from some CFC directors opposed to the CN deal, the CFC Board declined to even bring the matter to a vote. While local nimby" opponents hope for some mitigating concessions (an underpass or two, perhaps) from CN to alleviate their anticipated inconveniences, conservationists ought to try working with CN toward improvement of natural areas along the EJ&E right-of-way. From all the outrage, one would think rail traffic is something new to Barrington. But the UP/Metra Northwest line, which slices through the heart of the congested village, sees from 70 to 75 train movements every weekday: 63 Metra trains and eight to 12 freight movements. And, lest one think village leaders are doing all they can to reduce traffic congestion, be aware that the village, inexplicably, is putting a second deck on the sprawling Metra parking area in the middle of town to expand its capacity instead of going with two or three satellite lots in the municipalities surrounding the Village of Barrington, such as Barrington Hills, Lake Barrington, North Barrington and South Barrington. This will encourage even more motor vehicle traffic throughout the village."
    Barrington, IL
  4575. (printed as 9/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10560TAURA
    i SUPPORT GETTING FREIGHT TRAINS OUT OF OUR TOWN.
    Oak Park, IL
  4576. (printed as 9/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10559Raymond Britton
    The BNSF line is the busiest passenger line in IL. It would be nice, and improve passenger servce, if some of the freight could be rerouted to EJ&E Railway. Please allow the Canadian National Railroad to aquire the EJ&E Railway.
    lyons, IL
  4577. (printed as 9/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10558Mayra
    I am speaking out about the trains in this neighborhood. My neighbors and I are surrounded by 4 train tracks and I think that it is a burden especially in the morning hours when I am going to work and taking my daughter to school. Many a time we have been late and many times we have been blocked in because there is two trains at each end and also the trains stop and can sit for as long as 45 mins. If there would ever happen to be an emergency in our community and the trains are stopped for that long no help could get to us! Something needs to be done. This is outrageous! Thank you for taking the time to read this.
    Dixmoor, IL
  4578. (printed as 9/7/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15748Olenek, Susan M
  4579. (printed as 9/7/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11947Vehymer,Mike
  4580. (printed as 9/7/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11946Brown,Christy
  4581. (printed as 9/7/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11896Fraser,James
  4582. (printed as 9/7/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11891Kapcheck,Jackie
  4583. (printed as 9/7/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11863Buzard,Harry
  4584. (printed as 9/7/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11861Gerber,Cecilia
  4585. (printed as 9/7/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11312Linde,Alicia
  4586. (printed as 9/7/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11307Haper,Merilyn
  4587. (printed as 9/7/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11093Smith,Matt
  4588. (printed as 9/7/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11092Gorski,Sherri
  4589. (printed as 9/7/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11091Franklin,Jim
  4590. (printed as 9/7/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11090Delia,Beth
  4591. (printed as 9/7/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11055Chin,Amanda
  4592. (printed as 9/7/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10557michael and marybeth bulgarelli
    STB Finance Docket No. 35087 We're writing to inform you of our opposition to the acquisition of the EJ&E Railroad. As Barrington residents, we're well aware of the extremely negative impact increased freight train traffic will have on the safety of our community. Access to hospital, fire and police services will be negatively impacted, as will the safety of pedistrians, drivers, and students traveling on school buses. The safety of our air quality is also greatly at risk.
    barrington, il
  4593. (printed as 9/7/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10556Alvin Sheffler
    Barrington, IL
  4594. (printed as 9/7/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10555Joseph Klevorn
    See attached Word file.
    New Lenox, IL
  4595. (printed as 9/7/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10554Shamsudeen Iqbal
    I would like to register my personal experiences in result of the train traffic going through the current EJ&E train track. From my house there are 4 at grade level crossings to cross the train track. When we go to my mosque across the track, we get stopped right when it is important to attend the prayer. Even worse on few occasions, long trains completely stopped on the tracks leaving us no choice but turnaround drive about 5 miles north to cross at the McCoy drive. Also during the night, the train whistles so much, we get awaken many times. We are disturbed enough to close our windows even during summer nights and force to run our air-conditioner. Unless the separation of track and road implemented at Keating Drive crossing, and also made sure the trains not whistle at Hafenrichter Road and Keating Dr. crossings, the life would become much more difficult for us. Please add these two as pre-requirement before allowing this acquisition go through. Thank You.
    Aurora, IL
  4596. (printed as 9/7/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10553Annette Hancock
    I am writing to express my concern over the purchase of the EJ&E through the city of New Lenox, IL. I have two small boys that attend Spencer Pointe Grade School, they are 6 and 8. The school they attend is very near the railway. Both of my sons suffer from asthma, allergies, and severe skin eczema and their health is primarily determined by environmental situations. They ride the bus to and from school and cross the railroad tracks involved in this acquisition. I am AGAINST this purchase by Canadian Railway, because I am concerned about the additional pollutants that my children will be exposed to as they are on the bus (with windows open), at recess outside, or participating in soccer (there are Park District Soccer Fields right there as well). I believe this acquisition will seriously deteriorate the community by adding toxins in the air from the train itself and from the car emissions as they wait for the trains to pass. I say NO WAY PLEASE!!! This railway is too much physically integrated into a thriving community with many, many children...just look at the distance to one of our major grade and kindergarten schools. PLEASE stop this acquisition from happening for the benefit of all the youth, the future of our communities.
    New Lenox, IL
  4597. (printed as 9/7/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10552Diane Faedtke
    I live directly behind the EJ&E. I have a problem now with many trains and I have to cross the tracks everyday. Not only will it be a nightmare to live with more train traffic but I would not be able to sell my place. Would you buy a home that has a ton of train traffic, dirt constantly on your belongs and pictures rattling. You're not solving a problem your just moving from one area to another. It's wrong.
    Aurora, IL
  4598. (printed as 9/7/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10551Martin T. McGraw
    RE: Docket # 35087 Canadian National Railway Company and Grand Trunk Corporation -Control- EJ & E West Company Dear Ms. Johnson - Ball: I am a resident of Frankfort, Illinois who will be impacted by the CN purchase of EJ&E Railroad. I am writing to express my deep concerns regarding the impact on my community with the increase in the daily projected number of trains through Frankfort. I understand that the EJ&E tracks in Frankfort have not received major repairs in over 25 years. That’s one reason the experienced engineers go so slowly through Frankfort. Now the Canadian National is proposing to increase the number of trains by over 400% and they state that they will run trains through our community at 45 miles per hour on these old tracks. I wonder if the authors of your Draft Environmental Impact Statement have read the report to the Canadian House of Commons from the Standing Committee on Transport that severely criticizes the safety record of the Canadian National Railway. Perhaps the most alarming comment in the report is that by 2008, the CN had only implemented one out of the five safety measures it was ordered to implement by the Canadian government back in 2001. If they won’t implement safety measures for their own government, why should we believe that they will show a concern for safety when operating in the United States? In fact Canadian National employees are quoted in the report as saying that they work in a “culture of fear,” which affects safety. Please make sure that the final Environmental Impact Study takes the safety record of the CN into consideration. We are counting on you to help avoid a tragedy in our community. Respectfully, Martin T. McGraw Frankfort IL Resident
    Frankfort, IL
  4599. (printed as 9/6/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15375Bukovsky, JoAnn
  4600. (printed as 9/6/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15360Morgan, James
  4601. (printed as 9/6/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12320Bennett,Victoria
  4602. (printed as 9/6/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11945Unknown,Cindy
  4603. (printed as 9/6/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11944Sadler,Dawn
  4604. (printed as 9/6/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11943Pubins,Eileen
  4605. (printed as 9/6/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11893Dudak,Sean
  4606. (printed as 9/6/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11890Larsen,Lois
  4607. (printed as 9/6/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11846Kinsella,Elizabeth
  4608. (printed as 9/6/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11313Geijer,Matt
  4609. (printed as 9/6/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11308Johnson,Thomas
  4610. (printed as 9/6/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11089Wycken,John
  4611. (printed as 9/6/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11088Unknown,John
  4612. (printed as 9/6/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11086Noria,Norish
  4613. (printed as 9/6/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11085Mytada,Enice
  4614. (printed as 9/6/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11084Dawson,Penny
  4615. (printed as 9/6/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11083Bell,Janet
  4616. (printed as 9/6/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11054Butler,June
  4617. (printed as 9/6/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10550Alan Merkle
    The consequences will be enormous. I will not duplicate the many reasons which have been argued but wish to offer my support for the oposition. Substatnial monies MUST be committed ( not promised) to provide for the passabe of auto traffic. The thought of emergency vehicles being tied up is quite frightening
    Tower Lakes, IL
  4618. (printed as 9/6/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10549Bob Walton
    NOT IN MY BACKTARD: I was fascinated by the amount of people that turned out to protest the possible purchase of EJ&E Railroad by Canadian National Railway. I find it difficult to understand why anyone would be against any measure that will reduce overall traffic congestion on the roadways, while at the same time moving freight more rapidly around Chicago. In addition this measure will keep that freight out of trucks and those vehicles off the highway as well. There are many communities that have rail lines with freight trains passing through sometimes making emergency response difficult. These communities have reciprocal agreements with neighbor communities that assist until the jurisdiction can arrive safely. This happens in cities and towns all over the country every day. The other question I have is this. Where were all these protestors when Chicago Mayor Daley decided to really destroy the community of Bensenville by tearing down houses and disturbing the graves of hundreds of people in a church cemetery? This was deemed necessary to expand Ohare Airport at a time when airlines are shutting down and flights are being reduced. This obviously did not affect them directly so it was not important. Get over this not in my backyard mentality and allow a very real reduction in overall traffic congestion to proceed.
    Buffalo Grove, Illinois
  4619. (printed as 9/6/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10548Brian McDowell
    Ms. Glidden: Please know that I fully support he CN acquistion of EJ&E and encourage you to approve the transaction and operating plan. Our family has lived in towns served by CN for most of my life. My father was a CN(IC) conductor for 32 years. More importantly, I believe that the US transportation system, and metro Chicago, will be well served by moving rail traffic from the city center to a by-pass" route. The new rail traffic pattern will increase fluidity in Chicago. Opposition from suburban home owners and businesses is selfish and misguided. CN has been a good neighbor in our cental Illinois communities. Please work to approve the proposed transaction as presented by CN. I ask that you forward this request to your colleagues. Thank you."
  4620. (printed as 9/5/2008)
    Comment
    EI-16123McGrath, Jacalyn
  4621. (printed as 9/5/2008)
    Comment
    EI-16122Messick, Todd
  4622. (printed as 9/5/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14432Nelson, Sandra
  4623. (printed as 9/5/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13912Fleming, John B.
  4624. (printed as 9/5/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13305Christensen, Laura
  4625. (printed as 9/5/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12752Basile,Renee
  4626. (printed as 9/5/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12751Basile,Paul
  4627. (printed as 9/5/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12749Tedei,Sandy
  4628. (printed as 9/5/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12732McLaughlin,Stephany
  4629. (printed as 9/5/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12622Kieras,Karen
  4630. (printed as 9/5/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12620Lake Cook Orthopedic Associates
    Young,Michael
  4631. (printed as 9/5/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12591Smith,Judith
  4632. (printed as 9/5/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11942Thompson,Dianna
  4633. (printed as 9/5/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11941Rappaport,Edward
  4634. (printed as 9/5/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11940Inda,Ramona
  4635. (printed as 9/5/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11868Perkins,Kelly
  4636. (printed as 9/5/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11862Buzard,Rosalie
  4637. (printed as 9/5/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11849Miller,Donald
  4638. (printed as 9/5/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11659Mackin,Melanie
  4639. (printed as 9/5/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11658Riley,Thomas
  4640. (printed as 9/5/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11314Patel,Bharat
  4641. (printed as 9/5/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11117Ford,Mike
  4642. (printed as 9/5/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11082Vaname,Tracy
  4643. (printed as 9/5/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11081Marciniak,Julie
  4644. (printed as 9/5/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11080Laxmi
  4645. (printed as 9/5/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11079Lambert,Michael
  4646. (printed as 9/5/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11068Wilkin, John
  4647. (printed as 9/5/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11062Stonington Properties LLC
    None
  4648. (printed as 9/5/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11056Wilkin, John
  4649. (printed as 9/5/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11053Quality Leather Restoration Inc.
    Nelson, Ronald
  4650. (printed as 9/5/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11052Wortmann,Tina
  4651. (printed as 9/5/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11051Albert, Karen
  4652. (printed as 9/5/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11050Wieborg,Terry
  4653. (printed as 9/5/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11049Nelson, Kathryn
  4654. (printed as 9/5/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11048Unknown
  4655. (printed as 9/5/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11047Lee, William
  4656. (printed as 9/5/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11046Trascritti,Karen
  4657. (printed as 9/5/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11045Siepak,Paul
  4658. (printed as 9/5/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11044Bharaj, Avinder
  4659. (printed as 9/5/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11043Pickett,Sandy
  4660. (printed as 9/5/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11042Montagner, Sagrario
  4661. (printed as 9/5/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11041Neil,Karen
  4662. (printed as 9/5/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11040McInerney, Joseph
  4663. (printed as 9/5/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11039Metzger,Mark
  4664. (printed as 9/5/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11038Lee,Fiona
  4665. (printed as 9/5/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11037McMahon, Heidi
  4666. (printed as 9/5/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11036Inda,Ken
  4667. (printed as 9/5/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11035Barker, William
  4668. (printed as 9/5/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11034Collom,Beth
  4669. (printed as 9/5/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11033Malovany, Bernadette
  4670. (printed as 9/5/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11031Hayes, Marilyn
  4671. (printed as 9/5/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11029Malovany, Anton
  4672. (printed as 9/5/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11027Pietrowski, Char
  4673. (printed as 9/5/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11025Thomlinson, Jennifer
  4674. (printed as 9/5/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11023Shook, Steve
  4675. (printed as 9/5/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11022Banisaid, Jim
  4676. (printed as 9/5/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11020Morton, Terry
  4677. (printed as 9/5/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11018Plonka, Mike
  4678. (printed as 9/5/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11016Plonka, Mike
  4679. (printed as 9/5/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11014Money, Douglas
  4680. (printed as 9/5/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11011Berrong, Gerald
  4681. (printed as 9/5/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11010Pearce, Michael
  4682. (printed as 9/5/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11008Daley, Ursula
  4683. (printed as 9/5/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11006Research Plus
    Heimbach, Carolyn
  4684. (printed as 9/5/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11005Mendez, Esther
  4685. (printed as 9/5/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11003Ehrlieh, Gail
  4686. (printed as 9/5/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11002Barney, None
  4687. (printed as 9/5/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11000Malin, Don
  4688. (printed as 9/5/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10998Newton, Andrew
  4689. (printed as 9/5/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10996Lindley, Julie
  4690. (printed as 9/5/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10547Peter Thoss
    Dear Ms. Johnson-Ball, I am very concerned that the EJ+E sale to the Canadian national will irreparably damage the town I've come to love. A foreign company should not be allowed to benefit so greatly, while contributing so little to the badly-needed infrastructure improvements required to keep Plainfield and other affected towns from severe traffic and safety problems. Plainfield alone has 17 at-grade crossings, many of which would require re-building. Taxpayers should not be forced to pay the costs associated with a private company's impact. I am employed by American President Lines, an ocean carrier who uses the U.S. railroads to transport it's containers nationwide. I am very aware of the CN's potential to cause havoc as they run double-stack" container trains every 30 minutes through my town. The CN's expansion would be a disaster for every homeowner, business and commuter in the region. Please rule against this purchase. Thank-You Peter Thoss Plainfield, IL"
  4691. (printed as 9/5/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10408Tricia Kraemer
    It is imperative that Congress doesn't adjourn before sending this bill-H.R. 6707-or the TRACS bill to the president's desk for signing. Between safety issues,economic downturn, and mitigation issues the CN and EJ&E railroad acquisition MUST be halted. Twenty ADDITIONAL trains a d ay through Barrington would negatively impact this town. Also, the idea of the local community absorbing the cost of grading the rails is an insult to injury. WE DO NOT WANT THIS DEAL TO BE ACCEPTED. CN makes a ton of money and the local residents lose their lifestyle--delays, intrusion, and danger. It's a lose/lose situation for the citizens of Barrington.
    Barrington, IL
  4692. (printed as 9/4/2008)
    Reply
    223529Reply - Fax Copy
    Canadian National Railway Company
  4693. (printed as 9/4/2008)
    Reply
    223523Reply
    Solutions To Area Rail Traffic (S.T.A.R.T.), ,
  4694. (printed as 9/4/2008)
    Reply
    223522Reply
    American Suzuki Motor Corporation
  4695. (printed as 9/4/2008)
    Reply
    223521Reply
    Canfor Wood Products Marketing Ltd.
  4696. (printed as 9/4/2008)
    Reply
    223520Reply
    Archer Daniels Midland Company
  4697. (printed as 9/4/2008)
    Reply
    223517Reply
    Verso Paper
  4698. (printed as 9/4/2008)
    Reply
    223515Reply
    Viterra
  4699. (printed as 9/4/2008)
    Reply
    223514Reply
    Consolidated Grain And Barge Company
  4700. (printed as 9/4/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14444Tolle, Judy
  4701. (printed as 9/4/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13369Siegel, Eugene L.
  4702. (printed as 9/4/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11905Buongiorno,Karla
  4703. (printed as 9/4/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11888Behling,Ann
  4704. (printed as 9/4/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11665Vasanthan,Arul Arasu
  4705. (printed as 9/4/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11529City of Harvey
    Kellogg,Eric
  4706. (printed as 9/4/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11335Ostis,Ronald
  4707. (printed as 9/4/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10995Pofahl, Jacqueline
  4708. (printed as 9/4/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10994Ladner, Kathleen
  4709. (printed as 9/4/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10989Swartz,Dan
  4710. (printed as 9/4/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10938Rosetti, Sam
  4711. (printed as 9/4/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10910Johnson,John
  4712. (printed as 9/4/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10880Jessica Morton
    Hawthorn Woods, IL
  4713. (printed as 9/4/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10407Juana Rodgers
    South Holland has endured the traffic and back up that occurs from the railroad long enough.It is time for the railroad to relocate, and give South Holland a break.Every community must put up with some form of nuisance, now its time for some other community to deal with the railroad.
    South Holland, IL
  4714. (printed as 9/4/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10406Robert Zelenik
    The acquisition of the Elgin, Joliet and Eastern (EJ&E) Railroad by the Canadian National (CN) Railroad must not be approved by the Surface Transportation Board (STB) – Finance Docket No. 35087. To allow this merger would allow one of North America’s most unsafe railroad companies to increase rail traffic in a well populated and environmentally sensitive area of Northern Illinois and Indiana by 500% or more. A review of operational and other incidents that have occurred over the past year clearly shows what a poor steward of the environment and neighbor CN really is!! STB’s approval of the proposed acquisition will only benefit CN and not safety or overall rail efficiency. STB must vote “NO”!! Wednesday, September 5 Western Grain Shippers Complain Over Rail's Grain Shipping (AP) Wednesday, August 22 Coal cleaned up after Canadian National train derails in Lansing, Michigan (Lansing State Journal) CN served pollution prevention order following collision in Prince George (Vancouver Sun) Wednesday, August 8 CN investigation finds 'experienced manager' at fault in collision of two trains (Globe and Mail) Canadian National charged over 2005 derailment spill (Reuters) Railroader claims Canadian National failed to provide safe work place (Madison County Record) Sunday, July 15 Canadian National criticized by Canadian derailment probe (Reuters) Sunday, July 1 Canadian National to resume rail operations, lift embargo on Toronto-Montreal main line (CNI) Sunday, June 3 Railway safety record questioned by private council (Canadian Press) Sunday, May 27 Squamish mulling legal action against Canadian National (Globe and Mail) Sunday, May 13 Canadian National freight train derails near St. Leonard, N.B (CNI) Sunday, May 6 NDP heads to Ottawa to slam sale of BC Rail to Canadian National (Globe and Mail) 23 rail cars jump tracks in Canadian National derailment (Northumberland Today) Rail tax credit in US national interest" says STB (Reuters) Sunday, April 29 VIA restores Toronto-Ottawa-Montreal corridor after Canadian National derailment (CBC) Sunday, April 22 Canadian National service resumes as Ontario blockade ends (Reuters) Canadian National to focus on deadly trespassing issue during Rail Safety Week (CN) Sunday, April 15 Canadian National, UTU remain apart on issues; conductors’ strike continues (CN) Search warrants of Canadian National offices executed in B.C. train derailment (CP) Sunday, April 8 Cause of Canadian National derailment in Minnesota remains undetermined (AP) Sunday, April 1 Canadian National derailment in Glendora MS causes evacuation (WREG) Sunday, March 25 Canadian National profit boon for top brass: five get multimillion-dollar pay (Globe & Mail) Sunday, March 11 Canadian National Faces Complaint From Grain Shippers (Bloomberg) Mudslides, derailment hamper Canadian National rail traffic (Reuters) Sunday, March 4 Canadian National Clears Tracks After Derailment; GO Transit resumes (Bloomberg) No toxic spills in B.C. derailment, Canadian National says (Globe and Mail) Sunday, February 18 Derailment unrelated to strike, Canadian National says (Edmonton Sun) Saturday, January 6 CN employees survive 60-metre plunge into canyon valley (CanWest) Canadian National locomotives strike landslide in Fraser Canyon, British Columbia. 'My heart was racing,' engineer says of derailment (CBC) Canadian National train crew survives canyon slide, waits seven hours to be rescued. Sunday, December 31 CN Rail, CP Rail both exceed grain revenue cap (Reuters) Canadian National and Canadian Pacific exceed revenue caps, owe government $4M. Monday, October 23 Town evacuated as CN tanker spews chemicals (AP) Leaking Canadian National tanker forced the evacuation of 200 homes in Kentucky. Sunday, October 1 Railway safety check notes 21 violations (Globe and Mail) Transport Canada cites Canadian National for 21 safety violations of varying severity. Saturday, September 23 Train in fatal CN crash was overdue for repairs, NDP alleges (Globe and Mail) Documents indicate that Canadian National failed to maintain a train that derailed in June. Railroad officials investigate derailment (St. Louis Post-Dispatch) Canadian National derailment near Salem Illinois forces 50 to evacuate."
  4715. (printed as 9/4/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10405Bruce Rodgers
    There needs to be a better orginization for it because a lot of times both trains will come at the same time leaving no other possible detours.
    south holland, Il
  4716. (printed as 9/4/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10404Doug Morton
    I am strongly against this acquisition. It will be horrible for our community. Please do everything you can to stop this acquisition. Thank you, Doug Morton
    Hawthorn Woods, IL
  4717. (printed as 9/3/2008)
    Reply
    223565Reply
    Will County, Illinois
  4718. (printed as 9/3/2008)
    Reply
    223513Reply
    Patrick Engineering Inc.
  4719. (printed as 9/3/2008)
    Reply
    223512Reply
    Hanjin Shipping Company Ltd
  4720. (printed as 9/3/2008)
    Reply
    223511Reply
    Millar Western Forest Products Ltd
  4721. (printed as 9/3/2008)
    Reply
    223510Reply
    Raw Materials Inc./Chicago Heights Steel
  4722. (printed as 9/3/2008)
    Reply
    223509Reply
    Ssab North American Division
  4723. (printed as 9/3/2008)
    Reply
    223506Reply
    Village Of Barrington, Illinois
  4724. (printed as 9/3/2008)
    Reply
    223503Reply
    Village Of Frankfort, Il
  4725. (printed as 9/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-16060Maraval,Philippe
  4726. (printed as 9/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14474Sankey, David
  4727. (printed as 9/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13314Root, Michael
  4728. (printed as 9/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13312Root, Michael
  4729. (printed as 9/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13311Root, Sharon
  4730. (printed as 9/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12944Buffalo Grove Area Chamber of Commerce
    Schneider,Lynne
  4731. (printed as 9/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12743Coyne,Chris
  4732. (printed as 9/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12575Root,Sharon
  4733. (printed as 9/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12562Root,Sharon
  4734. (printed as 9/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12318Blau,Joyce
  4735. (printed as 9/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11958Hanson,Robert
  4736. (printed as 9/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11902Village of Alsip
    Kitching,Patricia
  4737. (printed as 9/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11894Frederick,Diane
  4738. (printed as 9/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11883Smith,Roger
  4739. (printed as 9/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11882Rogers,Laura
  4740. (printed as 9/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11646Bennett,Kenneth
  4741. (printed as 9/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11549Mahoney,Silverman and Cross
    Mahoney,George
  4742. (printed as 9/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11545K and L Gates
    Fowler,Brendon
  4743. (printed as 9/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11544Chicago Heights Steel
    Owczarzak,Ronald
  4744. (printed as 9/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11543Viterra
    Kennedy,Tim
  4745. (printed as 9/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11542CGB Enterprises, Inc
    Threlkeld,Charles
  4746. (printed as 9/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11541Verso
    Partridge,Michael
  4747. (printed as 9/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11540Hanjin Shipping Company, LTD.
    Nagel,William
  4748. (printed as 9/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11539Patrick Engineering Inc.
    Luetkehans,Steven
  4749. (printed as 9/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11538Millar Western Forest Products
    Simpson,Greg
  4750. (printed as 9/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11537SSAB North American Division
    Schnurbusch,Larry
  4751. (printed as 9/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11536Archer Daniels Midland Company
    Fredericksen,Scott
  4752. (printed as 9/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11535American Suzuki Motor Corporation
    Eastman,Mark
  4753. (printed as 9/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11534Canfor Wood Products
    McIver,Ian
  4754. (printed as 9/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11533Hinshaw and Culbertson LLP
    Gower, Edward
  4755. (printed as 9/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11342DeDecker,Don
  4756. (printed as 9/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11341Pokorny,E
  4757. (printed as 9/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11340Pokorny,Cheryl
  4758. (printed as 9/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11339Aceret,Mary
  4759. (printed as 9/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11338Kelly,Calvin
  4760. (printed as 9/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11337Morehead,Lisa
  4761. (printed as 9/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11336Hailer,Kathryn
  4762. (printed as 9/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11134Morgan,Donna
  4763. (printed as 9/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10984Cohen,Andrew
  4764. (printed as 9/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10983Cohen,Jeremy
  4765. (printed as 9/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10982Herrmann,Angela
  4766. (printed as 9/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10981Cohen,Marc
  4767. (printed as 9/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10978Vishanoff,Brenda
  4768. (printed as 9/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10976Vishanoff,Robert
  4769. (printed as 9/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10970McGraw,Martin
  4770. (printed as 9/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10969Murphy,Logan
  4771. (printed as 9/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10968Puzon,Sally
  4772. (printed as 9/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10967Murphy,Lindsey
  4773. (printed as 9/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10966Murphy,Jill
  4774. (printed as 9/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10962Murphy,Gale
  4775. (printed as 9/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10961Benes,Lynda
  4776. (printed as 9/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10960Holm,Anni
  4777. (printed as 9/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10959Carone,Gail
  4778. (printed as 9/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10951Williams,Peter
  4779. (printed as 9/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10949Bingham,Rich
  4780. (printed as 9/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10944Bingham,Richard
  4781. (printed as 9/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10943Bingham,Richard
  4782. (printed as 9/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10941Bingham,Rich
  4783. (printed as 9/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10939Fanning,Jennifer
  4784. (printed as 9/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10937Pokraka,David
  4785. (printed as 9/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10934Romanazzi, Vince
  4786. (printed as 9/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10932Markwell, Sherry
  4787. (printed as 9/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10922Berenz,Jerry
  4788. (printed as 9/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10920Swinehart,Jeff
  4789. (printed as 9/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10918Bingham,Richard
  4790. (printed as 9/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10908Zastro,Donna
  4791. (printed as 9/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10904None, Jeremy
  4792. (printed as 9/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10903White, Thomas
  4793. (printed as 9/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10902Fetzer,Eileen
  4794. (printed as 9/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10900Michuda,Leo
  4795. (printed as 9/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10898LaVanne,William
  4796. (printed as 9/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10896Perrin,Dale
  4797. (printed as 9/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10894Kenny,Geraldine
  4798. (printed as 9/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10887McGinn,Suzanne
  4799. (printed as 9/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10876Berger, Charlene
  4800. (printed as 9/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10875Zizzo, Dean
  4801. (printed as 9/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10874Malin, Cindy
  4802. (printed as 9/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10873McEnany, Larry
  4803. (printed as 9/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10872Hanlon, Alicia
  4804. (printed as 9/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10869Bird, Lisa
  4805. (printed as 9/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10866Saint Agnes Parish
    Siemianowski, John
  4806. (printed as 9/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10864Johnson, Kenneth
  4807. (printed as 9/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10861Zizzo, Sue
  4808. (printed as 9/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10859Friederich, Robert
  4809. (printed as 9/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10857Parrino, Lucille
  4810. (printed as 9/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10855Friederich, Chris
  4811. (printed as 9/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10853Winkelman, Pat
  4812. (printed as 9/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10850Dockery, Bruce
  4813. (printed as 9/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10848Peterson, John
  4814. (printed as 9/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10846Vinicky, Lin
  4815. (printed as 9/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10844Brown, Jeff
  4816. (printed as 9/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10842Devore, Mary
  4817. (printed as 9/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10840White, Lloyd
  4818. (printed as 9/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10838Miszewski, Roy
  4819. (printed as 9/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10836Schuman, Teri
  4820. (printed as 9/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10834Schuman, Jeff
  4821. (printed as 9/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10832Yantes, LeAnn
  4822. (printed as 9/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10831Wooter, Charlene
  4823. (printed as 9/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10829Schaffer, Peter
  4824. (printed as 9/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10827Plautz, Patricia
  4825. (printed as 9/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10826Doss, Carole
  4826. (printed as 9/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10824Antonacci, Margaret
  4827. (printed as 9/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10821LaLonde, Laurel
  4828. (printed as 9/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10765S.T.A.R.T. Solutions to Area Rail Traffic
    Wiaduck, Jack
  4829. (printed as 9/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10403Brian Smith
    I support the CN acquisition of EJ&E to reduse train traffic in my area already over poplulated with trains.
    Thornton, il
  4830. (printed as 9/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10081Morrissey-Kochanny,Mary
  4831. (printed as 9/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10080Meyer,Ralph
  4832. (printed as 9/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10079Kern,Ed
  4833. (printed as 9/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9614jane peterson
    We are not in favor of the proposal
    hawthorn woods, Illinois
  4834. (printed as 9/2/2008)
    Reply
    223485Reply
    Honorable Elaine Neikritz
  4835. (printed as 9/2/2008)
    Comment
    EI-16065Herman,Mary
  4836. (printed as 9/2/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15843Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital
    Widtmann, Barbara
  4837. (printed as 9/2/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15841Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital
    Campbell, Michelle
  4838. (printed as 9/2/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15054Calbra, Jane
  4839. (printed as 9/2/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14840Sandberg, Angela
  4840. (printed as 9/2/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14839Moler, Heather
  4841. (printed as 9/2/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14838Smith, Jenny
  4842. (printed as 9/2/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14837Bostrom, Susan
  4843. (printed as 9/2/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14007White, Cathy
  4844. (printed as 9/2/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13918Patel, J.
  4845. (printed as 9/2/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13812Coakley, Aharmont
  4846. (printed as 9/2/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13677Stephens, Tad
  4847. (printed as 9/2/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13418Paulos, Mary Lou
  4848. (printed as 9/2/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13414Tufo, John
  4849. (printed as 9/2/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13413Rinaldi, Nancy
  4850. (printed as 9/2/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13323Elliott, Pam
  4851. (printed as 9/2/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13309Dunn, D
  4852. (printed as 9/2/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13035Sweitzer, Debbi
  4853. (printed as 9/2/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13032Padron, Annette
  4854. (printed as 9/2/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12746Price,Catherine
  4855. (printed as 9/2/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12734Kotowski,Bill
  4856. (printed as 9/2/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12625Miller,Amy
  4857. (printed as 9/2/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12589Zelaitis,Max
  4858. (printed as 9/2/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12588Mirski,L
  4859. (printed as 9/2/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12558Ruff,Sharon
  4860. (printed as 9/2/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12321Wennerstrom,Nicholas
  4861. (printed as 9/2/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12315Zurke,T
  4862. (printed as 9/2/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12314Pacholski,Donna
  4863. (printed as 9/2/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12313Overton,Debra
  4864. (printed as 9/2/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12312Marks,Patricia
  4865. (printed as 9/2/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12311Tsohas,Christine
  4866. (printed as 9/2/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12310Johnson,Diana
  4867. (printed as 9/2/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12309Wales,Ruth
  4868. (printed as 9/2/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12308Daher,M
  4869. (printed as 9/2/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12307Kruse,Virginia
  4870. (printed as 9/2/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11961Parsons,Letty
  4871. (printed as 9/2/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11960Boyd,James II
  4872. (printed as 9/2/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11897Villas of Wicklow Village
    Strutzel,Philip
  4873. (printed as 9/2/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11880Clark,J
  4874. (printed as 9/2/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11871Rupprecht,Eileen
  4875. (printed as 9/2/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11870Amadei,Jennifer
  4876. (printed as 9/2/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11842Wisner,Paul
  4877. (printed as 9/2/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11841Rubin,Steven
  4878. (printed as 9/2/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11531Village of Bellwood
    Pasquale,Frank
  4879. (printed as 9/2/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11324Williams,Catherine
  4880. (printed as 9/2/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11320Kouba,Barbara
  4881. (printed as 9/2/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11316Golnick,Peggy
  4882. (printed as 9/2/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11276Gleason,Dolores
  4883. (printed as 9/2/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11260Albright,Shirley
  4884. (printed as 9/2/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11255Seveska,Kathy
  4885. (printed as 9/2/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11251Seveska,Rich
  4886. (printed as 9/2/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10986Hughart,Lyle
  4887. (printed as 9/2/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10972Koehler,Kenneth
  4888. (printed as 9/2/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10916Ogorzalek,Geraldine
  4889. (printed as 9/2/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10915Swinford,A
  4890. (printed as 9/2/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10906Kram, Thomas
  4891. (printed as 9/2/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10868Bowman,Larry
  4892. (printed as 9/2/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10856Bridges,Marvin
  4893. (printed as 9/2/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10854Boucek,Barbara
  4894. (printed as 9/2/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10852Mount Greenwood Local Redevelopment Corporation
    Kiedrow,Mary
  4895. (printed as 9/2/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10851Donaldson,Frederick
  4896. (printed as 9/2/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10849Thompson.Pat
  4897. (printed as 9/2/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10847Gerecke,Sharon
  4898. (printed as 9/2/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10843Prouty,Lucy
  4899. (printed as 9/2/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10841Glaser,Richard
  4900. (printed as 9/2/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10839Corres,Natalie
  4901. (printed as 9/2/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10837Waever,Jan
  4902. (printed as 9/2/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10835Burns,Kathy
  4903. (printed as 9/2/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10833Burns,John
  4904. (printed as 9/2/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10830Garibotti,Domenick
  4905. (printed as 9/2/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10828Garibotti,Caroline
  4906. (printed as 9/2/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10825Friederich,Adam
  4907. (printed as 9/2/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10822Burgess,David
  4908. (printed as 9/2/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10818Johnston, Robert
  4909. (printed as 9/2/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10816Bowman, Lawrence
  4910. (printed as 9/2/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10813Bowman, Carolyn
  4911. (printed as 9/2/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10812Ryan,MaryAnn
  4912. (printed as 9/2/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10810Schnell, Antoinette
  4913. (printed as 9/2/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10808Welling, Patricia
  4914. (printed as 9/2/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10806Hoyne,Doris
  4915. (printed as 9/2/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10804Griffin, Robert
  4916. (printed as 9/2/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10802Kern, Ed
  4917. (printed as 9/2/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10801Wenner, Hardy
  4918. (printed as 9/2/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10798Pearson, Dolores
  4919. (printed as 9/2/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10797Berkemeier, Danielle
  4920. (printed as 9/2/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10795Coakley, John
  4921. (printed as 9/2/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10792Murphy,Kevin
  4922. (printed as 9/2/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10791Peterson, James
  4923. (printed as 9/2/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10789Demetral, James
  4924. (printed as 9/2/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10788Pomes,Laura
  4925. (printed as 9/2/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10785Lyman, Dorothy
  4926. (printed as 9/2/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10781Biel, Sandra
  4927. (printed as 9/2/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10780Snider, Judy
  4928. (printed as 9/2/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10115Forsberg, Laurie
  4929. (printed as 9/2/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10078Fisher,Christine
  4930. (printed as 9/2/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10077Barnhart,Becky
  4931. (printed as 9/2/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9619John Greffin
    Please do not allow the BN / EJ& E Rail program to move forward. Our area is already much too cpngested. Thank you for you consideration. John Greffin
    Hawthorn Woods, IL
  4932. (printed as 9/2/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9616Diana Spatoulas
    The EIS for the proposed Canadian National Railway Acquisition of the EJ&E Railway was conducted in 6 months -- as apposed to the standard 18 months. WHY? Were other EIS's of this complexity affecting this many people also done in 6 months? If not, why not? Is infrastructure already in place on the existing CN line with regards to Emergency Response Time? Hazardous Materials? Grade Separations? If so, is it (are they) equal to the current infrastructure along the EJ&E line. If it is not equal, why not? Shouldn't it be equal? If it is determined that infrastructure along the EJ&E should be equal to that of the existing CN line, then appropriate mitigation should be proposed in this acquistion and put in place before any changes in rail traffic take effect. Can positive train control be enforced as part of this acquisition? What is the capability of fire response time for hazardous materials along the current CN line? Is it the same as the capability of fire response time for hazardous materials along the EJ&E line? If not, why not? Should it be the same? If so, changes should be implemented along the EJ&E as part of the acquisition and put in place prior to any changes in rail traffic take effect. How are the communities along the current CN line being effected by externalized costs? How will the communities along the EJ&E be effected by externalized costs? How do the costs and effects on the communities compare to each other? What is the socioeconomic effect on the existing CN line? What will the socioeconomic effect be on the EJ&E line? How to these socioeconomic effects compare to each other? In comparing the existing CN rail line with the EJ&E: Which rail has the better set of grade crossings? Which is better equipped for hazardous material response? Which is better able to handle noise/vibration issues? How do they compare as far as the effects on their communities' social justice? Economic justice? Effects of trains on their environment? Does the existing CN rail line already have better grade crossings to handle heavy freight traffice VS. grade crossings along the EJ&E? Does the existing CN rail line already have better hazardous material response equipment VS. the EJ&E? Does the existing CN rail line already have the capability to handle noise & vibration issues VS. the EJ&E? If so, then why make the proposed changes in rail traffic? Can those changes be justified without making both rail lines equal as part of the acquisition (at CN's expense) prior to any proposed changes in rail traffic take effect? Regarding the proposed action in moving and increasing rail traffic from the existing CN lines to the EJ&E, the DEIS does not compare emergency response times, hazardous material response equipment, grade crossing delays, noise and vibrations, effects of trains on the environment, social justice, or economic justice.
    Lake Zurich, IL
  4933. (printed as 9/2/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9615Heather J Wolf
    I live very near the rail tracks under consideration for sale to CNR. I daily cross at one crossing and regularly cross at least 3 additional crossings. All are at grade. All are busy every day of the week, especially at rush hours. Thousands of cars cross each daily. Children are bussed from both sides of the tracks to school. Two hospitals with very busy ER's serve people on both sides. If the number of trains increases, even to the minimum number expected, our entire community and those around us will be very negatively impacted. Our area will become gridlock! Traffic is bad enough as it is now. If trains block the arteries several times a day, travel & commuting will become unmanagable and more awful than it is now. I implore you to stop the sale of the railroad to CNR.
    Aurora, IL
  4934. (printed as 9/2/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9415anthony haeuser
    I strongly oppose the sale of the E, J & E railway to the Canadian Nat'l Railway (35087).
    aurora, il
  4935. (printed as 9/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15862Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital
    Brawley, Mary D.
  4936. (printed as 9/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15823Steward, Marcia D.
  4937. (printed as 9/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15760Weber, Sandra
  4938. (printed as 9/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15756Chandler, Linda
  4939. (printed as 9/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15633Benovic, Marc S.
  4940. (printed as 9/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15383Dore, Jennifer
  4941. (printed as 9/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15382Dore, Martin
  4942. (printed as 9/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15176Zipsie, Brandi L.
  4943. (printed as 9/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15053Sink, Nancy
  4944. (printed as 9/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15044Cunningham, Judith A.
  4945. (printed as 9/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14748McDonald, Tamara
  4946. (printed as 9/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14675Walsh, Jason
  4947. (printed as 9/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14674Walsh, Cynthia
  4948. (printed as 9/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13313Root, Sharon
  4949. (printed as 9/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13310Baker, Brad
  4950. (printed as 9/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13147None
  4951. (printed as 9/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12720Jensen,Shari
  4952. (printed as 9/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12719Jensen,Ken
  4953. (printed as 9/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12671Hellrung,Jim
  4954. (printed as 9/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12570Vlamis,Mary
  4955. (printed as 9/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11892Dorey,Audrey
  4956. (printed as 9/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11878Kemper,Marie
  4957. (printed as 9/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11874Safford,George
  4958. (printed as 9/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11845Zimmer,Janice
  4959. (printed as 9/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11844Gerbich,Mary
  4960. (printed as 9/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11843Kinsella,William
  4961. (printed as 9/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11840Guenther,Harold
  4962. (printed as 9/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11323Collins,Michael
  4963. (printed as 9/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11322Tolosko,Paul
  4964. (printed as 9/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11257Collins,Mary
  4965. (printed as 9/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11244Chaphalkar,Dhananjay
  4966. (printed as 9/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10988Friedman,David
  4967. (printed as 9/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10987Rehbein,Gale
  4968. (printed as 9/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10953Matokar, Y
  4969. (printed as 9/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10770Schwartz, Terry
  4970. (printed as 9/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10076Lee,Christine
  4971. (printed as 9/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9847Reed,Douglas
  4972. (printed as 9/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9414Mike
    Re: STB Finance Docket No. 35087 Canadian National and EJ & E Rail Merger The U.S. is confronting environmental challenges both related to energy consumption and highway overcrowding. Because increased use of rail mitigates these threats to the quality of life of all U.S. citizens, I firmly support this merger. I sincerely regret any threat, perceived or real, that some suburban Chicago citizens may feel towards increased train traffic thru their communities. However, this is not just a local issue. This merger has environmental, social, and economic implications to every community in America. As a resident of California, I do not want more trucks on our local roads because the Chicago gateway is so congested that businesses must move national freight to and from our state on trucks instead of rail. We need more rail freight in California and bottle necks in other regions effect the ability of our businesses to move freight from trucks to rail. This needlessly results in increased energy consumption and environmental degradation to all U.S. citizens, including those in suburban Chicago. We need more efficient rail, not less. You, as the STB, are conferred the responsibility to ensure that our transportation systems work efficiently on a national basis and as an integrated system for all citizens of the United States. The STB needs to protect and encourage the development of a true national transportation system that serves to grow national economic prosperity in an environmentally friendly manner. More efficient rail freight is a key component. Please consider the national environmental benefit of all citizens, not just the few who may see a minor inconvenience in their daily lives while the nation as a whole enjoys large environmental benefits. Sincerely, Michael R. Galarneau
    San Diego, CA
  4973. (printed as 9/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9413N/A
    I am writing to voice my concern over the probable purchase of the E&J railroad by CN (Canadian National) By allowing this transaction and the increased level of trains passing through our communities will have a negitive impact on school bus times, traffic congestion, train accidents will increase, fire & emergency medical services will be affected. In addition, CN is on record stating they would pay about 1/10th the cost to mitigate the affect of the increased train traffic in our communities. Please I implore you. Do not allow a foreign business, with only self serving motives and no concern for our (US) citizens take control of this railroad.
    Steven G. Aceret · Aurora, Illinois
  4974. (printed as 9/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9412GLORIA
    I am not in favor of the cansdian purchase of the ej&e railways. This is a residential community with school buses, children fire and police that use the roads that would be effected by another train going down the tracks that are already busy but doable. With the addition of more trains that would impact transportation on these roads and make them less safe. People needing to go to work etc and not abide by the gates again and again to get to work or where they are going and need to get there and stuck by another train. it would be a burden and safe issue i am sure of it. There is only one underpass where you would not have to worry about getting stuck by the train and that to is in residential area and now that would be heavily travel to avoid the tracks on streets that most of us would be using if not boggeled down by more trains. please listen to our pleas and vote accordinlgly. my husband and i work two jobs and can not attend any meetings so this is my way of communication to you. thanks for listening and please listen to all of us and not do this
    AURORA, IL
  4975. (printed as 8/31/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11959Brauch,Bob
  4976. (printed as 8/31/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11330Biggs,Jeff
  4977. (printed as 8/31/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11329Purucker,Roxanne
  4978. (printed as 8/31/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11328Purucker,Steve
  4979. (printed as 8/31/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11253Bataille,Lois
  4980. (printed as 8/31/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11247Bradshaw,James
  4981. (printed as 8/31/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11243Gehring,Mary
  4982. (printed as 8/31/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10758Peterson,Chad
  4983. (printed as 8/31/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10757Peterson, Kellie
  4984. (printed as 8/31/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10075Sheets,Ruth
  4985. (printed as 8/31/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10074Purucker,Roxanne
  4986. (printed as 8/31/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9644Chad Peterson
    Warrenville, IL
  4987. (printed as 8/31/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9625Kellie Peterson
    Warrenville, IL
  4988. (printed as 8/31/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9410Paul Novak
    According to all the news accounts I read, I am one of the few citizens who completely supports the CN purchase of EJ&E. Metropolitan Chicago is a very large set of small suburbs that are all linked together. No one who lives in suburaban Chicago resides only in their one little community: everyone travels to other communities all the time. The decision on this purchase must be made based on the overall good of the entire area. If there are some more trains in my little city because of this, I know that other people are having less trains through there neighborhoods.
    Warrenville, IL
  4989. (printed as 8/31/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9409Raymond Kirchwehm
    Traffic on the EJ&E is already a problem in Hawthorn Woods and Lake Zurich because of all the grade crossings. If Canadian National purchases the EJ&E the additional trains will tie this area up in knots. This will become an untenable situation!
    Hawthorn Woods, IL
  4990. (printed as 8/31/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9408Jeffrey Brown
    Please help to vote down the proposed Canadian National Purchase of the EJ&E. The traffic situation in the suburbs is already getting out of hand. This increase in rail traffic will have major negative impact on this area. Please do not diminish the quality of life we try to gain by moving into this beautiful area.
    Hawthorn Woods, IL
  4991. (printed as 8/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11879Karlin,Gary
  4992. (printed as 8/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11325Goodwin,Virginia
  4993. (printed as 8/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11321Dunne,Jane
  4994. (printed as 8/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11319Lloyd,BIll
  4995. (printed as 8/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11317Wisner,Paul
  4996. (printed as 8/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11304Hamilton,Liz
  4997. (printed as 8/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11279Johnston,Joan
    na
  4998. (printed as 8/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11250Pochron,Linda
  4999. (printed as 8/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11239Baily,Mary
  5000. (printed as 8/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10950Hanson, Virginia
  5001. (printed as 8/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10072Wisner,Paul
  5002. (printed as 8/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10071Hildrith,Jane
  5003. (printed as 8/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10070Compall,Tim
  5004. (printed as 8/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9407Elissa Bigham
    Re: STB Finance Docket No. 35087 I am opposed to the proposed acquisition of the EJ&E Railroad by Canadian National Railway. It will cause excessive noise, congestion, and unsafe situations regarding emergency response. It will also be a financial burden to U.S. taxpayers who live in the area.
    Aurora, IL
  5005. (printed as 8/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9405Byron Morrison
    Please forward this to Anne Quinlan, Acting Secretary. The CN Railroad acquisition and use of the EJ&E needs to be passed and I strongly support this endeavor. It's time to take advantage of this wonderful opportunity to speed rail traffic around Chicago and long overdue. I understand the concerns of some of the towns along the way, however, I live in Lombard, Illinois where I cross the very busy Union Pacific tracks many times a day. It is only one in a blue moon that I need to wait more than four minutes for a train to clear, certainly not an inconvenence. Several years ago, Elmhurst, IL had a situation where they wanted to improve the ability of ambulances to get around their very long trains that come out of the switching yards east of the town. They simply built a viadock and it's not a problem. I'd recommend that Barrington do the same so we can have the long-term benefit of this way of improving railroad transportation. In addition, it will take some of the trains out of the city where it will improve the live of those citizens. Certainly, Barrington needs to recognize that they buy the same products other's in this city acquire, yet, they aren't willing to participate in the costs everyone else absorbs for them. But then, people in Barrington are from a very wealthy town and believe they are prividged." Home values there averate $350,000 and median income is $82,000. They aren't used to sacrifice. But the main point is the benefit everyone else will see. Sincerely."
  5006. (printed as 8/29/2008)
    Reply
    223470Reply
    National Industrial Transportation League
  5007. (printed as 8/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-16066Vosloo,Stephan
  5008. (printed as 8/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15685Oostman, Carl
  5009. (printed as 8/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15314McAndrews, Matt
  5010. (printed as 8/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13014Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital
    Spiropoulos, Susan
  5011. (printed as 8/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12973Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital
    Klausing, Susan
  5012. (printed as 8/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12971Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital
    Norber, Renee
  5013. (printed as 8/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12968Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital
    Kolodiej, Jacqueline
  5014. (printed as 8/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11903Ambrosini,Anthony
  5015. (printed as 8/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11875Vosloo,Meghan
  5016. (printed as 8/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11642Phelps,Keith
  5017. (printed as 8/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11334Rabin,Sheldon
  5018. (printed as 8/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11327Wolf,Edward
  5019. (printed as 8/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11302Double Exposure Elite Resale
    Conrad,Paula
  5020. (printed as 8/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11249Webster,David
  5021. (printed as 8/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11059Frainey, Jean
  5022. (printed as 8/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10985Bingham,Richard
  5023. (printed as 8/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10980Cochran, Daniel
  5024. (printed as 8/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10971Marzano,Ann
  5025. (printed as 8/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10957Gehring, Ed
  5026. (printed as 8/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10955Breither, Linda
  5027. (printed as 8/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10948Tomaszewski, Mary Lou
  5028. (printed as 8/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10946Kuna, Linda
  5029. (printed as 8/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10933George,Christopher
  5030. (printed as 8/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10927DiMichael,Nicholas
  5031. (printed as 8/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10913Schulze, None
  5032. (printed as 8/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10867Mastores,Catherine
  5033. (printed as 8/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10865Schwed,Mark
  5034. (printed as 8/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10863Lyman,Mike
  5035. (printed as 8/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10862Patterson,Pam
  5036. (printed as 8/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10860Frenden,John
  5037. (printed as 8/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10799Linke,Scott
  5038. (printed as 8/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10783B,Concha
  5039. (printed as 8/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10763Block,Mary Anne
  5040. (printed as 8/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10069Tarbet,James
  5041. (printed as 8/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10068Krummenacher,Bruce
  5042. (printed as 8/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10067Fen,Dan
  5043. (printed as 8/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9742Hoyt,Sherman
  5044. (printed as 8/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9649Mary Anne Block
    Barrington, Illinois
  5045. (printed as 8/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9404mary fisher
    I personally can't believe that this is even being considered. With the length of these trains, it will be closing down entire villages/towns so that police, fire, EMT, and other emergency personnel can't get through. What about school buses? What about traffic congestion? What about derailments? CN (a foreign company) will not be paying for this - they will only be benefiting from this at the expense of the local residents. Vote NO - NO WAY - NADA - NO
    hawthorn woods, il
  5046. (printed as 8/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9403Robert Zelenik
    The acquisition of the EJ&E Railroad (EJ&E) by the Canadian National Railway (CNR) holds unjustifiable potential for human and environmental disaster and should be denied by Surface Transportation Board. In the area of Wayne, IL, the EJ&E tracks cut through Pratt-Wayne Woods (P-WW) Forest Preserve’s numerous wetlands which provide a lush environment for egrets, great blue herons, wood ducks, beavers, coyotes, foxes, white-tailed deer, red-tailed hawks, screech owls and others. Additionally, P-WW is home to the state-endangered sandhill crane as well as several other threatened and endangered plant and animal species. Undeniably, this tranquil and bucolic scene will be put a risk by CNR’s purchase of the EJ&E. CNR’s Operating Plan would pace trains on the EJ&E right-away at or near its practical capacity, thereby, significantly increasing the risk of a hazardous waste release or other disasters. Additionally, the increased number of trains could have a corresponding and significant impact on P-WW resources such as groundwater, wetlands, floodplains, surface water, plant communities, fish and wildlife, protected species, air quality, undeveloped land, and recreational land. Long-term productivity of the eco-system could, also, be affected by permanent losses, fragmentation, and unmitigated adverse impacts on the plant and wildlife habitat. It should be noted that more than 9 miles of trails, including a portion of the Illinois Prairie Path, run through P-WW and are used by hundreds of hikers, joggers, walkers, bikers and horseback riders every day. Unfortunately, much of this trail network runs within yards of the EJ&E tracks and, at points, crosses it at-grade. Until now, the less than 5 trains a day that EJ&E runs on these tracks has not represented much of a problem. However, the situation will change dramatically if CNR is allowed to acquire EJ&E. CNR proposes to increase traffic on the EJ&E tracks to nearly 25 trains a day. This means the people, animals and birds who depend on Pratt-Wayne Woods for recreation and a home will be put in harms way more than once an hour. Without the construction of a multi-million dollar pedestrian overpass at the P-WW Prairie Path crossing in Wayne and the installation of miles of fencing along the right-away, it is only a matter of time before this increased usage ends in deadly results for both man and animal. Besides P-WW, there are 22 parks in Illinois and 9 parks in Indiana located within 500 feet of the EJ&E rail line; these facilities would experience increased levels of noise and vibration as well as unhealthy changes in air quality. Additionally, there are eighteen forest preserves, nature preserves, state parks, or trails that would be affected by the increased freight train traffic along the EJ&E rail line. Finally, and maybe most importantly, there are 25 schools in Illinois and 6 schools in Indiana located within 0.25 miles of a highway/rail at-grade crossing. All of this is unprotected by safety infrastructure and knowledge that exists along the current CNR right-aways. Another important consideration is the currently under construction Fox River Regional Bridge at Stearns Road. This bridge, when completed, will discharge hundreds of additional cars daily onto Stearns Road. These cars will be confronted by an at-grade crossing on Stearns Road in Bartlett that already experiences delays from switching activity on the CNR’s Munger Road tracks. The rail traffic at this crossing will significantly increase under the proposed CNR acquisition which will lead to more accidents and death as well as long-term negative affects on air quality. The STB notes in its analysis that this situation can be mitigated by requiring CNR to promptly cut trains to clear a blocked crossing or crossings. This has never happened and never will because it cannot be enforced at the local government level. Then there is the increased noise and vibration that those who live near the E&JE tracks will have to endure almost 25 times a day. Add to this the loss in property value those residents will experience and it is more than the STB should allow. The Village of Wayne, in particular, has always been known for its bucolic nature and life style. The CNR’s proposal would destroy this for everyone, not just those living in proximity to the EJ&E tracks! And why should the residents and visitors in the EJ&E corridor be expected to endure all of this? The Canadian National Railway would have us believe it is because by diverting its trains along the EJ&E right of way it will provide a greater benefit to the area as a whole. But that, of course, is untrue. The CNR acquisition of the EJ&E will, at best, only divert the noise, pollution and potential for disaster from one area to another. And in the EJ&E area, the risk will be amplified by the dramatic increase in the number of trains and resident unfamiliarity with safety measures and practices, lack of safety infrastructure and years of experience which are already known to those living where the CNR currently operates. Paradoxically, the acquisition will also increase the net fuel use of CNR trains, thereby, increasing polution. Therefore, the only real benefit in the acquisition of the EJ&E Railroad is that the Canadian National Railway will substantially increase its profitability. Sadly, not even those profits will benefit the residents in the EJ&E corridor because they will not be taxed in the United States. Finally, CNR is seeking STB’s authorization of this acquisition under 49 USC 11323-11325 which is, in essence, intended to ensure balanced and sustainable competition in the railroad industry. Not even this goal is attained. As a matter of fact, the acquisition of the EJ&E would have just the opposite effect because it would give CNR a competitive advantage. It is for all of the above reasons that the Surface Transportation Board must deny CNR’s request to acquire EJ&E. Robert L. Zelenik Wayne, IL
    Wayne, IL
  5047. (printed as 8/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9402Karen Kaluzsa
    I urge you to reject the CN's proposed purchase of the EJ&J. After attending last night's meeting in Bartlett and reviewing the maps with representatives from your office, I realized that, in the event of backups, my neighborhood could literally be cut off by trains and become an island. The thought of not being able to get out, or not being able to get home, frightens me. And not just in the event of dire emergencies. The value of my home will plummet. The roads around my neighborhood will see significantly increased traffic as people try to drive around the trains. If there is a spill, my well water will be contaminated. I bought this home four years ago, and realizing it was near train tracks, I was assured that only a few trains go by each day, and those usually at night. I would not have purchased this home had I understood that a railroad like CN would be allowed to endanger the community's health, saftey and quality of life. There are other alternatives to reduce rail congestion in Chicago than this purchase. Consider CREATE, or moving rail traffic to rural areas farther west where there are far fewer homes. There are no reasonable, affordable ways to mitigate the environmental impact of this purchase on the communities that will be affected. Please do not approve this purchase. Respectfully, Karen Kaluzsa
    Wayne, IL
  5048. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-16070Noh,Lin Hui
  5049. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-16061Lovelace, Brian
  5050. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-16059Nauth, Steve
  5051. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-16045Peter Schaffer
    Ms. Johnson-Ball, I attended the citizen comment meeting held in Barrington IL on Aug 27, 2008 concerning the EJE purchase by CN. Sadly, the presentation and scope of the work of your organization and contractor I found to be rather lacking and disingenuous. I find you and your organization incompetent with the work you have been chartered to do. The scope of your work and the documents you have published ignore vast areas of public safety and environmental issues. The volume of issues raised during just this one meeting that were completely ignored by your organization proves with certainty your efforts to conduct the study have been rushed and findings fatally flawed. To move forward with this transaction without addressing of the issues ignored would be criminal in nature. Please check your notes, review the meeting notes with the staff you sent to the meeting, and do your homework. The issues are so large and many it would take me an entire day to articulate them all for you here. Regards, Peter Schaffer
    Barrington, IL
  5052. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15886Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital
    Bykowski, Laura
  5053. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15884dvocate Good Shepherd Hospital
    Schmidt, Linda J.
  5054. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15878dvocate Good Shepherd Hospital
    Drazba, Vanessa
  5055. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15877dvocate Good Shepherd Hospital
    Cebulka, Peter
  5056. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15870dvocate Good Shepherd Hospital
    Christensen, Linda
  5057. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15869dvocate Good Shepherd Hospital
    Lindrall, Laurie
  5058. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15868dvocate Good Shepherd Hospital
    Balbo, Sandie
  5059. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15867dvocate Good Shepherd Hospital
    Winters, Nadine M.
  5060. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15866dvocate Good Shepherd Hospital
    Pichlik, Robert
  5061. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15865dvocate Good Shepherd Hospital
    Pichlir, Jennifer
  5062. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15864dvocate Good Shepherd Hospital
    Pichlik, Galyle
  5063. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15863Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital
    Canaday, Sean
  5064. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15858Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital
    VanJenbosd, Gretchen
  5065. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15857Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital
    Lockhart, Anne
  5066. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15855Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital
    Lionez, Pilate-Sean
  5067. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15854Advocate Godd Shepherd Hospital
    Lamothe, Gary
  5068. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15853Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital
    Wojtas, Lynn
  5069. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15852Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital
    Mansin, Chris
  5070. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15851Gardino, Lisa
  5071. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15847Advocate Good Shephard Hospital
    Rolle, Ewa
  5072. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15778Sasse, Jacklyn K.
  5073. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15776Denison, Marie L.
  5074. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15775Muehlman, Carl
  5075. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15774Smith, Brian
  5076. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15772Sivak, Nancy
  5077. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15771Spencer, Ralph
  5078. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15770Dixon, Barbara
  5079. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15769Hadsen, Sharon
  5080. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15768Chriscufski, Greg
  5081. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15197Clement, Bill
  5082. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13739Oawegoland Park District
    Mattingly, Robert
  5083. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13535Schwantes, Sr Robert E.
  5084. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13534Schwantes, JoAnne
  5085. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13533Van Milligan, Carl
  5086. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13532Van Milligan, Marilyn
  5087. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13411Garnett, Joe
  5088. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13013Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital
    Kopfer, Judy
  5089. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13012Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital
    Bautista, Lewis
  5090. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13002Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital
    Cebulka, Amanda
  5091. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13001Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital
    Schinkoeth, Sharon
  5092. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13000Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital
    Mitchell, Cynthia
  5093. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12999Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital
    Nick, Tim
  5094. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12998Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital
    Charle, Mallory
  5095. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12997Advocate, Good Shepher Hospital
    Mathesen, Amy
  5096. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12996Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital
    Gernoldt, Elizabeth
  5097. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12995Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital
    Sanus,Jamie
  5098. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12994Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital
    Liautaud, Jack
  5099. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12993Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital
    Muench, Meagan
  5100. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12992Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital
    Hughes, Austin
  5101. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12991Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital
    Garcia, Omar
  5102. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12990Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital
    Green, Margaret
  5103. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12989Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital
    Sarius, Stephanie
  5104. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12988Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital
    Helmer, Tanyn
  5105. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12987Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital
    Smith, Ashley
  5106. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12984Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital
    Wallace, Chris
  5107. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12983Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital
    Canzoneri, Debra
  5108. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12982Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital
    Kotsch, Catherine
  5109. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12981Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital
    Rathmann, Susan
  5110. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12980Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital
    Tom Fry
  5111. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12979Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital
    Irmiter, Brian
  5112. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12978Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital
    Dorrington, Suzy
  5113. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12976Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital
    Calcese, Barbara
  5114. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12755Bentz,Timothy
  5115. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12754Bentz,Colin
  5116. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12753Marcus,Tracie
  5117. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12331Biscan, Thomas
  5118. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12322Fries,Sanford
  5119. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12235Liss,Catherine
  5120. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11884Moser,George
  5121. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11877Danial,Cathy
  5122. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11749Wisner, Paul
  5123. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11662Smolarczyk,Michelle
  5124. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11656Bosma,Randall
  5125. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11343Esquiel,Vittoria
  5126. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11331Borkowski,Barbara
  5127. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11326Hirsch,Fred
  5128. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11318Ruesch,Leroy
  5129. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11315Patel,Bharat
  5130. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11303Barry,Clare
  5131. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11300Noh,Jay
  5132. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11290Fisher,Robert
  5133. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11284Powal,Karen
  5134. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11283Weber,Thomas
  5135. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11282Bachler,Jeff
  5136. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11281Czerwiec,Nancy
  5137. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11241Felleson,Paul
  5138. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11240Wooten,Marilyn
  5139. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11019Huddlestun,Glee
  5140. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11017Biel,Kenneth
  5141. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11015Bartels,Margaret
  5142. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11007Friederich,Kathleen
  5143. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10999Pepper,Roxelyn
  5144. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10992Lindley,Tom
  5145. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10991O'Shea,Daniel
  5146. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10990Kein,Douglas
  5147. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10979Biberian, Lucy
  5148. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10973Felleson, Shannon
  5149. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10965Philip Gawthorpe
    As a resident of Lake Zurich for 15 years, it is important to me, my neighbors and friends that any acquisition of the EJ&E railroad by CN build in relief for the citizens from the potentially serious economic, environmental and safety repercussions to our way of life. I welcome any shift of freight traffic from our congested roads to rail, but CN must contribute more to the upgrades required to make this transition bearable. The existing tracklines are unsuitable for today's traffic needs. Someone sooner or later will likely be seriously injured or killed on one of these antiquated crossings should this five-fold increase in train traffic be approved. For many people boxed in by several crossings, there are few ways to avoid major negative changes in our lifestyles. So I ask that a condition of CN's acquisition is that they pay for one third of the cost for every approved crossing upgrade over the next ten years. The taxpayer will no doubt have to foot the balance, but at least this will prompt all of us to seek a long term solution to this serious problem. Thankyou for the opportunity to address my comments.
    Lake Zurich, IL
  5150. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10952Hawk, Margaret
  5151. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10947Gear, Robert
  5152. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10945Zelenik, Cindy
  5153. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10924Swords,Patricia
  5154. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10921Block, Mary Anne
  5155. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10917Horslev, David
  5156. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10901Taylor, Douglas
  5157. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10899Blount, Leslie
  5158. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10897Davis, Harlan
  5159. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10895Ciarlette, Michelle
  5160. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10892Stabosz, Fran
  5161. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10890Wittman, Paul
  5162. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10888Drag, Cherie
  5163. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10886Dutler, Sandy
  5164. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10885Creagh, Maria
  5165. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10884Shacter, Gerry
  5166. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10879O'Donnell, Marichu
  5167. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10877Nilsson, Loring
  5168. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10858Havey,Edward
  5169. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10823West Central Municipal Conference
    Gattuso, Paul
  5170. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10820Cunningham, Steven
  5171. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10819Zelenik, Robert
  5172. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10817West Chicago Park District
    Felix, Jesse
  5173. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10815Zelenik, Robert
  5174. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10814Ashton, Thomas
  5175. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10811Henson, Scott
  5176. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10809Anders, Michelle
  5177. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10807Wisner, Paul
  5178. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10805Nauth, Ana
  5179. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10803Breitlow, Charleae
  5180. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10800Albert, Lori
  5181. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10796Unknown
  5182. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10794Perea, Patricia
  5183. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10793Mcmanamon, Martina
  5184. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10790Nordengren, Jerry
  5185. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10787Berna, Katherine
  5186. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10786Henson, Michelle
  5187. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10784Kennedy, John
  5188. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10782Denney, Sharon
  5189. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10779Gryzik,Greg
  5190. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10777Johnston
  5191. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10776McAllister,William
  5192. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10775Gray, Alan
  5193. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10774Reed,Robert
  5194. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10773Benes, Ron
  5195. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10772Burnett,A
  5196. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10771Campbell, Susan
  5197. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10768Tibensky, Gail
  5198. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10767Henson, Michelle
  5199. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10761Oswald, Karen
  5200. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10760Gillig, Linda
  5201. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10759Patel, Rajani
  5202. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10755Gillig, Dennis
  5203. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10754Schnaitman, Marie
  5204. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10752Loveless, Dave
  5205. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10751Kaluzsa, Karen
  5206. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10749Devqaniya, Shara
  5207. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10748Eisen, Sandra
  5208. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10746Loveless, Chris
  5209. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10743Tomasik, Brian
  5210. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10742Andrews, Dorothy
  5211. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10740Wiermanski, Marie
  5212. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10739Golnick, Gary
  5213. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10738Johanson, Timothy
  5214. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10736Cotie, Gary
  5215. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10735Younger, Cole
  5216. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10733Ferguson, Diane
  5217. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10732Golnick, Peggy
  5218. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10731O'Malley, Josephine
  5219. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10730Krnauth
  5220. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10729Hepner, Therese
  5221. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10727Wisner, Paul
  5222. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10725Porter,Charles
  5223. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10723Paddock,Joan
  5224. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10722Owens,Kim
  5225. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10721O'Callaghan,Jan
  5226. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10720Nurre,Bonnie
  5227. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10719Norton,Simone
  5228. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10718Moston,Peggy
  5229. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10717McGrath,Elizabeth
  5230. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10716Meckert,Lauri
  5231. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10715McCarthy,Karen
  5232. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10714Larkin,Barbara
  5233. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10713Kurcab,Linda
  5234. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10712Kukowski,Barbara
  5235. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10711Kotsiris,Pota
  5236. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10710Konicek,Mary
  5237. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10709Kilayko,Mark
  5238. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10708Kerekes,Diane
  5239. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10707Barrington Area Development Council
    Kelsch,Joseph
  5240. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10706Karlin,Gary
  5241. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10705Johnson.Millie
  5242. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10704Johnson,Lowell
  5243. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10703Hubbard,Marion
  5244. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10702Hoots,Brent
  5245. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10701Holsteen,Mary Beth
  5246. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10700Harris,Margaret
  5247. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10699Hall,Devon
  5248. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10698Gryzlo,Dina
  5249. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10697Griffin,Robert
  5250. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10696Funovits,John
  5251. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10695Frankenberg,Kari
  5252. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10694Fitzgerald,Karen
  5253. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10693Feltz,Sheila
  5254. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10692De Guzman,Allan
  5255. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10691Crum,Lee
  5256. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10690Cidulka,John
  5257. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10689Squires-Cannon,Meryl
  5258. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10688Caminiti,Theresa
  5259. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10687Britton,Patty
  5260. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10686Berman,Jeffrey
  5261. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10685Bedoe,Greg
  5262. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10684Becker,Gary
  5263. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10683Watkins,Maureen
  5264. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10682Melchiorre,Frank
  5265. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10681Hunter,John
  5266. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10680Echols,Loretta
  5267. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10679Hansen,Sharon
  5268. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10678Albrecht,Ken
  5269. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10677Barrow,Bart
  5270. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10676Zientara,Gary
  5271. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10675Lederer,Lawrence
  5272. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10674Fisher,Linda
  5273. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10673McDonnell,Morgan
  5274. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10672Schiltz,James
  5275. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10671Cossio,Luis
  5276. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10670Zomboulis,Dean
  5277. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10668Smith,Bret
  5278. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10667Schoen,Deborah
  5279. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10666Rose,Richard
  5280. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10665Kingsley,Arthur
  5281. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10664Beifuss,Jim
  5282. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10663Widmer,Steve
  5283. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10662Zelenik,Robert
  5284. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10628Lenz,Matthew
  5285. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10538Tourville,Marlene
  5286. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10518Donohue,Susan
  5287. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10445Dolan,Kathleen
  5288. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10335Irwin,Trish
  5289. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10290Lenz,Susan
  5290. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10217Rosen,Sue
  5291. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10205Hills,John
  5292. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10194Kershner,Rachel
  5293. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10166Neises,Donna
  5294. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10108Andrew, Janet
  5295. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10102Bellows,Dena
  5296. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10091Schroeder,Kathleen
  5297. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10084Springer,Judy
  5298. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9987Rubino, Donna
  5299. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9964Burnidge,David
  5300. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9961Sherry,Dan
  5301. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9945Kelley,Austin
  5302. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9938Kelley,TImothy
  5303. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9932Kelley,Kiara
  5304. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9922Zakrzewski,Sheila
  5305. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9904Gallagher-Johnson,Dee
  5306. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9899Chapoy,Lawrence
  5307. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9867Coon,William
  5308. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9866Polvere, Gary
  5309. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9834Manfredini,Robert
  5310. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9797Miller,Gary
  5311. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9747Lunn,Tammi
  5312. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9563Moorman,Carol
  5313. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9551Moorman,Mike
  5314. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9503Kershner,Gary
  5315. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9435Anderson,Karen
  5316. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9434Naughten,Nancy
  5317. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9411Nester,Dennis
  5318. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9401NANCY LAGOWSKI
    Stop the CN purchase of the E & J line. HELP SAVE LIVES NOT CAUSE DEATHS. Having 20 trains a day go down this line will also cause noise and air polution. Traffic will be horrendous and lives will be lost if the emergency vehicles can not get the sick people to the hospital because the trains are blocking the way. QUALITY OF LIFE OVER BIG BUSINESS. PLEASE HELP THE PEOPLE AND STOP THE CN.
    BARRINGTON, IL
  5319. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9400William Lannin
    As a resident living within 1000 feet of the EJ&E tracks, the increased rail traffic volume would affect both noise levels and nearby grade crossings. However, alleviating the rail congestion in the Chicago metro area far outweighs any personal inconvenience. Rail is three times more energy efficient per ton mile than trucks. Improving the rail system is far less costly than the cost of improving the road system to accommodate the equivalent volume of freight traffic.
    Hoffman Estates, IL
  5320. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9398Carol Owens
    I attended the public meetin on August 27, 2008 at Barrington High School to review the Draft Environmental Impact Statement. I find it hard to believe that only 15 of the numerous railway crossing under consideration are considered to be at risk. If these select few are, then they all should be. There is also no information as to how the Metra commuter rail service will be affected. The impact on emergency services does not seem to be fully considered.
    North Barrington, IL
  5321. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9396Judith Kay McGee
    Ms. Johnson-Ball: I attended the hearing on the CN-EJ&E purchase on Tuesday, August 26, 2008 at the Matteson, Illinois Holiday Inn. I greatly appreciated the ability to obtain information, look at the incredibly detailed aerial photos of the development which may occur, and talk to people who could explain them to me. I also found out about the immense ramifications of all kinds which will impact Park Forest and all of the communities along the EJ&E. I could not more strongly recommend that the CN's purchase not occur despite the strong need of transportation development needed in the Chicagoland area. My house will survive, but I will probably be forced to leave my home community due to the changes which will occur. Some people will lose their homes outright and may not realize this yet and the social losses which will result whether one knows this or not will be extraordinary. I could not more strongly recommend that the STB do what they can to redirect this oncoming catastrophe. Thank you. Judith McGee 142 Well Street Park Forest, IL 60466-1331 (about 1 acre from the EJ&E Railway)
    Park Forest, IL
  5322. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9394Stickney,Jon
  5323. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9323Brown.Jeff
  5324. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9275Genova,Michele
  5325. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9219Moore,Letitia
  5326. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9218Grosser,Susan
  5327. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9214Chapoy,Lisbet
  5328. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9152Buelow,Patricia
  5329. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9119Stewart.Marlene
  5330. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9114Campanella,Peter
  5331. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9113Unknown
  5332. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9112Lagowski,Nancy
  5333. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9111Hall,James
  5334. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9109Bounds,Brad
  5335. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9108Rice,Mary
  5336. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9107Wesolowski,Edward
  5337. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9105Russo,Susan
  5338. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9104Bassett Jr.,Gerald
  5339. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9103Weiler,Gerard
  5340. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9102Kuen,Susan
  5341. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9101Henderson,Loretta
  5342. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9099DiVito,Steve
  5343. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9098Bierig,Barbara
  5344. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9097Lyman,Richard
  5345. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9096Lazich,Michael
  5346. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9095Osmus,Virginia
  5347. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9094Weigand,Kenneth
  5348. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9093Leggero,Roger
  5349. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9092Vitale,Heather
  5350. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9091Gullang,Walter
  5351. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9090Gerak,Justin
  5352. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9089Portugal,Alexis
  5353. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9088Vitale,Mark
  5354. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9087Den Ouden,David
  5355. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9086McMahon,Jennifer
  5356. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9048Deroche, Katie
  5357. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8988Village of Hawthorn Woods
    Neil Morgan · Hawthorn Woods, IL
  5358. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8987Barrington Park District
    Who does the STB work for? The American public. I feel like the entire Barrington family lifestyle will change in EVERY WAY to enhance the Canadians and the Chinese just to move FREIGHT. I'm going to attach a power point presentation with lots of scary numbers in it that is just unbelievable to me as a resident, mother and human being!!!!!! So what if CN isn't as efficient as they imagine they could be. Barrington will become just a rail freeway, no care paid to us driving to work, going to school, doing our shopping errands, etc. You must stand up for what is right! Do not let CN make this rail line change. Most of this freight is not even destined for the U.S.......it's going on across the Atlantic ocean to other countries. HELP!
    Linda Hovde · Barrington, IL
  5359. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8986Cristin Evans
    I wholeheartedly support the CN's purchase of the EJ&E railroad. This purchase will improve tremendously the quality of life of my family and others in the area who have been bearing the brunt of train traffic for way too long.
    Riverside, IL
  5360. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8985Brenton Caldwell
    Myself and my family are strongly oppossed to the purchase of the E,J and E Railway by the Canadian Natl. Corp. The excess noise, although a major headache, is the least of my concerns. The blocking of traffic, creating MORE congestion in our neighborhoods, the long trains, constantly rumbling thru will not only lessen the value of our homes, it could also cause delays of emergency vehicles, Fire, Police and Ambulance, from reaching their destinations. If my house is on fire, or a family member needs medical attention, and the emergency vehicles cannot get through due to train traffic, what is my recourse? Watch my house burn, or a family member suffer, or perhaps die, DUE TO A TRAIN? A company that is just looking to maximize profits does not get my vote when it comes to what the consequences COULD BE!!! Stop the Purchase!! Thank you. Brenton D Caldwell
    Hawthorn Woods, IL
  5361. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8984John A. Wilkin
    I live in Lake Zurich, IL and commute to my job at Columbia College Chicago each day by driving 2 miles to the Barrington commuter station, riding the Metra train into downtown Chicago. It takes me 1.5 hours each way. Twice in the past month my commute has been significantly lengthened due to interference by freight rail traffic on the EJ&E railroad. Once because a freight train blocked my drive to the Barrington station (I must cross the EJ&E tracks twice each way) and once because a slow freight train blocked the Metra train arriving in Barrington from the west. I am so fearful that this is but a small preview of what my commute into Chicago will be like in the future if the Canadian National Railroad (CN) is allowed to purchase the EJ&E and greatly increase the freight traffic on this line. Metra, and public transportation in general, is a key component in the economic health and vitality of Chicago and Illinois. If the CN railroad is suddenly allowed to interfere with, and possibly destroy, the commuter rail routes into Chicago, the economic costs will far outweigh the (claimed) economic benefit of more efficient freight traffic. The Surface Transportation Board is not making this an adequate consideration in their review of the CN acquisition. If this is given the review and deliberation it deserves, then the STB should never approval of this purchase.
    Barrington, IL
  5362. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8982Russell Rose
    Metra announced in banning liquor cars that ridership is up 30% to record levels for the 3rd year in a row. Plans call for additional stations all the way to Rockford, Il. With energy costs to remain high there is no reason to believe the public needs more commuter trains. While the proposal addresses current Metra trains does it take into consideration a 30% growth which equates to more trains and additional rail space?
    Barrington, Illinois
  5363. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8979Elizabeth May
    Dear Ms Johnson-Ball, My name is Elizabeth May and I am a taxpayer and resident in Barrington, IL. I happen to live within 250 feet of the EJ&E tracks that CN is trying to buy. We are responsible homeowners who bought a property that needed tender love and care. Over the last 5 years we have made our houses one of the most well cared for on the street. It was an eyesore. It saddens me to think what our home will be after the trains come through and what it will do to our tight knit neighborhood. I respectfully request that you look or re-look at many issues that were not addressed in the Draft EIS such as housing values and impact on the local businesses. Please think of this as if it was happening in your backyard and not thousands of miles away. CN is a corporation responsible to stockholders not the citizens that this will effect. PLEASE deny this request. I'd also like to note that our community is a reasonable community and have dealt with trains since it's existence. But 18+ trains a day is just too much. Thats a massive increase! Why can't CN compromise and even out the traffic on it's existing lines and EJ&E vs just moving the problem. I would also request that the maps with the lines that were available at the open house be distributed to the people affected so they can see how they can expect their home prices to drop. Thanks for the consideration. Please do the right thing for the citizens.
    Barrington, Illinois
  5364. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8977Brian Watt
    The attached letter was written in rebut to the Chicago area freight plan known as CREATE. My position, as a 25 year veteran of the surface freight business is to use resources already in place before spending buckets of money. The CN/EJ&E merger plan fits into that scenario precisely. See the attached dicussion.
    Ottawa, IL
  5365. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8975Eastwood Homeowners
    Barrington can not handle anymore traffic. As is is we can't get in and out of our subdivision between 4-6:30 PM. Adding 20 more trains to the mix will make it worse. We also have had at least 4 sucicides on the tracks in Barrington in the past year or so..and we sertainly do not need more trains to increase opportunity. Three of the deaths were young teens. Thank you for your time!! :-)
    Staci Cronin · Barrington, IL
  5366. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8783Holsen,Stan
  5367. (printed as 8/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8780Holsen,Angie
  5368. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Reply
    223417Reply
    American Chemical Service, Inc., Aux Sable Liquid Products, Lp, Equistar Chemicals Lp
  5369. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-16048Sabbak,Virginia
  5370. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-16047Moeller,Diane
  5371. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-16044Nancy Laterza
    I strongly oppose the the Canadian National proposed acquisitionof teh EJ&E railroad. Barrington is a small town with very limited rights of way that connect the major roadways and parts of town. Any train, even Metras, can have a dramatic impact on traffic in town, resulting in traffing backing up for miles going through the town, next to multiple schools. There is virtually no benefit but all negative impact to the residents of Barrington and adjacent areas. The negative impact this will have on our way of life is tremendous. The increased riks posed by this to pedestrians, and traffic (people will try to avoid the trains, increasing traffic and speeds on side streets, etc.) in and of itself justifies the outright rejection of this proposal. The citizenry and their needs and requirements must come first over the financial interest of a foreign corporation.
    Barrington Hills, Il
  5372. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15891Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital
    Giangrasso, Joe M.D.
  5373. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15880dvocate Good Shepherd Hospital
    Leseth, Carrie
  5374. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15879dvocate Good Shepherd Hospital
    Swanson, Jeri
  5375. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15871dvocate Good Shepherd Hospital
    Chuyma, Rebecca
  5376. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15845Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital
    Wiltkowski, Robert
  5377. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15844Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital
    Wool, Daniel
  5378. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15842Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital
    Swanson, Kristin E.
  5379. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15309Pepper, Richard S.
  5380. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14971Tri-County Emergency Physicians, LTD.
    Braun, Michael J. M.D.
  5381. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14844Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital
    Hoeltgen, Daniel
  5382. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14659Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital
    Lambert, Karen
  5383. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14481Roig, Joanne
  5384. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13628Billman, Earl
  5385. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13376Aievoli, Barbara
  5386. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13011Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital
    Roach,Wendy
  5387. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13010Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital
    Nelson, Evamarie
  5388. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13009Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital
    Buek, Nan
  5389. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13008Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital
    Lederer, Shannon
  5390. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13007Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital
    Patrick, Adrienne
  5391. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13006Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital
    Phelan, Kathleen
  5392. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13005Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital
    Hegen, Debbi
  5393. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13004Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital
    TeRonde, Michelle
  5394. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12986Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital
    Waldoch, Nicole
  5395. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12985Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital
    None
  5396. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12977Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital
    Weandall, Elizabeth
  5397. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12970Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital
    Glab, Kathleen
  5398. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12969Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital
    Fega, C
  5399. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12967Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital
    None
  5400. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12966Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital
    Shah, Shishir
  5401. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12965Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital
    Mercer, Anna
  5402. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12718Ziessow,Janet
  5403. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12717VanDam,Susannah
  5404. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12716Washburn,Theodore
  5405. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12715Sparr,Robert
  5406. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12713Sinnoc,Faye
  5407. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12712Rudnicki,Paul
  5408. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12711Roche,John
  5409. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12710Ress,Kimberly
  5410. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12709Pittman,Cinda
  5411. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12708Pearson,Jean
  5412. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12707Noble,James
  5413. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12706Mazurkidwicz,Donna
  5414. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12705May,Elizabeth
  5415. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12704Grelle,Lawrence
  5416. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12703Ledinsky,James
  5417. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12702Kraus,Kaia
  5418. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12701Kemp,Barbara
  5419. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12700Washburn,Jane
  5420. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12699Hoggins,Graham
  5421. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12698Hilliard,Joseph
  5422. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12697Hilgers,Dave
  5423. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12696Frank,Brian
  5424. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12695Fitzharris,Ed
  5425. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12694Fieber,Walter
  5426. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12693Evanson,Ann
  5427. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12692Elich-Rumpelt,Cheryl
  5428. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12691Egan,Stephan
  5429. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12690Crandall,Elizabeth
  5430. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12689Chen,Rose
  5431. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12688Grelle,Cheryl
  5432. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12687Arthur,Jerry
  5433. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12686Crum,Lee
  5434. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12685Arendsee,Tucker
  5435. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12634Giacomin,Mark
  5436. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12632Lee,Len
  5437. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12631Castro,J
  5438. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12630Patel,Hermant
  5439. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12299Henry,Jacqueline
  5440. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12292Kimberly Sorkin
  5441. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12289Unknown
  5442. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12287Unknown
  5443. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11962Trumbull,Natalie
  5444. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11881Crandall,Elizabeth
  5445. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11852Zimmer,Mary
  5446. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11298Anderson,Ellen
  5447. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11295McMahon,Robert
  5448. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11248Swiger,Calvin
  5449. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11245Brown,Jerry
  5450. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11233Quig,Thomas
  5451. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11232Raynor,Max
  5452. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11231Wyckoff,Holly
  5453. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11230Roggeveen,Christine
  5454. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11229Wilcox,James
  5455. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11228Barry,Deborah
  5456. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11227Bradley,Margo
  5457. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11226Vanderheyden,Susan
  5458. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11225Watkins,Lori
  5459. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11224Watkins,Jeff
  5460. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11223Juffernbruch,Daniel
  5461. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11222Zak,Adam
  5462. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11221Nurre,William
  5463. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11220Dykes,Michelle
  5464. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11219Steinmetz,Robert
  5465. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11218Glass,Beth
  5466. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11217Gifford,Scott
  5467. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11216Krueger,Donald
  5468. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11215Bach,Beth
  5469. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11214Ward,Kelly
  5470. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11213Nelson,Georgia
  5471. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11212Bailey,Celeste
  5472. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11211Gruber,Margaret
  5473. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11210Ancona,Patty
  5474. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11209Simond,Zoey
  5475. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11208Dougal,Don
  5476. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11207Hessel,Denise
  5477. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11206Burke,Andrew
  5478. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11205Nelander,Kathy
  5479. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11204Kolar,Mary
  5480. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11203Kinsella,Elizabeth
  5481. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11202Harrison,Stephen
  5482. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11201Kazmier,Penny
  5483. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11200Jackman,Christine
  5484. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11199Dailey,Joan
  5485. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11198Haller,Julie
  5486. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11197Dishong,Eileen
  5487. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11196Dailey,Dayton
  5488. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11195Curie,Chris
  5489. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11194Caba,Cindy
  5490. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11193Poliszczuk,Charles
  5491. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11192Barry,Al
  5492. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11183Smith,Bonnie
  5493. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11182Amoroso,Mary
  5494. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11181Jackman,Andrew
  5495. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11180Koenig,MIcah
  5496. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11179Kolasinkski,W
  5497. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11178Polvere,Michele
  5498. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11177Lake Zurich Fire Rescue
    Mastandrea,Terry
  5499. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11176Poliszczuk,Nancy
  5500. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11175Newman,Carolyn
  5501. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11174Ransom,Ken
  5502. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11173Olson,Mary
  5503. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11172Paolella,Robert
  5504. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11171Polvere,Stephanie
  5505. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11170Wright,Ken
  5506. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11169Thiess,Susan
  5507. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11168Taylor,Cynthia
  5508. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11167Brett,Carter
  5509. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11166Wolff,Bob
  5510. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11165Palmer,William
  5511. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11164Votanek,James
  5512. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11163Thrun,Scott
  5513. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11162Bogard,Toni
  5514. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11161Tardrew,Philip
  5515. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11160Suppes,Ingrid
  5516. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11159Stetson,Judy
  5517. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11158Sinnott,Faye
  5518. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11157Sims,Cindy
  5519. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11156Seizovic,Laura
  5520. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11155Schumm-Burgess,Nancy
  5521. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11154Schauer,Mary
  5522. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11153Ryckman,David
  5523. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11152Roggeveen,Wynn
  5524. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11151Phelan,Kathleen
  5525. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11150Peterson,Rebecca
  5526. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11149Neises,Donna
  5527. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11148Palmer,Nate
  5528. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11147Ciffone,Mike
  5529. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11146Cecola,Mekala
  5530. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11145McCarthy,Mary
  5531. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11144Bogard,Martha
  5532. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11143Malia,Colin
  5533. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11142Liedlick,Maria
  5534. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11141Gosswein,Ellen
  5535. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11140Duguid,Douglas
  5536. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11139Cunningham,Jan
  5537. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11138Bailey,Benjamin
  5538. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11137Cecola,Stephanie
  5539. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11136Ciffone,Mike
  5540. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11004Barrington Township
    Dawson,Eugene
  5541. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10977Niven, Leigh
  5542. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10975Thomas, Lindy
  5543. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10964Tokman Mila and Sam
    Hello. We are residents of Hawthorn Woods (Mr. and Mrs. Tokman at 9 Park Place Cir). We would like to express our concerns about turning our beautiful, clean and quiet neighborhood into noisy, polluted and congested industrial area. We attended the public meeting held on August 26th in Mundelein IL and completely in agreement with other concern citizens about all issues, like noise, pollution, delays of emergency response. But we think that another very important issue is overlooked. In our neighborhood majority of houses have well water. In case of hazardous materials (transported by CN) accident, we would have a major contamination of the underground water and this will make the area not suitable for living. Please take it in consideration. Sensirely yours Sam and Mila Tokman.
    Hawthorn Woods, Illinoise
  5544. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10954Biberian, Judy
  5545. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10942Abry, Brian
  5546. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10940Martinez, Suzanne
  5547. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10923Oster, Joe
  5548. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10912Mauro, LJ
  5549. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10883O'Donnell,Bill
  5550. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10778Wisner,Paul
  5551. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10769Fahey,Patti
  5552. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10766Wenz,Carl
  5553. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10764Powell,Karen
  5554. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10762Scott,Ed
  5555. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10756Adair,Linda
  5556. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10753Burrows,Inger
  5557. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10750Liedlich,Maria
  5558. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10747Sweno,Janet
  5559. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10745Swanson,Elaine
  5560. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10744Stathakis,Cheryl
  5561. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10741Springer,Ed
  5562. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10737Sauer,Molly
  5563. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10734Saez,Molly
  5564. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10728Roberts,Leslie
  5565. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10726Reiner,Beth
  5566. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10669Carr, Ted
  5567. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10661Vogel,Sharon
  5568. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10660Frech,Thomas
  5569. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10659Weinert,Pam
  5570. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10658Ferguson,Sandi
  5571. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10657Fisher,Leah
  5572. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10656Walterman,Stephanie
  5573. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10655Lincoln,Larry
  5574. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10654Sieger,Judy
  5575. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10653Karon,Patricia
  5576. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10652Pytel,Theresa
  5577. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10651Becker,Gary
  5578. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10649Bennett,Scott
  5579. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10648Runtz,Nicole
  5580. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10647Greenberg,Steve
  5581. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10646Johnson,Brent
  5582. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10645Toth,Alan
  5583. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10644Pokorny,Kevin
  5584. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10643Buckley,Coleen
  5585. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10642Toth,Margeret
  5586. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10641Smith,Connor
  5587. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10640Stubenvoll,Jack
  5588. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10639Runtz,Julie
  5589. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10638Brown,Carolyn
  5590. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10636Hinkle,Grant
  5591. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10635Uhran,Megan
  5592. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10634Block,Stephanie
  5593. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10633Evasink,Dan
  5594. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10632Uhran,Mike
  5595. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10631Moser,Alicia
  5596. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10630Moser,Griffin
  5597. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10629Kenrich,Gwen
  5598. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10627Joyce,Liz
  5599. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10626Joyce,Maddie
  5600. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10625McGreevy,David
  5601. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10624Joyce,David
  5602. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10623Joyce,Chris
  5603. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10622Deroche,Michael
  5604. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10621O'Donnell,Maggie
  5605. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10620Goodwin,Molly
  5606. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10619Gabbert,Ben
  5607. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10618Gabbert,Bella
  5608. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10617Goodwin,Luke
  5609. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10616Gosswein,Blake
  5610. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10615Stubenrauch,Michael
  5611. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10614Fisher,R
  5612. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10613Houck,Richard
  5613. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10612Buccola,Blake
  5614. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10611Horak,Ryan
  5615. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10610Kolasinski,W
  5616. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10609Polachek,Susan
  5617. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10608Kwell,Suzanne
  5618. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10607Rossman,Belle
  5619. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10606Casper,Frank
  5620. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10605Bergan,Timothy
  5621. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10604Bergan,Diane
  5622. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10603Nelson,Carol
  5623. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10602Unknown
  5624. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10601Balistreri,Laura
  5625. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10600Bowman,Mary Kay
  5626. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10599Golab,Eileen
  5627. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10598Breslin,Joe
  5628. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10597Riendeau,Cheryl
  5629. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10596Rouse,Alexandra
  5630. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10595Lauzon,Michael
  5631. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10594Konrad,Betty
  5632. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10593Church,Jeff
  5633. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10592Meckert,Lauri
  5634. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10591Miller,Debbie
  5635. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10590Schauer,Mary
  5636. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10589Gabbert,Cindy
  5637. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10588Reith,Randall
  5638. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10587Beda,Dorothy
  5639. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10586Johnson,Martha
  5640. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10585Bogaerts,John
  5641. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10584Labelle,Robert
  5642. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10583Plescia,Kristin
  5643. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10582Kliment,Claudia
  5644. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10581Coon,Ann
  5645. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10580Ure,Alisha
  5646. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10579Ure,John
  5647. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10578Eiring,Jay
  5648. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10577Vaacher,Pamela
  5649. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10576Zelisko,Catherine
  5650. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10575Elms,David
  5651. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10574Ryan,Michael
  5652. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10573Felice,Elizabeth
  5653. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10572Wallace,Chris
  5654. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10571Ryan,Beth
  5655. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10570Riha,Joe
  5656. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10569Costello,Margaret
  5657. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10568Johnson,Susan
  5658. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10567Bowen,William
  5659. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10566Phelan,Kathleen
  5660. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10565Vogel,Karen
  5661. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10564Freeburg,Leslie
  5662. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10563Norlin,Georgia
  5663. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10562Leonard,James
  5664. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10544Boos,Eileen
  5665. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10543Miller,Donald
  5666. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10542Hicks,Tracee
  5667. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10541Bogard,Martha
  5668. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10540Bogard,Toni
  5669. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10539Leonelli,John
  5670. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10537Taylor,Judith
  5671. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10536Carr,Ted
  5672. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10535Hoyne,D
  5673. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10534Unknown
  5674. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10533Comerford,Gordon
  5675. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10532Russo,Christina
  5676. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10531Roach,Jim
  5677. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10530Abry,Karen
  5678. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10529Hanson,Keith
  5679. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10528Werner,Gregg
  5680. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10526Lee,Janet
  5681. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10525Reynolds,Leslie
  5682. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10524Johnson,Dorothy
  5683. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10523Huddlestun,Glee
  5684. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10522Rubak,Betsy
  5685. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10521Pitcher,Ewa
  5686. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10520Westerman,Cindy
  5687. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10517Springer,Carolyn
  5688. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10516Springer,William
  5689. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10515Chandor,J
  5690. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10514McDonough,Judy
  5691. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10513Coulon,Nancy
  5692. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10512Clarke,Dwight
  5693. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10511McGreevy,Kim
    na
  5694. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10510McConnell,Jill
  5695. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10509Cuthbertson,Sarah
  5696. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10508Pajih,Rebecca
  5697. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10507Dockery,Sarah
  5698. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10506Pedersen,Susan
  5699. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10505Burns,Robert
  5700. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10504Kushner,Michele
  5701. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10503Becker,Charles
  5702. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10502Stallone,Katherine
  5703. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10501Gavars,Suzy
  5704. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10500Gavars,Sam
  5705. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10499Jantz,Helen
  5706. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10498Garibotti,Domenick
  5707. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10497Kilayko,Susan
  5708. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10496Anderson,Robert
  5709. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10495Stallone,Mary
  5710. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10494Deering,Karen
  5711. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10493Samborski,Michael
  5712. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10492Nolan,Nikki
  5713. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10491Fink,Heidi
  5714. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10490Yamamoto,Louise
  5715. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10489Finik,Richard
  5716. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10488Jodoin,Christine
  5717. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10487Jodoin,Juan
  5718. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10486Jodoin,John
  5719. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10485Jodoin,Jean
  5720. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10484Morrissey,Thomas
  5721. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10483Hamlin,Robin
  5722. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10482Jodoin,Grant
  5723. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10481Roemer,Karen
  5724. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10480Unknown
  5725. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10479Unknown
  5726. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10478Conrad,Elaine
  5727. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10477Crump,Megan
  5728. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10476Nytko,Deborah
  5729. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10475Anderson,Lynne
  5730. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10474Richmond,Kimberly
  5731. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10473Felt,Rose Marie
  5732. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10472Paturalski,W
  5733. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10471Carlson,Eleanor
  5734. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10470Zwiener,Doug
  5735. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10469Palmer,Nate
  5736. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10468Elms,Jean
  5737. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10467Wokoun,Rick
  5738. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10466Newman,Carolyn
  5739. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10465Poliszczuk,Nancy
  5740. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10464Hogan,Richard
  5741. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10463Hearst,Allison
  5742. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10462Zwiener,Elizabeth
  5743. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10461Allar,Carol
  5744. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10460Dunn,Catherine
  5745. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10459Deroche,Katie
  5746. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10458Mitchell,Shirley
  5747. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10457Larson,K
  5748. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10456Poliszczuk
  5749. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10455Brownlee,Carol
  5750. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10454Lenz,Jack
  5751. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10453Lenz,Anne
  5752. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10452Hansen,Stacy
  5753. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10451Hansen,Katy
  5754. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10450Stubig.Patricia
  5755. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10449Kevorkian,Diana
  5756. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10448Niwa,Karen
  5757. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10447Tortorelli,Julie
  5758. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10446Garibotti,Caroline
  5759. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10444Brown,Lucia
  5760. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10443Jackson,Pamela
  5761. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10442Duczan,Chris
  5762. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10441Braun,Tracey
  5763. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10440Anderson,Kurt
  5764. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10439Lane,Laura
  5765. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10438Harrison,Nancy
  5766. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10437Overberg,Raeann
  5767. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10436Pinzon,Lori
  5768. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10435Englmann,Donald
  5769. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10434Allar,Dennis
  5770. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10433Unknown
  5771. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10432Rowe,Carol
  5772. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10431Natasha
  5773. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10430Brown,Mary
  5774. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10429Rogers,Susan
  5775. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10428Bauer,Irene
  5776. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10427Campana,Peg
  5777. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10426Carlini,Richard
  5778. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10425Carlini,Heide
  5779. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10424Unknown
  5780. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10423McNulty,Katie
  5781. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10422Simond,Zoe
  5782. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10421Darras,Nicholas
  5783. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10420Sullivan,Barbara
  5784. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10419Hessel,Denise
  5785. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10418Horak,Laura
  5786. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10417Stubenrauch,Diana
  5787. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10416Barker,Kim
  5788. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10415Armstrong,Cindy
  5789. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10414Rowe,Chris
  5790. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10413Moyers,Margerite
  5791. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10412Trawinksi,James
  5792. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10411Johnson,Craig
  5793. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10410Beese,Carol
  5794. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10402Unknown
  5795. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10401Hoffman,Scott
  5796. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10400Dolan,Nancy
  5797. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10399Dolan,Eugene Jr.
  5798. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10398Thyfault,Chuck
  5799. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10397Johnson,Robert
  5800. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10396Hrobon,Rachel
  5801. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10395McCormick,Brooks
  5802. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10394Adams,Mary Beth
  5803. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10393Johnson,Robert
  5804. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10392Sparr,Robert
  5805. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10391Allison,Katharine
  5806. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10390Thurston,Rita
  5807. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10389Giamaina,Kathleen
  5808. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10388Kolar,Mary
  5809. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10387Forster,Maureen
  5810. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10386Lenz,Christine
  5811. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10385Forster,Scott
  5812. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10384Johnson,Debbie
  5813. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10383Sorenson,Judy
  5814. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10382Menikoff,Leslie
  5815. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10381Amsrud,Philip
  5816. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10380Slaw,Steve
  5817. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10379Caminiti,Teresa
  5818. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10378Fisher,Gina
  5819. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10377Comerford,Alice
  5820. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10376Allar,Carol
  5821. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10375Cash,John
  5822. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10374Hanson,Jeanne
  5823. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10373Baker,Catherine
  5824. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10372Sims,Cindy
  5825. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10371Reich,Gilbert
  5826. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10370Freeburg
  5827. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10369Pallarz,Mike
  5828. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10368Palarz,Therese
  5829. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10367Nagler-Sonnenberg,Paula
  5830. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10366Bern,Dorrit
  5831. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10365Suppes,Thomas
  5832. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10364Matsuda,Fumiko
  5833. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10363Reinhart,Mary
  5834. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10362O'Brien,Lou
  5835. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10361Beattie,Scott
  5836. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10360Paturalski,Sierra
  5837. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10359Lee,Matt
  5838. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10358Lee,Evan
  5839. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10357Sholeen,Heather
  5840. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10356Gosswein,Jim
  5841. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10355Mohr,Dodd
  5842. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10354Jenkins,Brian
  5843. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10353Alexander,Leon
  5844. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10352Shropshire,A
  5845. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10351Pitts,Claudia
  5846. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10350McIntosh,Priscilla
  5847. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10349Janowick,Jennifer
  5848. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10348Anderson,Jon
  5849. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10347De Castro,Edith
  5850. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10346Swarbrick,Stacey
  5851. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10345Valskis,Sheri
  5852. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10344Valskis,Andrew
  5853. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10343Kahn,Cynthia
  5854. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10342Morgan,Robert
  5855. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10341Schutz,M
  5856. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10340Zimmer,Robert
  5857. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10339Svenningsen,Glen
  5858. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10338Rienstra-Kiracofe,Christine
  5859. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10337Koepsel,Holly
  5860. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10336Kitsos,Gus
  5861. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10334Balsamo,Nickolas
  5862. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10333Muroan,Fran
  5863. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10332Trom,Maureen
  5864. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10331Ouzounian,Robert
  5865. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10330Griffin,Christine
  5866. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10329Leedstrom,Keith
  5867. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10328Messman,Terese
  5868. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10327Woodlock,Agnes
  5869. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10326Tarwid,Robert
  5870. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10325Tarwid,James
  5871. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10324Sonnicksen,Pattie
  5872. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10323Cook,Anne
  5873. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10322Hudson,Sarah
  5874. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10321Alexander,Dee
  5875. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10320Katrakis,Kathleen
  5876. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10318Clayton,Kelly
  5877. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10317Newman,Ted
  5878. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10316Bauer,Mary
  5879. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10315Overheu,Arlene
  5880. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10314Zimmer,Janice
  5881. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10313Tikwart,Robert
  5882. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10312Kehrmann,Michael
  5883. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10311Guntin,Marisel
  5884. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10310Kennedy,Vincent
  5885. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10309Patla,Mel
  5886. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10308Stasewich,Nancy
  5887. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10307O'Donnell,Tim
  5888. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10306Stasewich,Fred
  5889. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10305Lundmark,Patricia
  5890. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10304Poynton,Thomas
  5891. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10303Lundmark,Heather
  5892. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10302Grom,Rob
  5893. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10301Spatoulas,Diana
  5894. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10300Feeley,Thomas
  5895. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10299Riendeau,Wayne
  5896. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10298Richardson,Cara
  5897. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10297Lenz,Jeffrey
  5898. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10296Free,Alan
  5899. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10295Umlauf,Kathy
  5900. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10294Minton,Michael
  5901. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10292Altenburg,Bonnie
  5902. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10291Crowley,Annmone
  5903. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10289Gray,S
  5904. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10288Beveridge,Gail
  5905. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10287Horton,Simone
  5906. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10286Kukowski,Barbara
  5907. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10285Bishop,Catherine
  5908. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10284Kehrmann,Cathy
  5909. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10283Skinner,Dwight
  5910. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10282Digiulio,Mary
  5911. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10281Balsamo,Thomas
  5912. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10280Hudson,Robert
  5913. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10279Elsner,David
  5914. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10278Dishong,Daryl
  5915. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10277Roder,Priscilla
  5916. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10276Lee,Joann
  5917. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10275Peters,Beata
  5918. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10274Jackson,Thomas
  5919. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10273Thompson,Bill
  5920. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10272Freed,Stephen
  5921. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10271Prahl,David
  5922. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10270Prahl,Kristen
  5923. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10269Nadelhuffer,Laura
  5924. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10268Jackson,Lisa
  5925. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10267Breither,Linda
  5926. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10266McGinn,Joseph
  5927. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10265Curin,Cynthia
  5928. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10264Carr,Wil
  5929. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10263Kendzior,Anita
  5930. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10262Carr,Carrie
  5931. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10261McGinn,Kory
  5932. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10260Bach,Susan
  5933. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10259Leighton,Cynthia
  5934. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10258Barney
  5935. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10257Vanderheyden,Michael
  5936. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10256Franze,Kerry
  5937. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10255Maccartney,Donna
  5938. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10254Uhran,Katelyn
  5939. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10253Clifford,Carolyn
  5940. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10252Heick,A
  5941. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10251Zei,Frederick
  5942. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10250Unknown
  5943. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10249Mignano,Linda
  5944. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10248Hausen,Jack
  5945. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10247Villers,Deborah
  5946. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10246Freda,Charles
  5947. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10245Lageschulte,Eleni
  5948. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10244Johnson-Alonson,Anna
  5949. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10243Pfeiffer,Elizabeth
  5950. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10242Singer,Rochelle
  5951. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10241Cysewski,Tracy
  5952. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10240Chatzidakis,Maria
  5953. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10239Chatzidakis,Theodora
  5954. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10237Royse,Brad
  5955. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10236Brudvik,Stephanie
  5956. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10235Johnson,Joann
  5957. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10234Harmon,Jean
  5958. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10233Gwiasda,Bob
  5959. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10232Quig,Deborah
  5960. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10231Finley,Roger
  5961. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10230Kell,Jeanne
  5962. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10229Raynov,Cooper
  5963. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10228Liedlich,Emma
  5964. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10227Morrissey,Steve
  5965. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10226Mahon,Diane
  5966. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10225Rowe,Kevin
  5967. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10224Rowe,Mary
  5968. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10223Goodwin,Maggie
  5969. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10222Ray,Linda
  5970. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10221Conrad,Greg
  5971. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10220Brown,Elizabeth
  5972. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10219Clark,Carol
  5973. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10218Moser,Deanna
  5974. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10216Miller,Michelle
  5975. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10215Roggeveen,Chris
  5976. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10214Griffith,Beverly
  5977. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10213Burke,Mimi
  5978. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10212Kohler,Donald
  5979. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10211Ghaussy,Aimee
  5980. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10210Jarrard,Jessica
  5981. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10209Selman,Jennifer
  5982. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10208Jarrard,Clisby
  5983. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10207Smith,Steven
  5984. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10206Selman,Karen
  5985. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10204Mathias,Jeanine
  5986. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10203Allen,Lisa
  5987. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10202Allen,Cara
  5988. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10201Lauderback,Mary
  5989. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10200Howard,Jim
  5990. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10199McArdle,Kevin
  5991. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10198McArdle,Diane
  5992. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10197Rowley,Ed
  5993. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10196Pytel,Jeff
  5994. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10195Hilliard,Joseph
  5995. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10193Casey,Amy
  5996. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10192Gulledge,Margaret
  5997. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10191Matthews,Cindy
  5998. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10190Miller,James
  5999. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10189Bennett,Diane
  6000. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10188Holzknecht,A
  6001. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10187Fijal,Phil
  6002. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10186Blomquist,Roger
  6003. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10185Jacobs,Michael
  6004. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10184Borst,Tom
  6005. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10183Borst,Cheryl
  6006. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10182Powal,Karen
  6007. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10181Kee,Shante'
  6008. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10180Woodlock,Ryan
  6009. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10179Gilbert,Susan
  6010. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10177Nichols,Jennifer
  6011. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10176Ruder,Linda
  6012. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10175Illinois 8th District, US Congress
    Bean, Melissa
  6013. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10174Scharf,C
  6014. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10172Callahan,Steve
  6015. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10171Decraene,Ray
  6016. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10170Hrobon,Debbie
  6017. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10169Stephens,Norval
  6018. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10168Lancaster,Patricia
  6019. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10167Zgoda,Michael
  6020. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10165Rouse,Denise
  6021. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10164Gresham,Heather
  6022. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10163Herrick,A
  6023. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10162Mahan,Graeme
  6024. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10161Bingham,Melissa
  6025. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10160Peterson,Mary
  6026. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10159Felleson,Joyce
  6027. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10158Declerck,Dan
  6028. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10157Rich,Perry
  6029. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10156Beaubren,Bob
  6030. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10155Sarnowski,Thomas
  6031. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10154Rzasa,Helen
  6032. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10153Felleson,Roland
  6033. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10152Palmer,Suzy
  6034. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10151Hirdes,Lisa
  6035. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10150Cunningham,Jan
  6036. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10149Broj,Glenn
  6037. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10148R,Albert
  6038. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10147Mainiero,Carmine
  6039. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10146Sleezer,Fran
  6040. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10145Vega,Guadalupe
  6041. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10144Ball,Roberta
  6042. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10143Vega,Jesus
  6043. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10142Withrow,John
  6044. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10141Aki,Michele
  6045. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10140Nestrud,Janet
  6046. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10139Velleuer,H
  6047. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10138Patel,Vip
  6048. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10137Scoby,Emily
  6049. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10136Unknown
  6050. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10135Dehnert,Ailen
  6051. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10134Sanders,Joan
  6052. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10133Nolan,Kathleen
  6053. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10132Myers,Charles
  6054. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10131Jacobsen,Terry
  6055. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10130Flolid,Andrea
  6056. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10129Flolid,Alayna
  6057. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10128Bathrick,Monnet
  6058. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10127Hartzel,Grace
  6059. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10126Armagost,Betty
  6060. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10125Neff,Lori
  6061. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10124Peterson,Kim
  6062. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10123Tanaka,Stuart
  6063. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10121Butler,Robin
  6064. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10120Innocentini,Bonnie
  6065. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10119Slaughter,Julie
  6066. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10118Hamilton,Claire
  6067. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10117Glueckert,Carolyn
  6068. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10116Budzak,Annette
  6069. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10114Pytel,Theresa
  6070. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10113Armagost,Lee
  6071. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10112Ciaglia, Craig
  6072. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10111Armagost,Leann
  6073. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10110Wilcox,James
  6074. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10109Filian,Isabel
  6075. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10107Roggeveen,Robert
  6076. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10106Maytnier,Chris
  6077. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10105Ellefson, Keith
  6078. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10104Rowley,Clementine
  6079. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10103Cageschulte,Phil
  6080. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10101Laudick,Susan
  6081. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10100Rose, Priscilla
  6082. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10099Zwieg,Hugh
  6083. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10098Zwieg,Pamela
  6084. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10097Ritchie,Amy
  6085. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10096Dishong,Eileen
  6086. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10095Isaias,Heidi
  6087. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10094Ritchie,Evan
  6088. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10093Ritchie,Jordan
  6089. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10092Nemz,John
  6090. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10090Eisenbarth,Caroline
  6091. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10089Ritchie,Savannah
  6092. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10088Isaias,Fernando
  6093. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10087Keenan,Jack
  6094. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10086Byhre,Terese
  6095. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10085Hoerner,Paula
  6096. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10083Innocentini,Kathryn
  6097. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10082Trujillo,Nancy
  6098. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10073Wisner,Paul
  6099. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10066Casper, Frank
  6100. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10065Hagar, Joan
  6101. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10064Costis, Jan
  6102. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10063Gustafson, James
  6103. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10062Gianni, Franco
  6104. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10061Mitchell, Clare
  6105. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10060Gustafson, Karen
  6106. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10059O'neill,Leverne
  6107. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10058Capellos,Jean
  6108. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10057Grant,Patti
  6109. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10056Ciffone,Joanne
  6110. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10055Newman,Virginia
  6111. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10054Novas & Associates OB/GYN
    Keith,Rebecca
  6112. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10053Monaco,Jan
  6113. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10052Monaco,Lou
  6114. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10051Pokorny,Gail
  6115. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10050Gagne,Julie
  6116. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10049Lallas,Mark
  6117. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10048Slager,Tom
  6118. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10047Labelle,Beth
  6119. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10046McDonald,Richard
  6120. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10045Keiser, Deb
  6121. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10044Sinnett, Edna
  6122. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10043Dowdy, Sarah
  6123. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10042Chatzidakis,Jayne
  6124. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10041Kolasinski, Raymond
  6125. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10040Hodgkinson,Duane
  6126. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10039Van Broekhoven, Nancy L
  6127. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10037Harms, Dennis
  6128. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10036Mccauley, Edward
  6129. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10035Giesel, Joanne
  6130. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10034Mosenbach, Paul
  6131. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10033Roberts, Chloe
  6132. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10032Danek,Leonard
  6133. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10031Riley, Patricia A.
  6134. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10030Burke, Andrew
  6135. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10028Lindeen, John R.
  6136. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10027Mulholland,Donna
  6137. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10026Hansen, Kathy
  6138. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10025Westcott,Charles
  6139. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10024Ruggeri-Mcandle, Jodi
  6140. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10023Pittman,Cinda
  6141. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10022Westcott,Lorraine
  6142. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10021Leitmer, Mark
  6143. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10020Pittman,David
  6144. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10019O'Neill, Susan
  6145. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10018Olson,Mary
  6146. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10017Kauser,Andrew
  6147. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10016Amoroso, Mary Elaine
  6148. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10015Futornick, Jodie
  6149. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10014Scifo, Alice
  6150. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10012Doyle, Megan
  6151. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10011Burkhart,Richard
  6152. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10010Walker, Jennifer
  6153. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10009Chernik,Elizabeth
  6154. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10008Caiazza, Frank
  6155. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10007Kline,Janet
  6156. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10006Kitzman, Elizabeth
  6157. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10005Karon,Patricia
  6158. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10004Asher, Janet
  6159. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10003Kerr,Julie
  6160. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10002Hodges, Lois T.
  6161. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10001Gehler,Martha
  6162. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10000Gibson, Kelly
  6163. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9999Bower, Wendy
  6164. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9998Ellefson, Genevieve
  6165. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9997Egan,Stephan
  6166. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9996Kruse, Robert
  6167. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9995Kemp,Barbara
  6168. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9994Caiazza, Lynne
  6169. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9993Tihinen, Lauren
  6170. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9992Elich, Alexandra
  6171. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9991Village of Barrington
    Bosley,Maggie
  6172. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9990Rajan, Fred
  6173. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9989Barrington Area Council on Aging
    Palmquist,Joyce
  6174. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9988Burg,Ellen
  6175. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9986Palmer, Tom
  6176. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9985Rubino, Frank
  6177. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9984Zatt, Marguerite
  6178. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9983Brottman, Sandra
  6179. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9982Lake Zurich Police Department
    Finlon,Patrick
  6180. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9981Zatt, Earle
  6181. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9980Lake Zurich Fire Rescue
    Mastandrea,Terry
  6182. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9979Lau, Linda
  6183. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9978Slager, Sydney
  6184. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9977Pearson,Dolores
  6185. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9976Chapman,Jeanine
  6186. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9975Kelsch,Joseph Sr.
  6187. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9974Chatzidakis, Chris
  6188. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9973Waack,Kirsten
  6189. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9972Cotter,Lawrence
  6190. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9971Fitzgerald,Daniel
  6191. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9970Echito,Cory
  6192. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9968Village of Barrington
    Blanchard,Peggy
  6193. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9967Village of Barrington
    Summers,Greg
  6194. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9965Deroche,Michael
  6195. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9963Cunningham,Barbara
  6196. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9962Cunningham,Barb
  6197. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9960McCarthy,Pat
  6198. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9959Raider,Emma
  6199. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9958Zaremba,Jim
  6200. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9957Raider,Sondra
  6201. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9956Poterachi,G
  6202. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9955Vanderheyden,Susan
  6203. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9954Mitchell,Denise
  6204. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9953Lykke,Peer
  6205. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9952Grelle,Cheryl
  6206. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9951Gleason,Lauren
  6207. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9949Quintana,Nancy
  6208. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9948Harris,Margaret
  6209. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9947Hirsch,Amanda
  6210. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9944Pugliese,Daniel
  6211. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9943Simone,John
  6212. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9942Stearney,Peter
  6213. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9941Holt,Jonna
  6214. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9940Hogan,Daniel
  6215. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9939Knudson,Hillary
  6216. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9937Tang,Jinmei
  6217. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9936Stanton,Robert Sr
  6218. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9935Stevens,John
  6219. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9934Kinn,Diane
  6220. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9931Lyon,John
  6221. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9930Ensign,Thomas
  6222. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9929McDonogh,David
  6223. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9928Herzog,Carl
  6224. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9927Wloch,Cathy
  6225. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9926Johnson,Thomas
  6226. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9925Swanson,Barrie
  6227. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9924Etherington,Mary
  6228. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9923Tabel,Ethan
  6229. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9921Cartey,Christine
  6230. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9920Sincox,Jim
  6231. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9919Moore,Terri
  6232. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9918Hutchison,Renee
  6233. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9917Willemsen,Thomas
  6234. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9916Freund,Barbara
  6235. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9915Cunniff,Mary Ann
  6236. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9914Pallan,Victoria
  6237. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9913Coy,Dale
  6238. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9912Griffin,Bill
  6239. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9911Woods,Dan
  6240. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9910Miller,Chad
  6241. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9909Hesselbein,David
  6242. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9908Griffin,Sam
  6243. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9907McDonald,William
  6244. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9906Spicuzza,Richard
  6245. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9905Prigge,Rob
  6246. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9903Bobrowski,Dan
  6247. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9902Jaeggin,Rachael
  6248. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9901Flack,Bill
  6249. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9900Keiser,Jeff
  6250. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9898Moore,Terry
  6251. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9897Wodarz,Krista
  6252. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9896Johnson,Bruce
  6253. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9895Holicky,Bernard
  6254. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9894Coon,Bill
  6255. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9893Gagne,John
  6256. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9892Hamman,James
  6257. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9891Krueger,Lou
  6258. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9890Seagren,Scott
  6259. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9889Nolan,Lori
  6260. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9888Holman,Brian
  6261. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9887Seagren,Joann
  6262. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9886Puhr,John
  6263. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9885Stegvik,Carrie
  6264. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9884Schmidt,Sharon
  6265. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9883Eisele,Margaret
  6266. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9882Mathison,Mary
  6267. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9881Pizzica,Jim
  6268. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9879Pizzica,Carolyn
  6269. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9878Ryder,Doug
  6270. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9877Sahlin,Roberta
  6271. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9876Gull,Ellen
  6272. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9875Dreiling,Debra
  6273. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9874Thomson,Sharon
  6274. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9873Zuidema,Julie
  6275. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9872Schuldt,Carolyn
  6276. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9871Rafaty,Fred
  6277. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9870Schafer,Gregory
  6278. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9868Rowley,Don
  6279. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9865Rossi,Mark
  6280. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9864Shannon,Robert
  6281. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9863Hermsen,Tom
  6282. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9862Cleary,Michael
  6283. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9860Moradi,Houshi
  6284. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9859Jayaraman,Jay
  6285. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9858Michelson,Susan
  6286. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9857Martino,Donna
  6287. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9856Michelson,Bradley
  6288. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9855Nordman,Mark
  6289. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9854Dassatti,Carey
  6290. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9853Grunst,Steven
  6291. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9852Harris,Jason
  6292. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9851Clark,Bonnie
  6293. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9849Tichy,Robert
  6294. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9846Kolasinski,Barbara
  6295. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9845Johnstone,Francis
  6296. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9844Harvey,Phil
  6297. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9843Losinski,Julie
  6298. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9842Roznik,Marcia
  6299. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9841Sincox,Elizabeth
  6300. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9840Hanson,Stephanie
  6301. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9839Gross,Nancy
  6302. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9838Phillips,Richard
  6303. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9837Wever,Karen
  6304. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9836Brauch,Jennifer
  6305. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9835Shapiro,Alfred
  6306. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9833Carone,Gail
  6307. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9832Wills,Peter
  6308. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9831Bhuva,Shefali
  6309. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9830Magnanenzi,Jim
  6310. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9829Schuberth,Colleen
  6311. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9828Strong,John
  6312. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9824Krzeminski,Alma
  6313. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9823Tyler,John
  6314. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9822McLoughlin,Edward
  6315. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9821Iverson,Dwight
  6316. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9820Larsen,Curtis
  6317. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9819Marron,Mark
  6318. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9818Marron,Deborah
  6319. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9817Tyler,Judith
  6320. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9816Ebert,Markus
  6321. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9815Unknown
  6322. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9814Holman,Joann
  6323. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9813Darras,Maureen
  6324. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9812Moss,Thomas
  6325. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9810Baker,John
  6326. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9809Hrobon,David
  6327. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9808Glaser,Richard
  6328. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9807Glaser,Pam
  6329. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9806Dehnert,Jeff
  6330. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9805Dehnert,Susan
  6331. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9804Liedlich,Sarah
  6332. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9803Kaboski,Hilary
  6333. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9802Scheitlin,Cindy
  6334. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9801Bishop,Julia
  6335. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9800Gross,Randall
  6336. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9799Bishop,David
  6337. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9798Hartzel,Kimberly
  6338. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9796Hinkle,Maddie
  6339. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9795Varrige,Julie
  6340. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9794Link,Dan
  6341. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9793Buhai,Barbara
  6342. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9792Combs,Karla
  6343. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9791Polvere,Stephanie
  6344. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9790Polvere,Michele
  6345. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9789Steffen,Teresa
  6346. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9788Hanifl,Darren
  6347. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9787Sinnott,Faye
  6348. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9785Schauer
  6349. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9784Gordon,Bonnie
  6350. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9783Hanifl,Suzanne
  6351. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9782Mitchell,Don
  6352. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9781Crowther,Meg
  6353. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9780Hinkle,Ron
  6354. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9779Lueotke,Karen
  6355. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9778Watkins,Jeff
  6356. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9777Schell,Kathryn
  6357. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9776McLaughlin,Barbara
  6358. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9775O'Donnell,Sarah
  6359. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9774Schell,Ward
  6360. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9773Gibson,Mark
  6361. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9772Tanking,David
  6362. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9771Conrad,Greg
  6363. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9770Eaton,Tina
  6364. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9769West,Judy
  6365. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9768McCord,Pamela
  6366. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9767Tenhoopen,Carrie
  6367. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9766Dempsey,John
  6368. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9765Grelle,Lawrence
  6369. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9764Sanders,Ken
  6370. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9763O'Brien,Adrienne
  6371. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9762Zaremba,Wendy
  6372. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9761Lewis,Kay
  6373. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9760Bach,Peyton
  6374. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9759Bach,Greg
  6375. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9758Bach,Beth
  6376. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9757Lagowski,Nancy
  6377. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9756Butler,David
  6378. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9755O'Sullivan,Joyce
  6379. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9754Stelige,Emma
  6380. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9753Thiess,Susan
  6381. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9752Rengel,Rick
  6382. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9751Buckley,Melissa
  6383. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9750Maher,Mike
  6384. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9749Bostock,Amber
  6385. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9748Barr,John
  6386. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9746Eich,Carol
  6387. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9745Harms,Georgianne
  6388. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9744Votanck,James
  6389. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9743Unknown
  6390. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9741Tinaglia,Anthony
  6391. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9740Swanson,Jospeh
  6392. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9739Orchard,Mark
  6393. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9738Mitten,Patrick
  6394. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9737Malin,Cindarae
  6395. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9736Pappas,Chris
  6396. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9735Unknown
  6397. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9734Hawe,Alyssa
  6398. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9733Stearney,Julie
  6399. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9732Garland,Jeremy
  6400. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9731Crotty,Jeff
  6401. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9730Moyer, Patty
  6402. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9729Privatsky,Marisa
  6403. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9728Elmes, Margaret
  6404. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9727Marcussen,Maxine
  6405. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9726Bishop,Willard
  6406. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9725Nepomucenos,Jenie
  6407. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9724Cedar Creek Investments
    Moyer, Patty
  6408. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9723Slaw,Laura
  6409. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9722Nelson, Nancy
  6410. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9721Hawe,Yolanda
  6411. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9720Hawe,Sara
  6412. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9719Romano, Barbara
  6413. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9718Larsen,Leif
  6414. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9717Slager, Tom
  6415. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9716Filippell,Mala
  6416. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9715Lane, Daniel
  6417. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9714Hancock,Nathan
  6418. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9713Bachman, Ted
  6419. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9712Marion,Brad
  6420. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9711Troy, Marie
  6421. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9710Kliment,Paul
  6422. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9709Reed, Barbara
  6423. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9708Parro,David
  6424. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9707Phillips, Joyce
  6425. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9706Martino,Peter
  6426. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9705Teel, Tommy
  6427. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9704Glass, Mary-Elizabeth
  6428. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9703Nester, Barbara
  6429. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9702Krueger, Donald
  6430. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9701Lundmark, Suzanne
  6431. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9700Padula, Susan
  6432. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9699Glorch, Robert
  6433. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9698Nelson, Jillian
  6434. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9697Pokorny, Kevin
  6435. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9696Pokorny, Kevin
  6436. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9695Patitsas, Nicholas
  6437. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9694Taylor, Stuart
  6438. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9693Trebac, Marilea
  6439. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9692Unknown
  6440. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9691Holland,Jyl
  6441. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9690Jacobs, Bruce
  6442. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9689Nolan,David
  6443. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9686Graff
  6444. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9685Sulikowski,T
  6445. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9683McGill,Deanna
  6446. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9682Jodoin,Christine
  6447. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9681Jodoin,Allison
  6448. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9680Schwantz,Jeff
  6449. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9679Grover,Katherine
  6450. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9678Fountas,Camille
  6451. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9677Slaughter,Howard
  6452. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9676Caryniwsky,Valerie
  6453. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9675Nepumoceno,Daniel
  6454. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9674King,Mary Kate
  6455. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9673Reyes,Segundina
  6456. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9672Killick,M
  6457. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9671Jacobs, Rolinda
  6458. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9670Lebovic,Angela
  6459. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9669Watson, John
  6460. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9668Weathered,Tom
  6461. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9667Parenti, Dino
  6462. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9666Harris,Alfred
  6463. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9665Rose, Charli
  6464. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9664Wolf,Greg
  6465. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9663Lane, Luanne
  6466. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9662Bowman,Mark
  6467. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9661Katrakis,Christopher
  6468. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9660Carroll,Martha
  6469. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9659Schurmann, Sue
  6470. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9658Killick
  6471. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9656Cress, Ken
  6472. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9655Schurmann, David
  6473. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9654Welsh,Jennifer
  6474. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9653Dufour, Elizabeth
  6475. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9652Blanke,Dave
  6476. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9651Woodlock
  6477. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9650Griffin,Linda
  6478. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9648Carroll,Joseph
  6479. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9647Davis, Penny
  6480. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9646Abramic, Ryan
  6481. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9645Even.Lisa
  6482. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9643Peters, John
  6483. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9642Breslin, Jenna
  6484. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9641Hovde, Steven
  6485. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9640Semla, Faith
  6486. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9639McGrath, Lucy
  6487. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9638Palmer, William
  6488. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9637Kudla,Patty
  6489. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9636Kudla,John
  6490. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9635Gotfryd, William
  6491. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9634Alexander, John
  6492. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9633Unknown
  6493. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9632Patterson,Mike
  6494. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9631Van, Georgeanne
  6495. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9629Mylin,V
  6496. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9628Lundmark, Jackson
  6497. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9627Plescia,Nicole
  6498. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9626Plescia,Kristin
  6499. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9624Caminiti,Peter
  6500. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9623Unknown
  6501. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9622Allen,Richelle
  6502. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9621Hutchinson, Renee
  6503. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9620Allen,Robert
  6504. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9618Dodge III,Charles
  6505. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9617Gavars, Guido
  6506. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9613Pszeniczka,Edward
  6507. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9612Lieske,Katie
  6508. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9611Kenneally,Patrick
  6509. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9610Burnham,Jane
  6510. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9609Ziarnik,Zachary
  6511. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9608Ziarnik,Natalie
  6512. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9607Ziarnik,Andrew
  6513. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9606Unknown
  6514. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9605Potter,Janet
  6515. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9604Hunter,Diane
  6516. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9602Holland,James
  6517. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9601Kuta,Mike
  6518. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9600Schneider,Jan
  6519. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9599Mack,Maureen
  6520. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9598Kuta,Linda
  6521. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9597Raseman,Steve
  6522. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9596Holland,Paige
  6523. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9595Holland,Paige
  6524. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9594Unknown
  6525. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9593Kuta,Jack
  6526. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9592Young,Joan
  6527. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9591Garland,Sarah
  6528. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9590Crotty,Mary Kay
  6529. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9589Golab,John
  6530. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9587Thornton,Elizabeth
  6531. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9586Keating,Suzanne
  6532. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9585Wolfgram,Dan
  6533. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9584Knapik,Doris
  6534. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9583Appleby,Lisa
  6535. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9582Money,Kathleen
  6536. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9581Baker,Linda
  6537. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9580Appleby,Sean
  6538. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9579Bullion,Sharon
  6539. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9578Bullion,James
  6540. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9577Wills,Joyce
  6541. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9576Tolani,Carrie
  6542. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9575Velleuer,Ronald
  6543. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9574Velleuer,Holly
  6544. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9572Stott,Kathleen
  6545. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9571Symbal,Dennis
  6546. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9570Joseph,John
  6547. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9569Lapacek,Kathy
  6548. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9568Pulkrabek,Curtis
  6549. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9567Robson,N
  6550. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9566Dincher,Tom
  6551. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9565Decatorsmith,Lisa
  6552. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9564Tabel,Bryce
  6553. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9562O'Donnell,Amy
  6554. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9561Halka,Kathryn
  6555. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9560Wilson,James
  6556. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9559Connelly,Joseph
  6557. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9558Tilly,Jennifer
  6558. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9557Cusick,Jackie
  6559. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9556Cusick,Thomas
  6560. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9555Obernesser,Kathleen
  6561. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9554Flora,Lawrence
  6562. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9553Laubach,Jeffrey
  6563. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9552Pfohl,Robert
  6564. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9550Busse,Chester
  6565. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9549Donohue,Caitlin
  6566. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9548Busse,Dawn
  6567. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9547Fisher,Sherry
  6568. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9546Saez,Molly
  6569. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9545McKneally,A
  6570. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9544Prentiss,Tom
  6571. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9543Gagarin,Frank
  6572. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9542Hutchison,Renee
  6573. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9541Hutchison,Renee
  6574. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9540Hutchison,Renee
  6575. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9539Hutchison,Renee
  6576. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9538Hutchison,Renee
  6577. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9537Quigg,Catherine
  6578. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9536Yeagley,Jeanne
  6579. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9535Yeagley,Jeanne
  6580. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9534Yeagley,Jeanne
  6581. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9533Hadgisava,Nancy
  6582. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9532Kalmej,Paul
  6583. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9531Kopp,Carol
  6584. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9530Wright,John
  6585. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9529Krause,Fern
  6586. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9528Dassatti,Peggy
  6587. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9527Krause,Jack
  6588. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9526Bernacchi,Jeff
  6589. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9525Lacasse,Carol
  6590. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9524Lacasse,David
  6591. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9523Allar,Dennis
  6592. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9522Obernesser,Robert
  6593. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9521Zachrich,Craig
  6594. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9520Benson,Barbara
  6595. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9519Gueller,Jeff
  6596. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9518Goodman,Michael
  6597. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9517Laystrom,Marilyn
  6598. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9516Schell,Mary
  6599. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9515O'Donnell
  6600. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9514Sibilsky,Kelly
  6601. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9513Camel,J
  6602. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9512Morrison,John
  6603. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9511Bathrick,Lee
  6604. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9510Scoby,Will
  6605. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9509Bathrick,Andrew
  6606. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9508Scoby,Bella
  6607. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9507Cidulka,Margot
  6608. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9506Tegeder,Wayne
  6609. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9505Casey,Karen
  6610. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9504Snell,Jo Ann
  6611. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9502Casey,Steve
  6612. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9501Casey,Kevin
  6613. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9500Casey,Paul
  6614. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9499Lindeen,Ellen
  6615. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9498Kershner,Ethan
  6616. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9497Kershner,Hannah
  6617. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9496Peterson,Greg
  6618. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9495Bailey,Griffin
  6619. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9494Garrels,Jennifer
  6620. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9493Kershner,Julie
  6621. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9492Varblake,Jan
  6622. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9491Baranski,Carole
  6623. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9490Joyce,Dan
  6624. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9489Fannon,Jeffrey
  6625. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9488Bozarth,Maddy
  6626. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9487Fannon,RIley
  6627. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9486Howard,Gail
  6628. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9485Welch,Linda
  6629. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9484Dunn,Tim
  6630. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9483Dunn,Christine
  6631. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9482Kershner,Jeffrey
  6632. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9481Tanaka,Cheryl
  6633. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9480Kraegler,Robert
  6634. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9479Beattie,Susan
  6635. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9478Visconti,Christine
  6636. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9477Scholten,Diane
  6637. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9476Gustafson,Kathleen
  6638. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9475Slocum,Marjorie
  6639. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9474Tabel,Tamara
  6640. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9473Tabel,Todd
  6641. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9472Petersen,Sarah
  6642. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9471Petersen,Steve
  6643. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9470Unknown
  6644. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9469Geib,Jessica
  6645. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9468Rao,Beena
  6646. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9467Myren,Margaret
  6647. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9466Hutchinson,Karen
  6648. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9465Dombek,Carole
  6649. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9464Fischer,Lauren
  6650. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9463Unknown
  6651. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9462Prettyman,Charles
  6652. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9461Heffernan,Andrea
  6653. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9460Prettyman,Maureen
  6654. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9459Curney,Tom
  6655. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9458Thornton,Renate
  6656. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9457Crowther,Bruce
  6657. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9456Monie,Ian
  6658. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9455Watkins,Lori
  6659. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9454O'Brien,Richard
  6660. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9453Grom,John
  6661. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9452Sonnenberg,John
  6662. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9451Schultz,Gerhad
  6663. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9450Schultz,Sigrid
  6664. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9449Anderson,Kate
  6665. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9448Mjolsness,Dan
  6666. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9447Breidenbach,Amy
  6667. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9446Scheffler,Celeste
  6668. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9445Watson,Fred
  6669. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9443Malel,Dennis
  6670. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9442Cossio,Helen
  6671. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9441Hennelly,Patrick
  6672. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9440Dickenson,Diane
  6673. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9439Holland,Joe
  6674. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9438Mjolsness,Cindy
  6675. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9437Hamman,Mary
  6676. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9436Pepper,Dave
  6677. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9433Camel,Dave
  6678. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9432Baumgartner,Linda
  6679. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9431Schmidt,Joan
  6680. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9430Schuberth,Gary
  6681. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9429Wally,Claire
  6682. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9428Sweno,Janet
  6683. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9426Lundmark,Tyler
  6684. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9425Matthies,Jeff
  6685. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9424F
  6686. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9423Menheer,Sr Lorraine
  6687. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9422Root,Elizabeth
  6688. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9421Lancelot,J
  6689. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9419Brown
  6690. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9418Bailey,Emily
  6691. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9417Moss,Sheila
  6692. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9416Eppenson,Robbie
  6693. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9406Moss,Michelle
  6694. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9399Musschoot,Judith
  6695. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9397Wendt,Ginny
  6696. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9395Miles,Michael
  6697. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9393Chambers,Richard
  6698. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9392Verschoor,Marie
  6699. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9391Dille,Kandye
  6700. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9390Sulikowski.R
  6701. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9389Donati,Nancy
  6702. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9387Barney,Regnna
  6703. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9386Verschoor,Curtis
  6704. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9385Frankenberg,Blair
  6705. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9384Mcdonald,W
  6706. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9383Hennelly,Nancy
  6707. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9382Barney,Gwen
  6708. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9381Guthrie,David
  6709. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9380Mayer,John
  6710. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9379Mayer,Shirley
  6711. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9378O'Keefe,Joseph
  6712. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9377Seidel,Gail
  6713. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9376Wenner,Hardy
  6714. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9375Cantafio,Marianne
  6715. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9374Cantafio,Frank
  6716. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9373Hansen,George
  6717. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9372Rodriguez,Paul
  6718. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9371Roder,Christian
  6719. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9370Mark,Vera
  6720. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9369Laughlin,Taylor
  6721. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9368Laughlin,Kyle
  6722. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9367Laughlin,Debra
  6723. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9366Whitmer,Charles
  6724. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9365Meyer,Melvin
  6725. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9364Calcagno,Don
  6726. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9363Nieves,Daniel
  6727. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9362Leese,Kristin
  6728. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9361Slager,Sydney
  6729. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9360Putnins,Andris
  6730. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9359Divito,Stephen
  6731. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9358Jensen,Susan
  6732. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9357Shapiro,Abra
  6733. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9356Steffen,John
  6734. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9355Baumgartner,Kathryn
  6735. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9354Mullins,Tina
  6736. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9353Rossi,Morgan
  6737. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9352Nichols,Troy
  6738. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9351Nichols,Troy
    na
  6739. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9350Kalmes,Adrienne
  6740. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9349Looff,Jill
  6741. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9348Wilson,Linda
  6742. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9347Wollney,Lois
  6743. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9346Lane,Daniel
  6744. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9345Paone,Anne
  6745. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9344Kopp.Bob
  6746. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9343Lancaster,Carolyn
  6747. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9342O'neill,Michael
  6748. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9341Lancaster,Roger
  6749. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9340Scott,Norman
  6750. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9339Holland,Robert
  6751. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9338Xia,Simon
  6752. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9337Dodge,Karen
  6753. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9336Zarosi,Robert
  6754. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9335Lancaster,Blythe
  6755. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9334Loughman,Valerie
  6756. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9333Sclafani,Renee
  6757. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9332Hyder,Ansar
  6758. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9331Privatsy,Jenna
  6759. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9330Munao,Connie
  6760. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9329Kelley,Maureen
  6761. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9328Sclafani,Joseph
  6762. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9326Blomquist,Jay
  6763. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9325Milne,Dawn
  6764. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9324Harris,Emily
  6765. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9322McIntosh,Bruce
  6766. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9321Olness,Andrea
  6767. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9320Fountas,Claire
  6768. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9319Wulff,Robert
  6769. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9318Steffen,Mark
  6770. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9317Rocco,Holly
  6771. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9316Unknown
  6772. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9315Newman,Laura
  6773. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9314Tenorio,Carlos
  6774. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9313Roth,Catherine
  6775. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9312Schmidt,C
  6776. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9306Hattas,Susan
  6777. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9304Joyner,Janice
  6778. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9303Adams,Mary
  6779. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9302Spicer,Kelly
  6780. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9301Thalheimer,Patsy
  6781. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9300Unknown
  6782. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9299Townsager,Mary
  6783. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9298Scalzitti,Judy
  6784. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9297Badsing,B
  6785. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9296Unknown
  6786. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9295Smith,Jennifer
  6787. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9294Thiess,David
  6788. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9293Tursi,Michael
  6789. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9292Bromet,David
  6790. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9291Lunt,Eric
  6791. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9290Hansen,Sue
  6792. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9289Cusimano,Margot
  6793. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9288Capitanelli,Claire
  6794. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9287Iverson,Giannina
  6795. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9286Svenningsen,Colleen
  6796. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9285Benkendorf,R
  6797. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9284Hunter,Tom
  6798. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9283Miller,Jennifer
  6799. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9282Miller,Colin
  6800. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9281Balsamo,Wade
  6801. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9280Unknown
  6802. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9279Herrmann,Tim
  6803. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9278Bradford,Alison
  6804. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9277Myers,Betty
  6805. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9276Gryzlo,Nina
  6806. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9274Genova,Gary
  6807. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9273Miller,Kary
  6808. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9272Uhrik,Angela
  6809. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9271Higgins,Nicole
  6810. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9270Munao,Frank
  6811. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9269Gilson,John
  6812. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9268Parrish,David
  6813. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9267Lagro,Phillip
  6814. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9266Wulff,Marion
  6815. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9265Roach,Kim
  6816. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9264Tendering,Scott
  6817. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9263Pratscher,Maureen
  6818. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9262Kabbes,Karen
  6819. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9261Salemi,Joseph
  6820. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9260Sneed,Mary
  6821. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9259Hinman,Barrie
  6822. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9258Brown,John
  6823. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9257Niese,Roseanne
  6824. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9256Lesner-Salemi,Ruth
  6825. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9255Lundmark,James
  6826. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9254Rees,John
  6827. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9253Edwards,Kurt
  6828. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9252Uhran,Kathleen
  6829. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9251Musuraca,Joe
  6830. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9250Roselli,John
  6831. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9249Roselli,Marilyn
  6832. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9247Adamovic,Charles
  6833. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9246Combs,Earle
  6834. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9245Lane,Amanda
  6835. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9244Lichter,Randy
  6836. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9243Hendrickson,Linda
  6837. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9242Holtzknecht, Annette
  6838. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9241Miller, Cindy
  6839. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9240Janowick,Timothy
  6840. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9239Madigan,Marleen
  6841. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9238Harrison,Jack
  6842. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9237Kramer,Samuel
  6843. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9236Moews,Traci
  6844. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9235Smith,Cooper
  6845. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9234King,Susan
  6846. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9233Moews,Douglas
  6847. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9232Nancy
  6848. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9231Wirtz,John
  6849. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9230Centella,Jill
  6850. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9229Sholeen,Todd
  6851. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9228Kuhn,Whitford
  6852. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9226Mulcrone,Lee
  6853. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9225De Vries,Sophia
  6854. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9224Mulcrone,Wendy
  6855. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9223Bocian,Eugene
  6856. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9222Delgado
  6857. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9221Wheatley,David
  6858. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9220Cusimano,Joseph
  6859. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9217Harkless,I
  6860. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9216Kaczmarek,Kim
  6861. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9215Daehler,Bill
  6862. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9213Penkava,Daniel
  6863. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9212Horcher,Kevin
  6864. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9211Kurek,Christine
  6865. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9210Sterling,Heather
  6866. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9209Hodgman,Kathleen
  6867. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9208Wayne,Marty
  6868. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9207Linden,Allison
  6869. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9206Paul,Karen
  6870. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9205Unknown
  6871. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9204Roder,Susan
  6872. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9203Decraene,Diane
  6873. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9202Wirtz,Lynn
  6874. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9201Crowther,Ryan
  6875. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9200Schoendorf,Debra
  6876. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9199Furman,Elizabeth
  6877. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9198Furman,Alexander
  6878. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9197Furman,Mark
  6879. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9196Freed,Sandra
  6880. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9195Stetson,Judith
  6881. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9194Kraegler,Daniel
  6882. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9193Kraegler,Teresa
  6883. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9192Zahradnik,Fred
  6884. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9191Benjamin,Annemarie
  6885. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9190Pipala,Richard
  6886. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9189Brandt,Claudia
  6887. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9188Haller,Julie
  6888. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9187Campbell.Michael
  6889. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9186Erin
  6890. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9185Ferrantella,Kathryn
  6891. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9184Woodlock,Rachel
  6892. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9183Bondi,Marianne
  6893. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9182Kohler,Connie
  6894. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9181Smith,Theresa
  6895. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9180Werner,James
  6896. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9179Hayford,Timothy
  6897. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9178Balsamo,Joyce
  6898. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9177Crowther,Lynn
  6899. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9176Nelson,Joel
  6900. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9175Baumgartner,Susan
  6901. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9174Zgoda,Juliana
  6902. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9173Leydig,Deborah
  6903. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9172Mangan Jr.,Joseph
  6904. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9171Wenz,Carl
  6905. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9170Breslin,Sandra
  6906. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9169Furio
  6907. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9168Wenz,Ann
  6908. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9167Schneider,Jacalyne
  6909. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9166Hopkins,Brian
  6910. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9165Scardino,Diane
  6911. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9164Scardino,Jim
  6912. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9162Semla,Donald
  6913. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9161Borkon,Ben
  6914. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9160Lawrence,Kimberly
  6915. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9159Velleuer,Helen
  6916. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9158Scharf,Karen
  6917. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9157Seiger,Maureen
  6918. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9156Marderosian,Steven
  6919. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9155Kopsian,Christine
  6920. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9154Kopsian,John
  6921. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9153Mayer,James
  6922. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9151Ryan,Nancy
  6923. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9150Captain,Belle
  6924. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9149Moeller,Dawn
  6925. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9148Lombardo,Therese
  6926. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9147Loesch,Kendayl
  6927. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9146Spica,Sarah
  6928. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9145Bach,Gregory
  6929. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9144Kuta,Sam
  6930. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9142Sclafani,Joseph
  6931. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9141Sclafani,Renee
  6932. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9140McGill,Brian
  6933. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9139Frommeyer,Maribeth
  6934. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9138Clark,John
  6935. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9137Berger,Lora
  6936. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9136Unknown
  6937. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9135Bean,Victoria
  6938. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9134Altenberger,Christine
  6939. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9133Altenberger,Levin
  6940. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9132Dockery,Bruce
  6941. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9131Smith,Mary
  6942. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9130Knell,Philip
  6943. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9129Suppes,Penny
  6944. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9128Anderson,Mary
  6945. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9127White,Lynn
  6946. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9126Kass,Christine
  6947. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9125Unknown
  6948. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9124Casper,Donna
  6949. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9123Donohue,Timothy
  6950. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9122Brinoise,Theresa
  6951. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9121Village of Deer Park
    Gifford,H
  6952. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9120Michaels,Ruby
  6953. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9118D'Orazio,Debra
  6954. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9117D'Orazio,Dan
  6955. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9116Lumme,Gordon
  6956. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9115Lumme,Heley
  6957. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9085American Chemical Service
    McFarland,Thomas
  6958. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9083Singer,Robin
  6959. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9082Wahlund,William
  6960. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9081Storz,Carl
  6961. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9080Albert,Grant
  6962. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9079Helminiak,Audrey
  6963. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9078Montgomery,Nichole
  6964. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9077Hein,Cherie'
  6965. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9076Goodman,Michael
  6966. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9075Armstrong,Kevin
  6967. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9074Kholamian,Garo
  6968. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9073Sheedy,Emilie
  6969. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9072Petrilli,Lisa
  6970. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9071Ward,John
  6971. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8974Vitaccco,Nancy
  6972. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8973Susan Papierniak
    I would like to make it known that I am very much against the proposed Canadian National Railway aquisition of the Elgin, Joliet & Eastern Railway. Should this be allowed to happen,it would cause tremendous havoc, gridloc and danger to our community and our children. Our town of Barrington,IL has several RxR crossings that pass through the heart of our bustling community and our school buses cross these tracks several hundred times a day. An increase in the freight train traffic would suffocate our way of life as we know it. Please, PLEASE,DO NOT allow this transaction to be completed for the sake of our community and our surrounding communities. Thank you.
    Lake Barrington, Illinois
  6973. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8972Stodden,Bridget
  6974. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8971Robert J Keleher
    Regarding the EIS of the Proposed Acquisition by the Canadian National Rail Company of the Elgin, Joliet & Eastern Railway.
    Barrington, Illinois
  6975. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8970Miller,Joan
  6976. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8969Sue M. Johnson
    The proposed purchase by CNN Rail and resulting impact on the health and safety of the residents of Barrington is alarming. The purchase will significantly increase train traffic and delays. Potential life saving treatment will be delayed due to ambulances waiting at rail crossings. In addition the safety of school children will be compromised by the potential for additional time standing waiting for buses in extreme weather conditions. Vote no for this acquisition.
    Barrington, IL
  6977. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8968Miller,Donald
  6978. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8967Judith Nolan
    RE: Concerns regarding Canadian National Railroad purchase of EJ&E railroad track: As a longtime Barrington resident I am most concerned about the effect of increased rail traffic in my community. My first concern is for the safety of children going to and from the local high school and the impact to the school bus system located just west of the tracks off Lake Cook rd. In particular both air and surface contamination will be increased by these trains. My second greatest concern is for the movement of emergency vehicles - police, fire, ambulances, etc. Having lived previously near a freight line I know first hand how long critical intersections can be blocked. We have already lost some retail owners due to their fear of how local traffic problems will diminish the number of buyers willing to deal with the hassle. Also, I have always included my home's value in my retirement planning and a steep decrease will have significant impact on my ability to live sufficiently as I near retirement in a few years. I hope that you will consider these and all other concerns voiced by my neighbors in Barrington and others affected by this purchase. Thank you for your attention. Judy Nolan
    Barrington, IL
  6979. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8966Korbel,Barbara
  6980. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8965Fallon,Robert
  6981. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8964Broker,Christine
  6982. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8944Small Railroad Business Owners Association of America
    Gohmann,John
  6983. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8941Tews,Carol
  6984. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8940Unknown
  6985. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8939Farley,Wendy
  6986. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8938Silvestri,Peter
  6987. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8937Miller,Dorothy
  6988. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8936Ozinga-Istel, Marilyn
  6989. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8935Stoots,Randall
  6990. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8934Konieczny,Walter
  6991. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8933Brendemuehl,Mary
  6992. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8932Schultz,William
  6993. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8931LaPapa,Carol
  6994. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8930Greenawalt,Patricia
  6995. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8929Biel,Sandra
  6996. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8928Howell,Elizabeth
  6997. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8927Pomes,Laura
  6998. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8824Tokman
    Hello. We are residents of Hawthorn Woods (Mr. and Mrs. Tokman at 9 Park Place Cir). We would like to express our concerns about turning our beautiful, clean and quiet neighborhood into noisy, polluted and congested industrial area. We attended the public meeting held on August 26th in Mundelein IL and completely in agreement with other concern citizens about all issues, like noise, pollution, delays of emergency response. But we think that another very important issue is overlooked. In our neighborhood majority of houses have well water. In case of hazardous materials (transported by CN) accident, we would have a major contamination of the underground water and this will make the area not suitable for living. Please take it in consideration. Sensirely yours, Sam and Mila Tokman.
    Hawthorn Woods, Illinoise
  6999. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8822Marybeth Flack
    STB FINANCE DOCUMENT 35087 We strongly oppose the railroad plan. This will cause undue hardship for our town, school system, safety vehicles, and hospitals. Please do not allow this to got through. Thanks
    Barrington, IL
  7000. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8820Lisa Bird
    I strongly oppose the proposed sale of the EJ&E to CN and feel that the DEIS is severly flawed in several areas. Please take a closer look at the economic impact of the home owners in the affected areas, the cost of mitigation and who will bear the brunt of that cost, the noise levels, air pollution, grade crossing issues, emergency vehicle response time, haz mat issues, the reality of the vacated tracks being utilized to capacity further out in the future, and I could go on and on. Please don't allow this transaction to go forward.
    Frankfort, il
  7001. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8819Pat Thompson
    I respectfully address to you, as representative of the Surface Transportation Board, my objection to the proposed Canadian National Railway (CN) acquisition of the EJ&E rail line. This letter will focus mainly on safety issues. According to CN’s own officials, this is not a good thing for Will County. Who is it good for? Canadian National Railway! The Canadian government has released a report showing 57% of CN’s locomotives and 50% of train brakes were defective. Twenty-six percent of the crossings had safety issues. In Frankfort there are six grade crossings which would be public safety problems. CN basically says “too bad”; let the United States taxpayers pay for any changes necessary to make the crossings safe. They say nothing about making the trains safe. What happened to “cost of doing business”? Canadian National made a profit of over $2 billion, that’s billion with a B, last year. They should pay for any needed upgrades, including underpasses and overpasses. Their equipment should also be inspected for problems. Under new federal regulations, poisonous chemicals, radioactive substances, explosives and other high risk materials may be routed on the CN/EJ&E tracks, raising the chance of an accident which could contaminate our water supply. School buses in Frankfort cross these tracks eight times per day. The village would be cut in half by these tracks impeding the response time for first responder and emergency services to reach their destination. In some cases they would be cut off from any road leading to the two hospitals servicing the area. Will County is the fastest growing county in Illinois and among the fastest growing counties in the United States. With the high cost of energy and the need for conservation, plus the rate of growth in this area, this rail line would be better used as a commuter line linking the north, south, and western suburbs. The United States as a whole is sorely in need of public transportation. I hope the Surface Transportation Board will take a “hard look” at the safety, quality of life, and environmental issues before making a ruling. This is not a good fit for Will County. Respectfully yours,
    Frankfort, IL
  7002. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8818Rich Hejtmanek
    The negative impact that this aquisition would have on our community and many others is completely unacceptable. I can't believe that this is even being considered!! CN has demonstrated complete disregard for the well being of the effected communities and the people that reside in these communities. Please, please, please help stop this disaster from taking place in our beloved community!!!
    West Chicago, Illinois
  7003. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8816Helmut Gerlach
    Dear Ms. Johnson-Ball, I am a resident of Lake Zurich and have attended prior events concerning the contemplated purchase of the EJ&E railroad by the Canadian National RR. Unfortunately, I am not able to attend the next meeting in Barrington scheduled for today. I would like to express my concern as a resident of Lake Zurich, which would see an enormous increase in railroad traffic (currently about 3 to 5 trains with a length of 2/3 of a mile to up to as many as 25 trains up to 1.5 miles length). There are numerous issues at stake. 1. Safety - access to hospital, fire and police service. Hundreds of school bus crossings, traffic congestion (it can take over 11 minutes per train to clear a crossing - and there is a huge network of commuter trains operating), air quality and foremost, there will be an increase in rail accidents 2. Economics - too much congestion will force people to rearrange their shopping patterns thus driving business to closure; loss in tax revenue for the communities; fuel consumption will go up because of delays and the need to use alternative routes (when doing the math, on several crossings in Lake Zurich and Barrington, such crossings would be shut down for railroad traffic for up to 5 hours - one of the CN representatives, when asked about this concern, stated that it is not his problem, he is a railroad person and is not concerned about car drivers); spilling of contaminates; decrease in property value and damage to property - it has come to may attention that the vibrations caused by such large freight trains can cause damage to houses as far as 1 mile away); the future of a commuter line will be put in question; US taxpayers are funding a foreign corporation. 3. Mitigation - The report failed to list Route 14 (which is the most traveled road in Barrington) and Lake Cook (which is the main artery in the town of Barrington) as needing a grade separation." Why was such grade separation not recognized at the Union Pacific and EJ&E crossing. This will shut down Metra and the commuter trains at certain times. Cohesiveness - these towns were here before the railroad. The proposed purchase by the Canadian Railroad will affect our life-style with a severe impact on our safety, economy, environment, quality of life, and future growth and development. Thank you in advance for registering my concerns. Best regards, Helmut E. Gerlach"
  7004. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8814Xiaolong Zhang
    Dear Mr. Phillis Johnson-Ball, I am wirting to voice my concerns over the Canadian National Railway purchasing of EJ&E line. I am great against the proposed purchasing, since it will greatly lower our quality of life and our home value. I appreciate it very much if you do not approve this deal. Thanks. Yours truly, Xiaolong Zhang
    Aurora, IL
  7005. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8813Christine Broker
    We are OPPOSED to the CN railway deal coming into Barrington. It creates first and foremost an extremely dangerous situation for our schoolchildren. In the past years there have been several very tragic train incidents in nearby towns involving the deaths of many school children crossing on their bus. Please, Please, please do not allow this transaction to go through and help keep our children safe....!!!!
    North Barrington, IL
  7006. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8812Courtney Hamm
    Dear Ms. Johnson-Ball, I would like to express my concern over the proposed purchse of the EJ&E freight train line by Canadian National. This purchase would do one of many things to the communities that it travels through. It would create safety hazards, it would cripple traffic flow, there would be an adverse environmental impact. What about people that need to get to a hospital. I certainly wouldn't want to be in an ambulance that must wait for a frieght train to pass. What about all of the scholl busses with children that cross train tracks everyday? We certainly don't want another tragic accident like the one in Fox River Grove in 1995 where seven children in a school bus were killed. What about hurting local businesses? Our economy is in trouble as we speak and with this purchase more and more local and small businesses could be forced to close down or file for bankruptcy. I want the citizens of the communities that will be affected to have a voice. I want our concerns to be not only heard, but seriously considered and taken into account when a final decision is made. I want HR 6707 to pass to give the American people a voice. Thank you for rading my concerns. I hope it helps to make a difference. Very truly yours, Courtney M. Hamm Barrington, IL
    Barrington, IL
  7007. (printed as 8/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8808Peter Schaffer
    Phillis Johnson-Ball Surface Transportation Board 395 E Street, SW Washington, DC 20423 Ref: STB Finance Docket No. 35087 This is in reference to STB Finance Docket No. 35087. CN proposed purchase of EJ&E. I speak out NOT in favor of the proposed purchase of the EJ&E by CN under the current terms proposed. Specifically, the grade separation of vehicle, pedestrian and rail traffic of US-RT14, US-RT59, County Line Road (a.k.a Lake-Cook Road/Main street) and the Union Pacific -NW Rail Road rail crossings must be mitigated prior to the increase in rail traffic on the EJE line. I believe each of these grade crossings needs to be addressed. I have lived in this community my entire life and believe as stewards of the community that these issues must be addressed prior to escalating the number of and/or length of any additional trains on the EJ&E line. Train line right-of-way exists for potentially hundreds of years. These issues must be addressed now, as there will be not be another opportunity to ensure accountability that rail grade separation will materialize in the future. I understand the need to move freight for the overall benefit of commerce. I have no objections to the rights of the property owners of the EJE line. However, to dramatically alter the use of property with such negative impact and zero benefit to the community requires some special consideration. Logistically, it is PAINFULLY OBVIOUS the Barrington community is taking a disproportional burden of this transaction with zero benefit. When one looks at a map of the community and how the EJE rail line bisects the community on angle, and how each and every viable road crossing will be simultaneously blocked by an ever increasing frequency AND length of freight trains, and the safety issues imposed by grade level crossings, and the proximity of the EJE to public school access measured in FEET, not miles, there clearly is a problem. Barrington is being asked to carry the burden of a foreign operation all for the pure pursuit of corporate and Canadian profits. There is zero benefit to the community from this proposal in the current form. Safety issues surrounding the proximity of grade level crossing to the public High School will exist. Your own STB EIS states accidents will occur. It’s not IF an accident will occur but WHEN and HOW MANY? Who and how many have to die as the result of the pursuit of profits before the issue of grade level crossing is addressed? How will accountability of the private landowner to require grade separation be constructed AFTER the purchase is complete? Surely, I am not over reacting here. With a public high school a distance away from the EJE grade crossing measured in FEET an accident will happen. It is a fact that judgment of a 14 year old pedestrian walking to school or 16-year-old drivers is not mature. They may mistakes, there is a possibility of bad judgment, and people will die. For what? It’s your decision and the decision of the board to rectify this problem before people die. The issue at hand can be solved. However, it will take funds to accomplish. Each and every of the aforementioned grade/rail crossings must be mitigated. The aforementioned five significant grade crossings occur within a span of less than 2 track miles. The close proximity of each of the grade crossings would require the below grade operation of the EJE line through the community. Below grade operation has been done before and exists in the village of Winnetka, IL. There are no other alternatives to traversing around the EJE line through Barrington. Just look at the map, look at the rail line, and look at vehicular and pedestrian alternatives. There are simply zero choices for alternatives. Yes, this will cost significant dollars. However, train lines are not transient or temporary in their nature. This transaction will have impact well over 100 years from today and beyond! Rail traffic will not decrease, pedestrian traffic will not decrease, and vehicular traffic will not decrease. Progress is progress. If these issues are not addressed today, then when will they? At what other opportunity will any government or community body have the leverage to require private industry make the safety investment necessary to correct a problem caused by simple greed and profits? CN may complain loudly over the cost of such mitigation. However, is it not the cost savings and potential revenue from increased freight movement along EJE that is spurring CN’s action to buy the rail line? I would strongly suggest that a bond fund be created by CN to mitigate the rail crossings, not just in Barrington, but all communities affected by this transaction. The CN profits and savings directly resulting from their purchase of the EJE line can pay the cost of this bond fund. Surely the cost of this significant rail improvement amortized over a 100-year timeframe is not significant and can be bourn by mega-rail CN. However, the alternative of not addressing the issue now will forever destroy the community as there will be no accountability or funding made available to correct the grade issues once the transaction has been completed. Regarding the rhetoric being publicized by CN concerning the existence of the EJE line prior to these communities being founded. I would suggest CN check their facts. The village of Barrington existed long before the EJE rail line was constructed. Barrington was founded in 1854, incorporated in 1865 and the EJE line was constructed in 1889. Lastly, as a compromise suggestion, I recognize the need and rights of property owners and the significant amount of investment dollars at risk are serious. One way to allow the transaction to move forward is to allow for the purchase but to legislate throttling of freight volume to current levels until such time all mitigation issues are resolved. This would allow for an overall rail benefit to the region, allow for CN to invest in their future on solid footing, keep accountability on the private party, and provide for very long term and strategic controlled growth, while also providing for the safety of people of the community. Thank you for your consideration. Peter Schaffer 228 Monument Ave Barrington, IL 60010 Attachements: ms-word document of this text pdf map of eje rail line grade crossings
    Barrington, IL
  7008. (printed as 8/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15876dvocate Good Shepherd Hospital
    Lemke, Noel A.
  7009. (printed as 8/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15875dvocate Good Shepherd Hospital
    Bevilacqua, Jan
  7010. (printed as 8/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15874dvocate Good Shepherd Hospital
    Criss, Tara
  7011. (printed as 8/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15601Gerritsen, Greg
  7012. (printed as 8/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15308Stranges, Theresa
  7013. (printed as 8/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15179Czerwinski, Nick
  7014. (printed as 8/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13743Maxeiner, Terri
  7015. (printed as 8/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13015Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital
    Cook, Gail
  7016. (printed as 8/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12975Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital
    Trujillo, Nancy
  7017. (printed as 8/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12306Unknown
  7018. (printed as 8/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12304Calderon,Yonette
  7019. (printed as 8/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12302Unknown
  7020. (printed as 8/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12300Coly,Mary
  7021. (printed as 8/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12298Gradeu,Joan
  7022. (printed as 8/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12293Unknown
  7023. (printed as 8/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12262Wills, Bernice
  7024. (printed as 8/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12259Unknown
  7025. (printed as 8/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11292Sidlow,T
  7026. (printed as 8/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11032Robb,Christopher
  7027. (printed as 8/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11026Tarvid,Russell
  7028. (printed as 8/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10974Alexander, Martha
  7029. (printed as 8/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10881Frank, Brian
  7030. (printed as 8/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10845Rodriguez,Susan
  7031. (printed as 8/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10319Griffin,John
  7032. (printed as 8/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10238Rose,David
  7033. (printed as 8/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10173Engberg, Al
  7034. (printed as 8/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10013Meron, Elizabeth
  7035. (printed as 8/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9969Village of Barrington
    Wallace,Jim
  7036. (printed as 8/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9950Gianopulos,Skip
  7037. (printed as 8/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9848Maciver,Andrew
  7038. (printed as 8/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9811Bostock,Kenneth
  7039. (printed as 8/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9688McAvoy,Steve
  7040. (printed as 8/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9573Riendeau,Russ
  7041. (printed as 8/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9427Glord,Mary
  7042. (printed as 8/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9311Maropis,Debarah
  7043. (printed as 8/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9310Wheatley,Stephanie
  7044. (printed as 8/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9308Gilbert,Kathleen
  7045. (printed as 8/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9307Walsh,Martha
  7046. (printed as 8/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9248Rees,Sally
  7047. (printed as 8/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9227Lamkey,R
  7048. (printed as 8/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9163Nelson,Carlotta
  7049. (printed as 8/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9143Kuta,Matthew
  7050. (printed as 8/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9110Small Railroad Business Owners Association of America
    Gohmann,John
  7051. (printed as 8/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9070Lake Zurich Village Administrator
    Vitas Jr.,Bogdan
  7052. (printed as 8/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9069Mundelein Village Administrator
    Lobaito,John
  7053. (printed as 8/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9068Moravek,Marianne
  7054. (printed as 8/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9067Mayfield,C
  7055. (printed as 8/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9066Yekek,Jeff
  7056. (printed as 8/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9065Davis,Ann Marie
  7057. (printed as 8/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9064Endres,Devlin
  7058. (printed as 8/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9063Poplawski,John
  7059. (printed as 8/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9062Pytel,Jeff
  7060. (printed as 8/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9061Parker,Tim
  7061. (printed as 8/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9060Poplawski,John
  7062. (printed as 8/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9059Meier,Robin
  7063. (printed as 8/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9058Tolomei,John
  7064. (printed as 8/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9057Zorko,Mark
  7065. (printed as 8/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9056Griffin,Vanessa
  7066. (printed as 8/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9054Thoresen,Ron
  7067. (printed as 8/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9053Barrie,Richard
  7068. (printed as 8/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9052Berrong,Sandra
  7069. (printed as 8/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9051Karon,Thomas
  7070. (printed as 8/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9050Danial,Al
  7071. (printed as 8/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9047Benyukhis,Inna
  7072. (printed as 8/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9046Sachnoff,Steve
  7073. (printed as 8/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9044DeSalvo,Rick
  7074. (printed as 8/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9043Village of Lake Zurich
    Tolomei,John
  7075. (printed as 8/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9042Sherbakov,Vlad
  7076. (printed as 8/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9041Sherbakov,Alla
  7077. (printed as 8/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8963Stokely,Craig
  7078. (printed as 8/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8962Cavanaugh,Michael
  7079. (printed as 8/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8961Archeiser,H
  7080. (printed as 8/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8958Kelly,Ronald
  7081. (printed as 8/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8957Morgan,Neil
  7082. (printed as 8/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8956Chrisman,Clayton
  7083. (printed as 8/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8955Laumer,Dora
  7084. (printed as 8/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8954Massion,Harold
  7085. (printed as 8/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8953Lau,Marsha
  7086. (printed as 8/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8952Hurtig,Sam
  7087. (printed as 8/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8921Wall,Deborah
  7088. (printed as 8/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8920Yeker,Jeff
  7089. (printed as 8/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8919Yeker,Elina
  7090. (printed as 8/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8918Odom,Stan
  7091. (printed as 8/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8893Rubinstein,Max
  7092. (printed as 8/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8892Holup,Mary Lou
  7093. (printed as 8/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8891Oehlerking
  7094. (printed as 8/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8890Barnett,Terry
  7095. (printed as 8/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8829Perna,Therese
  7096. (printed as 8/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8828Cavanaugh,Nadine
  7097. (printed as 8/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8807Mark Javornik
    Finance Docket No. 35087. AGAINST CANADIAN NATIONAL PLAN. Talk about shooting yourself in the foot. Please do not allow this sale to go through for the sake of thousands of citizens in the area. Mark Javornik and Family
    Aurora, IL
  7098. (printed as 8/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8805Jeffrey W. Lenz
    See attached lettter
    Barrington, IL
  7099. (printed as 8/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8803Frany Wang
    STB Finance Docket #35087 We are against the proposed acquisition of the EJ&E Railroad from Canadian National. We recently moved into this neighborhood not knowing that there was a pending acquisition of the EJ&E Railroad. If we had known this, we would have second thoughts on this big purchase. We are oppose to this action for the obvious safety and economic reasons. In addition, there will be a major impact on the Metra commuter service and the negative impact on the value of our properties. I hope you can put yourself in our shoes and see where we are coming from. Would you like to have freight rail tracks in your own backyard?
    Inverness, IL
  7100. (printed as 8/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8802Kenneth Grooms Jr
    Please consider the consequences of the CN acquisition of the EJ&E Railroad. The CN's acquisition would increase the train traffic in the Chicago Suburban area dramatically. They do not even give long term assurance that the relief granted the inner suburbs will be more than temporary. The impact on saftey could be disastrous when you consider the proposed train lenghts, and the resulting delays at ground crossings. In addition, the cost of infrastructure seems to rest on the taxpayers, not the CN, but they are the ones gaining in this. Please require more information and committment from CN before putting the Midwest under the burden of this foreign entity. Thank You. Ken Grooms Jr
    Lake Zurich, IL
  7101. (printed as 8/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8801Michael O'Neill
    I oppose the CN buyout of EJ&E if it does not include a reasonable limit to the train traffic in our area. Why not split the traffic from the current route. That would reduce Chicago traffic with out devistating the outer suburbs.
    Barrington Hills, IL
  7102. (printed as 8/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8799Barrington Chamber of Commerce
    I am emailing to register strong opposition to the proposed acquisition of the EJ&N railway by Canadian National Rail. I do so as both a resident as well as a small business owner located in the Barrington community of Deer Park. It is beyond comprehension to understand how this acquisition has been allowed to proceed this far. Though all of the areas surrounding, and along, the routes that will be impacted by these trains have traffic congestion, there is none so severe as the massive, prohibitive traffic problems on Rte 12 and Rte 14, and all of the other feeder roads that populate these two major arteries. Without question, traffic congestion/problems are just one of many dangerous and onerous reasons to stop this acquisition. Hard to believe that regulation of inspections for railway cars/companies is so lax -- particularly in this day and age of random terrorism acts. I learned of this only thru the information provided by the Barrington Chamber coalition against the acquisition. Good, bad or indifferent, there still is a great lack of organinzation/initiatives in place between communities to handle/manage the results of a terrorist act. For these, and many other reasons too numerous to mention, I strongly urge you to stop this acquisition. With sincere appreciate, Candace M. Renwall
    Candce Renwall · Deer Park, IL
  7103. (printed as 8/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8798Mike Willett
    STB Finance Docket No. 35087 While I agree that the proposed Railway purchase will have benefits, it should not be done at the expense of the citizens. The purchase will save the Canadian National RR $$, at the expense of Barrington & other communities residents. Canadian National RR should not be allowed to make the purchase unless they agree to make the necessary road work so that traffic is not impeded. Emergency response will also be delayed due to waiting on these longer freight trains. In addition, people will learn about the longer delays around Barrington & will go elsewhere, which will hurt the Barrington economy. Canadian National RR needs/desires need to be balanced with the needs/desires of the communities that would be negatively impacted.
    Wauconda, il
  7104. (printed as 8/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8785Arredia,Tony
  7105. (printed as 8/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8784Holec,P
  7106. (printed as 8/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8782Nierman,Judy
  7107. (printed as 8/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8781Weick,Joanne
  7108. (printed as 8/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8779Lawson,Mary Ann
  7109. (printed as 8/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8778Moylan,Marty
  7110. (printed as 8/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8776Andrews, Bob
  7111. (printed as 8/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8775Casper,F
  7112. (printed as 8/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8774Casper,Donna
  7113. (printed as 8/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8773Buchwald.Walter
  7114. (printed as 8/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8724Sandra Breslin
    As a resident of Barrington, I am disappointed by the DEIS which was recently issued regarding the CN purchase of the EJ&E railroad. I do not think the STB has adequately taken into account the extreme negative impact increasing freight traffic will have on our community. The DEIS did not include grade separation arrangements for the Route 14 crossing or the Union Pacific crossing. There is a real danger to the health and safety of residents regarding delayed transportation to hospitals and the many children on foot in the area. We will lose businesses and our quality of life will be severely lessened as we experience long delays in traffic and increased pollution of all kinds. The STB should deny CN's request altogether or force it to pay all the costs of mitigation set forth by the community organizations.
    Barrington, IL
  7115. (printed as 8/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8723New Era Acceptance Corp.
    STB Finance Docket No. 35087
    Kenneth B. Drost · Barrington, IL
  7116. (printed as 8/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8722Adele Lampert
    As a concerned citizen I’m writing to you about the CN railroad acquisition of the EJ&E railroad. I have lived at my present address for 33yrs. I have a business and shop in Barrington so I go to Barrington and Lake Zurich several times a day. The new congestion would impact my life, business, family and the safety of everyone in proximity of these trains. I’m strongly apposed to this acquisition.
    Kildeer, IL
  7117. (printed as 8/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8721Page One Interiors
    As a business owner here in downtown Barrington for 26yrs, I have enjoyed doing business in this beautiful town. With the added congestion with the CN railroad I fear that this would be a hardship for my employees getting to and from work. Most of all this would affect my clients and retail shoppers to get to my shop. During these hard economic times I believe this wouldn't be the best thing for our community.
    Barrington, IL
  7118. (printed as 8/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8720Lou O'Brien
    Docket # 35087 Dear Dr. Johnson-Bell: Please, please do not approve Candian National's purchase of the EJ&E Railroad. The disruption that this purchase would cause could easily shut down the Village of Barrington, Illinois. The school buses alone pass over the tracks a total of 840 times a day. That number is mind boggling to me and a number that we are asking the Surface Transportation Board to acknowledge. Our children and citizens of Barrington deserve the same opportunity afforded many others - the chance to purchase a home and raise their families in a community that values family life and traditions. My husband and I have 2 children and 5 grandchildren. We value and appreciate each and every one of them - someday we would hope that our home (which backs up to the EJ&E) could be a gift to our children but if the sale of EJ&E is approved, the worth of our home will be very little. Please, please Dr. Johnson-Bell - encourage your colleagues to deny Canadian National's purchase of EJ&E. Thank you so much for taking the time to understand the messages from the citizens of Barrington. Please consider the lives of all of our children as you make this very important, informed decision. Sincerely, Lou O'Brien 409 Elm Road Barrington, IL 60010
    Barrington, Illinois
  7119. (printed as 8/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8719Karen Finn
    Dear Ms. Johnson-Ball: I am writing to express my concern over the proposed acquisition of the EJ & E Railroad by Canadain National RR. If you could just spend one week in our surrounding community you would see how detrimental this could be to this area. There are too many tracks to cross over as it is but to add more trains would just be a simple safety hazard. My children attend St. Anne School which is located in the downtown area of Barrington. As it stands, they cross over train tracks 4 times each day. I myself make 4 crosses just to go to the grocery store. There are many community events that occur in the downtoan area around two sets of tracks. It is already a safety issue as far as I am concerned. To add more trains will only result in more accidents. Is that something the STB members wish to have on their conscience? Please think of your own children, family, etc. Would you willingly put their lives at risk? I would guess not. If this passes, everyone who votes yes willingly puts my children's lives at risk as well of thousands of othere in our community. We just want people to see the human side of things for once as opposed to business and profit. Thank you.
    Barrington Hills, IL
  7120. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-16046McGrath,Robert
  7121. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15065Palmblad, Gloria
  7122. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13824Foertsch, John
  7123. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11904Wojcicki,Rose
  7124. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11873Guschina,Jenya
  7125. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11657Patrick,Dianne
  7126. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11021Mayer,Nicole
  7127. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10997Ela Township Supervisor
    Prouty,Lucy
  7128. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10909Hoffman, Sheri
  7129. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10650Powrotyl,Steve
  7130. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10178Dimas,Pat
  7131. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10122Bryant, Rick
    Jackson Jr, Jesse
  7132. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10038Fairhaven Homeowners Association
    Butler,Robin
  7133. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10029Kamm,Gilbert
  7134. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9966Lake Zurich Fire Rescue Department
    Mastandrea,Terry
  7135. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9786Unknown
  7136. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9305Leny,Karen
  7137. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9055Fedro,Joseph
  7138. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9049Karon,Patricia
  7139. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9045Masion,Harold
  7140. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9040Fisher,Michael
  7141. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9039Pytel,Theresa
  7142. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9038Thaller,Michael
  7143. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9037Jondahl,Thor
  7144. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9035Thompson,Pat
  7145. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9034Ford,Colette
  7146. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9033Bingham,Sharon
  7147. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9032Schaff,Jennifer
  7148. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9031Aguayo,Kathy
  7149. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9030DeNovo,Rose
  7150. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9029Holmes,Glen
  7151. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9028Bingham,Rich
  7152. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9027Lang,Andrea
  7153. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9026Donati,Nancy
  7154. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9025Cusimano,Margot
  7155. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9024Warwood, John
  7156. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9023Miller,Paul
  7157. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9022Griffin,Robert
  7158. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9021Savaglio,Ralph
  7159. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9020Tomecek,Michael
  7160. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9019Forg,Gretchen
  7161. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9018Thompson,Thomas
  7162. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9016Taylor-Mikes,Terri
  7163. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9015Daugherty,Margeret
  7164. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9014Granat,Laura
  7165. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9013Mrizek,Stanley
  7166. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9012Baran,Joseph
  7167. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9011Boch,Carolyn
  7168. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9010Hornik,David
  7169. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9009Lohr,Bill
  7170. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9008Shechtman,Irwin
  7171. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9007Love,Catherine
  7172. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9006French,Ron
  7173. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9005Marra,Stephen
  7174. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9004Lange,Janet
  7175. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9003Mack,Carolyn
  7176. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9002Schmitz,Ellen
  7177. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9001Cunnion,Tammy
  7178. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9000Granholm,Jim
  7179. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8999Lind,Carl
  7180. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8998Bassett,Thomas
  7181. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8997Stauffer,Noreen
  7182. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8996Rubin,David
  7183. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8995Pawlowski,Joan
  7184. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8994Tischauser,Leroy
  7185. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8993Bostick,Ross
  7186. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8992Seager,Carl
  7187. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8991Hale,James
  7188. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8990Pylar,Darlene
  7189. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8989Wiggins,H
  7190. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8983Karambelas,Dean
  7191. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8981Knight,Lisa
  7192. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8980Griffin,Olga
  7193. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8978Fossa,Timothy
  7194. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8976Boyd,James
  7195. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8951Nystra,John
  7196. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8950Tomes,Otto
  7197. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8949Brown,Suzanne
  7198. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8948Graves,Patsy
  7199. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8947Dillard,Bonita
  7200. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8946Rahman,Eugene
  7201. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8945Biel,Sandra
  7202. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8943Brazzalle,Cathy
  7203. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8942Ladner, Kathleen
  7204. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8925Kramer,Kenneth
  7205. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8924Meyer,Carolyn
  7206. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8923Kosel,Renee
  7207. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8922Henry,Gail
  7208. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8917Ukockis,Robert
  7209. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8916Meyer,John
  7210. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8915Claypool,Jaqueline
  7211. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8914Mortimer.George
  7212. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8913Hutter,Jean
  7213. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8912Brandon,Mae
  7214. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8911Eyer,Kenneth
  7215. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8910Lazich,Michael
  7216. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8909Biel,Kenneth
  7217. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8908Wilkens,Edwin
  7218. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8907O'neill,Georgia
  7219. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8906Ruff,Paul
  7220. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8905McCray,Robert
  7221. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8904Rosenblum,Maryann
  7222. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8903Kreuz,Jeanette
  7223. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8902Van Setten,Gerhardus
  7224. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8901Sparing,Eugene
  7225. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8900Rappaport,Evelyn
  7226. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8899Hearns,David
  7227. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8898Mick,Tom
  7228. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8896Henry,Larry
  7229. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8895Ulmer,David
  7230. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8894Fitzsimmons,Maureen
  7231. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8889Taylor,Kathryn
  7232. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8888Bingham,Richard
  7233. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8887Pfeifer,Michael
  7234. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8886Murphy,Gale
  7235. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8884Goodwin,Virginia
  7236. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8883Gregory,Margaret
  7237. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8882Goodwin,William
  7238. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8880Leggeru,Roger
  7239. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8877Buck,Joey
  7240. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8876Gregory,Margaret
  7241. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8875Woods,Paula
  7242. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8874Gillette,Kenneth
  7243. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8873Robinson,Ernest
  7244. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8872Crisci,Bob
  7245. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8871Matokar,G
  7246. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8870Unknown,Steve
  7247. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8869Tarvid,Russell
  7248. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8868Bird,Mark
  7249. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8867Lyman,Richard
  7250. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8866Bird,Lisa
  7251. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8865Crisci,Robert
  7252. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8864Beck,Laura
  7253. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8863Martin,Sherita
  7254. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8862Labb,Nancy
  7255. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8861Stephens,Phillip
  7256. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8860Lyman,Dorothy
  7257. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8858Monahan,Martin
  7258. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8857Hull,Dale
  7259. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8856Gallaher,William
  7260. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8855Bankowski,Donna
  7261. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8854Briese,Terrence
  7262. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8853Skwirut,Sandra
  7263. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8852Lewman,Dan
  7264. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8851Unknown
  7265. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8850Burns,Kevin
  7266. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8849Ducay,Jerry
  7267. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8848Weaver,Barbara
  7268. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8847Weavey,Keith
  7269. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8846Thompson,Martin
  7270. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8845Biel,Kenneth
  7271. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8844Gloss,Robert
  7272. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8843Codo,Gene
  7273. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8842Unknown
  7274. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8841Tarvid,Donna
  7275. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8840Jackson,Sharon
  7276. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8839Fey,Colette
  7277. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8838Ulmer,David
  7278. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8837Schmalz,Jan
  7279. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8836Holland,Stacy
  7280. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8835Smutny,Robert
  7281. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8834Barz,Lois
  7282. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8833Tomes,Otto
  7283. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8832Unknown
  7284. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8831Puzon,Sally
  7285. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8827Long,Thomas
  7286. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8826Nelson,Vernette
  7287. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8825Noonan,Barbara
  7288. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8823Benes,Ronald
  7289. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8821Farmer,Ashley
  7290. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8817Farmer,James
  7291. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8815Schroeder,Enid
  7292. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8811Noonan,Frank
  7293. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8810Bacigalupo,Marie
  7294. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8804Illinois State Representative
    Nekritz,Elaine
  7295. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8800Diamond Lake School District
    Prosise,Roger
  7296. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8797Suncor Energy
    Brown,Richard
  7297. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8765Trefil,Jo
  7298. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8764Brunner,Orrin
  7299. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8763Scheitlin,Cindy
  7300. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8762Alcatel-Lucent
    Rusin,Mark
  7301. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8758Hightower,Jewell
  7302. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8757Bird,Judith
  7303. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8755Pohlhammer,Don
  7304. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8754Unknown
  7305. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8753Rothgery,Eugene
  7306. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8752Pawlowski,Paul
  7307. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8751Brown,Michael
  7308. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8750Lyzenga,Marvin
  7309. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8749Koelling,Bill
  7310. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8748Jongsma,Allen
  7311. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8747Krevz,Jeanette
  7312. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8746Heath,Alan
  7313. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8745Bird,Gregory
  7314. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8744Whitley,Doug
  7315. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8743illinois State Representative
    Jackson Jr., Jesse L.
  7316. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8742South Suburban Mayors & Managers Association
    Paesel,Edward
  7317. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8741Fremault
  7318. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8739Rago,Alexander
  7319. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8738Breckenridge,Josephine
  7320. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8736Woods,Dorothy
  7321. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8731Cutrara,Samuel
  7322. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8730James,Sandra
  7323. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8728Tardy,Suzanne
  7324. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8727Village of Mundelein
    Kessler, Kenneth H.
  7325. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8718Susan Streeter
    Please be aware that we remain extremely conce rned about the potential purchase of the EJ&E Railroad by Canadian National. That purchase could ruin live as we know it in the northwestern Illinois suburbs. We already deal with significant amounts of traffic every day and the additional of all of those trains would create total gridlock. Our Safety & Emergency crews wouldn't be able to respond in a timely manner and the children of our town that cross the tracks every day to get to and from school would definitely be at a much greater risk. Also, from what I've read, Canadian National received the lowest possible safety rating score. I'm extremely concerned about the threat to the safety and well-being of the many communities that border those tracks. Please say no way!" to the acquisition of EJ&E by Canadian National. Why should a foreign company be able to ruin the lives of American taxpayers? Thank you. Susan Streeter"
  7326. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8717Frances Sheffler
    Please help me and my neighbors to save the quality of our lives and not permit CN from destroying much of what we've worked years to obtain. We are not elitists! We are people who care about the safety of our children, the safety of our water, the safety of all who cross over any of the tracks that CN wants to use with many, many more trains that are much, much longer and therefore more cars will be carrying hazmet materials. On top of all this, CN has the audacity to send us the bill for any mitigation so that they can make immeasurable profits over the years. Our community is already losing money from future businesses locating in our area for fear of this acquisition being approved. Can you imagine how many businesses will have to close their doors once CN is here??? CN has been less than honest with their reports and their responses have been very evasive. How can you trust what they are telling you? Please use reason and not the antiquated laws revolving around railroad lines that have been on the books for over 100 years. You hold the quality of so many tens of thousands of people in your hands. Please use your power with wisdom, honesty and integrity! Thank you!
    Deer Park (Barrington), IL
  7327. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8716Brian Albertson
    I would like to say that the region as a whole would benifit from this transaction and I would like to see the STB approve the CN purchase of the EJ&E
    Rolling Prairie, IN
  7328. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8689Kilmartin, Patricia
  7329. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8676Donnell Schwarz
    Let's see if I have this correct: a positive vote for the Canadian National Railway's purchase of the EJ&E rail line means; new jobs for Canadians, loss of jobs for west coast American dock workers, more profitability for a Canadian Company, more pay for its Canadian employees and officers, increased safety and environmental issues for American, State of Illinois and dozens of American communities? American communities additional tax burden to mitigate the safety and environmental problems caused by this purchase. Increase in taxes for American taxpayers, reduced property values for tens of thousands of American homeowners. Reduced assessments and the following reduced real estate taxes in dozens of American communities. Sounds like a no brainer" to me. But, I believe the STB has brains and expect them to deny the purchase!"
  7330. (printed as 8/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8675MARGENE
    STB DOCKET 35087 THERE ARE NOT ENOUGH CROSSINGS AND THROUGH ROADS AS IT IS IN THIS SECTION OF WILOL COUNT. TRAFFIC IS ALREADY A GRIDLOCK AND WHEN THERE IS AN ACCIDENT(ALSMOST DAILY) ON i_80 ALL THE TRAFFIC EXITS 80 AND ROUTES DOWN rT 30 ALREADY ONLY A TWO LANE ROAD OR lARAWAY ADDING TO THE ALREADY HORRIBLE CONGESTION. tHERE WILL BE NO WAY AROUND TO AVOID TRAINS AND PROPERTY VALUES WILL GO DOWN AS NO ONE WILL WANT TO LIVE OUT HERE IN THESE AREAS AS IT IS ALREADY GRIDLOCK WITH ROADS NEVER APPROVED TO ACCOMODATE GROWTH. bUSES WILL USE MORE GAS ALONG WITH CARS AND ANY TRANSPORTATION WAITING AT TRACKS FOR THAT MANY TRAINS WITH LONG FREIGHT. aLSO ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES AND EMERGENCY ISSUES OF NOT BEING ABLE TO ACCESS EMERGENCCIES AS INACCESSIBLE.
    mokena, il
  7331. (printed as 8/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9420Bulanda,Patricia
  7332. (printed as 8/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8879Jovanovich,Turk
  7333. (printed as 8/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8878Jovanovich,Deborah
  7334. (printed as 8/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8761Tillman,Joan
  7335. (printed as 8/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8688Krech, Elizabeth
  7336. (printed as 8/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8674David Hays
    I am strongly opposed to the CN proposed acquisition of the EJ&E Railroad, and I believe the draft EIS does not address all of the key issues. Mitigation is needed at more intersections. For example, in Barrington, additional grade separations are needed at more than Hough Street, especially at Northwest Highway, Lake-Cook Road, and the intersection of the EJ&E and Metra rail lines. Additional grade separations would be needed in other communities as well. There is absolutely zero benefit to Barrington or other affected outlying communities from the proposed acquisition. Therefore, the entire costs of the mitigations must be paid by those parties which will benefit, specifically CN railroad and the city of Chicago. However, these parties are not willing to bear the costs of mitigation. Economic consequences are greater than estimated in the DEIS. The great increase in freight train traffic will greatly increase noise and congestion, and greatly decrease the overall appeal of Barrington and other communities. Our towns will be less desirable for residents and businesses, which will sell out and further decrease property values of those who stay. Consequently, tax collections will decrease, causing services to decrease, and generate a downward economic spiral in the affected communities. Safety issues would increase greatly, especially if there is only 1 grade separation as noted in the DEIS. Traffic congestion, which is already bad through Barrington, would get much worse. Public safety vehicles would be obstructed, putting lives at risk due to delayed responses by police, fire, and paramedics personnel. Also, air quality would decrease and fuel would be wasted as a consequence of the great increase in traffic congestion. STB should consider other alternatives and not approve this proposed acquisition.
    Barrington, IL
  7337. (printed as 8/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15803Verbout,, Kim
  7338. (printed as 8/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15802Sciortino, Eliabeth
  7339. (printed as 8/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15595Dendrinos, Sam
  7340. (printed as 8/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13352Mlaeic, Jeff
  7341. (printed as 8/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10519Daugherty,Michael
  7342. (printed as 8/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8687Wieland, Jared
  7343. (printed as 8/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8673Gregory Hamilton
    Re: STB Finance Docket No. 35087 I urge you to carefully deliberate the negative environmental impacts of the CN proposed acquisition of the EJ&E Railroad. Please do not be bullied by the Canadian railroad to a decision timeframe designed soley to meet the financial profit desires of the Canadian company. Please carefully consider the negative environmental impact on our community disclosed in the Draft EIS such as increased risk of accidents and injury, delayed medical and fire response time, reduction in property values, etc. Thank you.
    Lake Barrington, IL
  7344. (printed as 8/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8672Bruce Reynolds
    STB Finance Docket No. 35087 Ms. Johnson-Ball, I am writing to express my grave concen regarding the proposed acquisition of the EJ&E Railroad ny the Canadian National Railroad. The impact upon our community will be all negative. The increased freight traffic would create extreme safety concerns atthe 840 school bus crosings as well as fire, hospital and police delays.In addition the eceonic impact will be severe as downtown shopping and dining will be adversely effected. IN addition the housing values will drop precipitously as there will be little interest in moving in to a conjested rail environment. Why do we need to bend to the economic will of a foreign who will reap all the benefit at our cost? Finally, Barrington has been in existence long before the rail lines came in. We have adjusted to accompdate the appropriate level of freight activity however asking us the bear all the burden so a disinterested foreign company can benefit is beyond the concept of decency and fairness to American tax payers. Thak you for your interest and I will appreciate your reply to my concerns. Bruce Reynolds
    South Barrington, IL
  7345. (printed as 8/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8671Jered Wieland
    Please see the attached Word document for my written comments on the DEIS regarding the sale of the EJ&E rail to Canadian National Rail. Thanks! Jered
    Frankfort, il
  7346. (printed as 8/22/2008)
    Reply
    223357Reply
    Honorable Judy Biggert, Honorable Peter J. Roskam, Honorable Donald A. Manzullo, Honorable Melissa L. Bean, Honorable Peter J Visclosky, Honorable Bill Foster
  7347. (printed as 8/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13037Trela, Jerome
  7348. (printed as 8/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12943Warrenville Environmental Advisory Commission
    Roubik,Betty
  7349. (printed as 8/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11532Illinois State Representative
    Miller,David
  7350. (printed as 8/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11013Gravenhorst,Brian
  7351. (printed as 8/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8830Indiana State Representative
    Visclosky,Peter
  7352. (printed as 8/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8684Yates, Maureen
  7353. (printed as 8/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8683Stewart, Marlene
  7354. (printed as 8/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8682Mastores, Kathy
  7355. (printed as 8/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8681Lumbercini, Joyce
  7356. (printed as 8/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8680Ciaglia, Craig
  7357. (printed as 8/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8679Benjamin, Thomas
  7358. (printed as 8/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8669Jane Gordon
    In direct opposition of some of my neighbors, I like the idea of the Canadian National Railroad purchasing the EJ&E Railroad. I hate waste, appreciate use of existing lines and sincerely hope that you might offer me a position withing your company as Liaison Administrative Assistant.
    Aurora, IL
  7359. (printed as 8/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8668Gerald S. Crandall
    Regarding the proposed purchase of the EJ&E railroad by the CN railroad. I feel that this if this purchase will invoke a major hard ship for communities along the tail line. This is not only from an environmental standpoint put also from a quality of life. Most communities along the rail line have expirenced a major growth population over the last 20 years and with that growth comes more homes along the rail line and more auto traffic. I realize that the CN has experienced major traffic congestion in and around the Chicago area were they currently operate. However mover there operation onto the EJ&E tracks will only cause congestion elsewere. People that have moved into the Chicago area a least had a choice to not move into an area that has major rail road congestion. I don't believe it is fair to thrust this kind of rail congestion, noice, and danger onto the many communities were people have moved to try and avoid this type of situation. The rail line as it sits today receives approx. 5-6 trains per day. The proposed purchase by CN will bring possible over 20 longer trains per day. I dought very much that CN would be willing to may the many millions of dollars that would be needed to improve the rail line and put in the necessary over passes and noise reduction systems at the grade crossing. In summary I fell that this move by CN will not only create an un safe condition it will also put a stop to the economic grown the areas that border the current EJ&E rail line have worked hard to develope over the last 20 years. I trust this sale will not be approved, and the CN will also not be allowed to rent the EJ&E line as well.
    Frankfort, IL
  7360. (printed as 8/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8667Jean Y.Pearson
    I'm an woman who uses oxygen all the time. I'm very concerned about the length of time that could occur if I needed to get to Good Shepherd Hospital quickly. With the possibility that all 4 crossings of the EJandE tracks in Barrington could be blocked at the same time, my life could be in jeopardy. Jean Pearson
    Barrington, Illinois
  7361. (printed as 8/21/2008)
    Oral
    223335Oral Argument/Hearing Request
    Honorable Melissa L. Bean
  7362. (printed as 8/21/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14502Cooley, David
  7363. (printed as 8/21/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12326Mazda North American Operations
    Perez,Brenda
  7364. (printed as 8/21/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11872Lev,Michael
  7365. (printed as 8/21/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10956Buongiorno,Karla
  7366. (printed as 8/21/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8809Lambur,Paula
  7367. (printed as 8/21/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8806Rodrigueaz,Zulema
  7368. (printed as 8/21/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8796Unknown
  7369. (printed as 8/21/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8795Kolbe,Gary
  7370. (printed as 8/21/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8794Sievert,Sandy
  7371. (printed as 8/21/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8793Bates,Annette
  7372. (printed as 8/21/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8792Buss,Joyce
  7373. (printed as 8/21/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8786Hendricks,Stanley
  7374. (printed as 8/21/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8760Vaziri,Ira
  7375. (printed as 8/21/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8759Garrison,James
  7376. (printed as 8/21/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8735Carter,Earl
  7377. (printed as 8/21/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8734Chaben,Gerald
  7378. (printed as 8/21/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8733Bitoy,Annette
  7379. (printed as 8/21/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8678Morevek, Mary Ann
  7380. (printed as 8/21/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8677Gopon, Leopn
  7381. (printed as 8/21/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8666Linda Hoffman
    This is my second letter opposing the purchase of the E J & E railroad. Yesterday, as I was traveling home southbound of Wolf Road in Frankfort, the crossing gates were activated by a train. The trains which often sit on these tracks for several hours or days accidently trigger the gates and had to stop and then back up to have them go up. It took several minutes for this to happen. In that amount of time at least 25 cars were lined up on Wolf road in a matter of minutes. due to the fact that there are now several shopping centers on Wolf Road, further increasing traffic. How many cars will be sitting on Wolf with 10-15 minutes trains 2 miles long. It doesn't take a genius to see that they could be backed up all the way to Route 30. There is no escape from the situation, there isn't a road that you can turn around and get to your destination. Turning around and going to the underpass on LaGrange Road could possibly take 10 minutes or more. Is that what we really want when it's an ambulance or police officer who needs to respond to a call. Foreign countries constantly walk all over us. What has happened to this country. We let them tell us what to do, how to do it. Why must be bow to their wishes. Let's take a stand and say NO to the purchase. I'll pay a few extra bucks for products. It's worth it for the quality of life I've worked for. A better home, a nice neighborhood, a safe community. And now I have to let more foreign countries ruin everything I've worked for. I'm proud of my accomplishments, I'm proud to be an American, they took a stand when they started this country. Let's throw more tea in the harbor. Make our forfathers proud, take a stand, hold our ground and not let anyone push us around. Thank you.
    Frankfort, Illinois
  7382. (printed as 8/21/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8665Anthony. Davis
    I am a resident of Lake County and I'm against the aquisition of EJE by CN Railway.This region is to heavily populated for the transport of chemicals and toxic waste,and would add to the already congested traffic problems not to mention the terrible pollution.
    Hobart, IN
  7383. (printed as 8/21/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8664Kari Trotsky Bell
    In reference to the pending sale of the EJ&E Railroad regarding the Public Meeting which the Surface Transportation Board will be holding on 9 September at a location 7 miles away from the nearest EJ&E railroad crossing and the compromise that the CN has proposed, both issues are unacceptable and my husband and I do not agree with this. The public meeting needs to be moved closer to the area where the people most affected live, and the compromise offered by the CN needs to be rejected. This affects a very large amount of people's quality of life and well-being in the community so it is important that we are heard. Thank you.
    Aurora, IL
  7384. (printed as 8/21/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8637Bach, GA
  7385. (printed as 8/21/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8618Marion Hubbard
    Dear Ms. Ball, I wish to express my great concern regarding the proposed sale of the EJandE tracks to the Canadian NAtional Railway. Teh EJand E tracks bisect Barringon 4 time in about a mile to a mile and a quarter. This puts all emergency equipment on the East side with the possibility of not accessing the west side of town which has 5 schools and the hospital. The proposed mitigation does not recognize the densely traveled US Highway 14 and the heavly traffic on Lake Cook Road. If this sale goes through,it will essentially make Barrington a ghost town since no one will be able access the downtown area because of the backed up traffic. These are a few of my concerns regarding this proposed sale of an American rail line to a foreign corporation. Thank you, Marion Hubbard
    Barrington, Illinois
  7386. (printed as 8/21/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8617Richard F. Hetzler
    I object to your obvious effort to minimize public input to the proposed purchase of the EJ&E rail lines by Canadian National. When the original public meetings were scheduled, you avoided any meetings in the vast expanse between West Chicago and Joliet, IL. Having been caught on you efforts to expedite the approval process, you were forced to provide a meeting in the Naperville - Aurora area. Your continued effort to expedite the approval process became even more apparent when you selected the furthest possible location from the affected neighborhoods for the next meeting. The site recommended by Tom Wiesner, mayor of Aurora, for the meeting was Waubonsie Valley High School. Even if there had been a conflict with using that school, there are adjacent library and park district locations which would have been appropriate. This location is within two miles from the primary impact of the Canadian National purchase. It is part of the school district which covers most of the Naperville and Aurora residences which are impacted by the proposed purchase. Your choice of an Aurora school for the location, and the furthest Aurora school from the affected neighborhoods, is an obvious effort to minimize public input to the approval process. West Aurora High School covers a district which has absolutely no concern for the proposed purchase. It covers the far west portion of Aurora. There is an East Aurora High School, which is far closer to the proposed purchase impact area, but it also represents an area with minimal concern about the proposed purchase. It is apparent that you realize these facts, and used that knowledge to select the meeting site.
    Aurora, IL
  7387. (printed as 8/21/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8616Julie A. Coombs
    We OPPOSE the CN acquisition of the EJ&E. The negative impact on my family would be considerable. We are raising four sons have serious concerns about all the raised issues, especially safety (we recall the nearby Fox River Grove, IL fatal school bus/train collision) and access to emergency services. This issue is about fairness - how can a private, for-profit foreign company come in and impose this on a community that does not have the infrastructure to support it? Please help protect my family. Sincerely, Julie A Coombs
    Barrington, IL
  7388. (printed as 8/21/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8615Tim Devitt
    The proposed purchase of the EJ&E Rail line by CN is a horrible idea. The impact on people who live near the line will be very negative. The trains that currently go thru the area blow their horns at all times and our houses shake. If CN is able to run their trains that will not only increase but there will be other issues as well. The traffic will be backed up and make our commute worse. If we need medical help that time will be delayed cause of the trains. If we need the help of the police that can also be delayed. More trains will go thru the area, dropping the value of our houses since people are not going to want to buy a house that close to a loud and busy set of tracks. We will be unable to keep our windows open when the weather is nice cause of the train noise. And the additional pollution from the engines will hamper our neighborhood with the smell of disel fuel from the engines. The congestion that CN reports that will be saved in and around the city of Chicago will be short lived, some other train will asorb that time and run their trains thru those tracks so there will be no benefit any way you look at it. I would like for the people involved to come by our houses and see how it is to live by the train tracks. IF more train traffic is allowed to go thru it will have a very negative impact on us all.
    Naperville, IL
  7389. (printed as 8/21/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8612Nader, Sharon
  7390. (printed as 8/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11001Cunningham,Barb
  7391. (printed as 8/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9106Bounds,Patricia
  7392. (printed as 8/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8788Keller,Jim
  7393. (printed as 8/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8772Durbin,Dick
  7394. (printed as 8/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8767Boren,Geraldine
  7395. (printed as 8/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8732Bitoy,Rudolph
  7396. (printed as 8/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8709DiCara, Mark M.
  7397. (printed as 8/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8704Booth, David L.
  7398. (printed as 8/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8696Marshall, Jack K.
  7399. (printed as 8/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8695Pazzanita, Anthony
  7400. (printed as 8/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8614Josef Michuda
    August 20, 2008 RE: CN Acquisition of EJ&E Railroad STB Finance Docket No. 35087 Ms. Phillis Johnson-Ball Surface Transportation Board 395 E Street, SW Washington, DC 20423 Dear Ms. Johnson-Ball: I am writing to you to express my vehement opposition to CN’s acquisition of the EJ&E railroad. As a resident of Frankfort, IL for the past 36 years, the acquisition will have an adverse financial and social impact in our community. Closer inspection of the Draft Environmental Impact Study reveals several key omissions and misstatement of fact. The DEIS does not identify one grade crossing in Frankfort that will be impacted by the acquisition. In fact, there are five grade crossings that will be impacted. One grade crossing of particular note is located near our community’s junior high school, and currently has no signaling. School buses serving our community’s grade schools traverse these grade crossings 224 times per day. My children ride those buses. Of the 71 voluntary measures that CN has proposed, none are situated within Frankfort. Furthermore, CN’s cost estimates of mitigation measures are grossly understated. The DEIS also does not address the adverse impact to our community’s emergency service providers. In essence, CN’s acquisition will bifurcate Frankfort into a North and South half, which will delay response times. Frankfort’s emergency service providers were omitted from the DEIS. CN’s dismal safety record coupled with the increase in hazardous freight traffic will only exacerbate this problem. These are just two of the many errors and omissions of the DEIS. Another issue that is particularly disturbing relates to CN’s laissez-faire attitude towards the costs related to mitigation measures. CN CEO Hunter Harrison was quoted in the Chicago Tribune as stating that he expects federal and state taxpayers to pay for mitigation measures. In these difficult economic times, both the State of Illinois and the federal government are operating under a budget deficit and cannot afford to subsidize a foreign corporation’s bottom line. The last time I checked, the United States is still a sovereign nation that does not acquiesce to the demands of a private foreign corporation. Once again, I ask that you reject the Environmental Impact Study and deny CN’s request to acquire the EJ&E Railroad. Josef Michuda 585 Aberdeen Road Frankfort, IL 60423
    Frankfort, IL
  7401. (printed as 8/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8613Kevin Patterson
    I want to voice support for CN's proposed acquisition of EJ&E Railway.
    Riverdale, IL
  7402. (printed as 8/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8611Roberts, Mary
  7403. (printed as 8/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8610Biel, Sandra
  7404. (printed as 8/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8608Dixon Peterson
    Re: CN's offer to be allowed to buy EJ & E and not add any traffic on the lines before the Environmental Impact study is finished and approved is ridiculous. If CN already owns the lines and if the study is not to their liking what fool would think USX would buy it back or CN would be able to sell the lines to someone else. CN is going to do whatever CN wants to do if they are allowed to purchase the EJ & E lines. The traffic and safety issues must be considered and Aurora will definitely be adversely affected with major emphasis on SAFETY. CN has not been good for the Region and is definitely not after the good will of America. CN is totally into profits and I believe the board is not being fair to the people and communities that will be affected by this action. Thank You Dixon Peterson
    Aurora, IL
  7405. (printed as 8/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8607Gus Benson
    Dear peoples (since i dont know who i'm writing to) I really wouldn't call it a purchase of a rail line but more o a bipass of a shitload of trackage rights. Sure the C.N. is doing something good with the steel mills and the economy. but they're also going to increase the traffic somewhwere else, places where there's enough trains already. They're not the only one using the tracks anyway, BNSF, U.P., CSX, And N.S. (i think) use these tracks for a bipass already. Plus, the C.N. Is buying out an old terminal railroad that's been here for a long time. I say they're doing it so they can save money so they can buy out another shortline. They've already bought out the Wisconsin Central, Missabe, Illinois Central, And I think they've aquired the Grand Trunk Western. Believe me, they do this so they don't have to build their own tracks. That is why I hate this wretched pice of **** for a class one railroad. P.S. If this is C.N. You'll be buying out a railroad that does swithching of cars with the CANADIAN PACIFIC! note the switces at roundout.
    Libertyville, Illinois
  7406. (printed as 8/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8606Mark Munro
    All arguments have already been clearly stated against the CN acquisition of the EJ&E rail line. I am simply writing to urge you to consider the terrible cost to our community and children if this sale is allowed. Thank you for your consideration.
    Barrington, Illinois
  7407. (printed as 8/19/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11663Lara
  7408. (printed as 8/19/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11332Garland,Dewey
  7409. (printed as 8/19/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11009Vainisi,Frank
  7410. (printed as 8/19/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8791Noonan,Josette
  7411. (printed as 8/19/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8790Bentham,Robert
  7412. (printed as 8/19/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8766Taylor,Kevin
  7413. (printed as 8/19/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8706Bridge, Teri L.
  7414. (printed as 8/19/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8703Cynthia, Deppen
  7415. (printed as 8/19/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8702Moore, Curt
  7416. (printed as 8/19/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8692Loeffel, Paul A.
  7417. (printed as 8/19/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8690Eckert, Brian
  7418. (printed as 8/19/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8605charles maloney
    My family is adamantly opposed to more and more trains clogging up traffic in this growing community that is particularly vulnerable to the ill effects that will result from this proposed acquisition.
    frankfort, illinois
  7419. (printed as 8/19/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8604David Carlson
    I am very concerned about the possible acquistion of the EJ&E by Canadian National. My concern is for the safety of our children who take school buses the most cross the train tracks. For police and fire departments who may be unable to respond promptly, and the inability of those needing to get to the hospital quickly in an emergency. These concerns are due to the fact that all crossings can be blocked at one time by a freight train going through the town of Barrington.
    Barrington, IL
  7420. (printed as 8/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11530Wheatland Township
    Biedron,Robert
  7421. (printed as 8/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9036Brusseau,Linda
  7422. (printed as 8/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8885Klug,Randall
  7423. (printed as 8/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8789Kalck,Nancy
  7424. (printed as 8/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8768Oltman,Tammy
  7425. (printed as 8/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8714Tom, Karen
  7426. (printed as 8/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8698Nicol, Paul
  7427. (printed as 8/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8691Orlando, Michael R.
  7428. (printed as 8/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8545Janet Ziessow
    Re: Purchase of EJ&E tracks by Canadian National will affect our community by slicing it in half, thus affecting our lives now and long into the future. Safety- access to hospital, fire and police service; 840 school bus crossings per school day, along with student drivers and pedestrian traffic; trains are within 600 feet of Barrington High School; traffic congestion; air quality. The report confirms the risk of rail accidents will increase on our tracks. It presently can take 30 minutes to cross the small town during Commuter rush. Lack of access to hospitals will be detrimental to home sales. · Economic- changes in shopping patterns; businesses could close; tax revenues will be lost; increased fuel consumption during traffic delays; concern for possibility of spilled contaminates entering our only water source; wayside- noise from the train traffic; the decrease in all of our property values; future of the Star line (north/south Metra line through western suburbs) will be in question. I presently do not shop in Barrington as EJ&E traffic impacts the area with 5 trains per day, one very close to 6pm rush hour ties up a rolling 5 intersections in the area. Longer trains will block our entire town. CN already runs these long trains. Why are mitigation expenses not being addressed factually and fairly? The cost of intersections to the lost time waiting for trains is terribly understated in a burgeoning bedroom community already impacted by Federal & State road construction. For what reason should US U.S. taxpayers foot the bill for the benefit of a foreign corporation? · Mitigation- Why the DEIS only recognized that Route 59/Hough St. should be grade separated? Route 14 is the most traveled road in town and westbound Lake Cook traffic backs up at evening rush at 2 EJ&E crossings NOW. Why was a rail-to-rail separation not recognized at the Union Pacific/EJ grade crossing? Why should foreign freight rate higher than Commuter traffic to the City? This will have horrendous impact on teh Metra commuter service. · Cohesiveness- Barrington was on the map long before the EJ&E was built. We have lived with trains and built our town and lives around the current train traffic. We get to our schools, we recreate, we do business, we shop, we receive emergency services, and we live together moving about as a community. The proposed purchase by CN will affect our life-style with a severe impact on our safety, economy, environment, and future growth and development. I purchased a home in Barrington as it IS a hub of transportation with many angled streets alleviating gridlock. Freight trains, running through our town will exacerbate gridlock by cutting across all viable alternate routes to the hospital and schools. Please do not stand idly by while the behemouth of Canadian National forces their changes onto entire towns & economies. The need for numerous overpasses & crossings will be a boondoggle for our village & state that will be impossible to live down.
    Barrington, IL
  7429. (printed as 8/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8544CMAP Citizens' Advisory Committee
    The traffic analysis presented in Appendix E, Attachment E1 of the DEIS is significantly deficient with respect to the highway/rail at-grade crossings in Lake County. In particular, the simple model used to calculate vehicle delay on the US-14/Northwest Hwy crossing and the IL-59-63/Hough St crossing does not account for the intersection of those two thoroghfares approximately 1000' from their respective crossings. That intersection presents a major impediment to clearing the queues associated with the two crossings, and hence to a larger delay for impacted vehicles. The traffic analysis for these two crossings must be treated as a single unit, and the model must incorporate the traffic interaction at the intersection of the two roadways. The analysis must calculate delay for westbound Northwest Hwy traffic and for northbound Hough St traffic through vehicle clearance of that intersection. My informal modeling indicates that there is a dramatic increase in 'Average delay per delayed roadway vehicle' to perhaps as much as 3 minutes, from the 1.6 minutes of the simple model. I hope the more sophisticated tools available to the SEA can give a more definitive and realistic appraisal of the impact of the additional rail traffic to road traffic in this specific area. If these two crossings are analyzed together, as I believe appropriate, they would warrant remediation due to three factors: Exposure (57,718 ADT x 20.3 trains), > 40 hrs delay/day (2,016 vehicles x 3 min), and Queue blocks major thoroughfares (as noted in the DEIS). Even if the parameters of the two crossings are calculated independently, but just incorporating their interaction in increased delay time, the Northwest Hwy crossing would be a candidate for mitigation should the delay actually be slightly over 3 minutes. I urge the SEA to analyze the Northwest Hwy and Hough St crossings as a unit, and for the Board to require mitigation with significant participation from the Applicant. Note that this comment reflects my personal position, and not that of the CMAP Citizens' Advisory Committee (on which I serve). - Harry Solomon
    Harry Solomon · Highland Park, IL
  7430. (printed as 8/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8531Bassett, Thomas
  7431. (printed as 8/18/2008)
    Comment
    EO-1145Illinois State Representative
    Elaine Nekritz
  7432. (printed as 8/18/2008)
    Comment
    EO-1099Illinois State Represenative
    Nekritz, Elaine
  7433. (printed as 8/18/2008)
    Comment
    EO-1019Honorable Elaine Nekritz
  7434. (printed as 8/17/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8770Howard,Don
  7435. (printed as 8/17/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8769Barry,Karen
  7436. (printed as 8/17/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8543R. L.Phillips
    This is to let you know of my opposition to the planned purchase of the EJ&E RR by CN. This would have a serious impact on normal life in Barrington and surrounding communities. Your consideration is appreciated.
    barrington, ilo
  7437. (printed as 8/16/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8771Rehbein,Gale
  7438. (printed as 8/16/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8699Zanotti, Jean
  7439. (printed as 8/16/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8542Michael Garcia
    Please notify me if this is the correct location to make comments regarding CN purchase of EJE.
    Barrington, Il
  7440. (printed as 8/16/2008)
    Comment
    EI-854118,000 Resident of the 9th Ward in Aurora
    Reference Docket# 35087 On behalf of the 18,000 residents in my ward, we strongly oppose the compromise offered by the Canadian National and demand that the STB follow it's established procedures regarding the sale of any railroad. We also find it unacceptable that the STB would have even considered holding a public meeting, let alone schedule one, more than seven miles away from the nearest EJ&E railroad crossing, when there were at least two meeting facilities within a couple of miles of the railroad. I have given this much thought and there is no logical reason why this happened. I can only suspect that the STB did this with the intend of making it harder for residents to get the the hearing site and reduce the level of public outcry. This needs to be fixed. The claim of being too late in the game won't work. Make the change and we will notify the public.
    Alderman Leory Keith · Aurora, Illinois
  7441. (printed as 8/16/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8530Bargmann, Jan
  7442. (printed as 8/16/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8529Marose, Prudence
  7443. (printed as 8/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13003AdvocateGood Shepherd Hospital
    Robbins, Jessica
  7444. (printed as 8/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8787Steadman,Joseph
  7445. (printed as 8/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8729Illinois State Representative
    Jackson Jr., Jesse L.
  7446. (printed as 8/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8715Barrington Horizon Senior Living Community
    Pawlowski, Joan
  7447. (printed as 8/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8697Ryan, Robert
  7448. (printed as 8/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8625Wyrick, Patricia
  7449. (printed as 8/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8603Sopher, Jeff
  7450. (printed as 8/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8602Seyk Jr., Edward A.
  7451. (printed as 8/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8601Butler, Mike
  7452. (printed as 8/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8600Lendziszewska, Eva
  7453. (printed as 8/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8599Hicks, Timothy
  7454. (printed as 8/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8592Pawlowski, Joan
  7455. (printed as 8/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8591O'Malley, Lorianne
  7456. (printed as 8/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8590Beemer, Bruce R.
  7457. (printed as 8/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8589Schneider, Fred
  7458. (printed as 8/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8588Wilkin, John
  7459. (printed as 8/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8587Megremis, Cheryl
  7460. (printed as 8/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8586Paolella, Elaine
  7461. (printed as 8/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8585Paolella, Elaine
  7462. (printed as 8/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8584Adler, Jan M.
  7463. (printed as 8/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8583Jarvie, Steve
  7464. (printed as 8/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8582Landin, Patricia L.
  7465. (printed as 8/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8581Howe, William
  7466. (printed as 8/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8580Nixon, Leela M.
  7467. (printed as 8/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8579Benjamin, Chris
  7468. (printed as 8/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8578Jansky, William
  7469. (printed as 8/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8577Tidd, Rick A.
  7470. (printed as 8/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8576Langford, Paul
  7471. (printed as 8/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8575Kulpa, Carol
  7472. (printed as 8/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8574Stevenson, Jimmie L.
  7473. (printed as 8/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8573Miller, Gary
  7474. (printed as 8/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8572Hoffman, Marianne
  7475. (printed as 8/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8571Levenberg, Bernard
  7476. (printed as 8/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8570Wilkin, Peter
  7477. (printed as 8/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8569Pruitt, Richard
  7478. (printed as 8/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8568Gaines, Dianne
  7479. (printed as 8/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8567Spratley, Gina
  7480. (printed as 8/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8566Zimmer, Sarah
  7481. (printed as 8/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8565Thorne, Mary
  7482. (printed as 8/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8564James, Zagorka
  7483. (printed as 8/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8563Stover, Mervin
  7484. (printed as 8/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8562Lawson, Susan
  7485. (printed as 8/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8560Morgan, Anthea
  7486. (printed as 8/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8547US Senate
    Durbin, Richard J.
  7487. (printed as 8/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8540ted quilitz
    I feel that the current congestion of freight thru chicago has reached a point where the EJ and E aquisition by CNR is absolutely necessary for the greater good. I happen to live in Naperville, one of the suburbs affected by the CN purchase. These changes are necessity, and delay will only be more costly.
    naperville, illinois
  7488. (printed as 8/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8539Robert W. Schauer
    This note is in regard to the proposed purchase of the EJ&E Railroad by Canadian National (CN). The recent Draft Environmental Impact Study (DEIS) is extremely disappointing to me as a citizen of a community that will potentially bear a huge negative impact from this deal. I implore you to recommend against this acquisition as you consider the following: Safety- the DEIS report does confirm the risk of rail accidents will increase. With the potential of 400% increased rail traffic through our community with some trains potentially being up to 10,000 feet in length, the ability of fire, police and ambulance personnel to perform their jobs to protect and save lives will be greatly impaired. Additionally, there is concern for increased air pollution that increased vehicular traffic jams will create. Also, the potential for toxic spills into our water supply greatly increases. Financial- snarled vehicular traffic as a result of greatly increased freight train traffic will create changes in shopping patterns that may drive shoppers and businesses away reducing tax revenues for affected communities. Additionally, why should any US taxpayer pay the tab for a deal that benefits a foreign corporation, particularly for a deal that has zero benefit for and great negative impact on our community? It is absolutely absurd that CN would not be responsible for ALL costs associated with mitigation resulting from this potential acquisition. How we live- my community thrived for many years before the EJ&E was built. The community continued to evolve as it developed around the railroad. The travesty that is the potential acquisition of the EJ&E by CN will negatively impact our ability to move about our community. It will severly impact our safety. It will discourage any type of future development and cause current businesses to lose revenue to the point of failure. Please do not inflict this type of punishment upon the citizens of our community and others likewise impacted by this proposed purchase. Please act on our behalf to recommend against this purchase. Thank you.
    Barrington, IL
  7489. (printed as 8/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8538Nadine Rust
    Dear Phillis, In reviewing the preliminary EIS I find it difficult to swallow that our federal gov't finds it acceptable,particularly during these poor economic times, to approve this acuisition knowing it will reduce our home values even further, put our children at risk with parks practically on top of these RR tracks, the tracks going through our forest preserves with many major hiking and biking trails, and most of all the high risk these trains will have for potentially dangerous spills. If you are going to minimize all of these impacts then I request one thing for some peace of mind and that is to include mitigation requirements for CN to install a brown 20 foot concrete and steel noise/protection wall along the RR right of way from Shoe Factory road to Golf rd. The house lot lines and park along this stretch range from right next to the RR right of way to less than 30 feet from the right of way. Please consider including this type of mitigation. If you require each individual community to negotiate with the giant CN we all know we will never receive anything. Thank you for your consideration. Nadine
    Hoffman Estates, il
  7490. (printed as 8/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8537Mary
    The Surface Transportation Board should approve the EJ&J application. The benefits to our community in terms of fire response and police response are currently compromised by the 45 freight trains that go through our community each day. Other towns think that they shouldn't have any trains, that is wrong. Please approve this transaction.
    Chicago, IL
  7491. (printed as 8/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8527Pawlowski, Joan
  7492. (printed as 8/14/2008)
    Motion
    223281Petition For Modification
    Canadian National Railway Company And Grand Trunk Corporation
  7493. (printed as 8/14/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8881Park Forest - Chicago Heights School District 163
    Kreuz,Jeanette
  7494. (printed as 8/14/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8693Briggs, Don
  7495. (printed as 8/14/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8628Kamm, Gilbert G.
  7496. (printed as 8/14/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8624The Conservation Foundation
    McDonald, Brook
  7497. (printed as 8/14/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8597Hawke, Steven J.
  7498. (printed as 8/14/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8536Elaine Vorberg
    As respects the Draft EIS regarding CN / EJ&E, it is misleading to state that CN proposed 70" "voluntary" mitigation factors, when many of the 70 are simply a restatement of CN's obligations under Federal law. It's also notable that the "voluntary" mitigation efforts were not suggested until AFTER CN encountered significant resistance from communities potentially affected by the proposed acquisition; they weren't voluntary so much as they were "desperate"."
    Carey Sunderlage
  7499. (printed as 8/14/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8535Roger Prietz
    I am adamantly opposed to the acquisition of the EJ&E by the Canadian National Railroad. The released Impact plan minimizes the risks to the public safety and environmental quality in order to satisfy corporate greed The CN is the most profitable railroad in the world and the proposed acquisition would make them even more profitable. 10,000 foot trains running through my community at all hours of the day and night are UNACCEPTABLE.
    Frankfort, IL
  7500. (printed as 8/14/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8533Rousonelos, Deborah
  7501. (printed as 8/14/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8525Unknown
  7502. (printed as 8/13/2008)
    Letter
    223268Letter/Telegram
    International Association Of Machinists And Aerospace Workers
  7503. (printed as 8/13/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8594Breitung, Arnold
  7504. (printed as 8/13/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8551Wolly, Michael S.
  7505. (printed as 8/13/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8512Cooke, Milton and Joan
  7506. (printed as 8/12/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8510Arnolfo Santoro
    Attention: Anne Quinlan, Acting Secretary Environmental Filing STB Finance Docket No. 35087
    West Chicago, IL
  7507. (printed as 8/12/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8477Toman, Julia
  7508. (printed as 8/12/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8476Gill, Tom
  7509. (printed as 8/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8596Birch, Robert
  7510. (printed as 8/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8595Karon, Thomas W.
  7511. (printed as 8/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8549MacDougall, Gordon P.
  7512. (printed as 8/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8427Stevens, Judith
  7513. (printed as 8/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11660Sennerud,Arnold
  7514. (printed as 8/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8426Stevens, Judith
  7515. (printed as 8/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8418Michael Cleve
    I would like to see the proposed purchase of the EJ&E Railway by CN. It will greatly improve the efficiency of the railroad from Wisconsin to Loiusiana. This means better delivery times for every day commodities that all of us use which in turn will give consumers lower prices. Thank you for your time.
    Oak Lawn, IL
  7516. (printed as 8/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8419Maureen A. McAllister
    Please REJECT Canadian National Railroad's request to purchase the Elgin, Joliet & Eastern rail right-of-way in the Chicagoland area. This is an attempt to foster the prosperity of the Canadians, and particularly, the Port Rupert traffic (imports that will only hurt our balance of trade deficit) at the expense of Chicagoland businesses and homeowners. THIS IS NOT IN THE BEST INTEREST OF AMERICANS! Sincerely, Maureen A. McAllister
    Wayne, IL
  7517. (printed as 8/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8548Ryg, Kathleen
  7518. (printed as 8/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8474Bisso, Gayle L.
  7519. (printed as 8/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8430CN
    Hirsh, David A.
  7520. (printed as 8/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8421Claudia Alberts
    I am writing to express my strong support for the CN acquisition of the EJ&E Railroad. Not only would this purchase be good for our regional economy and environment, it would be a tremendous benefit to residents of the city who have long borne more than their fair share of the burdens of our region's economic activity. Suburban representatives have recently held hearings and introduced multiple pieces of legislation aimed at blocking STB approval of the deal. This would have the effect of suppressing interstate commerce. If allowed to proceed, this acquisition will improve service to large and small companies across the Midwest and throughout the nation, relieve serious rail congestion and bring significant economic and environmental benefits to the Chicago region. I encourage a vote in support of regional economic growth and a better environment. Please approve the CN acquisition.
    Chicago, Illinois
  7521. (printed as 8/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8420Donna Zine
    I'm writing to express my opinion about the Canadian National Railroad's bid to buy out the Elgin line. I don't see this purchase to be in any way an advantage to our community and if fact I see it as a potential detractor. First, let me say, that I don't live in an adjacent neighborhood, so my comments are not emotionally tied to fear of noise, or decrease in property values. I simply am aware of how easy it is to tie up traffic without foresight and planning and how hard it is to fix it afterward. Aurora currently has a bottle neck that is due to a train overpass that is too small. This bottle neck ties up traffic in both directions on a major north south route, Hwy 59. When transportation projects, even small ones cost into the hundreds of millions, it is imperative to determine who will bear the cost of improving traffic flow once the train traffic increases before the sale goes through. I don't think our community should have to be responsible for this cost which is most definitely looming in the near future. I furthermore, don't think the general public should bear the cost through tax dollars either. If Canadian National wants those tracks, they should make the improvements and pass the cost off to their users. America needs to wake up and start to understand that other countries are taking advantage of us and that our middle class can no support the world. The STB needs to do a better job of looking at the real impact of a sale and it needs to make sensible determinations before granting other countries the right to inconvenience me and other commuters in our city. And all of America's leaders need to look hard and fast at what they approve. I can't afford any more leaching of money from my pocket. I'm tired of it.
    Aurora, Illinois
  7522. (printed as 8/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8414Kenny, Gerald
  7523. (printed as 8/7/2008)
    Comment
    EI-10527Free,Hollie
  7524. (printed as 8/7/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8559Rondout Rockland Corporation
    Baker Jr., Arthur M.
  7525. (printed as 8/7/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8553Mieritz, M.
  7526. (printed as 8/7/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8552Little Village Chamber of Commerce
    Saldivar, Monalinda
  7527. (printed as 8/7/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8475White, Eric
  7528. (printed as 8/7/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8473Pazzanita, Anthony
  7529. (printed as 8/7/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8472Marasovich, Michael J.
  7530. (printed as 8/6/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8401Quigg, Catherine
  7531. (printed as 8/6/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8400Quigg, Catherine
  7532. (printed as 8/6/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8392Andy Schwarz
    I support the purchase of the EJ&E railroad by CN. This will help the Chicagoland area greatly.
    Evanston, il
  7533. (printed as 8/6/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8391Village of Hoffman Estates
    Request on behalf of Village of Hoffman Estates to extend the comment period for the Draft EIS.
    William McLeod, Village President · Hoffman Estates, IL
  7534. (printed as 8/6/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8390Colleen Corbin
    See attached letter (Word Document).
    Orland Park, Illinois
  7535. (printed as 8/5/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11661Grodoski,Laura
  7536. (printed as 8/5/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8561Mark Cimaroli
    This is in regard to STB Finance Docket No. 35087. To allow the CN Railroad to expand as CN wants to is unconscionable. We all know safety will be jeopardized because emergency response vehicles alone will undoubdtedly be impacted with delays in adequate response times. We all have a responsibility to take better care of the environment and start reversing the negative impact pollution is making. You would seek to increase substantially the amount of air pollution by allowing increased train traffic and increasing the number of idling vehicles waiting at train crossings. Where is YOUR responsibility with regards to the environment? You have a responsibility to be representative of ALL people affected by this proposed expansion. You are nothing less than irresponsible and lacking in moral character if you only take into consideration the interests of big business, in this case, the CN Railroad. Do what is right and just with regards to ALL involved.
    Hebron, IN
  7537. (printed as 8/5/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8557Small Railroad Business Owners of America
    Gohmann, John W.
  7538. (printed as 8/5/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8432Trtan, Louis M.
  7539. (printed as 8/5/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8431Karp, Donald J.
  7540. (printed as 8/5/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8429CN
    Cunningham, Paul A.
  7541. (printed as 8/5/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8428Illinois State Represenative
    Nekritz, Elaine
  7542. (printed as 8/5/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8397Daniel Hebreard
    I am strongly opposed to the proposed Canadian National Railway purchase of the EJ&E rail line as it would significantly affect both the environment and quality of life for this area in an adverse way.
    Aurora, IL
  7543. (printed as 8/5/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8396Daniel Joseph Brightwell
    Regarding the CN takeover of the EJ&E... 1) The number of trains going around or through Chicago will be the same, whether the current routing is kept, or the new routing over the EJ&E is chosen. 2) There is greater density of population within the city of Chicago and around the various yards currently used than there is around the EJ&E. More people are currently affected by rail traffic than would be under the EJ&E routing. 3) The EJ&E routing is far more efficient. It is in the best interest of our nation's commerce to use this route. 4) The EJ&E route already exists, and is already in use. The actual impact on towns along the way would be minimal. 5) A significant part of the EJ&E routing is through rural countryside, with few people around. Take a ride over the property, you'll see that most of the right-of-way is not through populated areas.
    Rolling Meadows, IL
  7544. (printed as 8/5/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8395Judy A Samaras
    I am opposed to the acquisition of the EJ&E Railway by the Canadian Railway Co. because the additional rail traffic will further aggravate an already bad highway traffic situation in the area and cause accident rates to be higher. The additional rail traffic will also delay emergency vehicle response times and access to the Good Sheppard hospital in the area for many patients The acquisition will also lower our property values and also lower our standard of living because of increased noise and vibration levels. Another reason for my opposition is the possibility of accidents when transporting hazardous goods through highly populated areas
    Lake Barrington, IL
  7545. (printed as 8/5/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8298Stephen G Samaras
    I am opposed to the acquisition of the EJ&E Railway by the Canadian Railway Co. because the additional rail traffic will further aggravate an already bad highway traffic situation in the area and cause accident rates to be higher. The additional rail traffic will also delay emergency vehicle response times and access to the Good Sheppard hospital in the area for many patients The acquisition will also lower our property values and also lower our standard of living because of increased noise and vibration levels. Another reason for my opposition is the possibility of accidents when transporting hazardous goods through highly populated areas
    Lake Barrington, Illinois
  7546. (printed as 8/5/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8295Debby
    RE: STB Finance Docket No. 35087 I am 42 and was recently diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. I do not feel Northwest Indiana needs to add more pollution to our already highly polluted area. I am opposed to the acquisition of Elgin, Joliet and Eastern Railway Company by Canadian National Railway Company.
    Schererville, Indiana
  7547. (printed as 8/4/2008)
    Comment
    EI-16068Scholtens,Barbara
  7548. (printed as 8/4/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14384Krolikowski, Kim
  7549. (printed as 8/4/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13735Holm, Mary
  7550. (printed as 8/4/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13732Adams, Daniel E.
  7551. (printed as 8/4/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12731Ilko,Christa
  7552. (printed as 8/4/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12730Petinelli,Lori
  7553. (printed as 8/4/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12068Sandra Scholtens-Kening
  7554. (printed as 8/4/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11895Derderian,Alex
  7555. (printed as 8/4/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11885Hardesty,Barbara
  7556. (printed as 8/4/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11305Ruhde,William
  7557. (printed as 8/4/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11288Pyle,Darla
  7558. (printed as 8/4/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11286Scholtens,Edward
  7559. (printed as 8/4/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11024Smith,Marilyn
  7560. (printed as 8/4/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11012Kaufman,Stuart
  7561. (printed as 8/4/2008)
    Comment
    EI-9100Rion,Phyllis
  7562. (printed as 8/4/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8713Pietrucha, Linda L.
  7563. (printed as 8/4/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8712Olsen, Bernadine
  7564. (printed as 8/4/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8711Scheckel, Agnes
  7565. (printed as 8/4/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8710Pietrucha, Daniel
  7566. (printed as 8/4/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8708Wishney, Pamela
  7567. (printed as 8/4/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8707Ginner, Bob
  7568. (printed as 8/4/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8705Walkowiak, Robert
  7569. (printed as 8/4/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8701Zilke, Nancy
  7570. (printed as 8/4/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8700Zilke, Daniel
  7571. (printed as 8/4/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8626Iowa Mold Tooling Co., Inc.
    Fairbanks, Steven C.
  7572. (printed as 8/4/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8558Mascari, Frank T.
  7573. (printed as 8/4/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8554Gonzalez, Ernest
  7574. (printed as 8/4/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8523Aguayo, Jason
  7575. (printed as 8/4/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8485Shorr, David
  7576. (printed as 8/4/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8471Hoffman Estates
    Mayor Mcleod, William D.
  7577. (printed as 8/4/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8443Schwebke, Heather
  7578. (printed as 8/4/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8433Ludwig, Susan
  7579. (printed as 8/4/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8310Hodge, Mark A
  7580. (printed as 8/4/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8309Lazich, Michael
  7581. (printed as 8/4/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8294Marie A Furmanski
    I am writing to protest the CN aquisition of the EJ&E. As a resident of Northwest Indiana at the crossroads of the US I feel that we are at our capacity as far as freight dispersement. Night and day trains are hauling freight through the are that I live. I can hardly ride my bicycle without waiting for a trainload of double stacked made in China stuff to go down the tracks. We in Northwest Indiana need more commuter trains. This purchase would take away valuable resources from this project also. I believe my congressman says it best when he states: The EJ&E line running through the region would, on average, see a three-fold increase in the number of trains per day and an increase in train length from 2,590 feet to 6,321 feet. The result would bisect communities, impede the flow of automobile traffic, increase emissions, and add public safety hazards. The proposed acquisition also would create new obstacles to the expansion of the South Shore Line and would hinder the expansion of Gary/Chicago International Airport. None of that would be good for Northwest Indiana." I oppose this aquisition and believe the impact statement does not fully reflect the full impact that this aquisition would have on the residents of Northwest Indiana."
  7582. (printed as 8/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8492Ullian, Del
  7583. (printed as 8/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8444Schwebke, Beth
  7584. (printed as 8/2/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8555Colley, Michael
  7585. (printed as 8/2/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8455Young, George P.
  7586. (printed as 8/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14489Pedersen, Barrett f.
  7587. (printed as 8/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14323Wojcik, Becky
  7588. (printed as 8/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8627Dillard Jr., William
  7589. (printed as 8/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8556Cassioppi, Gerald
  7590. (printed as 8/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8393Rondout Rockland Corporation
    Baker Jr., Arthur M.
  7591. (printed as 8/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8308Wilmot, Karen
  7592. (printed as 8/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8292Gerald M Warzon
    We live South of the Village of Plainfield and today I had another experience of the rush hour traffic in the Plainfield Village at 7:30 AM. Experiencing severe pain in my lower chest I decided to drive to Edwards Hospital in Naperville for emergency care. No trains where present at this time and Route 59 and Route 30 where backed-up for two miles South of Plainfield. I can only suspect that if the EJ&E rail was now own by the Canadian National Railway and the track usage increased from the twelve trains per day to the proposed forty-two, the backup of traffic would be two to three times what I experienced today. When the trains go though Plainfield, they virtually stop all traffic going north as cars wanting to turn right onto HWY 126 and Lockport St. are unable to move because the train. It doesn't make any difference if vehicle is in an ambulance, fire truck or car, you just can't get through the bumper to bumper conditions that are present. If a train over miles long was to stop traffic in Plainfield during rush hour, a drive to the hospital, fourteen miles away would take in excess of one hour. Add another fifteen minutes to half hour to this trip, if school were in session. Please do not approve the sale of EJ&E as it would make worst an already unsafe environmental situation in Plainfield. The Safety of our Schools, transportation of injuried and sickly patients would be scarified with the approval of the Canadian Rail deal.
    Plainfield, Il.
  7593. (printed as 8/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8291Julie Peller
    STONG OPPOSITION. The impact of the acquisition on Northwest Indiana residents would be a severe negative change in the quality of life. The EJ&E line running through the region would, on average, see a three-fold increase in the number of trains per day and an increase in train length from 2,590 feet to 6,321 feet." (omfpr,atopm from Congressman Visclosky) The result would absolutely impede the flow of automobile traffic (which is presently problematic in many areas), increase emissions (again, already a problem of high concern), and add public safety hazards. The proposed acquisition also would create new obstacles to the expansion of the South Shore Line, which is vital for the region."
  7594. (printed as 8/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8290V. Nicholas
    If others can run our railroads with profit, we need to keep it and evaluate how to run them profitable. When you give the RR away, you no longer control your back yard. And then you have a problem. Pretty soon you have no country to have a say over. Think many times before selling your country's assets. Thank you
    Crown Point, IN
  7595. (printed as 8/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8289Patricia Jongsma
    STB Finance Docket #35087: I strongly oppose the purchase of the EF&E Railroad by CN. Many communities and much of our environment will be destroyed by this purchase.
    Schererville, IN
  7596. (printed as 8/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8288Danae Beverley
    Please consider what STB Docket No. 35087 would do to the air quality and traffic problems we would have if allowed to go through. We have enough enviormental issues here in NW Indiana because of the steel mills, the cross roads of America" and the amount of railways that cross through this area. Please don't increase the potencial for additional pollution in this area. Think about people more than profit!"
  7597. (printed as 7/31/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8434Weber, Deborah
  7598. (printed as 7/31/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8415Schmidt, Hans and Claudia
  7599. (printed as 7/31/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8287James Westerfield
    I would prefer that Canadien National not be allowed to purchase the EJ&E.
    St. John, IN
  7600. (printed as 7/31/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8286Nick Hlavaty
    Ref: STB Finance Docket No. 35087 I am opposed to the CN acquisition of EJ&E because of the harm it will do to the Calumet Area's quality of life. Air Polution is but one important negative issue of the deal. More trains would bring more pollution. More and longer trains will increase the waiting automobiles' idle time, wasting more energy and causing more air pollution. Longer trains that tie up more rail crossings is another issue of inconvenience and safety to area residents. There are nothing but negatives for the area's residents, and it seems all of the positives are CN's. Please consider the Calumet Area's residents' concerns as you move through the decision making process. Thank you, Nick Hlavaty
    East Chicago, Indiana
  7601. (printed as 7/31/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8285Mary McKiernan
    Re: STB Finance Docket No. 35087 I am writing to strongly protest CN's acquisition of the EJ&E Railroad. From what I understand, this acquisition would create a tremendous environmental burden on NW Indiana, not to mention the prevention of timely travel due to more and longer trains. As it is, I approach the Ogden Dunes' train station with intrepidation every day because of the amount of freights that pass over the tracks before I can turn into the parking lot to catch my train to Chicago's Loop to get to work. I never know when I'll get caught on the wrong side of the tracks and then get to see my train pulling out of the station because the one, two or three freights that may have been passing prohibited my catching the train. The thought of more and longer trains makes me want to move out of the area. The time is now for NW Indiana to shine as a mover and shaker for industry and the environment. We all need to work together to make it happen and we may need to forgo the idea of PROFIT MARGINS in order to make it happen! Focus on what's good for all, not just good for one! Thank you for your anticipated goodwill! Mary
    Portage, Indiana
  7602. (printed as 7/31/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8284Gloria Smederovac
    We have enough pollution in NW Indiana. We do not need longer trains, more traffic delays & more pollution from idling cars. We DON'T want it!!
    Lowell, IN
  7603. (printed as 7/31/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8283Linn Melone
    This action can only have negative impact for the Plainfield, Naperville and Aurora area. We tax payers should not have to be burden with paying for the over passes in addition to dealing with constant delays throughout the day. Plus the damm whistle! I feel you wasted so... many peoples time and money. It seams like this was decided way before the meeting even took place. Obliviously MONEY means far more to you people than what is good and safe for our community.
    Aurora, Illinois
  7604. (printed as 7/31/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8274Lewis, Chad
  7605. served (printed as 7/30/2008)
    Decision
    39253Secretary · also entered in FD 35087 (Sub-No. 1), FD 35087 (Sub-No. 2), FD 35087 (Sub-No. 3), FD 35087 (Sub-No. 4), FD 35087 (Sub-No. 5), FD 35087 (Sub-No. 6), FD 35087 (Sub-No. 7)
    PROVIDED NOTICE TO THE PARTIES OF A CORRECTION TO THE DATES OF TWO PUBLIC MEETINGS IN THE DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT ISSUED ON JUNE 25, 2008, IN THIS PROCEEDING.
  7606. (printed as 7/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8546State of Illinois
    Howard, Constance
  7607. (printed as 7/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8307Paolella, Elaine
  7608. (printed as 7/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8306Paolella, Elaine
  7609. (printed as 7/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8238EVA LEN
    I have purchased my home 7 yrs ago knowing the rail volume traffic I will be hearing . The house is very close by to the EJE tracks. I do wake up at night when I hear the horns. Pls take into consideration little guys" . I can't affor to move at this time. But even thinking of increase rail volume and whistle horns makes me very upset. Pls keep this in mind when you make your final decision. thank you Eva"
  7610. (printed as 7/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13895Guy, Lisa
  7611. (printed as 7/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13366Bartlett Fire Protection District
    Heine, Kevin D.
  7612. (printed as 7/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8663Abbott, Jeffrey R.
  7613. (printed as 7/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8403Aslin, Neil and Jane
  7614. (printed as 7/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8305Tortorice, Ross
  7615. (printed as 7/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8304Anderson, Jim
  7616. (printed as 7/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8237Dean M. Kellum
    I find your study to be inadequate. It identifies a wide range of consequences that this merger would have on my community, but dismisses far too many of them as insignificant". I feel the board has placed too small a price on the severe impact that this merger will have on the quality of life in my community."
  7617. (printed as 7/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14868McCarthy, Karen A.
  7618. (printed as 7/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13867Gaj, Geri
  7619. (printed as 7/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8641Woodworth, Jane
  7620. (printed as 7/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8303Mangano, Jeff
  7621. (printed as 7/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8301Chulet, Calub
  7622. (printed as 7/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13868Rein, Susy
  7623. (printed as 7/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8300Wisner, Paul
  7624. (printed as 7/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13888Haire, Robert, L.
  7625. (printed as 7/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8635Johnston, Percy W.
  7626. (printed as 7/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8386Wells, Christine
  7627. (printed as 7/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8155Randy Juras
    Many citizens around Frankfort will be fighting the expansion of CN along the EJ&E railroad lines. And for many reasons. My main concern is how this proposed project" will actually help the Transmodal terminal being discussed in Lockport. Just down the road from where I live. With the I-355 extension now in place, the future seems to hold extreme traffic congestion for the communities of New Lenox, Homer Glen, Lockport and Lemont. All of which the citizens currently living here do not want. The proposed truck and train traffic increases are not accpetable. Regardlesss of what the "experts" are forcing us to listen too, the added air and noise pollution are not what we all moved out here for. We cherish our air quality. We do not trust what developers are telling us will be "acceptable" wetlands reductions. It is the opinion, and wishes, of many of us citizens that we simply do not want to have more traffic going thru or even near our quiet communties. I would also add that the idea of more hazardous material traveling near Homer Glen is not a pleasant thought! If I wanted to live near train tracks, I would have move near them. But since I knew what I wanted to avoid, I, like many other citizens, moved out here. It simply is not our problem CN wants to take another route thru this area. So rest assured that many of the citizens within this area will be flooding the offices of all our elected officials expressing our views. Home Glen has a rich history of taking tough stands on environmental issues. The environmental impact more trains traveling thru and near Homer Glen will not be accepted. It is not a matter of what is "cost effective" for shippers, but rather what is environmentally acceptable for our community! Respectfully, Randy Juras"
  7628. served (printed as 7/25/2008)
    Decision
    39185Chief Of Section Of Environmental Analysis
    DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT FOR CANADIAN NATIONAL RAILWAY COMPANY AND GRAND TRUNK CORPORATION--CONTROL--EJ&E WEST COMPANY.
  7629. served (printed as 7/25/2008)
    Decision
    39148Entire Board
    DECISION GRANTED CANADIAN NATIONAL RAILWAY COMPANY AND GRAND TRUNK CORPORATION'S REQUEST FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF TIME LIMITS FOR THE COMPLETION OF THE NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY ACT REVIEW AND THE ISSUANCE OF A FINAL DECISION, BUT IT DENIED THE APPLICANTS' REQUEST TO ADOPT THEIR PROPOSED SCHEDULE. IN ADDITION, THIS DECISION ALSO DENIED SEVERAL REPLY MOTIONS BY OTHER PARTIES REQUESTING AN EXTENDED 120-DAY DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT COMMENT PERIOD.
  7630. (printed as 7/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13891Peters, Brad
  7631. (printed as 7/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13880Lau, Marsha
  7632. (printed as 7/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8662Paul, Danielle
  7633. (printed as 7/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8645Yara, Mary Ann
  7634. (printed as 7/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8636Kruchten, Larry
  7635. (printed as 7/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8633Zielinski, Shelly C.
  7636. (printed as 7/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8631Paul, John
  7637. (printed as 7/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8389Turner, Frank and Debbie
  7638. (printed as 7/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8384Bosco, Steven
  7639. (printed as 7/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8383Braucher, Lisa S.
  7640. (printed as 7/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8381Burback, Tim and Joanna
  7641. (printed as 7/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8339CDM
    Demuth, Mark A.
  7642. (printed as 7/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8302Elkins, Franicis S
  7643. (printed as 7/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8154Judy Smith
    Please don't allow this foreign company access to our railroad system. Keep the jobs for Americans! Help us help ourselves without adding further complications for us to have to deal with. Thank you.
    Arlington Heights, Illinois
  7644. (printed as 7/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14407Sherbakov, Alla
  7645. (printed as 7/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14406Yeaker, Elina
  7646. (printed as 7/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13872Gaj, Ron
  7647. (printed as 7/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8649schroeck, Michael
  7648. (printed as 7/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8644Howell, Susan
  7649. (printed as 7/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8638Macminn, Dawn
  7650. (printed as 7/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8632Hicks, Timothy M.
  7651. (printed as 7/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8387Guenzeler, Robert and Mary Ann
  7652. (printed as 7/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8270Vizgirda, Valerie
  7653. (printed as 7/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8269Mack, Carolyn
  7654. (printed as 7/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8267Frankel, Thomas H.
  7655. (printed as 7/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8264Storey, Karen
  7656. (printed as 7/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8156Roy Rumaner
    I want to urge you to deny the application of the EJ&E to CN. The impact on all the communities along the route would be severely impacted that and quality of life would become ruined. Commuting, emergency services, schools and the general population would be negatively affected. It is not that we are against progress, but not progress that would negatively affect hundreds or thousands of Americans by a foreign company. Do not allow this sale to Canadian National.
    Aurora, IL
  7657. (printed as 7/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8153Linda Hoffman
    I am expressing our concerns on the purchase of the EJ & E railroad which runs along our subdivision. Frankfort has only 3 roads that allow us to travel north to south. Harlem Avenue, LaGrange Road and Wolf Road. Blocking these roads will increase the already congested roads that we experience daily. On an almost daily basis Laraway Road which runs east to west between LaGrange and Wolf will have a back up of cars almost 1/4 to 1/2 mile long due to problems from I-80 which force cars to take Harlem Avenue to get to LaGrange and Wolf. Blocking these roads with trains is unexceptable. We already have no way around traffic jams. Please do not allow a foreign owned company control more of the US citizens. I think we put up with enough as it is. How about we stand up for ourselves and put our foot down. And if they want the tracks then they should pay for the improvement of overpasses for safety and so the US citizens do not have to pay for the improvements. Please work for the people and let the CN pay. They can afford it. I'm sure the President CEO can go without for a while. I know the American people do lately.
    Frankfort, IL
  7658. (printed as 7/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8143Gary, Dennis Allen
  7659. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-16007Garcia, Lisa
  7660. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-16006Strohfelat, Pattie
  7661. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-16005Mathison, Sharon
  7662. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-16004Illegible
  7663. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-16003Wulf, Heather
  7664. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-16002Call, Toni
  7665. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-16001Terclaw, Gilbert
  7666. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-16000Teclaw, Carol
  7667. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15999Yader, Ajay
  7668. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15998Horvath, Jackie
  7669. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15997Altekruse, Karen
  7670. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15996Kau, Min-Hui
  7671. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15995Dovalovsky, Jason
  7672. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15994Fazio, Margie
  7673. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15993Miranda, Steve
  7674. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15992Miranda, Sue
  7675. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15991Bleizeffer, Steve
  7676. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15990Palm, Chris
  7677. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15989Altekruse, John
  7678. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15988Huang, Lee Ann
  7679. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15987Chou, Kan
  7680. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15986Boland, Brenda
  7681. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15985Dovalovsky, Laura
  7682. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15984Peyjam, Rana
  7683. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15983Peyjam, Fariborz
  7684. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15982Huang, Jerry
  7685. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15981Illegible
  7686. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15980Larson, Kristin
  7687. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15979Illegible
  7688. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15978Krauss, Stephanie
  7689. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15977Illegible
  7690. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15976Meyer, Anita
  7691. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15975Meyer, John
  7692. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15974Chandike, R
  7693. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15973Kahn, Saleem
  7694. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15972Cooper, Leigh
  7695. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15971Ragsdale, Elaine
  7696. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15970Benavides, Sherwin
  7697. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15969Garramone, Vincent
  7698. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15968Podlesny, Natasha
  7699. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15954Podlesny, Sergey
  7700. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-14862Hankins, Julie
  7701. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13879Brown, Robert L.
  7702. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13876Krup, James B.
  7703. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13875Krupa, Diane M.
  7704. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13869Glaser, Pam
  7705. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13029Sorenson, Orville
  7706. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13028Lloyd,Cheryl
  7707. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13027Mikulan, Sharon
  7708. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13026Ravelo, Robert
  7709. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13025Lloyd, James
  7710. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13024Dalessio, Lisa
  7711. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13023Chang, Stacy
  7712. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13022Dverde, Heather
  7713. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13021Dawkins, Leo
  7714. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13020Tsao, David
  7715. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13019Czepiel, Robert
  7716. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13018Kaiser, Pat
  7717. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13017Sorensen,Mary
  7718. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13016Ravelo
  7719. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-12947Montemurno, Patricia
  7720. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11876Howell,Susan
  7721. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11869Panacchia,David
  7722. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11864Siek,Judy
  7723. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8694Skov, Cheryl
  7724. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8661Czachor, Charles L.
  7725. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8660McNally, Nancy
  7726. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8659Starman, Gary
  7727. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8658Wolschlag, Lisa
  7728. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8657Alderson, Michael B.
  7729. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8656Kloster, Susan
  7730. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8655Swaim, Diane L.
  7731. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8654Knowles
  7732. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8650Daugherty, Jolene
  7733. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8629Kennedy, Katherine M.
  7734. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8623Lambur, Paula J
  7735. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8622Huerta, Elpidio
  7736. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8621Moore, Mike
  7737. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8620Donovan, Erik
  7738. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8619Kopcio, Pamela
  7739. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8609Hanna, Jeanette
  7740. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8524Wagner, Jennifer
  7741. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8522Palanievelu, Syreshkumar
  7742. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8521Bautista, Saturnino
  7743. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8520Olson, Ken A.
  7744. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8519Azari, Bardan
  7745. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8518Smith, Melanie
  7746. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8517McFatridge, Irene C.
  7747. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8516Baker, Kenneth
  7748. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8515Hartigan, Annie & Jai
  7749. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8514Siewak, Beverly J.
  7750. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8513Ferneau, Bernard
  7751. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8508UNKNOWN
  7752. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8505Starr, Walter
  7753. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8504Zdanowski, Chester
  7754. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8503Zdanowski, Patricia
  7755. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8502Cuartero Jr., Leoncio
  7756. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8501Bugaj, Ardith A.
  7757. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8500Blair, Richard
  7758. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8499Gordon, Dori
  7759. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8498Estrada, Arturo
  7760. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8497Diederich, Katie
  7761. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8495Donna
  7762. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8493Panozzo, Sandra
  7763. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8491Andruseuk, Pavel
  7764. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8490Gaudio, Anthony
  7765. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8489Gaudio, Katie
  7766. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8488Drane, Rodney
  7767. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8487Martinez, Francisca
  7768. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8486Neuman, Robert
  7769. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8484Gonzalez, Ernest
  7770. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8483Vrljicak, Marty
  7771. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8482Tran, Chi Huu
  7772. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8481Do, Hien
  7773. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8480Nasman, Sharon
  7774. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8479Nasman, John
  7775. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8470Orozco, Armando
  7776. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8469Thompson, J.
  7777. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8468Hoffmann, Susan
  7778. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8467Frye, Maribel & Darrell
  7779. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8466Smith, Duane
  7780. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8465Deluco, Anthony
  7781. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8464Olson, Nicole
  7782. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8463Felsten, Jacqueline and Brian
  7783. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8462Chavez, Luis D.
  7784. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8461O'Dowd, Matt
  7785. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8460Slasor, Jean
  7786. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8459Klewicki, Tim
  7787. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8458Vidican, Tammy
  7788. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8457Soltau, Chyrlie J.
  7789. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8456Young, Carole A.
  7790. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8454Gathman, David A.
  7791. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8453Roberts, Jessica
  7792. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8452Karlinski, Virginia
  7793. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8451Neuman, Robert
  7794. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8450Chickerillo, Robert
  7795. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8449Swanson, Laura
  7796. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8448Toscano, Maria
  7797. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8447Parcels, Alona and Matthew
  7798. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8446Johnson, Peter
  7799. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8445Rainboth, Alexander
  7800. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8442Rios, Margaret
  7801. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8441Rios, Isaiah
  7802. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8440West Jr., R. L
  7803. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8439Kidd, Donna
  7804. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8438Pineda, Carlos and Benita
  7805. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8437Vander Giessen, Marvin C & Barbara
  7806. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8436Rizzo, Anthony
  7807. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8435Waseem, Shezeen
  7808. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8411Howard, Matthew A.
  7809. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8410Kennedy, Daniel J.
  7810. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8409Carlson, Diane
  7811. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8408Bertram, Candice & Ben
  7812. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8407Brusseau
  7813. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8406Brusseau, Linda
  7814. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8405Salem, George T.
  7815. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8404Salem, Susan
  7816. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8402Mazurek, Barbara
  7817. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8388Flanagan, Rita M.
  7818. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8382Ganster, Steven H and Glenna
  7819. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8378Savglio, Angel
  7820. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8377Glowaty, Loretta V.
  7821. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8376Adams, Adrienne
  7822. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8375Savglio, Ralph R.
  7823. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8374Weeden, Shirley C.
  7824. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8373Chin Jr., Daniel I.
  7825. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8372Adams, Pat
  7826. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8371Leo, Shirley and Bill
  7827. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8370Hosticka, Suzanne A.
  7828. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8369Peterson, Dixon
  7829. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8368Palmer, Nate
  7830. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8367Wiggins, Michael
  7831. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8366Gardiner, Jane and John
  7832. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8365Mervine, Phyllis
  7833. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8364Beyer, Bud
  7834. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8363Dahlman, Mark J.
  7835. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8362Sheehan, Donna
  7836. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8361Flaherty, Linda
  7837. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8360Almieri, Steve
  7838. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8359Almieri, Paul
  7839. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8358Almieri. Linda
  7840. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8357Ossyra, Rachel
  7841. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8356Springman, Sandra
  7842. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8355Butler, Tracy L.
  7843. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8354Melton, Michael B.
  7844. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8353Kinshaw, Michael
  7845. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8352Tudisco, Nicole
  7846. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8351Cherry, Carol
  7847. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8350Cherry, Randy A.
  7848. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8349Coit, Michael T.
  7849. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8348Mazurek, Martin
  7850. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8347Pelka, Jeanne
  7851. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8346Moss, Rick and Tami
  7852. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8345Geweniger, Freda
  7853. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8344Reynolds, Lauren
  7854. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8343Meador, Jeff
  7855. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8342Arquilla, Steven
  7856. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8341Cawley, Shirley
  7857. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8340Sieh, Erica
  7858. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8338Horner,Cheryl
  7859. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8337Moline, Lawrence
  7860. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8336Landry, George
  7861. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8334Hu, Andra
  7862. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8333Schweiger, Frederick
  7863. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8332Knox, Patricia
  7864. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8331Zubic, Nada
  7865. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8330Kregg, John
  7866. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8329Zeck, Craig
  7867. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8328Zubic, Dragan
  7868. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8327Meyer, Patty
  7869. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8326Meyer, Zack
  7870. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8325Meyer, Patrice
  7871. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8324Meyer, Brooke
  7872. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8323Termine, Diana
  7873. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8322Termine, John
  7874. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8321Foster, Jan
  7875. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8320Kinshaw, Lorraine
  7876. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8319Olson, Hiedi
  7877. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8318Guttas, Fred J.
  7878. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8317Mahony, Mary
  7879. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8316Barry, Shannon
  7880. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8315Spaeth, Richard
  7881. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8314Spaeth, Elizabeth
  7882. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8313Kurkjian, Charles
  7883. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8312Groth, Lisa
  7884. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8273Madsen, James
  7885. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8272Bruno, Rosario
  7886. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8252Batemore, Ginny
  7887. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8215Holtserg, Mary
  7888. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8174D'Agostino, Susanne
  7889. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8172Ortinau, Charlses and Susan
  7890. (printed as 7/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8171D'Agnostino, Armand
  7891. (printed as 7/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13874Kakos, James Dr.
  7892. (printed as 7/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8276Melrose Park Chamber of Commerce
    Stenberg, Cathy K.
  7893. (printed as 7/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8271Ferrari, Christine
  7894. (printed as 7/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8254Storey, Norma L.
  7895. (printed as 7/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8253Conway, Lena
  7896. (printed as 7/21/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8278McConway & Torley, LLC
    Wolf, Eric
  7897. (printed as 7/21/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8259Storey, W.B.
  7898. (printed as 7/21/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8247Schless, Robert M.
  7899. (printed as 7/21/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8158Scholar, Trudy
  7900. (printed as 7/19/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13877Coleman, Nora
  7901. (printed as 7/19/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8229McGuire, Sharon
  7902. (printed as 7/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13870Griffin, Vanessa
  7903. (printed as 7/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8646Hipps, Joyce
  7904. (printed as 7/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8380Howe, Mary
  7905. (printed as 7/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8275Amsted Rail
    Wories, John
  7906. (printed as 7/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8266Watkins, Earnest
  7907. (printed as 7/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8263Mullins, Wanda
  7908. (printed as 7/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8261Kalebich, Catherine
  7909. (printed as 7/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8235Lambert, Michael
  7910. (printed as 7/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8177Thomas, B. J.
  7911. (printed as 7/17/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8277City of Crest Hill
    Tomasoski, John D.
  7912. (printed as 7/17/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8260Davis, Gloria
  7913. (printed as 7/17/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8071Plainfield Public Library District
    Milavec, Julie M.
  7914. (printed as 7/16/2008)
    Comments
    222958Comment
    Village Of Bartlett
  7915. (printed as 7/16/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8412Jones, Kelly
  7916. (printed as 7/16/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8379Jones, William
  7917. (printed as 7/16/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8145Dayton, Paul C.
  7918. (printed as 7/16/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8069City of Chicago
    Balcer, James A.
  7919. (printed as 7/16/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8062Kravis, Stuart
  7920. (printed as 7/16/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8060Weber, George
  7921. (printed as 7/16/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8056PHH Arval
    Kilroy, George J.
  7922. (printed as 7/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8159Stewart, Ida
  7923. (printed as 7/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8070Portec Rail Products, Inc.
    Sieja, L. J.
  7924. (printed as 7/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8061Dunlea, Sean
  7925. (printed as 7/14/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8053Strato
    Clark, Walton V.
  7926. (printed as 7/14/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8023Richard Meyers
    This letter is to show my support for the proposed aquisition of the EJ&E Railway by Canadian National(Docket # 35087). I am a resident of Mount Prospect, Illinois who owns a home directly behind the Canadian National lines. Not only do these lines run freight trains, but they also run commuter trains. CN runs approximately 15-20 freight trains a day. I would like to see CN aquire the EJ&E to help reduce some of the train traffic running through my backyard. The amount of trains running along the CN line has grown during the time I have lived in my home. The trains don't really bother me. They rarely cause a great deal of traffic congestion for me or my family. There is the occasional engine that seems to produce more pollution then the other well maintained locomotives. It would be nice to have some of the other communities help carry the burden. Residents in Barrington and other communities are raising concerns over traffic, pollution, other quality of live issues. These are still concerns within communities in my area. It only seems fair to allow CN to aquire the EJ&E and relieve some of the train congestion for communities like, Buffalo Grove, Mount Prospect, and Des Plaines. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact me via email at the above address. Two freight trains have passed behind my house as I wrote this email to express my support. Only 18 more to go!!
    Mount Prospect, Illinois
  7927. (printed as 7/12/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8139Morrisey, Frank
  7928. (printed as 7/11/2008)
    Statement
    222892Verified Statement/Support Statement
    R. Bruce Josten, U.S. Chamber Of Commerce
  7929. (printed as 7/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8138Gader, Nicalene
  7930. (printed as 7/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8126Liberty, Mary
  7931. (printed as 7/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8068Acklands Grainger
    O'Brien, Sean
  7932. (printed as 7/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8058Wabtec Corporation
    Neupaver, Albert J.
  7933. (printed as 7/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8057Plasser American Corporation
    Neuhofer, Josef W.
  7934. (printed as 7/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8027United States Chamber of Commerce
    Josten, R. Bruce
  7935. (printed as 7/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8640Collins, Robert
  7936. (printed as 7/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8225Schoeph, Maria
  7937. (printed as 7/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8176Scheoph, John R.
  7938. (printed as 7/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8175Schoeph, John P.
  7939. (printed as 7/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8125Brewer, James A.
  7940. (printed as 7/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8117Skuta, Nancy
  7941. (printed as 7/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8065Village of Bartlett
    Melchert, Catherine
  7942. (printed as 7/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8043Ronsco, Inc
    Regan, Donald G.
  7943. (printed as 7/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8041Southern Technologies Corporation
    Mench, Paul
  7944. (printed as 7/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8197Prendergast, James J.
  7945. (printed as 7/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8141Booth, Peter
  7946. (printed as 7/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8064House of Reppresenatives
    Jefferies, Elga
  7947. (printed as 7/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8040LB Foster
    Hammons, Mark S.
  7948. (printed as 7/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8037Miner Enterprises
    Jurasek, Kris C.
  7949. (printed as 7/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8026United States Congress
    Roskam, Peter
  7950. (printed as 7/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8021Hoagland, Louise
  7951. (printed as 7/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8020Holmes, Paul
  7952. (printed as 7/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8019Hills, Annie
  7953. (printed as 7/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8018Edwards, Dennis
  7954. (printed as 7/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8017Labiak, David
  7955. (printed as 7/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8016Burney, Awnyadda
  7956. (printed as 7/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8015Correa, Francisco
  7957. (printed as 7/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8013Keegan, Marlene
  7958. (printed as 7/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8012Tarpinian, Parse
  7959. (printed as 7/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8011Koran, Edward
  7960. (printed as 7/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8010Holmes, Kenneth
  7961. (printed as 7/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8009Acerra, Dominic
  7962. (printed as 7/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8008Noeltner, James
  7963. (printed as 7/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8007Degodny, Aaron
  7964. (printed as 7/7/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8213Olson, Todd
  7965. (printed as 7/7/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8207Franklin, Marie
  7966. (printed as 7/7/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8168Dimitri, Dimitri
  7967. (printed as 7/7/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8166Rabenau, Nancy
  7968. (printed as 7/7/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8144Zaika, Elana
  7969. (printed as 7/7/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8113Summers, Timothy
  7970. (printed as 7/7/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8111Kolbe, Gary L.
  7971. (printed as 7/7/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8074Atlas Oil Company
    Simon, Sam
  7972. (printed as 7/7/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8066Atlas Oil Company
    Kenyon, Robert
  7973. (printed as 7/7/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8059KLW - Wheelco
    Is'kov, Michael
  7974. (printed as 7/7/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8054Sands Bulk Transport
    Sands, Wayne
  7975. (printed as 7/7/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8044Atlas Oil Company
    Evans, Michael
  7976. (printed as 7/7/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8034GE Transportation
    Tucker, David
  7977. (printed as 7/7/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8030Herzog Contracting Corporation
    Mooney, David T.
  7978. (printed as 7/7/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8006Davis, Nancy
  7979. (printed as 7/7/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8005Davey, John
  7980. (printed as 7/7/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8004Harris, Mary
  7981. (printed as 7/7/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8003Toveli, John
  7982. (printed as 7/7/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8002Wilberschied, Shirley
  7983. (printed as 7/7/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8001Cada, John
  7984. (printed as 7/7/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8000Sorice, Toni
  7985. (printed as 7/7/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7999Conrad, Lechia
  7986. (printed as 7/7/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7998Harris, Minnie
  7987. (printed as 7/7/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7997Brown, Suzanne
  7988. (printed as 7/7/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7996Kearney, Jim and Darcy
  7989. (printed as 7/7/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7995Russell, Shirley
  7990. (printed as 7/7/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7994Russell, Shirley
  7991. (printed as 7/7/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7993Booker, Juan
  7992. (printed as 7/7/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7992Edwards, Melva
  7993. (printed as 7/7/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7991Hill, Charley
  7994. (printed as 7/7/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7990Kube, Fran
  7995. (printed as 7/7/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7989Bird, Mark and Lisa
  7996. (printed as 7/7/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7988Murray, Tania
  7997. (printed as 7/7/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7987Richards, Nancy
  7998. (printed as 7/7/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7986Tanksley, Joe
  7999. (printed as 7/7/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7985Duling, Delores
  8000. (printed as 7/7/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7984Braasch, Edwin
  8001. (printed as 7/7/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7983Johnson, Virginia
  8002. (printed as 7/7/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7982Jefferson, Louis
  8003. (printed as 7/7/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7981McKenzie, Lillian
  8004. (printed as 7/7/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7980Crisler, Rose
  8005. (printed as 7/7/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7979Bankhead, Ruthie
  8006. (printed as 7/7/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7978Sodeika, Natalie
  8007. (printed as 7/7/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7977Michalski
  8008. (printed as 7/7/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7976Thompson, Sheila
  8009. (printed as 7/7/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7975Kukla, Harry
  8010. (printed as 7/7/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7974Turner, Christine
  8011. (printed as 7/7/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7973Baier, Lisa
  8012. (printed as 7/7/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7972Cork, Pat
  8013. (printed as 7/7/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7971Sanborn, Elinor
  8014. (printed as 7/7/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7970Gumminger, Harry
  8015. (printed as 7/7/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7969Rice, Mary
  8016. (printed as 7/7/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7968Mance, Sharon
  8017. (printed as 7/7/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7967King, Harriett
  8018. (printed as 7/7/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7966Dabney, Mildred
  8019. (printed as 7/7/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7965Fennema, Ruth
  8020. (printed as 7/7/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7964Powell, Donna
  8021. (printed as 7/7/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7919Automotive Resoruces International
    McKee, W.P.
  8022. (printed as 7/7/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7914Eighteenth Street Development Corporation
    Betlejewski, David
  8023. (printed as 7/7/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7882Lon Burleson
    After spending nearly 43 years in the railroad and railroad products business, I can fully appreciate the impact this form of transport has on the national ecomony. Rail is more vital today in terms of energy consumption and price. The CN proposal to acquire most of the EJ&E is a reasoned approach to improve transport efficency and to help in relieving the rail gridlock in the Chicago region Communities have co-existed with railroads for several decades, and I'm sure the naysayers of the CN-EJ&E transaction,if approved, will learn to do the same thing. The propsed legislative bill by Rep. Peter Roskom, R-Ill to limit a portion of the EJ&E line to commuter transport and restricting additional freight traffic is anti-commerece at best. This is also an affront to the STB which is the lawful agency to preserve interstate commerce. I urge your approval of the CN-EJ&E transaction in an expedited fashion. Thank you.
    Mt. Pleasant, SC
  8024. (printed as 7/4/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8031Vision 2000
    Ostrov, Joel
  8025. (printed as 7/4/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7887National Steel Car Limited
    Aziz, Gregory J.
  8026. (printed as 7/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8643Lopac, George
  8027. (printed as 7/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8265Shusterman, Sam
  8028. (printed as 7/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8256Waiflein, Margaret
  8029. (printed as 7/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8249Quarello, Elaine
  8030. (printed as 7/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8244Artis, Emma
  8031. (printed as 7/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8232Barton, Sue
  8032. (printed as 7/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8224Spaeth, John
  8033. (printed as 7/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8221Thomas, Joe
  8034. (printed as 7/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8212Cullen, Karen
  8035. (printed as 7/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8189Koutsky, Jerry
  8036. (printed as 7/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8173Pishko, Patricia
  8037. (printed as 7/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8169Keyser, Lucille
  8038. (printed as 7/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8161Hunter, James
  8039. (printed as 7/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8131Marshall, Rebecca
  8040. (printed as 7/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8120Evans, Johnnie
  8041. (printed as 7/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8107Kamin, Rosemarie
  8042. (printed as 7/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8104Piskule, Raymond
  8043. (printed as 7/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8102Flathom, Gloria
  8044. (printed as 7/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8101Murray, Peggy
  8045. (printed as 7/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8099Schaal, Carol
  8046. (printed as 7/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8092Reading, Rondald
  8047. (printed as 7/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8089Patt, Jerry
  8048. (printed as 7/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8088Leonard, Dee
  8049. (printed as 7/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8039Rail Tech
    Natale, John
  8050. (printed as 7/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8038LB Foster
    Shue, Sidney A.
  8051. (printed as 7/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8036General Body and Equiptment LTD
    Kaminski, Wolfgang
  8052. (printed as 7/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8033Hewitt CAT
    Hewitt, J. W.
  8053. (printed as 7/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7963Jacobs, Mary
  8054. (printed as 7/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7962Neil, Betty
  8055. (printed as 7/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7961Levaggi, Petronella
  8056. (printed as 7/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7960Larkin, Marilyn
  8057. (printed as 7/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7959Chudzik, Victor
  8058. (printed as 7/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7958Leick, John
  8059. (printed as 7/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7957Zieske, Debbie
  8060. (printed as 7/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7956Cervenka, Donald
  8061. (printed as 7/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7955Cervenka, Marilyn
  8062. (printed as 7/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7954Laskowski, Maureen
  8063. (printed as 7/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7953Acosta, Ricardo
  8064. (printed as 7/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7920LB Foster
    Hasselbusch, Stan L.
  8065. (printed as 7/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7915LB Foster
    Lippard, Gregory W.
  8066. (printed as 7/2/2008)
    Reply
    222724Reply
    Canadian National Railway Company And Grand Trunk Corporation
  8067. (printed as 7/2/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8653Randle, Vivian
  8068. (printed as 7/2/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8651Marshall, Marcia
  8069. (printed as 7/2/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8648Spann, Elizabeth
  8070. (printed as 7/2/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8550Millner, John J.
  8071. (printed as 7/2/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8258Johnson, Lonnie
  8072. (printed as 7/2/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8193Worthen, Kathryn
  8073. (printed as 7/2/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8157Collier, Alanna
  8074. (printed as 7/2/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8140Alwin, Sandra
  8075. (printed as 7/2/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8134Sowa, Sandy
  8076. (printed as 7/2/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8116Taylor, Delois
  8077. (printed as 7/2/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8105Novak, George
  8078. (printed as 7/2/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8091Reed, Roark
  8079. (printed as 7/2/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8073Kendall, V.P.
  8080. (printed as 7/2/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8072Village of Channahon
    Bowden, James F.
  8081. (printed as 7/2/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8032CAD Railway Industries
    Tremblay, Pierre
  8082. (printed as 7/2/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8029Sentinel Canada
    Mikhael, Ralph
  8083. (printed as 7/2/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7952Rettig
  8084. (printed as 7/2/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7951Coyne, James
  8085. (printed as 7/2/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7950Raino, Gerald
  8086. (printed as 7/2/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7949Raino, Mary
  8087. (printed as 7/2/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7948Hawthorne, George
  8088. (printed as 7/2/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7947Arroyo, Isabelle
  8089. (printed as 7/2/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7946Arce, Luis
  8090. (printed as 7/2/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7945Flakus, Thomas
  8091. (printed as 7/2/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7944Zapata, Sylvia
  8092. (printed as 7/2/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7943Laugherty, Linda
  8093. (printed as 7/2/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7942Rajewski, Walter and Sandra
  8094. (printed as 7/2/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7941Reimer, Vernon and Carolyn
  8095. (printed as 7/2/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7940vincent
  8096. (printed as 7/2/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7939Cabrera, Phyllis
  8097. (printed as 7/2/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7938Mehra, Gaurav
  8098. (printed as 7/2/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7937Gann, Matt
  8099. (printed as 7/2/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7936Kolodziej, Mary
  8100. (printed as 7/2/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7918CN
    Cunningham, Paul A.
  8101. (printed as 7/2/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7892Nortrak
    Garneau, Sylvain
  8102. (printed as 7/2/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7872CN
    Cunningham, Paul A.
  8103. (printed as 7/1/2008)
    Statement
    222705Verified Statement/Support Statement
    Canadian National Railway Company And Grand Trunk Corporation
  8104. (printed as 7/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8647Yekich, Stephanie
  8105. (printed as 7/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8257Shambro, Donna
  8106. (printed as 7/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8250Knighton, Thomas
  8107. (printed as 7/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8248O'Brien, Henry
  8108. (printed as 7/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8245Ware, Milton
  8109. (printed as 7/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8234Krucek, Marion
  8110. (printed as 7/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8228Edwards, Mattie
  8111. (printed as 7/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8227Pennacchio, Kathleen
  8112. (printed as 7/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8222Hyman, Richard
  8113. (printed as 7/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8220Walker, Alberta
  8114. (printed as 7/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8219Robinson, Wayne
  8115. (printed as 7/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8216Riley, Daina
  8116. (printed as 7/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8203Konkol, Michael
  8117. (printed as 7/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8202Patterson, Gail
  8118. (printed as 7/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8201Banks, Melvin
  8119. (printed as 7/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8199Novotny, Thomas
  8120. (printed as 7/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8198Pettiford, Karon
  8121. (printed as 7/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8163Williams, Gilbert
  8122. (printed as 7/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8132Newell, Janet
  8123. (printed as 7/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8109Urbon, Mary Jane
  8124. (printed as 7/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8103Pyle, Billy
  8125. (printed as 7/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8097Luxen, Marlene
  8126. (printed as 7/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8096Edwards, Shalmus
  8127. (printed as 7/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8093Georgalidis, Maria
  8128. (printed as 7/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8085Gandhi, Mahendra
  8129. (printed as 7/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8084Dolis, Maureen
  8130. (printed as 7/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8083Vichio, Nick
  8131. (printed as 7/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8082Kaluzsa, Karen
  8132. (printed as 7/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8080Dec, Michael
  8133. (printed as 7/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8079Robinson, Marvell
  8134. (printed as 7/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8078Taylor, Janell
  8135. (printed as 7/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8055Bach-Simpson
    Weber, Paul M.
  8136. (printed as 7/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7935Delrose, Kenneth and Rita
  8137. (printed as 7/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7934Trammell, Ricardo
  8138. (printed as 7/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7933Van Spankeren, Richard
  8139. (printed as 7/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7932Maddox, Joy
  8140. (printed as 7/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7931Bullinger, Frederick
  8141. (printed as 7/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7930Pedersen, Robert
  8142. (printed as 7/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7929Gargaglione, Louis
  8143. (printed as 7/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7928Holloway, Frank
  8144. (printed as 7/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7927Hampton, Lee
  8145. (printed as 7/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7926Whyte, Barbara
  8146. (printed as 7/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7925Crusing, Miriam
  8147. (printed as 7/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7922Shell Chemical LP
    Kelly, Joseph V.
  8148. (printed as 7/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7917County of Du Page
    Schillerstrom, Robert J.
  8149. (printed as 6/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8268Miller, Leroy
  8150. (printed as 6/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8246Ooms, Fred
  8151. (printed as 6/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8226Bejna, Bob
  8152. (printed as 6/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8218Hurst, Bertha
  8153. (printed as 6/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8214Morlock, John
  8154. (printed as 6/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8200Fears, Ralph
  8155. (printed as 6/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8194Barnes, Elizabeth
  8156. (printed as 6/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8160Pocius, Michael
  8157. (printed as 6/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8133Lockett, Hattie
  8158. (printed as 6/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8119Hurt, Mary
  8159. (printed as 6/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8114Washington, Shirley
  8160. (printed as 6/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8108Edwards, Doreatha
  8161. (printed as 6/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8100Given, Maryann
  8162. (printed as 6/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8035First Truck Centre
    Ozirny, Pat
  8163. (printed as 6/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7912Illinois House of Represenatives
    Ramey, Randy
  8164. (printed as 6/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7891Standard Steel
    Farrell, Michael J.
  8165. (printed as 6/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7864Meilner, Ed
  8166. (printed as 6/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7863Tulley, Alice
  8167. (printed as 6/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7862Voitik, Julie
  8168. (printed as 6/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7861Voitik Jr., Richard
  8169. (printed as 6/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7860Newell
  8170. (printed as 6/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7859Kloos, Marguerite
  8171. (printed as 6/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7858Lewis, Carl
  8172. (printed as 6/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7857Buonadonna, Mary Ann
  8173. (printed as 6/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7856Johnson, Joan
  8174. (printed as 6/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7855Raino, Alex
  8175. (printed as 6/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7854Koch, John
  8176. (printed as 6/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7853Ford, Willamena
  8177. (printed as 6/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7852Smits, James
  8178. (printed as 6/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7851Bauer, Gail
  8179. (printed as 6/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7850Eddins, Lillie
  8180. (printed as 6/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7849UNKNOWN
  8181. (printed as 6/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7848Maley, Mary
  8182. (printed as 6/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7847Kerkstra, Ray
  8183. (printed as 6/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7846Koch, Karen
  8184. (printed as 6/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7845Zeno, William
  8185. (printed as 6/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7844Monsour, Mike
  8186. (printed as 6/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7843Raino, Craig
  8187. (printed as 6/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7842Phelps, Rose
  8188. (printed as 6/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7841Kilsdonk, Nancy
  8189. (printed as 6/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7840Guerrero, Mary
  8190. (printed as 6/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7839Albert, Kimberley
  8191. (printed as 6/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7838Bingham, Rich
  8192. (printed as 6/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7837Szlachta, Arthur
  8193. (printed as 6/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7836Bookstein, Crescence
  8194. (printed as 6/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7835Herdrich, Ralph
  8195. (printed as 6/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7834Griffin, Gregory
  8196. (printed as 6/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7833Rooney, Kenneth
  8197. (printed as 6/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7832Sufak, Rich
  8198. (printed as 6/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7831Martin, Willie
  8199. (printed as 6/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7830Taylor, Dorothy
  8200. (printed as 6/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7829Johnson, Lillie
  8201. (printed as 6/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7828Clemens, Harry
  8202. (printed as 6/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7827Stewart, Ida
  8203. (printed as 6/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7826Spielman, Diane
  8204. (printed as 6/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7825Ethridge, Margaret
  8205. (printed as 6/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7824Gallagher, Bernard
  8206. (printed as 6/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7823Brown, Laveryl
  8207. (printed as 6/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7822Flanagan, Dianne
  8208. (printed as 6/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7821England, Shirley
  8209. (printed as 6/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7820Thomas, Phyllis
  8210. (printed as 6/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7819Dobosz, Nancy
  8211. (printed as 6/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7818Sarpy, Kathleen
  8212. (printed as 6/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7817Caver, Orie
  8213. (printed as 6/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7816Horton, Zeola
  8214. (printed as 6/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7815Phelps, Jim
  8215. (printed as 6/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7814Anderson, Annie
  8216. (printed as 6/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7813Robertson, John
  8217. (printed as 6/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7812Klemm, Pete
  8218. (printed as 6/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7811Banks, Harry
  8219. (printed as 6/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7810Quinn, Joan
  8220. (printed as 6/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7809Gozdal, Matthew
  8221. (printed as 6/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7808Thomas, Adrianne
  8222. (printed as 6/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7807Kolbe, Gary
  8223. (printed as 6/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7806Friis, John
  8224. (printed as 6/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7759ST
    Mareleau, James
  8225. (printed as 6/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7744Matthew McClure
    Since the Supreme Court ruled in Gibbons v. Ogden(1824), the issue of interstate commerce has been the domain of the federal government, not the states. Linking the purchase to actualizing the STAR line would win over some of those complaining in Barrington, but importantly would win widespread support throughout the NW suburban Chicago area. We know we would be better served working to finalize the STAR route than complain about CN. Surprisingly to some, CN could negotiate haulage/trackage rights over the EJ&E and run as many trains as it wishes without a single upgrade or improvement. It is tiresome to hear the whining from the Barringtons about how horrific life will be with a few trains. Welcome to the era of economy of scale and the CREATE plan! What is important is to utilize the J" to its potential--providing that the STAR line is part of the takeover plan."
  8226. (printed as 6/27/2008)
    Statement
    222680Verified Statement/Support Statement
    Canadian National Railway Company And Grand Trunk Corporation
  8227. (printed as 6/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8642Milicevic, Kathy
  8228. (printed as 6/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8634Gillig, Dennis J.
  8229. (printed as 6/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8255Thomas, Betty
  8230. (printed as 6/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8243Tabb, Roosevelt
  8231. (printed as 6/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8223Livingston, Mary
  8232. (printed as 6/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8190Houceck, Kathy
  8233. (printed as 6/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8185Ringer, Antoinette
  8234. (printed as 6/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8180Luins, Manola
  8235. (printed as 6/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8167Baker, Tommie
  8236. (printed as 6/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8136Kuzminski, Paul
  8237. (printed as 6/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8127Steekley, Brenda
  8238. (printed as 6/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8121Ratcliff, Elenior
  8239. (printed as 6/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8118Nutile, Patricia
  8240. (printed as 6/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8112Blum, John
  8241. (printed as 6/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8098Griffin, Patricia
  8242. (printed as 6/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8087Matejka, Susan
  8243. (printed as 6/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8086Matejka, Wayne
  8244. (printed as 6/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7916Illinois House of Represenatives
    Mulligan, Rosemary
  8245. (printed as 6/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7913Chicago Southland Chamber of Commerce
    Zeigler, Lisa
  8246. (printed as 6/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7893IL State Represenative
    Mathias, Sidney H.
  8247. (printed as 6/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7889United Steel and Fasteners, Inc.
    Sargis, Michele
  8248. (printed as 6/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7804Simmons, Thomas
  8249. (printed as 6/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7742HARKINS CUNNINGHAM
    CUNNINGHAM, PAUL A.
  8250. (printed as 6/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8188Chappell, Nancy
  8251. (printed as 6/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8170Danielwicz, James
  8252. (printed as 6/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8135George, Raymond
  8253. (printed as 6/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8128Butler, Luella
  8254. (printed as 6/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8028Reefer Sales and Services
    Henwood, Ken
  8255. (printed as 6/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7921TBS Construction
    Brummerstedt, Timothy
  8256. (printed as 6/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7910Kurtis Enterprises, LLC
    Brummerstedt, Timothy
  8257. (printed as 6/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7888Electro-Motive
    Passett, Lynne
  8258. (printed as 6/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7875Industry-Railway Suppliers
    O'Connor, H.R.
  8259. (printed as 6/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7873Trinity Rail
    Wallace, Patrick S.
  8260. (printed as 6/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7871Miani Tribe of Oklahoma
    Sutterfield, Joshua
  8261. (printed as 6/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7805Frye, Betty
  8262. (printed as 6/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7803Ferguson, Hilary
  8263. (printed as 6/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7802Carillo, Maria
  8264. (printed as 6/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7801Rixon, R.L.
  8265. (printed as 6/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7800Krall, Richard
  8266. (printed as 6/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7761BUS
    Beatty, Perrin
  8267. (printed as 6/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7743Cathy Cortez
    This letter is in support of the CN/EJ&E transaction. The EJ&E is a great new route for the traffic to run around the Chicago region. It will eliminate trucks off the highways, move traffic more efficiently and clears up congestion in areas that aren't getting as much publicity as those opposing it. Bottom line is that towns do not want rail traffic going through their confines. I get that, however I also get that people have a choice in where they live and it is ridiculous to think that trains will not run on railroad tracks. I for one, would like to see less trucks on the highway. Rail is a greener way to transport. I'm asking that the STB look at the overall benefits of the transaction to the larger region and not just those in opposition. You will see it best serves the Chicagoland region and it's outlying suburbs. Thank you for your time.
    TINLEY PARK, IL
  8268. served (printed as 6/25/2008)
    Decision
    39171Secretary · also entered in FD 35087 (Sub-No. 1), FD 35087 (Sub-No. 2), FD 35087 (Sub-No. 3), FD 35087 (Sub-No. 4), FD 35087 (Sub-No. 5), FD 35087 (Sub-No. 6), FD 35087 (Sub-No. 7)
    DECISION GRANTED CANADIAN NATIONAL RAILWAY COMPANY'S AND GRAND TRUNK CORPORATION'S REQUEST FOR AN EXTENSION OF TIME UNTIL JULY 2, 2008.
  8269. (printed as 6/25/2008)
    Environmental
    222683Environmental Materials
    Cn/Eje Site Visit
  8270. (printed as 6/25/2008)
    Request
    222666Request For Extension Of Time
    Canadian National Railway Company And Grand Trunk Corporation
  8271. (printed as 6/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8042Portec Rail Products, Inc
    Papazoglou, Kostas
  8272. (printed as 6/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7876Metro East Industries
    Ortyl, Gayle L.
  8273. (printed as 6/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7874Glasvan Great Dane Sales
    Cobham, George
  8274. (printed as 6/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7799Caraway, Jimmie
  8275. (printed as 6/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7798Young, Delores
  8276. (printed as 6/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7797Hogue, Ronald
  8277. (printed as 6/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7796Stitt, Rosa
  8278. (printed as 6/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7795Kocinski, Robert
  8279. (printed as 6/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7794Marron, Margaret
  8280. (printed as 6/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7793Blogg, Linda
  8281. (printed as 6/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7792Zoufal, Genevieve
  8282. (printed as 6/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7791Bedoian, Charles
  8283. (printed as 6/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7768Thoma, George A.
  8284. (printed as 6/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7760CN
    Cunningham, Paul A.
  8285. (printed as 6/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7733AmeriSource Industrial Supply
    Johns, Timothy
  8286. (printed as 6/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7722John Strauss
    Dear Sirs: Given the importance of a efficient National Transportation system for commerce and energy efficency, I stongly urge approval of the EJE acquisition by CN.
    Pleasant Prairie, WI
  8287. (printed as 6/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7721Robert P. Cornwell
    Belmont, MI
  8288. (printed as 6/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8630Carter, Jimmie Lee
  8289. (printed as 6/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8151Fozen, Roy
  8290. (printed as 6/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8142Banash, Nancy
  8291. (printed as 6/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8137Benford, Candace
  8292. (printed as 6/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8130Mahone, Allen
  8293. (printed as 6/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8129Giannoni, Donelle
  8294. (printed as 6/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8110Prue, Karen
  8295. (printed as 6/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7911South Tangipahoa Parish Port Commission
    Dufresne, Patrick J.
  8296. (printed as 6/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7867Village of Mundelein
    Kessler, Kenneth H.
  8297. (printed as 6/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7790Swigart, Loretta
  8298. (printed as 6/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7789Havard, Eldred
  8299. (printed as 6/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7788Danley, David
  8300. (printed as 6/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7787Gates, Eva
  8301. (printed as 6/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7786Gryglak, Jan
  8302. (printed as 6/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7785Ordaz, Harold
  8303. (printed as 6/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7784Barnes, Marcus
  8304. (printed as 6/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7783Berner, Ezella
  8305. (printed as 6/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7782Baker, Jane
  8306. (printed as 6/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7781Esposito, Diane
  8307. (printed as 6/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7780Zatler, John
  8308. (printed as 6/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7779Spinelli, Antoinette
  8309. (printed as 6/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7776Harsco Track Technologies
    Jacoby, Scott W.
  8310. (printed as 6/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7720Anthony Chavez
    June 26, 2008 Ms. Anne K. Quinlan, Esq. Acting Secretary Surface Transportation Board 395 E Street, S.W. Washington, D.C. 20423-0001 Re: CN’s Proposed Acquisition of Elgin, Joliet and Eastern Railway (EJE) Dear Ms. Anne K. Quinlan, I am writing to you to communicate my unequivocal support for CN’s proposed acquisition of the Elgin, Joliet and Eastern Railway (EJE). In this day and age of increasing gas prices, poor air quality and rising taxes, it is clear that we need to find viable alternatives to business as usual policies. If approved, the acquisition of the EJE by the CN would bring the following benefits to the US economy and Chicago land area. 1) Increase efficiency and service to current rail customers. 2) Congestion relief to many other communities in the Chicago land area. 3) Reduce truck highway congestion and overall gas consumption. (Not to mention that rail has been shown to emit six times less greenhouse gas than heavy trucks.) 4) Reduce Federal and State taxpayer dollars for CREATE project. In closing, I realize that although some communities will experience congestion relief, others will see proportional increase in rail traffic. In my opinion, a few vocal communities should not be allowed to decide this proposed acquisition. Rather, the overall benefits to the US economy and greater Chicago land area should be the deciding factor for this proposed acquisition. Let’s focus on the benefits to the environment, tax reduction, decrease in highway congestion, lowering our dependence on foreign oil and overall US economy. Sincerely, Anthony Chavez 11141 Indian Woods Drive Indian Head Park, IL 60525 Tel. 708-246-6470 Email: tony.chavez01@yahoo.com
    Indian Head Park, IL
  8311. (printed as 6/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8217Varley, Ronald
  8312. (printed as 6/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8206Maggio, William
  8313. (printed as 6/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8095Elliott, Esmarie
  8314. (printed as 6/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7923Progress Rail Services
    Ainsworth, William P.
  8315. (printed as 6/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7909Toledo Metropolitan Area Council of Governments
    Wozniak, Tina Skeldon
  8316. (printed as 6/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7908Villatge of New Lenox
    Baldermann, Timothy A.
  8317. (printed as 6/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7890Rail Power Technologies Corp
    Mathieu, Jose
  8318. (printed as 6/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7870National Railway Equiptment Co
    Beal, Lawrence J.
  8319. (printed as 6/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7868McConway & Torley, LLC
    Mautino, P. Scott
  8320. (printed as 6/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7661CN
    Paul A. Cunningham
  8321. (printed as 6/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7645Larry Kyle
    Ms. Anne K. Quinlan, Esq. Acting Secretary Surface Transportation Board 395 E Street, SW Washington, DC 20423 RE: Finance Docket No. 35087 Dear Secretary Quinlan: As a retired CN (former IC Railroad) employee with 41 years of industry experience, 10 years within the Chicago Terminal while living in Crown Point, Indiana, it’s only appropriate to explain my position on the proposed CN acquisition of the Elgin, Joliet & Eastern Railway in northeast Illinois and northwest Indiana. Prior to retirement, I was not only responsible for reviewing service issues with our Chicago-area customers and working to resolve those issues, but also proposing changes that would improve productivity and reduce congestion within the Chicago Terminal. Congestion within the Chicago Terminal area and beyond has been an industry challenge for many years and the proposed acquisition would significantly impact that problem. Customers will benefit immediately from the acquisition with better service. Taxpayers will not be asked or required to invest any money in the project since CN is responsible for all expenses involving the acquisition, maintenance, and any upgrades of properties. It will reduce the number of rail cars that must be switched within the Terminal plus reduce fuel use as well as the normal pollution that goes hand-in-hand with this extra handling. Efficiency of the freight rail system should be the number one priority of the Board. I strongly urge you to finish your work on the environmental impacts and approve this transaction quickly. This is one of the best offerings for surface transportation and it makes sense for the country. Regards, Larry Kyle
    Atoka, TN
  8322. (printed as 6/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7646Bill Molony
    I fully support the application of the Canadian National Railway to acquire the Elgin, Joliet & Eastern Railway. I feel that it is in the best interests of the Chicago Metropolitan area and the nation as a whole that this transaction be approved and implemented. The political posturing of the various elected officials representing communities along the EJ&E is not in the best interests of the communities they serve. Most of the traffic problems that they attribute to CN's proposal are in reality, pre-existing and should have been addressed decades ago.
    Lockort, Illinois
  8323. (printed as 6/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8233McGee, Alice
  8324. (printed as 6/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8231Puglise, Joe
  8325. (printed as 6/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8191Cole, Joyce
  8326. (printed as 6/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8184Froehlich, Daniel
  8327. (printed as 6/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8122Harvey, Sandrea
  8328. (printed as 6/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8106Brown, Mary
  8329. (printed as 6/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7771Atlas Railroad
    Stout, William M.
  8330. (printed as 6/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7765IAT International, Inc
    Ashkenazi, Avraham
  8331. (printed as 6/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7758BUS
    McManaman, Terry
  8332. (printed as 6/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7736Holden America LLC
    Gable, John
  8333. (printed as 6/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7734Davanac Inc
    Gelinas, Andre
  8334. (printed as 6/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7732Global Railway
    Sturtz, Bill
  8335. (printed as 6/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7673CN
    Karen Borlaug Phillips
  8336. (printed as 6/19/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8230Holy, William
  8337. (printed as 6/19/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8204Snobel, Anita
  8338. (printed as 6/19/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8178Oosting, Florence
  8339. (printed as 6/19/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7775Workhorse Rail, LLC
    Cieslak, Stanley J.
  8340. (printed as 6/19/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7774Progress Rail Services
    Durko, Terry M.
  8341. (printed as 6/19/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7773Bankhead Railway
    Cole, Glenda T.
  8342. (printed as 6/19/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7772Hallcon
    Plut, Tony G.
  8343. (printed as 6/19/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7769Loram
    Perkins, Jim
  8344. (printed as 6/19/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7741A & B RAIL SERVICES LTD
    BRUM, PAUL H.
  8345. (printed as 6/19/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7735Pandrol
    Brady, Frank
  8346. (printed as 6/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8183Slapa, Joseph
  8347. (printed as 6/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7764Prospect Heights Fire Protection
    Gould, Donald R.
  8348. (printed as 6/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7763ECIDA
    Cappellino, John C.
  8349. (printed as 6/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7762Locl
    Kwasman, Michael B.
  8350. (printed as 6/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7738Rail Works
    August, John F.
  8351. (printed as 6/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7679Phillip A. LaGro
  8352. (printed as 6/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7639Paul Cunningham
  8353. (printed as 6/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7581James A. Swidergal
    Please add my name to the list of those seeking on behalf of the Canadian National Railroad the right to acquire the EJE RR in hopes of securing a more expediant route thru and around Chicago. Also consider allowing the CN to improve its acquisition by adding tracks, making connections,installing and upgrading required signals,etc. and bringing this existing railroad up to modern standards. While I am for the approval of this CN acquisition, I am also hoping to see the CN's responsibility in preserving railroad historical preservation, as in (the two roundhouses and the like) that are on EJE property. The STB should also be aware that the CEO of the CN,formerly of the Illinois Central, and a person who I believe to have great insight in only bringing this acquisition to fruition for the betterment of all parties involved. He is a railroaders' railroader coming up thru the ranks and making his way to the top of perhaps North America's finest Railroad. Sign me as such of a supporter of goodwill. This acquistion can only have excellant results in jobs and job creation, a better and more efficient, and greener way to move products, and passengers. Especially as we face higher and higher fuel prices. It is only reasonably sound thinking that the STB along with the FRA and all government agencies would be extolling the benefits of rail power, by hastening the expansion of not only this single CN/EJE episode, but encouraging other carriers' to expand,and find an alternative railroad passenger service to pickup where our failing airlines leave off. The railroads did it in the past, well I guess history is about to repeat itself. Thank You James A. Swidergal
    Woodridge, Illinois
  8354. (printed as 6/17/2008)
    Letter
    222629Letter
    Canadian National Railway Company And Grand Trunk Corporation
  8355. (printed as 6/17/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8192Mitchell, Signora
  8356. (printed as 6/17/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7770Chicago 8th Ward
    Harris, Michelle A.
  8357. (printed as 6/17/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7766Wayne Park Commission
    Jensen, Marguerite
  8358. (printed as 6/17/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7714Phillip A. LaGro
  8359. (printed as 6/17/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7640Melissa Bean
  8360. (printed as 6/17/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7635Congress of the United States
    Melissa Bean
  8361. (printed as 6/17/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7572Arlene Knudsen
    Re Finance Docket No. 35087. Please find attached my letter to Ms. Anne K. Quinlan, Esq., Acting Secretary, Surface Transportation Board
    Orland Park, IL
  8362. (printed as 6/16/2008)
    Statement
    222616Verified Statement/Support Statement
    Canadian National Railway Company And Grand Trunk Corporation
  8363. (printed as 6/16/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8196Moore, Jesse
  8364. (printed as 6/16/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8115Kutz
  8365. (printed as 6/16/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8094Verhagen, Kathlyn
  8366. (printed as 6/16/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7777Village of Indian Head Park
    Andrews, Richard S.
  8367. (printed as 6/16/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7767City of Warrenville
    Brummel, David L.
  8368. (printed as 6/16/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7706Howard Vaughters
  8369. (printed as 6/16/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7614Patricia Schmidt
  8370. (printed as 6/16/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7590Kevin Flaherty
  8371. (printed as 6/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8205Robbinson, George
  8372. (printed as 6/14/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7663Laurel LaLonde
  8373. (printed as 6/14/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7638John Zuspan
  8374. (printed as 6/13/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8179Reid, Terry
  8375. (printed as 6/13/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8123Thomas, Carol
  8376. (printed as 6/13/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7672Commercial Insurance Associates,LLC
    David E. Armstrong
  8377. (printed as 6/13/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7637Charles Patterson
  8378. (printed as 6/13/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7587South Chicago Chamber of Commerce
    Neil Bosanko
  8379. (printed as 6/12/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7700Frank Klemm
  8380. (printed as 6/12/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7697Joan Loonam
  8381. (printed as 6/12/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7674Village of Hazel Crest
    Dr. Robert B. Dondaldson
  8382. (printed as 6/12/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7636Chuck Baker
  8383. (printed as 6/12/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7588Thomas Brown
  8384. (printed as 6/12/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7564Lloyd Baker
    The J ran through the neighborhood I grew up in. There has been talk of Metra using the line for commuter service. If you could help in that area, it would be appreaciated.
    Harvey, IL
  8385. served (printed as 6/11/2008)
    Decision
    39140Secretary · also entered in FD 35087 (Sub-No. 1), FD 35087 (Sub-No. 2), FD 35087 (Sub-No. 3), FD 35087 (Sub-No. 4), FD 35087 (Sub-No. 5), FD 35087 (Sub-No. 6), FD 35087 (Sub-No. 7)
    DECISION GRANTED CANADIAN NATIONAL RAILWAY COMPANY AND GRAND TRUNK CORPORATION'S REQUEST FOR AN EXTENSION OF TIME TO REPLY TO THE ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION'S MOTION TO COMPEL UNTIL JUNE 25, 2008.
  8386. (printed as 6/11/2008)
    Request
    222584Request For Extension Of Time
    Canadian National Railway Company And Grand Trunk Corporation
  8387. (printed as 6/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8652Thomas, Karan
  8388. (printed as 6/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7778Brewton, Elizabeth
  8389. (printed as 6/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7693Levell Scott
  8390. (printed as 6/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7664John Schilling
  8391. (printed as 6/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7662Park District of Franklin Park
    Joseph Modrich
  8392. (printed as 6/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7655Indiana Chamber
    Kevin Binegar
  8393. (printed as 6/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7654Indiana Department of Natural Resources
    James A. Glass
  8394. (printed as 6/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7647City Council
    Toni Preckwinkle
  8395. (printed as 6/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7621Lisa Sikes
  8396. (printed as 6/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7620Julie and Tom Lindley
  8397. (printed as 6/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7592David Hirsh
  8398. (printed as 6/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7589Freddrenna Lyle
  8399. (printed as 6/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7531Hirsh, David
  8400. (printed as 6/10/2008)
    Statement
    222583Support Statement
    Honorable Angelo Saviano, Honorable Carolyn H Krause
  8401. (printed as 6/10/2008)
    Reply
    222582Reply
    Canadian National Railway Company And Grand Trunk Corporation
  8402. (printed as 6/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8211Village of Lake Zurich
    Tolomei, John
  8403. (printed as 6/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7698Louise Copeland
  8404. (printed as 6/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7683Virgie Taylor
  8405. (printed as 6/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7682Judith Pollick
  8406. (printed as 6/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7680Percy Johnson
  8407. (printed as 6/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7676Robert Wilson
  8408. (printed as 6/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7671Lake Zurich Rural Fire Protection District
    Jeffrey A. Sedlack
  8409. (printed as 6/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7591Keith Maclsaac
  8410. (printed as 6/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7586Paul Cunningham
  8411. (printed as 6/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7530Cunningham, Paul
  8412. (printed as 6/9/2008)
    Statement
    222563Protest/Opposition Statement
    Will County, Illinois
  8413. (printed as 6/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8152Selvas, Ramon
  8414. (printed as 6/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7705Mary Lang
  8415. (printed as 6/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7696Martin Sussman
  8416. (printed as 6/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7692Dennis Zawarus
  8417. (printed as 6/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7691William Rutherford
  8418. (printed as 6/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7690Vera Ramey
  8419. (printed as 6/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7681Alice Dawson
  8420. (printed as 6/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7668Nellie Daily
  8421. (printed as 6/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7653Village of Wheeling
    John Stone
  8422. (printed as 6/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7633Geoffrey Nokes
  8423. (printed as 6/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7608Carey Moak
  8424. (printed as 6/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7417Mike Mowen
    RE: Finance Docket No. 35087 I’m a third generation railroader and have been part of the transportation industry for nearly 25 years. I’m currently employed by the CN railroad in our Michigan operations as a Trainmaster and in my current role, part of my responsibilities are to line up train movements for our customers. Moving their freight efficiently in a timely manner is a commitment CN has made to our customers, which is what they expect of us to operate their business and meet the needs to their customers as well. I see first hand how their operations are impacted when we cannot do what we say we will do, when we say we will do it. Delays and stoppages due to interruptions in transit are very problematic, and causes interruptions to our customers production when freight service is delayed. Delays due to traffic congestion in Chicago, especially for our Michigan customers like the automobile manufacturers only adds stress to their production capabilities and distribution lines that could be avoided. Using the Elgin, Joliet & Eastern railway as a bypass for CN traffic will provide clear benefits by making their logistics supply chain more dependable. Please approve CN’s proposed acquisition of the Elgin, Joliet & Eastern Railway as soon as possible, which in my opinion really is not that large of a business transaction, or at least not one that warrants dragging out the review much further. I’m personally committed to servicing our customers and your support in passing this acquisition can greatly help to improve our struggling economy. Very truly yours, Michael C. Mowen CN Trainmaster
    Dearborn heights, mi
  8425. (printed as 6/7/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7627Louis Krause
  8426. (printed as 6/6/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8187Baldwin, Michael
  8427. (printed as 6/6/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7713Cynthia Lee
  8428. (printed as 6/6/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7709Anne Eident
  8429. (printed as 6/6/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7684Alice Falkner
  8430. (printed as 6/6/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7666Patricia Conway
  8431. (printed as 6/6/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7656James Judge
  8432. (printed as 6/6/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7634Daniel Strahan
  8433. (printed as 6/6/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7597Erik & Mary Beth Hollander
  8434. (printed as 6/6/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7493Roach, Nadine
  8435. (printed as 6/6/2008)
    Comment
    EO-951Miami Nation of Indians; State of Indiana
    Brian Buchanan
  8436. (printed as 6/6/2008)
    Comment
    EO-950Miami Tribe of Oklahoma
    Thomas Gamble
  8437. (printed as 6/5/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8181Krumpos, Diane
  8438. (printed as 6/5/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8090McDonald, Catherine
  8439. (printed as 6/5/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7704Victor Spehar
  8440. (printed as 6/5/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7702Candace Janda
  8441. (printed as 6/4/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7409Village of Barrington
    Please see attachment
    Karen Darch · Barrington, IL
  8442. (printed as 6/4/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7405Chris Hull
    I am writing to inform you how concerned I am over the proposed aquisition of Canadian National with the EJ&E railroad outside of Chicago. After hearing that the intentions are to increase the frequency and length of trains on those rails and that no consideration will be given for overpasses or underpasses, our community will be split in half. Police and fire departments will be on one half of the city and unable to get to the other side while trains go by. The town of Lake Zurich has elementary, middle, and high schools immediately adjacent to these tracks. At our town meeting we were told that CN plans on doubling the length of trains, quadroupling the number of trains, and carrying hazardous through the center of our town. The scariest thing to me is that a single train has the potential to block every north/south road across the tracks for over two miles at a time lasting 10 to 20 minutes a pass when their proposed switching station is up and running just north of Hawthorn Woods. I'm in favor of the increased productivity CN would attain but outraged at the lack of respect they show for the impacted communities. I believe that railroad companies should have to pay for and abide by the same rules that other established companies would have to abide by in order to operate within any given community. Namely, paying for proper traffic studies, alleviating anticipated disturbances, supporting local services such as the fire department and police department, and giving back to the communities they operate in. Please take this into consideration as you decide on the aquisition. Thank you, Chris
    Hawthorn Woods, IL
  8443. (printed as 6/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7523Tassin
  8444. (printed as 6/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7494Campbell, Susan
  8445. (printed as 6/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7439Angelo Saviano
  8446. (printed as 6/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7436Mark Michuda
  8447. (printed as 6/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7435Leo Michuda
  8448. (printed as 6/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7434Josef Michuda
  8449. (printed as 6/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7420Carolyn Krause
  8450. (printed as 6/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7419Susan Garrett
  8451. (printed as 6/3/2008)
    Comment
    EO-949CN Railroad
    Normand Pellerin
  8452. (printed as 6/2/2008)
    Comments
    222526Comment
    Bnsf Railway Company
  8453. (printed as 6/2/2008)
    Comments
    222518Comment
    Bnsf Railway Company
  8454. (printed as 6/2/2008)
    Statement
    222510Protest/Opposition Statement
    Village Of Wayne
  8455. (printed as 6/2/2008)
    Reply
    222509Reply
    Union Pacific Railroad Company
  8456. (printed as 6/2/2008)
    Statement
    222502Support Statement
    Illinois Chamber Of Commerce, Red River Valley & Western Railroad Company
  8457. (printed as 6/2/2008)
    Reply
    222501Reply
    Will County, Illinois
  8458. (printed as 6/2/2008)
    Reply
    222491Reply
    City Of West Chicago
  8459. (printed as 6/2/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7711Anastasia Vrettos
  8460. (printed as 6/2/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7710Rita McVicker
  8461. (printed as 6/2/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7667Patricia Piraino
  8462. (printed as 6/2/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7611Lucky Delgado
  8463. (printed as 6/2/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7603Frances Nonn
  8464. (printed as 6/2/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7549Harlan Spiroff
  8465. (printed as 6/2/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7537Opal, Robert
  8466. (printed as 6/2/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7534McFarland, Thomas
  8467. (printed as 6/2/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7532Gower, Edward
  8468. (printed as 6/2/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7421Larry Suffredin
  8469. (printed as 6/2/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7408Mayer Brown, LLP
    Adrian Steel
  8470. (printed as 6/2/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7393CN
    Attn - Ms. Anne K Quinlan, Esc. Acting Secretary - STB
    Karen Ryan · Stevens Point, WI
  8471. (printed as 6/2/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7392Brett Spearing
    STB Finance Docket No. 35087 Dear Anne Quinlan, I would like to voice my objection to the recent request by Canadian National to expedite the Environmental Impact Study (EIS) and the decision making process. It is my belief that the EIS needs to be thorough and that no artificial time limit should be placed on its completion. It should take as long as you at the STB feel it should take to look into all of the issues thoroughly and completely. There are many concerns covered in the EIS scope and I think that an artificial timeline to make a decision by December 2008, does not allow enough time to adequately look into all that needs to be look into. It is my hope that the STB will reject the Canadian National request for a decision by December 2008. Sincerely, Brett Spearing
    Frankfort, IL
  8472. (printed as 6/2/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7391CN
    Please see attachment regarding the urging of your support to the CN proposed aquisition of the EJE railroad.
    Allen Sturdy · Gladstone, MI
  8473. (printed as 6/2/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7390CN Railroad
    Attn: Ms. Anne K. Quinlan, Esq. STB
    Suzanne E. Van Huis · North Fond du Lac, WI
  8474. (printed as 6/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7593Zenovia Evans
  8475. (printed as 5/31/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7595James Johnson
  8476. (printed as 5/30/2008)
    Reply
    222485Reply
    Village Of Frankfort, Il
  8477. (printed as 5/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8186Malatesta, Joan
  8478. (printed as 5/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7678William Steffen
  8479. (printed as 5/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7626Roberta Matz
  8480. (printed as 5/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7612Kay Strobel
  8481. (printed as 5/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7609Marva Chaney
  8482. (printed as 5/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7601Joan Lopez
  8483. (printed as 5/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7598John Willis
  8484. (printed as 5/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7548Paul Ladue
  8485. (printed as 5/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7539Hirschorn, Eric
  8486. (printed as 5/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7488Tuchscherer, Jim
  8487. (printed as 5/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7453Hernandez, Elizabeth
  8488. (printed as 5/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7429Will County Governmental League
    Steven Quigley
  8489. (printed as 5/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7427Marcie Schatz
  8490. (printed as 5/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7389City of Aurora
    Mayor Thomas J. Weisner · Aurora, Illinois
  8491. (printed as 5/29/2008)
    Statement
    222473Support Statement
    Indiana Rail Road Company
  8492. (printed as 5/29/2008)
    Reply
    222469Reply
    United States Department Of Transportation
  8493. (printed as 5/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8195Chahine, Elvina
  8494. (printed as 5/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8165Williams, Rosetta
  8495. (printed as 5/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7708Magdalena Jimenez
  8496. (printed as 5/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7707Michael Drake
  8497. (printed as 5/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7701Milton Davis
  8498. (printed as 5/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7694Joanne Gerst
  8499. (printed as 5/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7687John Baltz
  8500. (printed as 5/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7686Altaf Ansari
  8501. (printed as 5/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7670Sabina Dambrauskas
  8502. (printed as 5/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7632Joseph Galati
  8503. (printed as 5/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7625Nancy Swett
  8504. (printed as 5/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7622Thomas Poulakidas
  8505. (printed as 5/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7619Isaiah Coney
  8506. (printed as 5/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7615Sandra Wicker
  8507. (printed as 5/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7604Mildred Harvey
  8508. (printed as 5/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7540Smith, Paul Samuel
  8509. (printed as 5/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7529Hoback, Thomas
  8510. (printed as 5/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7524Wallenfang, Mary
  8511. (printed as 5/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7512Zell, Richard
  8512. (printed as 5/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7499Vallee, Janet
  8513. (printed as 5/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7498Lynch, Daniel
  8514. (printed as 5/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7497Pritchett, Karen
  8515. (printed as 5/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7491Scott, Stephen
  8516. (printed as 5/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7428Chris Curry
  8517. (printed as 5/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7423Northwestern Inidana Regional Planning Comission
    John Swanson
  8518. (printed as 5/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7388Village of Hoffman Estates
    Please see the attached letter from the Village of Hoffman Estates opposing CN's request to establish a timeline for environmental reviews and the STB decsion. Thank you.
    William McLeod · Hoffman Estates, IL
  8519. served (printed as 5/28/2008)
    Decision
    39081Secretary · also entered in FD 35087 (Sub-No. 1), FD 35087 (Sub-No. 2), FD 35087 (Sub-No. 3), FD 35087 (Sub-No. 4), FD 35087 (Sub-No. 5), FD 35087 (Sub-No. 6), FD 35087 (Sub-No. 7)
    DECISION GRANTED CANADIAN NATIONAL RAILWAY COMPANY'S AND GRAND TRUNK CORPORATION'S REQUEST FOR EXTENSION OF TIME TO REPLY TO THE MOTION TO COMPEL UNTIL JUNE 11, 2008.
  8520. (printed as 5/28/2008)
    Reply
    222465Reply
    Town Of Schereville
  8521. (printed as 5/28/2008)
    Statement
    222464Support Statement
    Farmrail System Inc, Iowa Interstate Railroad Ltd, Wheeling & Lake Erie Railway Company, Watco Companies Inc
  8522. (printed as 5/28/2008)
    Reply
    222458Reply
    Ej&E West Company, Elgin Joliet And Eastern Railway Company
  8523. (printed as 5/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8124Beverly, William
  8524. (printed as 5/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7712Willie Biles
  8525. (printed as 5/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7703Dee Clark
  8526. (printed as 5/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7695Dorothy Williams
  8527. (printed as 5/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7689Jacqueline Summers
  8528. (printed as 5/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7688Josef Stelzer
  8529. (printed as 5/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7677Rosemary Fitzgibbon
  8530. (printed as 5/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7669Joseph Cascio
  8531. (printed as 5/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7631Mary-Kay Fischer
  8532. (printed as 5/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7630Gerald Anderson
  8533. (printed as 5/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7628Anthony Catania
  8534. (printed as 5/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7607Roman Doubek
  8535. (printed as 5/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7542Callison, William
  8536. (printed as 5/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7535Austgen, David
  8537. (printed as 5/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7519Carrera, Catarina
  8538. (printed as 5/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7518Gaiser, John
  8539. (printed as 5/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7496Caswell, Carolyn
  8540. (printed as 5/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7495Olson, Robert
  8541. (printed as 5/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7426Robert Schillerstrom
  8542. (printed as 5/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7403Barrington Area Council of Governments
    Janet Agnoletti
  8543. (printed as 5/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7396John Tolomei
  8544. (printed as 5/27/2008)
    Request
    222451Request For Extension Of Time
    Canadian National Railway Company And Grand Trunk Corporation
  8545. (printed as 5/27/2008)
    Comments
    222447Comment
    Association Of American Railroads
  8546. (printed as 5/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8164Gunnar, Lillian
  8547. (printed as 5/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7715Gwendolyn Brown
  8548. (printed as 5/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7675Gary Rider
  8549. (printed as 5/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7624William Acosta
  8550. (printed as 5/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7605Amanda Pagels
  8551. (printed as 5/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7545Robert Collins
  8552. (printed as 5/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7543Thompson, Andrew
  8553. (printed as 5/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7538Vuono, John
  8554. (printed as 5/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7536McKenzie, Ed
  8555. (printed as 5/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7517Cronwell, Alva
  8556. (printed as 5/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7516giltner, Michael
  8557. (printed as 5/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7515Tortorice, Ross
  8558. (printed as 5/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7508Buchanan, Annie
  8559. (printed as 5/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7507Moore, Neil
  8560. (printed as 5/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7474Petrosky, Denise
  8561. (printed as 5/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7467Cooley, David & Suzanne
  8562. (printed as 5/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7432Roxanne Purucker
  8563. (printed as 5/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7431Marc Steinman
  8564. (printed as 5/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7430Cesar Nannizzi
  8565. (printed as 5/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7376Lawrence Cotter
  8566. (printed as 5/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7369Harkins Cunningham
    Edward Hamberger
  8567. (printed as 5/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7368Harkins Cunningham
    David Hirsh
  8568. (printed as 5/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7337Kenny Hamm
    Ms. Anne K. Quinlan, Esq. Acting Secretary Surface Transportation Board 395 E Street, SW Washington, DC 20423 RE: Finance Docket No. 35087 Dear Secretary Quinlan: As a very concerned citizen in mid-Illinois, and a proud railroader for _____ years, I ask that the STB quickly approve CN’s proposed acquisition of the Elgin, Joliet & Eastern Railway. The role of freight transportation is vital to the well-being of the manufacturers and industries that use rail. In mid-state Illinois, many in the agriculture sector rely on getting their fertilizers by rail, their equipment by rail, and their harvest to market by rail. This traffic crosses several states, and a lot of it comes and goes through the Chicago area. As they all try to hold their own and compete in the global marketplace, U.S. based businesses are faced with plenty of challenges already, many of which they have no control over. Now, a private company has offered to put up its own money and solve part of the challenges the businesses face, but it seems that this effort may be unduly influenced by communities who say that they are fighting it only because they don’t want another train in their community. They are either ignorant of the benefits of a well-functioning transportation system to the businesses that employ their neighbors or simply focused solely on their own desires - either way, the rest of the business world is being denied this improvement in their ways of life. Our government needs to take actions that benefit business, especially as U.S. businesses are finding it increasingly hard to compete. Freight rail service is important to the competitiveness of our businesses and this transaction would certainly benefit business in the Chicago region. I urge the STB to approve CN’s proposed acquisition of the EJ&E as soon as possible. Very truly yours, Kenny Hamm
    Mattoon, IL
  8569. (printed as 5/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7398Fey, Colette
  8570. (printed as 5/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8067Chatham Business Association
    Garth, William
  8571. (printed as 5/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7629Dorothy Robinson
  8572. (printed as 5/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7613Margaret Stewart
  8573. (printed as 5/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7547Frankie Mitchell
  8574. (printed as 5/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7546Lyle Backus
  8575. (printed as 5/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7528Jungenberg, Martha
  8576. (printed as 5/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7514Lanam, James
  8577. (printed as 5/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7506Stevens, Craig
  8578. (printed as 5/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7504Sutton, Vearn
  8579. (printed as 5/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7503Durkins, Marilyn
  8580. (printed as 5/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7502Bartus, Bernadette
  8581. (printed as 5/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7500Obrzut, Joseph
  8582. (printed as 5/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7463Wayne Hutchinson
  8583. (printed as 5/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7437Fey
  8584. (printed as 5/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7404Village of Barrington
    Karen Darch
  8585. (printed as 5/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7399Harkins Cunningham LLP
    Paul Cunningham
  8586. (printed as 5/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7336Erik C. Anderson
    I am alarmed at the outcry of people from the Suburban Chicago area concerning the CN purchase of the Elgin, Joliet & Eastern Railway. I am a former resident of Plainfield, IL along the EJ&E, within 1 mile of a crossing. The overall good of the entire region needs to be the priority over small special interest groups who are opposing it. The flow of traffic, the security of trains and their cargo, the emissions of diesel exhaust far outweigh the perceived inconveniences of additional trains. From 1978 until 1986 I lived in Coon Rapids, Minnesota very near a public crossing of then Burlington Northern Railroad. That crossing saw at least 40 trains per day back then, and trains blocking the crossing were not an issue for traffic or emergency vehicles. I strongly feel that a few vocal people with their own special interest at heart, are trying to confuse the real issue of efficient flow of Interstate Commerce and National Security, and clean air for Chicago.
    Cedar Falls, Iowa
  8587. (printed as 5/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11907Cheek,Terry
  8588. (printed as 5/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7685Robert Olson
  8589. (printed as 5/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7617W. Gene Looft
  8590. (printed as 5/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7541Betke, George
  8591. (printed as 5/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7484Johnson, Aaron
  8592. (printed as 5/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7483Franzen, Roberta
  8593. (printed as 5/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7481Forbes, Cedric
  8594. (printed as 5/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7479Barnes, Jimmy
  8595. (printed as 5/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7478Wieczorkiewicz, Bruce
  8596. (printed as 5/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7476Wentz, Toni
  8597. (printed as 5/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7400Northwester Indiana Regional Planning Commission
    John Swanson
  8598. (printed as 5/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7378Illinois Chamber of Commerce
    Douglas Whitley
  8599. (printed as 5/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7377Dennis H. Miller
  8600. (printed as 5/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7375state Representative, State of Illinois Legislature
    Bob Biggins
  8601. (printed as 5/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7371Biggins, Bob
  8602. (printed as 5/21/2008)
    Statement
    222431Protest/Opposition Statement
    Honorable Peter J Visclosky, Honorable Judy Biggert, Honorable Peter J. Roskam, Honorable Melissa L. Bean, Honorable Bill Foster, Honorable Donald A. Manzullo
  8603. (printed as 5/21/2008)
    Comment
    EI-8209Stephenson, William
  8604. (printed as 5/21/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7740HARKINS CUNNINGHAM
    CUNNINGHAM, PAUL A.
  8605. (printed as 5/21/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7623Fiana Komis
  8606. (printed as 5/21/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7600Grigoriy Sutin
  8607. (printed as 5/21/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7501Hougsted, Judith
  8608. (printed as 5/21/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7489Kiaurakis, David
  8609. (printed as 5/21/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7471Grant, Lester
  8610. (printed as 5/21/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7456Wilcox, Vera
  8611. (printed as 5/21/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7455Schneider, Raymond
  8612. (printed as 5/21/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7451Visk, David
  8613. (printed as 5/21/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7425Mitchell Daniels
  8614. (printed as 5/21/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7422Keith Hunt
  8615. (printed as 5/21/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7385Michael Cury
  8616. (printed as 5/21/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7380Congress of the United States
    Melissa Bean
  8617. (printed as 5/20/2008)
    Reply
    222410Reply
    Village Of Barrington, Illinois
  8618. (printed as 5/20/2008)
    Statement
    222406Protest/Opposition Statement
    Honorable Peter J Visclosky, Honorable Evan Bayh, Honorable Richard G. Lugar
  8619. (printed as 5/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7739HARKINS CUNNINGHAM
    CUNNINGHAM, PAUL A
  8620. (printed as 5/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7665Beatrice Hardman
  8621. (printed as 5/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7618Annie Lockhart
  8622. (printed as 5/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7480Desai, Avinash
  8623. (printed as 5/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7472Cole, Barbara
  8624. (printed as 5/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7469Sanford, James
  8625. (printed as 5/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7468Davis, Lynn Marie
  8626. (printed as 5/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7381Congress of the United states House of Representatives
    Peter Visclosky
  8627. (printed as 5/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7372Mark O'Malley
  8628. (printed as 5/19/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7643Menke, Bernard
  8629. (printed as 5/19/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7616Rick Remaly
  8630. (printed as 5/19/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7610Bettye Ferrell
  8631. (printed as 5/19/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7606Christine Horn
  8632. (printed as 5/19/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7602Ashok Trivedi
  8633. (printed as 5/19/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7599Dorothy Cox
  8634. (printed as 5/19/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7544Wilson, Ronald
  8635. (printed as 5/19/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7522Lajoy, Philip
  8636. (printed as 5/19/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7513Kitsos, Robert
  8637. (printed as 5/19/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7492Hewitt, Janice
  8638. (printed as 5/19/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7490Duval, Mary
  8639. (printed as 5/19/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7487Newman, George
  8640. (printed as 5/19/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7486Lesner, Robert
  8641. (printed as 5/19/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7477Doyle, Janis
  8642. (printed as 5/19/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7475Paulauski, John
  8643. (printed as 5/19/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7473Starnicky, Thomas
  8644. (printed as 5/19/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7470Kahn, John
  8645. (printed as 5/19/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7466Gabrielow, Janina
  8646. (printed as 5/19/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7464Blaumueller, Eckhard
  8647. (printed as 5/19/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7462Robert Kaufmann
  8648. (printed as 5/19/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7461Witvoet, Eugene
  8649. (printed as 5/19/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7460Sandra Ross
  8650. (printed as 5/19/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7459Alba Kersting
  8651. (printed as 5/19/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7458Hoelschner, A. B.
  8652. (printed as 5/19/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7457Green, Susan
  8653. (printed as 5/19/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7454Sadler, Marvin
  8654. (printed as 5/19/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7452Finnegan, Thomas
  8655. (printed as 5/19/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7448Menke, Bernard
  8656. (printed as 5/19/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7424the village of Bartlett
    Catherine Melehert
  8657. (printed as 5/19/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7373Mark Hosty
  8658. (printed as 5/16/2008)
    Statement
    222383Protest/Opposition Statement
    Honorable Richard J Durbin, Honorable Melissa L. Bean
  8659. (printed as 5/16/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7382Congress of the united States
    Richard Durbin
  8660. (printed as 5/16/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7334FRIED, WILLIAM D.
  8661. (printed as 5/16/2008)
    Comment
    EO-929Forest County of Potawatomi Community of Wisconsin
    Philip Shopodock
  8662. (printed as 5/16/2008)
    Comment
    EO-928Kickapoo Tribe of Kansas
    Steve Cardue
  8663. (printed as 5/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7383Village of Norridge
    Earl Field
  8664. (printed as 5/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7366Harkins Cunningham LLP
    Paul Cunningham
  8665. (printed as 5/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7329VILLAGE OF LAKE ZURICH
    TOLOMEI, JOHN
  8666. (printed as 5/14/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7384Town of Cicero
    Cynthia Updyke
  8667. (printed as 5/14/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7310Dorothy Korbel
    As a homeowner near the EJ&E railroad line in Frankfort, IL, my husband, David, and I are extremely opposed to the sale of the line to the CNT. We strongly believe that increased traffic on the line will reduce the value of the property surrounding the line. The increase of train activity will cause noise pollution, traffic congestion and increase the potential for accidents at railroad crossings. The negative results will be extremely detrimental to the Village of Frankfort and its residents. Although many residents don't take the time to officially register their complaints, our neighbors have the same concerns as we do. Even now, we are subjected to trains blasting their horns at all hours of the night. We cannot imagine how awful the noise pollution will be if CNT acquires the line and increases the traffic four times more than the current traffic load.
    Frankfort, IL
  8668. (printed as 5/13/2008)
    Motion
    222352Motion/Petition/Request
    Canadian National Railway Company And Grand Trunk Corporation
  8669. (printed as 5/13/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7379Hilbrich Cunningham Schwerd Dobosz & Vinovich, LLP
    Robert M. Schwerd
  8670. (printed as 5/13/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7330UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR FISH AND WILDLFIE SERVICE
    PRUITT, SCOTT E.
  8671. (printed as 5/9/2008)
    Statement
    222318Support Statement
    Honorable Danny K. Davis
  8672. (printed as 5/9/2008)
    Motion
    222313Motion To Withdraw
    Arcelormittal, Usa Inc., Arcelormittal Burns Harbor Llc, Arcelormittal Indiana Harbor Inc., Arcelormittal Kote Inc., Arcelormittal Tek Inc., Arcelormittal Hennepin Inc., And Arcelor Mittal Riverdale Inc.
  8673. (printed as 5/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7331ILLINOIS ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
    BONNETT, LISA
  8674. (printed as 5/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7262K&L Gates
    Sheys, Kevin
  8675. (printed as 5/8/2008)
    Motion
    222310Motion To Compel
    Illinois Department Of Transportation
  8676. (printed as 5/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7254IL Department of Transportation
    Parrish, Lawrence
  8677. (printed as 5/6/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7332ILLINOIS HISTORIC PRESERVATION AGENCY
    HAAKER, ANNE E.
  8678. (printed as 5/5/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7596Kathleen Richards
  8679. (printed as 5/2/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7642Cooley, David & Suzzane
  8680. (printed as 5/2/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7641Champan, Timothy
  8681. (printed as 5/2/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7266Township of Lyons
    Rogers, Patrick
  8682. (printed as 5/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7256Village of Frankfort
    Holland, Jim
  8683. (printed as 4/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7275ECIDA
    Cappellino, John
  8684. (printed as 4/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7263Boch, Carolyn
  8685. (printed as 4/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7257Village of Richton Park
    Reinbold, Rick
  8686. (printed as 4/30/2008)
    Comment
    EO-904IL Historic Preservation Agency, Preservation Services
    Anne Haaker
  8687. (printed as 4/30/2008)
    Comment
    EO-903IN Dept. of Natural Resources, Historic Preservation
    James Glass
  8688. (printed as 4/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7253East Joliet Sanitary District
    Zumstein, Bruce
  8689. (printed as 4/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7206Forest Preserve District DuPage County
    Oldenburg, John
  8690. served (printed as 4/28/2008)
    Decision
    39005Chief Of Section Of Environmental Analysis
    DECISION PROVIDED NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY OF THE FINAL SCOPE OF STUDY FOR THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT.
  8691. served (printed as 4/28/2008)
    Decision
    39004Chief Of Section Of Environmental Analysis
    PROVIDED NOTICE TO THE PARTIES OF A CORRECTION TO THE FINAL SCOPE OF STUDY FOR THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT IN THIS PROCEEDING.
  8692. (printed as 4/28/2008)
    Reply
    222203Reply
    Canadian National Railway Company And Grand Trunk Corporation
  8693. (printed as 4/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7450Tamburino, Joseph
  8694. (printed as 4/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7328TOWNSHIP OF LYONS
    Rogers, Pat
  8695. (printed as 4/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7505Lopez, Joseph
  8696. (printed as 4/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7222Flor, Andrew
  8697. served (printed as 4/25/2008)
    Decision
    38996Chief Of Section Of Environmental Analysis
    PLEASE REFER TO DECISION ID 39005 SERVED APRIL 28, 2008, IN THIS PROCEEDING FOR CORRECTION.
  8698. (printed as 4/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7260Metro West Council of Governments
    Pickett, Stephen
  8699. (printed as 4/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7259La Grange Park
    Proczko, Bohdan
  8700. (printed as 4/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7268Mayor , City of Northlake
    Sherwin, Jeffrey
  8701. (printed as 4/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7204US EPA
    Westlake, Ken
  8702. served (printed as 4/23/2008)
    Decision
    38927Entire Board · also entered in FD 35087 (Sub-No. 1), FD 35087 (Sub-No. 2), FD 35087 (Sub-No. 3), FD 35087 (Sub-No. 4), FD 35087 (Sub-No. 5), FD 35087 (Sub-No. 6), FD 35087 (Sub-No. 7)
    DECISION FOUND THAT THE SIX CONNECTING TRACKS THAT CANADIAN NATIONAL RAILWAY COMPANY AND GRAND TRUNK CORPORATION PROPOSE TO CONSTRUCT AS PART OF THE TRANSACTION UNDER CONSIDERATION IN THIS PROCEEDING ARE NOT SUBJECT TO THE BOARD'S JURISDICTION UNDER 49 U.S.C. 10901.
  8703. (printed as 4/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7264Giant Resource Recovery, Inc
    Martini, Gary
  8704. (printed as 4/21/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7526Janonis, Michael
  8705. (printed as 4/21/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7370Deborah Graham
  8706. (printed as 4/21/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7269Bedford Park-Clearing Industrial Association
    Stanczyk, Donald
  8707. (printed as 4/21/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7207Harkins Cunningham
    Cunningham, Paul
  8708. (printed as 4/19/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11906Gesiorski,Christine
  8709. (printed as 4/19/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7267Drimmer, Gary & Candace
  8710. (printed as 4/18/2008)
    Comment
    EO-859Canadian National
    Pellerin, Normand
  8711. (printed as 4/17/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7261Member of Congress
    Davis, Danny
  8712. (printed as 4/16/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7179Bob Sorensen
    I am opposed to the accquisition of the EJ&E Railway by the CN RR for the following reasons: the environmental impact of increasing train traffic would be tremendous with my home being located within a quarter mile of the RR. The first impact would be the tying up of the eastern access to the village of the only two access roads by the increased train traffic of a long train almost every hour (CN estimates). The noise pollution would be onerous. We are now awakened by the loud whistling of only 4 trains per day. In addition, the air quality will be compromised due to the increased diesal pollution from rail traffic for both our community and the surrounding forest preserve area. The increase in rail traffic also brings the potential threat of environmental dangers of hazardous waste spills if a railway accident should occur. Finally the economic impact on the resale value of our homes cannot be understated. I appreciate your time in listening to my concerns.
    Wayne, IL
  8713. (printed as 4/15/2008)
    Comments
    222091Comment
    Effingham Railroad Company
  8714. (printed as 4/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7183BARENFANGER
  8715. (printed as 4/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7182MOTTASHED
  8716. (printed as 4/14/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7527Horcher, Patrick
  8717. (printed as 4/14/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7120Brooke Cottone
    As a frequent commuter of the area and a citizen with parents in Wayne, IL, I’m asking you all to get involved and help stop the proposed sale of EJ&E Railroad to the Canadian National RR. The following are just a short list of the problems this will cause for our community because train traffic will increase from 4.4 trains per day to 24.4 per day: 1. Interference with emergency services such as fire, ambulance, police etc. The delays we will experience because of this proposed increase in Rail traffic WILL at some point be DEADLY because it just took too long to respond. 2. Increase risk of accidents due to crossing of traffic at small RR crossings with limited visibility. This is particularly disturbing as I think about my sister driving over these tracks several times a day with her two small children. 3. Noise, air and huge potential for ground pollution. Many of the homes in this area literally have these tracks in their back yards and ALL of the homes in this area are on well’s which could be destroyed by one spill of hazardous waste. 4. Interference with commuter trains all along this route 5. Potential impact on Pratt’s Wayne Woods Forest Preserve This is just a short list that comes nowhere near identifying all the problems this will cause. Please do your part and tell us what we can do further to stop this from happening!!
    South Elgin, IL
  8718. (printed as 4/14/2008)
    Comment
    EO-887Federal Railroad Administration
    Ries, Ron
  8719. (printed as 4/14/2008)
    Comment
    EO-860Canadian National
    Pellerin, Normand
  8720. (printed as 4/13/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7119Debbie A. Cottone
    In referance to DOCKET NO.35087 Dear Madam: As a very concerned homeowner I am asking your help in stopping the proposed sale of EJ&E RR to Canadian National RR. The following are just a short list of the problems this will cause for our community because train traffic will increase from 4.4 trains per day to 24.4 per day: 1. Interference with emergency services such as fire, ambulance, police etc. The delays we will experience because of this proposed increase in Rail traffic WILL at some point be DEADLY because it just took too long to respond. 2. Increase risk of accidents due to crossing of traffic at small RR crossings with limited visibility. 3. Noise, air and huge potential for ground pollution. Many of the homes in this area literally have these tracks in their back yards and ALL of the homes in this area are on well’s which could be destroyed by one spill of hazardous waste. 4. Interference with commuter trains all along this route 5. Potential impact on Pratt’s Wayne Woods Forest Preserve This is just a short list that comes nowhere near identifying all the problems this will cause. Please do your part and tell us what we can do further to stop this from happening!! Thank you for taking the time to read this and please help!!! Sincerely, Debbie Cottone
    Wayne, Illinois
  8721. (printed as 4/13/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7117Mark Cottone
    STB Finance Docket No. 35087 the proposed sale of E,J&E Railroad to Canadian National Railroad. The impact of this sale has tremendous potential to create extreme noise polution, Water polution, (we're all on well and septic)etc beside extreme safety issues by cutting off fire, ambulance and police access to our community. Please do NOT let this sale proceed. The damage to our community and the many communities along these tracks would be immeasurable Mark Cottone
    Wayne, IL
  8722. (printed as 4/12/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7202Lazich, Michael
  8723. (printed as 4/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7205Harkins Cunningham
    Cunningham, Paul
  8724. (printed as 4/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-11933New Lenox Township
    McCollumn,William
  8725. (printed as 4/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7367Riverside Village
    Harold Wiaduck
  8726. (printed as 4/10/2008)
    Comment
    EO-895Illinoise Dept. of Natural Resources
    Cole, Maggie
  8727. (printed as 4/10/2008)
    Comment
    EO-894Forest Preserve District of Will County
    Crawford, Cori
  8728. (printed as 4/10/2008)
    Comment
    EO-893Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
    Oldenburg, John
  8729. (printed as 4/10/2008)
    Comment
    EO-892Forest Preserve District of Cook County
    Newhard, Dick
  8730. (printed as 4/10/2008)
    Comment
    EO-891Cook County Department of Highways
    Graham, Rupert W.
  8731. (printed as 4/10/2008)
    Comment
    EO-890Illinoise Dept. of Transportation
    Weber, George
  8732. (printed as 4/10/2008)
    Comment
    EO-889Barrington Area Council of Governement
    Agnoletti, Janet L.
  8733. (printed as 4/10/2008)
    Comment
    EO-888Northwest Municpal Conference
    Fowler, Mark L.
  8734. (printed as 4/10/2008)
    Comment
    EO-886U.S. Department of Interior
    McCloskey, Elizabeth
  8735. (printed as 4/10/2008)
    Comment
    EO-885Reginonal Transportation Authority
    Redden, Leanne P.
  8736. (printed as 4/10/2008)
    Comment
    EO-884Chicago Metropolitan Agency of Planning
    Schaad, Joy
  8737. (printed as 4/10/2008)
    Comment
    EO-883Illinoise Commerce Commission
    Powers, Daniel C., P.E.
  8738. (printed as 4/10/2008)
    Comment
    EO-882Illinoise Department of Transportation
    Swalstedt, Kristen
  8739. (printed as 4/10/2008)
    Comment
    EO-881METRA
    Bauer, Jack
  8740. (printed as 4/10/2008)
    Comment
    EO-880National Rail Passenger Corporation
    Franke, Michael E., P.E.
  8741. (printed as 4/10/2008)
    Comment
    EO-879WIll County Dept. of Highways
    Latz, Sheldon, P.E., P.L.S
  8742. (printed as 4/10/2008)
    Comment
    EO-878DuPage County Division of Transportation
    Kos, John P.E.
  8743. (printed as 4/10/2008)
    Comment
    EO-877Indiana Department of Environmental Management
    Easterly, Thomas W.
  8744. (printed as 4/10/2008)
    Comment
    EO-876Indiana Department of Natural Resources
    Molnar, Mike
  8745. (printed as 4/10/2008)
    Comment
    EO-875Indiana Department of Natural Resources
    Bacone, John
  8746. (printed as 4/10/2008)
    Comment
    EO-874Indiana Department of Transportation
    Riley, Mike
  8747. (printed as 4/10/2008)
    Comment
    EO-873Lake Count y Department of Highways
    Malczewski, Marcus
  8748. (printed as 4/10/2008)
    Comment
    EO-872Lake County Dision of Transportation
    Bueler, Martin P.E.
  8749. (printed as 4/10/2008)
    Comment
    EO-871PACE
    Ross, Thomas J.
  8750. (printed as 4/10/2008)
    Comment
    EO-870Will County Governmental League
    Quigley, Steven
  8751. (printed as 4/10/2008)
    Comment
    EO-869Gary/Chicago International Airport
    Curry, Chris
  8752. (printed as 4/10/2008)
    Comment
    EO-868Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District
    Hanas Gerald R.
  8753. (printed as 4/10/2008)
    Comment
    EO-867Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission
    Anders, Jackie
  8754. (printed as 4/10/2008)
    Comment
    EO-866South Suburban Mayors & Managers Association
    Paesel, Ed
  8755. (printed as 4/10/2008)
    Comment
    EO-865Save the Dunes Council
    Anderson, Thomas R.
  8756. (printed as 4/10/2008)
    Comment
    EO-864U.S. Department of Interior
    Cirton, Shawn
  8757. (printed as 4/10/2008)
    Comment
    EO-863U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
    West, Norm
  8758. (printed as 4/10/2008)
    Comment
    EO-862U.S. Army Corpse of Engineers
    Abrant, Ron
  8759. (printed as 4/10/2008)
    Comment
    EO-856Illinois Environmental Protection Agency
    Scott, Douglas
  8760. (printed as 4/10/2008)
    Comment
    EO-855Lake County Forrest Preserve
    Anderson Jim
  8761. (printed as 4/10/2008)
    Comment
    EO-854DuPage Mayors and Managers
    Dobbs, Ken
  8762. (printed as 4/10/2008)
    Comment
    EO-853US Dept. Interior
    Pruitt, Scott
  8763. (printed as 4/10/2008)
    Comment
    EO-852Environmental Law and Policy
    Schacter, Joseph
  8764. (printed as 4/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7185SUTTER
  8765. (printed as 4/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15800Schmidt, Jodie
  8766. (printed as 4/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15799McNiece, Charles
  8767. (printed as 4/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15798Akers, Donald
  8768. (printed as 4/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15797Mosca Jr., Frank
  8769. (printed as 4/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15795Zeller, Donald L.
  8770. (printed as 4/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15794Henderson, Kelly
  8771. (printed as 4/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15793Greinke, Dorothy C.
  8772. (printed as 4/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15792Kochis, Mary
  8773. (printed as 4/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15791Druktenis, Wayne E.
  8774. (printed as 4/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15790Johnson, Nancy A.
  8775. (printed as 4/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15789Eichelberger, Allen
  8776. (printed as 4/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15788Roman, Dave
  8777. (printed as 4/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15786Johnson, Anne F.
  8778. (printed as 4/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15784Lytte Jr., Sepehn W.
  8779. (printed as 4/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15781Erann, Pamela
  8780. (printed as 4/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-15779Stevens, Karen
  8781. (printed as 4/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7521Garvey, Michael
  8782. (printed as 4/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7333COUNTY OF GRUNDY
    HALPIN, FRANCIS E.
  8783. (printed as 4/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7180OREMUS
  8784. (printed as 4/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7126NAIOP
    Bisacquino, Thomas
  8785. (printed as 4/8/2008)
    Comment
    EO-926Canadian National
    Normand Pellerin
  8786. (printed as 4/7/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7258Village of McCook
    Sobus, Charles
  8787. (printed as 4/7/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7156Walker, Mary Jane
  8788. (printed as 4/7/2008)
    Comment
    EO-861Canadian National
    Pellerin, Normand
  8789. (printed as 4/7/2008)
    Comment
    EO-847CN
    Normand Pellerin/CN
  8790. (printed as 4/6/2008)
    Comment
    EO-927Hinshaww & Culbertson, LLP
    Edward R. Gower, Esq.
  8791. (printed as 4/5/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7270Chatham Avalon Park Community Council
    Tate, Keith
  8792. (printed as 4/4/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7125Village of Hillside
    Tamburino, Joseph
  8793. (printed as 4/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7520Ammer, Nancy
  8794. (printed as 4/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7123Village of Elmwood Park
    Silvestri, Peter
  8795. (printed as 4/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7050Brown, Sandy
  8796. (printed as 4/2/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7184RICHARDSON
  8797. (printed as 4/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7201Tang, Hong
  8798. (printed as 4/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7163Root, Sharon
  8799. (printed as 4/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7162Fink, Jen
  8800. (printed as 4/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7161Giuffre, Michelle
  8801. (printed as 4/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7160Scimo, Celeste
  8802. (printed as 4/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7155Kolbe, Gary
  8803. (printed as 4/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7128Munster Chamber of Commerce
    Damjanovich, Rhonda
  8804. (printed as 4/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7124Senate majority Leader
    Halvorson, Debbie
  8805. (printed as 4/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7041Harkins Cunningham
    Cunningham, Paul
  8806. (printed as 3/31/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7127Illinois Trails Conservancy
    Moore, Bev
  8807. (printed as 3/31/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7013Rosemary Trivelli
    The Canadian Nat'l is seeking to purchase the EJ&E railrod which runs thru the Village of Wayne. We have been informed that this acquisition will not provide employment opportunities and will drasctically increase train traffic(currently an ave.4.4.trains/day to 24.4 trains/day. This will rstrict movement thru out our village as the trains could simultaneously block the only 2 roads that run east & west thru Wayne,preventing emergency vehicles from reaching our residents.Please consider against the purchase of this railroad.
    Wayne, IL.
  8808. (printed as 3/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7386Janice Gonzales
  8809. (printed as 3/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7014Hinshaw & Culberston
    Gower, Edward
  8810. (printed as 3/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7031Fischoff, Rachel & Stuart
  8811. (printed as 3/27/2008)
    Reply
    221936Reply
    Canadian National Railway Company And Grand Trunk Corporation
  8812. (printed as 3/26/2008)
    Reply
    221931Reply
    Wisconsin Public Service Corporation
  8813. (printed as 3/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7166CN
    Harrison, Hunter
  8814. (printed as 3/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7159McLinn, John
  8815. (printed as 3/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7142Slover & Loftus
    Dowd, Kelvin
  8816. (printed as 3/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7138Law Offices
    Hoscheit, John
  8817. (printed as 3/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7067Village of Wayne
    Phipps, Eileen
  8818. (printed as 3/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7019Harkins Cunningham, LLP
    Cunningham, Paul
  8819. (printed as 3/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7016Law Offices of Hoscheit, McGuirk, McCracken & Cuscaden, P.C
    Hoscheit, John
  8820. (printed as 3/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7135Chicago Area Industrial Council
    Perez, Jorge
  8821. (printed as 3/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7133CAIC
    Perez, Jorge
  8822. (printed as 3/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7122City of Chicago
    Dowell, Pat
  8823. (printed as 3/24/2008)
    Reply
    221872Reply
    Union Pacific Railroad Company
  8824. (printed as 3/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7145City of Carlyle IL
    Johnson, Van
  8825. (printed as 3/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7141Union Pacific
    Opal, Robert
  8826. (printed as 3/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7137Village of Evergreen Park
    Sexton, James
  8827. (printed as 3/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7130IBRT
    Mays, Jeffrey
  8828. (printed as 3/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6991Peggy Golnick
    I am writing to let you know my opinion of the above mentioned purchase. Recently, I attended a town meeting to discuss the impact that this purchase would have on the residents of Wayne, Illinois, and all the towns, big and small along this rail track. It is so scary to think that our federal government would allow a foreign company to come in and disrupt our way of life for the pure monetary advantage of the railway. People who live in Wayne choose to do so because of the great forest preserve parcels, open land, and extremely quiet way of life. The fact that our residents are hugely invested in equestrian events speaks to the way of life for our town. By allowing this purchase to take place, our small town will be crippled by the closure of the only two east-west thoroughfares. Allowing 24 trains per day will virtually shut down all traffic through town, not to mention the added noise and car exhaust pollution. How will ambulances get through town? What about the numerous school buses that travel through town to our local elementary school? How about the $120 million dollars that the taxpayers are spending to build a bridge over the Fox River on Stearns Road? What would be the point if the traffic cannot get past the railroad tracks? It is apparent that Mayor Richard Daley would support this purchase because he wants the traffic OUT of his city. I would hope that our local officials would be brave enough to stand up to Mr. Daley, and the Surface Transportation Board, to express our dissatisfaction with purchase. The possible environmental impact from a hazardous waste spill cannot even be measured. EVERYONE in our town is on a private well. Imagine the cost to life, and the area if this should happen. There are not safeguards in place to avoid this. DuPage County has been known to have one of the highest property values in the entire country. This would definitely change if the train traffic increases to the amount that is being projected. As a taxpayer, and registered voter, I am urging you to do all that you can to help us fight this foreign invasion. Respectfully Submitted, Peggy and Gary Golnick 4N101 Woodland Ct. Wayne, IL 60184 pgolnick@compumation.com
    Wayne, IL
  8829. (printed as 3/21/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7143Mount Greenwood
    Kiedrow, Mary
  8830. (printed as 3/21/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7121PDM Bridge, LLC
    Berenz, Jerry
  8831. (printed as 3/21/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7039Harkins Cunningham
    Cunningham, Paul
  8832. (printed as 3/21/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7038Harkins Cunningham
    Cunningham, Paul
  8833. (printed as 3/21/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6969Billick, Shirley
  8834. (printed as 3/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6990Concerned Citizen
    PARRY SOUND – Despite ongoing communications with Transport Canada and Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) and Canadian National Railway (CN), trains continue to block Parry Sound intersections. Late last year the town, along with the Parry Sound Fire Department, developed a resolution to increase rail and car maintenance, decrease train length and speed and limit idling on CN and CPR tracks through town. Additionally, fire chief Laurence Green has been in contact with Martin Lucian with Transport Canada, who in turn, has forwarded those concerns on to CN. “It’s an ongoing issue, up until Tuesday there were trains still blocking the intersections at all times of the day,” said Mr. Green Monday. “If it’s in the middle of the night we don’t usually hear about it. Sometimes CN will notify the town that they’re blocking an intersection. “This continuing procedure is dangerous to the public using the crossing. I have observed children walking to catch the school bus going around the guards, vehicles going around the crossing guards and blocked school buses. This continued blocking problem also impedes the response of emergency vehicles in our area.” Mr. Green noted one occasion where the automated crossing guards were down for approximately 20 hours because of a CPR train left without a crew. Although there are no regulations concerning train length, Mr. Green said the trains have been more than two miles long. “They’re too long and they don’t have enough power to pull the train up the grades through town, so they stall the engine,” Mr. Green said. “There are regulations out there that say they need so much power to pull the train according to its tonnage. But the people who are putting (the trains) together aren’t doing it properly. Basically what Transport Canada has told me is the rules are made by Transport Canada, but CN is not following them.” Mr. Green added that this has been an issue for not only Parry Sound, but also McDougall and Seguin Townships since there have been unidirectional trains going through the areas. “CN continues to operate longer trains than they are able to pull up the grades on the railroad, thus stalling the train, or breaking equipment,” said mayor Richard Adams. “This operational problem continues to block crossings in the Town of Parry Sound. It’s a new issue in the sense that the trains are now too long. The issue certainly has been exacerbated over the last few years.”
    Lake Zurich, Il
  8835. (printed as 3/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6989Thomas Doonan
    I would like to be included in the results of the EIS decision for the aquistition of the CN approval to buy EJ&E. Thank you sincerely Thomas Doonan
    Elgin, IL
  8836. (printed as 3/19/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7132IL House of Representatives
    Dunkin, Kenneth
  8837. (printed as 3/19/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7015The Villas of Wicklow Village
    Strutzel, Yolanda
  8838. (printed as 3/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7158McLinn, John
  8839. (printed as 3/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7157McCormick, Daniel
  8840. (printed as 3/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7148Franklin Park/Schiller Park
    Kollar, Kenneth
  8841. (printed as 3/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7144South Shore Chamber
    Evans, Corren
  8842. (printed as 3/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7131Village of Summit IL
    Strzelczyk, Joseph
  8843. (printed as 3/17/2008)
    Statement
    221833Protest/Opposition Statement
    Honorable Donald A. Manzullo, Honorable Jerry F Costello, Honorable Peter J. Roskam, Honorable Bill Foster, Honorable Timothy V 'Tim' Johnson, Honorable Judy Biggert, Honorable Melissa L. Bean
  8844. (printed as 3/17/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7167Congress
    Bean, Melissa
  8845. (printed as 3/17/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7147Riverdale Chamber of Commerce
    Swanson, Adelle
  8846. (printed as 3/17/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7146City of Chicago
    Beale, Anthony
  8847. (printed as 3/17/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7140Riverside Village Office
    Wiaduck, Harold
  8848. (printed as 3/17/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6770LeVert, Dave
  8849. (printed as 3/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7134Village of Forest Park
    Calderone, Anthony
  8850. (printed as 3/14/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7181RAWLING
  8851. (printed as 3/14/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7165Harkins Cunningham
    Cunningham, Paul
  8852. (printed as 3/14/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7136City of Northlake
    Sherwin, Jeffrey
  8853. (printed as 3/13/2008)
    Reply
    221820Reply
    Canadian National Railway Company And Grand Trunk Corporation
  8854. (printed as 3/13/2008)
    Reply
    221816Reply
    United States Department Of Transportation
  8855. (printed as 3/13/2008)
    Reply
    221815Reply
    Commuter Rail Division Of The Regional Transportation Authority And Northest Illinois Regional Commuter Railroad Corporaton, Both Doing Business As Metra
  8856. (printed as 3/13/2008)
    Reply
    221814Reply
    Wisconsin Public Service Corporation
  8857. (printed as 3/13/2008)
    Reply
    221813Reply
    Union Pacific Railroad Company
  8858. (printed as 3/13/2008)
    Statement
    221812Support Statement
    Canadian Pacific Railway Company
  8859. (printed as 3/13/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7153Village of Melrose Park
    Serpico, Ronald
  8860. (printed as 3/13/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7151Village of Westchester
    Gattuso, Paul
  8861. (printed as 3/13/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7149State Representative
    Brosnahan, James
  8862. (printed as 3/13/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7139Village of Waltonville
    Gifford, George
  8863. (printed as 3/12/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7154Village of Hillside
    Wajda, Russell
  8864. (printed as 3/12/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7150Lansing Chamber of Commerce
    Board of directors
  8865. (printed as 3/12/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7020Harkins Cunningham, LLP
    Cunningham, Paul
  8866. (printed as 3/10/2008)
    Statement
    221793Support Statement
    Norfolk Southern Railway Company
  8867. (printed as 3/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6782Sidley Austin LLP
    Moates, Paul
  8868. (printed as 3/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6726Sue Westphall
    Ms. Johnson-Ball : The proposed purchase of the EJ&E railroad and resultant increase in traffic concerns me and my family greatly. We will have teenagers crossing that railroad crossing at least twice a day to get to high school. Already, that area is a busy area and when a train goes by it backs up the traffic, the gridlock will be awful! Please stop this increase in rail traffic!!!!!!!!
    Naperville, IL
  8869. (printed as 3/7/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7164Congress
    Biggert, Judy
  8870. (printed as 3/7/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6725NDOWN with the CN merger
    i want you to add the EIS from the FD_35081 to your list of items along with any TOTAL impact from the NS/CSX merger and the CN/ic merger and the IDEA of the CN building 3 INTERMODAL facilties in WILL county ILL. that willactually hamper freight trafic flow instead of helping it i also want you to include in your report the MAJOR railoads impact that are there now and if they will be helped in this;or actually hurt by this transaction since the traffic flow around the city will be more of a messwith the new intermodal parks that are being planed for WILL COUNTY ,ILL.instead of reliving the trafic flow and i also want you to make a claim that the current system for dispatching of train in CHICAGO area should be taken out of the hands od TX,NE,VA,FA,and CANADA.And be made to be a separte dispacthing ZONE for CHICAGO ,ILL with the RTA in control of this not the MAJOR freight railroads
    Paul Wisner · Lombard, IL
  8871. (printed as 3/6/2008)
    Statement
    221772Verified Statement/Support Statement
    Canadian National Railway Company And Grand Trunk Corporation
  8872. (printed as 3/6/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7152Forest Park Chamber of Commerce
    Vance, Heidi
  8873. (printed as 3/6/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7129Burnside Neighborhood Association
    Walker, Jean
  8874. (printed as 3/5/2008)
    Statement
    221755Verified Statement/Support Statement
    United Business Association Of Midway
  8875. (printed as 3/5/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6780Kolssak Funeral Home
    Kolssak, Jon
  8876. (printed as 3/5/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6732The Village of Franklin Park
    Pritchett, Daniel
  8877. (printed as 3/5/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6731Forest Preserve District Of DuPage County
    Pierotti, Dewey
  8878. (printed as 3/4/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6806Stucka, Brian
  8879. (printed as 3/4/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6781Wheeling Park District
    Buchs, Jan
  8880. (printed as 3/3/2008)
    Reply
    221725Reply
    Canadian National Railway Company And Grand Trunk Corporation
  8881. (printed as 3/3/2008)
    Certificate
    221719Certificate Of Service
    Brotherhood Of Locomotive Engineers And Trainmen
  8882. (printed as 3/3/2008)
    Certificate
    221717Certificate Of Service
    Illinois Department Of Transportation
  8883. (printed as 3/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6777Citizens Advisory Committe
    Giblin, Jim
  8884. (printed as 3/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5982Julie Anne
    I am very concerned about the proposed increase in train traffic through barrington. My 3 children drive and walk through there at least 2 times a day going to and from Barrington High and work. There is so much commotion and congestion now, it will be very dangerous for them with more trains.
    Deer Park, IL
  8885. (printed as 3/3/2008)
    Comment
    EO-836John Oldenburg
  8886. (printed as 3/2/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6775IL Chamber of Commerce
    Whitley, Doug
  8887. (printed as 3/2/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5981Marjorie
    I DO NOT want CN to acquire EJ&E. The commuter train traffic in the Chicago area emits enough pollution and if there is another train line, most commuters on my line will resort to driving, as we are stopped by other trains several days per week. CN is the biggest problem. CN leaves freight trains on the cross tracks without regard to the hundreds of commuters they are inconveniencing. If they are allowed to buy anotherline, many people will drive, including me,. These drivers will, unfortunately, cause more pollution. Please call, if questions. Thanks. CN is bad news!!
    Lockport, IL
  8888. (printed as 3/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7203Pinsky
  8889. (printed as 2/29/2008)
    Misc.
    221714Miscellaneous
    Aux Sable Liquid Products, Lp, Equistar Chemicals Lp
  8890. (printed as 2/29/2008)
    Motion
    221711Motion/Petition/Request
    Illinois Department Of Transportation
  8891. (printed as 2/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7017Harkins Cunningham LLP
    Cunningham, Paul
  8892. (printed as 2/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6805Aux Sable Liquid Products & Equistar Chemicals
    McFarland, Thomas
  8893. (printed as 2/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6789IL DOT
    Clary, Joseph
  8894. (printed as 2/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-13463Christensen, Gary B.
  8895. (printed as 2/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6733United Business Association of Midway
    Cummings, Anita
  8896. (printed as 2/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6797City of Red Bud
    Mueller, Ken
  8897. (printed as 2/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6783Village of Frankfort
    Holland, Jim
  8898. (printed as 2/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6778WPH Chamber of Commerce & Industry
    Powers, Cathy
  8899. (printed as 2/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6676Village of Frankfort
    Holland
  8900. (printed as 2/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5786Anna Puccio
    I am asking you to please not let the purchase of the railway to go through. I have two daughters that will be entering high school in the next several years and have a few major concerns about the railway extension. First of all, having two trains an hour passing through our major E/W roads will cause major gridlock for comuters and children being bussed to high school. I am also concerned with the hazardous waste transportation. This railroad will be very near to both our middle and high schools. In any event that an accident happens near these schools would be detrimental. Please take our children into consideration. They are our future!!
    Naperville, IL
  8901. (printed as 2/26/2008)
    Comments
    221689Comment
    Jim Giblin
  8902. (printed as 2/26/2008)
    Statement
    221688Verified Statement/Support Statement
    Canadian National Railway Company And Grand Trunk Corporation
  8903. (printed as 2/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6812Giblin, Jim
  8904. (printed as 2/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5785Kathy Cast
    I am against the Canadian National Railway?s request of the STB to acquire the EJ&E Railroad, which runs north/south through parts of the Indian Prairie School District in Aurora and Naperville. It has been estimated that the Canadian National Railway will increase traffic on the EJ&E line to as many as two trains PER HOUR, a dramatic increase over current volumes increasing gridlock in our area. - Delaying emergency response vehicles - Increasing freight traffic along a line that runs through or is adjacent to 17 District 204 schools - Proposed increase in transportation of hazardous cargo which puts residents and children in danger in cases of accident or derailment - Possible future complications of Metra?s planned STAR rail line - and increase in NOISE POLLUTION. We live 1/2 of a mile from the train and hear the train every hour at night like it's in our back yard.
    Naperville, IL
  8905. (printed as 2/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5784Jennifer Spleen
    I am concerned about the added traffic to the already congested area, delays in emrgency vehicles service and potential dangers due to hazardous cargo.
    Aurora, IL
  8906. (printed as 2/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5783Peter Krasuski
    CN Purchase of EJ&E will -Increase gridlock in our area - there are several intersection of the rail and very busy roads like RT 34 which is already extremely congested at rush hours -Delay emergency response vehicles -Increase freight traffic along a line that runs through or is adjacent to 17 District 204 schools -Proposed increase in transportation of hazardous cargo will put residents and children in danger in cases of accident or derailment - The value of residential properties in vicinity of the line will go down dramatically
    AURORA, IL
  8907. (printed as 2/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5782District 204
    We cannot afford to have the increased Railroad traffic that the Canadian National Railway will cause in Naperville and Aurora. There are already enough delays getting around town. My daughter has Epilepsy and we cannot afford the delays for Emergency Vehicles. Naperville and Aurora are residential areas with District 204 and other schools in the area. There may also be more hazardess cargo which is dangerous to the children.
    Laura Estes · Naperville, Illinois
  8908. (printed as 2/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6796Rosemont Chamber of Commerce
    Hogan, Pamela
  8909. (printed as 2/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6779Village of River Forest
    Paris, Frank
  8910. (printed as 2/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6776City of Altamont
    Taylor, Larry
  8911. (printed as 2/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6660Village of Crete
    Einhorn
  8912. (printed as 2/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5780Greta DeMaso
    My family is opposed to the CNR's proposed purchase of the EJ&E. If this is allowed, our children and community will be endangered by increased gridlock, delayed emergency vehicles, increased freight traffic running by 17 District 204 schools, and increased hazardous material transportation. PLEASE do not allow this to go through. Thank you.
    naperville, IL
  8913. (printed as 2/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5778James A. Swidergal
    At this time I whole-heartedly applaud the CN for making the attempt to secure the holdings known as the EJE RR. My only attempts to persuade the Stb from allowing this revolves around the fact that the EJE has some awesome buildings and structures as well as land rights that might very well be considered for preservation, I would like to see that the existing roundhouses at Gary,Indiana (Kirk Yard) and Joliet,Illinois (Joliet Yard) be preserved forever along with their turntables. Other structures would be the station houses all along the right-of-way to be restored to their historic origins. When the STB allows the CN to take control I hope that the leadership of the CN takes full advantage of the possibilities that lay there before them, with the STB directing the possible outer rim (if you will) connecting the legs that reach out from Metra and just as has been proven by Metra passenger service and freight service sharing the same trackage. I hope the STB allows for the CN to expand its trackage on the existing EJE to double or even triple track which will help with safe and expedient rail service from Waukegan,Il. to Gary,Ind. Thank You.
    Woodridge, Illinois
  8914. (printed as 2/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5777Susan Fogel
    a. Increasing gridlock in our area b. Delaying emergency response vehicles c. Increasing freight traffic along a line that runs through or is adjacent to 17 District 204 schools d. Proposed increase in transportation of hazardous cargo which puts residents and children in danger in cases of accident or derailment e. Possible future complications of Metra?s planned STAR rail line
    Aurora, IL
  8915. (printed as 2/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5776Tom Horan
    I respectfully ask that Canadian National Railway's request of the STB to acquire the EJ&E Railroad is denied. This train line runs through or is adjacent to 17 District 204 schools. The increased gridlock this would cause in our area would make an already congested commute a nightmare.
    Naperville, IL
  8916. (printed as 2/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5774Stephanie Jeffrs
    I oppose the Canadian National Railway's request of the STB to acquire the EJ&E Railroad, which runs north/south through parts of the Indian Prairie School District in Aurora and Naperville for the following reasons: 1. Increased gridlock in our area 2. Possible delay for emergency response vehicles 3. Increased freight traffic along a line that runs through or is adjacent to 17 District 204 schools 4. Proposed increase in transportation of hazardous cargo which puts residents and children in danger in cases of accident or derailment. 5. Possible future complications of Meta's planned STAR rail line.
    Aurora, IL
  8917. (printed as 2/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5773Cecchini
    My family lives close to the EJ&E rail line and all 3 of my children will have to cross the tracks to attend school. The traffic delay on Rt. 34 (Ogden ave) due to train traffic will be increased substantially causing delays. There will be increased noise issues which currently awaken us now due to the proximity of a rail crossing. It would be interesting to see the EIA when it is completed.
    Aurora, IL
  8918. (printed as 2/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5772Mindy Donovan
    I am concerned about the proposed changes to the railway lines in my neighborhood. I feel that the significant increase in traffic is not appropriate or safe for the 17 Illinois School District 204 schools that are close to this rail line. With the current traffic on the line, it already causes some rush hour gridlock; the increase in traffic will only worsen this problem. It may also cause a delay in the ability of emergency response vehicles to respond to emergency situations. I am not in favor of transporting hazardous material through our community as this places all the residents and children in this area in harms way in case of an accident or derailment.
    Aurora, IL
  8919. (printed as 2/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5771Jodi Trendler
    Dear Ms. Johnson-Ball: I am writng to express my concerns and formal objection to the proposed railroad purchase. This purchase would directly effect me and my children, as we will be required to cross the rail line in question in order to attend middle school and high school and activities. 2 trains per hour would pose significantly increased danger-especially for teenage drivers- and delays to our daily travel requirements. Additionally, I have a few other concerns: a. Increasing gridlock in our area b. Delaying emergency response vehicles c. Increasing freight traffic along a line that runs through or is adjacent to 17 District 204 schools d. Proposed increase in transportation of hazardous cargo which puts residents and children in danger in cases of accident or derailment e. Possible future complications of Metra's planned STAR rail line Thank you for your consideration!
    Naperville, IL
  8920. (printed as 2/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5770Owen PTA
    I am concerned about the impact of Canadian National purchasing EJ&E Railroad. The increase gridlock in the area would be a major problem & inconvenience to us. My children's school bus route travels across the railroad line everyday, and I would hate to see what the increase traffic along this already congested route would do. I am also concerned about the increase chance of accidents with increase freight traffic especially with hazardous cargo. Please consider these concerns regarding Canadian National purchasing EJ&E. Thank you.
    Betty Ito · Naperville, IL
  8921. (printed as 2/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5769Bhoomika
    I live close to the tracks.I have to cross the tracks, if I want to go to Library or high School,or some other businesses,hospital services etc., which is at least once in a day.Any way some times I get struck because of the train traffic and this will add to the waiting time even more.Plus all the train noice that we hear in the middle of the night is going to get more frequent.So I stand in opposition.
    Aurora, Il
  8922. (printed as 2/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5768NARESH & SEEMA MANSUKHANI
    We are not in favor of the Canadian National Railway acquiring EJ & E as we live in that vicinity and we already have long delays and issues when the train passes the track. There's a major gridlock in that area. If we ever had an emergency and required immediate medical attention from the Rush Copley Hospital - response would be delayed if a train was passing. We are totally against the idea and hoping the government can do something about it. I'm sure there are alot of other residents who aren't in favor of it, especially those with kids due to safety reasons.
    AURORA, IL
  8923. (printed as 2/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5576Village of New Lenox
    See attached document for Village of New Lenox, Illinois' Comments Regarding the Scope of the Proposed Draft Environmental Impact Statement.
    David L. LaPorte · New Lenox, IL
  8924. (printed as 2/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6033Roger Tatum
    I am writting to express my deep safety and environmental concerns for the Barrington, Illinois area should the Canadian National Rairoad be allowed to purchase the Elgin-Jolliet and Eastern Railway which runs directly through our area. The anticipated increase in freight traffic is 22 plus freight trains daily. You should be aware as well that the tracks cross all three major roadways within a quarter of a mile of each other. These roads are Route 14 which runs from south-east to north-west, Route 59 (Hough Street) which bisects the Village of Barrington and runs north to south and Lake-Cook Rd. which bisects the village again and runs east to west. While the daily inconvenience is bothersome enough, the potential for the hinderance of lifesaving equipment is frightening. Please do not choose Canadian commerce over well being and safety of our citizens and most especailly our children. Most sincerely yours, Roger Tatum
    Lake Barrington, Illinois
  8925. (printed as 2/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6016Daniel Smuskiewicz
    I am a resident of the Liberty Square subdivision in New Lenox. I am opposed to the sale of the EJ and E railway. This sale will do irrepairable damage to New Lenox and any other community that this railway passes through. There are no overpasses over these tracks for emergency vehicles to use. Traffic will be backed-up for long periods on the main roads that cross thse tracks. The two worst issues are the increased probability for hazardous material spills, which willhappen. I say this because companies do not maintain their facilities as good as they should because it costs too much. And in time thses tracks and roadways will deteriorate and fail. That is a fact of life. These conditions will cause our property values to plummet. This is my other area of concern. Residents in this are work hard and long to try make a better life for their families. If this sale goes through, it will a serious blow to their efforts and dreams for the future of their families.
    New Lenox, Illinois
  8926. (printed as 2/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6809Lehrer, Richard
  8927. served (printed as 2/22/2008)
    Decision
    38821Entire Board
    DECISION: (1) DENIED THE VILLAGE OF FRANKFORT AND WILL COUNTY'S MOTIONS TO COMPEL RESPONSES TO DISCOVERY REQUESTS; AND (2) GRANTED ARCELORMITTAL USA INC.ET. AL.'S (ARCELORMITTAL) MOTION TO COMPEL ALL DISCOVERY REQUESTS FROM ELGIN, JOLIET & EASTERN RAILWAY COMPANY (EJ&E) AND EJ&E WEST COMPANY REGARDING CURRENT OPERATIONS AND ARRANGEMENTS BETWEEN EJ&E AND ARCELORMITTAL AND ANY REQUESTS REGARDING GARY RAILROAD'S FUTURE OPERATIONS AND COMMERCIAL ARRANGEMENTS.
  8928. (printed as 2/22/2008)
    Statement
    221668Verified Statement/Support Statement
    Canadian National Railway Company And Grand Trunk Corporation
  8929. (printed as 2/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6804Raw Materials, Inc.
    Fuss, David
  8930. (printed as 2/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5767Vicki Brumleve
    I feel Effingham needs Amtrak services. I have relatives who have taken the train to Effingham many many times. My kids live in Bloomington/Normal now & we both want the opportunity to take the train. My company's home office is in Chicago & feel it is very reasonable to take the train back & forth. Your rates have been very reasonable & our family would like to see the Amtrak services remain available in Effingham....is much easier than driving in Chicago. Please keep Amtrak in Effingham! Thank you!
    Teutopolis, IL
  8931. (printed as 2/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5764James Hensley
    I am writing to express my displeasure with the proposed sale of the EJ&J railway in Chicago to Canadaian National. The impact on the quality of life for hundreds of thousands of suburban residents will be impacted too greatly. In addition to sound problems, there are very few bridges to eliminate traffic tie-ups due to the increased train activity. Lastly, School District 204 is beginning to build a new high school close to these tracks. Anyone attempting to drive to this new school site will have to cross grade-level crossings. PLEASE do not let this sale go thru. Sincerely, James Hensley
    Naperville, IL
  8932. (printed as 2/21/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6793City of Chicago
    Preckwinkle, Toni
  8933. (printed as 2/21/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6658Regional Transportation Authority
    Schlickman
  8934. (printed as 2/21/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6422Unknown
  8935. served (printed as 2/20/2008)
    Decision
    38813Entire Board
    DECISION DIRECTED CANADIAN NATIONAL RAILWAY CORPORATION AND GRAND TRUNK CORPORATION TO FILE FOR CONSTRUCTION AUTHORITY FOR EACH OF THE SIX CONNECTING TRACKS APPLICANTS PROPOSE TO CONSTRUCT IN CONJUNCTION WITH THEIR PROPOSED TRANSACTION, OR TO SHOW CAUSE WHY AUTHORITY IS NOT NEEDED FOR ONE OR MORE OF THESE CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS.
  8936. (printed as 2/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6795Village of Rosemont
    Stephens, Bradley
  8937. (printed as 2/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6706Yates, Maureen
  8938. (printed as 2/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6391Indiana State Senator
    Tallian, Karen
  8939. (printed as 2/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5763Robert F. Ratini
    Ms. Johnson-Ball, I am writing in opposition of Canadian Rail's proposed purchase of the E,J,&E Railway. CN's planned increase of train traffic through several residential communities, including mine, would be disruptive to road commuters, and would increase noise levels substantially. Additionally, the E,J,&E rail lines run through neighborhoods densely poulated with children. Increased rail traffic leads to increased potential for fatalities when children are nearby. The damage to property values due to the increased noise and traffic delays would be devastating to many of us. I ask that you please oppose the transaction for the safety of the people in our community. Thank you for your consideration. Bob Ratini
    Plainfield, IL
  8940. (printed as 2/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5762Lisa Shannon
    This item will provide signinficant negative impact on the environment, and more directly on the overall qulatiy of life of those affected by it. It should NOT happen.
    Plainfield, IL
  8941. (printed as 2/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5760Jytte Leventhal
    Please do not stop the Amtrack service From Chicago to Effingham. There are many Effingham Citizens that need this service!!! Please do not sell the railroad lines to Canadian National Railway Company!!!!
    Effingham, Illinois
  8942. (printed as 2/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5575Catherine N. Howes
    I think I've been designated as a Party of Interest" after submitting a scoping comment last month via email - this was not my intent. I've been receiving copies of the numerous submissions of interested parties - is there a way to remove me from this mailing list?"
  8943. (printed as 2/19/2008)
    Statement
    221636Verified Statement/Support Statement
    Canadian National Railway Company And Grand Trunk Corporation
  8944. (printed as 2/19/2008)
    Certificate
    221635Certificate Of Service
    Illinois Department Of Transportation
  8945. (printed as 2/19/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7018Glendale Heights, Chamber of Commerce
    Strangeway, Edward
  8946. (printed as 2/19/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6803United Sugars Corp.
    Glass, Lee
  8947. (printed as 2/19/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6794City of Breese
    Maue, Donald
  8948. (printed as 2/19/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6774Ace Ethanol
    Bisek, James
  8949. (printed as 2/19/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6171Zerth
  8950. (printed as 2/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6181Priebe
  8951. (printed as 2/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6180Katzberg
  8952. (printed as 2/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6179Compton
  8953. (printed as 2/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5759Patricia Brumleve
    I'm hoping that AmTrak will continue to offer the Effingham to Chicago route. With the price of gas continually on the incline, this is a much more desirable mode of transportation to the city. I am planning a trip in May, and hope to use AmTrak.
    Effingham, Illinois
  8954. (printed as 2/17/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6178Silk
  8955. (printed as 2/17/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5758bruce a burkey
    plz don't allow short-sighted and narrow corporate priorities to destroy that rarest of commodities, a functional public service transportation system(already compromised by rail-owner commercial priorities)
    effingham, il
  8956. (printed as 2/17/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5755John Goluch
    On it's own, the CN purchase of the EJ&E railroad would have disastrous consequences on local traffic that is already awful. Add to this the fact that it would aggravate the commute of 3/4 of students targeted to attend IPSD 204's new Metea Valley High School and this proposed purchase should not even be on the table. There is NO UPSIDE to the community from this transaction !
    Aurora, IL
  8957. (printed as 2/16/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6238Havis, Becky
  8958. (printed as 2/16/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6233Barnes, Jeff
  8959. (printed as 2/16/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6176Yates
  8960. (printed as 2/16/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6175Bertrand
  8961. (printed as 2/16/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5586Brad Hastings
    We live in Effingham, Il but have medical specialists in Chicago which we use for serious medical procedures such as removal of a brain aneurysm and laminectomy with fusion. We rely on the availability of the train to get to Chicago. It would greatly limit our options for treatment were the train service to be changed.
    Effingham, IL
  8962. (printed as 2/16/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5585Penny Brodack
    Keep Amtrak running
    Effingham, Illinois
  8963. (printed as 2/16/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5584jim bertrand
    The J" sale with the increased train traffic will damage my house because it already rattles now from the train. It will also pump more diesel smell and smog into my back yard. The increase in train traffic will also ruin my property value. About 5 trains go by now and increasing it by triple or more, a buyer will not want to be here when you cant hear you tv inside with the windows closed. Now it is not bad, but every hour it will hurt me financially. Keep the train tracks as they are, I actuallly enjoy the once and a while train. Keep the trains as they are or similiar.I dont want this to ruin my lifestyle, house, lungs and investment. Thank you! Jim Bertrand"
  8964. (printed as 2/16/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5583fChristy Bertrand
    The ejand e trains rattle my house and the trains smell like diesel fuel in my back yard. I knew all this when I moved in, in 2004. There is only 1 track so I was comfortable with my purchase. I am apposed to adding a rail, increasing the train traffic and the purchase of the J". This will damage my house, my lungs and my property value. No one will buy my house. It was once quiet and peaceful. Now it will be loud and my house will rattle all the time. Not just 5 times a day. Thank you, Christy Bertrand"
  8965. (printed as 2/16/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5582Hashim Rizvi
    Please see attachment.
    Barrington, IL
  8966. (printed as 2/16/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5581Amy Hernicz
    As a resident of the Westridge subdivision in Bartlett, IL, the current travel time on West Bartlett Rd. from Westridge Blvd. to Rt.59 (approx. 1 mile) WITHOUT the interruption of a freight train can take over 20 min. during morning and evening rush hour traffic. This is already a problem due to the addition of over 4 new neighborhoods with West Bartlett Rd. being the main, and only artery to them. West Bartlett road is already a serious traffic problem that needs immediate attention for widening, additional lights, and also the serious disrepair of the road at the crossing which currently causes halting of traffic and potentially deadly accidents. The frustration of encountering only one train in a day can cause missed time from work, and missed appointments, thus taking food out of my child's mouth. There is not a way around this roadblock quicker than the 15-20 minute wait for the train to pass, that is, if it doesn't stop several times first. That being said, this is already a LIFE and DEATH situation. With the firehouse on the East side of the tracks being built for the residents who live on the West side of the tracks, this is a horrific disaster in the making. There is already an overpopulation for West Bartlett Road for even one freight train a day, or without ANY freight trains going through. I have a child, and with another one on the way, it scares absolutely sick that there could be freight trains crossing these tracks every hour. The tracks are near elementary schools, and our homes, and the air pollution, noise pollution, etc. are very serious concerns to me. This will lower our property values tremendously. But, the deadliest potential result of all of this is that no ambulance, fire truck, paramedic, police officer, etc. will be able to get to anyone in need quick enough approx. every hour for 20 minutes minimal additional delay. How many people does that kill? And how many road rages will it take for someone to snap and hurt someone? Or, how many people, tired from waiting so many times, will try to beat the gates and lose there life or whole family trying? This is a recipe for disaster larger than I can imagine especially if one of these trains carrying toxic chemicals derails in our Children's backyards and schools?
    Bartlett, IL
  8967. (printed as 2/16/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5580PHILLIP A. LAGRO
    It is with sincere regret and a tragic vision of the destruction of the relatively peaceful lifestyle of our local suburban communities, that I write you today concerning the potential acquisition of the Elgin, Joliet & Eastern Railroad (EJ&E) by the Canadian National Railway Company (CN). I ask you right at the outset, please do not let this acquisition take place. I am writing you as a resident of a town through which the EJ&E railroad passes, as a CN stockholder, as a person who's grandfather and two of his brothers were EJ&E employees, as a model railroader, as a member of the Southern Pacific Historical & Technical Society, as member of the Illinois Railway Museum, and as a true railfan and supporter of our U.S. railroads. But most of all, I am writing you to tell you that I am totally opposed to the proposed CN acquisition of the EJ&E! I will not ask you to, again, read through a restatement of what is proposed by CN, nor will I recite the dreadful changes that would take place as a result of this acquisition. I will ask you to search your heart and soul as a fellow citizen, and know that all of the negative impacts cited by so many of us will in fact become our new reality if you allow it. I will focus my comments strictly on the vehicular traffic impact, and ask that you consider our current reality and how devastatingly worse it will become. Vehicular traffic in Lake County, Illinois is already beyond terrible, and it has been for at least 25 years. Population has increased significantly and old roadway systems have long since become inadequate. As suburbs have expanded, in addition to local residents crowding the roadways, many thousands of regional residents add to the frequent gridlock as they cut through the local towns to access the more major highway systems. Transportation authorities in Lake County either can't or won't respond with roadway improvements that alleviate or eliminate the problems. There are many railroad grade crossings, a lack of adequate turning and bypass lanes, insufficient lanes to carry the traffic load, and poor signalization and other traffic controls to handle the overwhelming burden. The EJ&E rail line traverses the region through many suburban towns, crossing almost all major roads at grade. There are several locations where there are grade crossings within a few hundred feet of each other, affecting traffic going in all directions. Current rail traffic on the EJ&E minimally impacts these roads, but even so causes substantial backups at key times. The proposed CN rail traffic increases will simply have a devastating and intolerable impact on the entire affected region. And all this would come with no benefit at all to local communities, and a substantial benefit to the bottom line of a foreign company.
    HAWTHORN WOODS, IL
  8968. (printed as 2/16/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5579Jeffrey Davis
    Hoffman Estates, IL
  8969. (printed as 2/16/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5578Kim Guercio
    There stands a broad coalition of diverse interests concerned about protecting and maintaining the quality of life within our community. The introduction of increased rail traffic as a result of the proposed purchase of Elgin, Joliet & Eastern Railway Company by the Canadian National Railway undermines the efforts of the citizens of Lake Zurich to enhance this community’s environment building upon the characteristics that initially attracted these same people to the area. We are intensely opposed to the acquisition as it will 1) inhibit the ability of emergency vehicles to effectively respond to safety concerns and emergencies. 2) create tremendous inconveniences to the residences of Lake Zurich and the surrounding area as traffic congestion would be considerably enhanced. 3) promote increased air emissions which would essentially offset the benefit of reduced air emissions in the city of Chicago due to idling train engines which would be re-directed to the line passing through Lake Zurich. 4) tax an existing rail infrastructure that may not be prepared to effectively handle such an enormous increase in rail traffic potentially leading to disastrous results. 5) possibly curtail any developmental plans for the downtown district of Lake Zurich, thus impacting future economic development of the area. The benefit to the shareholders of Canadian National Railway should not outweigh the concerns of the dramatically impacted citizens and the significant issues created as a result of the proposed acquisition. We strongly urge the Surface Transportation Board to oppose the transaction!!!!!!!
    Lake Zurich, IL
  8970. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comments
    221656Environmental Comment
    Union Pacific Railroad Company
  8971. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Statement
    221625Protest/Opposition Statement
    Illinois Department Of Transportation
  8972. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comments
    221623Environmental Comment
    Wisconsin & Southern Railroad Co
  8973. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comments
    221622Environmental Comment
    Village Of Barrington, Illinois
  8974. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comments
    221621Environmental Comment
    Norfolk Southern Railway Company
  8975. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comments
    221620Environmental Comment
    Wisconsin Department Of Transportation
  8976. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comments
    221619Environmental Comment
    United States Department Of Transportation
  8977. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comments
    221615Environmental Comment
    Village Of Wayne
  8978. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6966Guidinger, John
  8979. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6963Deroche, David
  8980. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6960Agarwal, Vijay
  8981. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6959Jonota, Suzanne
  8982. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6958Kuester, Carl
  8983. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6956Mazurek, Marty
  8984. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6954Garcea, Diane
  8985. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6953Gelinas, Matt
  8986. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6952Ciciliot, Betsy
  8987. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6951Smith, Paul
  8988. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6950Heeren, Vernon
  8989. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6949Jaskoviak, Karyn
  8990. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6948Saunders, Alison
  8991. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6947Perkins, Ronald
  8992. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6945Johnson, Patrick
  8993. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6944Monis, Jocelyn
  8994. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6943Urban, Glenn
  8995. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6942Gelinas, Jennifer
  8996. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6941Caplin, Richard
  8997. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6940Reinhard, Linda
  8998. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6939Sullivan, B
  8999. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6938Ziminski, Kamilla
  9000. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6937Miller, Tiffany
  9001. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6936Culbertson, Carol
  9002. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6935Chrzastek, Ralph
  9003. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6934Lampton, Charles
  9004. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6933Mogan, Janine
  9005. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6932Luna, Nancy
  9006. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6931Shaw, James
  9007. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6930Poiry, Jennifer
  9008. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6929Yadavalli, Yugandhar
  9009. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6928Haywood, Christopher
  9010. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6927Gorski, Sherri
  9011. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6926Bukowski, Christopher
  9012. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6925Carlson, Gerald
  9013. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6924Schwent, David
  9014. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6923Brown, Katherine
  9015. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6922Raza, Antonette
  9016. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6921Fisher, Michael
  9017. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6919Thompson, Jeffrey
  9018. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6918Meier, Renee
  9019. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6917Singer, Olena
  9020. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6911Zajac, Romuald
  9021. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6910Mitchell, France
  9022. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6909Cossio, Luis
  9023. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6907Johnson, Josiah
  9024. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6906Precilio, Joan
  9025. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6905DeLisle, Nancy
  9026. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6904Deer Park neighbors, LTD
    Barry, Deborah
  9027. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6903Blue, Janet
  9028. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6902Bortmess, Todd
  9029. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6901Longwood Homewonders Association
    See, Sherry
  9030. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6900Kagebein, Sue
  9031. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6899Bennett, Alice
  9032. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6898Holz, Cheryl
  9033. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6897Culberson, Lori
  9034. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6896Olmsted, Tim
  9035. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6895Coleman, Dennis
  9036. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6894Placko, Brian
  9037. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6893Cain, Rebecca
  9038. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6892Cain, James
  9039. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6891Hatchett, Helen
  9040. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6890Streeter, Susan
  9041. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6889Bruns, Robert
  9042. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6888Burke, Jeffrey
  9043. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6886Mason, Jermaine
  9044. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6885Patterson, Jeffrey
  9045. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6884Mowery, Aimee
  9046. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6883Saarnio, Brian
  9047. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6882Brubacher, John
  9048. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6881Bennett, Monica
  9049. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6880Kostecki, Ted
  9050. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6879Mannion, Kimberly
  9051. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6878Michigan Senate
    Schauer, mark
  9052. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6877Clouthier, Suzan
  9053. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6876Autumn Homes, Inc
    Sacco, Patti
  9054. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6875Jaurigue, Andrea
  9055. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6874Venvertloh, Craig
  9056. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6873Drew, Jayne
  9057. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6872Pasawala, Rajan
  9058. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6871McCurley, Dan
  9059. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6870Szczesny, Melissa
  9060. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6869Heidenrich, Tasha
  9061. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6868OBrien, William
  9062. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6867Hohmeier, Lisa
  9063. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6866City of Champaign
    Schweighart, Gerald
  9064. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6865Myka, Christine
  9065. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6864Parsons, Michelle
  9066. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6863Madey, Michael
  9067. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6861WI Dept. of Agriculture, Trade and consumer Protection
    Kaufmann, Jill
  9068. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6860Loch, Terry
  9069. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6859Self, Pamela
  9070. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6858Parsons, Denise
  9071. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6857Barker, Tara
  9072. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6856Elmohandes, Mohamed
  9073. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6855Toy, Scott
  9074. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6854Blazier, Michael
  9075. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6853Nichols, Jennifer
  9076. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6852Pepping, Jennifer
  9077. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6851Andrade, David
  9078. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6850Sus, Gerald
  9079. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6849Struble, Craig
  9080. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6848Lazatin, Darwin
  9081. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6847Slate, Larry
  9082. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6846Sherwood, Joshua
  9083. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6845Zacher, J.M.
  9084. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6844Gusse, Rebecca
  9085. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6843Rumrey, Kimberly
  9086. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6842Vance, Dawn
  9087. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6841Nave, Daniel
  9088. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6840Krusic, Sonya
  9089. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6839Kennedy, Cynthia
  9090. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6838Kennedy, Robert
  9091. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6837Kolzow, Kerry
  9092. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6836Loch, Kathy
  9093. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6835Feeney, Theresa
  9094. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6831Reiser, Thomas
  9095. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6830Barker, Steve
  9096. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6829Ballo, Christine
  9097. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6828Winiecki, Paul
  9098. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6827Steel Grade, Inc.
    Reinhart, Barbara
  9099. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6824Root, Sharon
  9100. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6823Union Pacific Railroad Company
    Opal, Robert
  9101. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6822Goldrick, Joseph
  9102. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6821Kraus, Kaia
  9103. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6808Karlstedt, Lisa
  9104. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6792City of Champaign
    Schweighart, Gerald
  9105. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6790IL DOT
    Clary, Joseph
  9106. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6788Village of Barrington
    Sheys, Kevin
  9107. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6787WI & Southern Railroad Co.'s
    Heffner, John
  9108. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6786WDOT
    Chung, Kathleen
  9109. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6784DOT
    Gribbin, DJ
  9110. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6735STEPHENS
  9111. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6689Chapman, Jeanine
  9112. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6474Adams, Lynn
  9113. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6473Gneuhs, Kay
  9114. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6472Express Fasteners
    Watkins, Maureen
  9115. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6450Smith
  9116. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6449Wickham
  9117. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6448Maksin
  9118. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6447Chen
  9119. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6446Malecki
  9120. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6445Stevens
  9121. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6444Conti
  9122. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6443Christopherson
  9123. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6442Stola
  9124. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6441Ellis
  9125. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6331Querrey Harrow
    LaPorte, David · Chicago, IL
  9126. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6260United States Senate
    Durbin, Richard
  9127. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6256Attorneys at Law for Will County, IL
    Gower, Edward
  9128. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6254Village of Wayne
    Spiroff, Harlan
  9129. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6253Chicago South Suburban Mass Transit District
    Brabec, Thomas
  9130. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6252Warrenville Park district
    Dillow, Diane
  9131. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6249US Environmental Protection Agency
    Westlake, Kenneth
  9132. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6248Member of Congress
    Roskam, Peter
  9133. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6242Hamelberg, Ronald
  9134. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6241Winters, Jane
  9135. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6240Monehan, Louise
  9136. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6170Zerth
  9137. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6169VonMeier
  9138. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6168Vickers
  9139. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6167Tivensky
  9140. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6166Sells
  9141. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6165Sanschafer
  9142. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6164Nickels
  9143. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6163Mikos
  9144. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6162Larimore
  9145. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6161Juffernbruch
  9146. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6160Hough
  9147. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6159DiMonte
  9148. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6158Cook
  9149. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6157Maureen Childs
  9150. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6156Maureen Childs
  9151. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6155Maureen Childs
  9152. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6154Bray
  9153. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6151Berardi
  9154. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6150Abune
  9155. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6083Village of Barrington Hills
    KOSIN
  9156. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6037FINLEY
  9157. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6019BACOG
    This Comment consists of 9 maps in pdf files. A tsxt document in Word document and the word document in pdf format. Maps 1,2, 5-9 and the word document have been transmitted in previous efilings.
    Janet L. Agnoletti · Barrington, IL
  9158. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6001CUTRIGHT
  9159. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5779Timothy Savoie
    As a homeowner living approximately 1/2 mile from the EJ&E tracks that are proposed to be acquired by Canadian National Railway, I'd like to voice my concerns and strong objection to this acquisition. The stated purpose of the purchase is to route traffic around Chicago and in so doing, they would increase the traffic on the railroad by 3-4 times. When addressing the increased wait time at all the at-grade crossings, the answer was that they would run the trains at full speed. Naperville, which runs adjacent to the tracks, and cross at Wolf's Crossing, 91st Street and 83rd street near our home, this adds significant noise level and traffic risks. Naperville is currently building a new High School on the west side of these tracks but will be busing students from the east side, in all cases across at-grade crossings. This is a great safety risk to our children. Faster moving trains mean less time to stop, especially with our young drivers. This acquisition should not be approved on the basis of safety, noise pollution and the additional delays it will cause for all traffic traveling east and west over the tracks. Please, do not approve this proposal.
    Naperville, Illinois
  9160. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5577Marjorie Zerth
    Unsure of docket (re: CN Railroad). I current take the Metra train with originates in Joliet. Many mornings we are stopped or slowed down by other trains. This new line will delay our train, make us late to work. Many people w/drive, creating more pollution and further harming the environment.
    Lockport, IL
  9161. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5574Kelly & Joshua Sherwood
    My husband and I are writing to protest the sales of the Elgin, Joliet & Eastern Railway by the Canadian National Railway and Grand Trunk Corporation (together, CN). The planned increase in rail traffic would damage our community by increasing gridlock and endangering citizens and students who routinely pass over crossings not intended for traffic of the magnitude proposed.
    Aurora, IL
  9162. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5573Helen Cawley
    I wanted to write to share my disastifaction with the proposed NEW CN ownerhip purchase of the Elgin, Joliet and Eastern rail line that runs through Lake Zurick. The impact to our Village is huge, right now we have 3-5 trains travel through, however with the proposal, we will have 30 trains a day which will be unacceptable. Please do not allow this to happen. Thanks for your consideration Helen Cawley
    Lake zurich, il
  9163. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5572David Gwizdala
    I moved to Barrington within the past year. I selected this location because of its uniqueness--it's quiet, comfortable atmosphere, tucked away just 25 minutes from my work. I live in the Arbors of Barrington complex, a complex that is bordered on the west by the EJ&E freight line. Before I moved in, I asked about the rail line and what I could expect from the traffic. I was informed that some trains did use the line, but quite infrequently. I was happy to see that this was indeed true after moving in. Although I was woken up a few times a month from a train moving through at very late hours, this was a rare occurrence. I was happy. Unfortunately, CN's acquisition of the line will threaten my way of life. The immediate concern is the increased rail traffic and its effect on the noise pollution of what is really a wonderful place to be. I do not live more than a few hundred feet from the line. With the expected increase in rail traffic that comes with the CN acquisition, I will no longer have the way of life I planned for when I bought my first place to live not even a year ago. This causes great concern. Additionally, given my condo's proximity to the line, I fear such an increase in rail traffic could threaten my property value--a consideration I took very seriously before making the purchase. Having more than 20 trains run through town any given day is sure to suffocate Barrington in ways unimaginable by those who are pushing for CN's acquisition. In the short time I have been here, I have seen just how susceptible our town's transportation infrastructure is to traffic problems in the face of major changes. Allowing CN to acquire and utilize the EJ&E line would stifle much of what is so special about Barrington.
    Barrington, Illinois
  9164. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5571Georgetown Homeowners Association
    On behalf of the Georgetown Homeowners' Association, I would like to communicate our agreement with the opposition expressed by the Village of Frankfort to the acquisition of the EJ&E Railway by the Canadian National Railway. Our subdivision is located close to the intersection of this rail line and Harlem Avenue in Frankfort. We currently experience loud whistle noise with each train that passes through this intersection. The noise of both the train and the necessary whistle warning at this intersection are at this time considered little more than an occasional nuisance. The proposed sale and resultant increase in train traffic, to more than five times the current level, seems to be more than any community should be asked to endure and more than any corporation should be allowed to impose. The traffic along Harlem Avenue is already expected to increase dramatically because of a project that will widen this state road from 2 lanes to 4 lanes and an island. Completion of this project, and the proposed increase in train traffic crossing this major roadway, will result in major traffic congestion and stalls at the main entrance to our subdivision as well as a tremendous increase in the amount of car/truck exhaust pollution created by the traffic stalls. Frequent traffic stalls at our main entrance presents a major safety hazard to all of the Georgetown residents because of the potential access problems that emergency vehicles will experience during train transit times. Additionally, the impact on the air quality, and increase in the frequency of whistle noise experienced by homeowners near the rail line and Harlem Avenue, will dramatically change the quality of life for our homeowners. All Georgetown residents and visitors will be impacted by what is likely to be hourly disruptions caused by train transits through this area. Finally, there is a wildlife preserve area located to our east in the Village of Matteson which we believe would also experience adverse effects from the increased noise and air pollution from both the high volume train traffic and the high volume car/truck traffic on the major north/south roadways of Harlem and Ridgeland Avenues. This project must not be allowed to go through as proposed. We implore officials at the STB to consider the safety and environmental issues that this sale, and resultant increased train activity, will inflict on our residents. Please feel free to contact us if you have questions or would like additional information. We hope that a resolution that takes our concerns seriously will be forthcoming. Thank you for your time and attention to this important issue. Signed: Sharon Jackson, Vice President, Georgetown Homeowners' Association, P.O. Box 1192, Frankfort, IL 60423 Home address: Sharon Jackson, 7260 Virginia Court, Frankfort, IL 60423
    Sharon Jackson · Frankfort, IL
  9165. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5569US EPA-R5
    Scoping comments for the Canadian National acquisition of the EJ&E West Company
    Norman West · Chicago, Illinois
  9166. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5566Brett Spearing
    I oppose the proposed EJ & E/CN sale. Please review attached document. Sincerely, Brett Spearing
    Frankfort, IL
  9167. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5565Canadian National Railway Company and Grand Trunk Corporation
    see attachments
    Paul A. Cunningham · Washington, DC
  9168. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5564Mark Kilayko
    Attached are my comments regarding CN's planned acquisition of the EJ&E Railroad.
    Barrington, Illinois
  9169. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5563Chicago Gary Airport
    We have included our previous comments to the STB on January 24, 2008
    Chris Curry · Gary, Indiana
  9170. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5562nils hansen
    as the ej&e railroad runs east/west less than three miles to the north of our area, we are concerned about exactly what the amount of trains that will be traveling in this area and as there no longer is a penalty, monetary wise, that will affect standing trains which could easily make them more prone to tardy departures, there will be more pollution emitted! Don't kn ow if we can comment on this other subject but our main comcern is making sure that the C&N would be required to creat overpass's on the five main streets they could block and create major gridlock, including emergency services to the hospitals in the area as these are all north/south roads that would be impacted as the hospitals are all located north of EJ&E tracks!!!
    crete, il
  9171. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5561Edward Fagan
    The Illinois CREATE program is designed to resolve issues of RR congestion in Chicago. Implementation of CREATE requires the participation of the freight railways, including CN. The proposed acquisition of E,J&E is also intended to resolve Chicago RR congestion issues. The scope of the EIS should investigate the potential participation of CN in the CREATE program as a potentially viable alternative which may mitigate the impacts of the proposed acquisition and re-routing of freight traffic on the E,J&E tracks?
    Barrington Hills, IL
  9172. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5560Danna Neville
    I was unable to attend the meeting in my area and I need to voice a concern. Quick access to all of the hospitals in the south suburbs will be threatened. An ambulance will have to go east to 394 or west to 57 to be assured of crossing the tracks in a timely fashion with the additional 22 trains per day. I imagine quite a few people living south of the EJ&E tracks will switch their medical care to Indiana, south to Kankakee or West to Joliet, depending on where they live.
    Beecher, Illinois
  9173. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5559Cathy Bierman
    Requesting for the Amtrak services to remain in Effingham. Please do not sale the railroad lines.
    Effingham, IL
  9174. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5558Judy Tolle
    I am writing to ask the STB very carefully consider the consequences on the town of Barrington if the CNR is able to acquire the EJE railway. While I understand their position the impact on our town and neighboring towns will be the end of our great community. Thank you.
    Barrington, Illinois
  9175. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5557Leslie Kuecher
    I am very concerned about the EJ & E sale. I live a couple of blocks from the tracks and I'm concerned with the safety. We have to cross the tracks to get on the bike trail and I fear many children will race the train. Also, I am fearful it will affect the bus schedules and the children will be late for school frequently. If there were an overpass or other safety measures in place it would help. This goes through a single family residential area through Frankfort, New Lenox and other suburbs. I hope that the publics safety and health will be taken into consideration with this sale. It will greatly affect out health and community. Thank you, Leslie Kuecher
    Frankfort, IL
  9176. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5556George Vickers
    I am contacting you to express my concerns about the purchase of the EJ&E rail tracks through the western suburbs of Chicago by CN, STB Finance Docket No. 35087. The proposed increase in rail traffic will have a significant negative impact on our community. There are concerns with the noise and vibration for residents in close proximity to the tracks. There are concerns about hazardous cargos that will be transported, and the needs for evacuations and remediation were an accident to occur. There are concerns about impact to the natural habitates the are in the proximity of the tracks. There are concerns about increased polution from the trains. There are concerns about access to the Rush-Copley Medical Center by individuals on the east side of the tracks. There are concerns about access to many schools of the Indian Prairie Unit School District #204 by students within their boundaries that are located on the opposite side of the tracks, and noise impacting the quality of education. There are concerns about the many at-grade crossings and few crossings with under or over passes that will hinder movement within our community, most notably US Routes 34 and 30. There are concerns about the hazards to motorists crossing the tracks with the increase number of trains and increased speeds that are proposed. There are concerns about the increase in local taxes that will be necessary to mitigate all of the negative impacts on our community, while CN will receive significant financial benefits. I do not believe that CN has adequately addressed these concerns. I am also extremely disappointed with the lack of a hearing with CN in the Aurora area, which is the largest Illinois city impacted by this sale. I hope that future steps in this process will include meetings in Aurora. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any question about my comments and concerns. Thank you.
    Aurora, Illinois
  9177. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5555U.S. Representative
    see attached
    The Honorable Melissa L. Bean · Washington, DC
  9178. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5554Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP
    see attached
    Edward R. Gower · Springfield, IL
  9179. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5553Bruce Schubert
    Please find attached questions regarding the CN/EJ&E merger and the public scoping period.
    Aurora, Illinois
  9180. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5552Thomas F McFarland
    see attached
    IL, 60604
  9181. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5551Querrey & Harrow, Ltd.
    The attached comments submitted on behalf of the Village of New Lenox, IL
    David L. LaPorte · Chicago, IL
  9182. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5550Deven Patel
    The issue with increased freight traffic on lines owned by CN in Lake County, IL has been brought to my attention. Being a Lake County resident, we are already disadvantaged in terms of a road infrastructure system. My daily commute is on the order of an hour for only a 14 mile distance. Increased freight traffic will only go to worsen a already crippled road system in terms of congestion and delay. If this proposal is to pass, it must be complemented with some sort of releif to the road system, either in the form of overpasses, underpasses, increased lanes. A study must be done to satisfy the number of commuters in Lake County before allowing a 400% increase in freight traffic, that most likely will not even benefit our county.
    Antioch, IL
  9183. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5549Anthony Tinaglia
    Re Finance Docket No. 35087 Dear Ms. Johnson-Ball, Please consider my concerns as a citizen with a family that would be negatively impacted by Canadian National's proposed purchase of the EJ&E. Having grown up in Des Plaines, I have experienced first hand the profound impact freight trains have on a communities congestion and environment. Presently, we live the width of a soccer field from the EJ&E. While we presently only have about 5 trains per day it took me approximately one year to be able to sleep through the train horns and vibrations throughout our home. I can not imagine how unbearable the noise and vibrations would be increasing the frequency of trains by 4 times and doubling the length of the trains. Additionally, we would experience decreased air quality from the increased engine emissions. The community has been working to reduce pollution by adding commuter rail service to reduce automobile traffic and emissions while reducing traffic congestion. I am confident you have already heard more detailed concerns from others in my community so I kept it brief. I moved out to this area to get away from the air and noise pollution I grew up with. Please listen to the voice of our communities and disapprove the proposed transaction in whole. Sincerely, Anthony C. Tinaglia
    Lake Zurich, IL.
  9184. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5548Julie Malinoski
    see attachments
    Plainfield, IL
  9185. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5547Renee Hutchison
    I can't believe that the sale of the Elgin, Joliet and Eastern Rail lines to the Canadian National Railroad is even being CONSIDERED! The impact to ours and the surrounding communities is overwhelming. The noise, traffic delays, etc. are completely unacceptable. I urge you to do all that you can to stop this! Renee Hutchison
    Lake Zurich, IL
  9186. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5546Pradeep Pavuluri
    Regarding Canadian National Railways' (CN) plan to buy Elgin, Joliet and Eastern Railways (EJ&E), I would like to make a comment on how difficult it will makes lives of people living by EJ&E corrider if the sale goes through. 1. Number of trains on EJ&E tracks goes up from an average of 10 to 45 (350% increase) while it is only going down from 4 to 0 from the current CN tracks. The negative impact on people on EJ&E is far greater than the little positive impact on please living by the current CN tracks. 2. Most of the railroad crossings on EJ&E are at-grade crossings. This acquisition will guarantee to increase commute time by by at least 30 minutes to 1 hour. 3. Noise pollusion will multiply several times. Again, the negative impact is far more than the positive impact. 4. Experiencing vibrations 5 or 6 times a day is bearable. Experiencing the same twice every hour will seem like living in a earthquake-prone zone. 5. Most at-grade crossings are not quiet zones. This would imply that we will have to hear train whistles constantly (literally). Request/Suggestion: If the acquisition is not stoppable, I request that CN utilize their existing lines and the newly acquired EJ&E lines. Instead of increasing EJ&E traffic from 10 to 45, please consider splitting the number of trains between EJ&E and currently owned CN lines. Going from 10 to 15 is more bearable and will have less negative impact on people and environment. People move to the suburbs for good reasons and noise pollution, vibrations, long waits at grade crossings are definitely not among them. Please consider the huge negative impact this acquisition has on all the people living by EJ&E and compare that to the little or no positive impact it will have to the poeple living by current CN tracks. Thanks Pradeep Pavuluri 3148 Bennett Pl Aurora, IL 60502 piscesea@yahoo.com
    Aurora, IL
  9187. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5545Ronald Hutchison
    Please stop the proposed rail service expansion through Lake Zurich and Barrington IL We currently have 3-5 trains a day and CN is proposing an additional 20-30 traind daily making our community unbearable to live in. If we can't stop the government from sending our jobs overseas can we at least ask that they not drive through our back yards on their way?
    Lake Zurich, IL
  9188. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5544Barbara J. Barrie
    I firmly believe the planned sale of the Elgin, Joliet & Eastern Railway to CN puts at risk everything about my and my neighbors' healthy way of life, including greater danger to our school children (school buses) and slower emergency service response. Additionally, CN's intention to increase trains up to 25 to 30 times a day would also increase the noise and air pollution and create unmanageable gridlock of our infrastructures. CN does not contribute a penny to my community, or any other communities, yet the additional trains WILL INCREASE THEIR CORPORATE PROFITS at my expense. Please do not put the interests of a single foreign conglomerate ahead of contributing, tax-paying citizens. Thank you, Barbara J. Barrie
    Hawthorn Woods, IL
  9189. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5543Cindy Doehring
    This is in response to the article in the Effingham Daily News 2/14/08 Rail sale could effect local Amtrack service" We enjoy riding the train to the Chicago area at times throughout the year. While riding I have met many people who use this to commute to work in Chicago. Please keep this open...."
  9190. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5542Loretta Peterson
    Refer to Attachment
    Lake Zurich, IL
  9191. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5541Thomas F McFarland
    See attachment
    IL, 60604
  9192. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5540Colleen Johnston
    As a resident of Naperville living near the railway, I am concerned about the following negative impacts: * Safety of our children - many walk to schools in this area - and residents: at-grade crossing danger, transportation of hazardous materials * Noise and Vibration: Audible warning system bells (disruptive to students at Fry and surrounding schools during the day and sleep at night). This is a highly residential area. * Traffic: Delays in transporting children to and from school, emergency response time. RR Construction would cause excessive traffic delays at major intersections. * Air Quality: An increase in trains would increase emissions from railway operations decreasing the air quality for the children and residents in this area. Thank you in advance for your time and consideration! Colleen
    Naperville, IL
  9193. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5539Kent Lawrence
    To Whom it may Concern: I would hate to see the take over of our rail lines to CN.. The tracks are exactly 50 feet from our back deck. We moved in in late September and have only 4 - 5 trains a day. I can't imagine seeing the trains as much as 20 a day. I think the impact on not only our lives but all the people along the tracks will be affected. We are really considering on moving out of Bramar Sub-Divsion. He will only hurt the growing and beautiful area of the Northern Suburbs of Chicago! Please see the side of story from our perspective! Please Stop The Train! I hear the whistle as we speak!!!!! Not Fun at all!
    Barrington,, IL
  9194. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5538Kathy Lohman
    I am OPPOSED to the sale of the EJ&E railway to CNR. As a resident with the railway only a few miles away from my home, the additional noise, traffic delays, pollution are of extreme concern to me and my family. But of the utmost importance are the safety issues. These tracks are crossed daily by numerous buses and families filled with children. The tracks near my home are not suitable for the increase in train traffic proposed, or for the shipment of hazzardous materials. Please do not allow this sale to take place. It will negatively impact the quality of life and saftety of many Naperville residents. Sincerely-Kathy Lohman
    Naperville, IL
  9195. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5537Northwest Municipal Conference
    see attach
    Mike Walczak · Des Plaines, IL
  9196. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5535Lori Eib
    I live in an area under the 9th Street Bridge in Lockport. There is only one street that allows me access out of this two block area by crossing the tracks that EJ&E currently owns. There has been times when I cannot leave or get to my house because the train has stopped on the tracks and I cannot see the front or the rear of the train. I am only allowed so many chances to be late for work in a year and then I am fired. I am concerned that with 28 trains a day, chances are I will be late for work. What will happen if I lose my job because I cannot get across the tracks?
    Lockport, IL
  9197. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5534Denise Schussler
    As an owner and mother in Plainfield, I am writing to express my concern over the Canadian National Railroad's plan to acquire EJ & E railway. I am concerned about the number of trains that will pass by my development carrying hazardous waste, and the impact that will have should a train derail near us or a school or park. Also if a train could measure up to two miles in length, it can possibly block crossings and delay emergency vehicles from getting through. I am very bothered that this can change the atmosphere of Plainfield. Thank you for your time.
    Plainfield, IL
  9198. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5533Union Pacific Railroad Company
    See attached
    Robert T. Opal · Omaha, Nebraska
  9199. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5532Michael Vanderheyden
    see attached
    Deer Park, IL
  9200. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5531James Williams
    I would like to ask your help in preventing the purchase of the EJ&E railroad property by the Canadian National railroad company. The increase in freight traffic by CN would have a great impact upon the current gridlock within our Lake County highway system due to the fact that most of the rail crossings are at surface grade. The increased HOURS of crossing delays EACH DAY would have a severe impact upon traffic movement, fire dept. response, emergency EMT response, as well as police response. Please consider these facts and the impact this CN use will have upon our neighborhood and do not approve this purchase.
    Lake Zurich, Illinois
  9201. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5530Kathleen Williams
    I would like to protest the approval of the Canadian National Railroad to purchase the EJ&E Railroad. The increase in freight traffic on this track would cause a great increase in the current auto traffic gridlock within our community. I must cross the EJ&E rail crossing on Old McHenry Rd in Hawthorn Woods a minimum of twice daily in order to travel to my place of employment in Deerfield, IL. The additional stoppages at the various EJ&E crossings within this community would cause tremendous delays, adding to the air polution because of ideling auto engines. It would delay emergency services such as fire, ambulance, police, etc. which could have a serious impact upon the protection of local citizens. I ask you to give SERIOUS thought and concern for the local citizens of the Lake Zurich area as you review this purchase by a foreign company.
    Lake Zurich, Illinois
  9202. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5529Barrington ARea Council of Governments (BACOG)
    This Comment consists of 9 maps in pdf files. A tsxt document in Word document and the word document in pdf format. Maps 1,2, 5-9 and the word document in Word and PDF format were transmitted in previous efilings
    Janet L. Agnoletti · Barrington, IL
  9203. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5528Nash Naam, MD
    I strongly believe that the proposed sale of the rural railroad tracks in our area is a bad idea..It does not make any sense...There is a good chance that we will loose our Amtrak service to Carbondale and Chicago...This is deteremental to our citizens' ability to go to Chicago and our students' ability to go to Carbondale...IT is a bad idea and it reflects the degree of corruption of our elected officials...Shame on you all...Shame...Shame...
    Effingham, Illinois
  9204. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5527Janet Cook
    Canadian Railroad should not be allowed to use the EJ&E tracks. The tracks go through residential neighborhoods most of the way through the Chicagoland area. Allowing them to use EJ&E will increase dangerous situations, noise pollution and conflicts with residents. Please reject their request!!
    Aurora, Illinois
  9205. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5526Christopher P.L. Barkan
    15 February 2008 Surface Transportation Board 395 E Street, SW Washington, DC 20423 Attention: Phillis Johnson-Ball Environmental Filing STB Finance Docket No. 35087 Re: Finance Docket No. 35087, Canadian National Railway Company and Grand Trunk Corporation - Control - EJ&E West Company Dear Ms. Johnson-Ball, I am writing to express my support for the application by the Canadian National Railway Company and Grand Trunk Corporation (CN) to control the EJ&E West Company (EJ&E). I believe that this transaction will have a major beneficial impact on the Chicago area, the state and the nation. It will improve safety, transportation efficiency and reduce risk and environmental impacts. As background about myself, I have been involved with research and teaching in railroad transportation engineering, safety and environmental performance for almost 20 years. I am currently an associate professor in the Civil and Environmental Engineering Department of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign where I also serve as the Director of the Railroad Engineering Program. I teach four different courses in railroad engineering and transportation and am extensively involved with a variety of research topics related to rail engineering, transportation technology, environment and hazardous materials transportation safety and risk. Before taking my current position in 1998, I worked for ten years in the Washington, DC office of the Association of American Railroads where I had principal responsibility for the railroad industry's environmental and hazardous materials safety and risk-related research programs. Over the course of my career I have authored, co-authored or edited over 70 books, chapters, reports, and papers describing a wide range of research results related to railroad transportation, especially in the areas of environmental impact, hazardous materials safety and risk. Until last year, I served as Chairman of the Executive Board of the Rail Group of the Transportation Research Board and am currently the Chairman of the Rail Transportation Committee of the American Society of Civil Engineers and serve as the Rail Transportation Area Editor of the Journal of Transportation Engineering. As such I am well aware of the critical importance of the Chicago region to the nation's rail network and the critical need to improve the efficiency with which railroad freight and passenger traffic traverses the region. I am concerned as a citizen and as a transportation educator and professional that as a nation we are not doing enough to improve the capacity of our rail infrastructure to accommodate the anticipated growth in rail traffic. Failure to do so will negatively impact safety, the environment, and our economy, and thus the general well-being of U.S. citizens. I believe that the CN proposal to control the EJ&E is a distinctly positive step toward the goal of improving our nation's transportation infrastructure and rail transport efficiency for reasons I briefly describe below. As I am sure you understand, the Chicago Region Environmental and Transportation Efficiency Program (CREATE) is a vital element in the long-term plans to address the congestion and capacity problems of the rail network in Chicago. Evidence of its importance is evident from the broad range of support demonstrated by the major freight railroads, Amtrak, Metra, the City of Chicago and the State of Illinois. I applaud these railroads and the other stakeholders for their support, cooperation and participation in this important project. The CN application to control the EJ&E is separate from the CREATE project but I believe the EJ&E transaction is an excellent complement to CREATE. Although CN's proposed control of the EJ&E will not, by itself, resolve the rail congestion problems that CREATE intends to address, it will remove the majority of the CN's through traffic from Chicago thereby providing substantial relief to those lines in the Chicago terminal area affected by CN’s traffic. It will enhance the benefits to the national rail system when CREATE is completed, and in the meantime provide near-term benefits. Since the CN plans to integrate the EJ&E into its network much sooner than the date by which the overall CREATE project would be completed, the region will see immediate benefits in terms of reduced environmental impact and improved safety, and the nation will see immediate economic benefits in terms of more efficient transportation of freight through the Chicago area. These benefits will continue to accrue after CREATE is completed. CN's control of the EJ&E could result in the need to make some changes to the CREATE program and all parties should be involved in the consideration of these to ensure the optimal outcome in restructuring the region's rail transportation infrastructure and operations. As already mentioned, the transaction will have the effect of removing a substantial amount of rail traffic from the Chicago network. This traffic will be transferred to the EJ&E line circling the city. Although this might be perceived as a zero-sum" gain and not yield a net benefit, in fact the relocation of CN traffic will yield substantial benefits for reasons fundamental to transportation capacity analysis and planning. 1) Rail traffic delays increase exponentially as a railroad line approaches and then exceeds its capacity. As a consequence of this non-linear relationship between traffic and delay, the benefit of removing traffic from a congested line more than offsets the additional delay that will accrue due to addition of the same amount of traffic to a less congested line. The result is a net reduction in total delay. If the CN carries out satisfactory upgrades of the EJ&E route, as I believe they intend, this will be precisely the situation described above. CN will achieve a net gain in its transportation efficiency through the region. Furthermore, all the other railroads whose traffic is currently sharing routes with CN's traffic in the Chicago network will also achieve the same exponential reduction in delay, so the CN transaction will benefit other railroads operating in Chicago in addition to its direct benefits to CN. 2) Part of the reason for the Chicago rail network's congestion is the many at-grade crossings and junctions. A train on one line frequently delays trains on other lines. Because of the denser, more congested network of rail lines within Chicago, there is a greater tendency for a "gridlock" type effect in which traffic from different lines affects traffic on other intersecting lines. Removal of the CN traffic will thus reduce these kinds of effects thereby improving the fluidity of the remaining traffic that must traverse the Chicago network. Although the EJ&E has many railroad crossings at-grade as well, the density of intersecting rail lines is less so the cascading effect of train delays on one line affecting others will be less compared to the same train volume operating within the Chicago terminal. A corollary to these reductions in delay is the reduction in environmental impact. Trains will spend less time traversing the region and require fewer stops and starts. Locomotives will consume less fuel and expel fewer emissions thereby reducing the production of noxious pollutants and greenhouse gases. Furthermore, the resultant improvement in fuel efficiency has intrinsic benefits of its own as the nation tries to reduce its dependence on foreign petroleum resources. In short, the enhanced operational efficiencies will reduce fossil fuel consumption and improve air quality in the Chicago region. As for hazardous materials traffic through the region, all of the points made above apply. Hazardous materials will travel more quickly along less populated routes around the city rather than through it. This has obvious safety benefits. In the event that there were to be an accident, fewer people would be exposed to the risk of a hazardous materials release. The average population density is roughly 2.5 times higher along the CN lines within the belt formed by the EJ&E, than along the EJ&E itself. There is a similar ratio of the total number of people potentially exposed along CN's lines compared to the EJ&E route outside the city. Furthermore, certain CN lines are within 1.25 miles of the Chicago central business district. These differences in population exposure translate directly to a reduction in risk due to hazardous materials transport in the Chicago region. The differences in operation and population exposure discussed above both equate to security benefits as well. Chicago is one of the Transportation Security Administration's (TSA) designated High-Threat Urban Areas (HTUA). TSA's goal is to minimize exposure of the population to hazardous materials traffic through these areas. Routing traffic out of the high population areas and moving it more expeditiously are two of the key means by which this can be accomplished. The CN plan to route its traffic on the EJ&E will achieve both. Instead of hazardous materials traffic slowly wending its way through the densely populated Chicago railroad network with its frequent delays, it will travel with less delay along the less densely populated EJ&E route outside the city. A major role of the Surface Transportation Board is to holistically consider the benefits of this transaction and determine what is best overall, rather than be influenced by local or parochial interests of those who perceive that the proposed changes will be harmful to them. The CN proposal has substantial net benefits for transportation efficiency, safety, security, the environment, as I have discussed above. However, the interests of the parties who will be affected should also be considered. It is reasonable to expect CN as a responsible corporate citizen to mitigate those areas that will experience an increase in traffic in a manner consistent with state, national and industry standards. Furthermore, CN's plans should not adversely affect the public transportation services offered by Amtrak and Metra. Thus, CN and the affected parties should undertake sincere, constructive, good faith discussion about what is required and then follow through with implementation of plans to accomplish the necessary mitigation. Taken as a whole, I believe that the CN/EJ&E transaction offers numerous transportation and environmental benefits and is consistent with the vital, long-term goal of continuing to invest in the nation's railroad infrastructure. The health of our economy and the quality of life of our citizens are both dependent on railroads' capacity to provide safe, reliable, energy efficient transportation and to expand their role in regional and national transportation. Through its investment in the EJ&E the CN transaction will convert an underutilized transportation asset to a much more useful link in the national transportation network. Furthermore, it will remove traffic from the badly congested Chicago rail network, thereby improving the efficiency of other railroads' use of those assets as well. Thank you for your consideration of my comments on this matter. Sincerely, Christopher P.L. Barkan, Ph.D."
    Champaign, IL
  9206. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5525BACOG
    This Comment consists of 9 maps in pdf files. A tsxt document in Word document and the word document in pdf format. Maps 1,2, 5-9 and the word document have been transmitted in previous efilings.
    Janet L. Agnoletti · Barrington, IL
  9207. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5523BACOG
    This Comment consists of 9 maps in pdf files. A tsxt document in Word document and the word document in pdf format. Maps 1,2, 5-9 and the word document have been transmitted in previous efilings.
    Janet L. Agnoletti · Barrington, IL
  9208. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5522Renee Lucas & Harold Lucas
    Just adding our name to the list in opposition to the purchase of the EJ&E Railway by Canadian National Railway. The impact on our communities will decrease the quality of life and endanger the environment. Please let our voices be heard. Thank you. Renee Lucas
    Hoffman Estates, Il
  9209. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5521Jaye Dehn
    In regards to the acquisition of the EJ&E railway by the Canadian Ntl Railway, I hope in earnest that the STB will impose strict guidelines on safety and environmental issues. I live less than 1 mile away from the railroad in a subdivision that is filled with small children. While I understand the economic benefits of such a transaction, the quality and safety of lives is a much more valuable consideration. Thank you for keeping an eye on the BIG picture.
    Frankfort, IL
  9210. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5520Jeff Mefford
    The Amtrak services currently provided in Effingham, Illinois are vital to our present and future transportation needs. Economically speaking, the service is tremendous. To speak to the importance to my business....just this week a consultant was here via the Amtrak services. It would be a terrible mistake to remove it. Please support the continuation of services.
    Effingham, Illinois
  9211. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5519County of Kane, Illinois
    see attachment
    Karen McConnaughay · Geneva, IL
  9212. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5518Kathleen Nelson
    I am very concerned about increasing train traffic along the EJ&E. The tracks cross many congested roads. As it is now, traffic can be backed up on Rte. 34 when I pickup my daughter from preschool. By increasing train traffic, a bad situation will become worse.
    Aurora, Illinois
  9213. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5517Craig Kabbes
    We would like to see Amtrak transportation continue from Effingham, IL to Champaign and Chicago area.
    Effingham, IL
  9214. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5515Chicago South Suburban Mass Transit District
    Hard copy of attachment to be sent
    Thomas E. Brabec · Flossmoor, IL
  9215. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5514State Representative
    Please see attached letter.
    Elaine Nekritz · Des Plaines, Illinois
  9216. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5443Karen Boege
    I am very disappointed regarding these trains passing through Lake Zurich. This community is fulled with young families who don't need more trains coming through our downtown area. We have KIDS TO THINK about who are on school buses that will be crossing over these train tracks. I am very disgusted with this and I DON'T want this to go through.
    Lake Zurich, Illinois
  9217. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5441Diane Henning
    Please do not take away the train service thru Effingham, north to Chicago and south to New Orleans. The number of passengers are increasing and it is a vital link between north and south.
    Effingham, IL
  9218. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5440The Courier News
    This column by me ran in The Courier News, a daily newspaper based in Elgin, on Feb. 3.
    Dave Gathman · Elgin, IL
  9219. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5439Barbara L. Konrad
    I live near the Effingham, IL terminal and use Amtrak service to Chicago. Many of my family members also use the service. My son plans on attending Elmhurst Collge in Elmhurst and this would be his primary means of transportation back and forth to school. Without Amtrak it many not be feasible for him to attend this school. Amtrak provides a much needed and necessary service to the people of downstate Illinois. Please continue this service for us. Thank you.
    Shumway, Il
  9220. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5438Jane Herman Schultz
    I oppose the sale of the railroad to a Canadian company as it impacts our Amtrac service to the Chicago area. Many of my relatives and friends from this area utilize the train to access the Chicago area. Why do we want to decrease mass transit means in todays world when metro area roadds are experiencing even more traffic jams?
    Effingham, IL
  9221. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5437Robin Jarrett
    I am concerned with the idea the Amtrak service in/out of Effingham IL could be altered or worst stopped. When you have a 4 hour drive to Chicago why drive and pay gas, parking and seek parking when you can hop onto the train and walk the city. It will hurt those who cannot afford a car/insurance and attend school in southern Illinois, or Champaign or even Illinois State, Normal IL; and IL Wesleyan, Bloomington IL; the colleges in Springfield IL, etc. The big business does not think the small side of things so they don't care about those who need things the most to survive. With the Mattoon IL area being told they have the new energy facility, the city's of this country vied for, they worked 5 years on getting, only to be told recently, they now will not get it. There are many small towns that the people rely on using. Please voice the need to help the people of Illinois stay connected. It will be good for the Gov. of IL to ride the train to Springfield instead of fly.(Cheaper??) Please help those in Illinois. Thank you for taking time to read these messages and remember the small people.
    Effingham, Illinois
  9222. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5436Kimberly Lawrence
    My concerns with the proposed sale of CN purchasing EJ&E are as follows: Safety. We back to the train tracks in the Braemar Subdivision. Currently we have 3 - 5 trains per day. Some fly thru here and extreme speeds to the point that our home shakes. They trains are so loud that it will wake my young infant daughter from her sleep as well as us. How can we expect her to grow up and play in what is now a beautiful backyard when so many more trains will be flying thru here. And God forbid a derailment. What if we need emergency assistance! Will they be able to respond to our needs if trains are constantly rolling thru our committees making us land lock. School busses! 800 times a day they cross these tracks. What a greater increase of risk. We just moved in to this area 4 1/2 months ago with what appeared to be a quaint, mostly queit neighborhood. Now my 4 month old daughter is going to hear trains go by all day and night. She will not be able to play in her backyard. We can't move for we won't be able to sell. We will be landlocked. Are communities will suffer, or property values decreased, are safety in question. Please realize the impact this will have on our community. And this is what is effecting us humans. What about our wildlife. All the animals that have made there homes in the Cuba Marsh and surronding areas. Surely the impact of fumes, noise and other stuff is going to make us all suffer. Please, please, stop this sale from happening.
    Barrington, IL
  9223. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5434Barb Soares
    Mr. Blodgett, My family and I are very concerned with the increased rail traffic that will occur if the Canadian National Railway acquires the EJ&E Railway. At least in our area of Naperville and Aurora IL., the tracks are very close to several housing communities and schools. We have been told that train/frieght activity will increase 3-4 times over the current load. This acquisition will have a negative environmental impact on our area due to increased noise/vibration, air pollution and the obvious danger associated with the transportation of hazardous chemicals. Additionally, our school district is building a new highschool in north Aurora/Naperville which will result in a significant shift in school boundaries. These revised boundaries will send several hundred new children over these tracks everyday. The crossing points/gates along this area are also very antiquated/deficient especially along Wolf Crossing, Normantown Rd and Montgomery Rd) and I do not believe that they are adequate for this level of increased train traffic along with the increased car/bus traffic due to the shifted school boundaries. We could be faced with very unsafe crossing conditions and delays. Of other concerns is the negative impact the increased rail traffic will cause to the market value of our properties. We are asking you to please help our communities along this rail system by preventing the aquisition of the EJ&E by the Canadian National Railway. Sincerely, Barb Soares
    Naperville, IL
  9224. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5433Girl Scouts
    We use the train all the time from Effingham to Chicago. If we sell the rail, then Effingham would be without this wonderful service. It is easier to take the train north or south for some of our trips, because we dont have to worry about filling out the tons of forms needed to drive the girls places. Our school systems use the rail as well when they go to Chicago. This would hurt our community. Please dont let the sell go through. Troop #2225 15 Brownies and 4 Leaders Riverbluffs Girl Scout Council
    Kim Mills · Effingham, IL
  9225. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5432Jeff
    This would prohibit me from be able to get into the city of Chicago. This is not fair for downstate people who come to visit, work and spend dollars in Chicago.
    Effingham, IL
  9226. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5431Dennis N Deters
    We take Amtrak to Chicago and to be informed that the lines will not go into the city main station is the same insult to business people in downstate who flew into Meigs field. This manuver is more of a third world dictatorship with someone gaining more political power by this sale of track and not for the best interest of the people who work and pay taxes for this train.
    Effingham, IL
  9227. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5430Jason Carpenter
    I read a recent article in the Effingham Daily News that Amtrak services may be affected in our area due to a possible sale of railways. I know that the Effingham area wants and needs the Amtrak service to the Chicagoland area. Please consider all options and the citizens of our community when making this choice. Thanks for your Time
    Effingham, IL
  9228. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5429Shazia A. Khan
    I am a concerned citizen of South Barrington; the train tracks run right across the street from our neighborhood; if the CN Railroad merger goes through, we will be hearing trains all day long from our home, and unable to enjoy our nature surroundings; the town of Barrington will also become unusable, as traffic back-up from the trains will be unbearable. Please do NOT allow this merger to go through, or I will have to move out of the area, and take my tax dollars with me.
    South Barrington, IL
  9229. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5428Judith Bird
    There are many issues for me regarding the CN purchase of the EJ&E. The EJ&E tracks run thru my backyard, very litterally. I am concerned about the increased noise as well as vibration from an increased number of trains. If they come thru at night, my perception is that I will have constantly disrupted sleep. My oldest son has asthma. I worry about the additional polutants by the trains, as well as fumes from idle engines. Additionally, any idle engines will cause damage to the heavily wooded area in my neighborhood. In that same vein, if my child does require immediate medical attention, how will the increased number of trains affect emergency response times? There is only one underpass in the Village of Frankfort, at LaGrange Road. I find myself KNOWING that the increased response times could very well mean the difference between life and death for my son in the event of a severe attack. There are NO CROSSING GATES at 116th Avenue, less than a quarter of a mile from Hickory Creek Middle school. Its seems fairly obvious that must be corrected! The clear an present danger that crossing represents with each and every train passing is simply unacceptable. Speaking of crossing gates, you will need to consider adding gates to all 4 sides of each grade crossing...if the train tracks will be blocked by the increased train traffic, people will begin to try to race around the tracks. You must consider adding under or over passes in the Frankfort area. I would have to drive 3+ miles to go around a train. The crossings here in Frankfort were not constructed to handle the volume the proposed merger would create. The emergency responders in our are would need additional training and equipment to handle hazmat problems. My tax dollars should not be used for this; I firmly believe CN should bear this financial burden. My children currently have a long commute to their respective schools, Lincolnway East High School and Hickory Creek Middle School. I can't imagine how long their commutes will be if the crossing are constantly blocked. The surrounding roads which potentially could be used as alternate routes are at of above capacity. The CN MUST work with IDOT as well as county and village planners to alleviate these issues by expanding the 2 lane underpass at LaGrange road and consider under/overpass construction on Harlem Avenue, Pheiffer Road and Center in Frankfort. This merger MUST also include plans for berms and sound barrieries in any new construction areas. Any track replacements must be made with inproved materials to decrease sound and vibration from any crossing trains. I thank you for your consideration of these issues. Judith BIrd
    Frankfort, IL
  9230. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5427Alex Stefanik
    Ref: STB Finance Docket 35087. This is an objection to the proposed sale of EJ&E RR to CN RR. The drastically increased volume of freight trains going through our village will be all bad. There is only one underpass in the village to alleviate traffic near downtown. The area is currently undergoing redevelopment which is already being slowed by the economy, and this will surely make things worse. Traffic snarls, delayed response by emergency vehicles, locality of tracks in relation to schools, and hazardous materials being brought through the villages are several obvious reasons why this will hurt our village and our property values.
    Lake Zurich, IL
  9231. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5426Ann S. Deters
    I strongly encourage you to require the Canadian National Railway's to continue to maintain/operate a vital line of transportation from the Heartland of Central and Southern Illinois people. Our family uses Amtrak as an alternative mode of transportation to get to the Chicagoland area. My children love to ride the train to Chicago. Please do not allow the abandonment of any railway lines that connect Southern & Central Illinois with the City of Chicago!!!! PS. I went online yesterday to make a reservation for my son & I to take Amtrak up to Chicago this weekend and no seats were available out of the Effingham terminal. This certainly provides support that Amtrak is used by many to get to Chicago.
    Effingham, Illinois
  9232. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5425Jodie Gray
    This is a residential area with NO train overpasses. The environmental impact from TRAIN NOISE, waiting car EMISSIONS, as well as the automobile expense of FUEL while idiling. OVERPASSES are a MUST if any additional traffic is added to the rails. The city of Aurora and Naperville will be impacted NEGATIVELY as the traffic on their main arteries (i.e. Ogden, Wolfs Crossing) will be BACKED-UP for great periods of time.
    Aurora, IL
  9233. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5424lisa deal
    To whom it may concern: “There stands a broad coalition of diverse interests concerned about protecting and maintaining the quality of life within our community. The introduction of increased rail traffic as a result of the proposed purchase of Elgin, Joliet & Eastern Railway Company by the Canadian National Railway undermines the efforts of the citizens of Lake Zurich to enhance this community’s environment building upon the characteristics that initially attracted these same people to the area. We are intensely opposed to the acquisition as it will · inhibit the ability of emergency vehicles to effectively respond to safety concerns and emergencies. · create tremendous inconveniences to the residences of Lake Zurich and the surrounding area as traffic congestion would be considerably enhanced. · promote increased air emissions which would essentially offset the benefit of reduced air emissions in the city of Chicago due to idling train engines which would be re-directed to the line passing through Lake Zurich . · tax an existing rail infrastructure that may not be prepared to effectively handle such an enormous increase in rail traffic potentially leading to disastrous results. · possibly curtail any developmental plans for the downtown district of Lake Zurich , thus impacting future economic development of the area. . we are also concerned for the safety and well being of our children, this railway backs up to 2 schools and a park. it would put them at a safety risk and also put them at a health risk due to the hazardous waste carried by this line of trains. The benefit to the shareholders of Canadian National Railway should not outweigh the concerns of the dramatically impacted citizens and the significant issues created as a result of the proposed acquisition. We strongly urge the Surface Transportation Board to oppose the transaction.” lisa deal
    lake zurich, il
  9234. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5423Don Cook
    To Whom It May Concern: My Name is Don Cook. I have been a resident of Lake Zurich Illinois for 15 years. In this time I have been very active in my community: Baseball Coach, Football Coach, Cub Scout Cubmaster. This puts me in contact with a large population of our community. The meeting held recently about the proposed sale of the E.J. & E. Rail line was not well attended, but I assure you that if the facts are publicized a far greater turnout and response will happen. It is unreasonable for the rail traffic on this line to increase so profoundly. The traffic at its current state is frequent but manageable and its impact is minor to the community. The proposed increase of 10 times the traffic would cripple traffic through our town and other communities down the line such as Barrington. This is largely a middle class residential community with very limited industrial base. Any community such as ours would not invite not only the increase in traffic but the potential increase of hazardous materials rolling down the rails. As a concerned citizen of this community. I urge The STB to strongly investigate the impact to all communities along the current E. J. & E. Rail line. I would suggest further open forums to give these communities a chance to really understand what the future may hold. Thank you for your time. Donald Cook Lake Zurich Illinois Resident
    lake zurich, il
  9235. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5422Sandy Davern
    I urge that the sale of the rail line that runs through Lake Zurich to CN be denied or held up until there is more discussion on the effects it will have on community life in LZ and neighboring communities. Further research should be done on alternatives to CN purchasing this rail line.
    Lake Zurich, IL
  9236. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5421Mike Ferencak
    see attachments
    Yorkville, IL
  9237. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5420BACOG
    This environmental comment contains 11 attachments including 1 Word Document and 10 pdf files This efiling contains map 8 & 9 in pdf format. the pdf version of the word document and maps 1, 2,5,6,7 were already sent and the pdf version of maps 3, & 4 and the pdf of the Word Document will be sent in subsequent e-filings
    Janet L. Agnoletti · Barrington, IL
  9238. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5419Stephanie Holm
    I feel it would be chaotic if Canadian National proceeds in purchasing part of EJ&E railroad in my town. We already have many trains that delay traffic for at least 15 minutes... We do not need to quadruple the amount of trains. I think its a horrible idea. Plus the amount of air pollution 4X the trains would cause... Its unthinkable
    Park Forest, IL
  9239. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5418Michael Cleary E.E.
    There is no good side" to the proposed aquisition for our community. 1 - Traffic The current traffic load is already excessive even at non peak times. 2 - Public safety Due to the traffic, people will tend to take more chances with the prospect of long freight trains. We have too many parks and schools on either side of this track. Somebody is going to get hurt. 3 - Noise Fine CN says we can run trains off hours. Well it would be nice if I could get some sleep. If you look at my address and overlay one of O'Hare airports' flight paths you will find they fly right over my house. And at certain unexplicable times they choose to lower the altitude so I can count the rivets on the bottom of the planes. I already am disturbed by the freight traffic on the commuter lines. I doubt the O'Hare expansion will reduce this equation. 4 - Groundwater contamination This entire community is served by public and private wells. We do not need the increased risk of a chemical spill. 5 - Property values This area has worked long and hard to maintain and improve the real estate. The impact will be negative. 6 - Wildlife We have numerous forest preserves and a wildlife sanctuary in the area. A freight line does not fit in this equation. The phone number listed is my cell. Please do not hesitate to contact me if needed. Sincerely, Michael Cleary E.E."
  9240. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5417BACOG
    This environmental comment contains 11 attachments including 1 Word Document and 10 pdf files This efiling contains map 5-7 in pdf format. the pdf version of the word document and maps 1 & 2 were already sent and the pdf version of maps 3,4,8,9 and the pdf of the Word Document will be sent in subsequent e-filings
    Janet L. Agnoletti · Barrington, IL
  9241. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5416BACOG
    This environmental comment contains 11 attachments including 1 Word Document and 10 pdf files This efiling contains The word document and maps 1 & 2 in pdf format. the pdf version of the word document and maps 4-9 will be sent in subsequent e-filings
    Janet Agnoletti · Barrington, IL
  9242. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5415Cindy and Mark DeTrempe
    see attachments
    Barrington, IL
  9243. (printed as 2/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5088CN attorney
    Cunningham
  9244. (printed as 2/14/2008)
    Environmental
    221605Environmental Materials
    Illinois Commerce Commission
  9245. (printed as 2/14/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6955State Senator
    Radogno, Christine
  9246. (printed as 2/14/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6799IL Commerce Commission
    Matrisch, Steven
  9247. (printed as 2/14/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6404Wicklow Village Homeowners Assn.
    TUTTLE
  9248. (printed as 2/14/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6349Houlihan, Frank & Alda
  9249. (printed as 2/14/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6251Lake County Forest Preserves
    Hahn, Thomas
  9250. (printed as 2/14/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6239McGuire, Kris
  9251. (printed as 2/14/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6237Lehman, Paul
  9252. (printed as 2/14/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6235Genova, Michele
  9253. (printed as 2/14/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6148Warner
  9254. (printed as 2/14/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6147Trepanier
  9255. (printed as 2/14/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6146Pavlakis
  9256. (printed as 2/14/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6145Manuel
  9257. (printed as 2/14/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6144Lyons
  9258. (printed as 2/14/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6143Krueger
  9259. (printed as 2/14/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6142Gold
  9260. (printed as 2/14/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6141Glazik
  9261. (printed as 2/14/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6140Francone
  9262. (printed as 2/14/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6139Daters
  9263. (printed as 2/14/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6138Anderson
  9264. (printed as 2/14/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6035KARLIN
  9265. (printed as 2/14/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6034DERRICK
  9266. (printed as 2/14/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6031KRUEGER
  9267. (printed as 2/14/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6006YATES
  9268. (printed as 2/14/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5946Barrington Area Council of Governments
    AGNOLETTI
  9269. (printed as 2/14/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5935Dupage County Board
    SCHILLERSTROM
  9270. (printed as 2/14/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5846Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
    Manning, Brent
  9271. (printed as 2/14/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5414Mark & Susan Kilayko
    Please see commments related to the CN acquisition of the EJ&E Railroad.
    Barrington, IL
  9272. (printed as 2/14/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5412Carol Gabbert
    Today's Effingham (IL) Daily News paper carried an article on Canadian National's plans to acquire EJ&E lines and the probable impact on Amtrak service into Chicago. I rode commuter trains into Chicago for over 17 years, and experienced firsthand the bottlenecks, delays, derailments, etc., caused by insufficient rail lines into Chicago's downtown train stations. Improvements are long overdue, especially in the north/south routes into Union Station. I now utilize Amtrak to travel into Chicago, usually during the winter months when weather conditions make rail travel much easier and safer. Mr. Harrison's rather arrogant comments seem to indicate that the loss of Amtrak routes would be inconsequential compared to the benefits the Chicago area would receive. I'm sure he is not alone in this opinion, but many people would nonetheless be affected by the loss of these Amtrak routes, and I believe this should be taken into account when planning these much needed rail improvements. I see no reason Amtrak passengers cannot be accomodated as well as Chicago area commuters. Thank you.
    Teutopolis, IL
  9273. (printed as 2/14/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5411Joe Jastrzebski
    I believe the planned purchase of the EJ&E by the CN is a very good idea, but wish for one considderation: Heavy rail traffic on the EJ&E will often have to wait at rail intersections like Spaulding in Bartlett, and in Barrington, where a higher volume of priority trains would have the right of way from dispatchers. The increased trains sitting and waiting along the EJ&E would add to the likelyhood of the road crossings being blocked. It would be to both the public's and CN best interest to build rail fly-overs or bridges to separate the rail intersections, and keep rail traffic moving. The sum of the costs to build these few rail separations might be less than the many road-rail bridges needed to allow street traffic and emergency vehicles to pass all the otherwise stopped trains on the EJ&E. Thanks for this oportunity. I look forward to the continued fine managment of this project. Joe Jastrzebski, Bartlett, IL
    Bartlett, IL
  9274. (printed as 2/14/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5410Raffaele Berardi
    Docket #35087 I'm writing you this letter in hopes of getting help to stop the Canadian National Railway acquisition of the Elgin, Joliet and Eastern Railway. This will impact our community of Bartlett, IL in the worse way possible. This will cause very harmful toxin's in the air and pollute our childern's lives by train traffic. This will cause a tremendous amounts of traffic in our town, which it will cause more pollution. We can't get to work on time or pick up our kids on time as it is. And they want to increase train traffic from 5 trains to 28 trains per day. That is more than one per hour. This is a no brainer. NO, NO, NO. Stop this now. This will cause more accidents from train traffic and we can't not afford to hurt our childern. Which by the way there are two schools very near by and the traffic and pollution alone will cause stress on people and on the environment. Not to mention our public saftey. the village of Bartlett is building a new fire house very close to the tracks and the entire west side of Bartlett will be impacted by the fire trucks not able to service the west side of Bartlett because of them being stopped by trains. So I ask! Would you allow this in your community? Would you allow more pollution to impact your life? I didn't think so. All we ask is to stop this. What is wrong with CN to stay where there at. One word greed". We are not push overs here. And I would like to know is the government or CN going to pay us for our property values going down because of this acquisition? And when we get sick and when we lose pay because we are stuck in train traffic? Are you going to pay us for that? Please say no to this acquisition. It would help us alot. We are trying to build a community not destroy it. Thank you so much. And remember NO means NO!"
  9275. (printed as 2/14/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5409Philip Amsrud
    Thank you for the opportunity to voice my concerns regarding Canadian National's acquisition of the EJ&E Railway. Living where I do I am impacted by the rail crossings on Hough Road, Northwest Highway, Lake Zurich Road, Cuba Road, and even Rand Road if the added rail traffic requires upgrading that over pass. There are numerous quality of life issues including the increased noise and pollution that are difficult to quantify. I know the route of my runs and walks to downtown Barrington will be negatively impacted. I would regret that the money was spent on Citizen's Park as its utilization will decrease as it becomes more difficult to get to and once there the beauty and peacefulness of the park will be more frequently disrupted as more trains pass close by. But since quality of life issues are subjective I'd like to address my quantifiable concerns. I'm concerned the increased train traffic will negatively impact the downtown business of Barrington and property taxes of the homes throughout the village. Additional traffic congestion resulting from more train activity will force more downtown businesses to fail. The village's effort to revitalize the downtown will either be futile or more local money will be spent to try to offset the train's impact. As these businesses struggle the sales tax revenue they contribute will decrease. At the same time the village's expenses will increase due to inflation and ever increasing demands for services; floods of last summer and the snow of this winter for example. As the village's need for revenue increases and the contribution from the local businesses decrease more tax burden will fall on the home owners. Compounding this is my expectation that increased rail traffic will cause my property value to drop. The result is Barrington becomes a more expensive place to live with a less vital and useable downtown. As the quality of life in the area decreases and the burdon on the home owners increases Barrington will become a much less attractive place to live. Regards, Phil Amsrud
    Barrington, IL
  9276. (printed as 2/14/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5408Brian B. Hart
    I am writing to express my complete opposition to the potential sale of the Elgin, Joliet and Eastern rail line to the Canadian National Railway. The EJE traverses through the village that I reside in, Lake Zurich, IL. My opposition is based upon a number of specific safety concerns pertinent to my family as well as the overall safety of our community. First, the rail line is located immediately adjacent to May Whitney School as well as Lake Zurich High School. My daughter Madison travels to this school daily on a schoolbus and my son begins the same trip later this year. My safety concerns extend to the fact that our local schoolbuses cross the grade level EJE line hundreds of time a week. I am concerned about the potential for a crossing accident with a school bus and a train at two of the commonly used grade level crossings in our village. I am also concerned that the rail line borders directly on the athletic fields and playgrounds of the grade school and the high school. Children are in these areas constantly, and no barrier exists to keep a child from chasing after a ball and climbing onto the track. I am also very concerned about the noise and the pollution from multiple locomotives per train and the effect that this high volume of rail traffic will have on the school environment and safety issues. Of course, another very significant concern along the entire EJE is that these trains will be carrying hazardous products through heavily populated areas that could create a major disaster and loss of life in the event of an accident. I also have other concerns regarding emergency response. Both the Lake Zurich police and fire departments are located south and east of the rail line. Lake Zurich has a bypass with a rail underpass on Illinois Route 22. If a train were blocking the two primary grade level intersections, emergency vehicles would have just one route to respond to emergencies at May Whitney School, the high school, and the entire downtown and residences to the north. This single route on Il Route 22 is a two lane road with a raised median. If this route is backed up in both westbound lanes (which is a frequent situation at the intersection of Route 22 and Main Street) emergency vehicles can not go around traffic as the median is elevated to prohibit such routing. The end result, even in a low traffic area, is that emergency response to these areas will be delayed by a number of minutes. In an emergency, time is often the difference between life and death. I have other concerns because of the delays that will be caused by these trains at the two primary grade level crossings in Lake Zurich. Schoolbuses remaining in a stopped position near a crowded intersection such as Old Rand Road and Route 22 are susceptible to being struck by passing cars. Further, idling buses waiting for a 10,000 foot train to pass are a source of pollution, will waste fuel and taxpayer money hundreds of hours a year and will cause delays in delivering the children to school or home on schedule. I am also concerned that this rail line divides my neighborhood from the downtown area of Lake Zurich. I will never feel safe allowing my children to ride their bicycles to the downtown to even get a simple ice cream cone. The crossing on the east side of Old Rand Road and Route 22 does not even have a sidewalk for pedestrian traffic. This creates a significant danger to pedestrians as they attempt to cross this patch of grass and mud to traverse to the other side of the tracks. The same problem makes a simple walk or bike ride hazardous for pedestrians from the downtown to reach the Ela Public Library. On a personal level, I cross the EJE line on an average of 8 times per business day in my vehicle. Fortunately, the line today is lightly used and rail traffic delays are fairly uncommon. However, the east west and north south roads in our county are particularly inadequate for existing traffic flow. Old McHenry Road, Main Street, Old Rand Road, Ela Road, Cuba Road Route 59 in Barrington are a combination of east west and north south streets. The EJE crosses each of these critical routes, and the line also is particularly close to the very major thoroughfare of Rand Road in Lake Zurich (at Ela Road). Gridlock at the Ela crossing, particularly to the north, could quickly create a hazardous back-up for cars exiting Rand to southbound Ela. Rand has a 50 MPH speed limit, so stopped cars in active lanes are an accident that will occur over and over again. The proposed new usage of the EJE is universally opposed by the residents of Lake Zurich as well as Barrington. (These are the two towns that I am most familiar with). Simply put, the infrastructure for safety is inadequate at too many points along this rail line, especially at the crossings, and a high volume, high speed rail service on this line will have a widespread detrimental effect on our quality of life. Allowing this sale to occur will dramatically reduce the quality of life in our villages forever, and ironically, it will do NOTHING to alleviate rail congestion into Chicago. This is a stopgap solution to a problem that should be studied and rectified on a Northern Illinois Regional level, not because CN wants to buy EJE on the cheap, and safety and pollution and the people be damned.
    Lake Zurich, IL
  9277. (printed as 2/14/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5407Rose Chen
    The EJ&E rail line runs through the center of Barrington and crosses 3 major roads as well as the Union Pacific commuter line. Twenty freight trains in addition to the 64 daily commuter trains would bring traffic through Barrington to a standstill and would endanger lives by blocking access to the hospital and police and fire stations. Canadian National Railroad must not be allowed to buy the line and increase the number of freight trains traveling through Barrington. Anyone considering this issue should drive through Barrington on route 59, 14 or Lake Cook Road between 4:30 and 6:30 p.m. and imagine a freight train blocking all three roads. The situation in Barrington is unique because a freight train could block all three roads at once leaving emergency vehicles with no alternative route.
    North Barrington, IL
  9278. (printed as 2/14/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5406Carol L. Whitesell
    I am very concerned about the CN and EJ&E merger proposal. I live in the vicinity of Cuba Road and Ela. Shopping dining or doing business in this area will be greatly encumbered if the CN Railroad puts more freight trains on the EJ&E line. I have a very serious concern about being able to get to Good Shepherd Hospital. Our physicians are located by the hospital, where we have frequent appointments. I'd hate to think that in an emergency situation, we could be stopped by a freight train and have no other possible way of getting there. We are blocked by railroad lines all the way around our area. Please, please I beg you to consider the consequences of what could happen in our town of Barrington and the Deer Park area. Thank you for taking the time to read this. Please help us. Sincerely, Carol and Richard Whitesell
    Barrington, IL
  9279. (printed as 2/14/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5405Spero Adamis
    I would like to learn more about Canadian National's railroad plans for Barrington and how it would impact the area.
    Vernon Hills, IL
  9280. (printed as 2/14/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5404Sandalwood Subdivision
    I am concerned about the EJ&E Sale. Our subdivision is next the tracks and I am concerned with the noise and pollution that would be associated with adding so many trains to this railway. Not to mention the safety of the kids in our subdivision.
    Katrina Piotrowski · Frankfort, IL
  9281. (printed as 2/14/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5403Thomas Weisner
    see the attached letter
    City of Aurora, IL
  9282. (printed as 2/14/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5402Mrs. Barbara J. Schwarz
    My concern is of SAFETY. When large freight trains pass thru Frankfort at least two to three crossings will be blocked at the same time. This will cut us of of EMERGENCY responce of police and fire department. Aiso this is a single track wnat will happen if the is a derailment?? What kind of products will be hauled thru out fine town?
    Frankfort, Il.
  9283. (printed as 2/14/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5401Gregory Henry
    There will be a tremendous increase of train traffic. Also, I am concerned if there will be accidents in which residents will be affected. With USX, the BP refineries, and other industries located in Northwest Indiana. We are dealing with a lot of environmental issues.
    Gary, Indiana
  9284. (printed as 2/14/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5400Village of Plainfield, Illinois
    Chris Minick, Village Administrator · Plainfield, Illinois
  9285. (printed as 2/14/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5399Bill Murphy
    I moved to Plainfield in December 2007. Last night I attended my first ever Home Owners Association meeting. I was informed about the possibility that the Surface Transportation Board could approve the request. As STB's own documentation states there will likely be an impact to the environment; not to mention the the families living along the railway. I would like to voice my concern and disapproval that the number of trains using the lines running along the west side of my subdivision. Plainfield was recently noted in a national article as being the 5th fasting growing suburb in the country. With this growth comes additional children and schools to teach and nuture the additional children. I believe the incremental noise and air pollution caused along with other forms of negative environmental impact that would be caused as a result of increased train activity is cause enough to reject the proposal. I would appreciate any direction the STB can provide regarding what additional action I take to block the approval of the proposal. Thank you, Bill Murphy
    Plainfield, Illinois
  9286. (printed as 2/14/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5398John Nikolich
    I have already submitted my comments, but one of my neighorbors composed a little something using a Johnny Cash song to sum up the situation and while he prefers not to be indentified, I believe it sums it up very well: I hear the train a-comin comin round the bend and I aint seen my family since I don't know when, cuz I'm stuck at Hart and 14 and time keeps dragging on when I see those gates a closin I text em on my blackberry. When I was just a baby my momma told me 'Son, those trains are full of good things like new Audis and filet mignon,' but those trains keep gettin longer and traffic's far as I can see when I hear those whistles blowing I know it scares the horsees. Somewhere folks are driving listenin to the radio using their turn signals to pass the one's that'r slow. But I aint touched a peddle since I don't know when. Forget about the Catlow Forget about Barrington.""
  9287. (printed as 2/14/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5397Douglas Splitt
    I believe that the proposed increase in freight traffic along the current EJ&E is simply too high. My concerns focus mainly on three issues that will grow worse as a result of increased traffic. They are vehicle traffic congestion, sound pollution, and house vibration. The current at grade crossing on US-34 (Ogden Ave) is already in horrible shape physically, already resulting in traffic needing to slow at the crossing in order to avoid damage to their cars. The unpredictable nature of freight rail traffic already makes traffic back-ups on US 34 burdensome especially at time of rush hour. Traffic Volume of US 34 is very high already, the proposed increases in freight traffic on the EJ&E would worsen an already bad situation. Let's not forget US-34 is a major artery between Aurora (pop~165k) and Naperville (pop~145k). While most people refer to train whistles when mentioning sound pollution, I simply mean the sound of locomotives and train cars. Currently there is no buffer between my residence and somewhat elevated train tracks in my back yard. While quiet zones are nice, it is my understanding that they only apply to train whistles. Obviously the slower the train goes the less noise it makes. I would much rather have a slower train pass through my back yard than one traveling above 35mph. While slower speeds of train traffic would potentially adversely effect the at grade crossing at US 34, I think even time sensitive speed limits could be arranged. For example, train traffic from 6am-10pm can be above a certain MPH, while train traffic between 1001pm and 559am must be lower. Impacts to car traffic would then be minimized, and trains wouldn't be waking me up at night either. The third issue also relates to the speed of trains. My house is situated probably 100 feet from the current single track. Currently when trains speed by, my second story shakes, sometimes quite alot. I am worried about what a second track and faster trains would potentially do to my house in terms of vibrations. Again, logically slower traveling train traffic does not vibrate my house as much as faster trains do. Look, I realize I bought my house with a train track in my back yard. However, having said that, I didn't buy it with two tracks and loads of freight traffic speeding by. I realize that the buyout of the EJ&E and CN will probably go through. However, I think that CN does have a responsibility to those residents, like myself, who resided along these tracks PRIOR to CN traffic. I would propose that some of these responsibilities include slower speeds of train traffic, and a seperated grade crossing on US 34. I would even be open to some form of a sound wall. I believe that the needs of both CN and the residents who will see NO benefit from this merger can be met. Thank You
    Aurora, IL
  9288. (printed as 2/14/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5396Jill Hillmer
    As a citizen of Aurora, IL living two blocks from the train tracks to be acquired by CN Railway, I am completely against this proposal for many reasons. 1. This significant increase in trains will obviously cause more traffic congestion and noise pollution to an already highly populated, vehicle-reliant area. 2. The tracks and crossing right near my house, and for several miles north and south, is at street-level. There are families with children all around these tracks and there is a YMCA field house on the corner of this same crossing that hosts many youth activities. An increase in trains is an increase of safety concerns for children and for anyone driving over the tracks. Plus, some materials carried by CN are toxic and could be harmful in the event of an accident. 3. Home resale value will decrease with additional trains and noise from the CN trains. 4. I understand that this sale could put an end to the talks about the much-needed Metra Star line. This acquisition is bad for all of the people who live along and around these tracks.
    Aurora, IL
  9289. (printed as 2/14/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5395Friends of the Earth and Illinois PIRG
    FRED MILLAR 915 S. BUCHANAN ST. APT. 29 ARLINGTON VA 22204 TEL: 703-979-9191 e-mail: fmillar@erols.com SURFACE TRANSPORATION BOARD SUBMITTED FEBRUARY 14, 2008 FINANCE DOCKET NO. 35087 SUPPLEMENTAL ENVIRONMENTAL COMMENTS OF FRIENDS OF THE EARTH AND ILLINOIS PUBLIC INTEREST RESEARCH GROUP I. INTRODUCTION These comments, submitted on behalf of Friends of the Earth and Illinois Public Interest Research Group, respond to the Surface Transportation Board’s (“Board’s” or “STB’s”) decision No 2, dated November 23, 2007 (served November 26) and STB’s soliciting of environmental comments regarding the application (hereinafter “Application”) by Canadian National Railway Co. et al.. for STB approval of the proposed purchase of the Elgin, Joliet and Eastern (“EJ&E”) Railway for freight operations in the Chicago area. The Board has already announced it will conduct a full EIS review of the Application, and these supplemental comments [our previous comments were submitted January 30, 2008] are to suggest for the record additional factors which the scope of that review must include. These factors include the expansive and cumulative impacts anticipated from actions related to the proposed CN purchase throughout the whole CN network in North America, as have been publicly outlined by CN and commented on by CN and others in transportation trade press articles, such as those cited and appended in Gordon P. MacDougall’s comments on behalf of the United Transportation Union (January 28, 2008), p. 3 and appended also here. II. NEPA’S “CUMULATIVE IMPACTS RULE” REQUIRES THAT SIGNIFICANT IMPACTS RELATED TO THE PROPOSED ACTION ALSO BE CONSIDERED . Under the NEPA regulations of the President’s Council on Environmental Quality, in preparation of an environmental impact statement (hereinafter “EIS”) , the STB must consider “other actions with individually insignificant but cumulatively significant impacts. Significance exists if it is reasonable to anticipate a cumulatively significant impact on the environment. 40 C.F.R. 1508.27(7). The regulations stress that cumulative impact "is the impact on the environment which results from the incremental impact of the action when added to other past, present and reasonably foreseeable future actions". 40 C.F.R. '1508.7 (emphasis added). See generally Churchill County v. Norton, 276 F.3d 1060, 1072 (9th Cir. 2001); Soc'y Hill Towers Owners' Ass'n v. Rendell, 210 F.3d 168, 180 (3d Cir. 2000) ("If the cumulative impact of a given project and other planned projects is significant, an applicant can not simply prepare an EA for its project, issue a FONSI, and ignore the overall impact of the project ..."). A large increase of rail freight of various cargoes over the entire, expanded CN network is clearly both “foreseeable” and “planned,” as is clear in CN’s own statements and in trade press publications widely known in the industry. Indeed, the proposed purchase of the EJ&E must also be viewed cumulatively with the impacts of the recent construction and operation of a large receiving port at Port of Prince Rupert, the ongoing enhancement and linkage of an expanded CN network throughout North America, and anticipated increases of rail and truck freight, of various kinds, resulting from those developments. Under NEPA, these actions must be viewed collectively. CEQ’s regulations call for unified NEPA evaluation of: (2) Cumulative actions, which when viewed with other proposed actions have cumulatively significant impacts and should therefore be discussed in the same impact statement. 40 C.F.R. ' 1508.25(a)(2). See generally, Native Ecosystems Council v. Dombeck, 304 F. 3d 886 (9th Cir. 2002); Western North Carolina Alliance v. North Carolina Dept. of Transp., 312 F. Supp. 2d 765 (E.D.N.C. 2002) (both interpreting NEPA to require a unified analysis of all actions that a part of an overall plan). The proposed EJ&E purchase will help CN build new and enhanced infrastructure for hauling undetermined increased quantities of hazardous materials, including Security Sensitive cargoes, throughout North America along the newly linked and expanded CN rail network. At STB hearings local Chicago area community residents and officials have already voiced concerns about the additional risks from these cargoes. Accordingly, foreseeable increases across the CN network in shipments of all types must be considered by the STB when judging the cumulative effects of the proposed purchase, which are clearly “significant” under NEPA. III. NEPA REQUIRES EVALUATION OF EXTRATERRITORIAL IMPACTS The STB must consider the environmental impacts of the proposed purchase and related CN network-related actions within Canada as well as the United States. The cases defining NEPA’s “extraterritorial reach” suggest that if the environmental impacts of a proposed action fall exclusively within a foreign jurisdiction or in an area over which the United States has no legislative control, NEPA does not apply. In Natural Resources Defense Council v. NRC, the Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit found that NEPA does not "impose[] an . . . EIS requirement . . . with respect to impacts falling exclusively within foreign jurisdictions." Natural Res. Def. Council, Inc. v. Nuclear Regulatory Comm'n, 208 U.S. App. D.C. 216, 647 F.2d 1345, 1347-48 (D.C. Cir. 1981). In Basel Action Network v. Maritime Admin., the district court determined NEPA did not apply to agency action occurring on the high seas because the United States does not have "legislative control over the high seas." Basel Action Network v. Maritime Admin., 370 F. Supp. 2d 57, 71-72 (D.D.C. 2005). However, if the agency action occurs within the United States and its impact will be felt in the United States as a result of actions occurring extraterritorially, courts have held that NEPA applies. See, e.g., Greenpeace USA v. Stone, where the district court stated NEPA "may require a federal agency to prepare an EIS for action taken abroad, especially where United States agency action abroad has direct environmental impacts within this country..." Greenpeace USA v. Stone, 748 F. Supp. 749, 758 (D. Haw. 1990). Without doubt the proposed purchase and related actions on the CN network portend significant shifts in freight patterns and increases in rail freight shipments of hazardous cargoes and various other materials, some Security Sensitive, over the expanded CN rail network – both in this country and in Canada. These impacts must be considered by the Board in fixing the scope of the EIS that is required by law. IV. THE STB MUST COMPLY WITH THE NATIONAL HISTORIC PRESERVATION ACT Under the National Historic Preservation Act, (“NHPA”), the STB must assess the likely impact of the proposed purchase and related actions on historic structures in the US that lie along the route of the CN and EJ&E rail networks, as well as on rail bridges along the tracks. Section 106 of the NHPA requires federal agencies to "take into account the effect" a federal undertaking will have on "any district, site, building, structure, or object that is included in or eligible for inclusion in the National Register" and to "afford the Advisory Counsel on Historic Preservation . . . a reasonable opportunity to comment with regard to such undertaking." 16 U.S.C. 470(f). See also 36 C.F.R. ' 800.2(a)(3). STB must similarly consider the implications of bridge upgrades that will be necessitated along the expanded CN network. Additionally, where historic buildings are located near the tracks, a “constructive use” can occur because of the increased noise and vibration associated with the movement of unit trains. Such impacts must be evaluated under section 106. V. THE STB MUST INITIATE “CONSULTATION” WITH THE U.S. FISH & WILDLIFE SERVICE (“FWS”) UNDER THE ENDANGERED SPECIES ACT Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act (“ESA”) requires each federal agency to engage in “consultation” to "insure that any action authorized, funded, or carried out by [the agency] . . . is not likely to jeopardize the continued existence of any endangered species or threatened species or result in the destruction or adverse modification of habitat of such species which is determined . . . to be critical." 16 U.S.C. ' 1536(a)(2). In Tennessee Valley Authority v. Hill, 437 U.S. 153, 173 (1978), the Supreme Court observed that the ESA commands that section 7 applies to "all . . . actions authorized, funded, or carried out" by federal agencies and that "this language admits of no exception." The consultation required in the context of this proceeding must have a large geographic reach, given the geographic expansiveness of the proposed expanded CN network. The large geographic scope of the required inquiry is significant in several respects, not the least of which is that given the thousands of rail miles that must be considered, many species of plants and animals are likely to be implicated. The first step in the consultation process is statutorily prescribed: “To facilitate compliance with the requirements of subsection (a)(2), each Federal agency shall ... request of [FWS] information whether any species which is listed or proposed to be listed may be present in the area of such proposed action. Once FWS and the STB have agreed on the list of species that may be affected by the proposed merger, the consultation may proceed.” See generally 50 C.F.R. ' 402. The timeliness of this consultation is critical to the integrity of the process. FWS’s regulations go to great lengths to ensure that if any significant changes are made to the scope of the project, the “action agency” must return to FWS to “reinitiate consultation.” The expansive geographic scope of the proposed new CN rail network compels a geographically-expansive environmental review under the ESA. Federal law provides that where an agency narrows the scope of the consultation process so that it addresses only part of an overall action, it is legally deficient. Respectfully submitted, Fred Millar Dated: February 14, 2008"
    Fred Millar · Arlington, VA
  9290. (printed as 2/14/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5394Marty Suter
    I wanted to register my objection to the potential purchase of the Elgin, Joliet and Eastern rail line that runs through Lake Zurich, IL, by the Canadian National (CN) Railroad. The potential impact on the quality of life in Lake Zurich is enormous. Delayed response from emergency services, even worse traffic congestion and unsafe crossings for schoolbuses, commuters and pedestrians. In addition, this volume of trains will bring with it a lot of noise and much more pollution from the multiple locomotives. Not to mention that these type of trains carry high volumes of dangerous chemicals that would be traveling right past our schools and homes. Please stop this transaction.
    Lake Zurich, IL
  9291. (printed as 2/14/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5393Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
    see attached
    Flo Orlik · Wheaton, IL
  9292. (printed as 2/14/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5392Laura Cannon
    Regarding the CN Rails acquisition of the EJ & E My family, including my aging parents, live in Barrington. My husband and I are concerned about their access to hospitals in times of emergency. Also, I work in Barrington on Hart Road. I am concerned about the impact of daily congestion on my commute. Moreover, I am very concerned about increased pollution in the valley-like area of downtown Barrington. With thousands of cars idling all day, pollution will be caught in the low-lying area and contribute to poor respiratory health for Barrington's seniors, children, and people with asthma. Finally, the impact on the historical districts are going to be felt. Increased congestion, noise, and pollution will render these downtown neighborhoods areas undesirable. This will contribute to an unseemly demise and change the character of Barrington forever.
    Palatine, IL
  9293. (printed as 2/14/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5391Homeowner Remington Crossing
    I am in protest of the porposed buyot of the E&J raliroad by Candain National Railway. This purchase by CN will impact my property and the lifestyle of my children dramatically. We live backed up to the railroad on Haffenrichter in Aurora. This would cause continuous delays in my backyard and the continuous running of trains will probably increase the odds of cracked foundations and cracked concrete patio around my pool from the vibrations of the rumbling rail cars. Not to mention the constant noise and no peacful afternoons in your backyard around the pool. When I purchased this property I was told there would be an adventual commuter line,. not an additional freight line. Our property Taxes are incredibly high already, If they are this high and and we can not enjoy our outside enviornment I think it is ridiculous. If this freight line does go through there should be a reductrion in property taxes for the indivduals who have to deal with this intrusion. Sincerley, Ronn E. Smith
    Ronn Smith · Aurora, Il
  9294. (printed as 2/14/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5390Amrit Singh
    I am writing to urge the STB to reject the proposed takeover of EJ&E by CN. An increase of trains to 20 or more per day will radically change our environment in a negative way. It will imperil our public safety and destroy a quiet neighborhood with incessant noise. Attempts to mitigate the situation will be extremely costly and will be borne by taxpayers according to an article in the Feb. 13 Chicago Tribune (“….the bulk of the cost would have to come from the federal and state governments, Canadian National President E. Hunter Harrison said at a meeting with the Tribune editorial board”). The interview with Mr. Harrison is notable for its arrogance and highhandedness. He further states “…the CN would abandon the deal if federal regulators impose onerous conditions due to objections from opponents, he said”. Obviously he considers grade separations to be “onerous” while we think they are fundamental elements in a safe environment. He is willing to trade our safety for his profits, an arrangement that we oppose categorically. Please reject this deal ! AS
    South Barrington, IL
  9295. (printed as 2/14/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5161Ken Skord
    What gurantee is the promised offset in rail traffic promised in Chicago would remain in place over time/would not increase? What impact would the proposal have on any plans to expand commuter rail service in the effected communites like Barrington and Lake Zurich (Northwest and North Suburbs)? I strongly oppose the proposal if it would interfere in any way with the expansion of commuter rail service. There are housing units in Lake Zurich that appear to be less than 100 feet from the rail lines that will be impacted. What is the safety (hazardous materials) and noise pollution impact for these residents? Case Title: CANADIAN NATIONAL RAILWAY COMPANY AND GRAND TRUNK CORPORATION--CONTROL--EJ&E WEST COMPANY Decision Type: Decision Deciding Body: Chief Of Section Of Environmental Analysis Decision Summary Decision Notes: DECISION PROVIDED NOTICE OF EXTENDED PUBLIC SCOPING PERIOD IN THIS PROCEEDING. Full Text of Decision 38760 SERVICE DATE – JANUARY 30, 2008 SEA SURFACE TRANSPORTATION BOARD STB Finance Docket No. 35087 CANADIAN NATIONAL RAILWAY COMPANY AND GRAND TRUNK CORPORATION– CONTROL– EJ&E WEST COMPANY Decision No. 6 Decided: January 30, 2008 NOTICE TO THE PARTIES: The Surface Transportation Board’s Section of Environmental Analysis (SEA) announces the extension of the scoping period for the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) that is being prepared in connection with an application filed by Canadian National Railroad Company (CN) to acquire certain rail lines of the Elgin, Joliet & Eastern Railroad (EJ&E). SEA is preparing an EIS because the Surface Transportation Board has determined that the proposed acquisition has the potential to result in significant effects upon the environment within the meaning of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA). CN’s proposed acquisition of the EJ&E would shift rail traffic currently moving over CN’s rail lines inside the EJ&E arc in Chicago to the EJ&E, which traverses the suburbs generally to the west and south of Chicago. Rail traffic on CN lines inside the EJ&E arc would generally decrease. The decreases in rail traffic would be offset by increases in the number of trains operating on the EJ&E rail line outside of Chicago (approximately 15-27 more trains would operate on various segments of the EJ&E). CN also proposes to construct six new rail connections and approximately 19 miles of new sidings/double tracking. CN gives three primary reasons for seeking approval of the proposed acquisition: improved rail operations in the Chicago area; availability to EJ&E’s Kirk Yard in Gary, Indiana, and other smaller facilities in Joliet, Illinois, and Whiting, Indiana; and improved service to companies dealing in steel, chemicals, and petrochemicals, as well as Chicago area utilities. Because this proposal has the potential to result in significant environmental impacts, the Board has determined that the preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is appropriate. To help determine the scope of the EIS, and as required by the Board’s regulations at 49 CFR 1105.10(a)(2), SEA published in the Federal Register and made available to the public on December 21, 2008, the Notice of Availability of Draft Scope of Study for the EIS, Notice of Scoping Meetings, and Request for Comments. SEA held seven public scoping meetings in the project area between January 9 and 22, 2008. The scoping comment period originally was scheduled to conclude on February 1, 2008, but in response to requests, SEA is extending the scoping period an additional 14 days, to February 15, 2008. Scoping comments must be post-marked no later than February 15th. If you wish to submit written comments regarding the proposed draft scope, which was mailed to you previously but which is also available on the Board’s website under “Environmental Matters,” “Key Cases” and “CN-EJ&E Acquisition,” please send your comments to: Surface Transportation Board 395 E Street, SW Washington, DC 20423 Attention: Phillis Johnson-Ball Environmental Filing STB Finance Docket No. 35087 Scoping comments may also be filed electronically on the Board’s website, www.stb.dot.gov, by clicking on the “E_FILING” link. You do not need a Login Account to submit Environmental Comments. Simply click on “Environmental Comments,” which will take you to the comment screen. Type in the docket number, which is “FD 35087.” Select “Phillis Johnson-Ball” in the drop down list under “attention of.” Then complete the form by adding your name, address, phone and email, and click “Submit.” You may also call your scoping comments into SEA’s toll-free hotline established for this proceeding. Dial 1-800–347-0689 and leave your comments after the tone. Following these directions will help ensure that your scoping comments are considered in the environmental review process for this proposed acquisition. In addition, SEA will add your name to its mailing list for distribution of the final scope of the EIS, the DEIS, and Final EIS (FEIS). This is the first opportunity to submit comments during the environmental review process. SEA will afford additional opportunities, including asking for comments on the Draft EIS after SEA issues that document. Questions may be directed to Phillis Johnson-Ball, SEA Project Manager, toll-free at 1-800-347-0689 (TDD for the hearing impaired 1-800-877-8339). The website for the Surface Transportation Board is www.stb.dot.gov. This document is available in English and Spanish by calling the toll-free number at 1-800-347-0689. By the Board, Victoria Rutson, Chief, Section of Environmental Analysis. Anne K. Quinlan Acting Secretary
    Lake Zurich, IL
  9296. (printed as 2/14/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5160Carrie Stegvik
    Hi Phillis - Attached are my comments about the Canadian National Railroad's purchase of the EJ&E.
    Barrington, IL
  9297. (printed as 2/14/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5159John Michon
    I am writing to express my vehement opposition to the proposed buyout of EJ&E by CN. Because of the extensive number of at-grade crossings in our area (Barrington) this will essentially cut the community in half for extensive periods every day. Our environment will be radically changed by hourly trains, each of which may extend over 1000 feet. It will be difficult if not impossible for emergency vehicles to get from one side of the tracks to the other. The noise will be overwhelming, with train horns sounding in crowded residential areas at all hours of the day and night. There are also important safety issues, with many buses taking children to Barrington High School forced to cross the tracks at grade. I am deeply opposed to this buyout, which will benefit corporate shareholders to the absolute detriment of residents of the affected areas. I urge the STB to reject this deal in the strongest possible terms. JM
    South Barrington, IL
  9298. (printed as 2/14/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5157Barrington resident
    My sons and their friends and I have noticed that when gates lower to signal a train's arrival, drivers frequently do a little hesitation dance. Accelerate to zip through or brake to err on the safe side. At this point, most of the time they brake. That's when we are only inconvenienced a couple of times a day at the maximum -- more like once a week. How many people will lose that instinctive caution knowing for sure that upwards of 20 times a day they will lose six or so minutes (that's two hours of people waiting). I predict many grave (pun intended) accidents and many deaths due to the frustration of busy people being thwarted over and over again. And we all can accurately predict many more deaths of asthmatics (children included) and those who experience seizures (children included) as a direct result of ambulances being thwarted to the tune of four to six minutes on their routes. Both ways. This is a disaster and will be the ruin of many small, family-oriented communities. We live in a small home. All our equity is in this home. Property values will plummet because people won't stay here if this purchase goes through. In addition to losing our town as we have all known it, we will lose our shirts. Lynn Adams
    Lynn Adams · Barrington, IL
  9299. (printed as 2/14/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5156Roy Devadas
    This is our rental property. EJ&E takeover would increasing freight-train traffic near this house. - West Bartlett Road is the primary artery road to this western Bartlett. The train crossing already is very tenous. After the increased traffic, this will get extremely bad. The alternate routes are not designed for the high level of traffic on West Bartlett Road. - The increased train traffic and closed crossing will create mayham. Each closing at West Bartlett Road backs up traffic for 1/2 mile to 3/4 mile, that is the ones who stay. - More traffic creates increased noice disturbance. - Property values will be adversely affected.
    Bartlett, Illinois
  9300. (printed as 2/14/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5155Michael Minton
    [attached]
    Barrington, IL
  9301. (printed as 2/14/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5154Roy Devadas
    EJ&E takeover would increasing freight-train traffic near our house. - More traffic creates increased noice disturbance - Our drive to school and back would be severely delayed. - Property values will be adversely affected.
    South Barrington, IL
  9302. (printed as 2/14/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5153Brett Binkowski
    I am a resident of Franfort, raising a family of 4. I opose the massive increase of trains with the merger of the EJ&E and CN Railroads due to noise polution, safety and street conjestion. Blowing train wistles at 500% more then it is today is too much...please consider other alternatives. thanks you.
    Frankfort, IL
  9303. (printed as 2/14/2008)
    Comment
    EO-930Century Trace Home Owners Association
    P. Park
  9304. (printed as 2/14/2008)
    Comment
    EO-835Ms. Park
  9305. (printed as 2/13/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6405SPATOULAS
  9306. (printed as 2/13/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6247IL State Representative
    Bassi, Suzanne
  9307. (printed as 2/13/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6245Weger
  9308. (printed as 2/13/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6231Casey, Lillian
  9309. (printed as 2/13/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6230Reedy, Geoffrey
  9310. (printed as 2/13/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6229Casey, Steve
  9311. (printed as 2/13/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6228Peterson, Greg
  9312. (printed as 2/13/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6227Casey, Paul
  9313. (printed as 2/13/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6226Casey, Mike
  9314. (printed as 2/13/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6225Garcia, Ole
  9315. (printed as 2/13/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6224Casey, Kevin
  9316. (printed as 2/13/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6223Casey, Kevin
  9317. (printed as 2/13/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6222Casey, Karen
  9318. (printed as 2/13/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6137Vonnahme
  9319. (printed as 2/13/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6136Sandschafer
  9320. (printed as 2/13/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6135Lagowski
  9321. (printed as 2/13/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6134Bonda
  9322. (printed as 2/13/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6133Anderson
  9323. (printed as 2/13/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6091TISDALE
  9324. (printed as 2/13/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6086SAID
  9325. (printed as 2/13/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6084BARNHART
  9326. (printed as 2/13/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6081Village of Long Grove
    RODRIGUEZ
  9327. (printed as 2/13/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6077ANDERSON
  9328. (printed as 2/13/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6003RANDOLPH
  9329. (printed as 2/13/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5995PUGH
  9330. (printed as 2/13/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5944Village of Frankfort
    HOLLAND
  9331. (printed as 2/13/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5927Illinois State Senate
    RYG
  9332. (printed as 2/13/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5152Sheleagh Bishop
    In a word, please don't. Please don't increase the railway traffic, especially now that the school board has increased the teen drivers going over the tracks 10 fold. Please don't bring harmful chemicals, or materials to hurt our children. We moved all the way out into the corn fields of suburbia to avoid this kind of intrusion. We want to sleep as soundly and peacefully as God as willing, not based upon the current train schedule. We appreciate the opportunity to create new business, but not at the expense of so many families experiencing so many potential hurdles. Thank you for your time. Best regard - Sheleagh Bishop
    Naperville, IL
  9333. (printed as 2/13/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5151Marguerite Zatt
    Re:The proposed Canadian National Railway acquisition of the Elgin, Joliet and Easter Railway. As a 40 year resdident of Barrington, I have seen this area grow to be a part of a busy and congested area. Heavily traveled Routes 59 and 14 cut through the town and converge at the northern edge Traffic comes to a stanstill NOW when the EJ&E and Northwestern Metra cross these thoroughfares. As a resident of the area south of Main Street/Lake-Cook Road, adding more train traffic would cut us off from ambulance/parmedic services for long periods of time making transportation to our local hospital, Advocate Good Shepherd, extremely difficult. Please consider these and many other negative impacts on our community and deny this acquisition. Thank you.
    Barrington, Illinois
  9334. (printed as 2/13/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5150Dawn Eickenberg
    I am writing in comment of the proposed acquision of the EJ & E railway which runs on the west side on Naperville by Canadian National. I am opposed to it for a number of reasons, but primarily because of the safety issues involved any time a train runs through your town. More trains means more backups and more people trying to beat the train. Our children will be going to high school on the other side of the tracks. Should we be putting high school students at risk? Then there's just the time to consider. Trains during rush hour would mean that the buses must pick the kids up that much earlier and an already long commute will be required to extend even longer. We often do activities and shopping and the like on that side of the tracks to avoid the already congested areas to the east. The roads are primarily single lanes, how much of a back up are we going to have to endure? These are fairly personal issues, they don't even go into the noise, pollution or other things like this. Please consider these comments and know that many of us are opposed to this proposition.
    Naperville, il
  9335. (printed as 2/13/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5149Christine Kassitas
    The residents of Frankfort do not want this.
    Frankfort, IL
  9336. (printed as 2/13/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5148Brian Brands
    I am writing to express my STRONG opposition to the proposed aquisition of EJ&E rail by CN Railway. My reasons consist of the following: 1. Increase of rail traffic causing excessive traffic congestion. The railroad crossing is right by my house and the road that it crosses is virtually the only way out of our neighborhood. Today when trains cross, traffic backs up into the streets of our subdivision. Also, Bartlett is consructing a new fire station on the other side of the tracks from our subdivision. The increased rail traffic would cause emegency response delays. 2. Increased noise pollution. Each train that travels through the crossing blows it's horn and is generally very loud. We knew this when we moved into the house, but the increase in the number of trains per day will make the situation much worse. 3. Decrease in air quality. It's clear by looking at trains that they produce a significant amount of air pollution. I don't have the scientific data for this, but with my son having asthma, any increase in air pollution is detrimental to our quality of life. 4. Risk of toxic material spills. Some of these trains will be carrying toxic materials. The fact that they would be travelling right next to our neighborhood, means that there is an increased risk of some type of toxic spillage. This is not what I want moving around so close to where I live. 5. Decrease in home value. It seems obvious that my home value would decrease as a result of these negative actions. Overall, the changes proposed by this aquisition would have a VERY negative impact on my neighborhood and community. I urge you to seriously consider this when reviewing this matter. Thank you for your consideration in this matter and for the opportunity to express my concerns. Sincerely, Brian Brands
    Bartlett, IL
  9337. (printed as 2/13/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5147Mike Castino
    Ken- It looks like we can't do anything to make district 204 deal with reality concerning the danger of sending our kids on a 33 minute bus ride over railroad tracks when another high school is only 1.5 miles away. But, I can appeal to you to help think about the safety of our kids, if they won't, regarding more train traffic on a one-track railway that stands between them and making it to school on time. There also are the issues of added noise and air pollution. But, my first concern is the safety of all the kids that will be forced to make this commute by as a result of short-sighted planning by district 204. Thanks for your consideration. Mike Castino
    Naperville, il
  9338. (printed as 2/13/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5146gene mclaughlin
    Im glad our children are grown or we would be moving. I feel for young families who bought houses here if this railroad increase goes through. Normal everyday traffic, noise pollution and safety issues are stressfull enough without putting another 15-20 trains per day on top of it all. DON'T LET IT HAPPEN!!!!!!
    lake zurich, il.
  9339. (printed as 2/13/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5145Sheryl Edwards
    I am a homeowner in Frankfort, IL and am very concerned about the environmental impact the merger of EJ&E Railroad and CN will have on our community. The train traffic will increase ten-fold, the whistles will be unbearable, and the safety of our residents is being put at risk. Attached are pages and pages of concerns from area residents.
    Frankfort, IL
  9340. (printed as 2/13/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5144Marc Menendez
    Concerns of my family who resides in Tall Grass of Naperville: Noice & Vibration: At 5am we hear the trains now, what will happen when they run all night? Safety: For some odd reason, our School Board is focused on sending our neighborhood to a High School 10 miles northwest, over the tracks. Even though we have another highschool less than 2 miles to the east without crossing the tracks. Increased traffic will undoubtedly cause a less safe travel for our children. Traffic: Undoubtedly, more trains increase traffic heading in each direction b/c of crossings. Air Quality: More trains will create more polution near our home, our children, our lives! We're only 2 miles from the tracks - that's just not healthy. please do not overlook us simply because we live on the outskirts of an afluent community.
    Naperville, IL
  9341. (printed as 2/13/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5143Bernadette Scharf
    I am against the acquisation of EJ&E by Canadian National Railway. Many school buses have to cross the tracks which is dangerous enough without doubling or tripling the number of trains that go by. Also, it will add to the travel times going to and coming home from school. The noise and air pollution will also be greatly increased. Please don't allow this acquisition to happen.
    Naperville, IL
  9342. (printed as 2/13/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5142J. Eggenberger
    Please do not add any more train routes to this already crazy area. At grade crossings are so dangerous and wrong!
    Naperville, IL
  9343. (printed as 2/13/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5141Illinois Department of Natural Resources
    An original signed copy of the attached has been mailed.
    Rick Pietruszka · Springfield, IL
  9344. (printed as 2/13/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5140Heather Lewis
    Our family is definitely against the proposed expansion on these tracks. There are no bridge crossings anywhere near us in this area of Aurora and the additional train traffic would congest the area terribly. In addition we don't want the additional train horn noise that this change would bring. Keep the trains moving through downtown!!
    Aurora, IL
  9345. (printed as 2/13/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5139David Summers
    I am extremely concerned about the impact of the proposed Canadian Nat'l Railroad purchase of the EJ&E Railroad. 1) There are several at grade crossings in this highly populated/travelled area of southwest Naperville & Aurora. These crossings at Wolf's Crossing, Hafenrichter and Montgomery Road are already unsafe. With an increase in train traffic, there is more risk for accidents. These crossings must be improved. 2) Traffic congestion - These roads are already congested and become miserable when trains pass these crossings today. With an increase in train traffic, these roads will become very clogged. Traffic already backs up for a mile at some crossings when trains come through. (This will also have a ripple effect into other problems, as there will undoubtedly be an increase in the number of cars trying to go around the gates to beat the train." 3) My family utilized Rush Copley hospital and needs to cross these tracks to get there. In an emergency situation, there is no other alternate route to the hospital without crossing these tracks. Every second counts in an emergency. 4) I am concerned about the toxic waste that would be transported on this line. Within a 2 mile vicinity, there are many schools that would be endangered by a toxic waste spill: Peterson Elementary, Wolf's Crossing Elementary, Wolf's Crossing Middle School (Oswego), Fry Elementary, Scullen Middle School, White Eagle Elementary, Crone Middle School. Please take these concerns seriously. The safety of our children is at stake."
  9346. (printed as 2/13/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5138Dawn Summers
    I would like to submit my concern regarding the proposed Canadian National Railway purchase of the EJ&E railroad. In my area of Southwest Naperville, IL, there are several at-grade crossings (Wolf's Crossing/Normantown Rd, Montgomery Rd and another that I cannot recall.) These crossings are a hazard today; but are of greater concern going forward if the Canadian National Railroad increases traffic on these tracks. My largest concern is for the safety of commuters crossing these at-grade tracks. With a recent redistricting of our high schools, over 2000 families will need to cross these tracks to get to their high school, in addition to the many commuters who already cross the tracks. These at-grade tracks coupled with an increase in train traffic plus an increase in school traffic adds up to an increase in train/commuter accidents. My second concern is the toxic waste hauling. This area is highly populated, though it was once vacant farmland. Bringing all that waste through a heavily populated area is not a good idea. Finally, I am very concerned about congestion. Today, these roads are heavily travelled and get severely congested when a train passes through. (Some of these trains currently take up to 11 minutes to pass a crossing.) These roadways are already busy. We don't need further congestion. Thank you in advance for your consideration to keep our area safe. Dawn Summers
    Naperville, IL
  9347. (printed as 2/13/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5137none
    Approve acquisition with conditions enumerated in public comment authored by Jim LaBelle, Vice President, Metropolis 2020, on January 28, 2008. -I am a citizen, not associated with Metropolis 2020.
    Garrett Phillips · Chicago, IL
  9348. (printed as 2/13/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5136DuPage County Government
    See attachments: Letter Specific Comments (pdf) Specific Comments (Word document) Also submitting paper filing
    Nicholas Pappas · Wheaton, IL
  9349. (printed as 2/13/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5135Bill Lohr
    It is a fine goal to reduce rail congestion in the Chicagoland area, but not at the expense of residents' quality of life in the suburbs. It seems that a lot of trains go through Aurora as it is. The horn blasts are unbelievably loud. I live just over half a mile away from the track and it's as though the locomotive is in my driveway. I can't imagine doubling the traffic. In the summer, they wake me at 3am and continue until I leave for work at 6am. If they (CN) would help my community contribute financially to a 'quiet zone' at our (Rt 34) crossing, it might be tolerable. Ps-the 'horn rule' is absurd. I don't drive around in my car blasting my horn for 20 seconds before I (might) crash into someone.
    Aurora, IL
  9350. (printed as 2/13/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5134Deer Park, Illinois resident
    With regard to Canadian National’s proposed acquisition of the Elgin Joliet and Eastern line in the Chicago area, I have significant concerns regarding the impact on public safety of my family and community. I am a resident of Deer Park living approximately one block from the EJ&E crossing over Cuba Road along with three other crossings within a span of less than one mile. If freight traffic is allowed to quadruple, there will certainly be long periods where traffic will be prevented access to the east and south of my home. This could affect the timeliness of response by public safety responders. Canadian National has now gone on record as saying that it will be up to State and Federal funding to construct grade separations costing as much as $100 million each. I am very concerned about our safety and access to services in our area. Please take these concerns into consideration when deliberating on the approval of this transaction. Thank you.
    Frank D'Antonio · Deer Park, Illinois
  9351. (printed as 2/13/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5133Homeowner
    With regard to Canadian National’s proposed acquisition of the Elgin Joliet and Eastern line in the Chicago area, I have significant concerns regarding the impact on public safety of my family and community. I am a resident of Deer Park living approximately one block from the EJ&E crossing over Cuba Road along with three other crossings within a span of less than one mile. If freight traffic is allowed to quadruple, there will certainly be long periods where traffic will be prevented access to the east and south of my home. This could affect the timeliness of response by public safety responders. Canadian National has now gone on record as saying that it will be up to State and Federal funding to construct grade separations costing as much as $100 million each. I am very concerned about our safety and access to services in our area. Please take these concerns into consideration when deliberating on the approval of this transaction. Thank you.
    Gail D'Antonio · Deer Park, Illinois
  9352. (printed as 2/13/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5132Deer Park, Illinois homeowner
    With regard to Canadian National’s proposed acquisition of the Elgin Joliet and Eastern line in the Chicago area, I have significant concerns regarding the impact on public safety of my family and community. I am a resident of Deer Park living approximately one block from the EJ&E crossing over Cuba Road along with three other crossings within a span of less than one mile. If freight traffic is allowed to quadruple, there will certainly be long periods where traffic will be prevented access to the east and south of my home. This could affect the timeliness of response by public safety responders. Canadian National has now gone on record as saying that it will be up to State and Federal funding to construct grade separations costing as much as $100 million each. I am very concerned about our safety and access to services in our area. Please take these concerns into consideration when deliberating on the approval of this transaction. Thank you.
    Robert D'Antonio · Deer Park, Illinois
  9353. (printed as 2/13/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5131James Clemons
    You have probably already received pleanty of concerns about noise and traffic. I would like to give some more positive comments. Until the mid 1970's Aurora was a center of manufacturing when the rail lines began to close down. Many other factories and industrial areas became vacant. Several large inner city factories remain vacant to this day as well as many of the downtown buildings some are just now being revitalized. The railroad would bring a much needed economic boost to the area that is beginning to feel the pinch of the current recession. It is a big city and we need more public transportation and more rail lines need to be added. i don't know if the railroad in question has plans for transporting passengers, but it could at some point in the future as the rail system is better utilized. As gas prices get higher rail becomes a more viable alternative for transporting goods and services. With global warming a concern, I believe rail service, one train, would produce less emissions than having hundreds of trucks running helter skelter delivering goods. I believe all in all it would be a benefit to have CN aquire the EJ&E. Thanks
    Aurora, IL
  9354. (printed as 2/13/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5130Scott Sandschafer
    See the attached letter
    Naperville, IL
  9355. (printed as 2/13/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5129Christine Chybik
    To Whom it May Concern: I recently was made aware of Canadian National's intent to purchase EJ&E railway. After doing some research on the subject I am extremely concerned about the effects this would have on the Village of Lake Zurich as well as the surrounding towns. The EJ&E line currently runs through several roads in Lake Zurich and behind two large schools in Lake Zurich. These trains run throughout the day and in the evening and cause quite a bit of traffic on roads utitlized during peak travel times. From what I have read if CN were to purchase the railroad they would run 20 freight trains a day. This is astonishing to me as I can't imagine what this would do to traffic in the area as well as the potential safety hazards it would cause. Lake Zurich is a family community. Children are everywhere. I know for a fact that they use the back of the school (where the railroad goes) as a cut through. They are also always in the parks in downtown Lake Zurich (where the rail line is). The roads in the area as well as the traffic patterns are not designed to withstand the congestion that CN's presence would cause. CN should not be able to run through such populated areas. In all of my research I have not found one positive impact that CN would have on our communities. So why is this even being taken into consideration? Please do not let CN purchase EJ&E. Thank you for you consideration.
    Lake Zurich, IL
  9356. (printed as 2/13/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5128Dorothy Kupstis
    I am strongly against adding more trains thru Barrington. The High School is right down the road from me and there is a large about of the students that cross over the tracks.They also have their track team use this route. Also,many of the buildings are old landmarks that might not be able to withstand the vibration.The building I live in is right next to the tracks and shakes and rattles everytime the train goes thru. For safety and historical reasons, please do not allow this to happen.
    Barrington, IL
  9357. (printed as 2/13/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5127Deanna Moser
    I am strongly opposed to the proposed CN Railway purchase and rerouting of trains. This proposal will dramatically change the Barrington communities and surrounding towns in a very negative way. People's lives should come before big company's wants! Our children deserve to be able to get to and from school as safely as possible. I have 3 children that attend 3 different schools in the Barrington area. We travel over tracks at least a half dozen times a day. My children ride their bikes over these tracks. We patronize the businesses in Barrington by crossing these tracks. The residents of our community enjoy the beauty of these roads. Please do not allow this change to ruin the lives we all have worked so hard to achieve! We take pride in this wonderful community.
    Barrington Hills, IL
  9358. (printed as 2/13/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5126Nadine Rust Roach
    Dear Phillis, On Monday, Feb. 11, 2008 the contractors the STB hired to conduct the noise level tests re: the CN acquisition of the EJ&E stopped by my house to ask if they could place instruments in my back yard to measure the noise. First, let me tell you I was pleasantly surprised to see that you had followed through in my request for this step in the EIS. The contractors were very nice and professional, however, they said they normally only keep the instruments in place for 48 hours. I asked if they could keep them in place for a week because the trains can be very intermittent, and to my dismay, there has been very little train activity in the last 48 hours. In my opinion, if you are to obtain an accurate reflection of the noise level you would also need to attain and test a certain number of trains that have passed, not less than hand full, which I think is the case. I understand that they are probably trying to test many locations, but my concern is that your results will not provide as accurate of a reflection of the noise as it should. If possible, could you please contact the contractors and request that they leave their instruments in place through the week end and consider removing on Tues. Feb. 19, 2008. I know Monday is a holiday for you. thank you, Nadine
    Hoffman Estates, IL
  9359. (printed as 2/13/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5124South East Chicago Commission
    This supplements our written comments, submitted at the January 22, 2008 Scoping Open House in Chicago, regarding the proposed CN-EJ&E merger, Docket 35087. We received STB's notice that the deadline for environmental comments has been extended to February 15, 2008. Our environmental concern is the disposition of the Canadian National right-of-way in the Chicago communities of Kenwood, Hyde Park, and Woodlawn (approximately between 39th Street and 67th Street). Under the proposed merger, the CN would be abandoned in this area, as well as others. The South East Chicago Commission's questions include: (1) Will the CN right-of-way be left vacant; will it be put to another use or uses, and if so, what are those potential uses; (2) what public or private proposals or agreements are under consideration, in process, or consummated for the right-of-way; (3) what are the environmental impacts of non-use or any proposed re-uses; (4) are there guarantees of community involvement in planning and implementing those re-uses (Note: we request to be involved in that process); (5) have CN and Metra made any arrangements for Metra to use and/or maintain the abandoned CN right-of-way; (6) if the property is merely abandoned, what agency will be responsible for securing and maintaining it? We realize that much environmental concern has been expressed in connection with increased train movements in the suburbs. We urge that STB also devote environmental attention to locations, such as Kenwood-Hyde Park-Woodlawn, where freight train movements would be eliminated. Submitted Wednesday, February 13, 2008.
    Richard R. Gill · Chicago, IL
  9360. (printed as 2/13/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5123Annette Ryks Nikolich
    I would like to register my strong opposition to the acquisition of the EJ&E by Canadian National. The safety impact on the town of Barrington will be horrendous. The EJ&E runs within 1/4 mile of 3 schools, three park districts, our public library, the police & fire department, and a forest preserve here all with GRADE LEVEL crossings. With an increase of 5 freight trains to 20 per day, it will only be a matter of months until a child, bicyclist, or jogger is struck by a train. I can only imagine the lives lost by a fire truck or police response being delayed 15 minutes by a train at the level crossing at Hwy. 14 or on Lake Cook Road. Never since its original conception has this much freight been run on the EJ&E lines. They are simply not designed to safely handle this much freight traffic. By no means should this proposed purchase be allowed until the EJ&E is retrofitted with above or below grade crossings at each intersection along its path. To do otherwise is simply irresponsible. Our community has already had a school bus hit by a train on the Metra Commuter line 13 years ago. We do NOT want to go through that anguish again.
    Barrington, Illinois
  9361. (printed as 2/13/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5122Joseph DiJohn
    Attached are my comments on the CN purchase of the EJ&E.
    Chicago, IL
  9362. (printed as 2/13/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5121Kathy Nelander
    See attached on the negative impact the acquisition will have on the Barrington/Lake Zurich area. These negatives include economical hardship, increased traffic, decrease in the quality of life, emergency vehicle delays, and school safety issues. There are absolutely no benefits to our community.
    North Barrington, Illinois
  9363. (printed as 2/13/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5120Linda R. Hovde
    see attached
    Barrington, IL
  9364. (printed as 2/12/2008)
    Comments
    221600Environmental Comment
    Village Of Mokena
  9365. (printed as 2/12/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6798Congress of the United States
    Biggert, Judy
  9366. (printed as 2/12/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6736AAR Corp
    SCHILLING
  9367. (printed as 2/12/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6707Casey, Steve
  9368. (printed as 2/12/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6705Peterson, Greg
  9369. (printed as 2/12/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6697Casey, Steve
  9370. (printed as 2/12/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6696Casey, Karen
  9371. (printed as 2/12/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6682Attorneys at Law
    Cunningham, Paul
  9372. (printed as 2/12/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6659City of Greenville
    Gaffner
  9373. (printed as 2/12/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6617PETERSON
  9374. (printed as 2/12/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6602ISHIKAWA
  9375. (printed as 2/12/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6580Village of Mokena
    Werner
  9376. (printed as 2/12/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6380Haskitt, Paul
  9377. (printed as 2/12/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6290Lynn, Patrick
  9378. (printed as 2/12/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6132Savaiano
  9379. (printed as 2/12/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6131Fraser
  9380. (printed as 2/12/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6130Utterback
  9381. (printed as 2/12/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6129Cozzi
  9382. (printed as 2/12/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6090WELCH
  9383. (printed as 2/12/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6088CARRIGAN
  9384. (printed as 2/12/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6087SHAH
  9385. (printed as 2/12/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6085STEEVES
  9386. (printed as 2/12/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6036BENESH
  9387. (printed as 2/12/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6015Carol Rowe
    Re: Railway buy out of EJ&E by CN Adverse side effects of pollutants related to health. I am concerned about the increase in noise, vibration and air pollutants for those who live in close proximity of the rail line. These pollutants will have adverse side effects on the health sensitive population, those that are already afflicted with a disorder, which will be exasperated when exposed to more environmental pollutants. Those adversely effected, having no other choice, would need to sell their homes, leave their communities and move to a cleaner environments. People must take precedence over freight.
    Lake Zurich, Illinois
  9388. (printed as 2/12/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5999BERNER
  9389. (printed as 2/12/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5998DRUECK
  9390. (printed as 2/12/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5997CANNIZZARO
  9391. (printed as 2/12/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5984IBBOTSON
  9392. (printed as 2/12/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5973Werner
  9393. (printed as 2/12/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5972Meyer
  9394. (printed as 2/12/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5942Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
    MANNING
  9395. (printed as 2/12/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5939Forset Preserve District of Will County
    DEMAURO
  9396. (printed as 2/12/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5924U.S. Dept. of the Interior - Fish & Wildlife Service
    PRUITT
  9397. (printed as 2/12/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5119Beth Dwyer
    I am an owner of a home in Plainfield, approximately 100 yards from the Elgin, Joliet & Eastern (EJ&E) tracks. As an individual, wife, and mother, I have major concerns regarding Canadian National Railroad’s (CN) plan to expand its rail service in the Plainfield area by acquiring the EJ& E railway. I am extremely concerned about the impact of the increased freight and rail traffic that CN is planning to route through my town. The five trains that currently pass by everyday – blasting their horns day or night – are more than enough for my community. I am deeply concerned about freight trains carrying hazardous materials traveling near our high schools, grade schools, and pre-schools. I am very concerned about the affect this purchase will have on my home value or insurance coverage expenses. I’m distressed about how emergency vehicles will be unable to respond to incidents over the tracks, should a train be blocking the crossing. In addition, if a train can measure up to 2 miles in length, it can potentially block several crossings, having detrimental effects on the health and safety of the members of my community. I am bothered by the thought of losing the rural atmosphere we have grown to love in Plainfield.
    Plainfield, il
  9398. (printed as 2/12/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5118lynda Casaccio
    If the EJ&E merger were to happen, the town of Barrington would simply cripple.The traffic is already horrific.Barrington Rd. is one tortuous stretch of traffic with no room to improve with homes on either side of the street.It would be devastating to businesses. Also, I would hate to see highschoolers try to beat" the train, knowing a long freight will make them late for class.Even adults, coming off commuter trains are struck in a hurry to get home, never see the other train coming. Barrington can NOT handle the existing traffic now, adding freight trains would only provide chaos,noise & congestion to an otherwise small town that has no more room to grow."
  9399. (printed as 2/12/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5117Ted Thome
    Please see attached document.
    Barrington, IL
  9400. (printed as 2/12/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5115Marc Benovic
    see attached
    Frankfort, IL
  9401. (printed as 2/12/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5114Mari Walbridge
    I have many concerns about the proposed merger. Especially the increase in use of the tracks which are located about a 1/2 mile from my house and cut-offs traffic into Naperville not. My other major concern is about the materials they will be transporting the potential harm to the community given the number of homes and schools in very close proximity to these tracks. In addition, there are many other far reaching problems from this sale. Some of them include: ***Crossing Safety @ Railroad crossings ***Emergency Response Times ***Increased travel times at ALL times of the day and night. ***Increased Pollution - potential spills/accidents ***Vibration Damage to homes ***Quiet Zones - will there be train horns blaring at 3 AM??? Therefore we, my family and I, oppose this merger. Mari Reid Walbridge
    Aurora, IL
  9402. (printed as 2/12/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5113Will County Governmental League
    Steve Quigley · Joliet, Illinois
  9403. (printed as 2/12/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5112John O'Daniel
    i believe it is a terrible idea to increase the train activity that is being proposed under this program. Traffic is already terrible throughout the suburbs and additional train traffic will only exascerbate an already bad situation. In addition, I believe the incidence of car/train accidents will increas dramatically as drivers and pedestrians alike try to avoid the delay and rush through/over the crossings
    Lake Barrington, IL
  9404. (printed as 2/12/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5111John Nikolich
    Ms. Johnson-Ball, After attending the meeting hosted by Representatives Bean and Kirk and doing research into the matter, I highly encourage the STB to block the acquisition of the EJ&E railway by the Canadian National Railway. While I fully understand the economic benefit to the CN is quite handsome with the acquisition of the EJ&E and will enable the CN to avoid going through downtown Chicago with their freight trains that originate on the West Coast, what it will create is the freight train equivalent of I-294. I-294 is a very busy highway in Chicago that is west of the city, if CN purchases the EJ&E,traffic on that line will increase 4 fold through the northwest, north and west suburbs of Chicago and in the Barrington area the effect will be devasting since we already have the Chicago Northwestern commuter and freight line that runs through our town, which is already causing many traffic problems in our town, the CN acquistion of the EJ&E will make the problem exponentially worst. My children's school buses cross one or both of those train lines to go to school and it is virtually impossible to drive to Chicago without crossing one of those train tracks. Remember, all our train crossing are at grade, so unless CN is prepared to improve all the crossings and go above or below grade, their increased traffic will have a significant negative impact on all the communities the EJ&E passes through. You should know that the Chicago metro area now reaches approximately 50 miles from the city and the EJ&E tracks which were once the hinterlands, are now smack dab in the middle of the vibrant Chicago metropolitan market. As you may or may not know, in terms of market value, housing prices are the highest in the northern suburbs and go down as you go in a counterclockwise motion around the city. The EJ&E goes through some strong and established surburbs that surround Chicago and there would be a significant negative impact on the economies of these suburbs and the housing prices in these communities. I ask the STB to block the acquisition of the EJ&E by the CN in consideration of the fact that the negative environmental and economic impacts on the communities which the EJ&E would far outweigh any benefits derived by CN by the acquisition. Thank you for your time and consideration. You may contact me at: Office: 847-462-5927 Email: JNikolich@FlintCreekPartners.com Best regards, John Nikolich
    Lake Barrington, IL
  9405. (printed as 2/12/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5110Village of Hoffman Estates
    Attached letter from Mayor McLeod on behalf of the Village of Hoffman Estates, IL. Submittal 3 of 3. Mike Hankey Director of Transportation and Engineering Divsion Village of Hoffman Estates
    William McLeod · Hoffman Estates, IL
  9406. (printed as 2/12/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5109Village of Hoffman Estates
    Attached letter from Mayor McLeod on behalf of the Village of Hoffman Estates, IL. Submittal 2 of 3. Mike Hankey Director of Transportation and Engineering Divsion Village of Hoffman Estates
    William McLeod · Hoffman Estates, IL
  9407. (printed as 2/12/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5108Village of Hoffman Estates
    Attached letter from Mayor McLeod on behalf of the Village of Hoffman Estates, IL. Submittal 1 of 3. Mike Hankey Director of Transportation and Engineering Divsion Village of Hoffman Estates
    William McLeod · Hoffman Estates, IL
  9408. (printed as 2/12/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5107Joseph P. Schwieterman
    See attached
    Chicago, IL
  9409. (printed as 2/12/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5106Rebecca Schmakel
    My Husband and I are the owners of a home in Plainfield, approximately 100 yards from the Elgin, Joliet & Eastern (EJ&E) tracks. As individuals with two younge children, we have major concerns regarding Canadian National Railroad’s (CN) plan to expand its rail service in the Plainfield area by acquiring the EJ& E railway. We are extremely concerned about how the increased freight and rail traffic that CN is planning to route through our town will effect this area and my family. The five trains that currently pass by everyday – blasting their horns day or night – are more than enough for my community. We are extremely concerned about freight trains carrying hazardous materials traveling near our schools, playgrounds, and homes. We moved to this house in this area because of the small town feel and the safety of the area. We are very concerned about the affect this purchase will have on our home value, insurance coverage expenses, and the overall safety of the area we live, work and our children play. We are distressed about how emergency vehicles will be unable to respond to incidents over the tracks, should a train be blocking the crossing. In addition, if a train can measure up to 2 miles in length, it can potentially block several crossings, having detrimental effects on the health and safety of the members of my community, not to mention the problems it will cause for any and all commuters. I am bothered by the thought of losing the rural atmosphere we have grown to love in Plainfield.
    Plainfield, IL
  9410. (printed as 2/12/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5105Carol Rowe
    Re: Railway by out of EJ&E by CN Adverse side effects of pollutants related to health. I am concerned about the increase in noise, vibration and air pollutants for those who live in close proximity of the rail line. These pollutants will have adverse side effects on the health sensitive population, those that are already afflicted with a disorder, which will be exasperated when exposed to more environmental pollutants. Those adversely effected, having no other choice, would need to sell their homes, leave their communities and move to a cleaner environments. People must take precedence over freight.
    Lake Zurich, Illinois
  9411. (printed as 2/12/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5104Marika Fry
    No written commments from submitter
    Plainfield, Illinois
  9412. (printed as 2/12/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5103Mike Grisamore
    STB Finance Docket No. 35087 I am very opposed to the expansion of freight service by CN on the EJ&E line for three reasons. The first is the traffic is already horrible and a simple 9 mile drive during rush hour already takes 30 to 40 minutes. Adding additional delays will only make the already insufficient highway infrastructure far worse. The second is the additional noise from the trains. I do not live right on the tracks but when some of the large trains come through you can hear them from a quite a distance. We moved out of the city for some additional peace and quiet. The third is the general need for the STAR line down the road. With all the development in the northern suburbs, the only way the roads will be able to keep up is if we add some more public transportation options. Please do not allow the expansion of the freight traffic on the EJ&E lines.
    Long Grove, il
  9413. (printed as 2/12/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5102Mandi Ralson
    I am an owner of a home in Plainfield, approximately 100 yards from the Elgin, Joliet & Eastern (EJ&E) tracks. As an individual, wife, and mother, I have major concerns regarding Canadian National Railroad’s (CN) plan to expand its rail service in the Plainfield area by acquiring the EJ& E railway. I am extremely concerned about the impact of the increased freight and rail traffic that CN is planning to route through my town. The five trains that currently pass by everyday – blasting their horns day or night – are more than enough for our community. I am deeply concerned about freight trains carrying hazardous materials traveling near our high schools, grade schools, and pre-schools. I am very concerned about the affect this purchase will have on my home value or insurance coverage expenses. I am bothered by the thought of losing the rural atmosphere we have grown to love in Plainfield. I’m distressed about how emergency vehicles will be unable to respond to incidents over the tracks, should a train be blocking the crossing. In addition, if a train can measure up to 2 miles in length, it can potentially block several crossings, causing what should be a 5 minute drive to the school, turn into a 30 minute drive.
    Plainfield, IL
  9414. (printed as 2/12/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5101Phoebe Bickhaus
    Regarding the environmental impact of the possible sale of the Elgin, Joliet and Eastern rail line to the Canadian National Railway, I think a pre-condition should be an agreement that underpass/overpass development will be provided in areas with significant vehicular traffic at crossings.
    Naperville, IL
  9415. (printed as 2/12/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5100Karen Fray
    I am not sure Docket prefix is correct. Regarding acquisition of EJ&E by Canadian National Railway, increased train traffic across the tracks on Rt 34 (Ogden Ave.) and 95th St.(Wolf Rd)would cause a major hardship to those that live west of these tracks. The traffic is VERY HEAVY, especially on Rt. 34 and to allow more trains to use those tracks would be ridiculous unless some type of overpass or underpass was constructed (but space could be a problem). The residential and commercial development west of these tracks has grown significantly to the point that those particular tracks should not even be used in my opinion. As such, I AM opposed to the sale of these tracks unless some way can be found to bypass the trains over or under the roadway. Thanks. Karen Fray
    Oswego, IL
  9416. (printed as 2/12/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5099Park Forest
    To Phillis Johnson-Ball I do not want the Canadian National Railway to buy EJ&E.
    Susan Friedericks · Park Forest, IL
  9417. (printed as 2/12/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5027Byllee Kimmel
    PLEASE DO NOT ALLOW THE CANADIAN RAILROAD TO PURCHASE THE EJ&E RAILROAD TRACKS. As a resident of Park Forest, I am offering my comments to the possible acquisition of the EJ&E tracks by the CN railroad. Everyday Park Forest has to deal with terrible traffic conditions when the trains stop or slow down as they run past the Western Avenue gates. It is almost impossible to go North/South during these times. With the possible acquisition increasing trains from 8 to 32 per day it will create havoc all day long in our town which in turn will affect all of the businesses. Park Forest is in the process of trying to build up our downtown area to increase tax revenue for the village. If the sale goes through, it will deter any new businesses from even considering coming to our village. Also, the safety and welfare of village residents would be in jeopardy with the difficulty of police/fire equipment having speedy access via Western avenue for all types of emergencies. As the mother of a village firefighter, I have been informed the increase in daily trains will be severely detrimental to safety equipment access to residents and area hospitals which in turn, could result in possible deaths if ambulances can't get to residents in a timely manner. Currently, every evening between 6:00 and 7:00 there is a traffic jam in our village due to a train stopping at the Western Avenue gates. Because of all the backed up automobile traffic, it is nearly impossible for safety vehicles to get through the village. Also since my residence is only a few blocks from Western Avenue, I have been awakened in the middle of the night because of a train going through the village and incessantly blowing it's horn. If the trains were increased from 8 to 32 trains per day, it would be impossible to get a decent night's sleep. This would also have a direct impact on the value of my home. Please do whatever needs to be done to stop the sale of the EJ&E tracks to the CN railroad. Thank you.
    Park Forest, Illinois
  9418. (printed as 2/12/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5026JoAnne Wodrich
    RE: STB Finance Docket #35087 I'm writing to express my concern over the effects that the recent purchase of the E&J railroad by CN railroad will have on my community. I feel that there are many far-reaching problems from this sale, including: increased travel times, vibration damage to homes, increased noise and air pollution, as well as the impact on emergency vehicles response times. Our community cannot afford the expense it would take to alleviate these problems. If this sale benefits the nation", as CN claims, then they and the government should help us! I cannot stress enough to you how my life as well as my community will be adversely affected by this sale."
  9419. (printed as 2/12/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5025Dan Kizior
    Regarding STB Finance Docket No. 35087. I am concerned with the environmental impact to the Barrington/Lake Zurich areas from adding 15 more trains thru the communities per day. So many traffic delays will also be created. We need to say no.
    Lake Zurich, IL
  9420. (printed as 2/12/2008)
    Comment
    EO-834Ms. Ergo
  9421. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7049Sepos, Denise
  9422. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6908Berner, Gerald
  9423. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6811Western New York Delegation
    Volker, Dale
  9424. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6709Mooney, Thomas
  9425. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6708Miller, Mike
  9426. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6695Holzknecht, Arthur
  9427. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6694Finley, Rita
  9428. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6691Roach, Kim
  9429. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6690Stubna, M.W.
  9430. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6688Poynton, Thomas
  9431. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6687Lincoln, Larry & Betty
  9432. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6683Vlk, Allie
  9433. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6672Zimmer
  9434. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6665Hart
  9435. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6635RYAN
  9436. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6633STRUTZEL
  9437. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6629STEIGER
  9438. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6628KOPSIAN
  9439. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6626LOWE
  9440. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6625RYAN
  9441. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6623SWANSON
  9442. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6621ABLAN
  9443. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6620MIRO
  9444. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6619JUCHA
  9445. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6601HUMBRECHT
  9446. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6595Huff & Puff Industries
    SILETS
  9447. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6486Salter, Anne & Rich
  9448. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6389Verley
  9449. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6388Platenik
  9450. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6387Huntington
  9451. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6386Huntington, Howard
  9452. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6385Jacob, Bill
  9453. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6384O'Neill, Michael
  9454. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6383Buto
  9455. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6382Finch, Laura
  9456. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6381Timonen, Craig
  9457. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6379Frommelt
  9458. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6378Lennon, Kristin
  9459. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6377Baum, Karen
  9460. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6376Poynton, Jan
  9461. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6375Lanpagar, George
  9462. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6374Schroeder, Eric
  9463. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6373Wiltman, Margaret
  9464. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6372McGill, Brian
  9465. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6371ABBINANTE
  9466. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6370Balsai, Andrew
  9467. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6369Gerlach
  9468. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6368ABBINANTE
  9469. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6367Becker, Steve
  9470. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6366Poulter, Jody
  9471. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6365SCHIRMANN
  9472. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6363Binder, Lisa
  9473. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6362Reitsch, Steve
  9474. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6361Abboud, Antoine
  9475. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6360Schau, Tom & Leanne
  9476. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6359Luczkiewicz, Malgorzaia
  9477. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6358Boyer, Eric
  9478. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6357Pearson, Donald
  9479. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6356Chernik, Eric
  9480. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6355Laystrom, Patty
  9481. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6354Laystrom, John
  9482. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6353Keller, Michael
  9483. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6352Dawson, Laura
  9484. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6351Poteracki, Gigi
  9485. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6350McLaughlin, Jill
  9486. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6347Scalzitti, J.
  9487. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6346Becker, Sharlene
  9488. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6345Zimmer, Mary
  9489. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6344Kinsella, William
  9490. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6343Hacker, Paul
  9491. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6342Krueger, Donald
  9492. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6341Keramidas
  9493. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6340LALEHZAN
  9494. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6339FEROLO
  9495. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6338SHATTUCK
  9496. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6337KARON
  9497. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6336KARON
  9498. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6335SCOTT
  9499. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6334SCOTT
  9500. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6333WILLIAMS
  9501. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6332WACKS
  9502. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6330Willock
  9503. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6329Moore
  9504. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6328West, Susan & Mike
  9505. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6327Ishikawa, Mary
  9506. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6326Stratman, Orlando
  9507. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6325Salgards, Kay & Ron
  9508. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6324DECRAENE
  9509. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6323Perez, Mick
  9510. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6322Magnusen, Steve
  9511. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6321Bieber, Jim
  9512. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6320WALKER
  9513. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6319Winnie, George
  9514. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6318Conrad, Eugene
  9515. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6317Gilbert, John
  9516. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6316LuczCiewicz
  9517. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6315Concord Village President
    MAZURKIEWICZ
  9518. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6314Ward, Lynn
  9519. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6313Hansen, William
  9520. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6312GORE
  9521. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6311Howland, Amanda
  9522. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6310Pytel, Theresa
  9523. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6309Terrace Lane Homeowners Assn.
    CLAIBORNE
  9524. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6308Wittman, Paul
  9525. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6307Filipp, Don & Judy
  9526. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6306Romir, Rob & diane
  9527. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6305Hutchins, Sue
  9528. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6304Lavine, Carol
  9529. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6302Mottier, matt
  9530. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6301FRIDDLE
  9531. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6300Filipp
  9532. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6299Kinsella, Elizabeth
  9533. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6298Holzknecht, A.
  9534. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6297Zei, Carole
  9535. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6296Casey, Karen
  9536. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6295Larsen, Mary
  9537. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6294LongGrove
  9538. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6293Clodfelter
  9539. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6292Lynn, Sandra
  9540. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6291Williams, Mary
  9541. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6289Branding, Suzanne
  9542. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6288Thompson, Nancy
  9543. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6287Caceres, Bill
  9544. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6286Petropoulos, Suzanne
  9545. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6285Severson, Michael & Ann
  9546. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6284Josefchuk, nancy & Mike
  9547. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6283Josefchuk, Michael
  9548. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6282Mark, Vera
  9549. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6281Carey, Kimberly
  9550. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6280McNair, Lisa
  9551. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6279Centella, Jill
  9552. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6278Mangano, jeff
  9553. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6277Orchard, mark
  9554. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6276Campbell, Michael
  9555. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6275Sterling, Bruce & Deborah
  9556. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6274Long, Blayne & Deborah
  9557. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6273Sweeney, Mike
  9558. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6271Sweeney, Laurie
  9559. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6270Mosack, Stevie
  9560. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6269Abry, Karen & Brian
  9561. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6268Corey, John
  9562. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6267Savage, Joseph
  9563. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6266Hughes, Kerry
  9564. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6265Tursi, Mike
  9565. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6264Beal, mark
  9566. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6263Winkenbach, robert
  9567. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6262Miller, Gregg
  9568. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6261Farano, Shirley
  9569. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6211GROSS
  9570. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6210PARK
  9571. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6209POWAL
  9572. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6208JESSUP
  9573. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6207WERNETTE
  9574. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6206RADIN
  9575. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6205JANUS
  9576. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6204JANUS
  9577. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6203WLHODT
  9578. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6202MAZURKIEWICZ
  9579. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6201GUNTIN
  9580. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6200AMADIO
  9581. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6199GARLING
  9582. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6198GARASCIA
  9583. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6197NAGUCHI
  9584. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6196HANSON
  9585. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6195KERAMIDES
  9586. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6194FRY
  9587. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6193ENGELMANN
  9588. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6192DIMARTINO
  9589. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6191CANDILL
  9590. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6190LOWE
  9591. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6189LEHAR
  9592. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6188KELLER
  9593. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6187KUNATH
  9594. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6186DITSCH
  9595. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6185KELLER
  9596. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6184SOBOL
  9597. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6177KRUEGER
  9598. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6174KRUEGER
  9599. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6173SIMONIS
  9600. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6172The Flint Creek Neighborhood Association
    Unknown
  9601. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6153STRUTZEL
  9602. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6128Wrovel
  9603. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6127Therrien
  9604. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6126Pichlik
  9605. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6125Uhric
  9606. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6124Smolinske
  9607. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6123Rose
  9608. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6122Charroll
  9609. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6092Wicklow Village Town Home Condominium Assn.
    MEDCALF
  9610. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6041SALTER
  9611. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6039QUIGG
  9612. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6000THOMPSON
  9613. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5993NAWROCKI
  9614. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5985South Central Illinois Growth Alliance
    FURGUSON
  9615. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5983KERR
  9616. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5875COURTNEY
  9617. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5874Kaskaskia College
    UNDERWOOD
  9618. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5775Hogan & Hartson (NRPC/Amtrak)
    MONTAGUE
  9619. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5711BLACK
  9620. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5024Advocate Health Care
    As a Director of the Board of Advocate Health Care, the parent company of Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital in Barrington, and as a citizen of the Barrington/Deer Park area, I strongly encourage the study to include an assessment of the impact of road closings due to rail traffic on the risk of emergency transportation delays to the hospital. Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital serves the emergency care needs of Barrington, Lake Zurich, and surrounding areas. The existing rail tracks cross all roads between my home (and most other communities east of Barrington) and the hospital. Increased rail traffic would significantly lengthen the emergency vehicle transportation time to the hospital. We ask that the study address the impact of this risk on the health needs of our communities. Thank you.
    Julie P. Schlueter · Deer Park, IL
  9621. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5023Carolynne Funk
    I am concerned about the aquisition of the EJ&E rail by Canadian National Rail (CN). My home is located along the train tracks and the impact of quadrupling the number of trains running on the lines would be great for my family. I have four children who attend May Whitney Elementary School, located on the other side of the tracks from our home. The trains go right past their playing fields and the noise and air pollution would dramatically increase if this sale goes through.
    Lake Zurich, IL
  9622. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5022Graham Webster
    Regarding the proposed CN Railroad acquisition of the EJ&E rail line, it is hard to believe, with the overwhelming opposition from the affected communities, why this proposal is even under consideration. Other than lining the pockets of few individuals, it is hard to imagine how a 4-fold increase in the amount of freight train traffic through these communities can possibly be beneficial. The negative impact on noise pollution, traffic congestion, danger to our children, etc. etc. must be clear. Even if these considerations were not enough, the motivation behind this acquisition must surely tip the scale against it. Again, it is beyond my comprehension to see how the American public can benefit from this “freight superhighway” providing rapid distribution of cheap imported products. I think we have all seen recently with the lead-based paint scandal that “cheap” comes at a price! Please deny this proposed acquisition and prevent a reduction in our quality of life!
    Lake Zurich, IL
  9623. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5021Wendy Bellagamba
    see attached
    Barrington, IL
  9624. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5020Linda Mesin
    I am very concerned about the impact of a dramatic increase in freight train traffic in the Barrington/Lake Zurich area. I cannot imagine all of the ill-effects, but the following issues would definitely have a negative impact on the residents in our area: - Emergency vehicles such as police, ambulances, and fire departments could easily be delayed with the potential for dire consequences. - Access to the closest hospital in the area could be blocked for long periods of time. - Increased road traffic for those that take the train to work could increase commute times to the point that large numbers of people switch to driving. - Traffic congestion would affect children getting to and from school. - School bus route times could be extended and they are already very long for some children. - Increased danger to people, cars, and school buses crossing tracks with increased train traffic. - A large increase in both air and noise pollution. - Downtown Barrington would lose much of its appeal and shopping access. - Major roads in the area already have too much traffic during certain times of the day, freight train delays would make it unbearable. - Property values could decrease. Please do whatever you can to prevent this from happening. Sincerely, Linda Mesin
    Deer Park, IL
  9625. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5019Timothy C. Thomas
    Phillis, I write this to you as a very concerned Homeowner, Father, Husband, and Friend to many. My wife and I moved into our new home in Plainfield on Christmas Eve 2004. She was expecting our 2nd son Andrew who will turn 4 this Saturday February 16th. William is our oldest son, he turned 5 on October 27th 2007. They are about 15 months apart. We are planning a pretty large family and friends gathering to celebrate this weekend, unfortunatly with the weather and the fact that it's February, we will be celebrating Indoors instead of out. You see, we spend every moment possible that we can outdoors. From March through November, any time we have a nice afternoon and all of the weekends that allow, we are on our patio surrounded by our Family and Friends. Loved ones.!! I have attached some pictures of some of those great times we had just this past year and I ask you to please take a moment to view them as it is a little glimpse into our lives. If you do take a moment to view the photos, which I hope you do, you will notice that in all of the pictures there are powerlines in the background. Directly under these powerlines is where the Elgin, Joliet & Eastern Railway(EJ&E), Railroad tracks are. The camera was facing west. I tell you all of this because I want you to understand that we are a family, and not just four more people of the hundreds, maybe even thousands that are going to have their every day lives affected by the plan of the Canadian National Railway (CN) to acquire the EJ&E. CN proposes to increase the number of trains on the EJ&E rail line by approximately 15-27 trains per day. Add this to the 7-10 coal / freight trains that already run this line and you can see where I am headed with this. CN also proposes to increase the amount of tracks. Can you imagine almost 40 trains going through your neigherborhood, running every day and night.? Most of these could measure up to 2 miles in length. Can you imagine the traffic backups that will occur at the railroad street crossings in not just our neighborhood, but all along the line. There are several I have to cross everyday. In addition to the increased freight traffic, the cargo will be certain to include hazardous chemicals, poisons, and volatile gases. Heaven forbid one of these trains derail, spilling these toxic chemicals near homes, schools, or recreational area. I hope you understand my concerns and the concerns of many like me. And I hope we can continue to enjoy the somewhat peacful environment we live in. Thank you for your time and attention. Timothy C. Thomas Plainfield, Illinois
    Plainfield, IL.
  9626. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5018Colleen Hodges
    I live near the Elgin, Joliet and Eastern Railway system in unincorporated Lake County, IL. I attended the informational meeting regarding the aquisition of the railroad by Canadian National Railway. I have great concerns about the safety of our neighborhood as it pertains to this situation. We live in an area that is strictly residential and has no industry. Our neighborhood is a quiet area with many children and senior citizens as residents. Our subdivision is right off the main thoroughfare of Rt. 60/83. When the train gates are down, traffic in our subdivision increases with non-residents speeding to cut through to another main street. Our children are endangered by this unwanted and unwarrented activity. We are also residents of a fire district that would have to cross these tracks or travel a great deal out of the way to deliver emergency fire or medical help to our neighborhood if a train were to be blocking the track. These scenarios increase by an incredible amount if the number of trains on these tracks increase as proposed. Please consider our homes, property values, and quality of life before allowing this merger to destroy this neighborhood. Thanks for listening.
    Mundelein, IL
  9627. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5017Claudia Schmidt
    I am concerned about the extreme increase of air pollution from the diesel engines and related particle contamination of the neighboring homes, yards etc. This is already a mayor problem at commuter stations, for example at the Metra commuter station 'Route 59'. Cars parked here 5 days a week smell extreme in- and outside of diesel. Already today, it is impossible to remove this diesel coating from the car.
    Aurora, IL
  9628. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5016Mihaly Zachar
    To whom it may concern: Regarding: Docket #FD35087 It would appear to me that the propose acquisition of EJ&E railroad by Canadian National Railroad falls under the purview of Executive Order 12898 regarding Environmental Justice in Minority and Low-Income Populations. EJ&J’s track passes through low income and minority areas in its most northern reaches as well as it southwest, south, and eastern portions. I have attached a map* generated using 2000 Federal Census data regarding the incomes of the given areas. As you can see by the portions of red that the track goes through there are significant low-income populations that will be effected by this acquisition and resulting increased rail traffic. Executive Order 12898, Federal Actions to Address Environmental Justice in Minority and Low-Income Populations, was sign by President Clinton on February 11, 1994 and published in the February 16, 1994 Federal Register, Vol 59, No. 32. This order focuses Federal attention on the environmental and human health condition in minority and low- income communities. It promotes nondiscrimination in Federal programs affecting human health and the environment, and provides minority and low-income communities access to public information and an opportunity to participate in matters relating to the environment. If an impact occurs, it would need to be identified and addressed in the Environmental Justice section under Community Impacts in the environmental document. Additionally, documentation should include a matrix of population demographics, detailed discussions of the impacts, avoidance/reduction alternatives, and mitigation and discussion of the project’s public involvement. This Executive Order requires each Federal agency to take the appropriate steps to identify and avoid any disproportionately high and adverse human health or environmental effects on minority and low-income populations. As I understand the order, it requires the sharing of the determined detrimental effects of this action with the minority or low-income populations effected. I am hopeful that providing daylight to the consequences up to and including the increased mortality projections along this track, as it cuts through the center of some of these most vulnerable populations. I am hopeful that an Environmental Impact Statement prepared within the framework of Executive Order 12898 will not allow the future owners from exploiting these vulnerable populations. Sincerely yours, Mike Zachar 157M Helm Rd. Barrington Hills, IL * The rail data was collected from the ESRI Data & Maps Collection of 2006. Census tract data on median household income was collected from SF3 of the 2000 U.S. Census. Maps were created using ESRI ArcGIS Desktop 9.2.
    Barrington Hills, Illinois
  9629. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5015Amtrak
    see atached
    R. Latane Montague · Washington, DC
  9630. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5014Barrington Communities Against CN Rail Congestion
    Regarding the proposed scope of the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) being prepared in connection with an application filed by Canadian National Railway and Grand Trunk Corporation (together, CN) to acquire the Elgin, Joliet & Eastern Railway. Currently 3-5 freight trains per day pass through Barrington on the line. In their application, CN states that another 15 trains per day would be added. CN also states their freight trains will run from 7,000-10,000 feet in length. From end-to-end one train stopped in the right location could block all major intersections in Barrington. Freight trains can take 4-6 minutes, sometimes longer, to pass through town, depending on speed and other factors. If only 6 minutes for the 20 trains per day CN will admit to, Barrington may experience 2 hours worth of direct train delay everyday - not counting the time it takes for traffic to clear. Based on current traffic counts total weekday delay experienced by all drivers combined could be 2-4 hours. As a result of CN's stated plans and reports to investors on increased traffic from the new Port of Prince Rupert, Canada we fully expect more than 20 total freight trains per day from them. Emergency Medical Services; Fire, Police and other critical care officials are all speaking out against the dangerous impact the increased freight traffic could have on the community. I am now speaking out too; please do not allow the train traffic to increase.
    Patrick Gries · lake zurich, IL
  9631. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5013Dianne M Zinkel
    I live approximately 100 yards from the tracks and the noise as well as the vibration from the passing trains wakes us up at night. It also makes it hard to hear on the telephone or anytime you are out in the yard. Also the only way for me to leave my neighborhood and head north is across the railroad tracks, if they are tied up for much of the day how will I ever get where I need to go. The quality of life for my entire family will be greatly affected by all day trains. The crossings are all graded crossings, only one actually has gates, which is a huge safety concern cosidering there is a school less than a quarter mile away.I feel without restrictions that my neighborhood will become a rail yard with all the dangers associated to a rail yard hazmats and crime. Also many of these trains could be carrying potential hazardous materials and what are the restrictions for that. I would hate to be sent away from my home because of a rail hazard issue. There should be sound barriers in place for the neighborhoods that will be affected, as well as limitations on the amount of time the crossings are blocked. There should also be a limited number of trains that can go by in a days time. My property value has already dropped $25,000 with just the proposal of this transaction.
    Frankfort, Illinois
  9632. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5012Lynn Sierocki
    see attachment
    Frankfort, IL
  9633. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5011Stan Mrizek
    See attached word document
    Naperville, IL
  9634. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5010Ty Spearing
    See attached letter
    Frankfort, IL
  9635. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5009Michele J Aki
    I am opposed to the acquisition because the increased number of trains would impact very seriously the time it takes to pass through town--most importantly with regard to the length of time it could take to get to Good Shepard Hospital in an emergency situation.
    Barrington, Illinois
  9636. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5008George Sampaleanu
    I just wanted to express serious concern about the proposed increased train traffic on the EJ&E Railroad through Barrington, IL. The railway slices diagonally through the town from the NE to the SW, and has surface crossings over: 1] Route 14, or Northwest Highway, a very busy artery serving communities to the NW of Barrington 2] Route 59, or Hough St, the main, or the only direct North-South road in the area, also a busy transportation artery 3] Main St, County Line Rd, or Lake-Cook Rd, which is the principal East-West route through Barrington 4] Union Pacific District Northwest Line, a busy spoke of the Metra Rail commuter train system, as well as rail freight. This railway also crosses 2] Route 59 and 3] Main St At this time, before the increase in train frequency on the EJ&E Railroad, Barrington daily becomes blocked with traffic due to trains. Please make sure to investigate delays due to the crossing railways, as well as the surface route blockages they cause, and the interaction between multiple routes and railways. Emergency services response times would be greatly impacted, as well as serious transportation delays to Good Sheppard Hospital from the cut-off SE side of Barrington. The school district CUSD 220 has a large very large service area dependent on bus transportation and uses the above mentioned roads to carry children throughout the district. The same buses are used for elementary, middle schools and the high school. Thank you for your consideration, George Sampaleanu
    South Barrington, Illinois
  9637. (printed as 2/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5007Vijay Agarwal
    Hello: I would like to air some environment related concerns about the proposed acquisition of the EJ&E rail line by CN Railways. 1. Pollution: There is a significant amount of land that is classified as a Forest Preserve next to where the rail line goes through (Area between the rail line and Rt. 59 all the way from Rt. 90 down to golf road and beyond). It is not clear what the impact of the increased rail volume will have on these natural areas. 2. Pollution: The sound from the increased traffic and horns blown by the engine will cause significant noise pollution for the residents and for the adjacent Forest preserves. Thanks --Vijay Agarwal
    Hoffman Estates, IL
  9638. (printed as 2/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6734JOHNSON
  9639. (printed as 2/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6631LAVANNE
  9640. (printed as 2/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6390Randolph, David
  9641. (printed as 2/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6303Gustafson, Jean-Louise
  9642. (printed as 2/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6244Haherty, Gloria
  9643. (printed as 2/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6243Deja, Brian
  9644. (printed as 2/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6220Lavine, TJ & Jill
  9645. (printed as 2/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6219Bremneum, Mike
  9646. (printed as 2/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6121Wilcox
  9647. (printed as 2/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6120Meikma
  9648. (printed as 2/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6119Kramer
  9649. (printed as 2/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6030CONSIDINE
  9650. (printed as 2/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6020JOHNSON
  9651. (printed as 2/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5992KAMINSKI
  9652. (printed as 2/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5006Ginger Das Gupta
    I am writing to briefly express concerns over the proposed acquisition of the Elgin, Joliet & Eastern Railway by Canadian National. My husband and I moved to North Barrington from the city of Chicago less than 4 years ago (when I was pregnant with our first child) for the purposes of providing a better environment for our children. We were willing to face a somewhat long commute (myself to University of Chicago, where I was an assistant professor of Marketing, and my husband to Rockford where he practices medicine) in order to live in such a beautiful community. The proposed acquisition by CN threatens to greatly diminish our quality of life by turning what is already a sizeable, but acceptable, commute into an outright unbearable one. While we recognize that proposals such as Canadian National's are bound to face an onslaught of not in my backyard" cries in whatever communities they affect, we feel that our community is truly very ill-suited to handle the massive increase in rail traffic. North Barrington commuters such as my husband must use the two-lane Rt 59 through Barrington to access the highway. With **no** over or under-passes, this road is already plagued by congestion during rush hours. Furthermore, the children of our community who attend school in Barrington must rely on this same route -- not only to get home, but also to access medical care in the unfortunate event of an emergency. Certainly we ourselves would not have moved our family here if we had knowledge of such a marked increase in train traffic, so we can only expect that other would-be home buyers will react similarly if the proposal goes through. Therefore we are troubled by the potential decreased value of both our quality of life and our investment in our home. We ask that you fully consider the significant infrastructure limitations of our area roads when evaluating this proposal. Thank you, Ginger L. Pennington Das Gupta"
  9653. (printed as 2/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5005Bob & Jill Miseyka
    We are extremely opposed to the plans of the CN to add up to 20 additional trains to the former EJ&E line which runs through Barrington for several reasons including: -Safety -Envirorment -Traffic -Pollution -Economic impact Barrington is alreadt impacted by the existing 5 trains per day on that line in addition to the Metra routes. The lines intersects several major traffic routes near the High School and Fire departments. We have grave concerns about the safety of my children, the increased congestion, and the ultimate economic and envirornmental impact to our community. Please stop this madness. Sincerely, Bob and Jill Miseyka
    Barrington, IL
  9654. (printed as 2/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5004Steve Vogt
    I am neither for or against increasing train traffic, however, I am against noise pollution and traffic back-ups. Before increasing train traffic an overpass on Western Avenue will be needed along with a sound barrier along the tracks that pass through residential areas. Without an overpass and with a 400% increase in train traffic will increase work and school tardys, increase accidents and decrease traffic to an area that is already struggling financially.
    Park Forest, Illinois
  9655. (printed as 2/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5003David and Sue Jones
    We are extremely concerned about the proposed acquistion of the EJ&E line by CN Railway. We are opposed to this sale. Our reasons for opposing this sale are many. One reason is the safety of our children as they ride the bus to and from school daily via Shoe Factory Road in Hoffman Estates, which requires the bus to cross the tracks. If by chance the gates are down when the bus travels westbound on Shoe Factory Road, the bus will be required to stop on a blind hill, endangering the children. Just recently there was a very serious accident involving this exact scenario with cars. Another reason is the train tracks are located within the boundaries of Shoe Factory Woods Forest Preserve, which is Cook County protected land along with the wildlife within. Has anyone determined how many protected species of birds, trees or insects will be impacted by the pollution from the numerous trains? Yet another concern is the sheer number of homes in Hoffman Estates alone that have property adjacent to the tracks, where children play in their yards and could get hurt. What if a piece of debris were to become airborne from a train and injure a child that is playing innocently in his/her own yard. What precautions are being taken to provide them the safety they deserve? Another concern is what the pollution will do to our health. As a person who suffers from Asthma, I wonder how much the air quality will be diminished around my home from all the additional trains. Don't forget, we are used to approximately 2-5 trains per 24 hour period, and now you are asking us to accept 1 train per hour every day! Still another concern is our home itself. We are concerned about the additional structural stress from train vibrations as our home sits close to the tracks. Finally, what about our quality of life? The noise alone will keep us awake at night and disrupt our family life. We purchased our home near the Forest Preserver for the peace and trainquilty that it offers in our Suburban Chicago Community. The wildlife we enjoy watching will be impacted and the safety of my son walking into the forest preserve to enjoy the hiking trails is at risk. We would also like to mention that our home value will be reduced by the increase in train traffic. Is CN Railway being asked to subsidize the homeowners for the loss in property value along the tracks? As you can see, our concerns are many, and this is just the tip of the iceberg. We would welcome any questions or comments you may have on our input. Please feel free to call us at the number above or have a member of the STB stop by our home to see how the additional trains will impact our lives. Thank you David and Sue Jones
    Hoffman Estates, IL
  9656. (printed as 2/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5002P Mehta
    Hello, I am asking you to reconsider the proposed acquisition of Elgin Eastern Railway by CN. This will bring increased noise pollution to our neighborhood, increased road traffic due to the surface crossroads, and the increased rail traffic is dangerous to our kids. Our kids walk and cross the railway line and frankly we are very concerned. Thanks
    South Barrington, IL
  9657. (printed as 2/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5001Patty Renz
    This can be devastating to our community.
    Lake Zurich, IL
  9658. (printed as 2/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5000Brian Dockery
    I am writing in opposition to the proposed acquisition and expansion of the EJ&J railroad by Canadian National, docket no. 35087. Our community is at the crossroads of 2 railroads, the EJ&E a freight only line, and the Northwest Metra rail line, which primarily serves as a commuter service to Chicago 35 miles away, but also handles some freight service. We have 3 primary roads that pass through the village of Barrington, only one is a four lane highway, Route 14, and the others are two lane roads, but all three roads have crossings that are at grade level. The current level of rail traffic routinely brings traffic in our town to a halt. We currently have approximately 60 commuter trains each weekday using the Metra rail line and 5 freight trains each day using the EJ&J lines. Our village is far enough away from Chicago that crossings at grade level have always been a concern but bring about change for access under or over these rail lines has never cost effective. The 2 different rail lines intersect in our downtown and run in opposite directions and both disrupt auto traffic because all the crossings are at grade. Commuter rail service, which creates many traffic interruptions that are limited in duration, is very different from the very long delays freight trains create on the EJ&E. Currently, most trains on the EJ&E pass through our community during off peak hours and have a relatively minor effect on our lives. The proposed four to five fold increase in rail traffic will have a significant effect on our quality of life due to the increase in traffic delays. The dramatic increase in congestion will surely have a negative effect our area’s property values as a result of this expansion. Our downtown will have a difficult time attracting new tenants due to the inability to easily navigate through town. As an asthma sufferer, I also fear the air quality in our area will also suffer due to the proposed quadrupling of rail traffic because of the additional fine particulates generated by the locomotives. The proposed increase in traffic created by the CN purchase will greatly effect our community. Access to local businesses, schools, our area hospital and emergency services would suffer. Fire and police services to our community would be significantly impacted by an expansion of freight rail traffic. Our school district, which covers 72 square miles and services a total of 12 villages, carries thousand of students by bus. The crossings at grade will effect the safety of those students and the reduce the time they spend either at school or at home. While I understand the benefits CN expects to achieve by utilization of the EJ&E rail lines, the proposed increase of rail traffic will have a long lasting negative impact on our community. I urge you take in to consideration the significant impact your approval will have on our village and others like ours along the path of the EJ&E rail line. Brian Dockery 245 Whitney Drive Barrington IL 60010
    Barrington, IL
  9659. (printed as 2/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4999Barrington Eastwood Property Owner’s Association Board
    We are writing in opposition to the proposed acquisition of the EJ&J railroad by Canadian National (CN), docket no. 35087. As an association of 56 homes within the village of Barrington, we are very concerned that the dramatic increase in rail traffic will have a negative effect our area’s property values as a result of the proposed CN expansion. We have three primary roads that pass through the village of Barrington, one is a four lane highway and the others are two lane roads. Three additional crossings on secondary roads create six crossings that are all at grade level along the EJ&E. The current level of rail traffic routinely brings traffic in our town to a halt. We currently have approximately 60 commuter trains each weekday using the Metra rail line and 5 freight trains each day using the EJ&J lines. Crossings at grade level have always been a concern but changing the access under or over these rail lines was never considered as cost effective or practical. The Metra commuter rail service runs northwest to southeast through town towards Chicago creating many traffic interruptions that are limited in duration. The EJ&E traffic runs in the opposite direction, from the northeast to the southwest, away from Chicago and creates very long delays as it crosses all three main roads at grade. Each railway cuts our village in half but in opposite directions. Currently, most trains on the EJ&E pass through our community during off peak hours and thus have a relatively minor effect on our ability to move through town. The proposed four to five fold increase in rail traffic will have a significant effect on our quality of life and safety due to the increase in traffic delays. It has been estimated that our primary roads will be blocked for two hours and forty minutes of each day under the proposed 29 CN trains. Our downtown will have a difficult time attracting new tenants due to the inability to easily navigate through town, again negatively effecting our home values. The proposed increase in traffic created by the CN purchase will greatly effect our community. Access to local businesses, schools, our area hospital and emergency services would suffer. Fire and police services to our community would be significantly impacted by an expansion of freight rail traffic because of the increased time to service many areas. Our school district, which covers 72 square miles and services a total of 12 villages, carries thousand of students by bus. The crossings at grade will effect the safety of our children and the reduce the amount of time they have to spend either at school or at home. The proposed increase of rail traffic will have a long lasting negative impact on our community. We urge you take in to consideration the significant impact your approval will have on the homes and lives of our families along the EJ&E. Barrington Eastwood Property Owner’s Association Board PO Box 81 Barrington IL 60011-0081 Staci Cronin Brian Dockery Paul Frank Debbie Johnson Kathy Murray
    Brian Dockery · Barrington, IL
  9660. (printed as 2/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6677Barrington Hills Lake Association
  9661. (printed as 2/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6419Unknown
  9662. (printed as 2/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6272Stamper, Martha
  9663. (printed as 2/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6118Rue
  9664. (printed as 2/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6089MEDCALF
  9665. (printed as 2/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6080MEDCALF
  9666. (printed as 2/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6027GILLETTE
  9667. (printed as 2/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6022BRENNAN
  9668. (printed as 2/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6007JERMAK
  9669. (printed as 2/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5996TOTH
  9670. (printed as 2/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5987NAIMARK
  9671. (printed as 2/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5986CHANG
  9672. (printed as 2/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4998Leslie McGuckin
    The impact to such a large area and to so many people from a safety, transportation and environmental perspective makes this seem like an obvious issue and something that has to be prevented.
    Hawthorn Woods, IL
  9673. (printed as 2/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4997Klaus Stoehr
    In its December 20, 2007 news release, Canadian National claims to Generate significant environmental benefits, including improved rail safety, for millions of people in the greater Chicago area because of shorter transit times resulting in fewer locomotive emissions, fewer blocked crossings and fewer idling trains." The other view would be that of the thousands of motorists that have to pass numerous EJ&E railroad crossings every day. Right now, the train frequency is low but yet during rush hour, a train can cause traffic back-ups of half a mile on Old McHenry Road, for example, blocking adjoining road arteries such as Midlothian and Quentin Roads. Would any bridges be built at traffic bottlenecks such as Route 60/83 in Mundelein? I respectfully submit that the Board look at this case from an overall transportation view and gauge the impact of the increased train volume on automotive traffic flow in the area. We remember a very tragic accident at Fox River Grove, killing several children on a school bus. At a minimum, railroad crossings should have an extra lane, or better yet, overpasses and underpasses should be stipulated. That would be the real improvement in rail safety. Sincerely, A Local Resident."
  9674. (printed as 2/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4996William Chapdelaine
    Regarding the proposed acquisition of the EJ&E Railway by Canadian National Railway, and scope of study for the Environmental Impact Review thereof, I offer the following comments for your consideration: I have lived in Barrington for ten years. In that time, the EJ&E railroad has rarely seen more than 3-5 trains per day. For the past year the volume appears to be about 3 per day. The proposed acquisition projects 20 trains per day in the short term, but I would ask you to give great consideration to the Village of Barrington's and other community groups' request to extend the scope of study from the current three years to ten. These groups have compelling evidence - including public information from CN itself - that the traffic on the EJ&E will increase dramatically beyond the 20 trains they project in their application during the next 3 years, and that the decrease in traffic on the Chicago based lines will only be temporary as well. I believe that limiting the scope of the survey to three years will dramatically underestimate the true environmental impact on our communities in the next several years, and would urge the STB to extend the survey to a full 10 year impact study. My family lives approximately 0.5 miles north of the EJ&E line, and approximately 1.5 miles north of the Barrington Public Safety facility (police & fire) which is on the opposite side of the EJ&E line. In May 2002, a fire broke out in our kitchen. It took only about 10 minutes for my family to evacuate the house, reach a neighbor's, call 911 and have the fire department reach us and put the fire out. This was due to the close proximity of the Public Safety facility and excellent response time of the officials. Even so, the damage was extensive as the kitchen was destroyed, and every room in our home had suffered severe smoke damage. Thankfully, no lives (human or pets) were lost, and the damage to our personal belongings (outside of the kitchen itself) were limited. According to the firemen on scene at the time, had it taken only an additional 10 minutes for the firemen to arrive, we might have suffered exponentially greater losses or even total loss of our home. The 10 minutes is the difference in fact, of having to wait for one freight train to clear the road or not. Our community's hospital - Advocate Good Shepherd is also north of the tracks and on the opposite side of the Public Safety facility. Similarly, the impact of a 10 minute delay in an ambulance reaching a victim, or in getting that victim to the hospital can mean the difference between life and death. Barrington is unique in that EJ&E crosses main arteries through the village in very short intervals. Therefore, if a public safety vehicle is prevented from crossing the tracks at any one point, the alternative routes around the tracks & train are very limited and distant. A brand new public park was partially opened in 2007 and will be fully opened in 2008. This park directly abuts the EJ&E line for much of its length. Further, one of the two main roads into the park has a crossing of the EJ&E on Lake Zurich Road. The new park is designed for heavy usage by citizens for sporting events, performances, walking & biking trails, family events & outings, etc, and will no doubt attract large numbers of citizens from Barrington and surrounding communities, creating a dangerous mix of population and freight trains. Further, northern access by many neighborhoods by both cars and pedestrians is across the EJ&E at the Lake Zurich Rd crossing. This flow across and the activities adjacent to the tracks create very hazardous safety conditions with 20 or more trains per day moving through. CN has stated publicly that they will use this transaction to strengthen business relationships with the petrochemical industry". I would ask that the STB also give strong consideration to the types of cargo these trains will be carrying. In particular, hazardous chemicals or other poisonous substances that may be present create a potential spill hazard that should be unacceptable for community the size of greater Barrington and for the village's own proximity to the EJ&E lines. In addition to the potential for direct contact with humans, hazardous substance spills will threaten our groundwater as Barrington's public water supply is derived from well water and any contamination from a train hazardous substance spill could render our community's drinking water unusable for many years to come. The Cuba Marsh is one of the most diverse Forest Preserves in Illinois, containing a striking breadth of wildlife and environments, from low wetlands to grasslands to forests. Great effort and progress has been made over recent years and as an example recent restoration of its woodlands have helped promote the return of the Bluebird and Baltimore Oriole to the Cuba Marsh. The Preserve hosts a large and growing number and diversity of animal and plant species. The EJ&E line cuts directly through this Preserve for it's full length. At a few trains per day, the environmental impact on the wildlife is minimal. However, with an increase of 20 trains per day or more, a full survey of the environmental impact on the Preserve is necessary to ensure that progress in restoring the number and diversity of species is not reversed. In summary, I would ask the STB to perform a detailed and comprehensive study of all of the safety and environmental issues mentioned above. I further ask that the STB employ a full survey that also uses a longer forecast duration to ensure that realistic traffic projections are used in assessing these risks. Thank you for your consideration of my comments. If I can be of any further assistance in this matter please do not hesitate to contact me as provided above. Sincerely William A. Chapdelaine 713 Bent Ridge Lane Barrington, IL 60010"
  9675. (printed as 2/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4995Peter Alle
    See attached - interchange at Leithton between CN and EJE is a very slow speed interchange -- which will cause disruption to highway traffic, emergency response and overall quality of life. See Attachments.
    Mundelein, IL
  9676. (printed as 2/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4994Steve Hilton
    I am vehemently opposed to the proposed purchase of EJ&E by Canadian National. The increase in rail traffic coupled with CN's alarming safety record presents a hazard to our community especially our children. There are several railroad crossings in town that several school buses must cross every day. Additionally, the rails run very close to Lake Zurich High School and May Whitney Elementary School. There are several athletic fields in town that help serve the needs of our soccer and baseball/softball leagues that are very near to rail tracks as well not to mention our fine library. An accident with a train carrying hazardous materials would be a horrific disaster. Canadian National has amassed a frightening safety record. I urge to review their safety record and ask yourself whether our children (let alone our citizens) would be safe. I must also mention the noise these trains produce is quite loud as I have coaching on these fields when the trains go by. It's quite disrupting. I can't imagine what it would be like if train traffic were increased. Additionally, our village has recently undergone a significant reconstruction of our downtown. With the increase of train traffic, this will cause frequent blockages of auto and pedestrian traffic. It will effectively keep everyone away from our downtown area and cause additional safety concerns. Many of our local businesses suffered greatly during the reconstruction project. Turning our town into an effective shipyard could be the straw that breaks the camel's back in terms of whether they can continue. Please treat this situation seriously. This purchase will have a major negative impact on the safety and economy of our village. In 2007, Lake Zurich was voted as one of the best places to live in America. Canadian National's pending purchase could ruin the high quality of life we currently enjoy.
    Lake Zurich, IL
  9677. (printed as 2/8/2008)
    Reply
    221572Reply
    Canadian National Railway Company And Grand Trunk Corporation
  9678. (printed as 2/8/2008)
    Reply
    221571Reply
    Ej&E West Company, Elgin Joliet And Eastern Railway Company
  9679. (printed as 2/8/2008)
    Reply
    221566Reply
    Canadian National Railway Company And Grand Trunk Corporation
  9680. (printed as 2/8/2008)
    Motion
    221565Motion To Withdraw
    Will County, Illinois
  9681. (printed as 2/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6810McCowen, Kathy
  9682. (printed as 2/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6724Harkins Cunningham, Attornes at Law
    Cunningham, Paul
  9683. (printed as 2/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6713Vuono & Gray, Law Offices
    Vuono, John
  9684. (printed as 2/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6711Harkins Cunningham, Attorneys at Law
    Cunningham, Paul
  9685. (printed as 2/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6710Will County State's Attorney
    Gower, Edward
  9686. (printed as 2/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6250Fish and Wildlife Service
    Rogner, John
  9687. (printed as 2/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6117Prietz
  9688. (printed as 2/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6116Hortmer
  9689. (printed as 2/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6115Burns
  9690. (printed as 2/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6049Shorr Packaging Corp.
    BIANCHETTA
  9691. (printed as 2/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6038PETROPOULOS
  9692. (printed as 2/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6024COOK
  9693. (printed as 2/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6005SEMLA
  9694. (printed as 2/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5988GRIFFIN
  9695. (printed as 2/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5956Kuhn, Mitchell, Moss, Mork & Lechowicz for Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
    MORK
  9696. (printed as 2/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5923Glantz
  9697. (printed as 2/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5916City of Elgin, IL
    FOLARIN
  9698. (printed as 2/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5873FONATANA
  9699. (printed as 2/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4993Jeanne M Bowen
    I honestly feel that unless you live in this area (which obviously those that are looking at the increase in traffic DO NOT!!) that will be impacted by the additional traffic that will be running on these tracks due to the EJ&E sale you have NO WAY of knowing the impact the additional trains increasing from 19 to 40 PER DAY will have on my neighborhood. It is ridiculous that we were not even included in the initial impact study! I live less than 3 blocks from the Normantown crossing and I paid a substantial sum for my house knowing there was a train, but watching the amount of traffic before I decided it was at the upper level of acceptable. At the current time, the up to 19 trains a day keeps me from opening my windows in the spring/summer/fall due to the noise levels, dust (we have allergies in the house) and the train whistle blowing. This doesn't even include the amount of traffic on the streets that will be impacted by the additional trains. This crosses some major roads in the area that are the only ways of getting to the east (Ogden/Rt. 34 to name one). I was outraged to hear of the increase in train traffic. This is a neighborhood community that you are looking at impacting by this and we (my husband and I) are NOT HAPPY about this proposal. Thank you for your time and please think about what you would do if you lived in this area and were going to be subjected to the additional traffic and congestion. Sincerely, Jeanne Bowen
    Aurora, IL
  9700. (printed as 2/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4992Vladimir Blecha
    I've been living in this address for app. 18 years and the railroad has always bothering me. The noise (horn) when train approaches the crossing with the IL Route 34 is very annoying and more than uncomfortable. Now, hearing that the train frequency might be doubled (or more) raises the following questions: -Is the noise within the EPA/OSHA regulations? -What impact it will have on pollution generated by the trains itself and by idling cars? -How it will jam the trafficon Route 34? -What about emergency vehicles going to the nearby hospital and crossing the railroad? -How to resolve the access to I-88 issue if, currently, only two roads have underpasses.
    Aurora, Illinois
  9701. (printed as 2/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4991Thaddeus Kochanny
    I favor the EJ&E sale to CNR because it will increase efficient transport of goods. That said, linear programming, TV monitoring at selected crossings, traffic coordiation between trains and vehicles are essential. Where traffic justifies the cost, over/underpass construction should be part of the acquisition agreement.
    Ingleside, IL
  9702. (printed as 2/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4990Jamie Hughes
    Please stop the sale of the Elgin, Joliet and Eastern Railway to Canadian National Railway. This sale will adversly affect the quality of life for my family and those that live near me. We will have increased noise, increased traffic congestion and an increased risk of trains derailing spilling hazardous chemicals in my community. Thank you for your consideration.
    Aurora, IL
  9703. (printed as 2/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4989Alyson Kiep
    I am a resident in the Village of Barrington and will be directly and adversely impacted by CN's acquisition of the E&J railroad. Quite frankly, I am astounded that STB could look at our small town and not immediately conclude that this acquisition would be disastrous to our quality of living, as well as dangerous to our quality of life. If the STB investigated, just for one day, they would see how the daily Metra train alone stops traffic for miles, multiple times a day. And now you are going to allow freight trains of up to 10,000 feet of length further clog our area? This will, in fact, block all major intersections of our town AT ONE TIME. How can you agree to an acquisition that will essentially trap the residents? I know you have been provided with facts and examples of how horrendous this proposal will affect the residents of this area. While I hope these numbers provide you with the quantitative evidence governing boards need to see, this is really a matter of common sense. Barrington is a remote, heavily wooded, area with many beautiful parks and nature preserves. We have fought to keep the area from being overdeveloped. And this is a reason many people have chosen to settle here. If you do end up approving this transaction, I want to know what you are going to say to all of us affected by this decision? We shouldn't have moved to an area that had an existing railroad track? How unfortunate for us to realize that a Canadian Railroad company and their investors are more important that US residents and taxpayers.
    Barrington, IL
  9704. (printed as 2/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4988FightRailCongestion
    To whom it may concern: I live within 200 feet of the EJ&E crossing in downtown Barrington, IL. Traffic backs up to a standstill in front of my house before and after school and during an extended rush hour in the morning and evening. I cannot imagine traffic being any worse until I heard that the CN purchase of the EJ&E railroad might be a possibility. I moved to my current home to be near town not to be cutoff from town. I moved to my home knowing I would live on a busy street but I did not plan on that street becoming a parking lot of stalled traffic all day long. I did not move here to be awakened all night by train whistles and vibrations. Twenty trains moving through Barrington on a daily basis will destroy my property values. It will seriously damage my community. It will make getting to Barrington or passing through town impossible for everyone living in the far northwestern suburbs. It will endanger the safety of my neighbors and it will separate a large community high school and hospital from the rest of the community. For what? So that the stockholders of CN can make more money? Not at my expense!
    John Yaney · Barrington, IL
  9705. (printed as 2/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4987Patrick Lynn
    As someone who's had the pleasure of almost dying in an ambulance, and have traversed the same path to the same hospital with sick and hurt children, the Canadian National Railway purchase of EJ&E Railway is of vital concern not only to myself, personally, but also to all the citizens in this area. How is emergency vehicle access issue being addressed? People will die waiting for trains if this proceeds as planned. Corporate profit really isn't everything. - Pat Lynn
    Lake Zurich, IL
  9706. (printed as 2/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4986William Fergus
    Regarding the proposed Canadian National Railway acquisition of the Elgin, Joliet and Eastern Railway, (STB Finance Docket No. 35087) I am a business owner in Barrington. The additional volume of trains planned to roll through Barrington will have a significant negative impact on our company. The trains close both the North/South traffic and the East/West traffic as they roll through Barrington. If this planned additional volume of trains goes throug, we will be forced to relocate our company out of Barrington. Our employees will be unduly burdened by the additional volume of trains. In addition to the lost time and inconvenience, I live in Barrington and feel that the additional volume of trains will negatively affect our quality of life. We selected Barrington 10 years ago as nice place to raise our family and feel the additional volume of train traffic presents presents a potentially dangerous situation to our community. I ask that you please disallow any plan that will increase the volume of train traffic through Barrington to the level that the Canadian National Railway plan does. Thank You, William G. Fergus
    Barrington, IL
  9707. (printed as 2/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4985Jeannette Niro
    Please do not allow the increase of train traffic in the Aurora area. Our safety will be at risk if you approve this. These additional trains will emit more environmental hazards, cause autos to emit more while waiting, will burden emergency response times, create issues with school busing, increase traffic, create additional issues with crossings that are not sufficient for the traffic that uses them now. PLEASE VOTE 'NO'!
    aurora, il
  9708. (printed as 2/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4984Susan Namors
    I am against this railroad sale for 2 important reasons. One is a selfish reason in which the current noise level of the trains is extremely annoying now so I can't imagine how much worse it will be. The other reason is an obvious one that concerns upcoming traffic flow problems but more importantly, the impact of emergency vehicles and school buses trying to cross the tracks. I would like to hear what benefits there are in this sale. They would need to be VERY convincing in order to make this sale beneficial.
    Aurora, Il
  9709. (printed as 2/7/2008)
    Certificate
    221555Certificate Of Service
    Wisconsin Department Of Transportation
  9710. (printed as 2/7/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6816Stone, Jean
  9711. (printed as 2/7/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6616Wisconsin Dept. of Transportation
    Chung
  9712. (printed as 2/7/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6114Flens
  9713. (printed as 2/7/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6021DuPage Mayors and Managers Conference
    Please see attached letter containing scoping comments from Kenneth Johnson, President, DuPage Mayors and Managers Conference.
    Kama Dobbs · Oak Brook, Illinois
  9714. (printed as 2/7/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6002DUSHEK
  9715. (printed as 2/7/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5989VAN DE MERKT
  9716. (printed as 2/7/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5961Breitung
  9717. (printed as 2/7/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5941Obukowicz
  9718. (printed as 2/7/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5936Murray
  9719. (printed as 2/7/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5930Johnson
  9720. (printed as 2/7/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5928Unknown
  9721. (printed as 2/7/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5918Ingersoll
  9722. (printed as 2/7/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5913Varner
  9723. (printed as 2/7/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5899Varner
  9724. (printed as 2/7/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5687GAUCHER
  9725. (printed as 2/7/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4983Greg Stonehocker
    I live about 1/4 miles from the EJ+E railroad tracks in the southeast part of Aurora, IL. I am writing these comments in regard to the pending sale of EJ&E to the Canadian national Railroad. It is to my understanding that the Canadian National railroad wants increase traffic on the railway. This traffic is not wanted in the area I live. There are several reasons for this. One: the increase traffic will create a lot more noise in the area. Trains that come through now a very loud (especially at night). Second: There are several key road crossings in the area that will be severly impacted (Ogden Ave, Montgomery Rd., Keating Dr., Hafenrichter, Wolfs Crossing, etc...). An example already is yesterday at the Wolfs Crossing crossing we sat for about 15 minutes on a train that was slowley passing through. times this by increase traffic and you can see where I am going with this. I beleive this track is not designed to handle the traffic the Canadian Railroad wants to put on it. Please evaluate this plan and talk to local residents about this sale. It is not welcomed in the communities surrounding these tracks. Thank you
    Aurora, IL
  9726. (printed as 2/7/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4982Sara Kirstein
    As a member of the Plainfield community, I feel very strongly about the plan by Canadian National Railway (CN) to acquire the EJ&E. As a mother of 3 small children and a concerned citizen, I am prepared to fight this action. This plan will have an extremely negative impact on our community, our families, and our way of life. Enraged and amazed that this could happen in our community, we are ready to protest and do anything we can to stop acquisition. Plainfield families do not support this action.
    Plainfield, IL
  9727. (printed as 2/7/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4981Kelly Acuff
    I am against this plan to route huge amounts of trains and hazardous materials past me and my neighbors houses, putting our lives and happiness at risk.
    Plainfield, illinois
  9728. (printed as 2/7/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4980Bob Birch
    The CN attempted acquisition of the EJ&E track line would be a tremendous blow to the thousands of Americans that live along the route. Especially in the safety of those that need to cross those tracks on a daily basis, including my two kids who cross those tracks to go to school every day. How can a Canadian company dictate to we Americans what will be? And for what...profit? So are we to allow a Canadian company to profit on the hardship and the danger that will certainly exist to we Americans? Bulls**t! Let them look to profit some other way! Certainly, the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few...and to me and many others, the Canadians are the few.
    Barrington, Illinois
  9729. (printed as 2/7/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4979Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning
    Here are the official comments of the regional planning body (the CMAP Board) in Metropolitan Chicago (and the MPO for the same region) on the Scope of the EIS for the CN Acquisition of the EJ&EWest Co. Thank you.
    Joy Schaad · Chicago, IL
  9730. (printed as 2/7/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4978Kathleen Fisher
    As both an employee for and resident of the Village of Park Forest, I would like to comment on concerns related to increased traffic, noise. Increased Traffic – CN’s proposed purchase of the EJ&E Railway is projected to increase rail traffic on the Park Forest segment of the railroad by 400 percent, from approximately 8 trains per day to approximately 32 trains per day. In addition, there is proposed to be a switching yard in Matteson, immediately adjacent to the Village of Park Forest. The EJ&E has an at-grade crossing in Park Forest on Western Avenue (a State road) and an elevated crossing on Orchard Drive (a local street). Even today, it is not uncommon for trains for stop or slow considerably as they pass through Park Forest. This results in delays that often last for as much as 10-15 minutes. The proposed purchase will increase the number of trains, and therefore the number of times vehicle traffic is delayed due to trains moving through the Village. We believe it will also delay the duration of those delays as long trains maneuver the switching yard in Matteson and back-up onto the main tracks. Currently, vehicular traffic on Western Avenue seeks alternate routes to avoid the crossing in that location. This has significant negative impacts on the Village of Park Forest, our residents and businesses. Typically, southbound traffic on Western Avenue takes North Street through our Business Park, to Orchard Drive, and then to Westwood Drive back to Western Avenue. Northbound traffic on Western Avenue takes Westwood Drive to Orchard Drive, then east on North Street back to Western Avenue. North Street is a local street that runs through our Business Park. Increased exposure to the businesses in this area might be a positive result, but most of this traffic will not be interested in stopping to conduct business and it will simply delay the traffic that is seeking to patronize the businesses in this area. Westwood Drive is a residential street and the increased traffic on this street already has a negative impact. The significant increases in traffic caused by this purchase are of significant concern to the Village and my family as residents. Noise is my family's biggest concern. The track in question is right in my back yard. Finally, I do not offer any solution other than hope this sale does not go through. Sincerely, Kathleen E. Fisher
    Park Forest, IL.
  9731. (printed as 2/7/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4977Grace Takata
    This is a terrible proposal. Travel on Western Ave is already a problem because of the train crossings. aincreasing them to as many as 32!!!! trains a day would be a nightmare. If tiis is to happen, there must be an overpass.
    Park Forest, IL
  9732. (printed as 2/7/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4976Carol Strader
    Plainfield, IL already has a real problem with traffic especially at rush hour. We also have almost all of our rail crossings are at grade. Adding additional trains to the railroad crossings would make commuting impossible. I urge you to not approve this sale to the Canadian company.
    Plainfield, IL
  9733. (printed as 2/7/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4975Sue Schudel
    My family lives within 2 miles of the Bartlett Rd. crossing with the EJ&E Railway. We pass this way often. There is absolutely no benefit to any of us living in this area for this railway to be sold to a Canadien Co. or to any freight line with incresed freight traffic. It already has blocked the road frequently with the present number of trains. We are hopefully looking toward future passenger services.There are also 2 elementry schools and a high school near this crossing where traffic for them would be adversely affected. Please do not allow more traffic woes on us by allowing this sale to pass.
    South Elgin, IL
  9734. (printed as 2/7/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4974Nancy Wallace
    I was disappointed in Rep. Bean's email after the hearings. It seems that many citizens short-term concerns are more important than thinking about our long-term planning. Yes, the proposal will create congestion, noise and other nuisances unless we think long-term to address these issues. What is needed in the Metropolitan Chicago area is to move the trains off-grade. This is a problem throughout the Chicagoland area. This involves a significant commitment by us as a nation and region, but in the long-term, it would be well worth it. The positive examples I can point out are Evanston and Winnetka (I am assuming that whoever is reading this is familiar with the Chicagoland area.) The worst example is the approach into Untion Station in the Loop from the north. (An innovative solution to those problems would be to move the trains down one level so that the current train concourse could become a mall with the trains underneath. This could open up more exits and would be more attractive. Just a thought). In closing, I would like to suggest that we take this opportunity to fix the transit system with a long-term solution of moving the trains off-grade. This would solve most of the problems that I heard mentioned in Rep. Bean's email. Thank you, Nancy Wallace
    Grayslake, IL
  9735. (printed as 2/7/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4973Doreen
    Just wanted to express my concerns about the aquisition of EJ&E railway. My main concern is that a large number of students attend school in South Elgin. It has been difficult over the past years getting to the schools (middle and high school). Many times Munger road is blocked by a STOPPED train. Then we have to go aroung and can get stopped at Powis or Rt. 59 or Stearns. Many busses and new drivers travel across these tracks to get to and from school. Thank You
    Bartlett, IL
  9736. (printed as 2/7/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4971Philip Freske
    My wife and I are concerned with the additional rail traffic since we live about a half mile from a crossing. Along with the additional traffic is how much is going to be hazardous materials loads. The rail line runs through mainly all residential areas in Plainfield. The CEO of CN recently had a full page ad run in our local newspaper stating how safe and well run there railroad company is. I am a tractor trailer driver for UPS, in my experience taking loads to CN's Harvey,IL facility, it is one of most poorly run and staffed rail yards I go into on an almost daily basis. I don't believe the CN cares about the communities that will be affected by this acquisition. There main concern is how to get there rail traffic through the Chicago land area quicker. I respectfully ask the Surface Transportation Board to deny the acquisition of the EJ&E by CN. Thank you, Philip Freske
    Plainfield, IL
  9737. (printed as 2/7/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4958IL State Representative
    Kosel, Renee
  9738. (printed as 2/6/2008)
    Comments
    221552Comment
    Environmental Law & Policy Center
  9739. (printed as 2/6/2008)
    Certificate
    221548Certificate Of Service
    Union Pacific Railroad Company
  9740. (printed as 2/6/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7044Schwartz, Jeff
  9741. (printed as 2/6/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6719Environmental Law and Policy Center
    Shacter, Joseph
  9742. (printed as 2/6/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6246Gully, Stew
  9743. (printed as 2/6/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6113Unknown
  9744. (printed as 2/6/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6112Hennigan
  9745. (printed as 2/6/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6111Cisneros
  9746. (printed as 2/6/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6110Fenda
  9747. (printed as 2/6/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6109Johnson
  9748. (printed as 2/6/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6048LINDSEY
  9749. (printed as 2/6/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6010HOSUATH
  9750. (printed as 2/6/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5994FAUST
  9751. (printed as 2/6/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5957Nester
  9752. (printed as 2/6/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5925Biegel
  9753. (printed as 2/6/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5921Culler
  9754. (printed as 2/6/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5901Beiter
  9755. (printed as 2/6/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5761West Chicago Fire Protection District
    JANEAS
  9756. (printed as 2/6/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5742GIBSON
  9757. (printed as 2/6/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5727MOREHEAD
  9758. (printed as 2/6/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5724Bartlett Fire Protection District
    WHITMER
  9759. (printed as 2/6/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5693KERSHNER
  9760. (printed as 2/6/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5678MOTT
  9761. (printed as 2/6/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4970Eileen Y. Martina
    We live very close to the EJ & E Railroad and have many concerns and comments regarding the number of proposed trains to pass through in a 24 hour period. First of all, there were about 5 trains that passed through Feb. 5, 2008 from 10:45 pm - 11:10 pm last night with horns blaring each time - traffic jams may not be an issue, but noise, house rattling, and lack of sleep were. Comments/Concerns - some are overlapping. 1) Safety - no gates at two of the crossings closest to our house - Keating and Montgomery Roads. - children can access tracks from open field very easily. - excess vibration and rattling of main gas line next to our house - may affect stability of gas line. 2) Traffic congestion - already an issue when current trains stop traffic and with more trains, it will only become worse, especially during rush hour - only overpasses and underpasses wil help alleviate this issue, but that is only one aspect of the big picture. Also one of our main roads will be affected drastically - Ogden Ave./Route 34. 3) Noise pollution - last night (10:45 pm - 11:10 pm) in a 25 minute period, about 5 trains went by blaring its horn each time which was loud with the house closed up. In the warmer months it will be worse and we won't be able to open the windows for fresh air. Will we receive compensation for using the A/C all the time??? Will there be fencing put up to block out noise and keep children from accessing tracks??? -currently, the vibrations of the house when trains go by rattles items off shelves. - due to excess vibration and rattling of main gas line next to our house -will the gas line be compromised and directly affect safety of the neighborhood???? 4) Emergency Response Times - will be affected - when there is an emergency seconds are crucial in getting medical assistance or getting to a home/business on fire. 5) Real Estate - value of home will be lowered. Will we be compensated for this??? These are our many concerns/comments - the big picture needs to addressed because unfortunately solving one or two of the above will not make up for the other concerns/comments.
    Aurora, IL
  9762. (printed as 2/6/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4969nizar jiwani
    STB Finance Docket No. 35087 I do NOT think this merger and the increase in rail traffic should be allowed, unless all railroad tracks are build above roads and noise control rules are put in place. This will negatively impact the traffic, environment, and the children in the area.
    Aurora, IL
  9763. (printed as 2/6/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4968Pat Chodorski
    I am extremely concerned about CN buying EJ&E railroad.This will adversely affect this community by adding more trains traffic will back up for miles trying to get to the hospital will be a challange and the additional noise and pollution is appalling.I dont understand how this can even be an option in this area unless the CN Railroad was going to BUILD AN OVERPASS ON OGDEN AVE AND RT 87.to say the least..I also cannot believe as THE SECOND LARGEST CITY IN ILLINOIS NO ONE THOUGHT to ask us here in Aurora/Dupage about our concerns for this area.Thank You for your time.
    Aurora, Illinois
  9764. (printed as 2/6/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4967Faith Gould
    I live less than a mile from where the tracks cross over North Aurora Road. I am deeply concerned about what the increased traffic on these tracks will do to the area. Road traffic is already a nightmare in this area! The tracks run very close to homes, which will cause more noise and pollution. In many of the places where these tracks cross the roads there are no bridges, which will not only impact traffic, but also safety at these crossings. Please do not allow this sale to go through. I am not in favor the STAR line that is proposed for these tracks either. This will also create numerous problems. Please don't add to the nightmare traffic situation that already exists in this area.
    Naperville, Illinois
  9765. (printed as 2/6/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4966Mark Baker
    I would like to express my concern over the sale of the EJ&E Railroad to Canadian National. There are several grade level crossings in Aurora and the proposed increase in train traffic will result in major traffic problems for residents. In addition, large sums of money will need to be spent to build over/underpasses for some of those crossings (mainly Ogden Avenue)
    Aurora, IL
  9766. (printed as 2/6/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4965Warren Shew
    I have been a business owner in Barrington for 20 years. I cannot imagine the impact any significant increase in train traffic would have on this area as it relates to the gridlock it would create. With the existing EJ&E schedule and the current Metro schedule, the town is barely passable. More trains would cripple the town and be devastating to business. Underpasses and overpasses is the only way the town could survive from a functional view. Likewise, I cannot imagine 20-25 more freight trains would have on the environment. Thank you, Warren Shew
    Barrington, IL
  9767. (printed as 2/6/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4964Bernard J. McDonnell, Jr.
    My wife and I own a home in the community of Gregg'g Landing in Vernon Hills which is within one block of the EI&E right of way proposed to be acquired by Canadian National RR which would increase the number of daily freight trains using these tracks to 20 . Consider the effect on the surrounding community and it's residents: 1. Home values would be severely reduced. 2. Substantial increase in noise levels affecting residents, particularlly those whose health or employment requires sufficient sleep and rest. 3. Increased pollution levels. 4. Increased danger to children who play in the area. 5. Increased traffic congestion at crossings in the area. For these and many other reasons I believe and request that the proposed acquisition be denied for the welfare of the community.
    Vernon Hills, Illinois
  9768. (printed as 2/6/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4963Ann Burdzinski
    I am extremely concerned about how this will impact my neightborhood, our growing traffic problems, and environmentally on our families. Do not approve this motion.
    Plainfield, IL
  9769. (printed as 2/6/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4962Nila Schwab
    I am against the proposed Canadian National Railway Co. acquisition. Barrington already has trains constantly contributing to traffic delays and more importantly unsafe conditions in our community. Hospitals and emergency vehicles respond on time but can not get to the injured people due to delays at crossings. Children can not walk or ride bikes safely in their own town. Adding 15-20 more trains a day can only encourage havoc for our town! Also, what will happen to property values and the viability of growth in a town that has continual train traffic and noise. None of the people here moved into the area thinking it would become an undesireable area with an additonal main train thoroughfare. How many railroads do we have to have? In addition we have Route 59 and Lake Cook road which adds tremendous car traffic. The addition of this railway will destroy our town. You would not want this to happen to your town! Thank you for your time. Nila Schwab
    Lake Barrington, IL
  9770. (printed as 2/6/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4961Stephen Miller
    I would once again like to draw attention to the CN aquisition of the E,J&E rail line and the environmental dangers running 20+ trains a day present for our area. After reviewing the extensive amount of derailments and toxic spills the CN company has on their record over the last three years I am even more concerned with the increased use. Specifically, our whole area for 20+ square miles draw our drinking water from shallow aquifers. Any toxic spill that would either leach into the aquifer or pollute a recharge area to the aquifer would render our area helpless. Please be sure this is closely investigated and researched in the Environmental Impact study.
    Barrington, IL
  9771. (printed as 2/6/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4960Laurie R. Serikaku
    I strongly object to CNR's proposed acquisition of EJ&E. Traffic currently backs up at the grade crossings in Aurora, IL and will cause gridlock if more trains use those tracks. Emergency vehicles, school buses, commuters will be significantly adversely affected. Pollution in the area will not decline: thousands of cars idling at the crossings or taking circuitous routes to avoid them will increase air/noise pollution. The new high school in District 204 would be right next to the crossing on Diehl Road: train whistles and vibration would disrupt the learning process, while the traffic stopped at the crossing would delay school buses and cars. Drivers already do stupid things to get around the stopped traffic: more trains would only result in more risk-taking and danger. If the sale is approved, millions of dollars would be needed to build overpasses or viaducts at the current at-grade crossings--can the State and Federal governments afford that when there are so many other infrastructure needs? This sale would not benefit anyone in this area.
    Aurora, IL
  9772. (printed as 2/6/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4959Tracy Hmura
    Please stop the production of more railways going through our communities creating more congestion and delay and the chance of more exposure to chemicals/toxins being transported in our residential areas.
    New Lenox, Il
  9773. (printed as 2/6/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4955Diane Green
    This proposed acquisition of CN/EJ&E is so scary that I hardly know where to begin. The impact on our community and those of my friends is horrible and potentially harmful. The traffic nightmare is the least of our concerns, not to mention the safety of our neighborhoods, streets and children. The significant increase in rail traffic alone, aside from any out of the ordinary events" is shocking. Heaven forbid if there was a mechanical problem, or worse, a derailing or accident! Please reconsider this issue and focus on the impact of the local communities and the environment - human and natural rather than the big bucks of CN. Thank you for your time."
  9774. (printed as 2/5/2008)
    Statement
    221542Support Statement
    Canadian National Railway Company And Grand Trunk Corporation
  9775. (printed as 2/5/2008)
    Motion
    221535Motion To Compel
    Will County, Illinois
  9776. (printed as 2/5/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6814Zimmermann, Betty
  9777. (printed as 2/5/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6685Will County State's Attorney
    Gower, Edward
  9778. (printed as 2/5/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6615Harkins Cunningham
    Hirsh, David
  9779. (printed as 2/5/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6108Unknown
  9780. (printed as 2/5/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6107Hablin
  9781. (printed as 2/5/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6106Ellison
  9782. (printed as 2/5/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6012Friends of Gary/Chicago Airport
    VAN SESSEN
  9783. (printed as 2/5/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6011VAN SESSEN
  9784. (printed as 2/5/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5963Powal
  9785. (printed as 2/5/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5959Anderson
  9786. (printed as 2/5/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5940Jutte
  9787. (printed as 2/5/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5937Kamrath
  9788. (printed as 2/5/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5900Weichelt
  9789. (printed as 2/5/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5744EWING
  9790. (printed as 2/5/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5728CASEY
  9791. (printed as 2/5/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5726LAUTENSCHLAGER
  9792. (printed as 2/5/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5720RENDALL
  9793. (printed as 2/5/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5718HOFFMAN
  9794. (printed as 2/5/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5692ELLEFSON
  9795. (printed as 2/5/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5690ROOT
  9796. (printed as 2/5/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5689BAUTISTA
  9797. (printed as 2/5/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5683GEWENIGER
  9798. (printed as 2/5/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5681BAUSIBLACH
  9799. (printed as 2/5/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5680ULLRICH
  9800. (printed as 2/5/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5089HARRIS
  9801. (printed as 2/5/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5086SPIZZIRRI
  9802. (printed as 2/5/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5083SCHUYLER
  9803. (printed as 2/5/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4954D. Will
    I oppose the CN RR aquisition. Both my children and I pass over the RR on Ogden Avenue on our way to and from school each day. Our home is also within 1/2 mile of the tracks. The safety issues and residential noise pollution are unacceptable. Ogden Ave. is unsafe and a traffic nightmare now, with increased rail traffic at that intersection and the others, it will be impossible! Please I implore that you not let this sale go through!
    Aurora, IL
  9804. (printed as 2/5/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4953Pat Whelan
    I have heard the comments that the acquisitions would increase train traffic from 15 to 42 a day....that is alot for an area that is already stressed. It also appears that the acquistion is more a matter of conveinence for EJ&E rather than a necesesity for commerce.
    Naperville, Il
  9805. (printed as 2/5/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4952Wayne Acuff
    Please do not grant the Canadian National Railway access to the Elgin, Joliet & Eastern Railway. This is a growing community with a clean environment. We have a large number of schools, homes and recreation areas near these railroad tracks and the plans the Canadian National Railway has would destroy our community. I am a father of 3 young boys and we need to preserve our environment and granting the Canadian National Railway their request is not productive and would horribly effect our living area. Thank you.
    Plainfield, IL
  9806. (printed as 2/5/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4951Jeff Kranicki
    I am writing in opposition of the acquisition of the EJ&E Railway by the Canadian National Railway. Thank you.
    West Chicago, IL
  9807. (printed as 2/5/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4950Marlene Briggs
    I live in a community that borders the subject railroad track east of Ridgeland Avenue in Matteson, Illinois. This is a 55+ community which is quiet and safe for its residents. Increasing frequency from 6 to 28 trains a day is not acceptable. These tracks run very close behind the homes and we do not feel safe with these changes. Also, it's feared that these tracks cannot accommodate the increased traffic.
    Matteson, Illinois
  9808. (printed as 2/5/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4949Wendy K. Sowders
    I have concerns about the impact of increasing the number of trains through Barrington. #1) Traffic through downtown Barrington is already so slow. Increased train traffic would just make the problem worse. #2) Emergency vehicles not being able to reach individuals or hospitals because of increased train traffic. #3) Schools - The Barrington Middle Schools and High Schools would be affected by the increase in train traffic. Both schools have train tracks for parents and students to cross. #4) Safety with increased train traffic in such a highly congested area.
    North Barrington, IL
  9809. (printed as 2/5/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4948Gregg Gorczowski
    I, as a resident of Frankfort, am highly concerned with and opposed to the CN acquisition of the EJ&E railroad. The increase in train traffic would be a huge detriment to my family's quality of life and my personal peace of mind. The factors that concern me most is the safety issues that arrise (increase in hazardous materials transportation, close proximity to schools and church, close proximity to high tension wires, the age of the overpass over route 45, potential increase in response time for emergency vehicles), and the significant increase in noise that will result. The noise level from the existing trains (loud engines and train whistles) at all hours of the night is already just barely tolerable. But to have this increase would deffinitly be intollerable. If approved, I hope with all my heart that something can be done to lessen the impact. As I currently see the situation, grade seperations at all crossings should be demanded. and at the very least, barriers or quiet zones implemented.
    Frankfort, IL
  9810. (printed as 2/5/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4947Michael
    DO NOT make my family a memorial crosswalk for a quick buck. The increase of rail traffic along the EJ&E rail would make my family of FOUR KIDS at great risk for the next 18 years as they would have to cross the tracks multipe times daily. The back up of cars already extends block past our home during all day-light hours. The rerouting of trains to lesser used tracks will increase the displacement of wildlife along the tracks causing them to run into traffic and my neighborhood. The time daily to go 8 blocks across town is currently 10-15 min ride average. With traffic backed up thru our Historic town. This is a hometown community please keep it that. The town already averages multiple deaths to trains and car crashes in the hundreds to trains. The trains have done nothing to increase public safety, but spend millions on making the trains more fuel efficient. The railroad crossings have not been made safer in fourty years. How many deaths will it take to stop unnecessary traffic and keep my Kids alive? public safety
    Barrington, IL
  9811. (printed as 2/5/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4946Susan Langmaack
    STOP THE: SURFACE TRANSPORTATION BOARD'S SECTION OF ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS EXTENDS PUBLIC SCOPING PERIOD ON PROPOSED CANADIAN NATIONAL RAILWAY ACQUISITION OF ELGIN , JOLIET & EASTERN RAILWAY
    West Chicago, IL
  9812. (printed as 2/4/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6920Damore, Charles & Helen
  9813. (printed as 2/4/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6813Huite, Allyson
  9814. (printed as 2/4/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6801UPS
    Jensen, Thomas
  9815. (printed as 2/4/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6791City of Wamac
    Mathus
  9816. (printed as 2/4/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6236Rush, Barbara & Joseph
  9817. (printed as 2/4/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6105Reible
  9818. (printed as 2/4/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6104Guti
  9819. (printed as 2/4/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6103Flanders
  9820. (printed as 2/4/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6102Casey
  9821. (printed as 2/4/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6101Beck2
  9822. (printed as 2/4/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6100Beck
  9823. (printed as 2/4/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6040EVERWINE
  9824. (printed as 2/4/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6018Jane Frost
    Dear Board: As a resident of West Chicago and an employee of the West Chicago Police Dept., please be advised that I adamantly oppose the purchase of the Elgin, Joliet and Eastern Railway by the Canadian Railway. The railroad crossings in the City of West Chicago are practically paralyzed now with railroad traffic impacting emergency response vehicles. I would hate to see the consequence from 20 or more plus trains traveling through West Chicago daily. Please consider this while making your decision.
    West Chicago, IL
  9825. (printed as 2/4/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6009PERHATS
  9826. (printed as 2/4/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5926Wessendorf
  9827. (printed as 2/4/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5920Jacks
  9828. (printed as 2/4/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5917Beyer
  9829. (printed as 2/4/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5902Vonnahme
  9830. (printed as 2/4/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5740HUMBERTO
  9831. (printed as 2/4/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5717KEATING
  9832. (printed as 2/4/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5702LAGOWSKI
  9833. (printed as 2/4/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5699LOFFREDO
  9834. (printed as 2/4/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5691KRAEHMER
  9835. (printed as 2/4/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5688STEPHENS
  9836. (printed as 2/4/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5686LOFFREDO
  9837. (printed as 2/4/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4945Cynthia Verbinski
    Concerning the planned acquisition (Canadian National and EJ&E): I live about 2 miles from the high school at the opposite end of town. My family and I drive that 2 miles at least 16 times per week and MUST cross the tracks each time. Increased freight traffic will tie up the roads contributing to traffic congestion that is already terrible at rush hours, and the idling cars will significantly effect emissions. Also, MANY 16-18 year olds drive that route and are not good at judging how to stop near tracks; this is a safety issue.
    Barrington, IL
  9838. (printed as 2/4/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4944Allison Furlong
    I am very concerned and oppose this acquisition. I have three children that attend three different schools and take three different buses. There travel times will be impacted. Most important are the potential delayed responses by emergency vehicles. Or loads carrying hazardous materials through a heavily populated area. This is a terrible idea please use common sense and dont let this happen.
    Deer Park, Illinois
  9839. (printed as 2/4/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4943Ulises Rodriguez
    One of the main reasons we moved to this area was because of the nature preserves that we have around us. With the amount of trains that will be coming through with the new purchase, not only will the trafic on West Bartlett road increase, but the wild life and the area would be affected as well. How is the fire department going to make it to our sub division if there are 28 trains a day going past? How are the police going to make it accross the tracks? Not to mention the the chance of a train derealing with all the hazerdous waste by the wild life reserves or worse yet, by the subdivision. This purchase will affect this quiet, peaceful community in a very tragic way, and I really hope this purchase does not go through.
    Bartlett, il
  9840. (printed as 2/4/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4942Steven E. Grebner
    My family opposes the sale of EJ&ERC, as this will cause significant incoveniences not only in travel times across town but noise levels as well. We live 2 miles west of the tracks, and can hear the train whistles whenever one comes through. We cannot imagine the noise pollution should this sale go through, never mind having the entire East Side of Aurora at a complete gridlock due to two major crossings that would impact traffic flow. As it stands today with car traffic alone, travel times are almost unbearable, never mind the increase of trains stopping all traffic all day long. Please see that our complaint is registered, that we do not want this sale to go through. The existing crossings are not maintained for safety and usability. It's completely unsafe in it's current configuration and condition. Thank you.
    Aurora, IL
  9841. (printed as 2/4/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4941Debra Breckenridge
    Dear Ms. Johnson-Ball: I am writing to express my utmost concern about the CN acquisition of the EJ& E Railroad. CN wishes to acquire it in order to circumvent the railroad bottlenecks in the Chicago area. I live less than 1/4 mile west of the EJ & E near Keating and Normantown Roads. There are about two trains per hour. I cannot imagine having more than that. The expected influx is expected to increase to about 45 per day! That's too much for a primarily residential area to be able to absorb. The cost of backed up traffic---already a severe problem---, idling engines (noise), increased pollution and potential for more accidents with both trains and cars makes this increase nonsensical. You're creating more bottlenecks by implementing more bottlenecks. That makes no sense at all. Please do NOT allow this to go through. Thank you for hearing me out. Sincerely, Debra Breckenridge
    Aurora, IL
  9842. (printed as 2/4/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4940Michele Miller
    There are many far reaching problems from this sale. Some of them include: ***Crossing Safety @ Railroad crossings ***Emergency Response Times ***Increased travel times at ALL times of the day and night. ***Increased Pollution ***Vibration Damage to homes ***Quiet Zones - will there be train horns blaring at 3 AM??? We already have too many trains and not the proper saftey. In fact, someone was killed just a few months ago at the Liberty intersection on the railroad. Aurora and surrounding neighborhoods are way too large for such train traffic. Over 130,000 people live in Aurora, why on earth would this be a possible location to extend train traffic.
    Aurora, IL
  9843. (printed as 2/4/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4939JANYL BLATT
    Very concerned on safety issues that the acquisition would bring including: 1)hazardous materials transportation and lack of local resources to deal with a spill 2)close proximity to several of our schools 3)close proximity to high tension wires behind our homes - my backyard 4)Local condition of tracks & overpasses on LaGrange Road/Rt45 5)Traffic issues by crossings on main roads such as Wolf Rd. 5)Noise factor - the tracks are right behind our new homes!!!! Behind the high powered wires. That many trains would be devastating to our home environment. The few that go through now are loud and they don't blow their whistles and are few. If this goes through we will need sounds barriers through our backyards if approved. It's bad enough now we have to keep windows closed Spring-Fall due to the train noise.
    FRANKFORT, IL
  9844. (printed as 2/4/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4938oakhurst north, Aurora, ILL
    The issue will be: traffic jam due to the railway crossing on following streets. 1. Libery little north of EOLA street in Aurora, IL 2. Ogden Ave crossing 3. North Aurora Road over pass. As one lane under pass will not allow many vehical to pass. All this especially libery is a single lane in each directions and this would cause traffic backups and will have lingering problems. In order for this aquitions to pass all 3 listed railway crossing needs to be 2 lanes and all msut be overpass or underpass.
    Bhupesh Desai · aurora, IL
  9845. (printed as 2/4/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4937Janice J. Theodore
    I oppose the purchase of the EJ&E Railway by Canadian National Railway because it will increase the frequency of freight trains through our community to an unacceptable level and cause noise and breathing problems.
    Barrington,, IL
  9846. (printed as 2/4/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4936Illinois River Carriers' Association
    Our association represents the barge operators on the Illinois River. We are concerned that the 100+ year old EJ & E railroad bridge over the Illinois River near Morris, IL may not be altered as ordered by the Coast Guard in their Order to Alter issued in 1995. This bridge is extremely narrow and obstructive to the barge tows passing through the piers daily. This bridge remains the most hit bridge in the country and needs to be altered to remove the possibility of an environmental catastrophe if a tank barge should strike the bridge and its cargo spill into the Illinois River. The bridge is just downriver from the Dresden Island Lock and Dam that at certain times of year can have huge flows causing swift currents. The Coast Guard's Bridge Branch has completed the design and engineering work for the new bridge. The new span would be 300 feet (the current span is just 113 feet). Barge tows are 105 to 108 feet wide and 600 to 1000 feet long. We ask that the Surface Transportation Board review this bridge alteration project in light of the proposed purchase of the EJ & E Railraod Company by the CN. We would like to know how this alteration fits into CN's general scheme of the merger--how much of a priority it is to them. I have attached important information about this bridge as well as the barge industry that must go through the piers everyday. Thank you for this opportunity to express our interest in this proposed merger. John Kindra
    John Kindra · Downers Grove, IL
  9847. (printed as 2/4/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4935Jane Frost
    Ref STB Finance Docket No. 35087 - Dear Board: Please be advised that I adamantly oppose the purchase of the Elgin, Joliet and Eastern Railway by the Canadian Railway. The railroad crossings in the City of West Chicago are practically paralyzed now with railroad traffic impacting emergency response vehicles. I would hate to see the impact from 20 or more trains traveling through West Chicago daily.
    West Chicago, IL
  9848. (printed as 2/4/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4934Wynn Ann Roggeveen
    CNR COMMENT As a teacher I have always allowed critizism if an alternative is suggested.Listening is necessary to solve problems. As an educator and parent in The Barrington Area I am frightened by the idea that the CNR would have the ability to destroy every aspect of our town, affecting every age individual's life stlye and means of livelihood without any thought to the reality of destrution of the scope of their endevor. You are greatly aware of the safety, educational, economical and mental and physical stresses this project will cause on hundreds of thousands of people in communities. There are other ways. We have been made aware of other rail tracks that are not in use that would work for CNR, causing less effect on local towns. The money necessary to fix interections and crossings and residential areas would be much more then updating these other tracks. FACT: There are NO BENEFITS to any community through which this rail wants to pass.It will only destroy those towns. It is an embarrassment to the State and its governing bodies that they cannot come out strongly against this. The talk already among high schoolers is how fast and what is the easiest way around gates, distances and timing before train might hit cars : how fast can kids run to cross before it may hit then so they are not late for school. These conversations are in jest but we all know EVERYONE thinks that way. Small children also walk across these tracks to get to school. As a teacher, I know school disruption will be huge. Buses and children will be late and emergency services will be greatly deminished. How many lives will be at risk? How many is too many? and when it gets to that point, nothing legally can be done. How does CNR slip through legal responsibilities? As citizens we will be fined for crossing track on foot or vechicle at the wrong time, But they,CNR, cannot be fined for their passing times, number or length of train and problems as a result of them. Will they replace a burning home and its contents,or medical care or funeral expenses resulting from their tie ups? How do big corporations get the breaks at the huge expense and loss of communities? We ar all in awe that the idea for this proposal can even be considered. If this was YOUR TOWN you would be irrate! ONCE CNR is granted access there is no turning back and they will be in control, with no limits. HELP US! Wynn Ann Roggeveen This is not even a humane possibility. Does the dept not see that? T
    Barrington HIlls, Il
  9849. (printed as 2/4/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4933Bradley Henkin
    Putting in My complainte on the transfer/sale of the railroad
    West Chicago, Illinois
  9850. (printed as 2/4/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4932Steven Ploder
    Our family is seriously concerned about the effects of the CN purchase of the EJ&E. The track crosses our town several times which will cause massive delays which will effect school buses, emergency vehicles, auto noise pollution and qulaity of life. In addition, the noise and dirt pollution from the 20+ freight trains will be frightening.
    Barrington, IL
  9851. (printed as 2/4/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4931Todd Fullhart
    I am against the Canadian Railway purchase on the EJ&E rail way. This track is 1/4 mile from my daughters school(Norton Creek School). Also the environmental impact is of great concern.
    West Chicago, il
  9852. (printed as 2/4/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4930Julie Gard
    STB Finance Docket No. 35087 I am a local resident that would be affected by the CN acquisition of the EJ&E railroad. In Bartlett, I live in the newly developed area west of the railroad tracks. Due to the land space constraints, there is no fire station on the west side of the tracks. In an emergency, all emergency vehicles have to cross the tracks. An increase in rail traffic of the magnitude being proposed is going to waste precious time that could save lives. The closest hospital is then back over the tracks to the east. If an ambulance gets stopped both ways, this surely could mean the difference between life and death. There is also an elementary school in our subdivison, and I worry about our children getting emergency care in a timely fashion. In addition, I worry about the incidence of accidents going up with this increased traffic. There is also an environmental concern with the pollution that our children will be exposed to on the playgroud with the increased freight trains. Please take the time to reconsider the impact of this decision, and how it affects the youth of America. Thank You, Julie Gard, A Very Concerned Citizen
    Bartlett, Illinois
  9853. (printed as 2/4/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4929David Wang
    Dear Sirs, This is to formally voice our opposition to the proposed acquisition of EJ&E by CN due to the impacts that it might cause our neighborhood. We lived on the west side of the train tracks for 14 years and did not find it to be too troublesome and decided in 2004 to move the current property on the east side of the same tracks. Now that the number of train that is going to pass on these tracks will be going up significantly, It sure will cause a lot of issues including crossing safety which is number one especially when kids are considered, the traffic log jam will be unbearable along the side street with grade crossing, noise and air pollution is another major problem, as it is we have horn blaring at the middle of nights already, the house vibrates when a train comes by and the damage to the house will be much more sever if there is a lot more trains. We bought in this neighborhood with the understanding of how it is going to be like but not some thing that is going to change drastically. Please accept our appreciation in considering our options when dealing with this matter. Thank you very much!
    Naperville, IL
  9854. (printed as 2/4/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4928Mark Iverson
    I live West of the tracks and work East of them as do an quiclky expanding number of people but there are only 2 places to cross the tracks south of I-88 and north Joliet. The addition of 8-10 trains a day that I read about in Crain's Chicago Buisiness would create major traffic concerns in the area. Is there any account for another non-grade crossing in the area? Thank you
    Aurora, Illinois
  9855. (printed as 2/4/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4927John Gulledge
    I live within 500 yards of the existing rail line and oppose the intended purchase of EJ&E by CN because of the possible environmental hazards and delays it will cause traffic in and around Lake Zurich and Barrington.
    Barrington, IL
  9856. (printed as 2/4/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4926Clisby/Ruth Jarrard Jr
    My wife and I are definately against the acquisition of the EJ&E railroad for safety and traffic concerns for our Village. Thank you
    Barrington, Illinois
  9857. (printed as 2/4/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4924Danny Hughes
    I'm a long time resident of the city of Aurora. I understand the Canadian railway corp. has proposed an acquisition of the EJ&E railway line. I also understand that hazardous and other chemicals will be hauled along this line.I along with many others are raising families in the area that will be affected by this acquisition and in keeping with the area remaining environmentally friendly, object to this acquisition.Not only will the increase in train traffic become a safety concern for many children who play in the numerous parks and fields along the railway but the increase noise will also negatively affect the area. Although I could learn to adjust to the added vehicular congestion the added trains will cause, my main concern is for the safety of our children and the environment. I propose that a thorough environmental safety study be conducted and if their is any chance the residence of this area will be at risk that this acquisition be immediately canceled. I trust your company will work with city officials in Aurora concerning this matter.
    Aurora, il
  9858. (printed as 2/4/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4923Lorraine & Charles Poe
    We live in Cornerstone Lakes subdivision adjacent to Smith-Powis rr crossing. Adding the # of trains going thru this area would greatly and adversing affect the quality of living here, with additional noise, blockage of Smith Rd, not to speak of the danger since this track is RIGHT NEXT to the school grounds. The high increase in train traffic would be a detriment to our daily lives -- the crossing is not gated and would become a huge hazard with the high volume increase of trains. It would force a lot of people to look elsewhere to live by destroying our tranquil community.
    West Chicago, IL
  9859. (printed as 2/4/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4922Robert Sampson
    I already hear many trains blowing whistles in the middle of the night. This should be stopped. More trains leads to more noise, less sleep. Traffic on Liberty gets stopped too often already with slow moving trains. More would be a nightmare.
    Aurora, IL
  9860. (printed as 2/4/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4921K. James Stedt
    My wife and I are extremely concerned about the proposed sale of E.J.& E Railroad to Canadian National (CN). We live on Well St., which is about 100 yards south of the RR. The environmental impact on our lives and the lives of other citizens will be extremely negative if CN increases the number of trains to 32 per day. The pollution from the engines coupled with the noise they generate would be harmful to our health. Currently, the movement of traffic around the Western Avenue crossing impacts our community on a daily basis with trains blocking this main artery for up to an hour or more per day with 8 trains. Multiplying this by 4 could mean the road might be virtually closed and possibly make this road impassible for 4 to 6 hours per day! This is completely unacceptable. We are asking that this proposal be blocked as soon as possible.
    Park Forest, IL
  9861. (printed as 2/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6099Unknown
  9862. (printed as 2/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6098Recaling
  9863. (printed as 2/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6097Faust
  9864. (printed as 2/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6096Conner
  9865. (printed as 2/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6095Bosnik
  9866. (printed as 2/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5903Hernon
  9867. (printed as 2/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5797ROOT
  9868. (printed as 2/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5743SAVAGLIO
  9869. (printed as 2/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5733TINDALL
  9870. (printed as 2/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5719BOYD
  9871. (printed as 2/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5716LUNDQUIST
  9872. (printed as 2/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5715PRYZWARA
  9873. (printed as 2/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5710TAFT
  9874. (printed as 2/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5707RUSSELL
  9875. (printed as 2/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5705LYNCH
  9876. (printed as 2/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5700HILGART
  9877. (printed as 2/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5682BROSCHKA
  9878. (printed as 2/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4920Brian Saarnio
    Ms. Johnson-Ball: Attached please find my comments regarding the sale of the EJ&E railroad to CN. This sale will have a dramatice negative impact on my family.
    Aurora, IL
  9879. (printed as 2/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4919L. Furley
    A significant increase in traffic on this railway would cause undo hardship and an unjustified increase in danger. There is currently 1 high school and soon-to-be a 2nd high school to the west of the tracks. There are more students that will attend these high schools from the east side of these tracks. Not only is there the danger associated with thousands of high schools students driving over these tracks everyday (at may different crossroads), but the increase in train traffic, along with the current car traffic, would cause catostrophic traffic delays and traffic build ups in roads and at intersections that cannot handle that kind of traffic. For example, Montgomery road in Aurora, with the few trains per hour that pass there now, it just about causes gridlock. In addition, a nearby hospital (Rush Copley) would be out of reach" for many of this community in an emergency. Do you have any idea how long it takes for a 100 car, slow moving freight train to go by? Can you imagine having 5 or 8 of these per hour? Not to mention these tracks run parallel to many residential neighborhoods. Can you imagine trying to get any sleep while listening to these trains go by multiple time an hour all through the night? We already have a disrupted sleep due to the trains that go through now. To increase that railway traffic would be unfair, unsafe and make it virtually impossible for residents to go about their normal lives. There would be no "normal". Because of commutes, people will have to give up their jobs and businesses will lose empoyees. This really would be a huge mistake. Not, just for some small area, but for many towns & communities all along the tracks. I respectfully request that you deny the purchase to the Canadian Railroad Co. Thank you."
  9880. (printed as 2/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4917Howard Mostyn-Brown
    This whole plan is an atrocity on our community. Not only will it have a severe environmental impact,noise, pollution. This will create road hazzards due to increased stress on crossings. Community costs will soar to keep our roads at these crossings in repair. Totriple trains will cripple this community. Commutes will be a nightmare. Schools, businesses,emergency equipment will be severly impacted by this proposal. Our community finances will be strained beyond all our budgets. we will need additional bridges and or underpasses to accomadate this absurd proposal. at what cost??? Also consider the devaluation of homes in this community by increasing the amount of train traffic. Frankly this is a poorly thought out proposal in a selfish manner to make money without regard to the people and land of this community.I didnt move here to be in a railroad yard.
    Aurora, IL
  9881. (printed as 2/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4916Stephanie Song
    We object to the proposed acquisition of EJ&E railway by Canadian National Railway, due to the tremendous increase in traffic, and road blockage it would cause. Emergency vehicles would not be able to respond to our neighborhood as quickly.
    West Chicago, Illinois
  9882. (printed as 2/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4915Neil Pedersen
    Although I don't live close to the crossings that will be impacted by the increased traffic from the proposed CN purchase, I am concerned with the safety of other residents along the route, particularly in light of the Star line. Also, as a potential future user of the STAR line (I work in St. Charles near the proposed North Ave. Station and live a short walk from the Naperville East station), the study must consider the impact of the increased CN traffic upon Star Line peak hour operations as well as the combined CN and Star line traffic upon grade level crossing safety. Finally, a possible consideration of the study should be the impact of rising fuel prices on piggy-back freight traffic. I assume rail fuel charges are more economical per mile than long haul truck. This factor may also be influenced by increased enforcement of maximum driver hours. Taken together long-haul piggy-back freight may further increase CN's projected EJE traffic. Thank you for your consideration
    Naperville, IL
  9883. (printed as 2/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4914Chad Dau
    I live about 50 yards from the E&J line in Lake Zurich. The current amount and speed of traffic already forces traffic to back-up from Ela onto Rand Road and State 22 during morning and evening rush. The rate of speed with the current track condition causes significant noise and shakes my home. Any increase in traffic would cause gridlock in out town and cause too much noise pollution. Please either do not allow an increase in traffic or force CN to put improvements in place to control noise and avoid stopping traffic. Thank you, Chad Dau
    Lake Zurich, IL
  9884. (printed as 2/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4913Kristin Miceli
    I live in the Chicory Place subdivision in Aurora approximately one mile from an at grade crossing on 83rd St/Montgomery Rd and also at Ogden Ave. If the Canadian National Railway takeover of EJ&E railrod is allowed to proceed as currently planned, train traffic will increase at least 3 times the amount we currently experience. I am very concerned about this for several reasons. 1. Safety - these crossings are already congested and will only increase. We have a high school with 36 bus routes very close by and several elementary schools that also need to cross these tracks. There are already a set of crosses next to the tracks on Ogden where two teenage boys were killed. 2. Increased emergency response time - with more traffic, emergency response time will increase greatly to all of the homes in the surrounding areas possibly causing loss of life and property. 3. Noise level - As it is, a mile away, we hear the train horns blasting in the middle of the night, even with the windows closed in the middle of winter. 4. Property values - The addition of train and car traffic in this area will negatively affect property values in our community. Thank you for your time. Kristin Miceli 12 year Aurora resident and mother of 2 small children attending school in district 204.
    Aurora, IL
  9885. (printed as 2/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4912Richard Brown
    Re STB Finance Docket no. 35087 Dear Ms. Johnson-Ball: Our small town of Barrington is already stressed by the rail traffic through our city center. Please do not allow this rail traffic to increase signficantly. Thank you, Richard Brown
    Lake Barrington, Illinois
  9886. (printed as 2/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4911Colleen Gustafson
    Reference Docket No. 35087 I oppose the proposed acquisition by CNR of the EJ&E Railway for many, many reasons. First is safety concerns. Adding even one additional train increases congestion and prohibits crossing of the tracks for the duration it takes the train to pass. This restricts the access of emergency service providers during emergencies, such as ambulances, the fire department, and the police. Such delays will, without question, increase the potential for loss of life and other personal harm, as well as damage and loss of property due to inhibiting the free passage of emergency vehicles and crews. The second element of safety concern is the propensity for an increase in injuries and loss of life due to an increase in train traffic. The second concern is the overall economic impact of an increase in traffic congestion. Few will dispute that the vast majority of people regard the noise from passing trains as disruptive and undesireable. Few people will disagree that an increase in traffic congestion is undesireable. Few people will disagree that an increase in traffic congestion deteriorates the appeal of working, traveling, shopping, and generally, living in a particular community. An increase of a mere ONE train a day will increase traffic congestion and reduce overall quality of life. No sane person will argue that the addition of even a single freight train per YEAR will increase quality of life, and therefore, the desireability of living in a particular community. The total and comprehensive harm wrought upon the neighboring communities of the EJ&E railway by the proposed EXPONENTIAL increase in freight traffic would, in a word, be catastrophic. Any one who inhabits, or travels through these communities should oppose this acquisition with every cell in their body. The following are GUARANTEED by this aquisition and the accompanying increase in freight traffic: *Increase in loss of life *Increase in bodily harm *Increase in loss to property *Increase in noise pollution *Increase in deadly diesel particulate pollution *Increase in pollution of land and water habitats *Increase in traffic congestion *Decrease in overall retail activity in neighboring communities, related to increase in traffic congestion *Decrease in overall economic output, caused by an increase in traffic congestion *Increase in stress, caused by increases in traffic congestion *Decline in property values, caused by a deterioration of the appeal of congested communities *Decline in local and state tax receipts, related to a decline of economic activity *Decline in local property tax receipts, related to a decline in property values *Deterioration of health, caused by an increase of noise pollution during sleeping/resting hours *Increase in health costs, related to increased pollution, increased stress, and increased disruption of sleep and rest I oppose such an acquisition, motivated by Canadian National Railway's desire to increase freight traffic over the EJ&E lines. I oppose such an acquisition with every cell in my body. If the acquisition is successful, the consequences of the dramatic increase in freight traffic will cause my family and I to give serious thought to moving out of our Barrington community. Please block this acquisition. Nothing can possibly compensate for the consequent harm and destruction. Most sincerely, Colleen Gustafson Barrington, IL
    Barrington, IL
  9887. (printed as 2/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4910Barrington IL Group
    1. I strongly oppose the acquisition of the EJ &E Railway by CN. 2. I strongly encourage the STB to include in this EIS a comprehensive risk assessment that includes a disclosure by CN of its intented cargo changes. Currently EJ&E primarily transports coal. 3. CN proposes to increase our abilities to better serve our customers." This statement says nothing. What specifically will they actually do (differently than EJ&E) to "better serve" these customers? New cargo? Decreased cost to this railroad carrier does NOT better serve anyone's needs but their own. 4. We have been told that RR congestion and resulting changes to traffic congestion throughout the Chicago area will be reduced by allowing train re-routing. However, it is NOT the responsibility of other communities (i.e. Barrington) to absorb this congestion on behalf of the entire Chicago-area population. This congestion should be wide-spread evenly to be shared by all."
    John Schehl
  9888. (printed as 2/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4909Rhett Gustafson
    Reference Docket No. 35087 I oppose the proposed acquisition by CNR of the EJ&E Railway for many, many reasons. First is safety concerns. Adding even one additional train increases congestion and prohibits crossing of the tracks for the duration it takes the train to pass. This restricts the access of emergency service providers during emergencies, such as ambulances, the fire department, and the police. Such delays will, without question, increase the potential for loss of life and other personal harm, as well as damage and loss of property due to inhibiting the free passage of emergency vehicles and crews. The second element of safety concern is the propensity for an increase in injuries and loss of life due to an increase in train traffic. The second concern is the overall economic impact of an increase in traffic congestion. Few will dispute that the vast majority of people regard the noise from passing trains as disruptive and undesireable. Few people will disagree that an increase in traffic congestion is undesireable. Few people will disagree that an increase in traffic congestion deteriorates the appeal of working, traveling, shopping, and generally, living in a particular community. An increase of a mere ONE train a day will increase traffic congestion and reduce overall quality of life. No sane person will argue that the addition of even a single freight train per YEAR will increase quality of life, and therefore, the desireability of living in a particular community. The total and comprehensive harm wrought upon the neighboring communities of the EJ&E railway by the proposed EXPONENTIAL increase in freight traffic would, in a word, be catastrophic. Any one who inhabits, or travels through these communities should oppose this acquisition with every cell in their body. The following are GUARANTEED by this aquisition and the accompanying increase in freight traffic: *Increase in loss of life *Increase in bodily harm *Increase in loss to property *Increase in noise pollution *Increase in deadly diesel particulate pollution *Increase in pollution of land and water habitats *Increase in traffic congestion *Decrease in overall retail activity in neighboring communities, related to increase in traffic congestion *Decrease in overall economic output, caused by an increase in traffic congestion *Increase in stress, caused by increases in traffic congestion *Decline in property values, caused by a deterioration of the appeal of congested communities *Decline in local and state tax receipts, related to a decline of economic activity *Decline in local property tax receipts, related to a decline in property values *Deterioration of health, caused by an increase of noise pollution during sleeping/resting hours *Increase in health costs, related to increased pollution, increased stress, and increased disruption of sleep and rest I oppose such an aquisition, motivated by Canadian National Railway's desire to increase freight traffic over the EJ&E lines. I oppose such an aquisition with every cell in my body. If the aquisition is successful, the consequences of the dramatic increase in freight traffic will cause my family and I to give serious thought to moving out of our Barrington community. Please block this aquisition. Nothing can possibly compensate for the consequent harm and destruction. Most sincerely, Rhett Gustafson Barrington, IL
    Barrington, IL
  9889. (printed as 2/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4908Bill Thompson
    see attachment
    frankfort, il
  9890. (printed as 2/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4907Richard Fisher
    Increase traffic via the railways through Barrington will greatly disrupt an already congested road (rt. 59). It will also cut off access of the fire and police departments plus the ambulance to half of the town of Barrington. Several measures can be taken to reduce the impact such as: 1. Constructing a over/under pass where the railway intersects Rt.59. 2. Using railways during non-rush hour times during the weed and at night on weekends. Thank you for your consideration, Richard Fisher
    Barrington, IL
  9891. (printed as 2/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4906Elizabeth Oliva
    RE: STB Finance Docket No. 35087 I ask you to please consider all the implications the purchase of the EJ&E Railway by CN Railway Company will cause to the envirnonment and safety of the Barrington, Illinois community. The present EJ&E line was not designed to carry the magnitude of lines that CN proposes. I am extremely concerned about the pollution and safety of our community's citizens. The tracks cut through our small town numerous times. The weave of train traffic would be so great as to cause a real problem of health & safety issues for our residents. Please do not allow such an atrocious disregard for the human element to happen. Please do not allow this purchase.
    Barrington, IL
  9892. (printed as 2/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4905Michael Stubenrauch
    This will cause congestion to an already congested area. Dangerous delays for needed public services. One intersection is right by a school. Rt 59 that it will be crossing is a main road in the summer for people going to the lakes and is already backed up all summer.
    Barrington, Il
  9893. (printed as 2/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4904Diana Stubenrauch
    This plan will be dangerous to the well being of residents of Barrington and surrounding areas...it will cut off access of fire, police and amublance service where needed at four important intersections making it impossible to get the help the community needs. Is the R.R. willing to build the necessary underpasses to make this work?
    Barrington, Il
  9894. (printed as 2/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4903Julius Gapuz
    Dear Phillis Johnson-Ball, I am deeply concerned about the proposed Railway Acquisition by Canadian National Railway of the EJ&E Railway. As a homeowner that lives next to the EJ&E Railway, I believe that this transaction will cause great harm to my community for the following reasons: Safety - The EJ&E Railway is extremely close to my community and to the grade school that my children, Olivia and Sophia, attend. The additional railway traffic will undoubtedly increase the chance that a horrible accident will occur. The Smith Rd. and Powis Rd. intersection is already relatively unsafe. It should be noted that my neighbors and friends chose to live in this neighborhood because of the relative safety that this neighborhood affords. Noise – Due to certain transportation regulations, locomotives that pass the intersection of Smith Rd. and Powis Rd. must sound their horn before passing. This causes an extremely loud noise that wakes up people, including my children, when they are sound asleep at night. The current level of traffic is not that unpleasant, but to increase it to a level that is more than ten times as much will make it unbearable. Home Value – The increased safety concerns and noise levels will decrease our home values. The current housing market is already very painful to all of us, but increasing railway traffic in our neighborhood will amplify our pain. Please help us prevent this transaction from occurring for the sake of my neighbors, friends and especially my children. Thanks for your help on this matter. Julius Gapuz
    West Chicago, IL
  9895. (printed as 2/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4902Ralph Chrzastek
    Increased rail traffic on the EJ&E rail line caused by the purchase by CN RR raises several concerns for me as a resident living only blocks away from the rail line. Increased traffic congestion on surface roads in an already congested area will not be pleasant. Increased air pollution from locomotive engines is a concern. Trains hauling hazardous materials is also a huge concern. Quite zones need to be established to avoid loss of sleep by residents in the adjacent neighborhoods caused by needless horn sounding. The proposed star line" commuter line will be in jeopardy as the majority of the rail line is a single track. As a resident living only blocks away from the rail line, I oppose the purchase of the EJ&E by CNRR."
  9896. (printed as 2/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4901Darryl Peterson
    Surface Transportation Board: Re: The proposed Canadian National Railway acquisition of the Elgin, Joliet and Eastern Railway; FD 35087 The proposed acquisition referred to above would impact motorized traffic north (on IL Route 59) and west (on Lake-Cook Road) from downtown Barrington, Illinois, due to the fact that the railway circles the town of Barrington to the north and west. Since the community hospital (Good Shepherd Hospital) is northwest of Barrington, increasing railroad activity on the proposed tracks could diminish emergency ambulance traffic from Barrington to the hospital. This is a potentially serious problem. Darryl Peterson 31 Little Bend Road Barrington Hills, IL 60010
    Barrington Hills, IL
  9897. (printed as 2/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4900David Mortensen
    I am currently held up by at least one train on Diehl or Liberty traveling East West from Eola to Highway 59. With only a few bridges over the train tracks, if train travel increasess without more bridges, auto traffic delays will sibnificantly increase. If the merger of CN and EJE Railway goes through, monies should be set aside to improve the bridges for auto traffic.
    Aurora, IL
  9898. (printed as 2/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4899Robert M. Kruk
    We have lived at this address since 1988 and the noise from the trains blowing their horns all night long continues to interupt our nightly sleep. We cannot tolerate an increase of this type of noise. DO NOT ALLOW THE CANADIAN NATIONAL RAILROAD THE ABILITY TO MAKE OUR LIVES WORSE BY INCREASING RAIL TRAFFIC. SINCERELY ROBERT M. KRUK
    Aurora, Illinois
  9899. (printed as 2/2/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6094Olsen
  9900. (printed as 2/2/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6093Nieves
  9901. (printed as 2/2/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6076Hilt
  9902. (printed as 2/2/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6075Hamsy
  9903. (printed as 2/2/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5731BURKE
  9904. (printed as 2/2/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5730MINARDI
  9905. (printed as 2/2/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5708GILBERT
  9906. (printed as 2/2/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5706DARLING
  9907. (printed as 2/2/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5701BUDZAK
  9908. (printed as 2/2/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5697MCNALLY
  9909. (printed as 2/2/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5685WILKINS
  9910. (printed as 2/2/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5677RUSSELL
  9911. (printed as 2/2/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5256CASEY
  9912. (printed as 2/2/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5255CASEY
  9913. (printed as 2/2/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5254CASEY
  9914. (printed as 2/2/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5215CASEY
  9915. (printed as 2/2/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4898Mark Sauer
    I'm concerned about the safety and traffic implications of the proposed change in freight traffic. The areas roadways were never designed to anticipate such heavy freight traffic. Introducing it now will result in extreme disruption of emergency vehicles, impatience among teen drivers leading to racing traffic gates, and an unimaginable disruption to traffic patterns, which is already a major problem.
    Barrington, IL
  9916. (printed as 2/2/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4897Veralyn MacLeod
    As a resident of the community east of the railway, I must state my protest to the acquisition of the Eastern Railway (EJ&E) by Canadian Railway. This is residential community with an elementary school, Peterson Elementary, very near the railroad. We cross this railway daily to take our children to lessons and are very concerned about numerous issues. High on the list is the safety factor and frequency of the freight and trasportation of hazardous material through a residential community. The roads crossing this railway are high traffic roads. The impact of multiple trains per hour is going to wreak havoc on an already difficult Wolf Crossing Road. These crossing simply can't withstand additional traffic and how will emergency vehicles travel when the rail ways will be running so frequently. Are we going to wait 15 minutes for a large frieght train to pass, only to see another coming shortly thereafter? This is a grave saftey concern. The constant sound of the trains will disrupt students in school, and negatively impact our quality of life. Hearing trains around the clock will make sleep and quite enjoyment nearly impossible. As an asthmatic and a parent of children with asthma I am gravely concerned about the additional emissions that an increas in trains will cause. I implore you to do something to stop this acquisition. This will severely impact our community, quality of life, way of life, and public health and safety. This is a RESIDENTIAL community not a freight yard. The city of Napervill has allotted land abutting the railways at Wolf Crossing for sports fields. Children will be frequently around, especially with a school nearby. In the day and age of terrorism, one has to be concerned about the attraction of hazardous waste travelling through quiet communities with children nearby.
    Naperville, IL
  9917. (printed as 2/2/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4896Lorenzo Gallaga
    Major concerns of train noise, vibrations, safety, traffic problems, pollution of sitting cars and emergency response haulted. We have also have been hearing that there will be upward of 40 trains or more (we know that once the acquisition goes through CN will put through as many trains as they want). Our house will be worthless. My property backs up to the E J & E Railroad tracks between 116th ave and Wolf road in the Sandalwood Estates Subdivision. Our home will be worthless. Why do residents in the suburbs who try to make a better life for our families have to be burdened when the City of Chicago will have a load lifted. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE DON'T ALLOW THIS ACQUISITION TO GO THROUGH!
    Frankfort, Illinois
  9918. (printed as 2/2/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4895Deeda Houghton
    I am writing to oppose Canadian National Railroad's purchase of the EJ&E Railroad. There are several problems associated with this purchase that include: 1. Safety at railroad crossing 2. Increased travel times 3. Noise and Air Pollution with increased trains 4. Impact on emergency vehicles responding to accidents and fires 5. Train horns blaring at all hours 6. Vibration damages to homes 7. Home values decreasing in affected areas and surrounding areas I would urge you to do anything possible to stop this purchase. Thank you. Deeda Houghton
    Naperville, IL
  9919. (printed as 2/2/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4894William Hampe
    We live close to Ogden Avenue (Route 34) between Frontenac Street and Long Grove in Aurora, Illinois. The proposed forty-five trains in a 24-hour period works out to be one train every 53 minutes. It takes roughly 10 minutes for a train to go through the crossing which means the next train will go through in 43 minutes. The Kinder-Morgan gas pipeline runs parallel to the tracks -- roughly 300 feet away -- which transports natural gas from the Oklahoma area. Trains cause vibrations and I believe it caused a gas leak at the pumping station on Ogden Avenue awhile back. I had to call them to come out to fix it. The trains we have now impact the transportation of emergency vehicles going to Rush-Copley Hospital as well as the Fire Department and police vehicles, and people rushing someone to the hospital due to an emergency. Our house is on the other side of the gas pipeline and we feel our house vibrate when the trains pass through now. Who is to say they will not add more trains in the future. Also, we do not know what the trains will be carrying - toxic materials or dangerous chemicals? There are many family homes very close to those trains - about 100 feet away. I'm sure more traffic will affect the resale of those homes if we have trains every little while. We, and our neighbors, are very concerned about the proposed escalation of train traffic at our crossing. Thank you, William and Frieda Hampe
    Aurora, IL
  9920. (printed as 2/2/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4893Jim Roemer
    Twenty freight trains per day coming through Barrington is insane. You are talking about almost one per hour making traffic much worse than it already is. Please conside what this will mean to our town and all the towns that reside along the EJ&E line. My wife and two children have lived here in town for almost 23 years and we would hate to see the village ruined by a company based in Canada that has no other motive except profit. Please consider this email as a request for denial of approval! Thank you, Jim, Karen, Kristin and Kelly Roemer
    Barrington, IL
  9921. (printed as 2/2/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4892Pamela A Zwieg
    I am opposed to the acquisition of the EJ&E by Canadian National. If this purchase were to happen it would have a devastating impact on Barrington. I am most concerned about the safety of our citizens, congestion of traffic and the economic impact. Why would anyone desire to live, shop or work here with multiple freight trains plowing through all day. I personally would consider moving but then who would buy my house? Please reject this acquisiion. Pamela Zwieg
    Barrington, Illinois
  9922. (printed as 2/2/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4891teel
    I work at three different locations in Barrington, and allowing all these trains to come through Barrington would just strangle our poor town and endanger lives.
    carol Teel · barrington, IL
  9923. (printed as 2/2/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4890Beth Wong
    I am concerned with Canadian National Railroad's purchase of the EJ&E railroad. I live in the area within 2 miles of two crossings that do not have bridges over the tracks. I understand train traffic is slated to increase from 15 to 45 trains per day. As it stands now, 15 trains per day at these intersections causes traffic delays and crossing safety. We have lived here for 8 1/2 years and the increased car traffic we have seen during this time, coupled with a 3X increase in train traffic is not acceptable. Many of the east west crossings without bridges are used by thousands of commuters each day. Adding to the already dicey commuting situation isn't good for our children, neighborhoods, and property values. I am also concerned with the increase of noise and air pollution, as well as the ability to get to area hospitals or for emergency response. I have witnessed many a train stopped at the Diehl and Eola intersection - this even before the increased train traffic because of this purchase. Please take my comments into consideration when preparing the Environmental Impact Statement regarding this sale. I am personally against allowing the sale because of the negative impact to my community.
    Aurora, IL
  9924. (printed as 2/2/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4889Catherine Barron
    I would like to personally request an outright denial of all priveledges that CN is asking for regarding the purchase of EJ&E railroad. I live .5 miles of the track in question that will run through the cities of Wayne and West Chicago. The increased rail traffic will make my living here impossible as this train system will block 3 of the 4 roads near my home to travel East. More than my own concerns it would deeply impact the small town of Wayne and my community in West Chicago from emergency vehicles being able to arrive for my safety. Safety is a basic human need that should NEVER be taken lightly or not considered. It is basically wrong to allow increased railway traffic in a residential area. Municipalities work diligently to make sure there is public safety on its road systems and I believe this additional train traffic would impede their efforts to provide the safety that we all pay our taxes dutifully for. So from an environmental standpoint (noise and pollution), a safety standpoint, as well as community standpoint I plead with you to not allow this transaction to split and endanger the citizens of all the areas this affects. I thank you for your time.
    West Chicago, Illinois
  9925. (printed as 2/2/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4888Bob Muray
    I am submitting these comments in reference to Finance Docket #35087; the proposed transaction between CN and EJ&E. I am firmly opposed to the transaction for a several reasons; however I will comment only to the profound impact this transaction will have on traffic and residents if allowed to pass. I live about 2 miles east of the railway in question, and find the current traffic from the trains inconvenient, but tolerable. According to CN, traffic can be expected to increase from approximately 15 – 45 trains per day. This is not at all tolerable and will impact the community in several ways: • The horns; it is too much already and I live 2 miles away from the tracks. This will ABSOULUTELY impact our home values. • The likelihood of a train blocking access to the level II trauma center of Rush-Copley hospital, for those east of the tracks, is significantly increased with no bridges available for several miles • Increased traffic delays to a community which is still growing in both residential (248th and Wolf’s Crossing area) and commercial (Rt. 59 and 75th as well as the 75th and Ogden point) development. Major shopping development underway with more commercial development land available. • Large number of students impacted with the track blocking access to Waubonsie Valley High School and Still Middle School will be impacted significantly. SEE ATTACHED BOUNDRY MAP DOCUMENT PAGES 2 & 3. I appreciate you taking the time to read my concerns. Bottom line, the area is too dense already and it is only going to get worse. With no bridges or tunnels and the proposed traffic increase estimates being significant, the proposed impacts associated with this transaction is unacceptable and not feasible.
    Aurora, IL
  9926. (printed as 2/2/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4887Arthur Erickson
    I am opposed to the Canadian National Railway aquisition of the E,J and E Railway unless both railways, and all government agencies commit to replacing and building the proper amount of underpasses/overpasses for traffic to get through. At a minimum this includes Diehl, North Aurora, Ogden, and Montgomery Roads. Quite honestly these roads should have been taken care of years ago, the amount of traffic in this area can't handle an increase in train traffic. That's why I feel EJ&E should be included in the solution. Thank you for reading.
    Aurora, IL
  9927. (printed as 2/2/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4886Mark Sigwalt
    I am against the purchase of EJ&E RR by CN RR based on a dramatic increase of freight rail traffic in our village. The increase would not only create a significant public safety hazard, it will increase the already poor traffic conditions that exist within the village and surrounding area. The school district is of great concern.
    Barrington, Illinois
  9928. (printed as 2/2/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4885Thomas Craighead
    I wish to express concerns regarding the acquisition of the EJ&E rail line by Canadian National. First that there are a number of grade crossings which are already inconvenient due to traffic delays at best and dangerous at worst. The increase of trains will significantly increase delays and danger of fatal accidents. I urge that grade separations at major road crossings be a condition of acquisition. Second, there are plans to use the EJ&E for commuter rail. Apparently these plans are in jeopardy as Canadian Rail does not support use for commuter rail. I urge that binding commitment to provide for commuter rail be a condition of acquisition. Thank you for consideration, Thomas Craighead Naperville, IL resident Member City of Naperville Transportation Advisory Board (TAB)
    Naperville, IL
  9929. (printed as 2/2/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4884Karen Harriman
    I am in total opposition to the Canadian National Railway and Grand Trunk Corporation (together, CN) acquiring the Elgin, Joliet & Eastern Railway. I live in Aurora, IL, and between Aurora, Naperville and Plainfield alone there are nearly 350,000 residents. Aurora and Naperville are the 2nd and 3rd largest cities in the state of Illinois. It deeply concerns me that the sale of the EJ&E would result in such a large volume of train traffic through such a populated area. What kinds of cargo would these trains carry? As residents, we don't know, as a Chemist by profession, the possibilities terrify me. Increased train traffic has many negative effects: it increases the possibility of community exposure to unknown hazards, it drives away wildlife that makes its' home in the surrounding area, and yes, it would make this area less desirable for humans too. Already suffering from traffic congestion, these towns are still growing. Adding a couple dozen trains a day on tracks that run right down the line separating the 2nd and 3rd largest cities in Illinois would be disasterous to the residents trying to go about their daily lives. I live less than 1 mile from a crossing, but I would have to travel more than 6 miles to find a place to cross at an underpass should there ever be an issue. Property values in this area would plummet. My family has lived in this town since 1998, and honestly, if this sale takes place, I would seriously consider selling my house and moving from this area entirely. I live ~1/2mile from a crossing, and the noise and traffic interruptions from the trains currently run on these tracks is tolerable. However, increasing it by such a large amount would virtually cut my family off from activity on the other side of the tracks. Both my husband and I must cross multiple times a day just coming and going from work, to get to the grocery store, or to a major highway. I urge you, please do not underestimate the vast and horrible impact on both people and the environment when considering this sale. Respectfully, Karen Harriman
    Aurora, IL
  9930. (printed as 2/2/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4882Maureen Trom
    live in the subdivision The Estates of Deer Crossing in Hoffman Estates. My home will be very adversly effected if the trains increase by the CNN acqusition. It will disrupt driving times, ambulance times, bus schedules, pollution, forest preserve appeal, and home tranquility. Please do not let the Cnn quadrupal the amount of trains and destroy our opeaceful suburban neighborhood. People move out of the city to the suburbs for peace and quiet. Please do not destroy these areas. Thank you, Maureen Trom
    Hoffman Estates, Illinois
  9931. (printed as 2/2/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4880Scott Ligocki
    NO,NO,NO,NO. The amount of train traffic around this area right now is terribly HIGH. The horns blaring loud at all hours of the night at Smith and Powis roads. Constant blocked intersections while they stop the trains for whatever reason. No under or over passes and these crossing block emergency vehicles. Route 59 near Schick, Smith/Powis, Bartlet train station, etc ... I always see emergency vehicles with lights on waiting and waiting on the trains. TOO MUCH! And the AIR HORNS ... in the middle of the night - ugh! If they want to buy and increase the train traffic they should have to put in under passes and design new directional horns and lighting for the crossings!
    West Chicago, IL
  9932. (printed as 2/1/2008)
    Statement
    221500Support Statement
    Canadian National Railway Company And Grand Trunk Corporation
  9933. (printed as 2/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6802Ergon
    Jones, William
  9934. (printed as 2/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6723Harkins Cunningham, Attorneys at Law
    Cunningham, Paul
  9935. (printed as 2/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6722Harkins Cunningham, Attorneys at Law
    Cunningham, Paul
  9936. (printed as 2/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6721Harkins Cunningham, Attorneys at Law
    Cunningham, Paul
  9937. (printed as 2/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6720Harkins Cunningham, Attorneys at Law
    Cunningham, Paul
  9938. (printed as 2/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6504Mi-Jack Products
    Lanigan, Jack
  9939. (printed as 2/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6483Mi-Jack Products
    Lanigan, Jack
  9940. (printed as 2/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6440MATTINGLY
  9941. (printed as 2/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6439NEALON
  9942. (printed as 2/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6438MILLER
  9943. (printed as 2/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6437PATRICK
  9944. (printed as 2/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6436KELLY
  9945. (printed as 2/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6435WARGO
  9946. (printed as 2/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6434BISHIR
  9947. (printed as 2/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6433BURLEYSON
  9948. (printed as 2/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6432MALONE
  9949. (printed as 2/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6431HERRMANN
  9950. (printed as 2/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6430ROARK
  9951. (printed as 2/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6429BRISCHETTO
  9952. (printed as 2/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6428ORLIK
  9953. (printed as 2/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6427PETERSEN
  9954. (printed as 2/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6426GIBBONS
  9955. (printed as 2/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6425DAGON
  9956. (printed as 2/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6423DRESSEL
  9957. (printed as 2/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6421VIMAWALA
  9958. (printed as 2/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6420LANKISCH
  9959. (printed as 2/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6418MIROCHNA
  9960. (printed as 2/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6417SERVOS
  9961. (printed as 2/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6416TURNIPSEED
  9962. (printed as 2/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6415GERAGE
  9963. (printed as 2/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6414MODAFF
  9964. (printed as 2/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6413ROSENFELD
  9965. (printed as 2/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6412MCKEAGUE
  9966. (printed as 2/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6411DE LA HOZ
  9967. (printed as 2/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6410KOZLOWSKI
  9968. (printed as 2/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6409NARASIMHAN
  9969. (printed as 2/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6408RUSSELL
  9970. (printed as 2/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6407JOSEPH
  9971. (printed as 2/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6406ONE
  9972. (printed as 2/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6403RUHDE
  9973. (printed as 2/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6402HALLEY
  9974. (printed as 2/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6401KUBOW
  9975. (printed as 2/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6399PALMER
  9976. (printed as 2/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6398SICKAL
  9977. (printed as 2/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6078COTTER
  9978. (printed as 2/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6074Unknown
  9979. (printed as 2/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6073Thomas
  9980. (printed as 2/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6072Benson
  9981. (printed as 2/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6046BRUENS
  9982. (printed as 2/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6045GARCIA
  9983. (printed as 2/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6044PETERSON
  9984. (printed as 2/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6043CASEY
  9985. (printed as 2/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6042DALE
  9986. (printed as 2/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6032SHARP
  9987. (printed as 2/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6025TURNER
  9988. (printed as 2/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6013CARLINI
  9989. (printed as 2/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6004Prestwick Homeowners Association
    WERNER
  9990. (printed as 2/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5947Barrington Community Unit School District
    Leonard, Tom
  9991. (printed as 2/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5938Schmitt
  9992. (printed as 2/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5904Picchetti
  9993. (printed as 2/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5729CLARK
  9994. (printed as 2/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5712TUCCI
  9995. (printed as 2/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5696HARDEKOPF
  9996. (printed as 2/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5695KOLASINSKI
  9997. (printed as 2/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5684KASPRZIK
  9998. (printed as 2/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5679SELVIK
  9999. (printed as 2/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5482VOITIK
  10000. (printed as 2/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4879Hans Schmidt
    1. I am concerned about hazardous spills and derailments into the Waubonsie Creek and the adjacent Nature Preserve. 2. How is the amount of wildlife in this area and along the tracks (deer, fox, coyote, raccoon, etc.) secured and protected from noise and vibration influence. Green corridor. 3. The grade level crossing at Ogden Ave will divert a considerable amount of car traffic North on Eola Rd and through the first logical bypass (shortcut) Oakhurst Dr N. This is a residential street with school children and a public playground. Children are in danger. 4. The schoolbus routes for McCarty, Waubonsie, Still are crossing the tracks. This is a traffic delay and safety concern. 5. The noise increase from 40 trains per day will be unbearable for residents. The horns are audible for miles. Residential dwellings are very close to the tracks. Zoning didn't consider high frequency freight traffic. I expect a budget to soundproof residential housing. I expect quiet zones for all grade crossings. 6. Vibration from an occasionally faster passing train (40 mph) is already recognizable in our neighborhood (up to 300 yd away). I expect a speed limit on the tracks of 25 mph and vibration proofing of the McCoy bridge. 7. Will there be a compensation for the damage to property values? 8. The increase in trains will hurt 1000's of residents in the western suburbs in various ways. It will not help or only very little to reduce congestion on the tracks through Chicago.
    Aurora, IL
  10001. (printed as 2/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4877Remo Kistner
    I'm concerned about the increased freight traffic which will increase the Noise and Vibration. The warning system bells/whistle will be disruptive to students during the day at local area schools Fry Elementary, Scullen Middle, and Neuqua Valley High. It will also will be disruptive to sleeping at night.
    Naperville, IL
  10002. (printed as 2/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4876Christine Manisco
    Objection to the acquisition. School and residential neighborhood is just southwest of the tracks at Powis and Smith Roads and would substantially interfere with our quality of life and learning.
    West Chicago, IL
  10003. (printed as 2/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4875Nadine Rust - Roach
    Dear Phillis, I know I already provided you with some photos of the proximity of the EJ&E RR in relation to our backyard, but I didn't think it would hurt to provide a few more. This past Sunday 1/27/2008 I took a few more photos of the deer crossing the RR tracks at dusk. Thought you might be interested in seeing the herd of deer that is so prevalent to our area since we back to the Cook County Forest Preserve and the RR tracks runs adjacent for miles.. On this day we had a total of 15 deer all at one time but I could not capture them all in one picture. This is pretty much a daily occurence, and always around dusk as you can see by the shadows in the pictures. The RR tracks are very visible in all pictures and in several of the pictures you can actually see the deer crossing the track heading west into our backyard. Thanks again for being so diligent in your review, and we appreciated you spending the time with us at the meetings. I know it must have been hard for you to be away from your family for such a long period of time. Take Care. Regards, Nadine Rust-Roach
    Hoffman Estates, IL
  10004. (printed as 2/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4874Sandra Schild
    The safety issues related to the CN acquisition have been well documented. I would like to note the effect that the increased traffic will have on the area roads slightly removed from the downtown road crossings. To avoid the delays caused by the trains, outlying roads will be used. One such road immediately west of Barrington is Brinker Road--a 2 lane township road going thru a hilly, heavily wooded area with limited visibility. This ~4 mile road goes directly past an elementary school playground and thru a wildlife area. The deer, coyotes, foxes and other animals populating the area create additional safety issues for drivers on this unlit road. This road is not designed for increased traffic or as an alternate for emergency vehicles. The infrastructure to handle the flow of traffic from/to the northwestern suburbs needs to be addressed as part of the environmental impact of increased train traffic thru Barrington. The proposed benefit to CN needs to be offset by the economic/environmental detriment of area gridlock, wasted resources and reduced quality of life. Thank you.
    Barrington, IL
  10005. (printed as 2/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4873James Raymer
    Regarding the proposed acquisition by CN Rail, I am opposed to this merger if it means an increase in rail traffic. This area is already becoming highly congested with normal road traffic. Having an average of two freight trains an hour blocking major arterial streets during rush hour and all night is not beneficial to the residents of this area. Unless CN Rail is willing to pay for overpasses at every crossing, then please do not allow this merger to take place. Thank you.
    Naperville, IL
  10006. (printed as 2/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4872Douglas Kimbell
    The Increase of trains in our area will really affect every aspect of our lives. Our children's school is located less than 1/2 a mile away from a railroad crossing in which the trains must sound their horns. The CN is proposing to increase the train traffic from the current 15.7 to 42.3 trains in a 24hr period. (Section EJ&E 10) This would be horribly disruptive to the children in school. Also, Many of the local businesses that we frequent for groceries and clothes require us to cross these tracks. With this increased traffic we would spend most of our time sitting at the crossing waiting for a train to go by. I am apposed to this proposal they should not be allowed to increase the train traffic in this area.
    Aurora, IL
  10007. (printed as 2/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4871Joseph Keating
    I was informed about the recent purchase of the EJ&E Railroad south of Libert Square. I would like to voice my concern of the added congestion, safety and noise factors. I feel that it is important to develop and maintain a series of quite zones as well as build noise reduction walls near all adjacent subdivisions. This will help with the added noise and the help keep young children out of the tracks. If you have any questions -- please feel free to call. Sincerely, Joseph Keating
    New Lenox, IL
  10008. (printed as 2/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4870Cindy Giannoni
    The residents of Matteson (Especially the Historic Older section where the EJ & E Tracks are closest to) are quite concerned with these issues: Increased train traffic by 5 fold-Longer trains-Hazardous materials-2 tracks merging into one resulting in trains running and waiting-Trains blocking major North/South streets isolating Old Matteson, especially when two viaducts on Rt. 50 (Governor's Hiway) flood frequently-Our Level 1 Trauma Center (St James of Olympia Fields) for the entire Southern suburbs is less than two miles from these tracks that could be tied up many times a day with train traffic, causing ambulances to wait or take longer routes to the Trauma Center.
    Matteson, Il
  10009. (printed as 2/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4869Brian Irion
    The proposed increase in rail traffic on the EJ+E line through Barrington and surrounding communities poses significant safety risks. As a Father of 5, with two new drivers, I have grave concerns about the 15-fold immediate increase in rail traffic that my young drivers will encounter whchever way they leave our neighborhood--especially for their 2x daily trips to and fromt eh high school. Doubling up the train lines will also have a negative impact on locatl wetlands near the highschool (behind the Quaker property) as well as through Cuba Marsh. Safety concerns have also been noted by opthers, including the inability for rescue and fire and police officers being able to travel around stopped trains, or for my family to get to the hosptal in now-more-likely event of a train stopped along the tracks. A final concern is for the transport of petro chemicals and other noxious liquids and compounds to travel through our community. We have many houses right along the tracks (including mine) and the new threat of toxic substabces (as outlined on CN's website) as well as CN's record of reducing staff while seeing higher accident and disaster rates, is a grave concern for me, my family, and my community. Please do NOT allow the destruction of our village and the threat of increaed noxious rail traffic to come forth. Say No" to CN's bid. Thank you."
  10010. (printed as 2/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4868Mortimer, Kay
    Please do not make Western Avenue any more inconvenient to travel than it already is. Where are the days when it was illegal to black a crossing for more than 5 minutes? My husband and I have both been late to work because of trains at the crossing on Western. To add more train traffic is just inconceivable. Thank you for listening.
    Park Forest, Il
  10011. (printed as 2/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4867Robert Zuponeck
    I oppsose Canadian National Rails purchase of the EJ & E lines if current rail traffic increases are correct. Road traffic is already negatively impacted by the current rail traffic. Tripling that rail traffic would make for intolerable road traffic delays. Also there is a nighttime" noise poluttuin aspect that needs to be studied as these trains will roll through the neighborhoods with horns baring 24/7. This noise impacts many neighborhoods and families in this residential area."
  10012. (printed as 2/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4866Thomas Brannigan
    I'm writing regarding the desire of CN to buy the train tracks through Naperville. I totally oppose this unless CN builds under or over passes. The delays from the train are bad as it is, to significantly increase the traffic makes absolutely no sense. And for what? What does it bring to our area other than worse congestion. Honestly, this makes ZERO sense for us. They should not be able to buy the tracks - unless they build over and under passes.
    Naperville, IL
  10013. (printed as 2/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4865Tracy Gissler
    I am extremely concerned about the proposal that will significantly increase the number of trains through my neighborhood. Beyond the negative impact on the quality of our life (dimished safety for our children, increased traffic, lower property values, additional wear on our cars if tracks are not upkept to match traffic level, etc.) I am very concerned about the noise and air pollution and the effects this will have on our health and the environment.
    Frankfort, IL
  10014. (printed as 2/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4864William Adair, MD
    I want to register my strong opposition to the CN/EJ project. As a physician, I understand the threat to life and well-being that the delays in ambulance transport time caused by blocked rail crossing will cause. This is not to mention highly impaired access for the community for a variety of critical day-to-day activities: school, work, delivery of goods to local businesses, etc. My judgement is that the burdens imposed by the proposed CN/EJ project FAR outway the benefits that CN indicates will be provided. Please STOP this from proceeding.
    Barrington Hills, IL
  10015. (printed as 2/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4863Susan Fousek
    I am very concerned about the CN takeover of EJ&E and the negative impacts that construction and increased operations will have on our communities and children. We currently live west of the railway and this will severely impact our ability to cross the tracks to many of our daily activities in a timely manner. We currently wait approximately 12 minutes for each train that blocks our crossing. In addition, we currently hear enough noise from the horns of the current train volume. Increased volume will further increase the noise in our neighborhood. Lastly, the potential for carrying chemicals at an increased volume is very scary considering how many children are in the area. The local elementary school is less that 1/2 mile from the railway. I know this will relieve congestion in Chicago, but our suburbs are not prepared for this volume and there are reasons why we are out in the suburbs to begin with.
    Aurora, IL
  10016. (printed as 2/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4862Village of Hoffman Estates
    Attached are two comment letters from Village of Hoffman Estates, Illinois Mayor William D. McLeod. The first letter provides additional comments on the draft EIS scope. The second letter outlines the importance of the Metra STAR Line when analyzing the EIS.
    William D. McLeod · Hoffman Estates, Illinois
  10017. (printed as 2/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4861Bryan McGonigal
    This is for STB Finance Docket no. 35087. My concerns on this issue are no doubt the same as virtually all Barrington area residents. Of primary importance is the impact that the significantly increased rail traffic would have on the safety of the community. The ability for police, ambulances and firefighters to respond - where time is extremely critical - will be severely and adversely affected. This in itself should hold enough weight for approval on any acquisition to be more scrutinized and rejected. Additionally, the traffic congestion with the current train schedules already causes tremendous headaches for commuters. With the proposed increase in freight traffic, attempts at traveling through the town will become extremely difficult and frustrating. The same can be said for Mundelein, where I spent many years working and had to cross over the same E J & E lines that will also be affected. Residents that live near train tracks are aware there will be noise and have learned to live with it. However, a fourfold increase is simply four times more noise pollution, which is quite disruptive to the generally peaceful environment and makes the lives of those around it that much less tolerable. Overall I am strenuously opposed to the CN acquisition. It is an absolute fact that this would be a huge detriment to the safety and lifestyle of Barrington residents.
    North Barrington, IL
  10018. (printed as 2/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4860Maria Elena Villanueva
    This project is not beneficial to our community. It will compromise the safety of our children, increase noise and air pollution in the neighborhood and increase unnecessary traffic stress.
    Naperville, IL
  10019. (printed as 2/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4859STONEGATE WEST HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION
    The horns from the trains at the Aurora Eola train yard (running east-west)area are awful. They blast so loud AND LONG!! that it is not pleasant to sit on our patio in the summer. In the evening it is hard to fall asleep listening to them. In the early morning the horns wake us up hours before we want to get up. This kind of noise pollution will only be worst if the railroad is allowed to pass through the neighborhoods in the Aurora-Naperville area. Use of the EJ&E lines should not be used to further pollute our residential areas. If something can be done about the horrific train horns used on the Burlington route from Aurora to Naperville that go east-west perhaps it would help.
    TERRI APPELHANS · AURORA, IL
  10020. (printed as 2/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4858Robert Verrando
    I am concerned about the prosepect of increasing freight rail traffic on the Elgin, Joliet & Eastern Rail Line, which CN wishes to purchase. The increased freight traffic there would adversely affect street traffic (two major Naperville/Aurora high schools are along that line) and I am concerned about its effect on BNSF communter rail traffic. It would also reduce air quality and increase noise in the area.
    Naperville, IL
  10021. (printed as 2/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4857Lori Forbear
    Not sure if this is the place for this type of comment, but I recently found out about the proposed Canadian National Railway acquisition of the EJ&E Railway company. Our neighborhood, which is filled with small children, is adjacent to the RR tracks. It is my understanding there will be a significant increase - more than double - in the number of trains that would be traveling these tracks. Not only would this be extremely disruptive to the traffic flow, but it would greatly impact the quality of life for my family and those in the surrounding neighborhoods.
    lockport, IL
  10022. (printed as 1/31/2008)
    Comments
    221560Environmental Comment
    Friends Of The Earth And Illinois Public Interest Research Group
  10023. (printed as 1/31/2008)
    Motion
    221483Motion To Compel · in FD 35087 (Sub-No. 7)
    Arcelormittal, Usa Inc., Arcelormittal Burns Harbor Llc, Arcelormittal Indiana Harbor Inc., Arcelormittal Kote Inc., Arcelormittal Tek Inc., Arcelormittal Hennepin Inc., And Arcelor Mittal Riverdale Inc.
  10024. (printed as 1/31/2008)
    Motion
    221482Motion To Compel · in FD 35087 (Sub-No. 6)
    Arcelormittal, Usa Inc., Arcelormittal Burns Harbor Llc, Arcelormittal Indiana Harbor Inc., Arcelormittal Kote Inc., Arcelormittal Tek Inc., Arcelormittal Hennepin Inc., And Arcelor Mittal Riverdale Inc.
  10025. (printed as 1/31/2008)
    Motion
    221481Motion To Compel · in FD 35087 (Sub-No. 5)
    Arcelormittal, Usa Inc., Arcelormittal Burns Harbor Llc, Arcelormittal Indiana Harbor Inc., Arcelormittal Kote Inc., Arcelormittal Tek Inc., Arcelormittal Hennepin Inc., And Arcelor Mittal Riverdale Inc.
  10026. (printed as 1/31/2008)
    Motion
    221480Motion To Compel · in FD 35087 (Sub-No. 4)
    Arcelormittal, Usa Inc., Arcelormittal Burns Harbor Llc, Arcelormittal Indiana Harbor Inc., Arcelormittal Kote Inc., Arcelormittal Tek Inc., Arcelormittal Hennepin Inc., And Arcelor Mittal Riverdale Inc.
  10027. (printed as 1/31/2008)
    Motion
    221479Motion To Compel · in FD 35087 (Sub-No. 3)
    Arcelormittal, Usa Inc., Arcelormittal Burns Harbor Llc, Arcelormittal Indiana Harbor Inc., Arcelormittal Kote Inc., Arcelormittal Tek Inc., Arcelormittal Hennepin Inc., And Arcelor Mittal Riverdale Inc.
  10028. (printed as 1/31/2008)
    Motion
    221478Motion To Compel · in FD 35087 (Sub-No. 2)
    Arcelormittal, Usa Inc., Arcelormittal Burns Harbor Llc, Arcelormittal Indiana Harbor Inc., Arcelormittal Kote Inc., Arcelormittal Tek Inc., Arcelormittal Hennepin Inc., And Arcelor Mittal Riverdale Inc.
  10029. (printed as 1/31/2008)
    Motion
    221477Motion To Compel · in FD 35087 (Sub-No. 1)
    Arcelormittal, Usa Inc., Arcelormittal Burns Harbor Llc, Arcelormittal Indiana Harbor Inc., Arcelormittal Kote Inc., Arcelormittal Tek Inc., Arcelormittal Hennepin Inc., And Arcelor Mittal Riverdale Inc.
  10030. (printed as 1/31/2008)
    Motion
    221476Motion To Compel
    Arcelormittal, Usa Inc., Arcelormittal Burns Harbor Llc, Arcelormittal Indiana Harbor Inc., Arcelormittal Kote Inc., Arcelormittal Tek Inc., Arcelormittal Hennepin Inc., And Arcelor Mittal Riverdale Inc.
  10031. (printed as 1/31/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6815Kurt, Christopher
  10032. (printed as 1/31/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6800SEMCOG
    Tait, Paul
  10033. (printed as 1/31/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6232Thomas, Curtis & Denise
  10034. (printed as 1/31/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6051Poston, Rebecca
  10035. (printed as 1/31/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5975Nasui
  10036. (printed as 1/31/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5934Crabtree
  10037. (printed as 1/31/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5933Korzenko
  10038. (printed as 1/31/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5931Campbell
  10039. (printed as 1/31/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5914Ottosen Britz Kelly Cooper & Gilbert, Ltd. for EJFPD
    GILBERT
  10040. (printed as 1/31/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5877MCLEOD
  10041. (printed as 1/31/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5872UNKNOWN
  10042. (printed as 1/31/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5766Crest Hill Public Library
    POINTON
  10043. (printed as 1/31/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5765Ela Area Public Library District
    CAMPE
  10044. (printed as 1/31/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5741MOUNTSIER
  10045. (printed as 1/31/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5713STOCKTON
  10046. (printed as 1/31/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5483MAYOTTE
  10047. (printed as 1/31/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5321HARTMANN
  10048. (printed as 1/31/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5098ADLER
  10049. (printed as 1/31/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5096Midwest Generation
    SILER
  10050. (printed as 1/31/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4856Bill Densmore
    I am writing you as a concerned resident of the Village of Hoffman Estates, Illinois. The proposed acquisition of the EJ&E railroad by Canadian National and its projected increase in freight traffic will negatively impact my daily life. I urge you to thoroughly evaluate all environmental issues that affect Village of Hoffman Estates residents when you consider the acquisition by Canadian National. I would like to commend the Surface Transportation Board for soliciting public input for the Environmental Impact Statement, and the following details a summary of issues important to me as a resident of the Village of Hoffman Estates. Locally in the Village of Hoffman Estates, the EJ&E tracks run adjacent to residential neighborhoods, a community park, and a forest preserve. All of these amenities are an important reason why I originally moved to the Village. Please consider the effects of the freight traffic on noise and vibrations (especially for night time operations), air quality, emissions, impacts to area wildlife, for residents who live in these neighborhoods or use the parks or forest preserve. I am also concerned about safety at the at-grade crossing of the EJ&E railroad tracks at Shoe Factory Road, which is an important east/west link for the Village. The road is used by residents, businesses, school buses and emergency vehicles. There is a trail crossing at this location that is used by bicycles and pedestrians. The congestion, fuel consumption, and safety impacts to these users should be considered during your evaluation. Finally, I would ask you consider the effects of this acquisition farther in the future, including its implications to the proposed future STAR Line commuter rail. The information provided by the Canadian National is only for the next three years. As a resident who plans to live in the Village for a much longer time, it’s important to me what will happen in the next ten to twenty years.
    Hoffman Estates, Il
  10051. (printed as 1/31/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4855Denise Czuprynski
    CN's proposed acquisition of EJE cannot be allowed to happen without further environmental study on affected communities and without a commitment by the company to allocate an appropriate amount of funding to improve the rail lines, crossings and related aspects of the infrastructure. The amount they are currently earmarking is woefully insufficient. Their plans to increase rail traffic throughout the suburban Chicagoland area may be good in theory (for the city of Chicago); however, there are far too many grade crossings that would need to be changed for their vision to be effectively or productively realized within the next 10 years. Specifically, in the southern suburbs, all north/south traffic would be crippled except on major highways and on Cicero Ave., where a railway bridge currently exists. Beyond the immediate traffic problems would be significant economic ramifications, which could be devastating to an already struggling community--not to mention the inherent safety, noise and environmental concerns. The plan, as it now stands, is inadequate and must be reviewed and rethought with the public's best interest in mind.
    Crete, IL
  10052. (printed as 1/31/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4854Sandra eisen
    If the proposed Canadian National Railway Company acquires the Elgin, Joliet and Eastern Railway Company it will adversely affect the environment here in Wayne. We have just added several hundred acres of forest preserve land. This land is home to some endangered turtles and native plants. The increased traffic will also effect migratory birds. Our fire and ambulance service will not be able to get through to us due to trains blocking the roads that lead to our village. This I feel is even more important than the environmental effect.
    Wayne, IL
  10053. (printed as 1/31/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4853Irina Kosyakova
    Current train traffic already creates a lot of noise and vibration. Nearby houses foundations are shaking and, sometimes, get cracks. Long traffic delays on route 34, Montgomery, Liberty and other routes will become even longer with number of trains increased after proposed sale. It will interfere with Fire department, police and ambulance in a case of emergency.
    Aurora, IL
  10054. (printed as 1/31/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4852Dean Frank
    Dear Mrs. Johnson-Ball: As a homeonwner near the current EJ&E rail line, we are quite concerned about the possible acquisition of the rail line by CN. Our primary concerns focus on the expected substantial increase in noise and vibration of our home, the safety of our daughter's school bus crossing the grade crossing at 111th Street, the increase traffic congestion, increased air pollution, and decrease in our property value. Had we known that this sale was in consideration we would not have purchased our new house near this rail line. Please carefully consider the impact of this railway acquisition. Although there are potential benefits for some residents in other portions of the Chicago area, there are substantial detrimental effects in areas such as where my family lives. We do not beleive that the acquisistion of the EJ&E Rail line by CN is beneficial to the residents of Plainfield or any other community along the rail line. We hope you study the possible impacts very carefully. Thank you very much for your time and consideration. Sincerely, Dean and Melissa Frank
    Plainfield, IL
  10055. (printed as 1/31/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4851Kim Tomczyk
    I have many concerns regarding the purchase of EJ & J railroad by Canadian National. These tracks run through neighborhoods, in backyards, near parks and schools and through forest preserves. The increased freight traffic will disrupt all these areas and create a safety hazard. Safety issues: Increased time for fire trucks and emergency vehicles to arrive in our subdivision. My three children go over these tracks 2-4 times a day. The increase traffic increases the chance of an accident as well as delays their arrival to school or their return home. Trains frequently block the road at Shoe Factory. My child has sat on the bus for 15-20 minutes waiting for trains to pass. This back up causes accidents over the big hill; unsuspecting drivers rear end stopped vehicles. Tracks and crossing are not designed for the amount of trains. There are only a few locations of double tracks. Trains are forced to stop and wait for other trains to move to the double track for passing. These stopped trains block traffic. They stop with such force that my whole house shakes and vibrates. I am concerned with the transportation of hazardous materials. My children play on their swing set within 50 feet of the tracks. I am concerned about the safety of the wildlife that lives along the tracks. I can see deer from my back windows. The increase from 5-25 trains a day is unacceptable and affects the quality of life of my family and neighbors. The purchase of these tracks should be stopped. Please consider its effects on the many, many people that live on the tracks, near the tracks, or travel over the tracks.
    Hoffman Estates, IL
  10056. (printed as 1/31/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4850Midwest Generation
    See attached
    Larry W. Siler · Chicago, IL
  10057. (printed as 1/31/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4849Patty & John Kudla
    We are opposed to 45+ freight trains running through the Village of Barrington! We are opposed because of the environmental concerns as they relate to air quality and the traffic congestion. Mostly, we are opposed because of safety concerns... our middle school son will be crossing those tracks twice daily.
    North Barrington, Illinois
  10058. (printed as 1/31/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4848Gregory Bird
    I am writting to comment on the Canadian National's purchase of the EJ & E railroad that runs through our community, Frankfort, Illinois. My particular concern is that there does not seem to be any co-ordination between governmental agencies. Harlem Avenue is due to be re-designed and widened in the near future. Harlem is the major north/south artirial road in our area that crosses the EJ & E tracks near our home. If grade separation is required at Harlem Avenue due to the proposed sale, should you not advise the Counties of Cook and Will not to proceed with the widening of the road until your review is done? While I have other concerns regarding the sale, increased noise and pollution from the increase in trains running on the tracks that abbut my yard, you need to be aware of this road improvement project. Please do not let the counties make their improvements based on faulty data regarding the number of trains that are going to be using the tracks in the future +/- 28 verses the number using the tracks today +/- 6. Thank you for your attention to this matter. GJB.
    Frankfort, Illinois
  10059. (printed as 1/31/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4847Woods of South Barrington Residents
    We are opposed to the EJ&E merger which would result in increased train volume through the Barrington area. We are in a new subdivision about a block from the train crossing of Penny road near Route 59. Currently, the blasting train horn awakens us at all hours as it passes our neighborhood 7-10 times a day.We will not tolerate any more train traffic. Further, we would like to petition for the existing trains to build an underpass or other sound barrier. It is a terrible nuisance to our new neighborhood of over 300 residences.
    Connie Dubois · South Barrington, IL
  10060. (printed as 1/31/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4846Kathy Kibler
    Please, please no more trains. The three main roads into my subdivison have the said railroad tracks that would have increaesed train traffic to a train every 32 minutes. Every place I drive to there I have to cross these tracks. My work, my childrens schools, all of our shopping would be interrupted by adding this amount of trains. This would effect our live in so many ways. We stuggle as it is being a middle class American. You have to work twice as hard to get anywhere and with no help. Please don't add this burden to our everyday living. Traffic is already terrible, the value of our house will go down I'm sure, the train whistles now keep us from being able to have fresh air in the summer. I know I don't mean a thing to any of you but I'm tired of working hard everyday to make a nice life for my family just to get slapped in the face by big business. Please think about my family. Thank You Kathy Kibler
    Lockport, IL
  10061. (printed as 1/31/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4845Margaret Myalls
    I wish to comment on the purchase of the E&J RR by Canadian RR. I have serious concerns about how this will affect the quality of life in our area. We live about a mile from the tracks, which I drive across everyday going to work or shopping. The crossing on Shoe Factory Rd. is at the bottom of a hill on a two-lane rural road, which backs the traffic up now with the infrequent freight trains we currently see. If the number of trains increases, this road will be unusable unless an overpass is built at the crossing. Now that the ten minute limit on the blocking of traffic has been overturned by the court, there won't be any leverage for the village to keep the crossing clear for drivers. Also, the noise will increase sigificantly, in an otherwise quiet area of new homes and forest preserves. Additional traffic will be a safety hassard for children in the area and for emergency vehicles trying to get through. This track passes next to a protected forest preserve with limited roadways through it. The increased noise and vibration will negatively impact we who live nearby and the wildlife in the forest. Last, the E&J railbed is envisioned as part of a new commuter line to connect our community with the airport and the rest of the Metra commuter rail lines. How could this work if the track is handling as many as twenty freight trains per day? I really hope that STB looks closely at the enviornmental impact this will have on us and our neighbors. Thank you for the opportunity to voice my opinion.
    Hoffman Estates, IL
  10062. (printed as 1/31/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4844Shorely Woods Condo Assoc.
    As board members of Shorely Woods Apartment Condominium Association we are concerned about the Canadian National Railway acquisition of the EJ&E rail track and the resulting increase rail traffic. A majority of our residents are elderly and we are very concerned about the possible longer response times for medical emergencies. With increased train traffic and the likely increase in the time to commute to the downtown Barrington area for grocery shopping, doctor appointments, and other activities, we are concerned about the safety of our residents walking or driving to downtown Barrington. Our property borders the rail tracks. We are also very concerned about the environmental impact to our property. Thank you for the opportunity to voice our concerns. Robert Raffery Board President Patricia Radosh Vice President Melinda Hill Treasurer Lois Wollney Secretary
    Lois Wollney · Barrington, IL
  10063. (printed as 1/31/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4843Myron Wernette
    After reading Congresswoman Melissa Bean's, 8th District of IL, comments that were sent to me, I am as a citizen of the mid-west and railroad worker (CSXT) here in West Michigan, inspired to comment on this CN/EJ&E deal. This transaction has both negatives & positives as all deals have, but the positives far outweigh the negatives for all of us! I explained to my relatives & friends in Illinois how the STB worked on these transactions & how Bean's article had an element of truth but was mainly 1/2 truths because the CN would be required to upgrade their new EJ&E line in order to operate trains at the speed they normally operate compared to the old style of EJ&E slow-drag" operation. While the "J" only ran a couple of trains on this belt-line, they operated long slow drags that took a long time to clear critical crossings such as in Lake Zurich, IL. The CN on the other hand operate more frequent, but faster trains so that crossings are not as heavily impacted. I suspect that Melissa Bean is "cowtowing" to the well-to-do constituents that live in her district; a type of "not in my back yard you won't" attitude. You think???? As stewards of this earth, we need to utilize this belt-line to get traffic which, otherwise, would be handled by less efficent trucks causing increased traffic & air pollution in the north & western Chicago area, to the destinations on the south & east side of Chicagoland area! Also, there is the possibility of this line positively impacting the states of Michigan, Indiana, & Ohio, by allowing bulk commodities to possibly operate via. CSXT through Michigan via. CSXT's Grand Rapids line into Canada while allowing the faster freight on CN (ex-GTW)through Battle Creek to operate over thier own lines, therefore balancing the traffic and eleminating congestion on all rail lines let alone keeping freight on the energy efficient/less polluting rail lines rather then the already congested interstates in and around the entire Chicagoland area! Please in the name of stewardship, put your stamp of approval on this transaction with the only stipulation being possibly getting a required statement of understanding from CN that trains would operate of no more then "x" number of car lenths and at a normal "x" rate of speed depending on your EIS. Thank you for allowing me via. this avenue of comment to let you know my feelings. I have worked for CSXT since 06/1978 in both contract (trainman-locomotive engineer) and non-contract (Loco. Engineer Training Instructor, RFofE, Terminal Trainmaster) capacities in the states of Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Ohio, Virginia, Maryland, West Virginia, & Pennsylvania. Sincerely submitted, Myron Wernette, CSXT Hudsonville, Michigan"
  10064. (printed as 1/31/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4842Neil OShea
    I totally oppose this sale and the expansion that is being proposed. This will ruin entire communities (especially ours) as the train will destroy our commute to school, grocery stores, and our jobs. In addition I expect property values to plummet. All this so that a Candian rail company can make more profit !!! WHY ????
    Hoffman Estates, IL
  10065. (printed as 1/31/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4841Regina Brown
    I would like to register my complaint against the proposed Canadian National and EJ&E merger. The increased train traffic would cause me to drive 10-15 miles out of my way to avoid congestion thru downtown Barrington. My carbon footprint" will increase exponentially whether I drive unnecessary miles out of my way or if I sit idiling in traffic waiting for trains to pass thru."
  10066. (printed as 1/31/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4840Carol Bletz
    I have been a resident of Bartlett for 30 years. I live on the east side of town. I only recently heard of the proposed acquisition of the EJ&E railroad by CNR. My concerns are in line with those of other residents. I am sure that you are aware of them. Pollution of all types, risk of hazardous materials spills, traffic flow, the progress of the Star Line, emergency fire and police response times to the west side of town, etc are all issues that I am certain have been voiced by many others. Even though I live a distance away from the railway, the prospect of it all disturbs me. Most of Bartlett's industry is on the west side of town. People struggled in order to purchase homes out there thinking that they were going to be a part of a wonderful community. But it seems that the west side of Bartlett really isn't connected with the east side. There is so much going on out there between the industrial park, the quarry, etc. This would just devastate residents out there. Not only is there the obvious concerns that I mentioned above, but property values would be adversely affected.
    Bartlett, IL
  10067. (printed as 1/31/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4839Ashesh Tailor
    see attachment
    Bartlett, Il
  10068. (printed as 1/31/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4838Century Trace Homeowners Association
    I request an additional open house in the Naperville/Plainfield area. I request an extension of the public comment period until after the meeting can be held. I am opposed to the prosed sale of EJ&E to CN. Please see attached for my issues and concerns.
    Michael Mittelstadt · Plainfield, IL
  10069. (printed as 1/31/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4837Tom Hartmann
    Docket #35087 I appose the proposed Canadian National Railway Company acquisition of the Elgin, Joliet and Eastern Railway Company for the following reasons: • Safety issue – Response times for the only fire station east of the tracks that services three large subdivisions west of the tracks on West Bartlett Rd will be severely impacted by the increased use of the tracks by CNRC. This poses a very real safety hazard to residents west of the tracks on both Stearns and West Bartlett Rd. • Potential rail car blockages on West Bartlett and on Stearns leaves residents west of the rail tracks completely locked as these are the only streets that you can gain access to the subdivisions. Lake Street does allow access, but it clearly is a much longer route and Lake Street already has heavy traffic. Residents who are forced to now use Lake Street in fear of a rail delay will only increase their fuel consumption and over burden the Lake street traffic. This will have a negative environmental effect because it will increase fuel consumption and air pollution. • Severe traffic back ups already occur on both west Bartlett and Stearns Rd at the current rail usage rates. Increasing the rail usage rates will have negative impacts on both property values and on increased pollution due to increase road time and idling cars in traffic congestion. • Increased rail usages for industrial rail transit increases the likelihood for toxic waist spills which would negatively impact the many residential properties that the E,J and E rail lines traverse. • Canadian National Railway’s poor safety record as documented on the NTSB web site. CNR’s poor safety record is rooted in poor work standards for their workers who are often working under severe fatigue. Under the top 10 listings of train incidents in 2007, CNR was listed 3 times. I also question CNR’s record on improving environmental impact that their company imposes on communities.
    Bartlett, Illinois
  10070. (printed as 1/31/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4836James T Wilson
    Comments on the CN transaction with EJ&E
    Naperville, IL
  10071. (printed as 1/31/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4835Champaign County Regional Planning Commission
    We would like to submit the attached letters as part of the Environmental Scoping process for the proceedigs in FD 35087.
    Frank DiNovo · Urbana, IL
  10072. (printed as 1/31/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4834Sherry Bletz-Hartmann
    I have a great number of concerns regarding the proposed acquisition of the Elgin, Joliet, and Eastern Railway Co. The obvious and most grave concerns are as follows: 1. I live on the west side of the tracks. Our closest fire department is just on the east side of the tracks. As a former police officer, I know how important a few moments can make when responding to emergency calls. I do not want my family's safety compromised by a delayed response from any emergency vehicle that happens to get hung up at the crossing. 2. The prospect of the Star Line would most likely meet its demise should the acquisition happen. This line would link my family to family and friends that live in communities currently unreachable by train. The Star Line would also increase the property values in the area. We all can use all of the help we can get when considering investments this day in age. 3. The pollution problems are of great concern for us. The emissions and the noise are guarantees, but the potential hazardous waste spills are of particular concern. I am very cautious about our water quality, our air, and other environmental issues under normal conditions. My level of concern for my family's well-being will sky-rocket should this acquisition happen. 4. Traffic flow is already an issue on West Bartlett Rd. and Stearns. Rail cars often stop on the crossing which creates severe traffic back-ups. These are the only roads that give access to subdivisions on the west side of Bartlett. Any detour would take a commuter far out of their way wasting time and gas doing so. 5. To go along with my concerns over toxic spills, the safety record for CNR is not impressive by any standard. So, the above lists my top five concerns, but my concerns are not limited to those five. I hope that our community will not have to endure the negative impact that this acquisition threatens to impose upon us. Should this go through, I would not hesitate to move to another community in order to avoid any inconveniences and/or dangers affiliated with CNR. Piece of mind would be my motivation. We have enough industry on the west side of Bartlett. We don't need anymore.
    Bartlett, Illinois
  10073. (printed as 1/31/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4833Lorie Crouse
    I am gravely concerned over the proposed CN Railway acquisition of the EJ&E line. We live very close to the EJ&E tracks in my community. Many of our neighbors' properties run up to the EJ&E tracks. The increased usage will surely cause our property values to decrease. More importantly, I'm even more concerned about the environmental impact of our community. We live in a rural area, with abundant wildlife. Many individuals jog across the EJ&E tracks, as there are no sidewalks in our community. Most certainly, there will be dangerous types of products being transported. Bottom line, increased usage by this acquisition will cause detrimental effects to our livelihoods and property values. Please do not let this acquisition go through. Thank you very much. Lorie Crouse
    Barrington, IL
  10074. (printed as 1/31/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4832Village of Frankfort
    see attacjhment
    Ann Hussain · frankfort, Illinois
  10075. (printed as 1/31/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4831N.C. & Judy Mayo
    We live near the area where the train traffic will increase. We often spend 15 to 30 minutes on Liberty waiting to get to 59. Increasing the train traffic will add noise, pollution and increase wait times to cross the tracks. We will have to go out of our way & waste gasoline & time to avoid long waits. We do not feel that this proposal is in the best interest of the people living or working in this area. Thank you, Judy Mayo & N.C. Mayo
    Aurora, IL
  10076. (printed as 1/31/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4830Concerned Citizens
    I am pleading with you not to permit the purchase of the EJ&E by CN. If purchase allowed to take place the safety of many will be at risk and no one wants see an increase in injuries and death do to increased rail traffic in residentail areas. There are too many outdated crossings without gates, the the rail line was constructed over 100 years ago for lighter rail traffic (not the anticipated 500-700% increase in rail traffic), the viaducts and overpasses would need upgrading to be safe, there are schools and playgrounds in close proximaty..putting our kids at risk, our emergency services (fire & polioce) would be delayed by the long waits at crossings and this could cause people to die from lack of immidiate responders. Besides the safetyu issues, the environmental concerns are also extremely important, like; noise, vibration, pollution, traffic congestion, and effects on wildlfe. Please take all the citizen feedback seriously. The safety of our comminty is at stake!!!!!
    Ron Dutner · Elgin, IL
  10077. (printed as 1/31/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4829Pamela J. Park
    See attached letter.
    Buffalo Grove, Illinois
  10078. (printed as 1/31/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4828Maureen Pratscher
    I am a trustee for the Village of Deer Park, and I am speaking in that role and as an individual resident. The proposed purchase by Canadian National would have an extremely negative impact on the residents of Deer Park. A portion of the Village would be denied immediate access to the closest hospital (Good Shepherd Hospital in Barrington) while the numerous proposed freight trains are passing through the area. In addition, children in another portion of the Village may be late for school when those same trains are blocking their bus routes. Please consider people as part of the environment when making your Environmental Impact Study.
    Deer Park, IL
  10079. (printed as 1/31/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4827Edward Bemis
    I would like to know what affect the sale of the EJ&E to CNR will have on our recently passed whistle ban in Plainfield. A lot of work and time went into getting this passed and I would hate to see it recinded now.
    Plainfield, IL
  10080. (printed as 1/31/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4826Frantiska Anirudhan
    We have many concerns regarding the proposed sale of the EJ&J railway to Canadian Railway. Our main concern is the environmental impact on our communinty. This area is surrounded by wild life and forest preserves. The contents of the trains will be hazardous to the environment, especially in the case of accidents. Currently, every year there are accidents with the current train traffic. Every year we see new crosses erected at the tracks where children are killed. Another concern is real-estate values of our homes. In an already declining marked this sale will cause Naperville, Aurora & Plainfield and other towns greater depreciation in prices. Another concern is the increased traffic. Most crossings are at street level and are at main roads that connect western suburbs to schools and hospitals. This sale will have a drastic impact on the local economy. If this sale is to go through the Canadian Rail Co. must be willing to spend millions in creating underpass/bridges for main artery roads.
    Aurora, Il
  10081. (printed as 1/31/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4825Friends of the Earth
    Chicago EJ&E debates Final Comment on scope of STB DEIS 1 30 08 FRED MILLAR, Ph.D. 915 S. BUCHANAN ST. APT. 29 ARLINGTON VA 22204 TEL: 703-979-9191 e-mail: fmillar@erols.com COMMENTS ON THE SCOPE OF THE STB DRAFT EIS ON THE CANADIAN NATIONAL’S EJ&E PROPOSAL (STB FINANCIAL DOCKET 35087) Fred Millar, representing Friends of the Earth and Brian Imus, Executive Director of Illinois Public Interest Research Group are pleased to submit the following comments for the record. I. Content: The ongoing STB Draft Environmental Impact Study – [see http://www.stb.dot.gov/decisions/ReadingRoom.nsf/0/4f333b3e805efd2f852573b6006e6 524?OpenDocument] must consider as within its scope: a. All plausible and available alternatives: including CN’s potential for routing of some portion of its medium- to long-range North-South and East-West through cargoes on further-out rail lines skirting the crowded Chicago metropolitan area, to further both disaster prevention and counter-terrorism. Such consideration falls within the “public interest” mandate in the STB charter. This does not involve suggesting that CN has to buy these “safer and more secure” rail lines, but that CN simply utilize the industry’s normal kinds of interchange and trackage rights agreements with the other railroads in the region. Interchanges are the life-blood of the North American railroad industry, utilized by railroads more than 5.5 million times a year in the US for normal commercial purposes. Non-target rail lines well outside the Chicago target area are available as alternatives -- such as those through Kankakee, Streator, Buda, etc. This suggestion is based on some experience in the Chicago area. I helped initiate a 2005 campaign for a Chicago Board of Aldermen proposed ordinance on hazmat re-routing and testified in the subsequent hearing which got Tribune and Sun-Times coverage. In the 2005 re-routing ordinance hearing in Chicago, the railroads estimated that fully 65% of their cargoes into Chicago railyards were through shipments with no origin/destination in Chicago area, i.e., that could go around. There was no detailed breakdown of the most dangerous cargoes. Arguments for the rationality of consideration of further-out alternative lines include: 1. The current notorious congestion in Chicago’s railyards 2. The projected future rise in rail freight demand and even more congestion 3. The current efforts by major railroads to find ways around Chicago, e.g., by using other hubs such as East St. Louis or Memphis. 4. The historical recognition of the need for rational regional freight planning – at least as early as the venerable 1909 Plan of Chicago by Daniel Burnham and Edward Bennett, which advocated relocating freight operations to provide space for Chicago to grow, relieve congestion and improve the quality of life (cf. “The Metropolis Freight Plan Technical Report”, 2004, p. 58, Metropolis 2020.) b. Terrorism-caused (as well as accidental) hazmat releases and their potential impacts on all the plausible alternative lines, as well as on the downtown Chicago and EJ&E lines. See the (inadequate but significant) precedent in a previous STB case (“Bayport Loop” case): http://www.stb.dot.gov/stb/environment/key_cases_bayport.html There is continued widespread post-9/11 public concern, including in the Chicago area, about the terrorism threat posed by poison gas [TIH] rail shipments through major cities. As CSXT Railroad suggested in the federal rulemaking docket, the public has begun to think anew since 9/11 re what is an acceptable risk: “The support of the public, and of many policy makers, has greatly eroded since 9/11. Now the railroads are harshly criticized for transporting these [TIH cargoes] …Our company’s reputation has been assailed…[and] vilified in the media. TIH cannot simply continue to move by railroad indefinitely…Even if the potential for ruinous liability were somehow erased, the widespread social disapproval of TIH transport by rail would remain.” [CSXT comments to the US DOT rail security rulemaking docket (2/27/07)] http://dmses.dot.gov/docimages/pdf101/456287_web.pdf We now have 11 major US cities (including Chicago) with re-routing ordinances introduced since 9/11 (all based on the DC ordinance from 2003) , and about 25 major TV investigative pieces. And similar re-routing bills have been introduced also in major chemical state legislatures – e.g., TN and NYS. Even though there is a new federal law on rail hazmat re-routing for counter-terrorism, voluntary or STB-mandated efforts by the railroads to re-route around major target cities could be immediately valuable in reducing risks: The new re-routing bill from Congress, HR 1, Section 1551, [signed by President Aug 3, 2007] says we should systematically consider re-routing the most dangerous hazmat [“WMD”] rail cargoes around our (est. 46) “high-consequence areas”, major target cities, such as the greater Chicago area. The Congressional intent is clear enough. This should mean not going through the outskirts of major cities with cargoes like chlorine gas, one tank car of which can produce a toxic gas cloud 15 miles long by 4 miles wide (say widely-known industry documents). The most dangerous rail cargoes should use available alternative routes well around major cities like Chicago. But the two major opponents of re-routing, the Bush Administration and the individual railroads, are in charge of implementing the law. So Chicago will get no likely relief anytime soon from “the greatest vulnerability in the nation” [see Falkenrath, attached]. Additionally: • Forthcoming Bush Administrations regulations are reportedly designed, as in an earlier iteration on December 21, 2006 to provide the railroads with 27 different ways not to re-route. • Neither state and local officials nor rail workers have any role in railroads’ routing decisions. • And the railroads’ routing decisions will be entirely secret. • So there will be virtually no accountability regarding whether terrorism risks have been reduced or not. The Chicago region “high consequence” target area includes the near-in suburbs along the EJ&E line like Joliet, Barrington, East Chicago, etc. Any attack there will no doubt yield the international headlines which the terrorists desire: “Terrorists Attack Chicago!” [not “Terrorists Attack Barrington!”] c. The likely catastrophic and non-catastrophic insurance impacts of changes in freight traffic (and specifically hazmat traffic) along various routing alternatives: The Association of American Railroads has testified in Congress repeatedly that railroads even now have inadequate insurance to carry the most dangerous poison gas (TIH) cargoes through major cities: “Indeed, railroads understand as well as anyone that hazmat safety is essential. This transportation carries extraordinary risks for railroads, and the revenue that highly-hazardous materials generate for railroads does not come close to covering the liability to railroads associated with this traffic. This is especially so for TIH. Even though TIH accounts for a small fraction of total rail traffic, the transport of TIH has the potential to be a “bet the company” activity for railroads.2 2 Even with the extension last year of the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act, TIH contributes some 50 percent to the overall cost of railroad insurance. Even with this substantial expenditure, it is not possible to fully insure against a catastrophic incident involving TIH. Insurers are less and less willing to write insurance at all for these risks.” [ Page 4 of 20, testimony of Edward R. Hamburger, President of AAR before the US House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, Subcommittee on Railroads, June 13, 2006] II. Methodological Issues and Resources: [Background: I scanned several documents, including the STB’s Draft EIS and Final EIS, for the 2002-2004 “Bayport Loop” project in Houston Texas (STB Finance Docket 34079). This seemed the recent STB project most similar to the EJ&E proposal, as a contentious recent proposal for a large increase in new rail traffic, including hazardous chemicals [“hazmat”], through a major city’s suburbs. Sustained Houston suburban residential opposition eventually killed the Bayport Loop proposal, which would have meant building a new 13-mile suburban rail line carrying a significant number of hazmat cargoes, and forced a Tom Delay-imposed political solution in which chemical companies and railroads grudgingly compromised on sharing the existing rail lines [not exactly a model public policy process]. In the Bayport Loop case, the STB FEIS officially concluded that the hazmat risk to suburban residents was “negligible”. In this Bayport process, many severe deficiencies in STB’s scope, approach, and method are apparent to an experienced hazmat professional. [These are not deficiencies in legal interpretations, necessarily, although in the Bayport Loop decision STB reveals a highly debatable and key interpretation of their alleged statutory lack of ability to force the railroads “in the public interest” to share rail lines. See p. 2-17, DEIS]] In STB’s scoping process for the Draft EIS in the EJ&E project, STB should consider and include: 1. More adequate methods for calculation of potential accidental and terrorism-caused rail hazmat release risks, both regarding probability and consequences. 2. Evaluation of existing precedents in post-9/11 governmental assessments of hazmat transportation terrorism risks, both as to probability and consequences [e.g, federal agencies’ cost-benefit analyses for post-9/11 rulemakings]. 3. More valid assessment of chemical release emergency response “capabilities” of agencies and companies in the study area for any serious rail hazmat release, based in historical awareness of emergency response to previous serious releases (see, e.g., analysis in recent testimony of former Chairman Carolyn Merritt of the US Chemical Safety Board that the local emergency response in six major chemical releases the Board investigated was terrible and that US community readiness was comparable to “Bhopal India”). 4. Better historical awareness of the impacts of key major rail accidental releases (e.g., Graniteville SC, Minot ND, Macdona TX, Mississauga ONT, General Chemical spill in Contra Costa County CA, ) and deliberately-caused hazmat releases (NH3 in FL, chlorine in Iraq, etc.). 5. More valid methods for assessment of the efficacy of existing federal, state and local policies and practices in rail hazmat safety and security (see, e.g., the 2005 New York Times Pulitzer Prize-winning series of reports exposing the pitiful safety regulatory actions of the Federal Railroad Administration and its cozy relations with the industry it pretends to regulate). 6. Assessment of the likely near-term impact of the new federal rail hazmat re-routing law, HR 1. 7. More valid methods for assessment of the efficacy of existing chemical shipper and railroad policies and practices, e.g., in hazmat handling, emergency response, training, etc., both for safety and security issues.. 8. Background context: impacts of “captive shippers” issues, Chicago’s CREATE project, Chicago Board of Alderman proposed hazmat re-routing ordinance, etc. III. Some specific questions STB should consider, regarding BOTH the existing freight rail hazmat situation and the anticipated changes due to the proposed EJ&E acquisition : a. What percentage of the most dangerous hazmat rail traffic into Metro Chicago is through shipments with no origin or destination in the metro Chicago area? b. Given the US Department of Homeland Security’s concerns about this vulnerability, how long (range of hours or days) do rail cars of the most dangerous classes of hazmat sit (“dwell time”) on sidings or in urban railyards in the Chicago metro area? c. What are the existing plausible alternative rail routes to the west and south that could take through hazmat cargoes well around the Metro Chicago target area? d. What are the relative risks, separately considering probabilities and consequences, of accidental or terrorism-caused rail hazmat releases of the most dangerous classes of hazmat shipments according to estimates from the industry (e.g., the Chlorine Institute Pamphlet 74) and federal agencies (e.g., the US Naval Research Labs) – [i.e., NOT using the wholly inadequate estimates in the US DOT Emergency Response Guidebook, which are for the first few minutes only of a release] along the downtown route, the EJ&E route, and a circumferential route well outside the Chicago area? e. Given the demonstrably inadequate emergency response efforts in our most recent serious rail hazmat fatal releases (chlorine gas) in Graniteville SC and near San Antonio TX, and the 2006 testimony from the former head of the US Chemical Safety Board that US communities are woefully unprepared for significant chemical releases, what are the realistic chances for an effective emergency response in the Chicago Metro area that could prevent thousands of casualties in case of a serious, multi-railcar release of chlorine or other TIH (Toxic by Inhalation) rail cargo? * “Most dangerous classes of hazmat shipments” – see the classes (including radioactive cargoes) cited in the Congressional re-routing bill HR 1, signed by the President on August 3, 2007. ********************************** washingtonpost.com We Could Breathe Easier The government must increase the security of toxic chemicals in transit. By Richard A. Falkenrath Tuesday, March 29, 2005; Page A15 The basic strategy al Qaeda used on Sept. 11, 2001, was to strike a common, poorly secured commercial system in a way that would cause catastrophic secondary effects. The terrorists did a better job of identifying the vulnerability associated with fully fueled commercial airliners than the government did -- and they exploited this vulnerability to terrible effect. Now, because of the work of the Transportation Security Administration, commercial aircraft in the United States are all but impossible to hijack. But the terrorist is an adaptive enemy. One central question in homeland security is whether terrorists will again locate a catastrophic civilian vulnerability before the government gets around to addressing it. There are an infinite number of potential targets in America that, if attacked, could result in hundreds of civilian casualties. The number of potential targets that could result in thousands of civilian casualties is, however, finite and knowable. In the federal government, the Department of Homeland Security is responsible for identifying these potentially catastrophic targets, analyzing their security schemes and taking action if the security arrangements are deficient. It is in general a bad idea to call attention to America's most serious civilian vulnerabilities. Government officials should never do so and should not be asked to. Private citizens should do so with care, and only when the government fails to act. Of the all the various remaining civilian vulnerabilities, one stands alone as uniquely deadly, pervasive and susceptible to terrorist attack: industrial chemicals that are toxic when inhaled, such as chlorine, ammonia, phosgene, methyl bromide, and hydrochloric and various other acids. These chemicals, several of which are identical to those used as weapons on the Western Front during World War I, are routinely shipped through and stored near population centers in vast quantities, in many cases with no security whatsoever. A cleverly designed terrorist attack against such a chemical target would be no more difficult to perpetrate than were the Sept. 11 attacks. The loss of life could easily equal that which occurred on Sept. 11 -- and might even exceed it. I am aware of no other category of potential terrorist targets that presents as great a danger as toxic industrial chemicals. The federal government has the authority to regulate the security of chemicals as they are being transported on roads, railways and waterways. With only one minor exception, the administration has not exercised this authority in any substantial way since Sept. 11. There has been no meaningful improvement in the security of these chemicals moving through our population centers. In a desperate step, the D.C. council recently voted to ban hazardous material shipments through downtown Washington. This ordinance is clearly good for Washington, but it is bad for the other parts of the country that will absorb the diverted chemical loads. Furthermore, its economic burden falls principally on CSX Corp., the company that owns the two rail lines through downtown Washington. CSX is suing to block implementation of the ordinance. The federal government is supporting CSX's effort, an awkward position for a security-conscious administration that has so far failed to mandate a systematic, nationwide reduction in the vulnerability of this sector. The administration can and should act immediately to enhance the security of toxic chemicals in transit nationwide; no new legislation is required. Specifically, the departments of Homeland Security and Transportation should promulgate regulations that will, over time, require chemical shippers to track the movement of all hazardous chemicals electronically; to report this data to DHS in real time; to use fingerprint-based access controls for all chemical conveyances; to adopt container signs that do not reveal the contents to most observers; to perform rigorous background checks on all employees; to strengthen the physical resilience of chemical containers; to reduce chemical loads; to ship decoy containers alongside filled containers; and to install perimeter security at loading and switching stations. Violators should suffer harsh civil and criminal penalties. But the federal government does not have authority to regulate the security measures inside chemical plants and storage facilities. President Bush has twice called on Congress to pass legislation granting the Department of Homeland Security this authority. The 108th Congress declined to do so. It is often alleged -- incorrectly -- that lobbying by the chemical industry was behind Congress's inaction. The real reasons had to do with the full agendas of the committees involved; the administration's competing legislative priorities; and the obscure, esoteric and theoretical nature of the issue. The voluntary security enhancements many of the larger chemical firms have implemented -- in some cases with assistance from the Department of Homeland Security -- are a step in the right direction but are insufficient. Congress should promptly grant powerful authority to regulate chemical-plant security to that department as the president has requested. There is no silver bullet to improving the security of chemicals that are toxic when inhaled. A layered, nationwide approach is required. It is right and proper for the government to require industries to take on the security costs of their activities. The immediate cost of these regulations would be borne by the chemical industry. Over time, costs would be passed on to consumers, and the market would adjust to a new, more socially responsible equilibrium. The real losers would be al Qaeda and its successors. The writer was deputy homeland security adviser to President Bush until May 2004. He is now a visiting fellow at the Brookings Institution and senior director of the Civitas Group, an advisory and investment services firm serving the homeland and national security markets. © 2005 The Washington Post Company
    Fred Millar · Arlington, VA
  10082. (printed as 1/31/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4824Anne
    The acquisition of the EJ&Eby CN will adversely affect the quality of life in my City and School District. With the proposed acquisition, the level and types of traffic on the rails will increase. A once utilized line moving non hazardous materials will become a highly utilized line moving various hazrdous waste. The health hazard is my concern. My second concern is the proximity of the tracks to a number of schools within Indian Prairie SD 204. My last concern is the lack of ANY grade separations in our vicinity. As our school district is in the process of revisiting attendance bounaries, it appears that the number of additional trips over these tracks in our vicinity will increase dramatically. This is a concern because a) the time traffic will be stopped each time the increased number of trains goes by b) the ability of emergency vehicles to move over the tracks c) young drivers will have to cross these tracks daily. I encourage the STB to deny this acquisition. If the acquisition is approved, I request that CN be responsible for adding at least 1 grade separated crossing south of Naperville's 83rd Street and that in the vicinty of any existing schools that CN be required to work with school districts (in this case Indian Prairie)to ensure an extra layer of protection is in place.
    Naperville, IL
  10083. (printed as 1/31/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4796Swanson
  10084. served (printed as 1/30/2008)
    Decision
    38760Chief Of Section Of Environmental Analysis
    DECISION PROVIDED NOTICE OF EXTENDED PUBLIC SCOPING PERIOD IN THIS PROCEEDING.
  10085. (printed as 1/30/2008)
    Certificate
    221468Certificate Of Service
    Chicago Southshore And South Bend Railroad
  10086. (printed as 1/30/2008)
    Misc.
    221467Miscellaneous
    City Of Champaign
  10087. (printed as 1/30/2008)
    Comments
    221466Comment
    City Of Memphis Tennessee
  10088. (printed as 1/30/2008)
    Statement
    221464Support Statement
    Memphis Regional Chamber, Memphis Regional Economic Development Council, Memphis Regional Logistics Council
  10089. (printed as 1/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6957Bustard, Brian
  10090. (printed as 1/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6834Kurylo, Jesse
  10091. (printed as 1/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6833Devor, Pamela
  10092. (printed as 1/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6832Myers, Daniel
  10093. (printed as 1/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6702Vogel, Margit
  10094. (printed as 1/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6624Weiner/Brodsky/Sidman/Kider
    Sidman, Mark
  10095. (printed as 1/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6618Attorney
    Fowler, Brendon
  10096. (printed as 1/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6506Near South Planning Board
    Sanchez-Carlson
  10097. (printed as 1/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5976Daeschner
  10098. (printed as 1/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5929Illinois House of Reps.
    SMITH
  10099. (printed as 1/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5922PARKS
  10100. (printed as 1/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5919Barrington Park District
    GARRY
  10101. (printed as 1/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5912Conway
  10102. (printed as 1/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5911Angelo
  10103. (printed as 1/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5910Fenlon
  10104. (printed as 1/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5909Mazurkiewicz
  10105. (printed as 1/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5908Tihinen
  10106. (printed as 1/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5907Gardley
  10107. (printed as 1/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5906Bergerud
  10108. (printed as 1/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5905Claes
  10109. (printed as 1/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5876Hoffman Estates
    MCLEOD
  10110. (printed as 1/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5871HIRSCHHORN
  10111. (printed as 1/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5870GARDLEY
  10112. (printed as 1/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5756WAHLUND
  10113. (printed as 1/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5754JONES
  10114. (printed as 1/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5745MCMANUS
  10115. (printed as 1/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5734FAZEKAS
  10116. (printed as 1/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5698ARMBRUSTER
  10117. (printed as 1/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5484DANGE
  10118. (printed as 1/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5476CESCHIN
  10119. (printed as 1/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5475BROWN
  10120. (printed as 1/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5459UNKNOWN
  10121. (printed as 1/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5339WISEMAN
  10122. (printed as 1/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5333CANADA
  10123. (printed as 1/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5324KIMMEL
  10124. (printed as 1/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5322BROWN
  10125. (printed as 1/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5319LARSEN
  10126. (printed as 1/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5318SELK
  10127. (printed as 1/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5290PUTNAM
  10128. (printed as 1/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5282SCHIEWE
  10129. (printed as 1/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5258LUMSDEN
  10130. (printed as 1/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5163Lake Zurich Chamber of Commerce
    PERRIN
  10131. (printed as 1/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5094HOEY
  10132. (printed as 1/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5087MATEVICH
  10133. (printed as 1/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5085DEBUTCH
  10134. (printed as 1/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5084PALIGA
  10135. (printed as 1/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5073Lincoln Property Co.-
    STUMPE
  10136. (printed as 1/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5055UNKNOWN
  10137. (printed as 1/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5045Barrington Park District
    GARRY
  10138. (printed as 1/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5035Indian Prairie S.D.
    DAESCHNER
  10139. (printed as 1/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5029Village of Mundelein
    KESSLER
  10140. (printed as 1/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4823Eric Hochstein
    RE: FD 35087 The sale of the EJ&E railroad creates a wide range of environmental problems for the community of Barrington and many other communities along the entire route of the EJ&E. The drastic increase in the number of trains changes the nature of the community, increases traffic congestion in an already congested area, reduces access to public safety (police and fire access), health and education resources, strains already stressed local infrastructure, adds significant noise and air pollution, threatens human and animal welfare (safety), and changes the entire quality of life in this area. By increasing the number of trains using the track, this proposed sale turns a quiet residentially oriented community into a very congested freight transportation crossroads. With 3 immediate grade crossings on major local thoroughfares, the increase in rail traffic on the EJ&E has the potential to create traffic-stopping bottlenecks at major intersections in this small town. Already, due to the Union Pacific crossings, traffic on E-W Lake Cook Road and N-S Rt. 59 is often stopped and backed up at all hours of the day. With additional rail traffic blockages on both major roads will increase and the flow of traffic will be severely impeded. As traffic backs up, the economic vitality of the community will be threatened as shoppers will move elsewhere and costs of doing business will increase as deliveries take longer, and conveniences are reduced. As the Barrington High School is located on Lake Cook Road, near the EJ&E crossing, access to the school will be impacted. The rail issues will lengthen the school day for students. Busses will have to pick up students earlier to get them to school in the morning on time, and it will take longer to get them home in the afternoons. Already the school day for many is too long. The Impact study must evaluate the impact of increased train traffic in Barrington on the schools and the students. Longer school days, increased gasoline usage because of delays in bus routes, increased air pollution from school buses delayed in traffic, and threatened safety are all issues that must be evaluated and included in the Impact study. Access to homes throughout Barrington by public safety (fire and police) will be reduced. For example, for me to get to Good Shepherd Hospital from my home, I must cross the EJ&E line either on Northwest Highway, Rt. 59 or Cuba Road. If trains are passing, time to the hospital is increased. If trains are stopped, the danger is even worse. With the EJ&E crossing the UP Northwest commuter rail line, potential complete blockages are likely. This is a public safety hazard. Further, for police and fire vehicles to reach the high school, or residences and businesses across the tracks, increased rail traffic increases the potential of blockages or delays that can be the difference between life and death. The impact of raising train traffic from 5 to 20 trains per day creates unspeakable public safety issues which must be evaluated in the impact study. Today, with only a few trains using the track, the sounds of train horns at local crossings can be heard throughout the day. Noise pollution changes the nature of our community. From my bedroom, at night, train horns frequently wake me from my sleep. Many evenings, the train horns cause animals, including coyotes, in the Cuba Marsh Forest Preserve to howl loudly, frequently waking me, my wife, and our children. With increased train traffic, we anticipate more frequent train whistles/horns blowing, and more disturbances from animals in the Cuba Marsh, such as the coyotes. When these animals are disturbed, there is a potential for them to leave the marsh and enter residential areas where they may attack humans. This is just one unknown which may result from increased use of the tracks. I urge that the impact study include consideration of the increased train noise on the animal wildlife in areas along the track such as the Cuba March. Another issue relating to increased rail usage is the potential for accidents involving the trains and 1) automobiles, 2)people, and 3) animals. In the course of normal traffic activity, it is not uncommon for trains to crash into cars on tracks at crossings. With more trains, there is more potential for accidents. Additionally, with more trains there is greater potential for accidents with people - especially children - near tracks. Finally, with more trains there is a greater chance that there will be accidents with animals on the tracks. Personal safety issues along the track should be evaluated in the Impact study. Air pollution continues to be a major issue in this suburb of Chicago. As traffic in the region increases due to increased populations in the area, air pollution has grown along with traffic congestion. With more train traffic, there will be more air pollution - from cars waiting for trains to pass, from cars slowed down on local roads and streets because of increased congestion and grade blockages, and from the trains themselves. Air pollution threatens our environment, adds to global warming, and decreases the overall quality of life. The impact study should closely analyze the increased noise and air pollution. While national and international commerce is important to the country, residents of communities like Barrington do not deserve to absorb the brunt of consequences resulting from stresses and strains in the nation's transportation infrastructure. There are ways to accomplish the goals of increasing the efficiency of national commerce without destroying local economies, changing the entire nature of communities like Barrington, ruining the already strained natural ecosystems with added pollution, and threatening health, safety and education. Allowing almost unlimited access to the EJ&E tracks by an international railroad company changes the entire nature of this community and threatens the way of life that has existed here. The impact study needs to evaluate the overall impact of the sale of the tracks on the communities involved and the STB needs to use sensitivity to balance the needs of the US economy with the importance of preseving and improving the established life, economic viability, and public safety of this community.
    Barrington, IL
  10141. (printed as 1/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4822karen a rome
    The proposed sale to canadian national railway of the elgin joliet and eastern rails is definitely not for the good of the community and safety of it's residents. The obstruction of access to schools and residents on the west side of the tracks is very upsetting. I am also very concerned with the increased transport of chemicals through this area.
    bartlett, il
  10142. (printed as 1/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4821Steve Foster
    I am writing reference to docket number FD 35087 concerning the proposed aquisition of the EJ&J railroad by Canadian Railroad. I am opposed to this aquisition because the increase in railroad traffic will pose a significant safety problem for the students and parents of school district 204 in Naperville and Aurora, IL. Thousands of our students must cross these tracks at grade-level crossings. I understand the train traffic will increase from a few trains per day, to two trains per hour. This will cause a safety problem, and will cause long and frequent traffic jams.
    Naperville, Illinois
  10143. (printed as 1/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4820Nadine Roach
    I am a resident of Hoffman Estates and my homes property line is approx 60 feet from the EJ&E RR right of way. My concerns with this purchase are: 1. that CN will have approx 25 trains a day (equivelint to round the clock rail traffic)on train tracks that were not meant for this amount of rail traffic. 2. I am concerned about CN's poor accident history and the potential for hazardous waste spills. 3.I am concerned about the potential increased cost to the tax payers to upgrade crossings to accommodate this greater amount of rail traffic. 4. Tha savings does not justify the means. Savings of 2 days of transportation time does not seem to justify the safety risk of 100's of thousands lives. 5. Our area is no longer corn fields it is suburbia, with a growth along this RR in our community alone of over 1000 homes in the last 10 years. 6. Our neighborhood park - Cannon Crossing intersects with the tracks and has no safety protection for the children. This park is utilized around the clock in summer and is associated with the Elementary School next to it. So kids are playing here year round. 7. Our cook county Forest Preserve also surrounds this RR, with walking paths and bike trails crossing these tracks. 8. The enormous emount of wildlife that travels through and over these tracks daily. This is a long documented wildlife trail. I provided you with pictures at the Barrington meeting. From Jan through April daily I can see up to 10 - 15 deer crossing these tracks at dusk to make their way to the ponds west of the tracks. Just yesterday I had 15 deer in my yard that had traveled west over the tracks. I have more pictures if you would like them. 9. Shoe Factory Road crossing has a trecherous hill when approaching the crossing that you cannot see oncoming traffic not to mention a train. 10. Who will pay for the additional Hoffman Estates emergency facilities that will now need to be located on both sides of the tracks? I don't want to be put into the situation of needing emergency care and the emergency vehicle now needs to take the long way around to the hospital becasue of the potential of being delayed by CN trains every hour. Please consider the safety of the residents in these neighborhoods and the quality of life that will be disrupted all for saving 2 DAYS of transportation time. It's just not worth it. It was great talking to you at the meeting. I look forward to that opportunity again if you decide to conduct an on-site visit to our crossing and neighborhood. You are more than welcome to contact me. Regards, Nadine Roach
    Hoffman Estates, il
  10144. (printed as 1/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4819Kimberly Stotlar
    I absolutely do not support the proposed acquisition of the Elgin, Joliet and Eastern Railway. If CN purchases the railway, we will see a major increase in noise and traffic congestion with the proposed addition of 24 to 27 trains daily. More worrisome to me is the potential for increased train accidents involving vehicles and pedestrians as well as an increased chance of chemical leaks (I have read that CN will transport chemicals, petrochemicals and steel). The thought of more hazardous cargo running so close to hundreds, if not thousands, of residences is frightening. Additionally, I am concerned that the fact sheet distributed to the public regarding current train accidents and fatalities is not accurate; there was a fatality at the Liberty Street crossing in Aurora last November and that was not included in the study. It makes me wonder if there are other accidents not accounted for in the documents distributed to the public? We should be making the railways safer, not adding more trains with more dangerous cargo.
    Aurora, IL
  10145. (printed as 1/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4818Charles Gold
    I am in favor of the CN/EJ&E railroad merger. It will help reduce the bottle neck that the Chicago area rail hub has been experiencing. This should lead to lower merchandise costs and timely delivery of goods going through the Chicago hub. The EJ&E railroad is a vital railroad that has been under-utilized for years. The 'not in my backyard' attitude is without merit, since the railroad was in place before the 'complainers' moved in.
    Bartlett, Illinois
  10146. (printed as 1/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4817Maureen E. Yates
    I write to absolutely oppose the CNR's proposal to purchase EJ&E lines and to run 20 freight trains per day over the lines which have not been heavily used. My reasons are: 1.Congestion - traffic is already horrendous during rush hour and worse if a traffic accident occurs. 2.Danger - children walk to school and cross these rail crossings. Ambulance access will be prevented, both for accidents and health emergencies. Police and Fire-brigade are very alarmed at these proposals. 3.Businesses in Barrington do not prosper already but with access blocked, potential customers will go elsewhere. 4.Barrington is particularly traversed by these rail lines; other areas will have bad problems caused by the increased rail traffic, but I believe we are particularly threatened. 5.If it takes a train 15minutes to pass, that means we will have 5 more hours of delay to contend with every day. I am sending a letter with full details of my comments. Very truly, Maureen E. Yates
    Barrington, IL
  10147. (printed as 1/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4816heidi hedl
    My family and I are devasted at the news of the railway being bought out by a foreign company. I cant imagine why out goverment would let this happen. I am appauled at the idea. I hope you highly reconsider your decision to not let this business transaction go through. There are alot of neighborhoods that will be affected by your decision. This railway is in my back yard along with alot of other homes with small children. Right now we only have 3-5 trains, which is no problem. But I cant imagine 30 or more shaking our homes in the middle of the night. We moved our family from Chicago to live in the quiet of the suburbs with a forest preserve out back to enjoy nature and all the wildlife that come into our yards everyday. Another of our concerns is the enviroment of any chemical spills that could do harm. I could go on and on about this whole ordeal but I know your time is valuable. I really hope you take in all these considerations plus other peoples concerns. Please make the right decision and vote against this. Thank you.
    elgin, il
  10148. (printed as 1/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4815Elaine Vorberg Sunderlage
    We live mere yards away from the EJ&E tracks in Hoffman Estates. As it stands, noise from the trains -- horns, screeching metal, cars rumbling down tracks -- is often intolerable, particularly when the trains run in the middle of the night. Our house rattles when the trains go by, no doubt causing stress damage to building components. Any increase in the noise and vibration will greatly affect, not only our comfort level, but also the stability of our home. Obviously, the value of our home will diminish substantially if train traffic is increased. Nevertheless, my concern is for the safety of my family and my neighbors. CN's safety record is, in my view, deplorable. A train derailment or collision (all too common for CN) may put a train car in my living room. I am not aware of what will be transported by CN, but I suspect hazardous materials will go through my backyard, at an alarming rate of speed. Even slight carelessness on the part of CN may cause substantial damage to this community. I understand economics -- costs must be measured against benefits in a capitalistic society. However, the local area is being asked to pay the cost (in reduced home value, loss of enjoyment of property, increased travel times, etc.) and bear the risk of these very real dangers for the exclusive benefit of a Canadian company with no accountability to this community or the US as a whole. (CN has cited only a reduction of a very low percentage of trains per day on the near South Side of Chicago, which can hardly be considered a benefit to anyone.) This community should be compensated for all costs and risk it will bear. CN has proposed nothing. In fact, CN executives didn't even bother to come to the open house in our community to answer questions; they sent a lawyer, apparently to be sure CN's rights were protected. Even if your analysis proves very little environmental" impact (I doubt any honest assessment would), the costs outweigh the benefits for this community. CN shouldn't be allowed to reap all of the benefit, while we pay all of the costs. In the event this purchase is approved, what STB officials are willing to be held accountable if CN's failures elsewhere are repeated in my backyard? What compensation will STB assure this community receives for its losses and risk-taking? What assurances will STB make that CN stays within its estimates of train activity? If the answer to any of these questions is "none", STB has no justification for approving this purchase. Thank you for your consideration of my opinion."
  10149. (printed as 1/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4814Lynda F. Williams
    I am very concerned about all issues relative to CNN's acquisition of the E J & E. Are all parties acutely aware of the location in the northwest corridor of this freight line? There are numerous protected forest preserves with a multitude of wildlife, from deer all the way down to field mice. Many, many species of birds can be found in these areas. Additionally, many walking paths, bike paths, and horse trails weave their wave thru these areas, and are used all seasons of the year. Within these protected forest preserves can be found a multitude of small streams, lakes, and ponds. Because of the beauty of these areas, neighboring villages' and towns' residents, individuals as well as families, use the trails and picnic areas. I personally took my children, and now my grandchildren thru these areas for simply playing tag, biking, and birthday parties. These tracks go thru a huge variety of towns encircling the Chicago suburbs, most of which are residential and very much like those in the northwest area of concern. Additionally, the tracks are fairly close to the Fox River, which runs north and south, as close as 2 to 3 miles. I have huge environmental concerns, i.e.hazardous material spills, areas where the backyards of homes abut the right-of-way, noise pollution, air quality, not even getting into our quality of life. I have three daughters whose lives will be directly impacted as well as 3 grandchildren. And with a pending recession,which we have no control over, how will home values be affected by permitting this purchase? We homeowners certainly cannot individualy do anything about a recession; however, we are very involved in protecting our environment, i.e. recycling, living green", etc. I would hope that our input wpuld greatly influence the thinking of the Surface Transportation Board. Please let us know that our fears and concerns are a priority to you as individuals and as a group. Very sincerely. I thank you for reading this, top-to-bottom."
  10150. (printed as 1/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4813Westwood Homeowners
    Please consider the comments in the attached document for the EIS. Thank you! Deborah Quig
    Deborah Quig · Barrington, IL
  10151. (printed as 1/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4811Wynn Ann Roggeveen
    IMPORTANT! As of Friday the Illinois Supreme Court invalidated fines for Train length of time spent blocking crossings, IF STATIONERY! There is no limit on moving so there now is NO deterrent to speed and length of trains. Check out Mundeliens Train problem of 2 1\2 hour blockage! and this was only one train at one site. If this had happened in our setting it would have covered 6 major crossings blocked. The Daily Herald said the average trains would start at 23.5 per day. That means, to get an average, there would be more at times. If in an ideal world they ran 1 or 2 per hour that could tie up crossings for up to 1/2 hour per hour! That does not include weather, back ups, breakdowns... * As a local teacher there is NO way students will arriving at schools anywhere near normal times. And since our bus company runs continuous routes, that means future routes will be delayed even more. Buses cross tracks 800 times a day NOT including those hundreds of kids that get to school in cars or other modes! * We only have emergency services in one area of our town. They will be land locked from all but 2 schools and will not even get to the local hospital. *DON'T let them site ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT AS A REASON FOR IT. IDLING CARS are a MAJOR CONTRIBUTOR to pollution , especially after only 10 seconds of idling. This will create HUGE idling back ups. If the trains are the least bit close, it would be possible for some to be stopped 2 times before getting through town if traffic is backed up enough!There will be MORE pollution concentrated in our area, and more noise. GOD FORBID ANY FORM OF ACCIDENT due to increase number of trains. Everything would be shut down and there would be no emergency access. this only increases our chances for accidents as people and children will be impatient and try to beat trains on foot, bikes and cars. * All of these tracks are crossed by children on foot and bike to get to schools or neighbors. * REMEMBER, ONCE THEY HAVE THE TRACK< THEY CAN CONTROL THE INCREASING AMOUNT OFTRAINS> The Illinois Supreme Court has already shown it cannot do anything.. * Traffic is already backed up just from the metra in the am and pm. This will only add to it. * Economically our town will suffer. We are only now trying to build and attract stores and residents but who would want to come here with such a travel hassle? Some of these roads are the only major roads to get through our town. One could not take any short cuts because the trains would run diagonally through and even block those. * Is IT WORTH EVEN ONE LIFE OR ONE'S LIVELIHOOD. WHO PAYS FOR THAT??? WHAT IF IT WAS YOUR HOME OR FAMILY???? * IF IT'S IN THE NAME OF PROGRESS. FOR WHOM???? NO ONE WILL WANT TO LIVE HERE ANY MORE!! WHERE ARE OUR LEGISLATORS??? This whole proposal is scary!!!!!
    Barrrington Hills, Il
  10152. (printed as 1/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4810Barrington Concerned Citizens
    We have serious concerns regarding the impact of the EJ&E acquisition by Canadian National. We are specifically worried about the profound safety and environmental issues that it could impose. We appreciate your consideration to our concerns. Sincerely, Deborah Quig
    Deborah Quig · Barrington, Illinois
  10153. (printed as 1/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4808Lynda F. Williams
    I am very concerned about all issues relative to CNN's acquisition of the E J & E. Are all parties acutely aware of the location in the northwest corridor of this freight line? There are numerous protected forest preserves with a multitude of wildlife, from deer all the way down to field mice. Many, many species of birds can be found in these areas. Additionally, many walking paths, bike paths, and horse trails weave their wave thru these areas, and are used all seasons of the year. Within these protected forest preserves can be found a multitude of small streams, lakes, and ponds. Because of the beauty of these areas, neighboring villages' and towns' residents, individuals as well as families, use the trails and picnic areas. I personally took my children, and now my grandchildren thru these areas for simply playing tag, biking, and birthday parties. These tracks go thru a huge variety of towns encircling the Chicago suburbs, most of which are residential and very much like those in the northwest area of concern. Additionally, the tracks are fairly close to the Fox River, which runs north and south, as close as 2 to 3 miles. I have huge environmental concerns, i.e.hazardous material spills, areas where the backyards of homes abut the right-of-way, noise pollution, air quality, not even getting into our quality of life. I have three daughters whose lives will be directly impacted as well as 3 grandchildren. And with a pending recession,which we have no control over, how will home values be affected by permitting this purchase? We homeowners certainly cannot individualy do anything about a recession; however, we are very involved in protecting our environment, i.e. recycling, living green", etc. I would hope that our input wpuld greatly influence the thinking of the Surface Transportation Board. Please let us know that our fears and concerns are a priority to you as individuals and as a group. Very sincerely. I thank you for reading this, top-to-bottom."
  10154. (printed as 1/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4807Lisa Wolschlag
    With the proposed purchase of the EJ&E railroad lines, which would significantly increase the frequency of the trains frmo 10 to 40, please discuss how the following problems will be resolved: 1. Increased congestion where the trains are at grade level. 2. Emergency vehicles. 3. Impact on the environment; air, land, water, wildlife. 4. Impact on noise and vibration levels. 5. Impact on Meridian Complex. 6. Impact on school busing. 7. Star Line Impact. 8. Impact on Quiet Zone. 9. Impact on property values. 10. Expected schedule of trains, i.e. all at night? During rush hour? Spaced evenly througout the entire day? Thank you.
    Aurora, IL
  10155. (printed as 1/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4806Dan Baron
    I would like to voice my opinion regarding the Canadian Railway acquisition of the EJ&E railway that currently runs through the communities of Plainfield, Aurora and Naperville. As an Aurora resident I strongly oppose the acquisition for reasons below...listed in no particular order: Safety for children in the area Extreme Traffic Congestion Noise pollution Thank you Dan Baron
    Aurora, Illinois
  10156. (printed as 1/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4799Mooney
  10157. (printed as 1/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4739Linda Brusseau
    We leave just west of EJ&J surface crossing (Hafenrichter Rd). We did not attend any of the official scoping meetings since they were approximately 20 miles away. First, let me say that it was very short sided of your committee to leave out the second largest city in IL as a location to host one of your scoping meetings. It was presented to us at our local meeting that the crossings that we use every day will see an increase in train activity from 10 to 45 trains p/day. It was also stated that these trains could be up to 2 miles in length. Since all of these crossings are surface crossings, we'd like to know the following: 1) How will CN insure that emergency services will be met in the same timely manner in which are met today? Given that we only have around 10 trains vs a potential of 45. 2) How will CN protect the residents that live along the EJ&J line in the event of an accident involving a train carrying hazardous material? Four times the number of trains four times the risk. 2) Most of us who are fortunate to have health insurance have HMO's offered through our employer. Edwards Hospital is the closest hospital in network for us. Edwards Hospital is on the eastern side of the tracks. If I am rerouted to a hospital (Rush-Copley) out of network because of a train delay, who will reimburse me for that additional expense? 3) How much more gas will the residents of this area be using sitting, waiting for trains go to by at a rate of approximately two p/hour? 4) The areas along the tracks in our area have become wildlife corridors. How will these corridors be protected? 5) How much additional noise can we expect from this increase? 6) What is will the affects be on air quality in our neighborhoods given that we now have four times the number of trains coming through? You also need to consider the emissions from the cars that are sitting at the tracks waiting for the trains to pass. 7) Will there be any consideration made to limiting the number of trains p/day? 8) What specific types of hazardous substances will be carried on these trains through our neighborhoods? 9) Will there be a schedule available so we will know when trains will be coming through our area -as a means of avoiding getting stuck at the tracks. 10) What will the increase in train traffic do to our property values? Will it make our neighborhoods less marketable? Also, it is our understanding that the tracks currently being used by CN only have two surface crossings in Chicago. It is also our understanding that CN believes this purchase will benefit 3.2 residents of Chicago. I do not believe that 3.2 million people, living in Chicago, pass by two surface crossings each day in downtown Chicago. Those of us living in the suburbs have nothing to gain from this acquisition. It does, however, appear that we will be left with numerous negative consequences.
    Aurora, IL
  10158. (printed as 1/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4738Nafncy Donati
    RE: EJE purchase - So you think there are no problems with the transaction - so you think you know a FEW people who are opposed - so - after all, it is only Chicago. What arrogance - what gall - what idiocy! You are clearly underestimating the destruction your transaction has the potential for causing to multiple suburban towns and municipalities, to hundreds of thousands of homes and the people who reside in them. We frankly don't give a damn about how fast or efficiently or cost effectively you can move your freight around the inner city. We care about our homes, our property values, our childrens health and safety, our air quality, our already congested roadways and rail crossings, and our quality of life. We don't want you to move hazardous materials through our neighborhoods. We don't want overlong freight trains moving through our towns on the average of one an hour, day and night. We don't want you creating hazards for our ambulances and firetrucks trying to save lives. We don't want the air pollution of your locomotives coming into our homes. I think it is you who has not looked at the environmental impact to our communities. Perhaps for the immediate downtown Chicago area it would be a small improvement, but for the rest of us, and there are many hundreds of thousands of us, it would clearly be an unprecedented disaster. How dare you say that anything about this transaction is a 'little ridiculous'. Be prepared for a fight because we are not going to just close our eyes and look the other way while you destroy our way of life. You are wrong - everything is not about only money. There are other issued involved, and perhaps it is time for you to think about them. Nancy Donati Finance Manager Cuba Township Barrington, Illiois 60010
    Barrington, Illinois
  10159. (printed as 1/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4737Brae Hanson
    Please read my attached 1-1/4 page letter. Thank you for taking our concerned comments.
    Barrington, IL
  10160. (printed as 1/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4736Paul Wisner
    how doesthe CN plan on making an incressed train traffic pattern on the EJ&E railroad unless they are planing to upgrade the trackage to a class !railroads requirements. How do they plan on there merger to work if the major part of there north bound mainline from West Chicago to Waukegan is to stay at single track mainline and how are they planing to move an 8,000'-10,000'train in either direction if they do not do grade separtations of all at grade railroad crossing on the whole main line and how are they going to incress traffic in Petro chemicals with the Gary Chicago airport only 500' awayfrom the mainline,what is CN's HAZMAT proposal for the worse case senerio of a plane and a tank car of cloride hitting each other; as in the case of MIDWAY AIRPORT and 31st where on a snowy night a Southwest Airlines plane flew off the runway an went through the secuity fence and ended up on an automoblie killing one. Has the CN asked the FAA of a bridge to be built over railroads mainline to try andprevent a HAZMAT condition from a plane striking atank car on a feight train that could be carring any thing for Clorine gas to LP gas to GASOLINE or any other hazardous materialor flamable itemsthat could be being transported per FRA HAZARDOUS mATERIAL handling in trains set forward by theFRA in Apeil of 1994;regardinany types of a hazardous material handle on a trainand how itssafety is required to be done and the INTERNATIONAL hazardous classes are to be explained and load in a trains manifestand what classes have to be sepateted by federal law from each other for a safe movement of any train along with the required docoumentation of the manafest of trains contents for emergency presonal's knowlage incase of an accident FRA 174.00, is required to be use in the blocking of trains for any direction. The EJ&E thinks they are not required toanwer any requests for document but they are wrong in they're asumtion of that rule is wrongif yu go by thICC act of 1958or the STB ACT of 1995 which both state that the railroads are required to deliver any requested materials to the people that requst it werther it is the pruchaser othe pruchasee they are required to fowardthe requsted materials to the people that requse it or face fine of $250,000 perday for each requst that is ignored and that in this case is what the EJ&E is doing stating that they are the one being merged and that the CN will havew to furnish the reqired paperworks wanted on CN wpnt give out any thing. so how does the CN expect to run trains at 60mph speeds and not stop car traffic for over 5min utes if they're planing on an incress of 20.5trains perday from the EJ&E's cuurrent level of 5 per day on a single track mainline because it will be imposible to do even with $100,000 in upgrades that they are planing n making to the infresture of the EJ&E and how are they trying to elimnate JB tower at West Chicago which will be impossibleat best to work with the UP rairoads trackagerights agreements that were gaine by the Up with the CNW merger FD_32133 of 1994; i do b elieve that morerailroads are going to want to use that same trackage to miss the Chicago SWitching District's bottleneck in the city of CHICAGO. the best thing that CN can do is look towards use of the IOWA INTERSTAE railroad or 5he TELEDO PEORIA&WESTERN or the GENESEE&WYOMINGS/ILLINIOS MIDLIAND subdivsion to move rail traffic away from chicagoif not via the BIG FOUR route of the CCC&St.L. ifat all would be there best ideas not by the use of a single tracked EJ&E railroad that will cause more harm that the good that the CN says that it will. I'mnot surpised that the CSX or NS hasn't wanted in on these proceedings for a piece of the trackage rights that could be used to there advanage in moving traffic around CHICAGO via the use of the UP mainline at either St.LOUIS or up to Nelson yard thenwest to Clinton,Ia; let alone the proposednewAMTRAK routes to peoria or the Quad citys or Rockford -Debuquee,Iathe last being the old AMTRAK BLACK HAWK line aboloished in the 1980's same wioth the old Rock Island RR. train to Peoriathat was a daily til the end of the Rock Island RR.in the late 1970's. IF the CN is realliy interstedin trafic on the EJ&E they better think 3 track mainlines between Leithton and EOLA and 4 mains south to JOLIET and 5 tracks east to Gray ,IN. orthis is the bigest waste of time since the PENN CENTRAL MERGER of 1966 or the SANTA FE and SOUTHERN PACIFIC of 1983 that was revoked in 1986 by the ICC as to much of a hassle the CSX /NS control merger of CONRAIL is also the same thing. the only way conrail made money to getinto the black was by there leasing of the vast locomotive fleet that they inherited from all the railroadsthat compised conrail they sure weren't making it on AMTRAK subsudies so in maybe the next 5 years both CSX and NS will be in bankruptcy is that a god thing to make a class #rairoad like theEJ&E t5o be a CLASS 1 subsidereary andto be the next PENCENTRAL mess cause CONGRESS wont bail out anothr railroad in the current ECCONOMY. Also check with the USEPA,IEMA,DNSfor work done on Mile Post 28.3 the Kerr McGee plant EPA superfund site whichas i was told i cant get the documentaton from but you canfor your EIS PS: plese send me acopy ofthis to my e-mail address rrl51a@vcmails.com for my files THANK YOU PAUL WISNER |
    Lombard, Illinois
  10161. (printed as 1/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4735Steve Almieri
    I am writing you to express my opposition to the Canadian National Railway's planned acquisition of the Elgin, Joliet & Eastern line. This line runs directly west of my sub-division, Century Trace. The amount of rail traffic currently operating on this line is imposing enough, with the increase in rail traffic anticipated due to the acquisition this will severely impact auto traffic on 111th Street, 127th Street as well as Montgomery Avenue. All these areas are rapidly growing and auto traffic is increasing as it is. Furthermore, this rail line runs directly through a prairie wetland area in the Auburn Lakes sub-division. Increased rail traffic will have a detrimental affect on wildlife and the enjoyment of the wetland area by people. There are many children living in homes along this line, as well as a middle school along this rail line. Increasing rail traffic will no doubt result in increased potential for train vs pedestrian accidents involving students and children.
    Plainfield, IL
  10162. (printed as 1/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4734Dennis Cura
    As a resident who lives on the west side of the EJ&E line, I oppose the purchase of the railroad by CN. Although trains pass through West Bartlett Rd approximately 5 times a day, it is a great inconvenience since the trains sometimes stall or requirement a great amount of time to pass through. I have been stuck as long as 1 hour and had to take a long detour to get back to my house. With CN's estimates of running approximately 25 trains through West Bartlet Rd, traffic will be unbearable. It is also potentially dangerous because is it cutting off the main road for emergency vehicles trying to get into or out of the west side of Bartlett. Delays of emergency vehicles can be life threatening. The increased traffic can also lead to potentially dangerous chemical spills from the railroad. Many of the families living on the west side of EJ&E's railroad have young children. Schools are located approximately .25 miles away to the East & West side of the railroad. I, as a parent, do not want to risk the lives of my children and my neighbors children due to chemical spills from the increased train traffic. Please consider blocking the purchase of EJ&E by CN. Thank you, Dennis Cura
    Bartlett, IL
  10163. (printed as 1/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4733Kathy Ad. Adams
    I live within 1/4 mile of the at grade crossing of the EJ&E Railway on Odgen Avenue in Aurora, IL. The proposed acquisition of EJ&E by the Canadaian National Railway is of great concern to me based on the severe and negative impact it will have on me and my family's quality of life. The number of cars and trucks that cross those tracks daily are already creating health hazards when they are stopped by trains. The noise and emission of so many idling vehicles creates a health risk to the surrounding area. Additionally, the crossing is already at times gridlocked because of the volume of traffic. More frequent stopping of this traffic will further exaserbate this already frustrating condition. The negative impact of this acquisition on the surrounding areas of the at-grade crossings is not offset by any benefit by the homes, school, or businesses that will be affected. I feel I will be forced to move if this acquistion is approved as it will take me so long to get to work (a 12 mile commute already takes 45 - 50 minutes) I will have to leave with the expectation of being stopped by a freight train. Please do your due diligence in studying the environmental impact this deal will have.
    Aurora, IL
  10164. (printed as 1/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4732Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital
    On behalf of Karen Lambert, President of Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital, and Joseph Giangrasso, M.D., medical director of Good Shepherd's Emergency & Trauma Services, I am submitting the three (3) attached documents for your consideration.
    Michael J. Deering · Barrington, IL
  10165. (printed as 1/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4731City of Crest Hill
    see attachment
    John Tomasoski · Crest Hill, Illinois
  10166. (printed as 1/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4730Rosa Kokoszka
    Regarding the purchase of the EJ&E railway by CNN: I can only speak of the negative impact that this transaction will have on the area near my home, but I'm sure the same applies for many of the other communities that the tracks run through. IN MY AREA SPECIFICALLY (Bridlewood Subdivision), the tracks cross over Shoefactory Rd. in Hoffman Estates. This is the street we use everyday from our subdivision. One side of our subdivision runs along the railroad tracks as does one side of another subdivsion across from ours. The increase in trains will surely cause delays for traffic, school buses, emergency vehicles and daily traffic. It will become a hazard to children and others who walk, jog, run or bike across these tracks to the bike/running path that winds through the forest preserve area adjacent to the tracks. Some homes are approx. 100 feet away from the tracks. 20+ trains a day would be an unimaginable amount of noise, vibrations, smell, possible hazardous material, etc....to deal with. The wildlife in the adjacent forest preserve will surely be disrupted, not to mention the deer and other animals that would be hurt or killed by the trains. We've heard that the tracks themselves are not in such great condition. This would surely need to be addressed, repaired, replaced. This means more $$$$$. If there were a hazerdous material situation, I can't imagin what would happen to those people who live directly along the tracks. Also, Shoefactory Road comes up over a rather large hill headed West towards the tracks. During rainy, wintery, snowy conditions, this becomes very hazerdous and slippery. Accidents have happened in this are before. The tracks are too close to the bottom of the hill to allow for sufficient time for stopping and avoiding running into the tracks or hitting another vehicle and causing them to go onto the tracks. Adding more tracks and trains would only intensify this situation. Another option to look at would be diverting the tracks under this large hill and making it underground track(s). We have heard that the maps that were used by the powers to study this purchase are old and outdated. They supposidly show the area are farmland and forest preserve areas. Well, there are homes directly along the tracks on one side and forest preserves along the other side. The area is very populated and is not some vast, empy land. To sum up my opinion, this whole idea is bad! This type of railway traffic has no place running through this type of area. It's unsafe and disruptive to the community as well as the environment.
    Hoffman Estates, Illinois
  10167. (printed as 1/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4729Amanda Amburn
    This letter is in response to the intended merger of the CN Acquisition of the EJ&E railroad. The increase in freight traffic that this would cause would be detrimental to the safety and security of the surrounding communities. The railroad would bring an increase of rail traffic from on average once every 1 hour 20 minutes to every 32 minutes. It runs along the main thoroughfare for residents west of Normantown road, with rail crossings at 111th, 119th, 127th and 135th streets. This would inhibit immediate accessibility to the Edward Hospital Urgent Care facility on 127th as well as dramatically increase rail traffic in the surrounding neighborhoods that are full of children. Traffic is already a concern in this area, with many of the rail crossings only having a stop sign to get across Route 30 as well as Normantown Road. I urge this to be reconsidered due to the increase in environmental issues it would pose, both noise and pollution. An increase of any kind of rail traffic would be a severe danger and safety hazzard for the surrounding communities and subdivisions. Sincerely, Amanda Amburn, Auburn Lakes resident
    Plainfield, IL
  10168. (printed as 1/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4728Barrington Community Against Rail Congestion
    I appreciate the opportunity to express my thoughts concerning the CNN Acquisition of the Elgin, Joliet & Eastern Railway by The Canadian National Railway. We live in a beautiful community surrounded by horse farms and forest preserves in Barrington Hills, Illinois. Down-town Barrington is seven miles away. It is the hub of our daily lives, and driven to and through a number of times each day. Our day begins at 06:40 A.M. when we travel Lake Cook Rd. East to Barrington High School to drop off our grandson who is a freshman there. We leave there and travel East on Lake Cook, crossing the E.J. & E. railway grade crossing, to the Northwestern Railroad Station, dropping off our Daughter, and on to the Prairy Middle School for our middle grandson, and home. This routeen is duplicated in the afternoon beginning at 1:30 P.M. We shop at the Jewel Store on Lake Cook Rd. and frequent the Post Office on a daily basis. We got a taste of what it would be like to be blocked by a train a short while ago. The gates were down erroniously. Getting our grandson to the High School that morning took an extra 15 minutes, our next stop at the NW Station was delayed another 20 minutes as we couldn't get out of the Barring High School parking lot. The second Grandson's arrival at Prairy Middle School was 35 minutes late. There are a large number of high school students who walk to school from East of the E. J. & E. grade crossing that we pass everyday. At that age they think they are invincible and some are going to take chances that are going to create a heartache that doesn't go away. On Wednesday afternoon at 04:30 P.M. we travel again down Lake Cook Road, accross the grade crossing and through Barrington on way to soccer practice at Kitts in Lake Zurich. At 6:30 P.M. we return,traveling west on Lake Cook Road into Barrington to the Northwestern Train Station to pick up our daughter and continue West over the grade crossing to Bateman and on home. With three grandson's playing soccer, this routine is multiplied. We came to Barrington from Glenview nine years ago. Our families lived at 1504,1526, and 1530 Greenwood Road, between West Lake which entered the Glenview Naval Station on the North and East Lake to the south. One half mile West of us, Glenbrook Hospital was constructed and made opporational. Access to the Hospital for Glenview to the East and South and Morton Grove was dependent upon accessing the East and West Lake Avenue grade crossings, one half mile apart. Just what everyone knew would eventually happen, an ambulance with a critical patient was blocked by a freight train. The rerouting and delay in treatment resulted in the death of the patient. Unfortuately it took a loss of life for an underpass to be built on the larger East Lake Avenue. Access to Good Sheppard Hospital is VITAL to us here. A train would block at least two, if not three accesses to the hospital route. I can a appreciate your efforts on behalf of your investors to possibly opporate in a more timely and efficient manor. BUT, not to the extent of the loss your endevor will cause individuals and commerce opporating accross these grade crossings in time, money and most importantly, LOSS OF LIFE. If you proceed with this acquisition, this will be BLOOD MONEY. We lost a son at age 23 to a congenital heart problem. It's totally out of order to lose a child. You would give up your own life for theirs if you could, but arn't given the choice. Immagine the grief and anguish to be experienced by parents as a result of an ill-advised grade crossing by a teenager frustrated with the long delay. A memorial to the one killed would be a deterant to those who think they're invincible, but what a senseless loss of life and for what, a more effecient routing of trains? Explain that to the grieving parents! I appreciate your giving this letter and and those of our neighbors your utmost concideration. Respectfully, Gordon G. Gillen 103 Helm Road Barrington Hills, Illinois 60010 1-847-426-4897
    Gordon G. Gillen · Barrington Hills, Illinois
  10169. (printed as 1/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4727Jozef Benak
    Diesel engines are a major source of particulate and smog-forming pollution. Diesel exhaust is considered a probable carcinogen (a cancer-causing substance). Indeed, the dangerous pollutants in diesel pose a cancer risk greater than any other toxic air pollutant. And because diesel engines are so often operated where people live, play, work or go to school, they can directly impact human health. Railroad also contribute to noise pollution in unacceptable level as blasting the horns anytime 24/7 and rumble trough the villages. CN and our officials must understand that! NO TO CN !
    Barrington, IL
  10170. (printed as 1/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4726maureen watkins
    we are strongly opposed to the purchase of EJ&E by CN the impact on our quality of life living withn in a mile of the tracks is unmeasureable. The nearest fire station is on the oppsite side of the tracks, with increased traffic this is a very scary prospect along with noise and air polution.
    bartlett, il
  10171. (printed as 1/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4725Lynn M. Puhr
    I am opposed to CN acquiring EJ&E line. Please see attached word document for details.
    Hoffman Estates, IL
  10172. (printed as 1/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4724Thomas & Kathleen Ashton
    please refer to attachment regarding CN acquisition of EJ&E line. PLEASE DO NOT AUTHORIZE THE SALE OR TRANSFER
    Wayne, IL
  10173. (printed as 1/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4723Hanover Township
    Please see attached Township resolution, a hard copy will be mailed regarding STB Finance Docket No. 35087.
    James Barr · Bartlett, Illinois
  10174. (printed as 1/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4722Plainfield, IL Resident
    I am very concerned about the proposed CN purchase of the EJ&E RR. If approved, this project will adversely impact street traffic, emergency response, noise pollution, adjacent residential property values, and public safety in Plainfield. This proposal also effectively eliminates the opportunity to construct the STAR Line commuter light rail link to Chicago and points in between. CN has a terrible track record for saftey and responsiveness to the communities they impact. Having said all of this, the overall risk to all of the adjacent communities is significant and must be taken into consideration. Approval of this proposal will doom our community and others affected to second tier status in the greater Chicagoland area. CN is a bad player in the RR industry. They must be asked all of the hard questions and forced to examine the mitigation of any impact on the surrounding communities. As I understand it, CN has declined to provide a business plan to demonstrate their future plans for increased rail traffic on the EJ&E. Approval of this proposal should be denied! The STB and all affected local communities should do everything possible to alert every resident potentially affected by this proposal. Thank you.
    John Warwood · Plainfield, IL
  10175. (printed as 1/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4721Ian Johnson
    I oppose the sale of the EJ& E railroad to the Canadian company. The increase in traffic and noise is unacceptable. There are numerous safety issues with the rail car increase as well as traffic and financial impacts to local prpoerties.
    aurora, IL
  10176. (printed as 1/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4720Nathan Snodgrass
    This submission is in regard to the pending CN purchase of the EJ&E line. My family & I live in the southern end of Barrington Hills. In a medical emergency, the closest emergency room is to the south and east. Naturally, we travel south and east to get there. The EJ&E line crosses both the north/south and east/west roads. Currently, any train traveling on that line blocks BOTH roads at the same time, as that section of track runs on a northeasterly angle. At the present, it isn't too much of a concern, as relatively few trains, and relatively shorter ones, travel that line. If the train count is increased 300%, and the length of the trains is increased (both of which CN has stated is their intention), the life of my child, my wife, myself, and my neighbors is put in danger in the event of an emergency. We are not like the city or more urban areas. We do not have multiple routes to multiple emergency rooms. We, as a community, cannot afford the increased danger posed by this proposal. Moreover, the Barrington Hills community is known as an equestrian community. Many residents own and ride horses. Horses are, by their nature, animals of prey. The sounds of a train approaching causes them to assume they are in danger, and they flee. This flight response causes them to do irrational things, such as run through fences, into roads and highways, etc. It's bad enough when the animal is injured as a result, but a rider is in peril when this occurs. Again, it is not a frequent occurrence, but a 300% increase in traffic will ultimately result in someone getting hurt. It does not need to happen. Finally, the impact on wildlife must be considered. There is an abundance of deer in the area. Ignoring for a moment the possibility that a deer may be hit by a train, the reality is that their migration patterns will be shifted by the increased train traffic. This will result in the deer being forced to cross roads, resulting in increased deer/automobile collisions. We hope that you will consider the dramatic impact on the lives of the communities affected, and reject CN's proposal. The monetary savings for the shipper should not be considered ahead of the safety and lives of the residents of the affected communities. Thank you for your consideration.
    Barrington Hills, IL
  10177. (printed as 1/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4719Liz Hondros
    To whom it may concern: I recently became aware of the proposed acquistion of Canadian National Railway Company and Elgin, Joliet and Eastern Railway Company. I am begging you, please do not let this happen. Lots of people will be affected by this, including me and my family. We live only a few blocks away west of the train tracks near West Bartlett Road. unfortunately, most of our hospitals, fire stations, medical personnel, police officers ... are located east of the tracks. We're very concerned about safety. Going from 5 trains a day to 22.5 trains a day is a very SCARY thing to imagine. We're almost assuredly going to get caught by a train at some point. We can only pray that it wouldn't be a life-threating situation. I have a healthy child, and I want it to remain that way. More trains would mean more diesel fuel, which could increase her chances of getting childhood asthma. The extra trains will also make it extremely noisy. We wanted to move to Bartlett and away from the city so that we could get peace and quiet. With 22.5 trains a day and loud sounding horns, how is that supposed to happen? For the above-mentioned reasons, please consider the people that live near the tracks and don't allow the acquistion to happen. sincerely, Liz, Louie and Tina Hondros.
    Bartlett, Illinois
  10178. (printed as 1/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4718Thomas Malia
    Re: Canadian National-Elgin, Joliet & Eastern Railway” proceeding in STB Finance Docket No. 35087. Our family has lived in Barrington for the past 25 years. Over that time we have obviously seen many changes in our community-some good and some bad. I think most people would prefer to not have things change and ideally that would be a nice outcome in this case, namely, no additional trains. But I acknowledge that it not a likely outcome and improving the flow of train traffric through the greater Chicago area is a desirable outcome as well. However, Barrington is largely a bedroom community where people are rushing to the train station to get to work, parents are concerned about getting their kids to school on-time and from time to time people are rushing to the hospital for some type of medical issue. All of these day-to-day activities are going to be hugely and adversely impacted by the significant increase in local train traffic. I do not think any type of overpass/tunnel arrangement is feasible either physically or economically. So all I am asking is that the communities well-being/viability be taken into account so that a reasonable compromise can be established among all constituents. Thank you.
    Barrington, IL
  10179. (printed as 1/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4717John Puhr
    January 30, 2008 Dear Phillis Johnson-Ball: Re: Environmental Filing, STB Finance Docket No. 35087 Kindly take into account my concerns as an American, parent, and homeowner when considering Canadian National’s proposal to purchase the EJ&E tracks in Illinois. I am completely opposed on environmental impact issues alone to CN, or any other company, increasing the number of freights beyond the current 4-6 per day. Indeed, when moving to our home in the rapidly developing residential area in which we currently live eight years ago, I was hearing the EJ&E tracks might be converted to public trails due to dwindling traffic; hearing CN’s proposal to acquire and then increase 400%-600% the number of heavy, long f, a Canadian company, is cause for gravest anxiety since much of the money we have made during our working lives is invested in our house, our home, and, again, a Canadian company is taking advantage of low price of the US dollar with respect to the American dollar without regard to the American people who live here. My concerns are: • One of the two roads connecting our area to rest of our village is a grade-level crossing which means numerous, lengthy freight trains would block this route causing delays in reaching the nearest hospital, delays in fire and police service reaching our area, school bus delays, and, since our area is residential, commuter delays reaching places of employment. This will result in more money spent on fuel, hitherto unnecessary route planning time, and increased air and noise pollution. • CN only projected 3 to 5 years for a 400-600% increase in traffic. Considering our move to this area was to escape the air and noise pollution from leaving first near Midway Airport in Chicago and then near O’Hare Airport in Chicago, the current freight traffic, 4-6 freights , which is more than the 3 trains a day we were told when building 8 years ago, rattles windows, has caused picture frames to fall from walls, and been a noise disturbance both inside and outside our house. With county forest preserves and a wildlife refuge on the other side of the railroad tracks from our house, it is already at the barely tolerable level for quality of life; the 400-600% increase would make healthy outdoor activities futile in our own area resulting in driving to escape again noise and congestion when possible, with fuel usage, air pollution, and traffic congestion resulting, and also leaving already existing American taxpayer funded forest preserves underutilized and polluted. A possible 400%-600% increase for 3-5 years and then, with CN being noncommittal past that time, having to revisit this issue again every time CN, a Canadian company, decides it needs to increase traffic further would be a tremendous burden of time and driving to oppose this every time on my family and well as many of our neighbors. • CN, a Canadian company, would extinguish our hopes of seeing our local, American municipal governments implement the Metra STAR commuter line. Lighter, shorter, swifter trains, passing during normal traffic times would alleviate already congested car traffic in our highly residential areas along the EJ&E tracks. The area along the EJ&E tracks may have been farmland or quarries 20 years ago, but now it is highly residential, with American families, with taxpaying workers, school children, and elderly who would benefit from a light rail commuter line which run along the Fox Valley region, the area where the EJ&E tracks run for most of their north/south stretch. The STAR line would help with relief from the spoke-and-hub commuter rail currently, where our area, numerous municipalities, in the collar counties where the population is equal to if not greater than Chicago, would not be required to travel to the hub, Chicago, 40 miles away, to go to another village in the Fox Valley / EJ&E region which may be only 10 miles away by car, but would require another 40 mile train trip coming from Chicago. We do not have anywhere near the mass transit system Chicago has and are already hampered by local road systems that were laid out in the days when this area was farmland; the STAR commuter line would be a good step in meeting the current and long-term needs of American people who live in this area. • Hazardous materials and Homeland security – The increased readiness costs of first responder containment of hazardous materials due to accidents will divert local government money, paid by American taxpayers, from planning, development, and other functions proper to local governments supporting local residents. Substantially increasing the number of heavy, long freights in a highly residential area, with numerous wage earning taxpayers, children and elderly, will make our area a high-profile terrorist target. Post 9/11 we are already at risk with the number of large corporate headquarters in the area as targets as well as an FAA facility nearby, the sonic booms of the military jets patrolling nearby after 9/11 is still clearly in memory. The greatly increased risk of having 100’s or 1000’s of tons of lethal chemicals or other materials released either accidentally or on purpose 80-90 feet from my teenage daughter’s bedroom window or where my teenage son might be working on his homework is nightmarish to me as a father. I hope in the above I have conveyed the fact that the area impacted is not an uninhabited outskirt of Chicago, but a highly residential area in its own right with its our own traffic and environmental needs to address. CN should work with CREATE, other rail companies, the Northern Illinois Planning Commission, the municipalities in this region, and any other planning groups to develop a long-term freight rail solution that will not adversely impact any highly residential area in northern Illinois and ensure the freight rail problem afflicting Chicago is not transferred to the Fox Valley / EJ&E region, where we live. While CN is flush with cash due to the exchange rate, they should search for corridor further west in Illinois that has not yet been developed yet as a residential area, that would ensure any hazardous materials incidents can be isolated and not be an attractive target for terrorists, and where there would opportunities for whatever local communities are nearby to benefit economically through job creation working in functions supporting freights. The EJ&E tracks should be considered only for the current level of freight or, preferably, for commuter rail or recreational trails, due to our area being filled with homes that are only feet away from the tracks. Thank you for your time, Sincerely, John Puhr 1480 Pheasant Trail Ct Hoffman Estates, IL 60192
    Hoffman Estates, IL
  10180. (printed as 1/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4716Eric Sladek
    STB Docket No. 35087 CN/EJ&E, To whom it may concern: As a resident in the area, I have saftey concerns about the rail crossing at Harlem Ave. in Frankfort, IL. The community would be best served by a Grade Seperation" If this improvement is not planned, I foresee a this becoming a troubled crossing given the CN's planned expansion. Your consideration appreciated. Also, I would like to be kept informed about progress & planning of the expansion. Thank you, Eric Sladek, Frankfort, IL."
  10181. (printed as 1/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4715Erin Finley
    Regarding STB Finance Docket No. 35087 - I commute across the effected tracks every day to and from work and when going virtually anywhere in my town. The additional freight traffic created by CN's purchase of the EJ&E line would substantially impact me personally, and my entire community and nearby communities -- as we all cross these same tracks daily. We are the 2nd largest city in Illinois (although no scoping meeting was held here!), and this line has numerous crossings without over or underpasses. Traffic during peak times in the morning and evening would be made substaintially worse than it currently is, with absolutely no benefit to offset it. The additional noise created in the subdivisions near the tracks would lessen property values--again, with no offsetting benefits anywhere in the community. This should all be considered in the scope and breadth of the impact study.
    Aurora, IL
  10182. (printed as 1/30/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4714Matthew J Schuck
    I am writing to inform you that my wife, and myself are strongly opposed to the proposed increase in train usage through our neighborhood. Along with our opposition, my in-laws, neighbors, and members of our PTO organization are also opposed to this increase. CN has already said they plan to run 25 trains, night and day, through our community. This effects our peaceful environment, safety of our children, traffic, noise pollution, sleep, and home values. While many would like to voice there objection, it is not easily done, so I decided to write to you on behalf of the people in my neighborhood that I've talked with about this terrible proposal. Please join us in opposition to the expansion of the rail trafic though our quite community. Thank you in advance for supporting our community.
    Hoffman Estates, Il
  10183. (printed as 1/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6915Forell, Gary
  10184. (printed as 1/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6819Calcaterra, Steve
  10185. (printed as 1/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6703Therrien, Diane
  10186. (printed as 1/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6588DuQuoin High School
    Mannino, Debbie
  10187. (printed as 1/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6535Carlson, David
  10188. (printed as 1/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6079LIBERA
  10189. (printed as 1/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5953Oak Terrace Home Improvement Assn.
    DENNY
  10190. (printed as 1/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5869WISNER
  10191. (printed as 1/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5868RUIZ
  10192. (printed as 1/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5753OLGA
  10193. (printed as 1/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5752SALIT
  10194. (printed as 1/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5750ZIEMEK
  10195. (printed as 1/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5749PROULX
  10196. (printed as 1/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5748LASEY
  10197. (printed as 1/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5746CELENIK
  10198. (printed as 1/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5694LIBERA
  10199. (printed as 1/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5644HOMSEY
  10200. (printed as 1/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5630OLSEN
  10201. (printed as 1/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5612WHITLA
  10202. (printed as 1/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5611MCGEEVER
  10203. (printed as 1/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5609FOOS
  10204. (printed as 1/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5608TAYLOR
  10205. (printed as 1/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5589COON
  10206. (printed as 1/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5587ADAMS
  10207. (printed as 1/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5486GARCIA
  10208. (printed as 1/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5338PIEPER
  10209. (printed as 1/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5332HUSS
  10210. (printed as 1/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5327GLATZ
  10211. (printed as 1/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5325VAUGHN
  10212. (printed as 1/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5320SANTINI
  10213. (printed as 1/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5316BARAGAS
  10214. (printed as 1/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5289KRUPA
  10215. (printed as 1/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5272CHAPMAN
  10216. (printed as 1/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5269MUCHA
  10217. (printed as 1/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5267FARY
  10218. (printed as 1/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5266ROTH
  10219. (printed as 1/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5188LAWSON
  10220. (printed as 1/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5182FARLEY
  10221. (printed as 1/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5180ROTH
  10222. (printed as 1/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5176SHACKELFORD
  10223. (printed as 1/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5173JENKINS
  10224. (printed as 1/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5172SUES
  10225. (printed as 1/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5170Barrington Hills Conservation Trust
    Schumm-Burgess, Nancy
  10226. (printed as 1/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5093ALLOCCO
  10227. (printed as 1/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5092ALLOCCO
  10228. (printed as 1/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5082KRUPA
  10229. (printed as 1/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5077City of Waukegan
    HYDE
  10230. (printed as 1/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5072Macom Corp.
    VAN POUCKE
  10231. (printed as 1/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5071BUDZIAK
  10232. (printed as 1/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5070BECK
  10233. (printed as 1/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5069FIONTO
  10234. (printed as 1/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5068KUTCHINSKI
  10235. (printed as 1/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5067ROSSI
  10236. (printed as 1/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5064LUMSDEN
  10237. (printed as 1/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5063NEWTON
  10238. (printed as 1/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5062LOWE
  10239. (printed as 1/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5061CAN
  10240. (printed as 1/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5060BROWN
  10241. (printed as 1/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5059ANDERSON
  10242. (printed as 1/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5058WINDMON
  10243. (printed as 1/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5057KUTCHINSKI
  10244. (printed as 1/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5056SHACKELFORD
  10245. (printed as 1/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5054CORP
  10246. (printed as 1/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5053PLETSCH
  10247. (printed as 1/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5052LOWE
  10248. (printed as 1/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5051HARMON
  10249. (printed as 1/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4713Joan Gazdic
    See attached letter
    Hoffman Estates, IL
  10250. (printed as 1/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4712The Barney Family
    January 2008 Dear Ms Johnson-Ball, Per our Village of Barrington Illinois website, the residents of this beautiful Barrington town are welcome to write to you regarding the possible acquisition of the EJ&E rail line by the Canadian National Railway company. (My letter continues below, and a copy is attached". I hope you are able to retrieve it...) We (The Barney Family) are home-owning residents of Barrington for over 15 years, with 3 young children. We lovingly chose to reside in Barrington and raise our family. Upon learning of the possible rail line acquisition above, we were deeply saddened and concerned. Under the current situation, the train lines are already very noisy in the middle of the night, as massive trains come barreling through Barrington, blowing their horns; seeming to us as their intentions are to rudely awaken this whole town! A 400% increase in daily train traffic (we are told by Canadian National) would be devastating to our family life, and we believe all of Barrington's residents. This rail line travels through multiple major roadways, and the heart of our precious town. The presence of Canadian National (CN) in Barrington would paralyze us all, in regards to: flow of roadway traffic being halted at the many railway intersections, safety of Barrington's children compromised on route to school or parks, noise pollution, toxic fumes injecting poisons into our air we breathe, emergency vehicles unable to arrive swiftly at our hospital, at a fire, a crime scene or an accident! Only mentioning the few points above, aren't these already enough issues to persuade you and your STB colleagues to prevent the Canadian National Railway company from purchasing this EJ&E rail line? We are completely against the above-mentioned acquisition, and we hope you are also. We thank you very much for your time and consideration. Sincerely Yours, The Barney Family."
    Barrington, IL
  10251. (printed as 1/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4711Judy Huang
    I’m writing to express my opposition of the proposed Canadian National Railway Acquisition of Elgin, Joliet & Eastern Railway. See attachment
    Itasca, IL
  10252. (printed as 1/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4710Christine Altmeyer
    Living in the subdivision of Yorkshire Woods, and having paid preminium prices for my home, and extremely high real estates taxes, I am very concerned about the CN purchase. I feel that the noise level of the trains, the increased train traffic and congestion, as well as the safety issues for children and the elderly, make this a bad decision. I feel this would also lower the value of the homes. Thank you. Christine Altmeyer
    Hoffman Estates, IL
  10253. (printed as 1/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4709New Lenox Liberty Square resident
    I am writing to voice my concerns about Canadian National’s Purchase of the EJ&E Railroad. The EJ&E tracks are directly south of my house and I am concerned about the increase in train traffic that will result if Canadian National acquires the tracks. Currently, if we are outside when a train comes by, we cannot carry on a conversation until the train passes. This is an occasional inconvenience, with only 6 trains coming through each day, but with 28 to 35 trains per day, as proposed, this will be a nuisance. My subdivision exits out onto Cedar road and with the proposed number of trains, getting out of the subdivision will be extremely difficult due to traffic back ups on Cedar Road. Also, in order to get to my elderly parents’ home, I must cross those tracks and I don’t even want to think of a “worst case scenario” of NEEDING to get to their house only to be held up by a train. In addition, with my parents living south of the tracks and all of the fire stations and hospitals north of the tracks, if they were in need of an emergency vehicle, the probability of them getting stopped by a train is very good. It would be a tragedy if something terrible were to happen to them because they couldn’t get the medical help that they needed because of a train. I grew up in Frankfort and didn’t have any hesitation building my home so close to the EJ&E tracks because I knew that there weren’t very many trains. Now I am concerned because I have small children and am worried that my property values will go down. The noise alone could prevent my kids from hearing me or another car while they are outside playing, whether they are near the tracks or not. Please consider putting a limit on the number of trains—28 to 35 trains a day is way too much! Quiet zones, berms or noise reduction walls and underpasses/underpasses on Cedar Road are also options. Thank you so much for your time.
    Mark VanderVelde · New Lenox, IL
  10254. (printed as 1/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4708New Lenox Liberty Square resident
    I am writing to voice my concerns about Canadian National’s Purchase of the EJ&E Railroad. The EJ&E tracks are directly south of my house and I am concerned about the increase in train traffic that will result if Canadian National acquires the tracks. Currently, if we are outside when a train comes by, we cannot carry on a conversation until the train passes. This is an occasional inconvenience, with only 6 trains coming through each day, but with 28 to 35 trains per day, as proposed, this will be a nuisance. My subdivision exits out onto Cedar road and with the proposed number of trains, getting out of the subdivision will be extremely difficult due to traffic back ups on Cedar Road. Also, in order to get to my elderly parents’ home, I must cross those tracks and I don’t even want to think of a “worst case scenario” of NEEDING to get to their house only to be held up by a train. In addition, with my parents living south of the tracks and all of the fire stations and hospitals north of the tracks, if they were in need of an emergency vehicle, the probability of them getting stopped by a train is very good. It would be a tragedy if something terrible were to happen to them because they couldn’t get the medical help that they needed because of a train. I grew up in New Lenox and didn’t have any hesitation building my home so close to the EJ&E tracks because I knew that there weren’t very many trains. Now I am concerned because I have small children and am worried that my property values will go down. The noise alone could prevent my kids from hearing me or another car while they are outside playing, whether they are near the tracks or not. Please consider putting a limit on the number of trains—28 to 35 trains a day is way too much! Quiet zones, berms or noise reduction walls and underpasses/underpasses on Cedar Road are also options. Thank you so much for your time.
    Roxanne VanderVelde · New Lenox, ILL
  10255. (printed as 1/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4707Ashwood Park
    I am a concerned resident living close to the railroad tracks located in the southwest section of Naperville, IL in the subdivision of Ashwood Park. My family and I do are very concerned about the fact that there might be more trains handling hazardous materials, that a grammer school is located in very close proximity to the tracks and the noise and vibrations from each train going through so close to my home has the family very concerned. There are many evenings that I and my son awake from the freight train moving along the tracks and the whistle and vibrations caused by each train. Please I beg of you to consider the additional trains going through residential areas would have on the families and houses who live so close to these tracks. And I do not even want to think about a train handling hazardous materials so close to a grammar school or the homes in the vicinity of the derailment would have on the community. Thank you for this consideration. Barbara Ammendola
    Barbara Ammendola · Naperville, IL
  10256. (printed as 1/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4706Diane Yambor
    Dear Ms. Phillis Johnson-Ball, My comments are in regard to the proposed aquisition of EJ & E Railroad by Canadian National Railroad. Four years ago we purchased our home which is within 150 ft of the EJ & E Rail Line. I researched the amount of freight traffic that we could expect daily. We were told by several sources, including EJ & E, that approximately 4-5 freight trains would run per day. The train traffic has not been an issue because of the infrequency. We have enjoyed living here. The proposed freight train traffic would increase from 4-5 trains a day to 20+ trains per day. This would mean almost constant train traffic close to my property. Below are the negative effects this increase in train traffic would have on my family and others in the community: 1) I expect that the value of my home and others will be negatively effected. I believe the decrease in value will be substantial and therefore a hardship on those who live near the train. 2) Air and noise pollution will increase dramatically. Instead of hearing the chirping of birds in the preserved wetlands areas, we will hear the neverending noise of freight trains, and will wonder what happened to the wildlife that use to live in the wetlands before the dramatic increase in train traffic. 3) Dimished Quality of life. Nonending train traffic will have a negative impact on the quality of life. Being outdoors in my backyard will not be a pleasent experience. What about sleep deprevation? How many of these trains will come in the middle of the night? 4) Safety issues. I have read that in 2004 alone Canadian National had 72 freight train derailments. It is my understanding that Canadian National has a deplorable safety record. The increase in train traffic will pose a severe safety hazard, not only for our children but for other children in the neighborhood whose propery touch the train easement. 5) The increase in train traffic will have a horrific impact on congestion in the area. The aquistion of EJ & E rail line and subsequent increase in freight train traffic will have a negative impact on communities which surround it. US citizens lives will be destroyed for the profit of a Canadian company. Sincerly, Diane & William Yambor
    Long Grove, IL
  10257. (printed as 1/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4705Megan Sclafani
    I live at home with my two brothers, one sister, my mom and dad and dogs, we all love where we live. We would like the EJ&E to find somewhere else to do business. I don't like loud noises, pollution and want this to stop right away.
    Barrington Hills, IL
  10258. (printed as 1/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4704Dominic Sclafani
    I live at home with my parents a brother, 2 sisters and dogs. I am very upset about all the scary things that can happen if a train is going thru the crossing and someone needs an ambulance or a fire happens. I like where I live and I don't want anything bad to happen, please help keep our neighborhood safe.
    Barrington Hills, IL
  10259. (printed as 1/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4703Joseph Sclafani
    I live at home with my parents, brother and two sisters. I attend school in Barrington and am concerned about all the things I hear about the EJ&E causing traffic problems and all the noise and pollution they will cause. Please keep Barrington safe.
    Barrington Hills, IL
  10260. (printed as 1/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4701Katherine Lancelot
    I am 16 years old and live in Deer Park. Please fully study the enivronmental impact of the proposed merger of the CN and the EJ&E. I (and many of my friends) cross these tracks everyday going to and from school. Our area already has terrible traffic. This increase in the number of the trains will make driving around Deer Park impossible. There was a terrible accident in Fox River Grove years ago that killed many high school students. Please don't let the odds of this happening again increase! Thank you- Kate Lancelot
    Deer Park, IL
  10261. (printed as 1/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4700Samantha Sclafani
    I live with my parents, 2 brothers and 1 sister in Barrington. All of us are concerned about the problems having the EJ&E in our community. We would like them to find a different way to provide service without interupting our community.
    Barrington Hills, IL
  10262. (printed as 1/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4699Therese Lancelot
    I am in strong opposition to the proposed acquisition of the EJ&E by the CN and their plans to greatly increase the number of trains. My major concerns which I hope you will address in a comprehensive environmental impact study are: 1. Longer emergency vehicle response times due to grade crossings being blocked by the increased numbers of trains. Will people die enroute to the hospital or their homes burn when fire trucks can't reach them? 2. Safety of our wells (drinking water) due to the increased likelihood of a derailment or accident resulting in a toxic substance spill or leakage. One spill and we will have no water available in our homes. 3. Traffic congestion will be out of control. A single train on the EJ&E tracks now causes severe backups. 5 or 6 times the number of trains will be ridiculous. We won't be able to pickup our kids from school, events, reach stores, etc. 4. A plummeting of our home values due to all of the above issues. Freight train traffic congestion and delay problems should not just be moved to another area. Fix the problem or force the railroads and governments to fix the problems together. Moving the problem is not a solution! I hope you will personally consider the serious negative impact this meager will have on ALL communities along the EJ&E. Many, many will suffer as a result of an easy solution for the CN. Make them go back to the drawing board to come up with an alternative. Thank you for your time- Therese Lancelot
    Deer Park, IL
  10263. (printed as 1/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4698Distinctive Design
    As a wife, mother and working woman I feel strongly that the EJ&E should not be allowed to increase train traffic on a daily basis in Barrington. I worry about the problems this will cause my children getting to and from school and after school activities; the problems for my husband and I getting to work and back, etc. My other concern is the length of time it takes a freight train to clear a crossing; in the event of an emergency this could be a serious problem. Please help them to find an alternative way of conducting their business without impacting our community.
    Renee Sclafani · Barrington Hills, IL
  10264. (printed as 1/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4697Robert Lancelot
    see attachment
    Deer Park, IL
  10265. (printed as 1/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4696Craig Olney
    see attached
    Deer Park, Illinois
  10266. (printed as 1/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4695Karen Roth
    I am writing on behalf of myself, my husband, and my mother and sister. We all live at 1300 Mallard Lane in the Winding Trails Subdivision of Hoffman Estates, IL. It's a new subdivision of 42 homes. We purchased the home as new construction, a dream of mine for a long time, and have lived there less than 4 years. The purchase price of our home was almost a half a million dollars. This is in reference to the Canadian National Purchase of EJ&E Railway, which runs just east of our subdivision. Half of the homes in the subdivision abut the tracks. When we purchased our home, we were told by the builder that there were about three freight trains a day that used the rail line, and that there was a possibility of a Metra train using the line in the future. Now we are told that the freight trains may increase to 25 per day, more than one per hour. My first concern is for security. Why would we want another country to own a rail line, part of the United States infrastructure? My second concern is for emergency vehicles. I had an aneurysm last April, requiring an ambulance. If it wasn’t able to cross the tracks due to freight traffic, I may not be here today to write this letter. Additionally, the roads around our subdivision are all one lane in each direction. If there is an accident that blocks Golf Road for instance, which happens on a regular basis, and a train is blocking Shoe Factory Road, which is at at-grade crossing, it will require drivers to go miles out of their way to get past the tracks, because just east of the tracks are four miles of forest preserves. On a more personal level, the noise from the very early morning train wakes us before we need to get up for work, and the vibration is very noticeable when you are in bed. More trains will keep us awake at night, and the vibration may damage the structure of our homes. This is in addition to not being able to enjoy our outdoor space. One of the reasons we purchased this home was because it is nestled in between the forest preserve to the east and a creek and tree line to the west, isolating us from the subdivision west of us. We have spent over $50,000 on our fence, decks and landscaping around our home, and will not be able to fully enjoy our back yard with our dogs if the freight traffic increases as proposed. What will this do to our property values? We already pay almost $12,000 in property taxes every year. I am also concerned about hazardous waste. My husband and I are still working, but my mother and sister are retired, and home during the day. My mother doesn’t drive. If something were to happen, and with 25 trains a day there are many more chances of something happening, my mother could not get out of the subdivision if my sister wasn’t home. How old are the tracks? How safe are they? And what if 25 trains per day become 35? What if Canadian National Railway wants to put in another track, or two more tracks? Please consider all the above concerns before making any decision on this purchase. Thank you. Karen Roth
    Chicago, IL
  10267. (printed as 1/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4694Timothy Shastany
    While I realize the pending acquistion by CN of the EJ&E is a business decision and will benefit the shareholders of Canadian National, has anyone thought of the legacy we are leaving our grandchildren? Why doesn't the US Gov't show its true commitment to a green" future and acquire the rail line under emminent domain for the purpose of saving it as a free public right of way for walkers, runners, bicyclists, etc.?"
  10268. (printed as 1/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4693Kelly Fojtik
    We are very much against the Canadian Nat'l Railway's plans to route a large amount of freight through our neighborhood and local wetlands/forest preserves. This is an environmentally sensitve area(Cuba Marsh, Flint Creek)not an industrial one. Increased train traffic would also negatively impact our communitity with increased traffic congestion and add unwelcome pollution and noise. Please do not send more trains here! Joseph and Kelly Fojtik & family
    Deer Park, IL
  10269. (printed as 1/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4692Laurie Pesavento
    see attachment
    Lockport, IL
  10270. (printed as 1/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4691Jennifer Allen
    I am writing this comment on behalf of my family that lives in the Heritage Lakes Estates. We are directly affected by this proposal. I have many concerns and feel that if this sale were to happen, our quality of life would suffer greatly. When we bought our house about 8 years ago there were only a small number of trains that visited our tracks on a daily basis. Within time, that number has risen to 18 a day. If you don't live here, that may not seem like a lot. But when you live here it is a tremendous amount of noise and inconvenience. Even on some of the nicest days we have to have our windows shut because if you are watching t.v., you can't hear anything while the horn is blowing and the train is passing. I can't even imagine what it would be like to have 42.6 trains pass our backyard every day with this kind of turmoil. The property value of our homes would almost certainly crash. Who would knowingly move into that kind of environment...not me or my family. What would happen in the event of an emergency with equipment and personnel not being able to reach us in a timely manner if they should be stuck on the other side of the rail road tracks during a 15 minute train delay. It could be the difference between life and death. We have invested a lot of time and money into our home and where we live, please do not allow this proposal to pass. Thank you for hearing our concerns.
    Lockport, IL
  10271. (printed as 1/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4690Inez Roberts
    Regarding STB Finance Docket No. 35087 - Canadian National Railroad (CN) bid to purchase the Elgin, Joliet, & Eastern Railway Company (EJ&E): Since I have become aware of CN's desire to purchase EJ&E, a line that passes adjacent to the condominium community where I live, I have become aware of the number of times I must cross over EJ&E tracks in my daily commute to and from work (substitute teacher) and other routine trips to the grocery store, doctor, shopping, etc., in the immediate and surrounding communitites If CN is allowed to purchase EJ&E, the increased freight traffic of 20+ freight trains per day - an average of 1 per hour - will leave only a brief window to pass through a series of track crossings and will result in constant automobile traffic congestion. I will be sitting at a railway crossing most of the day! At night, I will be awakened hourly when the train passes my condo, wreaking havoc on my life and that of my neighbors. Please consider the environmental impact on the community of Barrington and the surrounding area. We have everything to lose and nothing to gain if the purchase is allowed to go through. Thank you. Inez Roberts, a very concerned resident
    Barrington, Illinois
  10272. (printed as 1/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4689Cobalt Construction
    Our company headquarters will be moving to 777 Lake Zurich Road in Barrington shortly. I am truly concerned about EJ&E's plan to increase the train traffic in Barrington, the train tracks are right down the street from our new office. Freight trains can take a long time to clear a crossing. This will make travel back and forth to our office for us, our employees, tenants and visitors time consuming, which will be unpleasant for all concerned. Further being that close to the trains will be noisy and smelly not to mention the pollution factor. Also, I am a husband and father and live in Barrington, so I'm also concerned about safety issues for my wife and children. I really hope that we can change EJ&E's direction to another route.
    Joseph Sclafani · Elgin, IL
  10273. (printed as 1/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4688Village of Park Forest
    Re: the Proposed Canadian National Railway Company Acquisition of the Elgin, Joliet and Eastern Railway Company STB Finance Docket No. 35087 As the Director of Personnel for the Village of Park Forest and a 51 year resident of the Village who also lives on Western Avenue a few blocks from the tracks in question, I would like to comment on concerns related to increased traffic, noise, and economic development. I attended the scoping meeting in Matteson. Increased Traffic – CN’s proposed purchase of the EJ&E Railway is projected to increase rail traffic on the Park Forest segment of the railroad by 400 percent, from approximately 8 trains per day to approximately 32 trains per day. In addition, there is proposed to be a switching yard in Matteson, immediately adjacent to the Village of Park Forest. The EJ&E has an at-grade crossing in Park Forest on Western Avenue (a State road) and an elevated crossing on Orchard Drive (a local street). Even today, it is not uncommon for trains for stop or slow considerably as they pass through Park Forest. This results in delays that often last for as much as 10-15 minutes. The proposed purchase will increase the number of trains, and therefore the number of times vehicle traffic is delayed due to trains moving through the Village. We believe it will also delay the duration of those delays as long trains maneuver the switching yard in Matteson and back-up onto the main tracks. Currently, vehicular traffic on Western Avenue seeks alternate routes to avoid the crossing in that location. This has significant negative impacts on the Village of Park Forest, our residents and businesses. Typically, southbound traffic on Western Avenue takes North Street through our Business Park, to Orchard Drive, and then to Westwood Drive back to Western Avenue. Northbound traffic on Western Avenue takes Westwood Drive to Orchard Drive, then east on North Street back to Western Avenue. North Street is a local street that runs through our Business Park. Increased exposure to the businesses in this area might be a positive result, but most of this traffic will not be interested in stopping to conduct business and it will simply delay the traffic that is seeking to patronize the businesses in this area. Westwood Drive is a residential street and the increased traffic on this street already has a negative impact. The significant increases in traffic caused by this purchase are of significant concern to the Village and the residents. Planning is currently underway to make improvements to Orchard Drive that will actually reduce this road from a four-lane cross section to a two lane road. The underpass on Orchard Drive at the EJ&E tracks is narrow today. The increased traffic, on a soon-to-be two lane road, will simply re-direct the delays from Western Avenue, a State-maintained road to Orchard Drive, a locally maintained road. Orchard Drive is also heavily traveled when the Metra commuter trains arrive, and the increased traffic from blocked traffic on Western Avenue will exacerbate an existing problem. The intersection at Orchard Drive and Westwood Drive is a four-way stop so traffic does not flow smoothly in that location. Noise – As the EJ&E rail line runs through Park Forest, the adjacent land uses are predominantly residential at the west and end ends, and mixed residential, commercial and industrial in the middle section. Clearly the increase of train traffic, along with the switching yard that will be located almost immediately adjacent to the west side of Park Forest, will increase the level and frequency of noise interruptions for the residents of Park Forest. In addition, the Village is currently undertaking a long range planning study to create plans for redevelopment of the Eastgate Neighborhood, located at the east side of Park Forest, between the EJ&E rail tracks and 26th Street. This is a neighborhood that is already suffering from many conditions of blight, including significant code violations, high incidences of crime, and high percentages of absentee ownership. The preliminary concept plans for redevelopment of this area call for significant public and private investment to transform this troubled neighborhood to a more upscale neighborhood. The Village has already invested funds to begin acquiring property to accomplish the goals of this planning study. Unfortunately, the increased rail traffic and the noise it brings, will make it difficult to attract the kind of developers and homeowners that we have visualized for this redeveloped neighborhood. Similarly, the Village is financial and staff resources to acquire a vacant school property located at the west edge of the Village. The north boundary of this property is the EJ&E rail right-of-way. The property has been in the ownership of a private owner for several years and it is tax delinquent. The Village has already been successful in attracting new home construction on property just east of this vacant school, and it has long been our goal to continue this new investment in our community on this property. We have the same concerns with this parcel as described above. We believe our chances of attracting a developer/builder and home buyers will diminish when they learn of the increased rail traffic proposed for the EJ&E line that will be their northern neighbor. Economic Development – the residential redevelopment plans described above are an integral part of our economic development plans. So the concerns raised in the section on Noise are also a concern for our ability to implement our economic development vision. In addition, we are within a few short weeks of selling the Norwood Square Shopping Center to a commercial developer who plans a major renovation and re-occupancy of this property. The Norwood Square Shopping Center is located on Western Avenue, with its north property line bounded by the EJ&E rail right-of-way. The new owner is committed to spending up to $1 million in exterior renovations in the next 12 months, and is likely to spend as much as $5 million on total renovations to the property over the course of the next four to five years. The success of their efforts to bring new retailers to this shopping center depends entirely on the ability and willingness of customers to access the property. If customers to the north are discouraged from shopping in this location because of the unpredictability of the train traffic, and the shoppers to the south get fed up with the difficulty of getting into and out of the property because of the back-ups on Western Avenue, the retailers that locate in this shopping center will not be successful. The Village took the unprecedented action of acquiring this 129,000 square foot, 15 acre shopping center because the former property owner had not paid taxes in over five years. At this time no property taxes have been generated from this property in about 10 years. The Village has worked for three years to find this buyer and we plan to do all we can to help them be successful, because their success will have resoundingly positive impacts on the Village as a whole. We believe that there are two straight-forward, albeit not simple, solutions to the concerns raised in this communication. First, require CN to construct an overpass at Western Avenue so no trains will block traffic on Western Avenue. Second, require CN to build sound-proof walls, similar to those seen on many highways throughout the country, on the north boundary of the Eastgate Neighborhood and the north boundary of our neighborhoods on the west side of the Village.
    Denyse Carreras · Park Forest, IL
  10274. (printed as 1/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4687Larry Cotter
    Canadian National's proposal to run additional trains through the Barrington, IL area will cause great distress and hardship on residents of this area. Please consider mitigation to correct the negative impacts from the additional train traffic that we will experience. Along with the City of Chicago, Barrington area residents urge the STB to address the concerns expressed by the many municipalities affected and work with them to mitigate any negative impacts that may be experienced due to this action. Sincerely, Larry Cotter
    Barrinton, IL
  10275. (printed as 1/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4686Village of Lake Zurich
    Environmental Filing; STB Docket No. 35087 (CN/EJ&EW) see attachment
    Vijay Gadde · Lake Zurich, IL
  10276. (printed as 1/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4685Barrington Hills Conservation Trust
    See attachment
    Nancy Schumm-Burgess · Barrington Hills, IL
  10277. (printed as 1/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4684Cobalt Construction
    Our company is moving their corporate office to 777 Lake Zurich Road in Barrington. As a Project Manager I am traveling in and out of the office all day long. If EJ&E increases train traffic it will cause complications to my travel if I'm interrupted by freight trains that can take as long as 10 minutes to go thru a RR Crossing it will take up a great deal of my time. I'm also concerned about the noise and pollution all this additional train traffic will bring. I am totally against the EJ&E doing this.
    Kelly Pizzo · Elgin, IL
  10278. (printed as 1/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4683Cynthia Zelenik
    The acquisition of the EJ&E Railroad (EJ&E) by the Canadian National Railway (CNR) holds unwarranted potential for environmental and human disaster and should be denied by Surface Transportation Board. To start with, the EJ&E tracks bifurcate Pratt-Wayne Woods (P-WW) Forest Preserve’s numerous wetlands which provide a lush environment for egrets, great blue herons, wood ducks, beavers, coyotes, foxes, white-tailed deer, red-tailed hawks, screech owls and others. Additionally, P-WW is home to the state-endangered sandhill crane as well as several other threatened and endangered plant and animal species. Finally, more than 9 miles of trails, including a portion of the Illinois Prairie Path, run through P-WW and are used by hundreds of hikers, joggers, walkers and horseback riders on a weekly basis. Unfortunately, much of this trail network, as well as an off-leash dog area, run within yards of the EJ&E tracks and, at points, cross them at grade. Up until now, the less than 5 trains a day that EJ&E runs on these tracks has not represented much of a problem, other than noise, but this would change dramatically if CNR is allowed to acquire EJ&E . CNR proposes to increase the traffic on the EJ&E tracks to nearly 25 trains a day. This means the animals, birds and people who depend on Pratt-Wayne Woods for recreation and a home will be put in harms way more than once an hour. It is only a matter of time before this ends with deadly results. Add to this the hundreds of vehicles daily that use the grade crossings on only this small section of EJ&E right away and the prescription for disaster becomes even more pronounced. Multiply this again by the entire length of the EJ&E system and it is clearly not in the best environmental interest of those living in the area for the STB to approve the EJ&E sale to CNR. The Board also needs to consider the inevitable negative consequences of a 500% increase in the transportation of chemicals and other toxic materials through an environmentally sensitive zone, such as Pratt-Wayne Woods and the surrounding area. Sooner or later a leak, a spill or a derailment will create an environmental disaster that kills untold animals, birds and people as well as pollutes the wetlands and drinking water source area wells depend on. Then there is the increased noise and vibration that those who live near the E&JE tracks will have to endure almost 25 times a day. Add to this the loss in property value residents will experience and it is more than the STB should allow. The Village of Wayne, in particular, has always been known for its bucolic nature and life style. The CNR’s proposal would destroy all of this for everyone, not just those living in proximity to the EJ&E tracks! And why must the residents of Northeast Illinois endure all of this? The Canadian National Railway would have us believe it is because by diverting its trains along the EJ&E right of way it will provide a greater benefit to the area as a whole. But that, of course, is untrue. The CNR acquisition of the EJ&E will, at best, only divert the noise, pollution and potential for disaster from one area to another. And in the EJ&E area, the risk will be amplified by the dramatic increase in the number of trains and resident unfamiliarity with safety measures and practices already known to those living where the CNR currently travels. The only real benefit in the CNR acquisition of the EJ&E Railroad is that the Canadian National Railway will substantially increase its profitability. Sadly, not even those profits will benefit the residents in the EJ&E corridor because they will be taxed back in Canada. It is for these reasons that the Surface Transportation Board must deny CNR’s request to acquire EJ&E.
    Wayne, IL
  10279. (printed as 1/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4682Ms Motoko Lawrence
    Dear Ms Johnson-Ball, After attending the scoping meeting in Barrington I came away with a grave concern that the full environmental impact of the proposed Canadian National Railway Acquisition of the Elgin, Joliet and Eastern Railway Company was not addressed. Traffic studies were not presented for one. This alone is frightening when we consdier the amount of daily car and truck traffic (example: 24,000 daily on U.S. Highway 14; 32,000 daily on U.S. Highway 12; 15,000 daily on Illinois Highway 59; 12,000 daily on Lake-Cook County Road) currently stopped by the four or five freight trains crossing these roads in the Barrington area. These roads are the main comuter, commerce, school and emergency ways for Barrington and the surrounding communities. The proposed increase in rail traffic from the current four or five to twenty or thirty would not only create dangerous gridlock but also serious vehicular exhaust air quality issues. Knowing this area of of Northern Illinois well, I can only add that the issues noted above would likewise affect the other communities along the EJ&E line. The other environmental problem, noise pollution, is less obvious unless one lives, works, studies or prays close to the rail line. The current noise level, although unhealthy, has been accepted by most of us as way of life. A potential ten fold increase in noise level and frequency would be unbearable. Our health and safety are at stake. There should be a more humane way for CN and EJ&E to reach their business goal of rail traffic consolidation. We must insist that they do. Thank you for your understanding. Sincerely, Motoko Lawrence
    Barrington, Illinois
  10280. (printed as 1/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4681Cobalt Construction
    Shortly our corporate office will be moving to 777 Lake Zurich Road, right near the train tracks. I am concerned about being so close considering that EJ&E is trying to increase the number of trains on a daily basis. I worry about the increased noise, pollution and traffic flow issues if this happens. I would prefer that they find another way, eliminating Barrington from the schedule.
    Patrick Kelly · Elgin, IL
  10281. (printed as 1/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4680James LaBelle
    See attachment
    Chicago, Illinois
  10282. (printed as 1/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4679Maureen Brady
    I have lived in the Barrington area for over 40 years and daily travel either to Lake Zurich or Barrington from my home on Cuba Road. As there are very limited access roads to and from either village, ANY train backs up traffic. An additional 15 to 25 trains a day, especially those of a mile in length, will serve to gridlock our area. Even today, I have often waited 15-20 minutes while a freight is stopped on the EJ&E tracks waiting for clearance to cross the Union Pacific tracks in Barrington. While stopped, this train blocks Ela Rd., Cuba Rd., Northwest Hwy. (U.S. Route 14) and Hough St. (State Route 59) . There is no way around this stoppage and it is now habitually occurring at least twice a week during rush hour at around 8:15 am. I understand the need for efficient commerce, but what is the cost of all those cars idling their engines while they wait for the train. Barrington already has a problem with people reluctant to brave" the traffic in town -- this will only make the situation go from bad to worse. This line also passes through several wildlife protection areas -- what would be the effect on the wildlife who have not adapted to such an amount of traffic through their "homes"? This is more than an economic issue for the CNN -- it is an economic issue for all of us who live along the EJ&E right of way and, more importantly, it is a quality of life issue."
  10283. (printed as 1/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4678Cobalt Construction
    My company is moving to 777 Lake Zurich Road in Barrington in a few months; our new office is right near the train tracks that EJ&E is planning to increase traffic on. I am concerned about the delays this will cause going back and forth on the road during the course of each day; not to mention the noise and pollution this will cause. Everyone at our company is hopeful that another route can be found so this doesn't happen.
    Mike Calka · Elgin, IL
  10284. (printed as 1/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4677Allison Jodoin
    I live with my mom, dad and two brothers in Barrington. I really don't want any noisy, smelly trains coming through our town. Please have them go a different way. Thanks, Allison
    Lake Barrington, IL
  10285. (printed as 1/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4676Grant Jodoin
    I live in Barrington with my parents, a brother and a sister, I keep hearing about the trains becoming a problem in our town. I guess they want to have a bunch of trains come thru here every day making it difficult to get around. I like things just the way they are, please have the trains find a different way so they don't have to come thru our town.
    Lake Barrington, IL
  10286. (printed as 1/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4675Tom Lindley
    I am very concerned about the potential sale of E,J&E Railway Company to Canadian National Railway. I understand that CN is being asked to perform an Environemntal Study as a prerequisite before this issue is decided upon. The following are my concerns regarding this sale and its environmental / social impacts to my community: 1.Safety: With a potential increase of 3 - 4 times the number of trains on these tracks, there will be 3 - 4 times the opportunities for accidents at the major intersections near my house. those intersections include: Wolfs Crossing, 111th St, 119th St in South Naperville / North Plainfield. 2.Safety: There is a brand new High School (Plainfield North)at 119th and 248th. The volume of adolescence driving in this area is dramatically increased. Adding 3 - 4 more trains per day to this area coudl be catastrophic. 3.Safety: These trains will be carying hazardous materials. There will be 3 - 4 times more potential for a tragic, dangerous incident in my community. 4.Education: These tracks travel past several schools (Plainfield North to name one). Each time these trains travel past these schools it will be disruptive. Increasing the number of trains will greatly reduce the quality of education all along these tracks. 5.Noise: These trains cause an elevated level of noise. Increasing the number of trains will make this situation unbearable. Some trains already do not abide by the no whistle" zone in our area. 6.Structure: there is excessive vibration from these trains. Increasing the number of trains could cause structural concreans for all nearby structures. 7.Traffic. These tracks cross several main streets (Ogden for one). Increasing train volume will cause horrible traffic delays. Potentially including saftey and emergency vehicles. 8.Air Quality:with such a dramatic increase in train traffic, the emissions from railroad operations will negatively impact air quality, potentially leading to respiratory issues in teh community. 9.Home Value: My property value will drop as a result of this sale Believe me, I am a business persona and understand the value of offering a more efficient route around Chicago. However, this seems to be all in favor of CN and the value that they will receive with no regard to the communities that it will destroy. Please insist upon a stringent environmental (and social) study and closely take this into account before making any decision on this potentially tragic decision. At a minimum the study needs to include the affects of: Noise Pllution, Air Pollution, Vibration, Hazardous waste, wildlife affects, soil contamination and traffic / emergency vehicle flows. Thank You."
  10287. (printed as 1/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4674Julie Lindley
    I am very concerned about the potential sale of the EJ&E Railroad to CN. My concerns include matters such as: 1. Safety - at-grade crossings near my home such as the track intersections at 111th and 119th streets, accident probability and the transportation of hazard materials so close to my home! 2. Noise and Vibration - I already hear several trains per day that do not abide by the Quiet Zone" rules that are supposedly in place at Normantown Road/119th street. I fear that an increase in whistle blows will be even more disruptive to my family 3. Traffic - Plainfield is growing so fast that traffic is already a huge concern and the additional train traffic will only make this much worse on the community 4. Air quality - with such a dramatic increase in train traffic, the emissions from railroad operations will negatively impact air quality 5. Property Values - my home value in the Auburn Lakes association will no doubt drop due to this sale. Thank you for your consideration - Julie Lindley"
  10288. (printed as 1/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4673Gina Rice
    We bought our home in this community to provide a safe, healthy environment for our family. Allowing these hazardous materials to pass through our neighborhood jeopardizes our safety. We should not be exposed to this risk - especially considering the number of trains that will be passing through the area with these materials. Considering the decling economy and decreased home prices, many of us will be trapped in our homes and exposed to these materials with no option to move away in the short term.
    Elgin, IL
  10289. (printed as 1/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4672Michael T Lambert
    As a resident of the Herons Landing subdivision, located on West Bartlett Road just west of Gifford Rd, I am concerned about the impacts of this proposed transaction on my neighborhood. West Bartlett Road is a two-lane street which already experiences significant traffic congestion at certain hours of the day. There is a grade-level crossing of the EJ&E tracks approximately 2000 feet east of Gifford Road. At times when a slow train blocks this crossing, traffic can back up to the east as far as Naperville Road, which is about 1 mile east of the tracks. CN indicates that train traffic on this line will increase from about 5 trains a day to about 25 - a five-fold increase. My primary concerns, and those of my neighbors, are as follows: 1) Significant traffic congestion increases that were not anticipated when people moved into this developing neighborhood 2) Increased safety risks to the schoolchildren who attend the two elementary schools located on West Bartlett Road; and to numerous school busses that cross these track several times a day 3) Impeded access to emergency services - there is no reasonably quick way to the western end of West Bartlett Road when a train is at the crossing. In fact, Bartlett village residents recently approved an increase in property taxes to build a new, much-needed fire station which is now under construction - but which lies east of the crossing - thus making those services unusable to those of us in Herons Landing and Westridge subdivisions (including an elementary school) when a train is crossing. Clearly if this plan moves forward, mitigation measures are critically necessary at the track crossing on West Bartlett Road to ensure the smooth flow of traffic, reduce the impact to safety and access to emergency services, and ameliorate any impact on property values. While I understand the need to facilitate interstate commerce, CN cannot benefit at the cost of the safety, well-being, and quality of life of the people who live in our communities. If this plan is approved, we expect CN to be a good corporate neighbor and remedy the problems their business activities create in our region. Given the current status of our state finances – and in particular, those dedicated to transportation, as witnessed by the recent “bail-out” of the CTA, and resulting deficit of other transportation-related funds - any acceptable mitigation proposed by CN must be accompanied by a realistic plan to achieve full funding prior to implementation so that our region is NOT left footing the bill for infrastructure improvements that are forced upon us by its actions. Thank you for taking these comments into consideration as you prepare to complete your Environmental Impact Statement.
    Bartlett, IL
  10290. (printed as 1/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4671Patricia S. Davis
    Barrington, Illinois
  10291. (printed as 1/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4631Perille
  10292. (printed as 1/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4630Okolowitz
  10293. (printed as 1/29/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4629Cutright
  10294. (printed as 1/28/2008)
    Comments
    221457Comment
    Csx Corporation
  10295. (printed as 1/28/2008)
    Statement
    221456Protest/Opposition Statement
    Northeast Illinois Regional Commuter Railroad Corporation D/B/A Metra
  10296. (printed as 1/28/2008)
    Motion
    221452Motion/Petition/Request
    City Of Carbondale, Illinois
  10297. (printed as 1/28/2008)
    Motion
    221451Motion To Compel
    Will County, Illinois
  10298. (printed as 1/28/2008)
    Misc.
    221450Miscellaneous
    Will County, Illinois
  10299. (printed as 1/28/2008)
    Comments
    221447Comment · in FD 35087 (Sub-No. 7)
    United Transportation Union General Committee Of Adjustment (Go-386)
  10300. (printed as 1/28/2008)
    Comments
    221446Comment · in FD 35087 (Sub-No. 6)
    United Transportation Union General Committee Of Adjustment (Go-386)
  10301. (printed as 1/28/2008)
    Comments
    221445Comment · in FD 35087 (Sub-No. 5)
    United Transportation Union General Committee Of Adjustment (Go-386)
  10302. (printed as 1/28/2008)
    Comments
    221444Comment · in FD 35087 (Sub-No. 4)
    United Transportation Union General Committee Of Adjustment (Go-386)
  10303. (printed as 1/28/2008)
    Comments
    221443Comment · in FD 35087 (Sub-No. 3)
    United Transportation Union General Committee Of Adjustment (Go-386)
  10304. (printed as 1/28/2008)
    Comments
    221442Comment · in FD 35087 (Sub-No. 2)
    United Transportation Union General Committee Of Adjustment (Go-386)
  10305. (printed as 1/28/2008)
    Comments
    221441Comment · in FD 35087 (Sub-No. 1)
    United Transportation Union General Committee Of Adjustment (Go-386)
  10306. (printed as 1/28/2008)
    Comments
    221440Comment
    Wisconsin Public Service Corporation
  10307. (printed as 1/28/2008)
    Comments
    221439Comment
    Arcelormittal, Usa Inc., Arcelormittal Burns Harbor Llc, Arcelormittal Indiana Harbor Inc., Arcelormittal Kote Inc., Arcelormittal Tek Inc., Arcelormittal Hennepin Inc., And Arcelor Mittal Riverdale Inc.
  10308. (printed as 1/28/2008)
    Certificate
    221438Certificate Of Service
    Chicago Southshore And South Bend Railroad
  10309. (printed as 1/28/2008)
    Comments
    221436Comment
    United Transportation Union General Committee Of Adjustment (Go-386)
  10310. (printed as 1/28/2008)
    Comments
    221432Comment
    Aux Sable Liquid Products, Llc
  10311. (printed as 1/28/2008)
    Comments
    221431Comment
    American Chemical Service, Inc.
  10312. (printed as 1/28/2008)
    Comments
    221428Comment
    City Of West Chicago
  10313. (printed as 1/28/2008)
    Motion
    221427Motion/Petition/Request
    Equistar Chemicals Lp
  10314. (printed as 1/28/2008)
    Comments
    221426Comment
    Equistar Chemicals Lp
  10315. (printed as 1/28/2008)
    Comments
    221425Comment
    National Association Of Railroad Passengers
  10316. (printed as 1/28/2008)
    Comments
    221424Comment
    Canadian Pacific Railway Company
  10317. (printed as 1/28/2008)
    Comments
    221423Comment
    Wisconsin & Southern Railroad Co
  10318. (printed as 1/28/2008)
    Comments
    221421Comment
    National Railroad Passenger Corporation
  10319. (printed as 1/28/2008)
    Statement
    221419Protest/Opposition Statement
    Village Of Frankfort, Il
  10320. (printed as 1/28/2008)
    Request
    221417Request For Extension Of Time
    Illinois Department Of Transportation
  10321. (printed as 1/28/2008)
    Comments
    221414Comment
    Brotherhood Of Locomotive Engineers And Trainmen
  10322. (printed as 1/28/2008)
    Comments
    221412Comment
    National Industrial Transportation League
  10323. (printed as 1/28/2008)
    Comments
    221411Comment
    Gary/Chicago International Airport Authority
  10324. (printed as 1/28/2008)
    Comments
    221407Comment
    Wisconsin Department Of Transportation
  10325. (printed as 1/28/2008)
    Certificate
    221404Certificate Of Service
    Ej&E West Company
  10326. (printed as 1/28/2008)
    Comments
    221403Comment
    Basf Corporation, City Of Memphis Tennessee
  10327. (printed as 1/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7051Winston & Strawn
    Hirschhorn, Eric
  10328. (printed as 1/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6913City of Hammond Law Dept.
    O'Connor, William
  10329. (printed as 1/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6826Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning
    Blankenhorn, Randall
  10330. (printed as 1/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6715Counsel for Canadian pacific Railway Company
    Hynes, Terence
  10331. (printed as 1/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6712Assistant City Attorney for Cabondale, IL
    Snyder, Lenoard
  10332. (printed as 1/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6686Will County State's Attorney
    Gower, Edward
  10333. (printed as 1/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6684Will County States Attorney
    Gower, Edward
  10334. (printed as 1/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6681Poshard, Glenn
  10335. (printed as 1/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6680Law office
    McFarland
  10336. (printed as 1/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6679Law Office
    McFarland
  10337. (printed as 1/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6675Wisconsin & Southern Railroad Co.
    Heffner
  10338. (printed as 1/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6673Mayor-City of Mattoon
    Cline, David
  10339. (printed as 1/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6669National Association of Railroad Passengers
    Capon
  10340. (printed as 1/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6667Law Office
    McFarland
  10341. (printed as 1/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6657The National Industrial Transportation League
    Gatti, Peter
  10342. (printed as 1/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6656AMG Resources Corp.
    Goldrick
  10343. (printed as 1/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6643Equistar Chemicals
    Morrone
  10344. (printed as 1/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6642Equistar Chemicals, LP
    Morrone
  10345. (printed as 1/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6641Hogan & Hartson
    Mayo, George
  10346. (printed as 1/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6640Attorney
    Fowler
  10347. (printed as 1/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6636Weiner/Brodsky/Sidman/Kider
    Sidman, Mark
  10348. (printed as 1/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6634Attorney
    MacDougall
  10349. (printed as 1/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6632Slover & Loftus Attonreys at law
    Dowd, Kelvin
  10350. (printed as 1/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6630Memphis Regional Chamber
    Moore
  10351. (printed as 1/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6559Bavaro, Frank
  10352. (printed as 1/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6558Deroche, Dave
  10353. (printed as 1/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6547Chicago Metropolis
    Labelle, James
  10354. (printed as 1/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6540Village of Savoy
    McCleary, Robert
  10355. (printed as 1/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6538DeSpain, Tiffany
  10356. (printed as 1/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6532Kahler
  10357. (printed as 1/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6530Rowe, Becky
  10358. (printed as 1/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6424Pradel
  10359. (printed as 1/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6259CSX Corporation
    Shudtz, Peter
  10360. (printed as 1/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6255Law Office
    McFarland, Thomas
  10361. (printed as 1/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6234Pertler
  10362. (printed as 1/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5962Soyars
  10363. (printed as 1/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5952Petrosky
  10364. (printed as 1/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5951Petrosky
  10365. (printed as 1/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5867SELK
  10366. (printed as 1/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5866PETRANEK
  10367. (printed as 1/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5865HALSON
  10368. (printed as 1/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5725WRAY
  10369. (printed as 1/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5709BUENCKHOLTZ
  10370. (printed as 1/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5670BAUMGART
  10371. (printed as 1/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5669BRONGE
  10372. (printed as 1/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5666WU
  10373. (printed as 1/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5663CORN
  10374. (printed as 1/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5656BISHOP
  10375. (printed as 1/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5654DARGE
  10376. (printed as 1/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5650BRONGE
  10377. (printed as 1/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5647BRONGE
  10378. (printed as 1/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5621KALESZ
  10379. (printed as 1/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5618LENZ
  10380. (printed as 1/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5616GUTOWSKY
  10381. (printed as 1/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5607TRAEDER
  10382. (printed as 1/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5606BOOTH
  10383. (printed as 1/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5605GUTOWSKY
  10384. (printed as 1/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5602BISCAN
  10385. (printed as 1/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5601BRONGE
  10386. (printed as 1/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5600BISCAN
  10387. (printed as 1/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5591SNYDER
  10388. (printed as 1/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5590LEWISON
  10389. (printed as 1/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5508WAYNE
  10390. (printed as 1/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5503RODRIGUEZ
  10391. (printed as 1/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5494REICH
  10392. (printed as 1/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5487KRAMER
  10393. (printed as 1/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5362UNKNOWN
  10394. (printed as 1/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5336BOVA
  10395. (printed as 1/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5329CRISSIE
  10396. (printed as 1/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5317OLSON
  10397. (printed as 1/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5314STEGVIK
  10398. (printed as 1/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5307HANCOCK
  10399. (printed as 1/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5306HANCOCK
  10400. (printed as 1/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5291Village of South Barrington
    MUNAO
  10401. (printed as 1/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5264SPEARING
  10402. (printed as 1/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5257PERTLER
  10403. (printed as 1/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5244MARTIN
  10404. (printed as 1/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5225CHERNIK
  10405. (printed as 1/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5224ROGGEVEEN
  10406. (printed as 1/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5189KAMINSKI
  10407. (printed as 1/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5181PERTLER
  10408. (printed as 1/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5179PERTLER
  10409. (printed as 1/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5177Lincoln Property Company
    BIGGS
  10410. (printed as 1/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5174BREIDENBACH
  10411. (printed as 1/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5165ITTNER
  10412. (printed as 1/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5162DEEGAN
  10413. (printed as 1/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5095SHEFFLER
  10414. (printed as 1/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5090WEST
  10415. (printed as 1/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5078BARNEY
  10416. (printed as 1/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5049Village of Schaumburg
    LARSON
  10417. (printed as 1/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5047Indian Creek Watershed Project Ltd.
    TRAUSCHT
  10418. (printed as 1/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4797Shapard
  10419. (printed as 1/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4670Life Storage Centers LLC
    As a business man, husband and father I am concerned on many levels by the idea of increased train traffic if the EJ&E is allowed to travel thru Barrington numerous times throughout the day. Recently my partner and I bought and office building on Lake Zurich Road that we plan to make our new main office and rent the additional space to other Tenants. We are right down the street from the train tracks and I worry about our employees and tenants going back and forth on this road with the possibility of increased train traffic, not to mention the noise, pollution and safety issues. As a husband and father I also worry about the impact this will have on my wife and children in their daily routine. Will their safety be compromised and will they run into problems going to and from school, after school activities and shopping and meetings. I would like to protect my family and keep them safe. I believe I would be happy if the EJ&E were not allowed to increase train traffic in our community. Sincerely, Jean Jodoin
    Jean Jodoin · Elgin, IL
  10420. (printed as 1/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4669Christine Jodoin
    As a wife and mother living in Barrington, I am concerned about the proposed EJ&E train traffic increase. I love living in this community and feel safe and content because I feel that my family is in a secure environment. However, if the proposed train schedule is allowed to happen I think it will be disruptive to our community. The thought of being tied up at train crossing for 5-10 minutes while a freight train is going by doesn't seem right and if someone I loved or cared about was ill or needed help and I couldn't get to them because I had to wait for a train I would definitely be distressed. For more reasons than I can even begin to explain I don't want EJ&E to send numerous freight trains through our town, please stop them.
    Lake Barrington, IL
  10421. (printed as 1/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4668John Jodoin
    I live with my dad, mom, brother and sister in Barrington Hills. I am concerned by all I hear about the EJ&E trains causing problems in our community. I like my community and I don't want anything to ruin it, please keep the trains out of our town. Thanks, John
    Lake Barrington, IL
  10422. (printed as 1/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4667THE BARRINGTON COMMUNITIES AGAINST CN RAIL CONGESTION COALITION
    Please forward a copy to The Honorable Anne K. Quinlan, Esq Acting Secretary Surface Transportation Board 395 E Street, S.W. Washington, D C. 20423-0001 A request to reclassify to a Major EIS based on the information discovered and the MegaRegional and Home Land Security issues. Phillis Thank you for meeting with me a Barrington Event we spent a few minute after the first session at a sitting at table and discussed the CUMULATIVE IMPACT OF THE VARIOUS ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES. I TRUST THE THE COMPLETENESS OF MY FILING IS APPROPRIATE SINCE THERE ARE SO MANY FACTORS INVOLVED. REGARDS RICHARD BURKHART
    Richard Burkhart · Deer Park, IL
  10423. (printed as 1/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4666Gary Davis
    Public comments concerning the CN/EJ&E proposal.
    Warrenville, IL
  10424. (printed as 1/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4665Rob Reindl
    Dear Ms. Johnson Ball, I am writing you as a concerned resident of the Village of Hoffman Estates, Illinois. The proposed acquisition of the EJ&E railroad by Canadian National and its projected increase in freight traffic will negatively impact my daily life. I urge you to thoroughly evaluate all environmental issues that affect Village of Hoffman Estates residents when you consider the acquisition by Canadian National. I would like to commend the Surface Transportation Board for soliciting public input for the Environmental Impact Statement, and the following details a summary of issues important to me as a resident of the Village of Hoffman Estates. Locally in the Village of Hoffman Estates, the EJ&E tracks run adjacent to residential neighborhoods, a community park, and a forest preserve(I use this almost daily in the nice weather). All of these amenities are an important reason why I originally moved to the Village. Please consider the effects of the freight traffic on noise and vibrations (especially for night time operations), air quality, emissions, impacts to area wildlife, for residents who live in these neighborhoods or use the parks or forest preserve. I am also concerned about safety at the at-grade crossing of the EJ&E railroad tracks at Shoe Factory Road, which is an important east/west link for the Village. The road is used by residents, businesses, school buses and emergency vehicles. There is a trail crossing at this location that is used by bicycles and pedestrians. The congestion, fuel consumption, and safety impacts to these users should be considered during your evaluation. Finally, I would ask you consider the effects of this acquisition farther in the future, including its implications to the proposed future STAR Line commuter rail. The information provided by the Canadian National is only for the next three years. As a resident who plans to live in the Village for a much longer time, it’s important to me what will happen in the next ten to twenty years. Sincerely, Rob Reindl
    Hoffman Estates, IL
  10425. (printed as 1/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4664Lisa Koehler
    See Attached.
    Barrington, IL
  10426. (printed as 1/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4663Christine Gruzlewski
    Regarding CNRC Acquisition of EJ&E RR Dear Sir or Madam, I live approximately 100 feet away from the trains and am very concerned about your planned increase from 10 to 40 trains a day. Have you considered the impact this would have on all the many people who live near the train on this long train route? The additional noise in our quiet communities, the eventual damage the vibrations could cause to our homes, the displacement of the wildlife who now have only very sparce areas to live in are all matters of grave concern to me and others in this community. Beyond that, the problems the increased trains blocking our roads at grade level are extremely troubling when we consider the problems this will cause to emergency vehicles, children in school buses, and people trying to get to work or to get home from work or trying to get about in their everyday lives. I think it is your responsibility to do a complete and thorough study of all these factors and others before you even consider this increase in trains and ask yourselves if this is something you want to do to the environment and all the people living along that corridor. Is this something you would want in your community - or 100 feet from your home?
    Aurora, IL
  10427. (printed as 1/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4662Therese Davis
    Being a citizen of Warrenville for 10 years now, I have (many) concerns about this particular railway (EJ&E), especially since our backyard backs up onto Fermi Lab and the intersecting RR. Poison. My first encounter with EJ&E was when they applied an overly excessive amount of Round-up to rid both sides of the tracks of green growth. It looked as though an incendiary device had burned all of the grass, trees, shrubs and wildflowers up and down the back portion of our property. What was green, healthy and growing in the morning, had all turned dry, dead and a light ashen-brown by the very next morning. I was shocked! There are birds that nest and forage back there, as well as squirrels, foxes, coyotes, raccoons, opossums and others. It saddens and worries me greatly that the railway has no concern for the environment whatsoever. My neighbor Chuck had a vegetable garden not far from the tracks. He grew tomatoes, corn, beans, a wide variety of vegetables. He died last year. He had esophageal cancer. I have subsequently asked my husband to please move his garden closer to our house, and further from the tracks. I had also contacted EJ&E personnel and told them of my concerns years ago after having seen whole limbs of trees die off from their use of herbicides. They sent 2 men out to inspect the area. They brought a tape measurer with and measured where the dead growth ended and said that they were well within their boundaries. They had the attitude of non concern for the environment and the damage they had done and the possible harm they were causing to the surround residents and nearby community. Now for my other concerns. Noise. It is an insult to the peace and quiet that my husband and I feel is our right when we come home from a hard days work, to hear the train blaring its horn repeatedly and at very high decibels. There has been a gate at the roads intersection for over a year now, but trains still blare their horns. Night and day we bear the ear-piercing noise and weekends that we are more likely to spend outside, gardening and enjoying nature have become stressful and unpleasant. We have cracks in the plaster on interior house walls from heavy train traffic. Windows that used to easily come out of their tracks for regular cleaning, are so warped from settling from the vibrations of the train passes, they no longer can be removed and are very dirty. Commuter. We understand that there is consideration of an adjacent commuter train to the existing RR. Would that not mean devastating more of the land to lay more tracks? Herbiciding more of the natural habitat to ‘clear’ the area for more tracks? Spreading more toxins into the area that is already heavily saturated with chemicals? And what about the noise from yet more trains? And the likelihood that more wildlife will perish due to train strikes? Resource. Is there not a buried Enbridge pipeline (gas or oil?) that runs adjacent to the EJ&E train tracks now? Would not an extra set of (commuter) tracks & trains cause more vibrational damage to the existing pipes? Threats of security. Looking ahead to the future and possible targets for terrorists, I would imagine that this would provide a target that encompasses 4 goals. If a bomb were to go off in the area, these 4 factors would be of consideration: 1) destruction of natural resource (pipeline) 2) destruction of natural resource transport (coal cars (EJ&E) ) 3) destruction of Human lives (commuter trains) 4) Access to Intellectual property and Scientific research (Fermi Lab). So you see, after having lived here for only ten years, I have many, many grave concerns about this RR. Please, I implore you...do not put in a commuter line and also Please, do not use so much herbicide.
    Warrenville, IL
  10428. (printed as 1/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4661Hillivew Woods Homeowner's Association
    As members of a 32 unit Association that is located directly on the railroad tracks we strongly oppose the noise, pollution and safety risks that increased rail traffic through West Chicago would cause as a result of this acquisition. Dan Balzer, President Hillview Woods Homeowners' Association
    Dan Balzer · West Chicago, IL
  10429. (printed as 1/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4660Carol Vesely
    I'm extremely concerned about the possible sale of the EJ&E Railroad to the Canadian National Railroad. As I understand it, this sale would result in a remarkable increase of train traffic. As a resident who has lived 1/4 mile from the train for 14 years, I cannot over-emphasize the negative impact it would have on safety and quality of life. First, this railroad cuts through our entire, school district. The number of school busses and inexperienced teenage drivers who cross these tracks each day is quite large. We've already had one incident at the Ogden Avenue crossing where two teenage boys were killed when they tried to beat the train. I'd have to guess that an increase in train traffic would result in an increase of such tragedies. Second, this is a highly populated area. When a train stalls (and it has twice in the last few weeks), it results in terrible traffic congestion, often causing drivers to drive miles out of their way to get to a crossing that is not grade-level. 3)Living so close to the railroad tracks, the whistles of existing trains have forced us to sleep with our windows closed at all times. Otherwise, the noise wakes up our entire family. The sharp increase of such noise if this sale would go through would most likely cause us to move out of the area, even with the lower property values which would surely result from a double track being built so close to our home. I understand that you have requested feedback from citizens. I hope this was not just a formality with the decision already made. As a government agency, it is time for you to truly listen to what citizens have to say. After all, it is we who will have to live with the consequences of your decision. Thank you for taking the time to read this.
    Aurora, IL
  10430. (printed as 1/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4659Kate Barry
    I am just a little girl living with mommy, daddy and my sisters. Everyone is worried about trains so I am too. Please keep it safe in my neighborhood, we want the trains to stay away. Kate
    Barrington Hills, IL
  10431. (printed as 1/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4658Reese Barry
    I don't want trains ruining things, I am worried about going to school and after school things if I have to worry about trains. Please keep children safe. Thanks Reese
    Barrington Hills, IL
  10432. (printed as 1/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4657Sloane Barry
    I am a little girl living in Barrington with my mom, dad and three sisters. We are all very concerned about the trains making it dangerous for us when we are going to school and after school activities. Please help us to be safe. Thanks, Sloane
    Barrington Hills, IL
  10433. (printed as 1/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4656Brooke Barry
    I live in Barrington with my mom, dad and three sisters. I am concerned about going to school and after school activities if the EJ&E are allowed to interfere with traffic. Please don't let them do this to our neighborhood.
    Barrington Hills, IL
  10434. (printed as 1/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4655Dacien Barry
    I would like to make it clear that I don't want EJ&E to increase rail service in Barrington. I am a wife and mother and feel that this would be dangerous to my children going back and forth to school and attending after school activities. I worry about the traffic congestion, the noise and pollution that all this rail traffic will cause. Please don't let the EJ&E do this to our community. Signed - A concerned Mother & Wife.
    Barrington Hills, IL
  10435. (printed as 1/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4654Senator Linda Holmes
    I have attended a number of meetings in my district. Plainfield and Aurora, IL being the most recent. Obviously, my constituents and I have grave concerns. We also have many unanswered questions. We are aware that the number of trains may triple (from 16 to 42). This issue is of particular concern because we have many at grade crossings. In Plainfield there are 17 crossings and 16 are at grade. Plainfield is in Will County (the 5th fastest growing county in the United States). The impact this will have on traffic is a major concern. Not only for schools, residents getting to and from their jobs, but also on emergency vehicles. Residents of Plainfield, which does not have a hospital, are already confronted with transportation via ambulance to a hospital taking over thirty minutes. At the Joliet scoping meeting we learned the trains could be upwards of 8,000 to 10,000 feet long. In Plainfield that could block 5 crossings at the same time. Who will pay to improve these crossings with underpasses or overpasses? Noise is another concern. Train whistles are already a problem in some neighborhoods. When we start talking about 2 trains every hour in once quiet neighborhoods, that is a major problem on both quality of life and possible resale value. Train traffic is 24/7. It does not take into account the quiet peaceful hours of the night, busy rush hour traffic congestion or school schedules. Another issue is the ability to deal with a hazardous spills or contamination in these suburban areas. While I understand we currently have hazardous material carloads, that number is expected to increase dramatically. I have heard of increases from 43 annually to 379. Another concern is what are we looking at with respect to pollution levels? What will the impact be on wetlands and native wildlife? In addition, how will this impact the planned STARline? As our communities continue to expand, commuter traffic needs to be addressed. For congestion and environmental reasons, the STARline was an excellent possible solution for commuters. My concern is that this is a deal Chicago is very much for and it is being strongly considered. I am hearing from constituents on a daily basis and would like a longer period of time to gather their comments. The scoping meetings were held in a few communities, but larger cities that are affected like Aurora and Naperville were not included and it has been up to those individual municipalities to organize a meeting. I submit, that many of these communities would need to have a couple of meetings to reach more residents with concerns.
    Plainfield, IL
  10436. (printed as 1/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4652Life Storage Centers, LLC
    As a property owner and business man who recently bought a building on Lake Zurich Road in Barrington; I am concerned on manner levels about the proposed train traffic that EJ&E is proposing. The train tracks are located a short distance from the building, we will be officing at this location and renting out space to other tenants. I am concerned about delays caused by train traffic, the noise the pollution and the safety of our employees and tenants traveling down the road to and from work each day. Further I live in Barrington and have a wife and four daughters that will be inconvenienced by the increased train traffic going to and from school, shopping and after school activities. As a husband and father I worry about my families safety and well being. Therefore, I am opposed to the EJ&E being allowed to proceed. Please don't allow them to interfere with our business/family community.
    Christopher Barry · Elgin, IL
  10437. (printed as 1/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4651Allyson Deegan
    See attached
    Frankfort, Illinois
  10438. (printed as 1/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4650Life Storage Centers, LLC
    Our company is moving to Lake Zurich Road in Barrington, the train tracks are right near our new office space and I'm concerned about the impact of increased train traffic. It is my understanding that EJ&E is proposing to have approximately 20+ trains come thru the area on a daily basis. The traffic problems, congestion, noise and pollution would be unpleasant to say the least. Please don't allow this to happen.
    Jorie Keller · Elgin, IL
  10439. (printed as 1/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4649Life Storage Center, LLC
    Our company is moving to Lake Zurich Road in Barrington, IL. I will be crossing the railway track by our office numerous times during the course of the day and would not like having trains go thru 20+ times a day causing delays to my travel time. The noise, pollution and inconvenience is not a pleasant prospect. Please don't allow this to happen.
    Kristin Gerber · Elgin, IL
  10440. (printed as 1/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4648Life Storage Centers, LLC
    Our company will be moving to Barrington on Lake Zurich Road in a few months I would like to be counted as someone who is against the proposed increase of railway traffic that will go thru the Barrington area. The track is right near our new office and will create a traffic problem as well as the noise and pollution it will cause. Please don't do this.
    Matt Clark · Elgin, IL
  10441. (printed as 1/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4647C.R. Foster
    Gentlemen: Regarding the Canadian National railway purchase of the EJ&E rail line and the rerouting of the C.N. is not a good idea for this area. (Barrington, Illinois) Delays at major highway crossings especially at rush" hour would be terrible. 100's or possibly more cars waiting at crossings would be a waste of gasoline and icrease air pollution. The rail line divides Barrington from the local hospitaland could cause serious problems for someone trying to there in an emergency. The additional rail traffic noise would dgrade the community. Children's safety is a concern. The area has suffered a deadly train/bus accident already. These problems cover many communities in this area not just Barrington. Thank you C. R. Foster"
  10442. (printed as 1/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4646Sandra Brand
    In regard to the CN acquisition of the EJ&E railroad, please do not allow this to happen. Safety and environmental issues would be compromised. We live in an area near the railroad and there are few roads to allow ambulance, fire, police, school bus service and local traffic. There are also forest preserve areas adjacent to the tracks with a wide variety of wildlife. If, as we have read, an unlimited amount of trains with a length of 2 miles or more were allowed to run on the EJ&J tracks, we would be cut off from safety / life services. Because of the proximity of local communities in the area, one of these proposed trains could easily cut off" 2, 3 or 4 communities at a time. If the trains increase to the number that is anticipated, we could be "closed off" for most of the day and night. It is also our understanding that there would be no restrictions for CN - they can install another track, transport anything they would like, lease the tracks to any other line, for any amount time to transport anything they would choose to transport with no limitations or boundaries. I propose that they not be allowed to buy EJ&J to do as they wish when they wish thereby endangering the communities and wildlife which are adjacent to those tracks. Please feel free to contact me at any time. My home number is above and I can be reached at my office (847.437.6400, x244) during the day. Thank you for your consideration."
  10443. (printed as 1/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4645John Ancona
    The Canadian National Railway will create more traffic jams in Barrington which has too many already.
    Barrington, Il
  10444. (printed as 1/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4644Richard L Chambers
    The disclosed intention of the Canadian National for the number of trains to be run on the EJ&E must be reduced. The increase in traffic they are requesting will choke the movement of vehicular and pedestrian traffic in the Barrington area.
    Barrington, IL
  10445. (printed as 1/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4643Sarah Spearing
    We are very concerned about the proposed sale of the EJ&E railroad to CN. My husband and I live in a wonderful neighborhood with the train track in our backyard. An increase in train traffic would be devestating to our home environment (noise, vibration, exhaust). Additionally, we've enjoyed all the wildlife - red tail hawks, owls, foxes, deer and even coyotes - that currently exist in our area. However with all the trains running 24 hours a day, their homes would also be comprimised. We moved from downtown Chicago to a quiet suburb for peace and quiet - we did not expect to have to share our yard and home with CN trains. Please take our concerns into consideration regarding this proposed sale. Thank you, Sarah Spearin
    Frankfort, IL
  10446. (printed as 1/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4642Alton Louria
    CN Acquisition of the EJ&E should not be allowed fro the following reasons. 1. The proximity of residential properties to the tracks is a significant safety/quality of life concern 2. The location of the tracks across Rte. 60/83 and Diamond Lake Road stops traffic insuch a way that normal activity cannot be conducted and there is no alternative traffic pattern which impedes travel to businesses and schools. 60/83 is already insufficient for the amount of traffic it handles. 3. There are two schools which are effectively cut off from parents and safety equipment when trains are across the tracks and when traffic is recovering and these schools will also be ipacted by noise. 4. A decrease in property values in a working-class community that is working hard to redefine itself and develop postively.
    Mundelein, IL
  10447. (printed as 1/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4641Mark Landrowski
    Surface Transportation Board -- Objection to CN railways increased us of railway behind my property.
    Elgin, IL
  10448. (printed as 1/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4640Wendy Meister-Louria
    I am ver concerned about Canadian Northern's desire to acquire the EJ&E which rund through Mundelein, IL. The five trains which currently run through the community already paralyze three main thoroughfares which hurts business and residential quality of life. Furthermore, these tracks run parallell to well-developed, family-filled neighborhoods. The inherent dangers and quality of life issues are clear. Finally, the tracks are in proximity to two schools and a church. Adding 15 more trains a day would severely impact bussing, school programming, safety and noise. This portion of Mundelein is a developed community not a commercial and inductrial area. Please stop any transfer of rights. Thank you.
    Mundelein, IL
  10449. (printed as 1/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4639Glenn W. Reed
    Attached please find a comment letter on STB Finance Docket No. 35087. Thank you for your help in this matter. Glenn Reed
    Barrington, Illinois
  10450. (printed as 1/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4638John Wojciechowski
    See attachment
    Bartlett, IL
  10451. (printed as 1/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4637Life Storage Centers, LLC
    My company is moving to the Barrington area in a few months; our new office on Lake Zurich Road is right by the railroad tracks. I am very concerned about the interference caused by numerous trains each day as well as the noise and pollution this will cause. I would like to go on record as being strongly opposed to this.
    Jo Lemak · Elgin, IL
  10452. (printed as 1/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4636Linda Mikulan-Maxfield
    I have attached my letter that summarizes my concerns over the proposed acquistion of the EJ&E railroad by Candadian National. Please review this letter and I would encourage you to comprosise on the amount of daily trains and also detrmine if the railroad can be routed via an underground tunnel that could be developed through the hill on Shoe Factory Road. The underground tunnel would then provide the trains an opportunity to move their freight without minimal disruption to the environment and the community.
    Hoffman Estates, Illinois
  10453. (printed as 1/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4635GY I Gonzales Dong
    I was not aware there was a meeting last January 8, 2008, otherwise I would've attended the meeting. I read on the Mundelein Review that the Canadian National Railway plan on purchasing the EJ&E Railway and that there is a possibility that train traffic will increase from 5 to 20. I am 100% opposed to this. Who can I write to express my views on this? Thank you,
    Long Grove, IL
  10454. (printed as 1/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4634Village of Schaumburg
    Attached, please find Al Larson, Village President, Village of Schaumburg's comments on Docket No. 35087. If you have any problems opening this information, please contact June Johnson, Director of Transportation at 847-923-3859.
    June Johnson · Schaumburg, IL
  10455. (printed as 1/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4627Martin
  10456. (printed as 1/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4622Callis
  10457. (printed as 1/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4505William M. Beckman
    I have been made aware of the extent of the proposed increase in railroad traffic for railroad line which lies approximately two hundred feet behind my residence. I can tell you that the proposed increase in freight train traffic will destroy the quality of life issues which myself and all others in the sub-division have come to cherish in the Rolling Knolls. This increase in volume of traffic will completely erode the value of our homes and the community and will make living here an absolute hell. I implore you and others connected to this project to take a minute and try to comprehend the impact the proposed sale of the railroad will have on all neighborhoods along the right of way and please utilize your influence to avert a decision that will adversly affect thousands of home owners. Thank you.
    Elgin, IL
  10458. (printed as 1/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4504Kurt Riesselmann
    Attachments
    Batavia, IL
  10459. (printed as 1/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4503RANDY AND PAULA WROBLE
    Just wanted to voice our opinion on the potential purchase of Canadian Nationals Purchase of EJ & E Railroad. I live in the Liberty Square subdivision directly across the street from the train. We are very disturbed to hear how the trains may increase almost five times to what we currently have running by our home. We feel this will greatly devalue our home and disrupt our quality of life. We would be extremely concerned about the large number or hazardous materials running by our home each day. The noise of the train, especially the horns, will definitely disrupt our everyday life, especially during the time we are spending outside. We are also concerned with the amount of traffic that will occur in result of this. We feel most of the time the signal will be down, prohibiting us from getting anywhere south on Cedar Rd which is the main road we use daily, including taking our son to school. We truly hope this will be taken into consideration before or after the purchase if it does go through. If it does happen, we would only hope that an over/under pass would be built and quiet zones would be enforced. Please contact us with any questions. Thank you for your time and consideration. Docket # 35087
    NEW LENOX, IL
  10460. (printed as 1/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4502Jean Zuccarello
    Please consider my comments on the attached document. Thank you for your time
    Hoffman Estates, IL
  10461. (printed as 1/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4501Christine Roggeveen
    Barrington, IL
  10462. (printed as 1/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4500susan freeman
    I oppose additional rail congestion in Bartlett, Il, for many reasons. I live about 3 blocks from the tracks, as it is now, the noise, horns, are hardly bearable, but adding 22 more freight trains in a day would be impossible to live with. The traffic would also be backed up for most of the day with the increase. I don't know who benefits from this, but it certainly would'nt be the residents of Bartlett, Ill. thank you.
    bartlett, illinois
  10463. (printed as 1/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4499Nicholas J. Perri
    I am seriously concerned regarding the new railroad acquisition in the Aurora/Fox Valley area. The increase in number of trains passing through this area is alarming and will have an extremely negative impact on the envronment in terms of traffic operatios, safety to children and noise and vibration. Our environment is already distressed enough and our community feels the results of this stress on a daily basis. This will only further the damage and amplify the crisis that our environemnt is already in.
    Aurora, IL
  10464. (printed as 1/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4498Bill Moehlenkamp
    1/28/2008 As a resident of Aurora IL I am very concerned about the increase in rail traffic that this forecast as a result of this purchase. There are projections that there will be an increase of over 20 trains per day along this line. The railroad says that his increase in local traffic will be beneficial to the region by eliminating the need for trains to pass through Chicago. One of there statements is that it will reduce the amount of pollution in the air by reducing the number of train engines that will have to sit and wait while working their way through Chicago. What they fail to realize is that every time that they will run a train on the EJ&E tracks they will be causing a huge number of individual autos and trucks to sit with their engines running while the train clears all of the at grade crossings in the area. That means that an additional 7,000 plus trains annually will cause thousands of cars to sit and wait as they pass through. The only benefits that will realized by this sale will be to the railroad that will be able to increase their profits at the expense of all the communities and the hundreds of thousands of people that live and work along this train line.
    Aurora, IL
  10465. (printed as 1/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4060Hoffman
  10466. (printed as 1/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4057Koelzer
  10467. (printed as 1/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4056Karon
  10468. (printed as 1/28/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4034Harkins Cunningham
    Cunningham
  10469. (printed as 1/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6704Owens, Carol
  10470. (printed as 1/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6543City Council Member
    Bruno, thomas
  10471. (printed as 1/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5955Lendi
  10472. (printed as 1/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5864BRAUN
  10473. (printed as 1/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5747ZELENIK
  10474. (printed as 1/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5722DUDAL
  10475. (printed as 1/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5721MCLINN
  10476. (printed as 1/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5676COLELLA
  10477. (printed as 1/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5667SCHILT
  10478. (printed as 1/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5665PETERSON
  10479. (printed as 1/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5662WILHOIT
  10480. (printed as 1/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5661BAKER
  10481. (printed as 1/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5660HARDY
  10482. (printed as 1/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5659JONDAHL
  10483. (printed as 1/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5658GARRETT
  10484. (printed as 1/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5657MOON
  10485. (printed as 1/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5655DUDAL
  10486. (printed as 1/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5653ZIMMERMAN
  10487. (printed as 1/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5652COBERT
  10488. (printed as 1/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5640PRIDE
  10489. (printed as 1/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5595UNKNOWN
  10490. (printed as 1/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5507LINDBERG
  10491. (printed as 1/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5492QUINTANA
  10492. (printed as 1/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5489PALUCH
  10493. (printed as 1/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5488STAPLES
  10494. (printed as 1/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5458UNKNOWN
  10495. (printed as 1/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5457ROOT
  10496. (printed as 1/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5453MORITA
  10497. (printed as 1/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5450UNKNOWN
  10498. (printed as 1/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5449SEPOS
  10499. (printed as 1/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5448UNKNOWN
  10500. (printed as 1/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5447BENNETT
  10501. (printed as 1/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5446UNKNOWN
  10502. (printed as 1/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5387JAMES
  10503. (printed as 1/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5382ARMSTRONG
  10504. (printed as 1/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5381FURLEY
  10505. (printed as 1/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5380SKAGGS
  10506. (printed as 1/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5377UNKNOWN
  10507. (printed as 1/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5372UNKNOWN
  10508. (printed as 1/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5371ZAPPA
  10509. (printed as 1/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5370WERY
  10510. (printed as 1/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5368GROSSPIETSCH
  10511. (printed as 1/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5367UNKNOWN
  10512. (printed as 1/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5353GALBS
  10513. (printed as 1/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5352ZUERCHER
  10514. (printed as 1/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5350KWIATKOWSIC
  10515. (printed as 1/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5349UNKNOWN
  10516. (printed as 1/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5348UNKNOWN
  10517. (printed as 1/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5347LEVERENTZ
  10518. (printed as 1/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5346UNKNOWN
  10519. (printed as 1/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5345MALINOL
  10520. (printed as 1/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5344DAILIDAS
  10521. (printed as 1/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5343UNKNOWN
  10522. (printed as 1/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5342UNKNOWN
  10523. (printed as 1/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5341PLATAS
  10524. (printed as 1/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5340MAAG
  10525. (printed as 1/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5335LINDBERG
  10526. (printed as 1/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5334DOHERTY
  10527. (printed as 1/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5331GLATZ
  10528. (printed as 1/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5328CARLEY
  10529. (printed as 1/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5323SCHULTZ
  10530. (printed as 1/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5303KRAMER
  10531. (printed as 1/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5288KRISTOFF
  10532. (printed as 1/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5245MCLINN
  10533. (printed as 1/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5241PAMPEL
  10534. (printed as 1/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5240LEVERING
  10535. (printed as 1/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5239MAKOWSKI
  10536. (printed as 1/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5229SCHOE
  10537. (printed as 1/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5227ROA
  10538. (printed as 1/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5226MENIKOFF
  10539. (printed as 1/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5223COOK
  10540. (printed as 1/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5217MONEY
  10541. (printed as 1/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4632Pearson
  10542. (printed as 1/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4497Jean Brown
    Our families and neighbors were alarmed by the disturbing news reports regarding Canadian National's safety record, since their proposed acquisiton of the E, J & E Railroad will put our neighborhood, and many others, directly along their path... please read the attached letter.
    Elgin, IL
  10543. (printed as 1/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4496Residents of Bartlett, IL
    ear Sir or Madame Based on information that was made available to us, the taxpaying residents of Lakewood Mill Homeowners Association in Bartlett, IL, I am formally asking the STB to deny the purchase by Canadian National Railway of the tracks currently operated by Eastern Railway Company (Elgin, Joliet, and Eastern Railway). Due to poor planning by our city, we are already at risk for lack of emergency access until our new local fire station opens. Adding an additional 17 trains (on average based on information discussed at the January 17, 2008 public scoping meeting. Clearly there are Air Pollution concerns and Noise Polution concerns that are going unnoticed here. More importantly, Traffic and Safety concerns of the residents of Lakewood Mill are being pushed aside and bartered for financial gain of those not affected by these new concerns. On a good day, we are lucky if we are not stopped for an extended period of time by trains on West Bartlett Road which are stalled/stopped on the tracks. On a typical day, we can expect to essentially double our travel time if we come into contact with one of the average 5.5 trains per day that block access to medical facilities, entertainment facilities, our childrens school, or jobs, etc. By increasing this to 22.5 trains per day, assuming our children are able to attend school and are not afflicted with asthma (a proven side effect of diesel fuel emissions exposure), we can basically consider our small and growing community as a traffic deadlock. The residents of Bartlett, IL will not stand for our needs and safety being pushed aside in order to save a foreign corporation money. Please contact me with any questions you may have. Best regards, John Gura jgura@fischertech.com 630-697-7216
    John Gura · Bartlett, IL
  10544. (printed as 1/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4495Elizabeth A. Chernik
    Ms. Johnson-Ball, please read the attached document for our comments regarding the proposed Canadian National Railway acquisition of the E J & E Railway company. Thank you. Eliabeth & Eric Chernik
    Barrington, il
  10545. (printed as 1/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4494Lucy McGrath
    Scoping Comment for the Proposed Canadian National Railway Company Acquisition of the Elgin, Joliet and Eastern Railway Company. STB Finance Docket No. 35087
    Barrington, IL
  10546. (printed as 1/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4493Maggie Gulledge
    I oppose the sale to CN due to safety concerns from the increase in train traffic: additional blockages at main cross street holding up School bus schedules, joggers and bikers cross over the tracks, and limiting access of emergency vehicles. Please do not approve the sale as the impact to our communtiy would be devestatingly severe.
    Deer Park, il
  10547. (printed as 1/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4492Michael A Ciffone
    Phillis I have lived in my home for 14 years which is next to the E&J rail tracks . When we purchased our home there were about 2 or 3 trains per day . Note it has been this way for 14 yearsnow. Since the rail offer there have been around 10 to 12 traines per day and to tell you the truth it is quite umbearable, I can,t imagine 20 to 24 traines per day.I know their people in Chicago who deal with the same amount of traines per day , but during development of the city of Chicago its residences and rail lines ,they all grew together. When someone purchased a home in the city they knew what they buying if they were near rail traffic,and made a decision based on that. Out here in the suburbs everything was developed with no rail traffic, to the extent of what is being proposed, towns ,roads ,school systems, housing , shopping , and busisnesses have all been developed with a minimal amount of rail traffic . What is being proposed would dramaticcaly affect the area and my home and lifestyle as well as the other several thousand people in my same situation who live along the E&J rail line Thank you for your time and for talking to me at the Barrington meeting. Regards Mike Ciffone
    Hoffman Estates, il
  10548. (printed as 1/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4491Meg Swartz
    The environmental impacts of nearly 20 miles of new railway and increased operations will be significant! As such, I hope that the Board does not rush the review process. I have heard that the timeline for the Environmental Impact Statement process has been determined by the scheduled Canadian National (CN) stockholders’ meeting. Surely, this must be a rumor…the lives of millions will be affected by this acquisition. My concerns are numerous and include construction, noise, air quality and traffic impacts. However, safety remains at the top of my list. • Will our children be safe in their classrooms and schoolyards with hazardous material rolling by? • If the soil is contaminated along the alignment, will construction be safe? • Will the probability of accidents at grade crossings increase with an increase in train traffic? • How can CN ensure that their tanks will withstand an accident or derailment? • Are derailments more likely with the double tracks? Will switching be allowed? • Will storage tracks be allowed near residences or schools? • Are terrorist activities considered due to the dangerous chemicals transported? I had hoped to review CN’s Safety Integration Plan; according to their Application, this should be available. This document was not available at the Public Scoping Meeting that I attended. In fact, when I asked to review it, the EIS Team was not able to locate it and they were unsure if it exists. I believe that the public should be able to review this document in order to fully comment on the impacts of this acquisition. I respectfully request an extension of the review period for the following reasons: • The Safety Integration Plan should be available for review before the comment period ends. • The Public Scoping Meetings were announced for acquisition only and most residents do not understand that the full scope of the EIS is for construction and increased operations. Based on the deceptive title, they chose not to attend. I believe that additional Public Scoping Meetings should be scheduled and properly titled. • CN’s Application is not correct – it states no construction or operations above threshold for environmental review. Again, this adds to the confusion of scope of the environmental review. • The City of Naperville is a high impact area due to the double-tracking; the nearest Public Scoping Meetings were a minimum of 30 minutes away – making it difficult to attend for many. Thank you for your consideration.
    Naperville, IL
  10549. (printed as 1/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4490Jeffrey S. Fannon
    Regarding the proposed Canadian National Railway acquisition of th EJ&E Railway Company, STB Finance Docket #35087 Ladies & Gentlemen: I am opposed to the proposed acquisition for several reasons: 1. The estimated traffic impact (more than 4 times the number of trains) travelling through residential areas. 2. This increased traffic volume will significantly increase noise and vibration pollution in our community 3. The increased traffic will severely impact the response times of emergency services (police, fire, health care) 4. The increased traffic will endanger children and adults going to Citizens Park and the Barrington Library 5. The increased traffic will endanger children on school busses to and from most if not all Barrington schools 6. The increased traffic will cause a huge increase in automobile traffic congestion through downtown Barrington as crossings are blocked. 7. The increased traffic will cause delays in the commuter rail service depended on by many Barrington residents. Thank you for your consideration of my concerns regarding CN's proposal to acquire the EJ&E Jeffrey S Fannon
    Barrington, Ilinois
  10550. (printed as 1/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4489Carl Clouse
    Dear Ms. Johnson-Ball - Please accept my letter here to state my opposition to the proposed acquisition of the EJ&E Rail line by the Canadian National Railway, that passes through Lake Zurich and Barrington, Illinois. As a citizen of this community for ten years I can attest to the volume of traffic delays caused by the current level of use of this rail line. An acquisition that would define an increase to this current level will cause greater negative impact that would affect countless citizens, businesses, and services that provide care and safety to the local population. My residence is just just south of this line, as my Braemar subdivision is bound by the EJ&E to the north, Ela Road to the east, and Cuba road to the south. I am very familiar with the delays that is caused and the volume of traffic that passes outside the rear of my home on Ela. Train traffic has delayed school bus traffic causing my son and the children of my neighbors to arrive late to school on numerous occasions. The line itself is very close to the intersection of Route 12 and Ela, and when a train passes adjacent to this intersection, traffic backs up thoughout each of the four directions, causing risk to those in cars that are wrapped around corners, or trapped in left turn lanes. Ela Road is a major travel artery through this community, and additional trains that consume 5, 6, 7, or 8 minutes would - without a doubt - cause hardship and delays in this community. I would not want to be in the position to state that a train delay perpetuated a dangerous situation from being resolved, such as a fire, or critical care need of a citizen, because the one key north and south artery, central to hundreds of homes, and thousands of citizens was blocked. I echo the concerns of others that are opposed to this acquisition for the following reasons: · Traffic tie-ups that would strangle local communities, leaving children alone at school without a ride after dark. · Businesses without access to either employees or customers. · Doctors, nurses and other medical professionals from Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital who are concerned that increased freight traffic would delay first responders and people in medical emergencies. Such delays can mean life or death for victims of an accident or patients in cardiac arrest. · Police are concerned that their response to emergency calls would be slowed by traffic delays. · Local fire officials who said that a fire doubles in size every minute, so that minutes spent waiting for a passing freight train can make the difference between a battle won or lost for a home in flames. · Real estate professionals and home-owners said home values would decline due to traffic gridlock, the vibrations of passing freight trains, and the increased risk of train accidents. Please consider the needs of the citizens of Lake Zurich and Barrington, and stop the proposed acquisition of the EJ&E by CN. Thank you, and please do not hesitate to contact me for further clarification. Carl Clouse
    Barrington, IL
  10551. (printed as 1/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4488Dr. Arkadiush T Byskosh
    This is regarding the proposed Canadian National Railway Co. Acquisition of the Elgin, Joliet and Easter Railway. This purchase would significantly increase train traffic through the barrington area blocking routes to the main hospital for the area, Good Shepherd Hospital. As a phyisician minutes do matter in a patient's outcome and delay caused by the trains obstructing emergency vehicles can results in deaths and permanent disabilities. The purchased should not be allowed, otherwise the trains should run underground. Sincerely, Dr. Arkadiush T. Byskosh Board Certified in Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
    Barrington Hills, Illinois
  10552. (printed as 1/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4487Diana Thompson
    I have several concerns re: FD #35087. I am writing to express concern over CN's acquisition of EJ&E rail lines, planned construction and increased operations in the suburbs west and south of Chicago. It is my understanding that CN plans to operate 15-27 additional trains through this suburban area as well as construct six new rail connections and approximately 19 miles of new sidings/double track. The negative impacts to the communities located along this proposed route are substantial. My concerns include the following: 1)Safety – The increased rail traffic will have many negative safety impacts with the increase in at-grade crossing accident probability. Hundreds of high schoolers must cross these tracks to get to school. Also the increase in transport of hazardous materials and potential for derailment. Of particular concern is Peterson Elementary School located next to the tracks near 103rd street in South Naperville as well as two middle school within a 3 mile radious of these tracks. 2)Noise and Vibration – There are sensitive receptors immediately adjacent to the right of way including hospitals, schools and residences. Audible warning system bells would be a near constant in this area with crossings at 111th street and 103rd street. With the school’s proximity to the tracks, as well as its location between two crossings, the number of trains crossing throughout the school day would create noise and vibration levels that would clearly disrupt concentration of the above mentioned schools. 3)Traffic – In the Aurora/South Naperville/ Plainfield area, if we assume an additional 25 freight trains with each taking 5 minutes to pass, this would account for more than 2 hours wait time, in a 24 hour period, at crossings. The delays caused by the freight trains will have a detrimental impact on land uses, the ability to transport students to and from school in a safe and timely fashion, and the ability for emergency response vehicles to cross. 4)Air quality – For many segments of the rail line, train traffic will be increasing by 10, 20 or 30 trains a day, indeed, the final number is unpredictable. The emissions from railroad operations as well as vehicle delays will clearly have a negative impact on air quality in a nonattainment area. Concern with the children on playgrounds and playing fields during/after school hours. I feel the residents of Naperville, IL have not been properly educated on these concerns. Attached I have requested, through Ms. Quinlan, an extension of the Feb. 1 deadline date for public comment as well as a request for a Public Scoping Meeting in Naperville. Naperville and surrounding areas need to be better educated on what lies ahead. Thank you!
    Naperville, IL
  10553. (printed as 1/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4486Ed and Marisel Guntin
    Please vote against CN's proposal to reroute train traffic into the suburbs. Attached is a letter in Word, to voice our opposition.
    Lake Barrington, Illinois
  10554. (printed as 1/27/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4485Don Ruhter
    I am critically concerned with the prospect that the already congested and rail clotted roads of the Village of Barrington may become much worse if the EJ&E rail line is sold to any company that will increase traffic. I take my kids to school... and cross several rail lines... including the EJ&E to get to and from the school. Anyone who crosses town will has to cross the EJ&E at least once and sometimes several times. Between the commuter line and EJ&E, things are already bad enough. Increased traffic on the EJ&E will tie the village in knots, create dangerous situations at crossings, increase traffic congestion and delays, discourage individuals from shopping in the village, and generally be a big negative for the village. If there is any way to devise an alternate route or sink the rail line below grade, that would be very helpful. Thank you for your time and consideration don ruhter
    Barrington, IL.
  10555. (printed as 1/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6537Sierra Club
    Illegible
  10556. (printed as 1/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6070VLK
  10557. (printed as 1/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6065Illegible
  10558. (printed as 1/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6064Illegible
  10559. (printed as 1/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6062Illegible
  10560. (printed as 1/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6059Haiderer
  10561. (printed as 1/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6054Burke, Bradley
  10562. (printed as 1/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6053Hartley, Joann
  10563. (printed as 1/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5990SINGH
  10564. (printed as 1/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5954Vilutis
  10565. (printed as 1/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5863CADIAC
  10566. (printed as 1/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5796MONAHAN
  10567. (printed as 1/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5732BEAUPRE
  10568. (printed as 1/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5723UNKNOWN
  10569. (printed as 1/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5703SIMEK
  10570. (printed as 1/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5673BRUSSEAN
  10571. (printed as 1/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5672KING
  10572. (printed as 1/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5664MAYR
  10573. (printed as 1/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5648UNKNOWN
  10574. (printed as 1/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5620HERRICK
  10575. (printed as 1/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5619RINANDO
  10576. (printed as 1/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5615UNKNOWN
  10577. (printed as 1/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5614CLEMENT
  10578. (printed as 1/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5594REINHART
  10579. (printed as 1/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5497MILLSTONE
  10580. (printed as 1/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5496REYNOLDS
  10581. (printed as 1/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5491KOTSIOPOULOS
  10582. (printed as 1/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5490MUELLER
  10583. (printed as 1/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5461DOBBS
  10584. (printed as 1/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5460LEHMANN
  10585. (printed as 1/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5456LAMB
  10586. (printed as 1/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5455PAZELY
  10587. (printed as 1/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5454KELLY
  10588. (printed as 1/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5452MILLER
  10589. (printed as 1/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5445PAZELY
  10590. (printed as 1/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5444UNKNOWN
  10591. (printed as 1/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5389PAZELY
  10592. (printed as 1/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5388KAPSIAN
  10593. (printed as 1/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5386KAKAREKA
  10594. (printed as 1/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5385PATITSAS
  10595. (printed as 1/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5384GILLIS
  10596. (printed as 1/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5383GIBSON
  10597. (printed as 1/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5378JORDT
  10598. (printed as 1/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5374HILTON
  10599. (printed as 1/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5369MCNULTY
  10600. (printed as 1/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5366FAIRCHILD
  10601. (printed as 1/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5365AKIN
  10602. (printed as 1/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5364PRECILIO
  10603. (printed as 1/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5363HAEGER
  10604. (printed as 1/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5361UNKNOWN
  10605. (printed as 1/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5360SABATINO
  10606. (printed as 1/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5359KUPSIAN
  10607. (printed as 1/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5358PATITSAS
  10608. (printed as 1/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5351CHAUDHARY
  10609. (printed as 1/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5326HEFFERNAN
  10610. (printed as 1/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5308SPEGEL
  10611. (printed as 1/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5304JOHNSON
  10612. (printed as 1/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5302MAGISTRELE
  10613. (printed as 1/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5292LORING
  10614. (printed as 1/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5284UNKNOWN
  10615. (printed as 1/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5263PFAFF
  10616. (printed as 1/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5247Stone Creek Homeowners Assn
    PAVLICH
  10617. (printed as 1/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5238BERNARD
  10618. (printed as 1/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5228KOKOSZKA
  10619. (printed as 1/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5219WESSMAN
  10620. (printed as 1/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5218WESSMAN
  10621. (printed as 1/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5203MAZUR
  10622. (printed as 1/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5048Bartlett Fire Protection District
    MCCARTHY
  10623. (printed as 1/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4484Gail Baldwin
    01-20-2008 ATTN: Phillis Johnson-Ball Environmental Filing STB Finance Docket No. 35087 STB, Concerning CN Railway in Barrington IL I am a resident of Barrington IL, and I am disturbed by the acquisition of the EJ&E railway lines by CN. We in the Barrington Community do not have the infrastructure to support any more rail traffic. It is already difficult and time consuming to drive through town, as we have Union Pacific, Metra, and EJ&E lines crossing in the heart of the city. There are no overpasses or underpasses to accommodate this traffic. CN says that their 100 car trains will only delay traffic by 6 minutes, but when you are the car that is stuck in traffic 3 miles back, it will take you a much longer time. Their increase of trains by 400% will bring this town to a screeching halt. I live in the Arbors, which is comprised of a dozen buildings containing condos and townhouses that are very near the light rail that CN wishes to purchase. The 3 to 5 trains a day that run now are noisy and the vibrations are tremendous, but it is manageable because of their infrequency. Increased traffic on this line presents a very large health risk, as noise pollution has many adverse effects. Studies have shown that noise such as that from freight trains can raise blood pressure, lower immune system responses, and cause learning problems in children, to name just a few. The vibrations affect both our health, and the health of our building complex. This area of town may not be habitable if this plan is allowed to continue. Emergency vehicles will be slowed, and critical response time will be jeopardized. Slowed access to hospitals and other medical treatment facilities can result in deaths that could have been prevented. Fire trucks will find it increasingly difficult to navigate through town, and homes and businesses can be unnecessarily lost to flames. Toxic pollution will also accompany this increased traffic, and put the entire community at risk. 800 school buses will be held up by this traffic, as well as parents who are delivering and picking up their children. This will be a nightmare scenario for all. It will affect the timetable of the Metra lines going into the city, as the EJ&E lines cross theirs. As you can see, this will impact not just our local community, but the greater Chicago community as well. CN’s derailment record is disturbing. In 2005, CN had an astonishing 103 main-track derailments in communities across Canada. That’s an average of one derailment every three-and-a-half days. As these trains carry toxic chemicals, this is a disaster just waiting to happen. These are only a few of the hundreds of concerns that we residents have, so I encourage you to find a better solution for CN,s insatiable needs. Do not allow them to put their monetary desires above the needs of the thousands of people that make up our beautiful communities. Gail Baldwin 436-3 Lageschulte St. Barrington, IL 60010
    Barrington, IL
  10624. (printed as 1/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4483Steve Schultz
    I am a resident of Barrington Illinois and will be directly affected if Canadian National were to purchase the EJ&E railroad. I will be impacted in the following ways: - There will be 20 trains a day rather than three which will cause long delays within town given the longer number of cars per train and the fact that multiple intersections will be tied up if a long train were to go through Lake Zurich. - Emergency vehicles and school buses will be unable to get to their destinations given the numerous long trains that are proposed by Canadian National. - The noise and air pollution will be increased by going from 3 trains daily to 20 trains daily. - The risk of an environmantal disaster are increased because of the number of increased trains. - My property value will decrease because of the increased number of daily trains. - The safety of our children are at risk because the EJ&E line goes through many neighborhoods. The chances for a train to derail increases greatly because of more daily trains.
    Barrington, IL
  10625. (printed as 1/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4482Cherie' Hein
    Dear Ms. Ball, I am very concerned about the proposed sale of the EJ&E RxR to CN. It is my understanding that it is the responsibility and duty of the STB to evaluate the environmental and safety effects of the purchase. I think that there are very serious and pronounced environmental and safety issues. I live on the wrong side of the tracks, literally, if the police need to respond to an emergency at my home. The police would need to detour through two other towns that are not in their jurisdiction to respond. This would entail an approximate 7 miles of rerouting, and I wouldn't even want to estimate a travel time because that cannot truly be measured since motorists would be tying up the road trying to avoid the two roads that would be blocked by the train tracks. I understand that this is the case now as well however the EJ&E only goes by approximately 5 times per day not the estimated 20 -30 that CN is estimating. I live close enough to the tracks to know that the current shorter" trains do stop on the tracks and block the grade crossings a couple times a month minimum. I am not sure if this is due to the Metra tracks that they intersect, but it is the reality of the situation. How many roads will we block with the proposed "longer" trains? Is this worth the safety of our families and children? Not only will it delay emergency response times, school buses have been late many times in just this school year, the community library where children are able to walk to in the safe neighborhood have to walk over these tracks creating an unsafe travel with the proposed increase in traffic. Motorists make unsafe decisions turning around at these grade crossings, and try to navigate through residential neighborhoods to find a through artery. These are people and families that will be affected by this sale, we are not statistics, and we don't want to become statistics either. I am also concerned about the environmental issues. The increased train traffic does increase the amount of pollutants that are pumped into the air along this track. I live in a rural area, 1 acre lot minimums, I moved here to enjoy the deer, coyotes, hawks, owls, etc. How will these pollutants affect the quality of air for my family as well as the wildlife. I followed the track route (via internet map service) and it seems that the track runs through several forest preserves and wildlife sanctuaries. Does this not matter that we would let a company try to reduce their operating transportation costs at the expense of families and wildlife? I know all too well about trying to reduce transportation costs with the nature of our own business, we need to select routes in which villages will allow us to travel because the villages do not want our heavy equipment trucks going through their towns. We respect that, and accept that as part of our business. I think that CN needs to look at putting people before profit. Some things are more important than saving a buck, and it seems to me that human life is one of them. I appreciate your time and consideration in thoughtfully reviewing this matter. I am hopeful that the STB will feel that safety and environmental issues are important as well. Respectfully, Cherie' Hein"
  10626. (printed as 1/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4481Carol Schmidt
    The plans by CN Rail to purchase the EJ&E rail line and significantly increase the freight train traffic through the Barrington area, which already experiences a lot of traffic congestion due to freight and commuter trains, would be a disaster. The village is trying to revitalize the town center, but it would become a ghost town as people would avoid going thru it and the remaining business would surely be forced to shut down. Not to mention the delays it would cause to school buses, emergency vehicles, and commuters to jobs. We live on the north side of the tracks, but our kids schools, church, jobs, and preferred grocery store, shops and restaurants are on the south side. Our already lengthy driving times would become even longer, and we'd be forced to take most of our business elsewhere. We hope the severe impact of this acquistion warrants a denial of CN Rail's purchase.
    Tower Lakes, IL
  10627. (printed as 1/26/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4480Joanna Plummer
    I am attaching a pdf file for you to view of my comments regarding CN Railway acquisition of EJ&E Railway Company. STB Finance Docket No. 35087
    Frankfort, IL
  10628. served (printed as 1/25/2008)
    Decision
    38747Secretary
    DECISION PROVIDED THE FINAL SERVICE LIST IN THIS PROCEEDING.
  10629. served (printed as 1/25/2008)
    Decision
    38711Entire Board
    DECISION PROVIDED NOTICE THAT THE PETITIONS FOR RECONSIDERATION FILED SEPARATELY BY INDIANA HARBOR BELT RAILROAD COMPANY AND UNITED TRANSPORTATION UNION HAVE BEEN BOTH WITHDRAWN, AND DENIED REQUESTS TO RECLASSIFY THE ACQUISITION OF CONTROL OF EJ&E WEST COMPANY BY CANADIAN NATIONAL RAILWAY COMPANY AND GRAND TRUNK CORPORATION AS 'SIGNIFICANT' OR TO ALTER THE PROCEDURAL SCHEDULE IN DECISION NO. 2.
  10630. (printed as 1/25/2008)
    Comments
    221408Comment
    U S Department Of Transportation
  10631. (printed as 1/25/2008)
    Comments
    221406Comment
    Wisconsin Department Of Agriculture, Trade And Consumer Protection
  10632. (printed as 1/25/2008)
    Comments
    221405Comment
    Village Of Mokena
  10633. (printed as 1/25/2008)
    Comments
    221401Comment
    National Conference Of Fireman & Oilers, American Train Dispatchers Association, International Brotherhood Of Electrical Workers, International Association Of Machinists And Aerospace Workers
  10634. (printed as 1/25/2008)
    Motion
    221396Motion To Compel
    Village Of Frankfort, Il
  10635. (printed as 1/25/2008)
    Certificate
    221389Certificate Of Service
    National Association Of Railroad Passengers
  10636. (printed as 1/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7043Glamini
  10637. (printed as 1/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6967Flaherty, Sara
  10638. (printed as 1/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6964Mattoon Chamber of Commerce
    Pinnell, Michael
  10639. (printed as 1/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6912United Methodist Children's Home
    Winkelmann, Clete
  10640. (printed as 1/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6817Neil, Karen & Steve
  10641. (printed as 1/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6718Attorney
    Sobotik, John
  10642. (printed as 1/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6717Attorney for EBEW, IAM, ATDA, NCFO
    Wolly, Michael
  10643. (printed as 1/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6716Dept. of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection
    Nilsestuen, Rod
  10644. (printed as 1/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6714Attorney for the Village of Frankfort, IL
    Hirschhorn, Eric
  10645. (printed as 1/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6701Nolan, Nikki
  10646. (printed as 1/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6674IL Dept. of Transportation
    Clary
  10647. (printed as 1/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6671Attorneys at Law
    Cunningham, Paul
  10648. (printed as 1/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6668Village of Mokena
    Werner
  10649. (printed as 1/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6664Lake County
    O'Kelly
  10650. (printed as 1/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6655General Counsel
    Gribbin
  10651. (printed as 1/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6654Continental Tire
    Eisenga
  10652. (printed as 1/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6653City of Greenville
    Willey
  10653. (printed as 1/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6651Pacey
  10654. (printed as 1/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6650Kapes
  10655. (printed as 1/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6649Southern IL Consultants for Kidney Disease
    Zelman
  10656. (printed as 1/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6648Braddy
  10657. (printed as 1/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6647Clinton, Judith
  10658. (printed as 1/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6646Strong
  10659. (printed as 1/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6644Acting General Counsel
    Ross
  10660. (printed as 1/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6638BASF The Chemical Co.
    Eggermann
  10661. (printed as 1/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6627City of Champaign
    Schweighart, Gerald
  10662. (printed as 1/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6614Bogdan, Stephen
  10663. (printed as 1/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6611Susskind, Janet
  10664. (printed as 1/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6610Courtley, Mary-Kathryn
  10665. (printed as 1/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6609Janes, Patricia
  10666. (printed as 1/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6608Pattison, David
  10667. (printed as 1/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6607Schotz, Ed
  10668. (printed as 1/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6606Schuck, Matthew
  10669. (printed as 1/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6605Kamenova, Anna
  10670. (printed as 1/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6604Leick, John
  10671. (printed as 1/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6603Taylor, Katherine
  10672. (printed as 1/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6600Chvojka, Heather
  10673. (printed as 1/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6599Mann, Michael
  10674. (printed as 1/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6598Schotz, Kimberly
  10675. (printed as 1/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6597Reyes, Stephen
  10676. (printed as 1/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6596Ungerer, Hillary
  10677. (printed as 1/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6594Sutherland, Andrew
  10678. (printed as 1/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6593Shannon, Catherine
  10679. (printed as 1/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6592Melone, Sandy
  10680. (printed as 1/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6591Brown, Brian
  10681. (printed as 1/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6590Wesender, William
  10682. (printed as 1/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6589Kerchberger, Dawn
  10683. (printed as 1/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6587Doherty, Mark
  10684. (printed as 1/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6586Ritchie, Amy
  10685. (printed as 1/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6585O'Neill, Jane & Jerry
  10686. (printed as 1/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6584Kent, Donald
  10687. (printed as 1/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6583Topping
  10688. (printed as 1/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6582Giannini, Renee
  10689. (printed as 1/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6581Melnyk, Pam
  10690. (printed as 1/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6579Oltman, Tammy
  10691. (printed as 1/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6578Hartley, Joann
  10692. (printed as 1/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6577Hillier, Lynn
  10693. (printed as 1/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6576Rennie, Lilla
  10694. (printed as 1/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6575Nair, Josetta
  10695. (printed as 1/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6574Mahute, doug
  10696. (printed as 1/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6573Lydon, CJ
  10697. (printed as 1/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6572Baiardo, Sam & Antonette
  10698. (printed as 1/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6571Chislett, Graham & Katja
  10699. (printed as 1/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6570Mervine, Richard
  10700. (printed as 1/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6569Nelson, James
  10701. (printed as 1/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6568Rider, Allison
  10702. (printed as 1/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6567Mihelich, jane
  10703. (printed as 1/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6566Doherty, Kevin
  10704. (printed as 1/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6565Moranetz, mark
  10705. (printed as 1/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6564Offerman, Michael
  10706. (printed as 1/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6563Doyle, Rob
  10707. (printed as 1/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6562Gottlick, John
  10708. (printed as 1/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6561Stegemeier, Henriette
  10709. (printed as 1/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6560Mattoon chamber of Commerce
    Willaredt, Dean
  10710. (printed as 1/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6549Leydig
  10711. (printed as 1/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6548Dixon, Jim
  10712. (printed as 1/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6542Hale, Nancy
  10713. (printed as 1/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6501Law Offices, Vuono & Gray
    Vuono, John
  10714. (printed as 1/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6500Walker, Mary
  10715. (printed as 1/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6499Kuchinke, K. Peter
  10716. (printed as 1/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6400SNYDER
  10717. (printed as 1/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6257Transportation IL Coalition
    Carrigan, Michael
  10718. (printed as 1/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6221Knicker, Beth
  10719. (printed as 1/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6069Illegible
  10720. (printed as 1/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6068Engstrom, John
  10721. (printed as 1/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6067Marciniak, Julie & Steve
  10722. (printed as 1/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6066Cole, Renee
  10723. (printed as 1/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6063Illegible
  10724. (printed as 1/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6061Lambert, Michelle
  10725. (printed as 1/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6060Lambert, Michael
  10726. (printed as 1/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6058Thomas, Jennifer
  10727. (printed as 1/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6057Hightower, Kathleen
  10728. (printed as 1/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6056Unknown
  10729. (printed as 1/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6055Clearwater Custom Homes
    Unknown
  10730. (printed as 1/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6052Beaulieu, Laura
  10731. (printed as 1/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6050Serna, Cherie
  10732. (printed as 1/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5991MICHON
  10733. (printed as 1/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5862WISNER
  10734. (printed as 1/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5861UNKNOWN
  10735. (printed as 1/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5860SA
  10736. (printed as 1/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5671HAUSEN
  10737. (printed as 1/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5668THOMPSON
  10738. (printed as 1/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5645FRANCIS
  10739. (printed as 1/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5641DAVID
  10740. (printed as 1/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5638WEBER
  10741. (printed as 1/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5632BERARDI
  10742. (printed as 1/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5604GILSON
  10743. (printed as 1/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5498BAILEY
  10744. (printed as 1/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5485THALHEISER
  10745. (printed as 1/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5330HEFFERNAN
  10746. (printed as 1/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5315SHIPMAN
  10747. (printed as 1/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5311CWIKLA
  10748. (printed as 1/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5310FLOLID
  10749. (printed as 1/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5301BARBORO
  10750. (printed as 1/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5299OLSON
  10751. (printed as 1/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5298SPARAGIO
  10752. (printed as 1/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5285PORA
  10753. (printed as 1/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5279CARLI
  10754. (printed as 1/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5278TROPP
  10755. (printed as 1/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5271MCNITT
  10756. (printed as 1/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5270FLOMINI
  10757. (printed as 1/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5253HOLZKNECHT
  10758. (printed as 1/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5249WIESE
  10759. (printed as 1/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5246GOODWIN
  10760. (printed as 1/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5242GUNTIN
  10761. (printed as 1/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5237WORLEY
  10762. (printed as 1/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5236MCMASTER
  10763. (printed as 1/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5235BENLIN
  10764. (printed as 1/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5234UNKNOWN
  10765. (printed as 1/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5233FORSGREN
  10766. (printed as 1/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5232KURRIEJ
  10767. (printed as 1/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5231BROTH
  10768. (printed as 1/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5230INDA
  10769. (printed as 1/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5222MURPHY
  10770. (printed as 1/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5211UHRIG
  10771. (printed as 1/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5204KAMINSKI
  10772. (printed as 1/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5200WARD
  10773. (printed as 1/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5199VLK
  10774. (printed as 1/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5198THEODOROU
  10775. (printed as 1/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5197ERNEST
  10776. (printed as 1/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5196SALEN
  10777. (printed as 1/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5195BURKE
  10778. (printed as 1/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5194OSCHERWITZ
  10779. (printed as 1/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5193HOUCK
  10780. (printed as 1/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5192HAIDERER
  10781. (printed as 1/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5175VESTA
  10782. (printed as 1/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5171MASCAN
  10783. (printed as 1/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5169ANDERSON
  10784. (printed as 1/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5167MONTALUO
  10785. (printed as 1/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5074RYCKMAN
  10786. (printed as 1/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5050KIEHL
  10787. (printed as 1/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5046Village of Lake Zurich
    TOLOMEI
  10788. (printed as 1/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4626Tropp
  10789. (printed as 1/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4478ROLLONG KNOLLS ESTATE
    WE AS HOMEOWNERS, LIVING NEAR THE RAILWAY, OBJECT TO THE CANADIAN NATIONAL RAILWAY PURCHASING THE E$J RAILWAY AND INCREASING THE VOLUME OF TRAFFIC AND SUBJECTING THE ENVIRONMENT TO HAZARDOUS CONDITIONS.
    HULL,B.&M. · ELGIN, IL
  10790. (printed as 1/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4477Jamie Kenworthy
    This is regarding Finance Docket Number 35087. We live in the Liberty Square subdivision just north of the railroad tracks. I am concerned about the increase in noise with more trains. As it is now, the trains wake up my family at night. I think a quite zone and noise reduction barriers would be a great idea. I am also concerned about the traffic back ups, on Cedar primarily. That is the road to the nearest grocery store and pharmacy.
    New Lenox, IL
  10791. (printed as 1/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4476Jennifer Johnson
    This is regarding STB Finance Docket No. 35087 I strongly oppose the Canadian National Acquisition EJ & E. I am a concerned citizen. I believe this is a environmental hazard for the citizens of Aurora and Naperville. Please reconsider the selling of the railroad. Thank you.
    Aurora, IL
  10792. (printed as 1/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4475Town of Griffith, Lake County, Indiana
    Robert M. Schwerd · Highland, IN
  10793. (printed as 1/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4474Robert Rentz
    The increased congestion on our streets, and the increased safety concerns for our children are sufficient reasons to stop CN from adding additional rail traffic through our neighborhood. The ability for CN to increase profits by increasing traffic in our back yards is a woefully inadequate reason for permission of this activity. We have to live with the consequences of this decision, not the CEO of CN living in Canada! Stop this now!!
    Hoffman Estates, IL
  10794. (printed as 1/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4473Marisel Guntin
    Attached is a letter opposing the CN railway proposed activity in Barrington, Illinois. The document is in Microsoft Word. Please help us by voiting against the CN proposed increased rail activity in our community.
    Lake Barrington, Illinois
  10795. (printed as 1/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4472Fiona Lee
    I live in the Liberty Square subdivision just north of the EJ&E tracks. The amount of noise/vibration and traffic delays that will result with 30 plus trains a day coming through is ridiculous. We need noise barriers and overpasses or underpasses for Cedar, Gougar, and Nelson. I believe Canadian National should be responsible to build a landscape berm or noise reduction wall where it will affect neighborhoods that are within ¼ of a mile from the tracks. In New Lenox two of our main roads, Cedar and Gougar having crossings, these need to have an overpass or underpass in place for emergency personnel. Lincolnway School District is building a new high school next to the tracks on Gougar. There needs to be extra safety measures taken at this crossing because of teens driving and the amount of truck traffic that is expected in the future. There should be a limit on the amount of trains a day for these tracks. It's sad that a railroad like Canadian National can come into a village and do whatever they want. The railroad should pay a fee to the village for its use, and the people should get a tax break. I would like to see this purchase stopped completely. It will ruin our community not to mention our property values.
    New Lenox, IL
  10796. (printed as 1/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4471Lucille
    I am writing to voice my concerns over the Canadian National's purchase of the EJ&E Railroad. I am a resident of the Liberty Square subdivision in New Lenox. The train tracks that the Canadian National RR will be using are two blocks from my home. At present a train comes through approximately 5 times during a 24 hour period. Increasing this to a train or trains coming through 25 to 38 times a day is totally unacceptable. To begin the noise level would be intolerable. I love the peace and quiet of living in New Lenox. With a train/or trains barreling through every hour this tranquility would be shattered. A second and more important concern I have is the hazardous and toxic materials that would be transported on those trains. Our community has many children in it and this would be a definite health concern for them and all who live here. Last is my concern about fire and police vehicles and general traffic being tied up at the intersections of Cedar, Gougar, and/or Nelson. If I need emergency help how will the police or fire departments be able to reach me? How much earlier will I need to leave for work because I will be delayed by trains blocking my exit from New Lenox? Please reconsider your decision to sell the railroad to Canadian National and at the very least please do something so that these concerns will be addressed. I love where I live. I'd hate for my home, peace of mind, my tranquility, and the value of my home to be destroyed because of trains coming through my subdivision 24 hours a day. Thank you for letting me express my concerns on this issue.
    New Lenox, IL
  10797. (printed as 1/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4470karen schuld
    I am very concerned about the sale of EJ&E railroad south to Canadian National. I live in a subdivision that buts up to the rail line. I don't like the idea of 28 trains a day, plus the danger of toxic chemicles being transferred in through my neighborhood. Traffic and safety will be a nightmare while traveling through town. What about an emergency? Trains will be running more than every hour. This is absolutly ridiculous. I wish that lawmakers would think about how this sale will affect our life. I am sick and tired of the citizens of this country being put on the back burner. We have rights, and we do not want this sale to go through. What about our home value? Please consider us for a change and do the right thing. If the sale is approved which I'm sure it will be because you arent affected by it, at least build a berm, construct over or under passes at your expense and do develop quiet zones and make them manditory. I hope that you will enforce it too.
    new lenox, illinoi
  10798. (printed as 1/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4469Ducay
    I am writing to express my opposition to the proposed increase in rail traffic resulting from the acquisition of the EJ&E by the Canadian National. I respectfully ask that the STB consider limitations on the number of trains allowed per day as part of your review. Further, the placement of enhanced safety gates at the local grade crossings should be funded by the CN as part of any approval.
    Jerry · Frankfort, IL
  10799. (printed as 1/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4468Donna Harris
    Our subdivision and those surrounding us would really appreciate closer attention to noise control regarding the trains. We are aware that several crossings in the area have recently become no whistle zones" and would appreciate the same for our neighborhood. Our property values are decreasing, we personally have lost at least 2 sales on our home due to train horns, not to mention the fatigue we are experiencing because of the train horns. Our crossings are equipped not only with gates but the overhead lights as well. Please, if you have not looked closely at this crossing, PLEASE do so. Thank you for your time and consideration."
  10800. (printed as 1/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4467Barrington Citizens for Open Space, Inc.
    Christine roggeveen · Barrington, IL
  10801. (printed as 1/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4466Korey Stellmach
    I was unable to attend the meeting last night but do have a couple of questions. If the number of trains increase to 42 from 18 that means that there will be a train crossing every 35 minutes. When will the majority of trains be crossing? If it will be during rush hour you will have cars backed-up 3 miles in every direction making it almost impossible to get home if you leave near the tracks as well as impossible to use the businesses that are located there. Unless there car overpasses or train tressels built over the busy roads in this area (Eola and Montgomery) there will be extreme traffic problems; including getting kids to and from school. How will the increase in trains affect the kids and school transportation? Thank you, Korey Stellmach
    Aurora, IL
  10802. (printed as 1/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4465Mary Grace Madamba
    Please see following attachment.
    Aurora, IL
  10803. (printed as 1/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4464Patricia Zannelli
    Sandalwood Estates subdivision backs up to the tracks. The blaring horns wake everyone up in the house at 4a.m. (Even with our windows closed!!) We can't even carry a conversation outside if a train goes by - the noise is unbearable. This is a request for Sound barriers, vibrations barriers, Quiet Zones and if nothing else - a crossing gate at 116th Street. I've got kids under the age of 10 that like ride their bikes around the neighborhood. Knowing that there is no gate at 116th Street makes me upset and nervous for my kid's safety in their own neighborhood.
    Frankfort, IL
  10804. (printed as 1/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4463Jim Stark
    I attended the West Chicago scoping meeting on January 17th, 2008. I wanted to make note of the interaction of the East-West trains on the Union Pacific West line with the proposed CN line (on the current EJ&E (north-south) line. I would request that the environmental study explicitly account for the effects that an increased number of long and slow (or stop and go) freight trains being run on the north-south EJ&E (Proposed CN) line will have on the wait times and locations of currently running E-W trains on the Union Pacific West line that runs through Wheaton, IL. In addition, the study should also account for what effects these potential increased train delays could have on street traffic flow for both regular and emergency vehicles as well as additional diesel exhaust, engine idling noise and whistling as trains move from standby to through movements (on a busy 3 track main line) near our residential areas. (There may be a reverse effect e.g. The intersection issue could also affect communities up stream on the north-south line if priorities are given to the E-W lines.) There are many trains both Union Pacific and Metra that run through our town day and night including several coal trains (empty and full) of over 100 cars each. We have only one above grade bridge crossing out of 10 or so total crossings within the city. That bridge is not convenient to much of the traffic in downtown or the east side of town. (There is also an underpass on County Farm road on the far west side of the city). These effects may also be present for several other of the train lines in our region that have this configuration and should also be investigated. Since the early information (unverified) is that the intersection of E-W/N-S train line interlocking towers will be owned and therefore controlled privately by the CN what recourse will municipalities have with a private Canadian carrier if problems occur either now or in the future? What ways can potential problems be avoided or mitigated? Thank you for your consideration. Respectfully, Jim Stark
    Wheaton, IL.
  10805. (printed as 1/25/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4031Village of Mokena
    WERNER
  10806. (printed as 1/24/2008)
    Notice
    221384Notice Of Intent To Participate (Without Comment)
    National Association Of Railroad Passengers
  10807. (printed as 1/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-16043Office of the Mayor
    Chesley
  10808. (printed as 1/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7021LOMAS
  10809. (printed as 1/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6914Neilson, Marlis
  10810. (printed as 1/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6887James, Lynn
  10811. (printed as 1/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6862Stevenson, Dorothy
  10812. (printed as 1/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6818Susek, Terrance
  10813. (printed as 1/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6645JCDC
    Bechtel
  10814. (printed as 1/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6637Hinton, George & Patricia
  10815. (printed as 1/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6622City of Memphis TN
    Herenton
  10816. (printed as 1/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6544The HDF Group
    Folk, Michael
  10817. (printed as 1/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6028Alana Shuma
    I am writing regarding the possible purchase of the EJ&E railroad by the Canadian railway. I am completely against this purchase due to the large amount of extra traffic that will be created by this sale. My home is not far from the tracks and I now can feel my house tremble and hear the trains. I don't want to live this on a continual basis due to increased traffic. More importantly, the high school for our school district, and the new high school being built for our district, is across the railroad tracks that have to be crossed by students and parents to get to the school. There is not a bridge so we are forced to wait in traffic. When students and parents are sometimes making 3 to 4 trips to the high school a day, having 42 trains going across these tracks a day will cause a tremendous back up of traffic and make the commute for our students to be longer. Finally, the closest hospital (Rush Copley) is only 5 minutes away; however, it is on the other side of the railway tracks and there is not a bridge for an ambulance. Thank you for your consideration in now allowing increased traffic to the communities along the current EJ&E railway.
    Aurora, IL
  10818. (printed as 1/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6026James L. Harris
    This refers to docket number 35087, the purchase of the Elgin, Joliet & Eastern railroad by the Canadian National railroad. I am very concerned about the relentless noise from train horns that will come with the Canadian National/Elgin railroad deal. Already, just with the E,J,&E trains, it is impossible to watch television in the evening or for my grandaughters (or my self and my wife) to sleep through the night when we open the windows. My granddaughters usually wake up crying because the trains frighten them. Are we supposed to keep our house shut tight with the air conditioner running all summer? The addition of the CN traffic will make it impossible to live here and will drive down the value of our homes, not to mention the relentless noise pollution. When we bought our homes here many years ago, the E,J,&E line had maybe five trains a DAY. Now they will bring at LEAST 42.6 trains a day. This noise will ruin our lives out here! We also have a retirement community right across the road from us. Do we tell all those people that financial gain and convienence for the Canadian National railway is far more important than the voters and taxpayers in THEIR community? And considering all of the ambulance traffic through the crossings at Division Street and Gaylord Street, how long will we wait now for an ambulance? Or a fire truck? or the police? This is of concern for the entire community. If this deal goes through, and I'm sure it will regardless of what we mere citizens want, can we at LEAST STOP THOSE HORNS??!! Plainfield, Illinois did it on the SAME line, not five miles from here. Our crossings at Division and Gaylord streets are FAR safer than theirs. The constant delays are bad enough, but the noise pollution is outrageous already. If it requires a class action lawsuit filed with the EPA, so be it. Since Plainfield stopped the horns, there MUST be a mechanism for stopping the racket for us as well. I'd sure like to know what that mechanism is. Thank you.
    Lockport, Illinois
  10819. (printed as 1/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6023Heather Van Der Male
    We are writing out of concern over docket number 35087 (the acquisition of EJ&E Rail Line by the Canadian National Railway). This acquisition would seriously lower the standard of life for those of us whose homes are close to the tracks (ours is directly behind the tracks). The noise from the horns can be very unsettling and the dramatic increase in trains (from 18, currently, to 42.6 trains per day, projected) will undoubtedly lower our property values. The tracks are already in hopeless disrepair and the increase in train coverage will surely diminish the life of the tracks. Also a concern is the traffic jams that will undoubtedly occur due to the additional trains. If someone needed an emergency vehicle (be it firetruck, ambulance, 911 emergency), how would these additional trains affect our lives? It could essentially cost us our lives if the vehicles could not get through. The resale value of our homes is also a concern to us and I would implore you to please help us say 'no' to the acquisition of EJ&E Rail Line by the Canadian National Railway. Thank you for your consideration on this matter. Sincerely, Heather and Nathan Van Der Male 3290 Ridgefield Court Lockport, IL 60441
    Lockport, IL
  10820. (printed as 1/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5967Owen
  10821. (printed as 1/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5966Schuchman
  10822. (printed as 1/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5965Ferguson
  10823. (printed as 1/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5964Capon
  10824. (printed as 1/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5859ZOLLER
  10825. (printed as 1/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5858ZITRO
  10826. (printed as 1/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5857VAYAS
  10827. (printed as 1/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5856ANDERSON
  10828. (printed as 1/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5674DAYAL
  10829. (printed as 1/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5651VYDRA
  10830. (printed as 1/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5649KOCOUREK
  10831. (printed as 1/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5643BERGER
  10832. (printed as 1/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5637WEBER
  10833. (printed as 1/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5636GARRELS
  10834. (printed as 1/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5626NICHOLS
  10835. (printed as 1/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5625WOLF
  10836. (printed as 1/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5624JOSUPAIT
  10837. (printed as 1/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5623NICHOLS-SMITH
  10838. (printed as 1/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5622DAWRANT
  10839. (printed as 1/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5613LAKOWSKI
  10840. (printed as 1/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5593HOFFMAN
  10841. (printed as 1/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5506DAUGHERTY
  10842. (printed as 1/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5505CARTER
  10843. (printed as 1/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5504DOOLEY
  10844. (printed as 1/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5502BOWEN
  10845. (printed as 1/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5501BERGER
  10846. (printed as 1/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5500HARVEY
  10847. (printed as 1/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5499COHEN
  10848. (printed as 1/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5373UNKNOWN
  10849. (printed as 1/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5357Rowill,Chuck
  10850. (printed as 1/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5313TIGGES
  10851. (printed as 1/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5312O'DONNELL
  10852. (printed as 1/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5309KAMM
  10853. (printed as 1/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5293DISTEFANO
  10854. (printed as 1/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5287Barrington Horizon
    PAWLOWSKI
  10855. (printed as 1/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5277BARZ
  10856. (printed as 1/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5275STEFANOVICH
  10857. (printed as 1/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5274ALMENDARIZ
  10858. (printed as 1/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5273KAZMIERCZAK
  10859. (printed as 1/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5268MORINO
  10860. (printed as 1/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5260GURRERI
  10861. (printed as 1/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5251SALEM
  10862. (printed as 1/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5250WEBB
  10863. (printed as 1/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5210BIRD
  10864. (printed as 1/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5209HARRINGTON
  10865. (printed as 1/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5207BIRD
  10866. (printed as 1/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5202NEWELL
  10867. (printed as 1/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5201NEWELL
  10868. (printed as 1/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5191QUIGG
  10869. (printed as 1/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5190CAMPBELL
  10870. (printed as 1/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5185REICHERT
  10871. (printed as 1/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5184KRENZIEN
  10872. (printed as 1/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5183REICHERT
  10873. (printed as 1/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5168MILLER
  10874. (printed as 1/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5043Dept. of Police - Village of Mundelein
    ROSE
  10875. (printed as 1/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5042Mundelein Fire Dept.
    SASHKO
  10876. (printed as 1/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4881Gary Chicago Airport
    Curry, Chris
  10877. (printed as 1/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4798Haaker
  10878. (printed as 1/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4628Darling
  10879. (printed as 1/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4616Jaszczurowski
  10880. (printed as 1/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4462Eugene Keitzer
    Reference: STB Finance Docket No. 35087 STB: Please consider attached comment.
    Aurora, IL
  10881. (printed as 1/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4461John M Richard
    I am concerned about the environmental impact of the proposed purchase of the EJ&E rail line by the Canadian National Railway, in that it may create street and road traffic tie-ups in affected communities (through substantially increased rail traffic by CN), may affect vital community services (emergency,hospital, police), and conceivably lead to lower real estate values.
    Lake Zurich, IL
  10882. (printed as 1/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4460Thomas Johnson
    I am strongly opposed to the proposed merger of CN & EJ&E. As a resident of Lake Zurich and frequent commuter to Barrington, Illinois, the ease of commuting, shopping, and traveling on roads crossing the EJ&E right-of-way will be severely compromised by the addition of considerable freight traffic along this railroad line. Quality of life in the area will suffer. As it exists today, this single track line will not support fast-moving trains, hence prolonged crossing delays from long and slow-moving freight trains will result. Any upgrades to this line should be for the purpose of adding commuter passenger service to the route.
    Lake Zurich, Illinois
  10883. (printed as 1/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4459J Gregory Hamilton
    Comment in reference to STB Finance Docket No. 35087--Canadian National/EJ&E Railway. I am a resident of Lake Barrington IL. I live in the area that would be negatively impacted by the proposed Canadian National Railway acquistion and use of the EJ&E railways. I am very concerned with the public safety implications of the proposed use of the railways. Local Fire, paramedic and police service would be negatively affected by the significant increase in traffic on the railways. This is turn would not only directly affect these basic public health and safety services to residents and businesses, but would also result in a deteoriation of the quality of life in the area. Propery values would decrease, tax base would lower, other services would be decreased. Please closely examine the impact of these critical areas in the environmental study that you conduct. Thank you. Greg Hamilton
    Lake Barrington, IL
  10884. (printed as 1/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4458Robert Klosowski
    It takes just a short train to block all 3 main roads (NW Hwy, RT 59, and Lake Cook) from Barrington to Good Shepard hospital. This blocks all the east-west, north-south roads. There is no reasonable go around.
    Barrington, Illinois
  10885. (printed as 1/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4457David & Melinda Lomas
    Attached please find David & Melinda Lomas memorandum concerning Barrington, Il. scoping meeting for the proposed CNR acquisition of EJ&E Railway. STB Finance Docket# 35087. A hardcopy has been mailed on this date as well.
    Barrington, IL
  10886. (printed as 1/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4018Robert L. Zelenik
    The acquisition of the EJ&E Railroad (EJ&E) by the Canadian National Railway (CNR) holds unwarranted potential for environmental and human disaster and should be denied by Surface Transportation Board. To start with, the EJ&E tracks bifurcate Pratt-Wayne Woods (P-WW) Forest Preserve’s numerous wetlands which provide a lush environment for egrets, great blue herons, wood ducks, beavers, coyotes, foxes, white-tailed deer, red-tailed hawks, screech owls and others. Additionally, P-WW is home to the state-endangered sandhill crane as well as several other threatened and endangered plant and animal species. Finally, more than 9 miles of trails, including a portion of the Illinois Prairie Path, run through P-WW and are used by hundreds of hikers, joggers, walkers and horseback riders on a weekly basis. Unfortunately, much of this trail network, as well as an off-leash dog area, run within yards of the EJ&E tracks and, at points, cross them at grade. Up until now, the less than 5 trains a day that EJ&E runs on these tracks has not represented much of a problem, other than noise, but this would change dramatically if CNR is allowed to acquire EJ&E . CNR proposes to increase the traffic on the EJ&E tracks to nearly 25 trains a day. This means the animals, birds and people who depend on Pratt-Wayne Woods for recreation and a home will be put in harms way more than once an hour. It is only a matter of time before this ends with deadly results. Add to this the hundreds of vehicles daily that use the grade crossings on only this small section of EJ&E right away and the prescription for disaster becomes even more pronounced. Multiply this again by the entire length of the EJ&E system and it is clearly not in the best environmental interest of those living in the area for the STB to approve the EJ&E sale to CNR. The Board also needs to consider the inevitable negative consequences of a 500% increase in the transportation of chemicals and other toxic materials through an environmentally sensitive zone, such as Pratt-Wayne Woods and the surrounding area. Sooner or later a leak, a spill or a derailment will create an environmental disaster that kills untold animals, birds and people as well as pollutes the wetlands and drinking water source area wells depends on. Then there is the increased noise and vibration that those who live near the E&JE tracks will have to endure almost 25 times a day. Add to this the loss in property value that they will experience and it is more than the STB should allow. The Village of Wane, in particular, has always been known for its bucolic nature and rural life style. The CNR’s proposal would destroy all of this! And why must those in the EJ&E corridor endure all of this? The Canadian National Railway would have us believe it is because by diverting its trains along the EJ&E right of way it will provide a greater benefit to the area as a whole. But that, of course, is not true. The CNR acquisition of EJ&E will, at beast, only divert the noise, pollution and potential for disaster from one area to another. And in the EJ&E area, the risk will be amplified by the residents unfamiliarity with safety measures already known to those where CNR currently travels. The only real benefit in CNR acquiring the EJ&E Railroad is that the Canadian National Railway will substantially increase its profitability. And that is why the Surface Transportation Board should deny its request.
    Wayne, IL
  10887. (printed as 1/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4017Elizabeth May
    My home, purchased 4 years ago, backs up to the EJ&E rail line. I respect that this purchase may help rail traffic in general, but it will devastate a very vibrant community that is one of the wealthiest zip codes in the country. If the purchase is approved I feel that it is the STB's job to ensure that proper berms or walls are built to surround the tracks, train schedules be determined by traffic patterns that already exist, above ground crossings be built, and traditional horns be swapped for the quieter types being used in Mundelein, IL.
    Barrington, Illinois
  10888. (printed as 1/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4016Liberty Square Subdivision
    Ms. Johnson-Ball, As a resident of New Lenox, IL and home owner on the perimeter of Liberty Square subdivision, our backyard borders the agricultural field and then EJ&E Railroad to the south. Referencing Finance Docket number 35087, my wife and I are deeply concerned regarding the negative environmental and economic impact the Purchase of this railroad to a larger conglomerate (Canadian National) may have on our community. We are all aware as homeowners of the noise already in place as trains use the tracks. In fact, my wife and I even observed the frequency, noise pollution, and duration of rail use in our car roadside before deciding on our purchase of 258 Hancock Dr. We carefully weighed the wonderful benefits of moving into New Lenox, Il and into Liberty Square. We believed in the community and its potential to provide a safe and prosperous area for our children against the clear adverse impact of the railroad use and its ultimate effect of undermining property values. Today's environment, however, has changed. It has created another consideration that is highly sensitive to the impact of Finance Docket 35087. We feel the economic impact of consumer inflation on price of our milk and eggs, our diapers, and our gasoline. Even more, the housing market as a whole is declining. Having the purchase of this railroad go through will clearly, quickly, and abruptly decrease home price in the immediate and long term future. Whereas the economy will hopefully continue to prosper in the coming years, our home values will be undermined forever. Please consider this email and a strong argument against the purchase of EJ&E Railroad South of Liberty Square. Thank you in advance for your consideration and family/community centered focus.
    Art Lubinski · New Lenox, IL
  10889. (printed as 1/24/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4015Barbara Kemp
    I was at the January 9 meeting in Barrington. I have written to all local papers and the Tribune. We will never stop protesting the descration to our community and the risk to our open spaces. I rode the Metra for years to Chicago. My daughter attended Barrington High School. She always crossed the EJ&E tracks at least 4 times a day and I constantly worried about her safety and her friends. We lived through the Fox River Grove Train disaster one stop from Barrington's stop. My brother in law is dying of a disease he got from working on the railroad, Churg-Strauss disease which is destroying his vascular syste4ms and lungs. He was at thousands of train derailments and many were involving hazardous materials. He is dying at 52. Michael was an executive and he will not sue the railroad but he knows it destroyed his life. My brother in law David is retired as an Train Engineer. He was devastated by wrecks and poor conditions in Indiana on the rail systems. He is an alcoholic now and for a short while he took a management position to deal with litigation matters after train wrecks. My brother Dennis is in Atlanta for the railroad now. he was injured right out of college and his back will never be the same from a train collision in the yard. He works on the chemicals in the labs for the engines. My nephew works for the railroad too. They know the truth and the risks. I lived between two tracks in Indiana from age 6 to age 20. It took me 20 to 30 minutes per train each time we got caught and sometimes longer. Emergency services could not reach our house when my little brother's appendix burst and he almost died from a ruptured appendix, surviving the infestion after weeks. A neighbor died on the tracks who lived near us...too many trains in multiple directions and he crossed too soon. Kids would put coins on the tracks and get close and watch them get hit and flattened for fun. My little brother Mark got his shoe caught in the tracks behind our house in Indiana. We had 12 tracks behind the alley and he was only 3 and went over the fence. I was 5 and got him loose but had to leave the4 shoe behind. I was too afraid to tell my mother he almost died ever. I know all of this sounds like nothing to you, but this is something that needs to be underground and not near open spaces and places where kids can get easy access to the lines. I like the local train to get to work. I would prefer light rail, clean and more efficient and faster. I hope some day we get it. I have taken trains all over Europe and they are a good way to get around. It is not just not in my back yard concerns. I really believe you will destroy this community and we work too hard to get here and provide open land and greenery and clean air, water and a good environment. You will be destroying our way of life, our economy and our market values and some people will die from this. There is more bad than good to come from this. The Chicago rails will be filled anyway. We have a good place to live and you will be destroying one fo the best schools in the state and one of the economically vibrant towns left in the state. Please know I will continue to fight as long as I can and never willoingly acquiesce.
    Barrington Hills, Illinois
  10890. (printed as 1/23/2008)
    Certificate
    221369Certificate Of Service · in FD 35087 (Sub-No. 7)
    Chicago Southshore And South Bend Railroad
  10891. (printed as 1/23/2008)
    Certificate
    221368Certificate Of Service · in FD 35087 (Sub-No. 6)
    Chicago Southshore And South Bend Railroad
  10892. (printed as 1/23/2008)
    Certificate
    221367Certificate Of Service · in FD 35087 (Sub-No. 5)
    Chicago Southshore And South Bend Railroad
  10893. (printed as 1/23/2008)
    Certificate
    221366Certificate Of Service · in FD 35087 (Sub-No. 4)
    Chicago Southshore And South Bend Railroad
  10894. (printed as 1/23/2008)
    Certificate
    221365Certificate Of Service · in FD 35087 (Sub-No. 3)
    Chicago Southshore And South Bend Railroad
  10895. (printed as 1/23/2008)
    Certificate
    221364Certificate Of Service · in FD 35087 (Sub-No. 2)
    Chicago Southshore And South Bend Railroad
  10896. (printed as 1/23/2008)
    Certificate
    221363Certificate Of Service · in FD 35087 (Sub-No. 1)
    Chicago Southshore And South Bend Railroad
  10897. (printed as 1/23/2008)
    Certificate
    221360Certificate Of Service
    Chicago Southshore And South Bend Railroad
  10898. (printed as 1/23/2008)
    Certificate
    221357Certificate Of Service
    Arcelormillat Usa
  10899. (printed as 1/23/2008)
    Certificate
    221355Certificate Of Service
    Village Of Barrington, Illinois
  10900. (printed as 1/23/2008)
    Certificate
    221354Certificate Of Service
    Town Of Schereville
  10901. (printed as 1/23/2008)
    Certificate
    221353Certificate Of Service
    Csx Transportation Inc
  10902. (printed as 1/23/2008)
    Certificate
    221352Certificate Of Service
    National Railroad Passenger Corporation
  10903. (printed as 1/23/2008)
    Certificate
    221351Certificate Of Service
    Union Pacific Railroad Company
  10904. (printed as 1/23/2008)
    Certificate
    221350Certificate Of Service
    Bnsf Railway Company
  10905. (printed as 1/23/2008)
    Certificate
    221348Certificate Of Service
    Indiana Harbor Belt Railroad Company
  10906. (printed as 1/23/2008)
    Certificate
    221347Certificate Of Service
    Wisconsin Public Service Corporation
  10907. (printed as 1/23/2008)
    Notice
    221346Notice
    Bnsf Railway Company
  10908. (printed as 1/23/2008)
    Notice
    221345Notice
    Norfolk Southern Railway Company
  10909. (printed as 1/23/2008)
    Certificate
    221342Certificate Of Service
    U.S. Department Of Transportation
  10910. (printed as 1/23/2008)
    Certificate
    221340Certificate Of Service
    Norfolk Southern Railway Company
  10911. (printed as 1/23/2008)
    Certificate
    221339Certificate Of Service
    Union Pacific Railroad Company
  10912. (printed as 1/23/2008)
    Certificate
    221338Certificate Of Service
    Canadian National Railway Company And Grand Trunk Corporation
  10913. (printed as 1/23/2008)
    Statement
    221337Verified Statement/Support Statement
    Honorable Susan Garrett
  10914. (printed as 1/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6666Siegmund
  10915. (printed as 1/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5974Mahlandt
  10916. (printed as 1/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5968Mathus
  10917. (printed as 1/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5855WRAY
  10918. (printed as 1/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5854WORLEY
  10919. (printed as 1/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5853WILLINGHAM
  10920. (printed as 1/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5852MRIZEK
  10921. (printed as 1/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5851GORSKY
  10922. (printed as 1/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5850GARDNER
  10923. (printed as 1/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5704DOBBS
  10924. (printed as 1/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5628BOLGER
  10925. (printed as 1/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5603LUCZAK
  10926. (printed as 1/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5596GOODWIN
  10927. (printed as 1/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5481BAUM
  10928. (printed as 1/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5480KELLY
  10929. (printed as 1/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5479MILLER
  10930. (printed as 1/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5477WOLOSHYN
  10931. (printed as 1/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5474KELLY
  10932. (printed as 1/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5468HUELS
  10933. (printed as 1/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5467MILLER
  10934. (printed as 1/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5451BELL
  10935. (printed as 1/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5379WEATHERS
  10936. (printed as 1/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5376UNKNOWN
  10937. (printed as 1/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5375KARAMIDAS
  10938. (printed as 1/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5355BECKER
  10939. (printed as 1/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5354Becker, Charles
  10940. (printed as 1/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5300DWYER
  10941. (printed as 1/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5283GUERNSEY
  10942. (printed as 1/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5216SCHAEFERS
  10943. (printed as 1/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5214LOMAS
  10944. (printed as 1/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5213KAPCHECK
  10945. (printed as 1/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5212BOND
  10946. (printed as 1/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5187VENDITTI
  10947. (printed as 1/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5186BISHOP
  10948. (printed as 1/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4612Shaphard
  10949. (printed as 1/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4611Scott
  10950. (printed as 1/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4610Vlk
  10951. (printed as 1/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4608Conidi
  10952. (printed as 1/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4563Peterson
  10953. (printed as 1/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4066May
  10954. (printed as 1/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4013Linda L Tatum
    Dear Ms. Johnson-Ball: I am writing to express my great concern about the proposed acquisition of the EJ&E Railway by Canadian National with their intention to significantly increase freight traffic. The gridlock that could result is a very real and frightening possibility on so many levels. In most of the Barrington area, we are on private wells in our yards. This means that in case of fire, water on tanker fire trucks has to be brought in from all over the surrounding villages. Freight trains could greatly slow this effort and a broken down one could prevent any help from arriving in time to save occupants or house. We happen to live near Good Shepard Hospital but most don't and it's disconcerting to think of how increased train traffic would impede emergency medical care. With Metra tracks already running through much of the area, the addition of 22 or more freight trains a day on still more tracks is overwhelming. The dangers of trains to pedestrians and drivers is very real. We live about 2 miles away from the crossing in Fox River Grove where 7 high school students tragically lost their lives when their school bus didn't clear the tracks before a Metra train hit it. Every week somewhere in Chicagoland someone loses their life in a train accident. The Barrington area has a great many crossings that don't leave enough room to adequately clear the tracks when there is a traffic jam and a stoplight changes. We are residents of Lake Barrington and like other of the villages, our police protection is contracted through Lake County. This means that too often there is not a squad car in the immediate vicinity. In the case of criminal activity, like a home invasion in progress, a sheriff's car waiting for a long freight train to pass could mean the difference between life and death. I sincerely hope that you will turn down the proposed sale and by so doing protect our community from all the extra dangers that we would bear so a foreign country could reap profits at Americans' expense. Best Regards, Linda L Tatum
    Lake Barrington, IL
  10955. (printed as 1/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4012Kathy Wiercinski
    I'm very concerned about CN purchase of the EJ&E. I live across the street from the EJ&E and do not mind the current traffic flow. Trains that come through are very loud but its only a few a day. Increased traffic at one per hour is excessive not to mention the road traffic problems which will be created. My major concern is for the town of Barrington. It is very difficult to get through this town and especially during rush hour. I respectfully ask for your support in voting this purchase down.
    Elgin, IL
  10956. (printed as 1/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4011Cynthia Koch
    I am a nurse who works nights at a level 1 trauma unit. I am requesting that you not allow the train traffic to increase around our subdivision as it is sometimes impossible to sleep now. My job is very stressful and requires great attention and detail to provide critical injured or sick patients. Increase in noise levels will only add to my problems. Please make them install sound and vibration barriers, and make this a quite zone. Our community will be forever grateful. Also the crossing on 116th Ave. must have gates installed before someone is killed. Thank You for your time and consideration. Cynthia Koch
    Frankfort, IL
  10957. (printed as 1/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4010Karen A. Koch
    I am a resident who lives at 11548 Tea Tree Lane in Frankfort IL. The EJ&E Railroad line runs past our house. As it now stands, the railroad seems to run a train on the average of three times every eight hours. When these trains come buy they start blowing the whistle almost three blocks away. This goes on at all hours of the day and night. I would like to see the area become a quite zone restricting the train from using it's whistle and maintaining a slower speed than they normally go. When they speed by with a heavy load our house shakes and I'm afraid of damage which may be done. In addition, I am concerned with the lack of gates on the 116th St. crossing. It is only a matter of time before something happens and this area has grown considerable in size and population. In conclusion I would like to see this area made a quite zone, vibration barriers & sound barriers installed, and crossing gates. Please help us keep this community safe and environmentally friendly. Respectfully Karen A Koch 11548 Tea Tree Lane Frankfort IL 60423
    Frankfort, IL
  10958. (printed as 1/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4009John Koch
    Please do not allow the number of trains to increase. Our residence is along the rail line and the trains keep us up at night as it is with the whistle blowing and speeding. When they go at a faster speed our house shakes and I am afraid the foundation may crack. In addition the crossing on 116th Ave. has no gates making it very dangerous. Please make this a quite zone with sound barriers and crossing gates on 116th Ave. Thank You John Koch 11548 Tea Tree Lane Frankfort Il, 60423
    Frankfort, Il
  10959. (printed as 1/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4008Amy Scheleski
    As a resident living in Naperville, near the EJ&E lines, I am very concerned about the potential purchase from the Canadian Railway. If the purchase is made, the trains will quadruple, the hazardous waste will quadruple and the noise level will quadruple. This is putting our kids and neighborhood at risk.
    Naperville, IL
  10960. (printed as 1/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4007Bob Kelsheimer
    The Greater Centralia Chamber of Commerce and its board of directors repectfully request that hearings on CNs request for aquisiton of EJ&E be held in all donwstate communities with Amtrak service from Chicago Union Station to Carbondale. The subsequent abandonment of the Air Line route would affect the 400,000 annual riders along that route. The EJ&E aquisition should not be allowed until the Grand Crossing line in in place and functional for Amtrak service into Unoin Station
    centralia, illinois
  10961. (printed as 1/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4006Bob Kelsheimer
    No written comment received from this submission
    centralia, illinois
  10962. (printed as 1/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4005liberty square subdivision
    i received a letter about cn purchase of ej-e railroad and think 30+ trains a day is horrible and would like to see a berm or noise reduction wall erected south of our subdivision,also to implement quiet zones would be a wonderful idea considering the excessive horn blowing from time to time has waken our new baby!! i hope all these items are taken into consideration and want to thank you for your time. rich ratzel
    richard ratzel · new lenox, il.
  10963. (printed as 1/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4004Ashwood Creek Subdiv.
    I am very distressed as a family who has just relocated to Naperville, after careful research, to learn about the pending purchasing of the rail road. I can not believe that in order to increase efficiency one would instead potentially put the quality of lives and potentially their health at risk.
    Venessa Koenig · Naperville, IL.
  10964. (printed as 1/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4003Cheryl Behymer
    My children attend Peterson Elementary School. It is located next to the train tracks that CN is trying to acquire. I am very concerned about the tripling of train traffic that will cause a lot more noise and possible vibrations for our children. I am also VERY concerned of a possible derailment that could potentally spill toxic chemicals on or near our school. This School, possibly other schools and thousands of homes are very close to the tracks. Please take action to protect the people and children in our great city. Thank You.
    naperville, IL
  10965. (printed as 1/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4002Eida McShaw
    My husband and I own a home in the Heritage Lake Estates Subdivision. We have been in this subdivision since April 2004. We would like to express our concerns about the Canadian Ntl, Railyway buying the EJ&E Rail Line. The trains that go by our house (the back of our house is by the tracks) in the middle of the night are almost unbearable now. Luckily my boys and my husband can sleep through them, but I still get woken up nightly when one of the engineers decides to really lay it on. I just can't imagine living here if those episodes increased to over 42/day. We also need tot hink about how this will impact emergency vehicles getting to our homes. I have two boys under the age of 3 and I wouldn't want to think that one of the extra trains could keep my sons from getting the attention they need in an emergency situation. Besides noise and emergency situations, I am concerned about derailment, decrease in property value, and daily traffic back-up. Who want to buy a house that has a train going by it every 30 minutes. This is going to impact our neighborhood in a negative way and I hope that you are listening to the concerns of the community. Our property values continue to go up with additions to shopping centers and major retail stores and I would hate to have this decision bring our property value down. The concerns of our community need to be heard.
    Lockport, Illinois
  10966. (printed as 1/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4001PCVCC
    I am Vice President of the Poplar Creek Valley Concerned citizens representing over 1,000 residents in the Fox Valley. Several years ago, PCVCC was successful in preventing an ill advised freeway system through the heart of the Fox Valley. At that time, I advocated mass transit such as rail instead of the highly inefficient and pollution causing single vehicle travel. Since then, the Star Line was proposed as a sollution to traffic congestion. Now, CN wants to purchase the EJ&E Line to reroute and increase frieght train traffic to 25.5 trains per day (up from the present 5.5 trains per day). This is unacceptable for two reasons. One, it will be incompatible with the kind of rail service that the Star Line would provide. Two, it would increase rail traffic to the point that it would snarl the already congested roadways in Fox Valley with increased delays caused on at grade crossings. If CN is to own and operate the EJ&E Line, they should at least be limited to no more than twice the existing rail traffic and be limited to the length of their trains. Five times the present traffic is simply unacceptable.
    Gary Zientara · Elgin, Illinois
  10967. (printed as 1/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4000William G. Beckman
    I'm opposed to the purchase of the EJ&E by CN. The obvious reasons are many. In the attached Google Earth photo it shows the rail cross over near West Chicago. This photo shows that the EJ&E line is totally blocked and traffic backed up in both directions. In addition to the 133 at grade crossings there are at least 12 of these rail crossovers on the EJ&E line. How will CN solve this problem? Rerouting the CN railroad traffic from downtown Chicago in preparation for the 2016 Olympics will provide a small benefit to Chicago's south side revitalization program, but at the enormous expense of the surrounding suburbs. CEO E. Hunter Harrision has done significant work for his company, maybe now he should use his talents to improve the flow of railroad traffic through the existing downtown Chicago corridor. Most if not all trains within the city limits have bridges and viaducts that do not impact the flow of automobile traffic. The opposite is true in the surrounding suburbs. CN is in the process of constructing a major ship / rail terminal in Prince Rupert, Canada. This is to compete with many of our U.S. ports receiving products from China. It's been stated that the EJ&E purchase will improve the amount of time it take to get China's products into the mid west. I really don't care if it takes a couple of extra hours to get toys with lead paint, or tooth paste also containing lead to our markets. Our economy is on the verge of recession, which our government is trying desperately to avoid. The continued assault on the middle class with the out sourcing of jobs eventually has to take its toll. Lastly, I don't see how it's in the best interest of United States to have a foreign government own a major portion of our railroad system.
    Elgin, IL
  10968. (printed as 1/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3999Lawrence
    Re: the Proposed Canadian National Railway Company Acquisition of the Elgin, Joliet and Eastern Railway Company STB Finance Docket No. 35087 As the Director of Community Development for the Village of Park Forest, I would like to comment on concerns related to increased traffic, noise, and economic development. I attended the scoping meeting in Matteson. Increased Traffic – CN’s proposed purchase of the EJ&E Railway is projected to increase rail traffic on the Park Forest segment of the railroad by 400 percent, from approximately 8 trains per day to approximately 32 trains per day. In addition, there is proposed to be a switching yard in Matteson, immediately adjacent to the Village of Park Forest. The EJ&E has an at-grade crossing in Park Forest on Western Avenue (a State road) and an elevated crossing on Orchard Drive (a local street). Even today, it is not uncommon for trains for stop or slow considerably as they pass through Park Forest. This results in delays that often last for as much as 10-15 minutes. The proposed purchase will increase the number of trains, and therefore the number of times vehicle traffic is delayed due to trains moving through the Village. We believe it will also delay the duration of those delays as long trains maneuver the switching yard in Matteson and back-up onto the main tracks. Currently, vehicular traffic on Western Avenue seeks alternate routes to avoid the crossing in that location. This has significant negative impacts on the Village of Park Forest, our residents and businesses. Typically, southbound traffic on Western Avenue takes North Street through our Business Park, to Orchard Drive, and then to Westwood Drive back to Western Avenue. Northbound traffic on Western Avenue takes Westwood Drive to Orchard Drive, then east on North Street back to Western Avenue. North Street is a local street that runs through our Business Park. Increased exposure to the businesses in this area might be a positive result, but most of this traffic will not be interested in stopping to conduct business and it will simply delay the traffic that is seeking to patronize the businesses in this area. Westwood Drive is a residential street and the increased traffic on this street already has a negative impact. The significant increases in traffic caused by this purchase are of significant concern to the Village and the residents. Planning is currently underway to make improvements to Orchard Drive that will actually reduce this road from a four-lane cross section to a two lane road. The underpass on Orchard Drive at the EJ&E tracks is narrow today. The increased traffic, on a soon-to-be two lane road, will simply re-direct the delays from Western Avenue, a State-maintained road to Orchard Drive, a locally maintained road. Orchard Drive is also heavily traveled when the Metra commuter trains arrive, and the increased traffic from blocked traffic on Western Avenue will exacerbate an existing problem. The intersection at Orchard Drive and Westwood Drive is a four-way stop so traffic does not flow smoothly in that location. Noise – As the EJ&E rail line runs through Park Forest, the adjacent land uses are predominantly residential at the west and end ends, and mixed residential, commercial and industrial in the middle section. Clearly the increase of train traffic, along with the switching yard that will be located almost immediately adjacent to the west side of Park Forest, will increase the level and frequency of noise interruptions for the residents of Park Forest. In addition, the Village is currently undertaking a long range planning study to create plans for redevelopment of the Eastgate Neighborhood, located at the east side of Park Forest, between the EJ&E rail tracks and 26th Street. This is a neighborhood that is already suffering from many conditions of blight, including significant code violations, high incidences of crime, and high percentages of absentee ownership. The preliminary concept plans for redevelopment of this area call for significant public and private investment to transform this troubled neighborhood to a more upscale neighborhood. The Village has already invested funds to begin acquiring property to accomplish the goals of this planning study. Unfortunately, the increased rail traffic and the noise it brings, will make it difficult to attract the kind of developers and homeowners that we have visualized for this redeveloped neighborhood. Similarly, the Village is financial and staff resources to acquire a vacant school property located at the west edge of the Village. The north boundary of this property is the EJ&E rail right-of-way. The property has been in the ownership of a private owner for several years and it is tax delinquent. The Village has already been successful in attracting new home construction on property just east of this vacant school, and it has long been our goal to continue this new investment in our community on this property. We have the same concerns with this parcel as described above. We believe our chances of attracting a developer/builder and home buyers will diminish when they learn of the increased rail traffic proposed for the EJ&E line that will be their northern neighbor. Economic Development – the residential redevelopment plans described above are an integral part of our economic development plans. So the concerns raised in the section on Noise are also a concern for our ability to implement our economic development vision. In addition, we are within a few short weeks of selling the Norwood Square Shopping Center to a commercial developer who plans a major renovation and re-occupancy of this property. The Norwood Square Shopping Center is located on Western Avenue, with its north property line bounded by the EJ&E rail right-of-way. The new owner is committed to spending up to $1 million in exterior renovations in the next 12 months, and is likely to spend as much as $5 million on total renovations to the property over the course of the next four to five years. The success of their efforts to bring new retailers to this shopping center depends entirely on the ability and willingness of customers to access the property. If customers to the north are discouraged from shopping in this location because of the unpredictability of the train traffic, and the shoppers to the south get fed up with the difficulty of getting into and out of the property because of the back-ups on Western Avenue, the retailers that locate in this shopping center will not be successful. The Village took the unprecedented action of acquiring this 129,000 square foot, 15 acre shopping center because the former property owner had not paid taxes in over five years. At this time no property taxes have been generated from this property in about 10 years. The Village has worked for three years to find this buyer and we plan to do all we can to help them be successful, because their success will have resoundingly positive impacts on the Village as a whole. We believe that there are two straight-forward, albeit not simple, solutions to the concerns raised in this communication. First, require CN to construct an overpass at Western Avenue so no trains will block traffic on Western Avenue. Second, require CN to build sound-proof walls, similar to those seen on many highways throughout the country, on the north boundary of the Eastgate Neighborhood and the north boundary of our neighborhoods on the west side of the Village. I would be happy to answer any questions about these issues that you may have as you complete the EIS for this project. As the INSERT YOUR OFFICIAL TITLE WITH THE VILLAGE for the Village of Park Forest, I would like to comment on concerns related to increased traffic, noise, and economic development. I attended the scoping meeting in Matteson. Increased Traffic – CN’s proposed purchase of the EJ&E Railway is projected to increase rail traffic on the Park Forest segment of the railroad by 400 percent, from approximately 8 trains per day to approximately 32 trains per day. In addition, there is proposed to be a switching yard in Matteson, immediately adjacent to the Village of Park Forest. The EJ&E has an at-grade crossing in Park Forest on Western Avenue (a State road) and an elevated crossing on Orchard Drive (a local street). Even today, it is not uncommon for trains for stop or slow considerably as they pass through Park Forest. This results in delays that often last for as much as 10-15 minutes. The proposed purchase will increase the number of trains, and therefore the number of times vehicle traffic is delayed due to trains moving through the Village. We believe it will also delay the duration of those delays as long trains maneuver the switching yard in Matteson and back-up onto the main tracks. Currently, vehicular traffic on Western Avenue seeks alternate routes to avoid the crossing in that location. This has significant negative impacts on the Village of Park Forest, our residents and businesses. Typically, southbound traffic on Western Avenue takes North Street through our Business Park, to Orchard Drive, and then to Westwood Drive back to Western Avenue. Northbound traffic on Western Avenue takes Westwood Drive to Orchard Drive, then east on North Street back to Western Avenue. North Street is a local street that runs through our Business Park. Increased exposure to the businesses in this area might be a positive result, but most of this traffic will not be interested in stopping to conduct business and it will simply delay the traffic that is seeking to patronize the businesses in this area. Westwood Drive is a residential street and the increased traffic on this street already has a negative impact. The significant increases in traffic caused by this purchase are of significant concern to the Village and the residents. Planning is currently underway to make improvements to Orchard Drive that will actually reduce this road from a four-lane cross section to a two lane road. The underpass on Orchard Drive at the EJ&E tracks is narrow today. The increased traffic, on a soon-to-be two lane road, will simply re-direct the delays from Western Avenue, a State-maintained road to Orchard Drive, a locally maintained road. Orchard Drive is also heavily traveled when the Metra commuter trains arrive, and the increased traffic from blocked traffic on Western Avenue will exacerbate an existing problem. The intersection at Orchard Drive and Westwood Drive is a four-way stop so traffic does not flow smoothly in that location. Noise – As the EJ&E rail line runs through Park Forest, the adjacent land uses are predominantly residential at the west and end ends, and mixed residential, commercial and industrial in the middle section. Clearly the increase of train traffic, along with the switching yard that will be located almost immediately adjacent to the west side of Park Forest, will increase the level and frequency of noise interruptions for the residents of Park Forest. In addition, the Village is currently undertaking a long range planning study to create plans for redevelopment of the Eastgate Neighborhood, located at the east side of Park Forest, between the EJ&E rail tracks and 26th Street. This is a neighborhood that is already suffering from many conditions of blight, including significant code violations, high incidences of crime, and high percentages of absentee ownership. The preliminary concept plans for redevelopment of this area call for significant public and private investment to transform this troubled neighborhood to a more upscale neighborhood. The Village has already invested funds to begin acquiring property to accomplish the goals of this planning study. Unfortunately, the increased rail traffic and the noise it brings, will make it difficult to attract the kind of developers and homeowners that we have visualized for this redeveloped neighborhood. Similarly, the Village is financial and staff resources to acquire a vacant school property located at the west edge of the Village. The north boundary of this property is the EJ&E rail right-of-way. The property has been in the ownership of a private owner for several years and it is tax delinquent. The Village has already been successful in attracting new home construction on property just east of this vacant school, and it has long been our goal to continue this new investment in our community on this property. We have the same concerns with this parcel as described above. We believe our chances of attracting a developer/builder and home buyers will diminish when they learn of the increased rail traffic proposed for the EJ&E line that will be their northern neighbor. Economic Development – the residential redevelopment plans described above are an integral part of our economic development plans. So the concerns raised in the section on Noise are also a concern for our ability to implement our economic development vision. In addition, we are within a few short weeks of selling the Norwood Square Shopping Center to a commercial developer who plans a major renovation and re-occupancy of this property. The Norwood Square Shopping Center is located on Western Avenue, with its north property line bounded by the EJ&E rail right-of-way. The new owner is committed to spending up to $1 million in exterior renovations in the next 12 months, and is likely to spend as much as $5 million on total renovations to the property over the course of the next four to five years. The success of their efforts to bring new retailers to this shopping center depends entirely on the ability and willingness of customers to access the property. If customers to the north are discouraged from shopping in this location because of the unpredictability of the train traffic, and the shoppers to the south get fed up with the difficulty of getting into and out of the property because of the back-ups on Western Avenue, the retailers that locate in this shopping center will not be successful. The Village took the unprecedented action of acquiring this 129,000 square foot, 15 acre shopping center because the former property owner had not paid taxes in over five years. At this time no property taxes have been generated from this property in about 10 years. The Village has worked for three years to find this buyer and we plan to do all we can to help them be successful, because their success will have resoundingly positive impacts on the Village as a whole. We believe that there are two straight-forward, albeit not simple, solutions to the concerns raised in this communication. First, require CN to construct an overpass at Western Avenue so no trains will block traffic on Western Avenue. Second, require CN to build sound-proof walls, similar to those seen on many highways throughout the country, on the north boundary of the Eastgate Neighborhood and the north boundary of our neighborhoods on the west side of the Village. I would be happy to answer any questions about these issues that you may have as you complete the EIS for this project. Re: the Proposed Canadian National Railway Company Acquisition of the Elgin, Joliet and Eastern Railway Company STB Finance Docket No. 35087 As the INSERT YOUR OFFICIAL TITLE WITH THE VILLAGE for the Village of Park Forest, I would like to comment on concerns related to increased traffic, noise, and economic development. I attended the scoping meeting in Matteson. Increased Traffic – CN’s proposed purchase of the EJ&E Railway is projected to increase rail traffic on the Park Forest segment of the railroad by 400 percent, from approximately 8 trains per day to approximately 32 trains per day. In addition, there is proposed to be a switching yard in Matteson, immediately adjacent to the Village of Park Forest. The EJ&E has an at-grade crossing in Park Forest on Western Avenue (a State road) and an elevated crossing on Orchard Drive (a local street). Even today, it is not uncommon for trains for stop or slow considerably as they pass through Park Forest. This results in delays that often last for as much as 10-15 minutes. The proposed purchase will increase the number of trains, and therefore the number of times vehicle traffic is delayed due to trains moving through the Village. We believe it will also delay the duration of those delays as long trains maneuver the switching yard in Matteson and back-up onto the main tracks. Currently, vehicular traffic on Western Avenue seeks alternate routes to avoid the crossing in that location. This has significant negative impacts on the Village of Park Forest, our residents and businesses. Typically, southbound traffic on Western Avenue takes North Street through our Business Park, to Orchard Drive, and then to Westwood Drive back to Western Avenue. Northbound traffic on Western Avenue takes Westwood Drive to Orchard Drive, then east on North Street back to Western Avenue. North Street is a local street that runs through our Business Park. Increased exposure to the businesses in this area might be a positive result, but most of this traffic will not be interested in stopping to conduct business and it will simply delay the traffic that is seeking to patronize the businesses in this area. Westwood Drive is a residential street and the increased traffic on this street already has a negative impact. The significant increases in traffic caused by this purchase are of significant concern to the Village and the residents. Planning is currently underway to make improvements to Orchard Drive that will actually reduce this road from a four-lane cross section to a two lane road. The underpass on Orchard Drive at the EJ&E tracks is narrow today. The increased traffic, on a soon-to-be two lane road, will simply re-direct the delays from Western Avenue, a State-maintained road to Orchard Drive, a locally maintained road. Orchard Drive is also heavily traveled when the Metra commuter trains arrive, and the increased traffic from blocked traffic on Western Avenue will exacerbate an existing problem. The intersection at Orchard Drive and Westwood Drive is a four-way stop so traffic does not flow smoothly in that location. Noise – As the EJ&E rail line runs through Park Forest, the adjacent land uses are predominantly residential at the west and end ends, and mixed residential, commercial and industrial in the middle section. Clearly the increase of train traffic, along with the switching yard that will be located almost immediately adjacent to the west side of Park Forest, will increase the level and frequency of noise interruptions for the residents of Park Forest. In addition, the Village is currently undertaking a long range planning study to create plans for redevelopment of the Eastgate Neighborhood, located at the east side of Park Forest, between the EJ&E rail tracks and 26th Street. This is a neighborhood that is already suffering from many conditions of blight, including significant code violations, high incidences of crime, and high percentages of absentee ownership. The preliminary concept plans for redevelopment of this area call for significant public and private investment to transform this troubled neighborhood to a more upscale neighborhood. The Village has already invested funds to begin acquiring property to accomplish the goals of this planning study. Unfortunately, the increased rail traffic and the noise it brings, will make it difficult to attract the kind of developers and homeowners that we have visualized for this redeveloped neighborhood. Similarly, the Village is financial and staff resources to acquire a vacant school property located at the west edge of the Village. The north boundary of this property is the EJ&E rail right-of-way. The property has been in the ownership of a private owner for several years and it is tax delinquent. The Village has already been successful in attracting new home construction on property just east of this vacant school, and it has long been our goal to continue this new investment in our community on this property. We have the same concerns with this parcel as described above. We believe our chances of attracting a developer/builder and home buyers will diminish when they learn of the increased rail traffic proposed for the EJ&E line that will be their northern neighbor. Economic Development – the residential redevelopment plans described above are an integral part of our economic development plans. So the concerns raised in the section on Noise are also a concern for our ability to implement our economic development vision. In addition, we are within a few short weeks of selling the Norwood Square Shopping Center to a commercial developer who plans a major renovation and re-occupancy of this property. The Norwood Square Shopping Center is located on Western Avenue, with its north property line bounded by the EJ&E rail right-of-way. The new owner is committed to spending up to $1 million in exterior renovations in the next 12 months, and is likely to spend as much as $5 million on total renovations to the property over the course of the next four to five years. The success of their efforts to bring new retailers to this shopping center depends entirely on the ability and willingness of customers to access the property. If customers to the north are discouraged from shopping in this location because of the unpredictability of the train traffic, and the shoppers to the south get fed up with the difficulty of getting into and out of the property because of the back-ups on Western Avenue, the retailers that locate in this shopping center will not be successful. The Village took the unprecedented action of acquiring this 129,000 square foot, 15 acre shopping center because the former property owner had not paid taxes in over five years. At this time no property taxes have been generated from this property in about 10 years. The Village has worked for three years to find this buyer and we plan to do all we can to help them be successful, because their success will have resoundingly positive impacts on the Village as a whole. We believe that there are two straight-forward, albeit not simple, solutions to the concerns raised in this communication. First, require CN to construct an overpass at Western Avenue so no trains will block traffic on Western Avenue. Second, require CN to build sound-proof walls, similar to those seen on many highways throughout the country, on the north boundary of the Eastgate Neighborhood and the north boundary of our neighborhoods on the west side of the Village. I would be happy to answer any questions about these issues that you may have as you complete the EIS for this project.
    Park Forest, Illinois
  10969. (printed as 1/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3998Village of Park Forest
    Re: the Proposed Canadian National Railway Company Acquisition of the Elgin, Joliet and Eastern Railway Company STB Finance Docket No. 35087 As the Director of Economic Development and Planning for the Village of Park Forest, I would like to comment on concerns related to increased traffic, noise, and economic development. I attended the scoping meeting in Matteson. Increased Traffic – CN’s proposed purchase of the EJ&E Railway is projected to increase rail traffic on the Park Forest segment of the railroad by 400 percent, from approximately 8 trains per day to approximately 32 trains per day. In addition, there is proposed to be a switching yard in Matteson, immediately adjacent to the Village of Park Forest. The EJ&E has an at-grade crossing in Park Forest on Western Avenue (a State road) and an elevated crossing on Orchard Drive (a local street). Even today, it is not uncommon for trains for stop or slow considerably as they pass through Park Forest. This results in delays that often last for as much as 10-15 minutes. The proposed purchase will increase the number of trains, and therefore the number of times vehicle traffic is delayed due to trains moving through the Village. We believe it will also delay the duration of those delays as long trains maneuver the switching yard in Matteson and back-up onto the main tracks. Currently, vehicular traffic on Western Avenue seeks alternate routes to avoid the crossing in that location. This has significant negative impacts on the Village of Park Forest, our residents and businesses. Typically, southbound traffic on Western Avenue takes North Street through our Business Park, to Orchard Drive, and then to Westwood Drive back to Western Avenue. Northbound traffic on Western Avenue takes Westwood Drive to Orchard Drive, then east on North Street back to Western Avenue. North Street is a local street that runs through our Business Park. Increased exposure to the businesses in this area might be a positive result, but most of this traffic will not be interested in stopping to conduct business and it will simply delay the traffic that is seeking to patronize the businesses in this area. Westwood Drive is a residential street and the increased traffic on this street already has a negative impact. The significant increases in traffic caused by this purchase are of significant concern to the Village and the residents. Planning is currently underway to make improvements to Orchard Drive that will actually reduce this road from a four-lane cross section to a two lane road. The underpass on Orchard Drive at the EJ&E tracks is narrow today. The increased traffic, on a soon-to-be two lane road, will simply re-direct the delays from Western Avenue, a State-maintained road to Orchard Drive, a locally maintained road. Orchard Drive is also heavily traveled when the Metra commuter trains arrive, and the increased traffic from blocked traffic on Western Avenue will exacerbate an existing problem. The intersection at Orchard Drive and Westwood Drive is a four-way stop so traffic does not flow smoothly in that location. Noise – As the EJ&E rail line runs through Park Forest, the adjacent land uses are predominantly residential at the west and end ends, and mixed residential, commercial and industrial in the middle section. Clearly the increase of train traffic, along with the switching yard that will be located almost immediately adjacent to the west side of Park Forest, will increase the level and frequency of noise interruptions for the residents of Park Forest. In addition, the Village is currently undertaking a long range planning study to create plans for redevelopment of the Eastgate Neighborhood, located at the east side of Park Forest, between the EJ&E rail tracks and 26th Street. This is a neighborhood that is already suffering from many conditions of blight, including significant code violations, high incidences of crime, and high percentages of absentee ownership. The preliminary concept plans for redevelopment of this area call for significant public and private investment to transform this troubled neighborhood to a more upscale neighborhood. The Village has already invested funds to begin acquiring property to accomplish the goals of this planning study. Unfortunately, the increased rail traffic and the noise it brings, will make it difficult to attract the kind of developers and homeowners that we have visualized for this redeveloped neighborhood. Similarly, the Village has invested significant financial and staff resources to acquire a vacant school property located at the west edge of the Village. The north boundary of this property is the EJ&E rail right-of-way. The property has been in the ownership of a private owner for several years and it is tax delinquent. The Village has already been successful in attracting new home construction on property just east of this vacant school, and it has long been our goal to continue this new investment in our community on this property. We have the same concerns with this parcel as described above. We believe our chances of attracting a developer/builder and home buyers will diminish when they learn of the increased rail traffic proposed for the EJ&E line that will be their northern neighbor. Economic Development – the residential redevelopment plans described above are an integral part of our economic development plans. So the concerns raised in the section on Noise are also a concern for our ability to implement our economic development vision. In addition, we are within a few short weeks of selling the Norwood Square Shopping Center to a commercial developer who plans a major renovation and re-occupancy of this property. The Norwood Square Shopping Center is located on Western Avenue, with its north property line bounded by the EJ&E rail right-of-way. The new owner is committed to spending up to $1 million in exterior renovations in the next 12 months, and is likely to spend as much as $5 million on total renovations to the property over the course of the next four to five years. The success of their efforts to bring new retailers to this shopping center depends entirely on the ability and willingness of customers to access the property. If customers to the north are discouraged from shopping in this location because of the unpredictability of the train traffic, and the shoppers to the south get fed up with the difficulty of getting into and out of the property because of the back-ups on Western Avenue, the retailers that locate in this shopping center will not be successful. The Village took the unprecedented action of acquiring this 129,000 square foot, 15 acre shopping center because the former property owner had not paid taxes in over five years. At this time no property taxes have been generated from this property in about 10 years. The Village has worked for three years to find this buyer and we plan to do all we can to help them be successful, because their success will have resoundingly positive impacts on the Village as a whole. We believe that there are two straight-forward, albeit not simple, solutions to the concerns raised in this communication. First, require CN to construct an overpass at Western Avenue so no trains will block traffic on Western Avenue. Second, require CN to build sound-proof walls, similar to those seen on many highways throughout the country, on the north boundary of the Eastgate Neighborhood and the north boundary of our neighborhoods on the west side of the Village. I would be happy to answer any questions about these issues that you may have as you complete the EIS for this project.
    Hildy L. Kingma · Park Forest, IL
  10970. (printed as 1/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3997Village of Park Forest
    Re: the Proposed Canadian National Railway Company Acquisition of the Elgin, Joliet and Eastern Railway Company STB Finance Docket No. 35087 As a member of the Village Board of Trustees for the Village of Park Forest, I would like to comment on concerns related to increased traffic, noise, and economic development. I attended the scoping meeting in Matteson. Increased Traffic – CN’s proposed purchase of the EJ&E Railway is projected to increase rail traffic on the Park Forest segment of the railroad by 400 percent, from approximately 8 trains per day to approximately 32 trains per day. In addition, there is proposed to be a switching yard in Matteson, immediately adjacent to the Village of Park Forest. The EJ&E has an at-grade crossing in Park Forest on Western Avenue (a State road) and an elevated crossing on Orchard Drive (a local street). Even today, it is not uncommon for trains for stop or slow considerably as they pass through Park Forest. This results in delays that often last for as much as 10-15 minutes. The proposed purchase will increase the number of trains, and therefore the number of times vehicle traffic is delayed due to trains moving through the Village. We believe it will also delay the duration of those delays as long trains maneuver the switching yard in Matteson and back-up onto the main tracks. Currently, vehicular traffic on Western Avenue seeks alternate routes to avoid the crossing in that location. This has significant negative impacts on the Village of Park Forest, our residents and businesses. Typically, southbound traffic on Western Avenue takes North Street through our Business Park, to Orchard Drive, and then to Westwood Drive back to Western Avenue. Northbound traffic on Western Avenue takes Westwood Drive to Orchard Drive, then east on North Street back to Western Avenue. North Street is a local street that runs through our Business Park. Increased exposure to the businesses in this area might be a positive result, but most of this traffic will not be interested in stopping to conduct business and it will simply delay the traffic that is seeking to patronize the businesses in this area. Westwood Drive is a residential street and the increased traffic on this street already has a negative impact. The significant increases in traffic caused by this purchase are of significant concern to the Village and the residents. Planning is currently underway to make improvements to Orchard Drive that will actually reduce this road from a four-lane cross section to a two lane road. The underpass on Orchard Drive at the EJ&E tracks is narrow today. The increased traffic, on a soon-to-be two lane road, will simply re-direct the delays from Western Avenue, a State-maintained road to Orchard Drive, a locally maintained road. Orchard Drive is also heavily traveled when the Metra commuter trains arrive, and the increased traffic from blocked traffic on Western Avenue will exacerbate an existing problem. The intersection at Orchard Drive and Westwood Drive is a four-way stop so traffic does not flow smoothly in that location. Noise – As the EJ&E rail line runs through Park Forest, the adjacent land uses are predominantly residential at the west and end ends, and mixed residential, commercial and industrial in the middle section. Clearly the increase of train traffic, along with the switching yard that will be located almost immediately adjacent to the west side of Park Forest, will increase the level and frequency of noise interruptions for the residents of Park Forest. In addition, the Village is currently undertaking a long range planning study to create plans for redevelopment of the Eastgate Neighborhood, located at the east side of Park Forest, between the EJ&E rail tracks and 26th Street. This is a neighborhood that is already suffering from many conditions of blight, including significant code violations, high incidences of crime, and high percentages of absentee ownership. The preliminary concept plans for redevelopment of this area call for significant public and private investment to transform this troubled neighborhood to a more upscale neighborhood. The Village has already invested funds to begin acquiring property to accomplish the goals of this planning study. Unfortunately, the increased rail traffic and the noise it brings, will make it difficult to attract the kind of developers and homeowners that we have visualized for this redeveloped neighborhood. Similarly, the Village is financial and staff resources to acquire a vacant school property located at the west edge of the Village. The north boundary of this property is the EJ&E rail right-of-way. The property has been in the ownership of a private owner for several years and it is tax delinquent. The Village has already been successful in attracting new home construction on property just east of this vacant school, and it has long been our goal to continue this new investment in our community on this property. We have the same concerns with this parcel as described above. We believe our chances of attracting a developer/builder and home buyers will diminish when they learn of the increased rail traffic proposed for the EJ&E line that will be their northern neighbor. Economic Development – the residential redevelopment plans described above are an integral part of our economic development plans. So the concerns raised in the section on Noise are also a concern for our ability to implement our economic development vision. In addition, we are within a few short weeks of selling the Norwood Square Shopping Center to a commercial developer who plans a major renovation and re-occupancy of this property. The Norwood Square Shopping Center is located on Western Avenue, with its north property line bounded by the EJ&E rail right-of-way. The new owner is committed to spending up to $1 million in exterior renovations in the next 12 months, and is likely to spend as much as $5 million on total renovations to the property over the course of the next four to five years. The success of their efforts to bring new retailers to this shopping center depends entirely on the ability and willingness of customers to access the property. If customers to the north are discouraged from shopping in this location because of the unpredictability of the train traffic, and the shoppers to the south get fed up with the difficulty of getting into and out of the property because of the back-ups on Western Avenue, the retailers that locate in this shopping center will not be successful. The Village took the unprecedented action of acquiring this 129,000 square foot, 15 acre shopping center because the former property owner had not paid taxes in over five years. At this time no property taxes have been generated from this property in about 10 years. The Village has worked for three years to find this buyer and we plan to do all we can to help them be successful, because their success will have resoundingly positive impacts on the Village as a whole. We believe that there are two straight-forward, albeit not simple, solutions to the concerns raised in this communication. First, require CN to construct an overpass at Western Avenue so no trains will block traffic on Western Avenue. Second, require CN to build sound-proof walls, similar to those seen on many highways throughout the country, on the north boundary of the Eastgate Neighborhood and the north boundary of our neighborhoods on the west side of the Village. I would be happy to answer any questions about these issues that you may have as you complete the EIS for this project.
    Georgia O'Neill · Park Forest, IL
  10971. (printed as 1/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3996Village of Park Forest
    Re: the Proposed Canadian National Railway Company Acquisition of the Elgin, Joliet and Eastern Railway Company STB Finance Docket No. 35087 As as member of the Village Board of Trustees for the Village of Park Forest, I would like to comment on concerns related to increased traffic, noise, and economic development. I attended the scoping meeting in Matteson. Increased Traffic – CN’s proposed purchase of the EJ&E Railway is projected to increase rail traffic on the Park Forest segment of the railroad by 400 percent, from approximately 8 trains per day to approximately 32 trains per day. In addition, there is proposed to be a switching yard in Matteson, immediately adjacent to the Village of Park Forest. The EJ&E has an at-grade crossing in Park Forest on Western Avenue (a State road) and an elevated crossing on Orchard Drive (a local street). Even today, it is not uncommon for trains for stop or slow considerably as they pass through Park Forest. This results in delays that often last for as much as 10-15 minutes. The proposed purchase will increase the number of trains, and therefore the number of times vehicle traffic is delayed due to trains moving through the Village. We believe it will also delay the duration of those delays as long trains maneuver the switching yard in Matteson and back-up onto the main tracks. Currently, vehicular traffic on Western Avenue seeks alternate routes to avoid the crossing in that location. This has significant negative impacts on the Village of Park Forest, our residents and businesses. Typically, southbound traffic on Western Avenue takes North Street through our Business Park, to Orchard Drive, and then to Westwood Drive back to Western Avenue. Northbound traffic on Western Avenue takes Westwood Drive to Orchard Drive, then east on North Street back to Western Avenue. North Street is a local street that runs through our Business Park. Increased exposure to the businesses in this area might be a positive result, but most of this traffic will not be interested in stopping to conduct business and it will simply delay the traffic that is seeking to patronize the businesses in this area. Westwood Drive is a residential street and the increased traffic on this street already has a negative impact. The significant increases in traffic caused by this purchase are of significant concern to the Village and the residents. Planning is currently underway to make improvements to Orchard Drive that will actually reduce this road from a four-lane cross section to a two lane road. The underpass on Orchard Drive at the EJ&E tracks is narrow today. The increased traffic, on a soon-to-be two lane road, will simply re-direct the delays from Western Avenue, a State-maintained road to Orchard Drive, a locally maintained road. Orchard Drive is also heavily traveled when the Metra commuter trains arrive, and the increased traffic from blocked traffic on Western Avenue will exacerbate an existing problem. The intersection at Orchard Drive and Westwood Drive is a four-way stop so traffic does not flow smoothly in that location. Noise – As the EJ&E rail line runs through Park Forest, the adjacent land uses are predominantly residential at the west and end ends, and mixed residential, commercial and industrial in the middle section. Clearly the increase of train traffic, along with the switching yard that will be located almost immediately adjacent to the west side of Park Forest, will increase the level and frequency of noise interruptions for the residents of Park Forest. In addition, the Village is currently undertaking a long range planning study to create plans for redevelopment of the Eastgate Neighborhood, located at the east side of Park Forest, between the EJ&E rail tracks and 26th Street. This is a neighborhood that is already suffering from many conditions of blight, including significant code violations, high incidences of crime, and high percentages of absentee ownership. The preliminary concept plans for redevelopment of this area call for significant public and private investment to transform this troubled neighborhood to a more upscale neighborhood. The Village has already invested funds to begin acquiring property to accomplish the goals of this planning study. Unfortunately, the increased rail traffic and the noise it brings, will make it difficult to attract the kind of developers and homeowners that we have visualized for this redeveloped neighborhood. Similarly, the Village is financial and staff resources to acquire a vacant school property located at the west edge of the Village. The north boundary of this property is the EJ&E rail right-of-way. The property has been in the ownership of a private owner for several years and it is tax delinquent. The Village has already been successful in attracting new home construction on property just east of this vacant school, and it has long been our goal to continue this new investment in our community on this property. We have the same concerns with this parcel as described above. We believe our chances of attracting a developer/builder and home buyers will diminish when they learn of the increased rail traffic proposed for the EJ&E line that will be their northern neighbor. Economic Development – the residential redevelopment plans described above are an integral part of our economic development plans. So the concerns raised in the section on Noise are also a concern for our ability to implement our economic development vision. In addition, we are within a few short weeks of selling the Norwood Square Shopping Center to a commercial developer who plans a major renovation and re-occupancy of this property. The Norwood Square Shopping Center is located on Western Avenue, with its north property line bounded by the EJ&E rail right-of-way. The new owner is committed to spending up to $1 million in exterior renovations in the next 12 months, and is likely to spend as much as $5 million on total renovations to the property over the course of the next four to five years. The success of their efforts to bring new retailers to this shopping center depends entirely on the ability and willingness of customers to access the property. If customers to the north are discouraged from shopping in this location because of the unpredictability of the train traffic, and the shoppers to the south get fed up with the difficulty of getting into and out of the property because of the back-ups on Western Avenue, the retailers that locate in this shopping center will not be successful. The Village took the unprecedented action of acquiring this 129,000 square foot, 15 acre shopping center because the former property owner had not paid taxes in over five years. At this time no property taxes have been generated from this property in about 10 years. The Village has worked for three years to find this buyer and we plan to do all we can to help them be successful, because their success will have resoundingly positive impacts on the Village as a whole. We believe that there are two straight-forward, albeit not simple, solutions to the concerns raised in this communication. First, require CN to construct an overpass at Western Avenue so no trains will block traffic on Western Avenue. Second, require CN to build sound-proof walls, similar to those seen on many highways throughout the country, on the north boundary of the Eastgate Neighborhood and the north boundary of our neighborhoods on the west side of the Village. I would be happy to answer any questions about these issues that you may have as you complete the EIS for this project.
    Robert McCray · Park Forest, IL
  10972. (printed as 1/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3995Village of Park Forest
    Re: the Proposed Canadian National Railway Company Acquisition of the Elgin, Joliet and Eastern Railway Company STB Finance Docket No. 35087 As as member of the Village Board of Trustees for the Village of Park Forest, I would like to comment on concerns related to increased traffic, noise, and economic development. I attended the scoping meeting in Matteson. Increased Traffic – CN’s proposed purchase of the EJ&E Railway is projected to increase rail traffic on the Park Forest segment of the railroad by 400 percent, from approximately 8 trains per day to approximately 32 trains per day. In addition, there is proposed to be a switching yard in Matteson, immediately adjacent to the Village of Park Forest. The EJ&E has an at-grade crossing in Park Forest on Western Avenue (a State road) and an elevated crossing on Orchard Drive (a local street). Even today, it is not uncommon for trains for stop or slow considerably as they pass through Park Forest. This results in delays that often last for as much as 10-15 minutes. The proposed purchase will increase the number of trains, and therefore the number of times vehicle traffic is delayed due to trains moving through the Village. We believe it will also delay the duration of those delays as long trains maneuver the switching yard in Matteson and back-up onto the main tracks. Currently, vehicular traffic on Western Avenue seeks alternate routes to avoid the crossing in that location. This has significant negative impacts on the Village of Park Forest, our residents and businesses. Typically, southbound traffic on Western Avenue takes North Street through our Business Park, to Orchard Drive, and then to Westwood Drive back to Western Avenue. Northbound traffic on Western Avenue takes Westwood Drive to Orchard Drive, then east on North Street back to Western Avenue. North Street is a local street that runs through our Business Park. Increased exposure to the businesses in this area might be a positive result, but most of this traffic will not be interested in stopping to conduct business and it will simply delay the traffic that is seeking to patronize the businesses in this area. Westwood Drive is a residential street and the increased traffic on this street already has a negative impact. The significant increases in traffic caused by this purchase are of significant concern to the Village and the residents. Planning is currently underway to make improvements to Orchard Drive that will actually reduce this road from a four-lane cross section to a two lane road. The underpass on Orchard Drive at the EJ&E tracks is narrow today. The increased traffic, on a soon-to-be two lane road, will simply re-direct the delays from Western Avenue, a State-maintained road to Orchard Drive, a locally maintained road. Orchard Drive is also heavily traveled when the Metra commuter trains arrive, and the increased traffic from blocked traffic on Western Avenue will exacerbate an existing problem. The intersection at Orchard Drive and Westwood Drive is a four-way stop so traffic does not flow smoothly in that location. Noise – As the EJ&E rail line runs through Park Forest, the adjacent land uses are predominantly residential at the west and end ends, and mixed residential, commercial and industrial in the middle section. Clearly the increase of train traffic, along with the switching yard that will be located almost immediately adjacent to the west side of Park Forest, will increase the level and frequency of noise interruptions for the residents of Park Forest. In addition, the Village is currently undertaking a long range planning study to create plans for redevelopment of the Eastgate Neighborhood, located at the east side of Park Forest, between the EJ&E rail tracks and 26th Street. This is a neighborhood that is already suffering from many conditions of blight, including significant code violations, high incidences of crime, and high percentages of absentee ownership. The preliminary concept plans for redevelopment of this area call for significant public and private investment to transform this troubled neighborhood to a more upscale neighborhood. The Village has already invested funds to begin acquiring property to accomplish the goals of this planning study. Unfortunately, the increased rail traffic and the noise it brings, will make it difficult to attract the kind of developers and homeowners that we have visualized for this redeveloped neighborhood. Similarly, the Village is financial and staff resources to acquire a vacant school property located at the west edge of the Village. The north boundary of this property is the EJ&E rail right-of-way. The property has been in the ownership of a private owner for several years and it is tax delinquent. The Village has already been successful in attracting new home construction on property just east of this vacant school, and it has long been our goal to continue this new investment in our community on this property. We have the same concerns with this parcel as described above. We believe our chances of attracting a developer/builder and home buyers will diminish when they learn of the increased rail traffic proposed for the EJ&E line that will be their northern neighbor. Economic Development – the residential redevelopment plans described above are an integral part of our economic development plans. So the concerns raised in the section on Noise are also a concern for our ability to implement our economic development vision. In addition, we are within a few short weeks of selling the Norwood Square Shopping Center to a commercial developer who plans a major renovation and re-occupancy of this property. The Norwood Square Shopping Center is located on Western Avenue, with its north property line bounded by the EJ&E rail right-of-way. The new owner is committed to spending up to $1 million in exterior renovations in the next 12 months, and is likely to spend as much as $5 million on total renovations to the property over the course of the next four to five years. The success of their efforts to bring new retailers to this shopping center depends entirely on the ability and willingness of customers to access the property. If customers to the north are discouraged from shopping in this location because of the unpredictability of the train traffic, and the shoppers to the south get fed up with the difficulty of getting into and out of the property because of the back-ups on Western Avenue, the retailers that locate in this shopping center will not be successful. The Village took the unprecedented action of acquiring this 129,000 square foot, 15 acre shopping center because the former property owner had not paid taxes in over five years. At this time no property taxes have been generated from this property in about 10 years. The Village has worked for three years to find this buyer and we plan to do all we can to help them be successful, because their success will have resoundingly positive impacts on the Village as a whole. We believe that there are two straight-forward, albeit not simple, solutions to the concerns raised in this communication. First, require CN to construct an overpass at Western Avenue so no trains will block traffic on Western Avenue. Second, require CN to build sound-proof walls, similar to those seen on many highways throughout the country, on the north boundary of the Eastgate Neighborhood and the north boundary of our neighborhoods on the west side of the Village. I would be happy to answer any questions about these issues that you may have as you complete the EIS for this project.
    Bonita Dillard · Park Forest, IL
  10973. (printed as 1/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3994Village of Park Forest
    Re: the Proposed Canadian National Railway Company Acquisition of the Elgin, Joliet and Eastern Railway Company STB Finance Docket No. 35087 As a member of the Village Board of Trustees for the Village of Park Forest, I would like to comment on concerns related to increased traffic, noise, and economic development. I attended the scoping meeting in Matteson. Increased Traffic – CN’s proposed purchase of the EJ&E Railway is projected to increase rail traffic on the Park Forest segment of the railroad by 400 percent, from approximately 8 trains per day to approximately 32 trains per day. In addition, there is proposed to be a switching yard in Matteson, immediately adjacent to the Village of Park Forest. The EJ&E has an at-grade crossing in Park Forest on Western Avenue (a State road) and an elevated crossing on Orchard Drive (a local street). Even today, it is not uncommon for trains for stop or slow considerably as they pass through Park Forest. This results in delays that often last for as much as 10-15 minutes. The proposed purchase will increase the number of trains, and therefore the number of times vehicle traffic is delayed due to trains moving through the Village. We believe it will also delay the duration of those delays as long trains maneuver the switching yard in Matteson and back-up onto the main tracks. Currently, vehicular traffic on Western Avenue seeks alternate routes to avoid the crossing in that location. This has significant negative impacts on the Village of Park Forest, our residents and businesses. Typically, southbound traffic on Western Avenue takes North Street through our Business Park, to Orchard Drive, and then to Westwood Drive back to Western Avenue. Northbound traffic on Western Avenue takes Westwood Drive to Orchard Drive, then east on North Street back to Western Avenue. North Street is a local street that runs through our Business Park. Increased exposure to the businesses in this area might be a positive result, but most of this traffic will not be interested in stopping to conduct business and it will simply delay the traffic that is seeking to patronize the businesses in this area. Westwood Drive is a residential street and the increased traffic on this street already has a negative impact. The significant increases in traffic caused by this purchase are of significant concern to the Village and the residents. Planning is currently underway to make improvements to Orchard Drive that will actually reduce this road from a four-lane cross section to a two lane road. The underpass on Orchard Drive at the EJ&E tracks is narrow today. The increased traffic, on a soon-to-be two lane road, will simply re-direct the delays from Western Avenue, a State-maintained road to Orchard Drive, a locally maintained road. Orchard Drive is also heavily traveled when the Metra commuter trains arrive, and the increased traffic from blocked traffic on Western Avenue will exacerbate an existing problem. The intersection at Orchard Drive and Westwood Drive is a four-way stop so traffic does not flow smoothly in that location. Noise – As the EJ&E rail line runs through Park Forest, the adjacent land uses are predominantly residential at the west and end ends, and mixed residential, commercial and industrial in the middle section. Clearly the increase of train traffic, along with the switching yard that will be located almost immediately adjacent to the west side of Park Forest, will increase the level and frequency of noise interruptions for the residents of Park Forest. In addition, the Village is currently undertaking a long range planning study to create plans for redevelopment of the Eastgate Neighborhood, located at the east side of Park Forest, between the EJ&E rail tracks and 26th Street. This is a neighborhood that is already suffering from many conditions of blight, including significant code violations, high incidences of crime, and high percentages of absentee ownership. The preliminary concept plans for redevelopment of this area call for significant public and private investment to transform this troubled neighborhood to a more upscale neighborhood. The Village has already invested funds to begin acquiring property to accomplish the goals of this planning study. Unfortunately, the increased rail traffic and the noise it brings, will make it difficult to attract the kind of developers and homeowners that we have visualized for this redeveloped neighborhood. Similarly, the Village is financial and staff resources to acquire a vacant school property located at the west edge of the Village. The north boundary of this property is the EJ&E rail right-of-way. The property has been in the ownership of a private owner for several years and it is tax delinquent. The Village has already been successful in attracting new home construction on property just east of this vacant school, and it has long been our goal to continue this new investment in our community on this property. We have the same concerns with this parcel as described above. We believe our chances of attracting a developer/builder and home buyers will diminish when they learn of the increased rail traffic proposed for the EJ&E line that will be their northern neighbor. Economic Development – the residential redevelopment plans described above are an integral part of our economic development plans. So the concerns raised in the section on Noise are also a concern for our ability to implement our economic development vision. In addition, we are within a few short weeks of selling the Norwood Square Shopping Center to a commercial developer who plans a major renovation and re-occupancy of this property. The Norwood Square Shopping Center is located on Western Avenue, with its north property line bounded by the EJ&E rail right-of-way. The new owner is committed to spending up to $1 million in exterior renovations in the next 12 months, and is likely to spend as much as $5 million on total renovations to the property over the course of the next four to five years. The success of their efforts to bring new retailers to this shopping center depends entirely on the ability and willingness of customers to access the property. If customers to the north are discouraged from shopping in this location because of the unpredictability of the train traffic, and the shoppers to the south get fed up with the difficulty of getting into and out of the property because of the back-ups on Western Avenue, the retailers that locate in this shopping center will not be successful. The Village took the unprecedented action of acquiring this 129,000 square foot, 15 acre shopping center because the former property owner had not paid taxes in over five years. At this time no property taxes have been generated from this property in about 10 years. The Village has worked for three years to find this buyer and we plan to do all we can to help them be successful, because their success will have resoundingly positive impacts on the Village as a whole. We believe that there are two straight-forward, albeit not simple, solutions to the concerns raised in this communication. First, require CN to construct an overpass at Western Avenue so no trains will block traffic on Western Avenue. Second, require CN to build sound-proof walls, similar to those seen on many highways throughout the country, on the north boundary of the Eastgate Neighborhood and the north boundary of our neighborhoods on the west side of the Village. I would be happy to answer any questions about these issues that you may have as you complete the EIS for this project.
    Gary Kopycinski · Park Forest, IL
  10974. (printed as 1/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3993Village of Park Forest
    Re: the Proposed Canadian National Railway Company Acquisition of the Elgin, Joliet and Eastern Railway Company STB Finance Docket No. 35087 As a member of the Village Board of Trustees for the Village of Park Forest, I would like to comment on concerns related to increased traffic, noise, and economic development. I attended the scoping meeting in Matteson. Increased Traffic – CN’s proposed purchase of the EJ&E Railway is projected to increase rail traffic on the Park Forest segment of the railroad by 400 percent, from approximately 8 trains per day to approximately 32 trains per day. In addition, there is proposed to be a switching yard in Matteson, immediately adjacent to the Village of Park Forest. The EJ&E has an at-grade crossing in Park Forest on Western Avenue (a State road) and an elevated crossing on Orchard Drive (a local street). Even today, it is not uncommon for trains for stop or slow considerably as they pass through Park Forest. This results in delays that often last for as much as 10-15 minutes. The proposed purchase will increase the number of trains, and therefore the number of times vehicle traffic is delayed due to trains moving through the Village. We believe it will also delay the duration of those delays as long trains maneuver the switching yard in Matteson and back-up onto the main tracks. Currently, vehicular traffic on Western Avenue seeks alternate routes to avoid the crossing in that location. This has significant negative impacts on the Village of Park Forest, our residents and businesses. Typically, southbound traffic on Western Avenue takes North Street through our Business Park, to Orchard Drive, and then to Westwood Drive back to Western Avenue. Northbound traffic on Western Avenue takes Westwood Drive to Orchard Drive, then east on North Street back to Western Avenue. North Street is a local street that runs through our Business Park. Increased exposure to the businesses in this area might be a positive result, but most of this traffic will not be interested in stopping to conduct business and it will simply delay the traffic that is seeking to patronize the businesses in this area. Westwood Drive is a residential street and the increased traffic on this street already has a negative impact. The significant increases in traffic caused by this purchase are of significant concern to the Village and the residents. Planning is currently underway to make improvements to Orchard Drive that will actually reduce this road from a four-lane cross section to a two lane road. The underpass on Orchard Drive at the EJ&E tracks is narrow today. The increased traffic, on a soon-to-be two lane road, will simply re-direct the delays from Western Avenue, a State-maintained road to Orchard Drive, a locally maintained road. Orchard Drive is also heavily traveled when the Metra commuter trains arrive, and the increased traffic from blocked traffic on Western Avenue will exacerbate an existing problem. The intersection at Orchard Drive and Westwood Drive is a four-way stop so traffic does not flow smoothly in that location. Noise – As the EJ&E rail line runs through Park Forest, the adjacent land uses are predominantly residential at the west and end ends, and mixed residential, commercial and industrial in the middle section. Clearly the increase of train traffic, along with the switching yard that will be located almost immediately adjacent to the west side of Park Forest, will increase the level and frequency of noise interruptions for the residents of Park Forest. In addition, the Village is currently undertaking a long range planning study to create plans for redevelopment of the Eastgate Neighborhood, located at the east side of Park Forest, between the EJ&E rail tracks and 26th Street. This is a neighborhood that is already suffering from many conditions of blight, including significant code violations, high incidences of crime, and high percentages of absentee ownership. The preliminary concept plans for redevelopment of this area call for significant public and private investment to transform this troubled neighborhood to a more upscale neighborhood. The Village has already invested funds to begin acquiring property to accomplish the goals of this planning study. Unfortunately, the increased rail traffic and the noise it brings, will make it difficult to attract the kind of developers and homeowners that we have visualized for this redeveloped neighborhood. Similarly, the Village is financial and staff resources to acquire a vacant school property located at the west edge of the Village. The north boundary of this property is the EJ&E rail right-of-way. The property has been in the ownership of a private owner for several years and it is tax delinquent. The Village has already been successful in attracting new home construction on property just east of this vacant school, and it has long been our goal to continue this new investment in our community on this property. We have the same concerns with this parcel as described above. We believe our chances of attracting a developer/builder and home buyers will diminish when they learn of the increased rail traffic proposed for the EJ&E line that will be their northern neighbor. Economic Development – the residential redevelopment plans described above are an integral part of our economic development plans. So the concerns raised in the section on Noise are also a concern for our ability to implement our economic development vision. In addition, we are within a few short weeks of selling the Norwood Square Shopping Center to a commercial developer who plans a major renovation and re-occupancy of this property. The Norwood Square Shopping Center is located on Western Avenue, with its north property line bounded by the EJ&E rail right-of-way. The new owner is committed to spending up to $1 million in exterior renovations in the next 12 months, and is likely to spend as much as $5 million on total renovations to the property over the course of the next four to five years. The success of their efforts to bring new retailers to this shopping center depends entirely on the ability and willingness of customers to access the property. If customers to the north are discouraged from shopping in this location because of the unpredictability of the train traffic, and the shoppers to the south get fed up with the difficulty of getting into and out of the property because of the back-ups on Western Avenue, the retailers that locate in this shopping center will not be successful. The Village took the unprecedented action of acquiring this 129,000 square foot, 15 acre shopping center because the former property owner had not paid taxes in over five years. At this time no property taxes have been generated from this property in about 10 years. The Village has worked for three years to find this buyer and we plan to do all we can to help them be successful, because their success will have resoundingly positive impacts on the Village as a whole. We believe that there are two straight-forward, albeit not simple, solutions to the concerns raised in this communication. First, require CN to construct an overpass at Western Avenue so no trains will block traffic on Western Avenue. Second, require CN to build sound-proof walls, similar to those seen on many highways throughout the country, on the north boundary of the Eastgate Neighborhood and the north boundary of our neighborhoods on the west side of the Village. I would be happy to answer any questions about these issues that you may have as you complete the EIS for this project.
    Mae Brandon · Park Forest, IL
  10975. (printed as 1/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3992Village of Park Forest
    Re: the Proposed Canadian National Railway Company Acquisition of the Elgin, Joliet and Eastern Railway Company STB Finance Docket No. 35087 As a member of the Village Board of Trustees for the Village of Park Forest, I would like to comment on concerns related to increased traffic, noise, and economic development. I attended the scoping meeting in Matteson. Increased Traffic – CN’s proposed purchase of the EJ&E Railway is projected to increase rail traffic on the Park Forest segment of the railroad by 400 percent, from approximately 8 trains per day to approximately 32 trains per day. In addition, there is proposed to be a switching yard in Matteson, immediately adjacent to the Village of Park Forest. The EJ&E has an at-grade crossing in Park Forest on Western Avenue (a State road) and an elevated crossing on Orchard Drive (a local street). Even today, it is not uncommon for trains for stop or slow considerably as they pass through Park Forest. This results in delays that often last for as much as 10-15 minutes. The proposed purchase will increase the number of trains, and therefore the number of times vehicle traffic is delayed due to trains moving through the Village. We believe it will also delay the duration of those delays as long trains maneuver the switching yard in Matteson and back-up onto the main tracks. Currently, vehicular traffic on Western Avenue seeks alternate routes to avoid the crossing in that location. This has significant negative impacts on the Village of Park Forest, our residents and businesses. Typically, southbound traffic on Western Avenue takes North Street through our Business Park, to Orchard Drive, and then to Westwood Drive back to Western Avenue. Northbound traffic on Western Avenue takes Westwood Drive to Orchard Drive, then east on North Street back to Western Avenue. North Street is a local street that runs through our Business Park. Increased exposure to the businesses in this area might be a positive result, but most of this traffic will not be interested in stopping to conduct business and it will simply delay the traffic that is seeking to patronize the businesses in this area. Westwood Drive is a residential street and the increased traffic on this street already has a negative impact. The significant increases in traffic caused by this purchase are of significant concern to the Village and the residents. Planning is currently underway to make improvements to Orchard Drive that will actually reduce this road from a four-lane cross section to a two lane road. The underpass on Orchard Drive at the EJ&E tracks is narrow today. The increased traffic, on a soon-to-be two lane road, will simply re-direct the delays from Western Avenue, a State-maintained road to Orchard Drive, a locally maintained road. Orchard Drive is also heavily traveled when the Metra commuter trains arrive, and the increased traffic from blocked traffic on Western Avenue will exacerbate an existing problem. The intersection at Orchard Drive and Westwood Drive is a four-way stop so traffic does not flow smoothly in that location. Noise – As the EJ&E rail line runs through Park Forest, the adjacent land uses are predominantly residential at the west and end ends, and mixed residential, commercial and industrial in the middle section. Clearly the increase of train traffic, along with the switching yard that will be located almost immediately adjacent to the west side of Park Forest, will increase the level and frequency of noise interruptions for the residents of Park Forest. In addition, the Village is currently undertaking a long range planning study to create plans for redevelopment of the Eastgate Neighborhood, located at the east side of Park Forest, between the EJ&E rail tracks and 26th Street. This is a neighborhood that is already suffering from many conditions of blight, including significant code violations, high incidences of crime, and high percentages of absentee ownership. The preliminary concept plans for redevelopment of this area call for significant public and private investment to transform this troubled neighborhood to a more upscale neighborhood. The Village has already invested funds to begin acquiring property to accomplish the goals of this planning study. Unfortunately, the increased rail traffic and the noise it brings, will make it difficult to attract the kind of developers and homeowners that we have visualized for this redeveloped neighborhood. Similarly, the Village is financial and staff resources to acquire a vacant school property located at the west edge of the Village. The north boundary of this property is the EJ&E rail right-of-way. The property has been in the ownership of a private owner for several years and it is tax delinquent. The Village has already been successful in attracting new home construction on property just east of this vacant school, and it has long been our goal to continue this new investment in our community on this property. We have the same concerns with this parcel as described above. We believe our chances of attracting a developer/builder and home buyers will diminish when they learn of the increased rail traffic proposed for the EJ&E line that will be their northern neighbor. Economic Development – the residential redevelopment plans described above are an integral part of our economic development plans. So the concerns raised in the section on Noise are also a concern for our ability to implement our economic development vision. In addition, we are within a few short weeks of selling the Norwood Square Shopping Center to a commercial developer who plans a major renovation and re-occupancy of this property. The Norwood Square Shopping Center is located on Western Avenue, with its north property line bounded by the EJ&E rail right-of-way. The new owner is committed to spending up to $1 million in exterior renovations in the next 12 months, and is likely to spend as much as $5 million on total renovations to the property over the course of the next four to five years. The success of their efforts to bring new retailers to this shopping center depends entirely on the ability and willingness of customers to access the property. If customers to the north are discouraged from shopping in this location because of the unpredictability of the train traffic, and the shoppers to the south get fed up with the difficulty of getting into and out of the property because of the back-ups on Western Avenue, the retailers that locate in this shopping center will not be successful. The Village took the unprecedented action of acquiring this 129,000 square foot, 15 acre shopping center because the former property owner had not paid taxes in over five years. At this time no property taxes have been generated from this property in about 10 years. The Village has worked for three years to find this buyer and we plan to do all we can to help them be successful, because their success will have resoundingly positive impacts on the Village as a whole. We believe that there are two straight-forward, albeit not simple, solutions to the concerns raised in this communication. First, require CN to construct an overpass at Western Avenue so no trains will block traffic on Western Avenue. Second, require CN to build sound-proof walls, similar to those seen on many highways throughout the country, on the north boundary of the Eastgate Neighborhood and the north boundary of our neighborhoods on the west side of the Village. I would be happy to answer any questions about these issues that you may have as you complete the EIS for this project.
    Ken Kramer · Park Forest, IL
  10976. (printed as 1/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3991Village of Park Forest
    Re: the Proposed Canadian National Railway Company Acquisition of the Elgin, Joliet and Eastern Railway Company STB Finance Docket No. 35087 As the Mayor for the Village of Park Forest, I would like to comment on concerns related to increased traffic, noise, and economic development. I attended the scoping meeting in Matteson. Increased Traffic – CN’s proposed purchase of the EJ&E Railway is projected to increase rail traffic on the Park Forest segment of the railroad by 400 percent, from approximately 8 trains per day to approximately 32 trains per day. In addition, there is proposed to be a switching yard in Matteson, immediately adjacent to the Village of Park Forest. The EJ&E has an at-grade crossing in Park Forest on Western Avenue (a State road) and an elevated crossing on Orchard Drive (a local street). Even today, it is not uncommon for trains for stop or slow considerably as they pass through Park Forest. This results in delays that often last for as much as 10-15 minutes. The proposed purchase will increase the number of trains, and therefore the number of times vehicle traffic is delayed due to trains moving through the Village. We believe it will also delay the duration of those delays as long trains maneuver the switching yard in Matteson and back-up onto the main tracks. Currently, vehicular traffic on Western Avenue seeks alternate routes to avoid the crossing in that location. This has significant negative impacts on the Village of Park Forest, our residents and businesses. Typically, southbound traffic on Western Avenue takes North Street through our Business Park, to Orchard Drive, and then to Westwood Drive back to Western Avenue. Northbound traffic on Western Avenue takes Westwood Drive to Orchard Drive, then east on North Street back to Western Avenue. North Street is a local street that runs through our Business Park. Increased exposure to the businesses in this area might be a positive result, but most of this traffic will not be interested in stopping to conduct business and it will simply delay the traffic that is seeking to patronize the businesses in this area. Westwood Drive is a residential street and the increased traffic on this street already has a negative impact. The significant increases in traffic caused by this purchase are of significant concern to the Village and the residents. Planning is currently underway to make improvements to Orchard Drive that will actually reduce this road from a four-lane cross section to a two lane road. The underpass on Orchard Drive at the EJ&E tracks is narrow today. The increased traffic, on a soon-to-be two lane road, will simply re-direct the delays from Western Avenue, a State-maintained road to Orchard Drive, a locally maintained road. Orchard Drive is also heavily traveled when the Metra commuter trains arrive, and the increased traffic from blocked traffic on Western Avenue will exacerbate an existing problem. The intersection at Orchard Drive and Westwood Drive is a four-way stop so traffic does not flow smoothly in that location. Noise – As the EJ&E rail line runs through Park Forest, the adjacent land uses are predominantly residential at the west and end ends, and mixed residential, commercial and industrial in the middle section. Clearly the increase of train traffic, along with the switching yard that will be located almost immediately adjacent to the west side of Park Forest, will increase the level and frequency of noise interruptions for the residents of Park Forest. In addition, the Village is currently undertaking a long range planning study to create plans for redevelopment of the Eastgate Neighborhood, located at the east side of Park Forest, between the EJ&E rail tracks and 26th Street. This is a neighborhood that is already suffering from many conditions of blight, including significant code violations, high incidences of crime, and high percentages of absentee ownership. The preliminary concept plans for redevelopment of this area call for significant public and private investment to transform this troubled neighborhood to a more upscale neighborhood. The Village has already invested funds to begin acquiring property to accomplish the goals of this planning study. Unfortunately, the increased rail traffic and the noise it brings, will make it difficult to attract the kind of developers and homeowners that we have visualized for this redeveloped neighborhood. Similarly, the Village is financial and staff resources to acquire a vacant school property located at the west edge of the Village. The north boundary of this property is the EJ&E rail right-of-way. The property has been in the ownership of a private owner for several years and it is tax delinquent. The Village has already been successful in attracting new home construction on property just east of this vacant school, and it has long been our goal to continue this new investment in our community on this property. We have the same concerns with this parcel as described above. We believe our chances of attracting a developer/builder and home buyers will diminish when they learn of the increased rail traffic proposed for the EJ&E line that will be their northern neighbor. Economic Development – the residential redevelopment plans described above are an integral part of our economic development plans. So the concerns raised in the section on Noise are also a concern for our ability to implement our economic development vision. In addition, we are within a few short weeks of selling the Norwood Square Shopping Center to a commercial developer who plans a major renovation and re-occupancy of this property. The Norwood Square Shopping Center is located on Western Avenue, with its north property line bounded by the EJ&E rail right-of-way. The new owner is committed to spending up to $1 million in exterior renovations in the next 12 months, and is likely to spend as much as $5 million on total renovations to the property over the course of the next four to five years. The success of their efforts to bring new retailers to this shopping center depends entirely on the ability and willingness of customers to access the property. If customers to the north are discouraged from shopping in this location because of the unpredictability of the train traffic, and the shoppers to the south get fed up with the difficulty of getting into and out of the property because of the back-ups on Western Avenue, the retailers that locate in this shopping center will not be successful. The Village took the unprecedented action of acquiring this 129,000 square foot, 15 acre shopping center because the former property owner had not paid taxes in over five years. At this time no property taxes have been generated from this property in about 10 years. The Village has worked for three years to find this buyer and we plan to do all we can to help them be successful, because their success will have resoundingly positive impacts on the Village as a whole. We believe that there are two straight-forward, albeit not simple, solutions to the concerns raised in this communication. First, require CN to construct an overpass at Western Avenue so no trains will block traffic on Western Avenue. Second, require CN to build sound-proof walls, similar to those seen on many highways throughout the country, on the north boundary of the Eastgate Neighborhood and the north boundary of our neighborhoods on the west side of the Village. I would be happy to answer any questions about these issues that you may have as you complete the EIS for this project.
    John Ostenburg · Park Forest, IL
  10977. (printed as 1/23/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3990Village of Park Forest
    As the Village Manager for the Village of Park Forest, I would like to comment on concerns related to increased traffic, noise, and economic development. I attended the scoping meeting in Matteson. Increased Traffic – CN’s proposed purchase of the EJ&E Railway is projected to increase rail traffic on the Park Forest segment of the railroad by 400 percent, from approximately 8 trains per day to approximately 32 trains per day. In addition, there is proposed to be a switching yard in Matteson, immediately adjacent to the Village of Park Forest. The EJ&E has an at-grade crossing in Park Forest on Western Avenue (a State road) and an elevated crossing on Orchard Drive (a local street). Even today, it is not uncommon for trains for stop or slow considerably as they pass through Park Forest. This results in delays that often last for as much as 10-15 minutes. The proposed purchase will increase the number of trains, and therefore the number of times vehicle traffic is delayed due to trains moving through the Village. We believe it will also delay the duration of those delays as long trains maneuver the switching yard in Matteson and back-up onto the main tracks. Currently, vehicular traffic on Western Avenue seeks alternate routes to avoid the crossing in that location. This has significant negative impacts on the Village of Park Forest, our residents and businesses. Typically, southbound traffic on Western Avenue takes North Street through our Business Park, to Orchard Drive, and then to Westwood Drive back to Western Avenue. Northbound traffic on Western Avenue takes Westwood Drive to Orchard Drive, then east on North Street back to Western Avenue. North Street is a local street that runs through our Business Park. Increased exposure to the businesses in this area might be a positive result, but most of this traffic will not be interested in stopping to conduct business and it will simply delay the traffic that is seeking to patronize the businesses in this area. Westwood Drive is a residential street and the increased traffic on this street already has a negative impact. The significant increases in traffic caused by this purchase are of significant concern to the Village and the residents. Planning is currently underway to make improvements to Orchard Drive that will actually reduce this road from a four-lane cross section to a two lane road. The underpass on Orchard Drive at the EJ&E tracks is narrow today. The increased traffic, on a soon-to-be two lane road, will simply re-direct the delays from Western Avenue, a State-maintained road to Orchard Drive, a locally maintained road. Orchard Drive is also heavily traveled when the Metra commuter trains arrive, and the increased traffic from blocked traffic on Western Avenue will exacerbate an existing problem. The intersection at Orchard Drive and Westwood Drive is a four-way stop so traffic does not flow smoothly in that location. Noise – As the EJ&E rail line runs through Park Forest, the adjacent land uses are predominantly residential at the west and end ends, and mixed residential, commercial and industrial in the middle section. Clearly the increase of train traffic, along with the switching yard that will be located almost immediately adjacent to the west side of Park Forest, will increase the level and frequency of noise interruptions for the residents of Park Forest. In addition, the Village is currently undertaking a long range planning study to create plans for redevelopment of the Eastgate Neighborhood, located at the east side of Park Forest, between the EJ&E rail tracks and 26th Street. This is a neighborhood that is already suffering from many conditions of blight, including significant code violations, high incidences of crime, and high percentages of absentee ownership. The preliminary concept plans for redevelopment of this area call for significant public and private investment to transform this troubled neighborhood to a more upscale neighborhood. The Village has already invested funds to begin acquiring property to accomplish the goals of this planning study. Unfortunately, the increased rail traffic and the noise it brings, will make it difficult to attract the kind of developers and homeowners that we have visualized for this redeveloped neighborhood. Similarly, the Village is financial and staff resources to acquire a vacant school property located at the west edge of the Village. The north boundary of this property is the EJ&E rail right-of-way. The property has been in the ownership of a private owner for several years and it is tax delinquent. The Village has already been successful in attracting new home construction on property just east of this vacant school, and it has long been our goal to continue this new investment in our community on this property. We have the same concerns with this parcel as described above. We believe our chances of attracting a developer/builder and home buyers will diminish when they learn of the increased rail traffic proposed for the EJ&E line that will be their northern neighbor. Economic Development – the residential redevelopment plans described above are an integral part of our economic development plans. So the concerns raised in the section on Noise are also a concern for our ability to implement our economic development vision. In addition, we are within a few short weeks of selling the Norwood Square Shopping Center to a commercial developer who plans a major renovation and re-occupancy of this property. The Norwood Square Shopping Center is located on Western Avenue, with its north property line bounded by the EJ&E rail right-of-way. The new owner is committed to spending up to $1 million in exterior renovations in the next 12 months, and is likely to spend as much as $5 million on total renovations to the property over the course of the next four to five years. The success of their efforts to bring new retailers to this shopping center depends entirely on the ability and willingness of customers to access the property. If customers to the north are discouraged from shopping in this location because of the unpredictability of the train traffic, and the shoppers to the south get fed up with the difficulty of getting into and out of the property because of the back-ups on Western Avenue, the retailers that locate in this shopping center will not be successful. The Village took the unprecedented action of acquiring this 129,000 square foot, 15 acre shopping center because the former property owner had not paid taxes in over five years. At this time no property taxes have been generated from this property in about 10 years. The Village has worked for three years to find this buyer and we plan to do all we can to help them be successful, because their success will have resoundingly positive impacts on the Village as a whole. We believe that there are two straight-forward, albeit not simple, solutions to the concerns raised in this communication. First, require CN to construct an overpass at Western Avenue so no trains will block traffic on Western Avenue. Second, require CN to build sound-proof walls, similar to those seen on many highways throughout the country, on the north boundary of the Eastgate Neighborhood and the north boundary of our neighborhoods on the west side of the Village. I would be happy to answer any questions about these issues that you may have as you complete the EIS for this project.
    Thomas Mick · Park Forest, IL
  10978. (printed as 1/22/2008)
    Certificate
    221336Certificate Of Service
    Village Of Frankfort, Il
  10979. (printed as 1/22/2008)
    Certificate
    221335Certificate Of Service
    United Transportation Union General Committee Of Adjustment (Go-386)
  10980. (printed as 1/22/2008)
    Motion
    221329Motion To Compel
    Village Of Frankfort, Il
  10981. (printed as 1/22/2008)
    Certificate
    221321Certificate Of Service
    Canadian Pacific Railway Company
  10982. (printed as 1/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6820Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Office
    Kelsheimer, Bob
  10983. (printed as 1/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6678Paine
  10984. (printed as 1/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6652Miller
  10985. (printed as 1/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6639Jones
  10986. (printed as 1/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6502Houlihan
  10987. (printed as 1/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6258Young, Michael
  10988. (printed as 1/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6152Village of Channahon
    BOWDEN
  10989. (printed as 1/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5969Germann
  10990. (printed as 1/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5849WIBORG
  10991. (printed as 1/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5848PETRANEK
  10992. (printed as 1/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5847MARCINIAK
  10993. (printed as 1/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5845KOENIG
  10994. (printed as 1/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5844KEIN
  10995. (printed as 1/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5843INDA
  10996. (printed as 1/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5842GREGORIO
  10997. (printed as 1/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5841GREENFIELD
  10998. (printed as 1/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5751TEJAN
  10999. (printed as 1/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5739CASEY
  11000. (printed as 1/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5738CASEY
  11001. (printed as 1/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5737CASEY
  11002. (printed as 1/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5736CASEY
  11003. (printed as 1/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5735CASEY
  11004. (printed as 1/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5642CZECH
  11005. (printed as 1/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5629GRAHAM
  11006. (printed as 1/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5627FITZGERALD
  11007. (printed as 1/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5598MCKENNA
  11008. (printed as 1/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5597BOGARD
  11009. (printed as 1/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5473PAULETTE
  11010. (printed as 1/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5472FOYET
  11011. (printed as 1/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5471FOYET
  11012. (printed as 1/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5470PAULETTE
  11013. (printed as 1/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5469GALLO
  11014. (printed as 1/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5466SUNDLIE
  11015. (printed as 1/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5465PATEL
  11016. (printed as 1/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5464JARKA
  11017. (printed as 1/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5463LAWRENCE
  11018. (printed as 1/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5462DWYER
  11019. (printed as 1/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5356JARKA
  11020. (printed as 1/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5294MCCAFFREY
  11021. (printed as 1/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5286HIRSCHHORN
  11022. (printed as 1/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5252BOND
  11023. (printed as 1/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5220NOLAN
  11024. (printed as 1/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5164Hanover Township
    KELLY
  11025. (printed as 1/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5081MATOHAN
  11026. (printed as 1/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5080UNKNOWN
  11027. (printed as 1/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5079MATOKAR
  11028. (printed as 1/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4621Tarvid
  11029. (printed as 1/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4607Sinkowski
  11030. (printed as 1/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4606Kozak
  11031. (printed as 1/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4604Skor
  11032. (printed as 1/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4602Rich
  11033. (printed as 1/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4585Cummins
  11034. (printed as 1/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4581Butirro
  11035. (printed as 1/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4579Gibrich
  11036. (printed as 1/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4560Thompson
  11037. (printed as 1/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4555Hines
  11038. (printed as 1/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4554Frankenberg
  11039. (printed as 1/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4553Sickal
  11040. (printed as 1/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4552Robbins
  11041. (printed as 1/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4551Bedoe
  11042. (printed as 1/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4550Ball
  11043. (printed as 1/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4549Mosele
  11044. (printed as 1/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4548Miller
  11045. (printed as 1/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4547Carder
  11046. (printed as 1/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4546Whitmer
  11047. (printed as 1/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4545Palmer
  11048. (printed as 1/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4544Carder
  11049. (printed as 1/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4543Gill
  11050. (printed as 1/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4542Fried
  11051. (printed as 1/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4541Johnson
  11052. (printed as 1/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4540Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce
    Mini
  11053. (printed as 1/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4539Tuff
  11054. (printed as 1/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4538Chicago Metropolis 2020
    La Belle
  11055. (printed as 1/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4537Engberg
  11056. (printed as 1/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4535La Belle
  11057. (printed as 1/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4072US Senate
    Bayh
  11058. (printed as 1/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4064Mazurek
  11059. (printed as 1/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4059Kinn
  11060. (printed as 1/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4058Marvin Kosowski Roofing
    Kosowski
  11061. (printed as 1/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4055Hines
  11062. (printed as 1/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3989Gary Polvere
    I am against the CNRC acquisition of the EJ&E Railway Company. The added traffic to an already traffic ridden town would be disasterous. I am concerned about the safety issues as it relates to blocking access to Good Shepherd Hospital. I am also very concerned that the extra traffic would affect the police and fire mobility around town. I am also concerned about the noise factor and the vibrations the trains would cause. I think the acquisition would be terrible for Barrington and am 100% against it.
    Barrington, IL
  11063. (printed as 1/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3988Michele Polvere
    I am against the CNRC acquisition of the EJ&E Railway Company. The added traffic to an already traffic ridden town would be disasterous. I am concerned about the safety issues as it relates to blocking access to Good Shepherd Hospital. I am also concerned that the extra traffic would affect the police and fire mobility around town. I am also concerned about the noise factor and the vibrations the trains would cause. I think the acquisition would be terrible for Barrington and am 100% against it.
    Barrington, IL
  11064. (printed as 1/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3987Norm
    Put a cap on the amount per day. 28 is too many.
    elgin, il
  11065. (printed as 1/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3986Mary B. Kocian
    Frankfort, IL
  11066. (printed as 1/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3985Donald L. Wink
    I attended the scoping meeting on January 9th, 2008, in Barrington. This is a new process for me, though the presence of rail traffic in my community is not. I grew up in a town with both freight and commuter trains. While we had some grade-level crossings to manage around, there were also underpasses, overpasses, above-grade segments, and below-grade segments that provided routing options for cars, trucks, buses, and emergency vehicles. While I understand that the overall impact on the Chicago area may be improved by this proposed purchase, if the plan goes forward without conditions, there are great health costs to be borne by Barrington area residents. My son suffers from nut allergies and asthma. When he inadvertently eats something with nuts in it, his throat begins to close down and he has great difficulty breathing. His physician has instructed us and his school to administer a dose of epinephrine, a synthetic form of adrenaline, as a shot known as an Epi-Pen." He is then to be driven to the nearest emergency room for follow-up care and observation. Secondary reactions are always a possibility, and are life-threatening. Both our home and my son's school are around 8 minutes from Good Shepherd Hospital, which recently expanded and improved its emergency department. Wait times for patients coming through the emergency room have been greatly reduced. If we have to get to the hospital when there is a train on the EJ&E line, our travel time increases dramatically. You probably know better than I how long it takes for a freight train to clear a crossing, and then add to that the time it takes for the built-up traffic to begin moving again. In the absence of any route to the hospital that avoids grade-level crossings, my son's health and perhaps his life would be greatly threatened. Fortunately, we have not had to race to the emergency room very often. But there are daily runs to homes, schools, businesses, and accident scenes that require ambulances and other emergency vehicles to be able to move quickly through traffic. With the proposed increase in rail traffic, and, again, without options to cross above or below grade-level, it is impossible for ambulances to either get to those needing transport or to the hospital as quickly as needed. And, as I know you're hearing from physicians and EMTs, every minute matters. Finally, as I'm sure you're also aware, the EJ&E crosses Main Street (Lake-Cook Road) just east of Barrington High School. Students are coming and going all day and into the evening, with the greatest concentrations being at the beginning and end of the school day. I wonder how long it will be before a late-running student attempts to beat a train by driving around the gate. I wonder whether they'll judge speed and distance accurately. I wonder whether the same gamble might be taken by students on foot. I wonder whether the presence of more trains increases the risk of despondent young people acting impulsively yet bringing permanent loss. We suffered the death of a local student to suicide on the local commuter line last month. My request is simple, though likely not easy to implement. Please do not leave so much of our community so thoroughly exposed to the hazards of increased traffic through grade-level crossings. I do not know what options/alternatives are even available, much less which of those are viable. But I do know that if this proposal goes through as planned, for anyone needing quick access to the scene of an emergency and/or the hospital, the only option is to sit and wait, and perhaps to die. Thank you for your consideration."
  11067. (printed as 1/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3984Mary B. Kocian
    Frankfort, IL
  11068. (printed as 1/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3983Illinois Dept. of Natural Resources
    Good afternoon, Please be informed that the Illinois Department of Natural Resources IDNR)is charged under Illinois law, with protecting State listed resources. This authority is defined primarily by the Illinois Endangered Species Protection Act and the Illinois Natural Areas Preservation Act. IDNR requests that the STB expeditiously contact the Department in order to initiate the consultation process. I may be reached at the above. Thank You. Rick Pietruszka, Consultation Project Manager.
    Rick Pietruszka · Springfield, IL
  11069. (printed as 1/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3982Mary Staros
    Dear Ms. Johnson-Ball, Residents of the Barrington, IL, area recognize the need to move freight efficiently and cheaply through the Chicago region. However, we are fearful of the enormous economic impact the CN purchase of the EJ&E Railroad will have on our community. Commuter and freight trains already negatively impact traffic so much that the number-one complaint of Village of Barrington residents, in annual surveys, is traffic. All trains that currently cross Barrington do so at grade level. If more trains are added, the pressure of increased congestion will be dangerous and intolerable. Barrington is a desirable, business-minded community with good schools and a strong housing market. Whatever profits CN hopes to realize will not even approach the costs and burdens that will be placed on the taxpayers of Barrington. Thank you for reading my email. Sincerely, Mary Staros
    SOUTH BARRINGTON, IL
  11070. (printed as 1/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3981Tony Anderson
    Dear Phillis Johnson-Ball, My name is Tony Anderson, and I live @ 3310 Lakeridge dr. Lockport,Il 60441. That residence is located right next to the rail road crossing on W Division st. between Gaylord and Hennipin. There are many concerns about the purchase of the railway. First and foremost is the safety factor of the children that live in this subdivision. I believe there would be some intrest if there was a medical emergency. Can help get there in time ? If there was an emergency that needed to controlled by the local police. Can they get here in time to prevent and protect the safety of us, the residents ? I have not had the time to think out all the scenarios, but I'm sure there are many of them. I really am not concerned about the value of my property. I'm concerned of the quality of life for me and my neighbors. I already Do Not like the amount of train traffic in the area. An upgrade to the area will intice me and challenge my resolve in this matter. I vote absolutely not to the purchase of the EJ&J railway. Sincerely, Tony Anderson 3310 Lakeridge dr. Lockport,Il 60441 815-556-8969
    Lockport, Il
  11071. (printed as 1/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3980Christopher Pelletiere
    My name is Dr. Chris Pelletiere, MD and this is regards to the proposed purchase of EJ and E Railway by Canadian Pacific in Northern Illinois. With the planned increase traffic on the line, and the fact that the trains will block every major north/south road at the same time for an average time of 6 to 10 minutes, I have grave concerns over the ability to get to our local hospital, Advocate Good Shepherd. No matter which way I travel, I have to cross over those rail lines unless I travel 9 miles out of the way. As a physician who responds to emergency room calls, I have to be readily available to the Hospital. Sitting, waiting for a freight train to pass almost every hour, compounded with the traffic back-ups from the already heavy car and commuter train traffic will severly compromise patient care and emergency response in the area. To allow this to go through would have an enormous, detrimental enviornmental impact on the Barrington/Lake Zurich area, both physically and financially
    Barrington, Illinois
  11072. (printed as 1/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3979Belinda Chapman
    As a Bartlett home owner very close to the rail lines impacted by the merger, I am very much opposed to the increased rail traffic. Our neighborhood accepts the traffic that exists today which sometime causes long traffic delays on West Bartlett Rd as long freight trains cross, and we are used to the midnight freight that sometimes is loud enough to wake us from sleep, but increasing the volume of traffic to the extent being proposed would cause significant impact on our community, real estate values and quality of life. It also seems reasonable to assume that the danger level will increase with increased opportunities for hazmat situations if more trains are passing through with potentially hazardous material. Please do not allow this increased traffic to proceed.
    Bartlett, IL
  11073. (printed as 1/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3978Kay Kelly
    Hoffman Estates, IL
  11074. (printed as 1/22/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3977Claire Sinnema
    Hoffman Estates, IL
  11075. (printed as 1/21/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6699Demmel, Geoff
  11076. (printed as 1/21/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6698Johnson, Ellen
  11077. (printed as 1/21/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6670Hoffman Estates, Office of the Mayor
    McLeod
  11078. (printed as 1/21/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6471Smith, Roger
  11079. (printed as 1/21/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5840TIMBREVID
  11080. (printed as 1/21/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5839THOMPSON
  11081. (printed as 1/21/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5838SULLIVAN
  11082. (printed as 1/21/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5837KWAL
  11083. (printed as 1/21/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5836BENNETT
  11084. (printed as 1/21/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5833THOMPSON
  11085. (printed as 1/21/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5297CALLIS
  11086. (printed as 1/21/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5259JOHNSON
  11087. (printed as 1/21/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5206GIRARD
  11088. (printed as 1/21/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5205SWANSON
  11089. (printed as 1/21/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5091WEST
  11090. (printed as 1/21/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5076PARELLO
  11091. (printed as 1/21/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5075Barrington Citizens for Open Space
    ROGGEVEEN
  11092. (printed as 1/21/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4619Leonardi
  11093. (printed as 1/21/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4617Richardson
  11094. (printed as 1/21/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4614Grisco
  11095. (printed as 1/21/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4613Plummer
  11096. (printed as 1/21/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4598Cooley
  11097. (printed as 1/21/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4596Smith
  11098. (printed as 1/21/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4591Pochron
  11099. (printed as 1/21/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4580Spring Lakes Mobile Home Estates
    Defrenza
  11100. (printed as 1/21/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4575Tate
  11101. (printed as 1/21/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3976Maria Hayes
    Please reconsider having this rail go through Barrington. Please read attached letter. Thank you.
    Barrington Hills, IL
  11102. (printed as 1/21/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3975Dan Gaffney
    I am writing in opposition to the proposed acquisition of the EJ & E Rail line by the Canadian National Railroad (CNR). Of all of the trains that currently use the EJ&E line the CNR runs the loudest and longest trains. They operate their trains with little regard for the communities they pass through. If you are stuck a RR crossing it is an overly long, CNR train blocking the road. If you hear a loud engine set with no sound mufflers it is a CNR train. More traffic would have a very negative impact on our community and the already congested traffic routes that cross the EJ&E. Lake County is already struggling with extreme traffic volumes on limited, undersized roads. Increasing freight activity on this line would be in direct conflict with the expressed will of the County residents who have voted for multiple traffic relief measures.
    Long Grove, IL
  11103. (printed as 1/21/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3974John Siewers, Jr.
    I am writting in regard to the proposed purchase of the EJ&E RR by the Canadian National RR. This purchase will result in a significant increase in train traffic through the community of Barrington, IL. The traffic issue here is unique in that the EJ&E right of way bisects four different roadways within the Village limits. Three of these roadways are significant arteries, a major Federal Highway (RT 14) a major State Highway (RT 59) and the major east-west thourofare County Line Road. All of these crossings are within a one mile stretch of track. By increasing freight traffic to fifteen or twenty trains a day will result in chaotic traffic environment. Public safty will be adversely affected from the impeding of public safety vehicles and school buses.The STB should halt this traffic expansion or seek to take the tracks below grade at two of the crossings and on a trestle at the third location. I would hope that government could find a way to accomodate commerce and safty.
    Barrington, Ilinoois
  11104. (printed as 1/21/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3973Karen Kaluzsa
    I am writing to oppose the proposed Canadian National Railway Co. acquisition of the Elgin, Joliet, and Eastern Railway Company, STB Finance Docket No. 35087. I am a homeowner who lives adjacent to the tracks. Our neighborhood is noted for its quiet, and that is the reason I purchased my home three years ago. Increasing freight train traffic from 4.4 to 23.4 per day will destroy that peace and quiet. Further, to enter and exit this neighborhood we rely on streets that have grade, or street level crossings, many without gates. For traffic to be stopped 23.4 times a day is untenable, not to mention unsafe since ambulances and firetrucks also use these streets to access our community. Approval of this sale could literally mean the difference bewteen life and death to residents of our community. The tracks run through a forest preserve that also houses a prairie path popular with runners, dog walkers, and horse riders. That many trains would be extremely unsafe, and the added noise and pollution would be unhealthy. I also notice that these trains will be carrying hazardous materials uncomfortably close to our homes. I respectfully ask that you not approve this sale. Best regards, Karen Kaluzsa
    Wayne, IL
  11105. (printed as 1/21/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3972Nathan Hancock
    Re: Sale of the EJ&E to the CN Sirs/Madams; I write today in opposition of the proposed sale of the EJ&E to the CN; a move which would dramatically increase rail traffic on the current EJ&E Railroad Line through the western Chicago suburbs. How much right does a private company have to negatively impact the communities it affects in every conceivable way; without ANY mitigating or offsetting positive affects? The increase of traffic on this railway will happen over the express wishes of the affected communities, their governments, and their citizens. There is not one single positive benefit afforded to those affected. Only negative. Does a private company have the right to negatively impact those it affects? The answer should be obvious. I live in Wayne, IL, and my home's property line is connected to the EJ&E which we just learned last week is being sold to the CN. The increase in rail-traffic, auto-congestion, noise, and its incumbent reduction in property values and quality of life in our community is not welcome news. Nor is the increased waiting time for emergency services. Nor is the increased safety hazard for our children who live and play in such close proximity to the rail line. Currently, trains routinely violate the speed limits resulting in unbelievable noise levels, and vibrating of my (and I presume others')home. With the proposed five-fold increase in traffic, all of which intersects with the Illinois Prairie Path--a heavily used recreational foot and bike path through forest preserves--I cannot imagine the increases in noise pollution and the negative effects on the structural stability of my home and the other homes in the area. The train whistles also will now be incredibly disruptive to our quality of life. We're now talking about 1 an hour. With the train literally a stone's throw from my bedroom window, the noise will be intolerable. Safety concerns are another major issue: we have no alternative crossings from our town. Emergency services will be dramatically impaired with this increase unless over- or under-passes are constructed; and neither is desirable. Traffic congestion will also now be unavoidable. I am in the transportation business...I use railroads every day of my life. I understand the need for better through-put for the CN. However, this is not a good solution. A better solution would be to use the DeKalb corridor. Most lines moving their major facilities Westward anyway, where land is cheap, and open spaces abound. The market has already determined that Rochelle, IL and Elwood, IL are very viable locations, and therefore, I believe, could also accommodate the CN in some fashion. Why disrupt the growing and expanding western suburbs of Chicago with such an anti-growth solution. Look a little farther west and you'll find a much better solution. Thank you. Please do not hesitate to contact me to discuss the above.
    Wayne, IL
  11106. (printed as 1/21/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3971Judy Gibbons
    My family has lived in Barrington for 50 years!The impact of increasing the freight trains will certainly create a much more dangerous place to live. I have 3 daughters that love to ride their bikes and walk into town".With increased traffic that will be backed up because of the train traffic and the frequency of the trains it will be nearly impossible for my children to continue to ride their bikes or walk into town. We just moved to this location near town just so they could enjoy a feeling of freedom.We must have a "Under or Up" approach to this looming disaster. I've been told you have never denied this type of merger..maybe this could be the first! Thank You"
  11107. (printed as 1/21/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3970Ru Bai
    We are against the acuqistion of the Canadian National Railroad to EJ&E. The acquistion would increase freight train traffic through our subdivision (Indiana Creeek Club of Long Grove) thus increase the noise and traffic in our areas.
    Long Grove, illinois
  11108. (printed as 1/21/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3969Kelly Wootton
    Opposed to the proposed acquisiton of th EJ&E railroad by Canadian National
    Hoffman Estates, IL
  11109. (printed as 1/21/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3968Jennifer Pepping
    I am writing in reference to the proposed acquisition of the EJ & E Rail line by the Canadian National Railroad (CNR). It was in the press last week that Canadian National Railroad is proposing to acquire this train line to be used as a bypass for moving cargo from the southern Illinois / Indiana to Wisconsin. If approved, I feel the increase in freight train traffic will not only impact noise levels for local residents but will increase congestion on our key north south routes Rt. 83, Gillmer and Old McHenry roads which are already overburdened with congestion. Please do not allow an increase in freight traffic through this area. Thank you
    Long Grove, IL
  11110. (printed as 1/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6546Benson, Amy
  11111. (printed as 1/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6545Clingman, Maribeth
  11112. (printed as 1/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6541Doherty, Laura
  11113. (printed as 1/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6539Hetzler, Richard
  11114. (printed as 1/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6536Byrne, Andrea
  11115. (printed as 1/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6534Peterson, John
  11116. (printed as 1/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6533Selk, Rick
  11117. (printed as 1/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6531Lenartowicz, Laura
  11118. (printed as 1/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6529Thorn, Lisa
  11119. (printed as 1/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6528Brown, nancy
  11120. (printed as 1/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6527O'Connell, Nancy
  11121. (printed as 1/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6526Fitzsimmons, Marueen
  11122. (printed as 1/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6525Sperli, Stephen
  11123. (printed as 1/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6524Dagon, Rosie
  11124. (printed as 1/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6523Arostegui, Tammi
  11125. (printed as 1/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6522Kelley, Catherine
  11126. (printed as 1/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6521Helms, Tom
  11127. (printed as 1/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6520Sullivan, Jeff
  11128. (printed as 1/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6519Nasui, Dorel
  11129. (printed as 1/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6518Reilly, Michael
  11130. (printed as 1/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6517Zorn, Lia
  11131. (printed as 1/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6516Beaman, Jane
  11132. (printed as 1/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6515Varzino, Vicki
  11133. (printed as 1/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6514Poss, Brian
  11134. (printed as 1/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6513Pekkarinen, Lynn
  11135. (printed as 1/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6512Plautz, Bill
  11136. (printed as 1/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6511Beninati, Babetta
  11137. (printed as 1/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6510Kortendick
  11138. (printed as 1/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6509Ornelaz, Debra
  11139. (printed as 1/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6508Miller, Mark
  11140. (printed as 1/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6507Harnack, Steven
  11141. (printed as 1/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6505Ploger, Jared
  11142. (printed as 1/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6498Pullinger, Mark
  11143. (printed as 1/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6497SUS, Gerald
  11144. (printed as 1/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6496Taylor, Bill
  11145. (printed as 1/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6495Lyskawa, Jonathan
  11146. (printed as 1/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6494Lyskawa, Terri
  11147. (printed as 1/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6493Lyskawa, Dennis
  11148. (printed as 1/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6492Lyskawa, Jenny
  11149. (printed as 1/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6491Bailey, Genine
  11150. (printed as 1/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6490Bailey, Brian
  11151. (printed as 1/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6489Hohmeier, Dave
  11152. (printed as 1/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6488Posuch, Donna
  11153. (printed as 1/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6487Holste, Henry
  11154. (printed as 1/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6485Shastany, Sabrina
  11155. (printed as 1/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6484Drew, Jayne
  11156. (printed as 1/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6482Wohlrab, Carol
  11157. (printed as 1/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6481Goetsch, Heather
  11158. (printed as 1/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6480Donlan, Lauren
  11159. (printed as 1/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6479susser, suzannah
  11160. (printed as 1/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6478Pandya, Snehal
  11161. (printed as 1/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6477Sharma, Suresh
  11162. (printed as 1/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6476Farrey, Patrick
  11163. (printed as 1/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6475Sibert, Sandra
  11164. (printed as 1/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6470Burgoon, Steven
  11165. (printed as 1/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6469Rasner, Barbara
  11166. (printed as 1/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6468Fairgrieve, Haydee
  11167. (printed as 1/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6467Davis, Therese
  11168. (printed as 1/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6466Hetzler, Richard
  11169. (printed as 1/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6465Deacon, David
  11170. (printed as 1/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6464Said, Elizabeth
  11171. (printed as 1/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6463Clements, Kurt
  11172. (printed as 1/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6462Hosticka, Mark
  11173. (printed as 1/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6460Clements, Marilee
  11174. (printed as 1/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6459Peirce, Jennifer
  11175. (printed as 1/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6457Ross, Tara
  11176. (printed as 1/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6456Baltaragis, Susan
  11177. (printed as 1/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6455Couch, Marie
  11178. (printed as 1/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6454Schwab, Laurie
  11179. (printed as 1/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6453Lerner, Melinda
  11180. (printed as 1/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6452Giuffre, Michelle
  11181. (printed as 1/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6451Smith, Greg
  11182. (printed as 1/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6215Dziuba
  11183. (printed as 1/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6071Uhra, Lee & Jack
  11184. (printed as 1/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5835WAIKEN
  11185. (printed as 1/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5834FORSGREN
  11186. (printed as 1/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5639GATLIN
  11187. (printed as 1/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5610KELLY
  11188. (printed as 1/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5281PAGEL
  11189. (printed as 1/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5265OLNEY
  11190. (printed as 1/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5262WELTZEN
  11191. (printed as 1/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5261BIRD
  11192. (printed as 1/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5243BALDWIN
  11193. (printed as 1/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5208BIRD
  11194. (printed as 1/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4625Wiltgen
  11195. (printed as 1/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4600Baptiste
  11196. (printed as 1/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4597O'Hara
  11197. (printed as 1/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4595Voss
  11198. (printed as 1/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4594Gergely
  11199. (printed as 1/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4593Barrow
  11200. (printed as 1/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4592Skoubis
  11201. (printed as 1/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4587Townsager
  11202. (printed as 1/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4586Hammer
  11203. (printed as 1/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4584Brobowski
  11204. (printed as 1/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4583Brobowski
  11205. (printed as 1/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4582Eichler
  11206. (printed as 1/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4562Stevens
  11207. (printed as 1/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4559Eisenbart
  11208. (printed as 1/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4536Engbert
  11209. (printed as 1/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4071Smith
  11210. (printed as 1/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4065Rials
  11211. (printed as 1/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4062Dziuba
  11212. (printed as 1/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3967Westridge of Bartlett Subdivision
    I am writing to tell you that my wife, Cathleen, and I are vehemently opposed to the Canadian National Railroad's plans to acquire the EJ&E railroad. We have four young children, and the increased rail traffic in Bartlett, IL will result in safety and pollution issues that will wreak havoc on our community. In addition, how can we get to work, school, sports, stores, etc. with 30+ trains per day blocking our access to the heart of our town??? This will cost us hours each week and that is simply intolerable. This will destroy our community. Feel free to contact me to discuss ther matter peronally. Thank you for your consideration in this very critical matter.
    Joseph D'Alessandro · Bartlett, IL
  11213. (printed as 1/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3966Andrew Burke
    I have severe reservations about the proposed purchase of the EJ&E railroad by Canadian National. As a resident of the Barrington area, it is clear to me that the environmental impact here will be significant. Our community is unique in that we have 5 at-grade crossings that run on a diagonal from the NE to the SW. These 5 crossings exist in a relatively short distance, in fact, three of these crossings are less than .8 miles apart. The rail line literally bisects our community in half, and any blockage of thes crosssings will have a significant impact on traffic flow and ultimately safety. Safety concerns are delays in emergency response and a significant increase in risk to the high volume of school bus traffic that traverses these tracks twice a day during school days. I understand that this is a significantly profitable propostion for CN, thus I would expect them to minimally be prepared to help us mitigate the significant safey impact that the increase in rail traffic will have on our community. Thank you for your consideration.
    Lake Barrington, IL
  11214. (printed as 1/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3965Mary Eichler
    CN Railway in Barrington IL I am a resident of Barrington IL, and I work at GE Healthcare---the North American Center for IT---which is across town. If CN is allowed to run the number of trains they are talking about, I and hundreds of others will have a very difficult time getting to work. The traffic now is extremely slow moving, and it can take me 30 minutes to travel 2 miles. I live in the Arbors, which is comprised of a dozen buildings containing condos and townhouses that are very near the light rail that CN wishes to purchase. The 3 to 5 trains a day that run now are noisy and the vibrations are tremendous, but it is manageable because of their infrequency. Increased traffic on this line presents a very large health risk, as noise pollution has many adverse effects. Studies have shown that noise such as that from freight trains can raise blood pressure, lower immune system responses, and cause learning problems in children, to name just a few. The vibrations affect both our health, and the health of our complex of buildings. This area of town may not be habitable if this plan is allowed to continue. Emergency vehicles will be slowed, and critical response time will be jeopardized. This slowed access to hospitals and medical offices will result in many preventable deaths. Toxic pollution will also accompany this increased traffic, and put the entire community at risk. 800 school buses will be held up by this traffic, as well as parents who are delivering and picking up their children. This will be a nightmare scenario for all. It will affect the timetable of the Metra lines going into the city, as the EJ&E lines cross theirs. As you can see, this will impact the entire Chicago Community. CN’s derailment record is disturbing. In 2005, CN had an astonishing 103 main-track derailments in communities across Canada. That’s an average of one derailment every three-and-a-half days. These are only a few of the hundreds of concerns that we residents have, so I encourage you to find a better solution for CN,s insatiable needs. Do not allow them to put their monetary desires above the needs of the thousands of people that make up our beautiful communities. Mary Eichler 438-3 Lageschulte St Barrington IL 60010
    Barrington, IL
  11215. (printed as 1/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3964Mark Rhodes
    Regarding STB Finance Docket No. 35087 I am writing to urge the STB to dissaprove the sale of EJ&E railroad to CNR There are many negative environmental impacts should the EJ&E be sold to CNR, including: -Increase in Rail Traffic form 4.4 trains per day to 23.4 trains per day which would cause the following results: 1) Traffic congestion and stops on Army Trail, Stearns, and Smith Road 2) Greatly increased noise pollution. 3) Decreased ability for emergency response vehicles to reach their destination in a timely manner Thank you for your consideration -Mark Rhodes
    Wayne, IL
  11216. (printed as 1/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3963Shelly Herr
    Increasing freight traffice by CN in the Barrington and Fox River Grove, IL area would be disastrous for commuters, schools, sports teams, business and the way of life. The train tracks run parallel to HWY 14 which is an extremely busy thoroughfair through most of the Chicago NW suburbs. In the Barrington heading west area this road is a major commuting road through the NW towns. There are virtually no other workaround roads and the commute is already very overloaded. This is not an area with any public transportation almost everything is done by car. This includes almost all kid actvities, shopping, restaurants, businesses etc. I personally cross over the railroad tracks many times every single day. Barrington has a small town feel and more open spaces. The freight cutting through downtown would delay my kids getting to school on time, from Kelsey Road in Lake Barrington to Roslyn Road. It will be even worse for the kids who go to Barrington High School or one of the middle schools. The morning commute for my 3rd and 5th graders is already 40 minutes before school. It will have to be earlier to get them to school on time if freight increases. The commuter trains in downtown will be delayed, adding time for our day. Downtown businesses will be hurt, and home values will be negatively impacted. The only way the increased traffic should be allowed is if the rail line builds new bridges or below ground crossings so traffic won't be impacted, and kids can cross safely to school. I urge you to not approve ANY freight increase on this rail line! Thank you.
    Lake Barrington, IL
  11217. (printed as 1/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3962Bill Herr
    Increasing freight traffice by CN in the Barrington, IL and Fox River Grove area would be disastrous for commuters, schools, sports teams, business and the way of life. Need I remind the board that the stop right before Barrington (Fox River Grove) was the site of a train/school bus accident that killed seven school children not that long ago. In addition, the parking for the train at Fox River Grove is accross from Route 14 and at times almost impossible to cross to get to the lot and back to the train to board. For example, if you miss the seven am train out of Fox Rover Grove, there is one at 7:15. You would think that with 15 minutes to cross the tracks and park, you would have plenty of time. 3 trains come through before that train already, between 7-7:15 and often it is a scramble to get across and park safely. And the school buses have a harder time since the now must stop and look. Adding freight traffic would make that train run unusable. Barrington has a small town feel and more open spaces. The freight cutting through downtown would delay my kids getting to school on time, from Kelsey Road in Lake Barrington to Roslyn Road. It will be even worse for the kids who go to Barrington High School or one of the middle schools. The morning commute for my 3rd and 5th graders is already 40 minutes before school. It will have to be earlier to get them on time if freight increases. The commuter trains in downtown will be delayed, adding time for our day. Downtown businesses will be hurt, and home values will be negatively impacted. The only way the increased traffic should be allowed is if the rail line builds new bridge or below ground crossings so traffic won't be impacted, and kids can cross safely to school. I urge you to not approve ANY freight increase on this rail line! Thank you.
    Barrington, IL
  11218. (printed as 1/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3961Mary Bennett
    I am concerned regarding the impact of increased freight trains that will be moved to the EJ&E railroad in the near future. The information that we have been receiving indicates there will be a drastic increase in the number of freight trains that will go through Barrington and the surrounding area, up to as many as 20 trains per day , from the 2 per day presently. I feel we are not being given adequate information. I understand and agree with the need to move some of the freight to less congested areas , however the details of what to expect have not been forthcoming, which is a concern. The EJ&E tracks run directly behind our subdivision. I would request that we work together to arrive at a new schedule which is agreeable to all. Congestion and noise are our biggest concerns, and this railroad crosses heavily travelled main roads, and the Chicago NOrthwestern railroad tracks in several places. The commuter trains have already been impacted/ delayed while waiting for a freight train to cross. Things that need to be considered also are the length of the train, change to railroad crossings, speed of the train, and whistle blowing. All of these things should be discussed and frankly it is discouraging to see only 2 options that are being discussed, the one being maintain the status quo and the other one being to completely disrupt our environment. Please, let's get some meaningful information out there in our newspaper and/or online so that we can make educated comments.
    Barrington, IL
  11219. (printed as 1/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3960Tracy Lee
    Docket No. 35087 The proposed purchase of Elgin, Joliet & Eastern Railway Company by Canadian National Railway Corporation and Grand Trunk Corporation will have devastating impacts on several thriving and still developing suburban Cook, Will, and DuPage communities. In south suburban New Lenox, the railway will intersect major thoroughfares that access the newly completed 355 extension, competing with projected gains from that costly undertaking. Most concerning to New Lenox residents, the trains will be operating at extreme speeds, and carrying alarming amounts of hazardous waste, in dangerous proximity of - in some cases mere yards from - schools and residences. And trains operating as frequently as projected (hourly, if 28 or more daily) will disrupt traffic, increase congestion in already problem areas, and worse hinder police and emergency services. Burdens this sale will reportedly alleviate in Cook County will simply be replaced by burdens in affected communities. Noise and pollution alone will force thousands of nearby residents to flee affected areas. Ultimately it will impede growth and prosperity of Will County, one of fastest growing counties in the state, and negatively impact quality of life for hundreds of thousands of taxpayers.
    New Lenox, IL
  11220. (printed as 1/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3959James Lee, Jr
    Docket No. 35087 The proposed purchase of Elgin, Joliet & Eastern Railway Company by Canadian National Railway Corporation and Grand Trunk Corporation will have devastating impacts on several thriving and still developing suburban Cook, Will, and DuPage communities. In south suburban New Lenox, the railway will intersect major thoroughfares that access the newly completed 355 extension, competing with projected gains from that costly undertaking. Most concerning to New Lenox residents, the trains will be operating at extreme speeds, and carrying alarming amounts of hazardous waste, in dangerous proximity of - in some cases mere yards from - schools and residences. And trains operating as frequently as projected (hourly, if 28 or more daily) will disrupt traffic, increase congestion in already problem areas, and worse hinder police and emergency services. Burdens this sale will reportedly alleviate in Cook County will simply be replaced by burdens in affected communities. Noise and pollution alone will force thousands of nearby residents to flee affected areas. Ultimately it will impede growth and prosperity of Will County, one of fastest growing counties in the state, and negatively impact quality of life for hundreds of thousands of taxpayers.
    New Lenox, IL
  11221. (printed as 1/20/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3958Deer Crossing Home Owners Assoc
    On Behalf of the Homeowners Assoc. Of Deer Crossing I would like to formally express my concern for the probable increase in Rail Traffic associated with the pending purchase of the EJ & E ralline by CN. In about a half mile stretch of track between Golf Rd and the Northwest Tollway there are about 500 homes that are within a 1/4 mile of the tracks. There are about 50 homes whose lots are directly next to the tracks. Our primary concern is safety, The increase in trains crossing Shoe Factory Rd. will interfere with emergency vehicles traffic and will also cause dramatic delays for the school buses who cross that spot 10-15 times a day. In addition many of our families enjoy the Poplar Creek Forest Preserve that is directly next to our neighborhood. The only way to get there is to cross the tracks. The risk of injury or fatalaties will significantly increase along with the traffic.
    Robert B King · HOFFMAN ESTATES, IL
  11222. (printed as 1/19/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5822Mascari, Patrick
  11223. (printed as 1/19/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5821Major, Brian
  11224. (printed as 1/19/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5820Major, Cathy
  11225. (printed as 1/19/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5819Butler
  11226. (printed as 1/19/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5818BERNARD
  11227. (printed as 1/19/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5817BERNARD
  11228. (printed as 1/19/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5816BARNHARDT
  11229. (printed as 1/19/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5635JOHNSON
  11230. (printed as 1/19/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5631TURSO
  11231. (printed as 1/19/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5599SIKOVA
  11232. (printed as 1/19/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5296PITTMAN
  11233. (printed as 1/19/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5295FARWELL
  11234. (printed as 1/19/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5280SCHWARZ
  11235. (printed as 1/19/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4620Mooring
  11236. (printed as 1/19/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4618Snyder
  11237. (printed as 1/19/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4609Brennan
  11238. (printed as 1/19/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4605Gardner
  11239. (printed as 1/19/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4601Baumgartner
  11240. (printed as 1/19/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4588Brand
  11241. (printed as 1/19/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4571Malm
  11242. (printed as 1/19/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3957Bill jacob
    January 19, 2008 Comment Regarding: SURFACE TRANSPORTATION BOARD DECISION STB Finance Docket No. 350871 CANADIAN NATIONAL RAILWAY COMPANY AND GRAND TRUNK CORPORATION—CONTROL—EJ&E WEST COMPANY Dear Surface Transportation Board, I'm writing to comment regarding the environmental concerns that I and my community have regarding the increased use of the railways by the CNR if the EJ & E acquisition is approve. I am president of the Indian Creek Club Homeowners association in Long Grove which is comprised of 140 single family homeowners. Our concern is the impact that the additional freight trains will have on traffic flow on the north south routes near our community. Route 60/83, Gilmer Road and Old McHenry Road are all critical north south routes for us and they are already over loaded with traffic during rush hour. If additional train traffic periodically blocks these north south routes it will make the congestion even worse. This will degrade the quality of life for our residents as well as increase the amount of air pollution from increased idling cares. I strongly recommend that prior to allowing any additional train traffic that these roads be re-engineered as well including tributary roads to mitigate the impact of the increase rail traffic on the surrounding communities. Bill Jacob President Indian Creek Club Homeowners Association
    Long Grove, IL
  11243. (printed as 1/19/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3956Bill Jacob
    Long Grove, IL
  11244. served (printed as 1/18/2008)
    Decision
    38639Secretary
    DECISION PROVIDED NOTICE TO ALL PARTIES THAT A SERVICE LIST HAD BEEN COMPILED FOR THIS PROCEEDING.
  11245. (printed as 1/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5815UNKNOWN
  11246. (printed as 1/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5814SWARTZ
  11247. (printed as 1/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5813HERMAN
  11248. (printed as 1/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5097Village of Hoffman Estates
    MCLEOD
  11249. (printed as 1/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4753Hynes
  11250. (printed as 1/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4623Crandall
  11251. (printed as 1/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4615Malone
  11252. (printed as 1/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4599Parro
  11253. (printed as 1/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4590Skoubis
  11254. (printed as 1/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4589Davis
  11255. (printed as 1/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4578Gallo
  11256. (printed as 1/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4572Pulsifer
  11257. (printed as 1/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4556Mooring
  11258. (printed as 1/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4113Brewer
  11259. (printed as 1/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4107Halvorsen
  11260. (printed as 1/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4105THOMAS,Bernard
    Bartlett, IL
  11261. (printed as 1/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4102Clayton
  11262. (printed as 1/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4063Weaver
  11263. (printed as 1/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4061Raider
  11264. (printed as 1/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3955Jorge Jorda
    What will CNR do to mitigate existing traffic congestions and safety issues along IL-59, Shoe Factory Rd, Golf Rd (IL-58), Higgins Rd (IL-72)? What about noise pollution around existing neighborhood? If they are projecting between 17-25 trains per day, we are looking at 1 train per hour per day at the most.
    Hoffman Estates, IL
  11265. (printed as 1/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3954City of Crest Hill
    Please find attached a document that outlines the city's and community's issues.
    John Tomasoski · Crest Hill, Illinois
  11266. (printed as 1/18/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3953Andrea Evensen
    I have many concerns with CN’s proposed acquisition of the EJ&E line: 1. Safety of nearby communities with CN hauling hazardous materials. If spilled, what will happen to our water? How will communities be affected? 2. Traffic—with a 6,500+ foot train passing every hour, traffic at street-level grade crossings will be slowed—some of which include very busy streets. Such slowed traffic will likely effect emergency response times. Daily long delays will cause drivers’ patience to run thin—making it more likely that a driver will attempt to out-run a train rather than wait the 4+ minutes for it to pass. This could be disastrous. 3. Home values—I am concerned that the STB will not be looking at how our home values will depreciate with this project. Having hazardous materials passing by our homes is bound to affect our homes’ values. 4. Noise and pollution—five times more trains mean more noise and pollution— something residents did not agree to when purchasing their homes. 5. Metra’s STAR line—what will happen to these plans? Will CN agree to Metra using their rails? Please do not allow CN to acquire the EJ&E line.
    Elgin, Il
  11267. (printed as 1/17/2008)
    Statement
    221302Protest/Opposition Statement
    Dicie Hansen
  11268. (printed as 1/17/2008)
    Letter
    221301Letter
    Canadian National Railway Company And Grand Trunk Corporation
  11269. (printed as 1/17/2008)
    Statement
    221300Protest/Opposition Statement
    Champaign County Chamber Of Commerce Board Of Directors
  11270. (printed as 1/17/2008)
    Notice
    221299Notice Of Intent To Participate (Without Comment) · in FD 35087 (Sub-No. 7)
    Arcelormittal, Usa Inc., Arcelormittal Burns Harbor Llc, Arcelormittal Indiana Harbor Inc., Arcelormittal Kote Inc., Arcelormittal Tek Inc., Arcelormittal Hennepin Inc., And Arcelor Mittal Riverdale Inc.
  11271. (printed as 1/17/2008)
    Notice
    221298Notice Of Intent To Participate (Without Comment) · in FD 35087 (Sub-No. 6)
    Arcelormittal, Usa Inc., Arcelormittal Burns Harbor Llc, Arcelormittal Indiana Harbor Inc., Arcelormittal Kote Inc., Arcelormittal Tek Inc., Arcelormittal Hennepin Inc., And Arcelor Mittal Riverdale Inc.
  11272. (printed as 1/17/2008)
    Notice
    221297Notice Of Intent To Participate (Without Comment) · in FD 35087 (Sub-No. 5)
    Arcelormittal, Usa Inc., Arcelormittal Burns Harbor Llc, Arcelormittal Indiana Harbor Inc., Arcelormittal Kote Inc., Arcelormittal Tek Inc., Arcelormittal Hennepin Inc., And Arcelor Mittal Riverdale Inc.
  11273. (printed as 1/17/2008)
    Notice
    221296Notice Of Intent To Participate (Without Comment) · in FD 35087 (Sub-No. 4)
    Arcelormittal, Usa Inc., Arcelormittal Burns Harbor Llc, Arcelormittal Indiana Harbor Inc., Arcelormittal Kote Inc., Arcelormittal Tek Inc., Arcelormittal Hennepin Inc., And Arcelor Mittal Riverdale Inc.
  11274. (printed as 1/17/2008)
    Notice
    221295Notice Of Intent To Participate (Without Comment) · in FD 35087 (Sub-No. 3)
    Arcelormittal, Usa Inc., Arcelormittal Burns Harbor Llc, Arcelormittal Indiana Harbor Inc., Arcelormittal Kote Inc., Arcelormittal Tek Inc., Arcelormittal Hennepin Inc., And Arcelor Mittal Riverdale Inc.
  11275. (printed as 1/17/2008)
    Notice
    221294Notice Of Intent To Participate (Without Comment) · in FD 35087 (Sub-No. 2)
    Arcelormittal, Usa Inc., Arcelormittal Burns Harbor Llc, Arcelormittal Indiana Harbor Inc., Arcelormittal Kote Inc., Arcelormittal Tek Inc., Arcelormittal Hennepin Inc., And Arcelor Mittal Riverdale Inc.
  11276. (printed as 1/17/2008)
    Notice
    221293Notice Of Intent To Participate (Without Comment) · in FD 35087 (Sub-No. 1)
    Arcelormittal, Usa Inc., Arcelormittal Burns Harbor Llc, Arcelormittal Indiana Harbor Inc., Arcelormittal Kote Inc., Arcelormittal Tek Inc., Arcelormittal Hennepin Inc., And Arcelor Mittal Riverdale Inc.
  11277. (printed as 1/17/2008)
    Comments
    221291Comment
    Luciana Galesi
  11278. (printed as 1/17/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6700Bysloosh
  11279. (printed as 1/17/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6556Schmidt, Thomas
  11280. (printed as 1/17/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6555Brischetto, christopher
  11281. (printed as 1/17/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6554Buckingham
  11282. (printed as 1/17/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6553Knox, maureen
  11283. (printed as 1/17/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6552Low, Linda
  11284. (printed as 1/17/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6551Massey, Liesl
  11285. (printed as 1/17/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6550Midwest High Speed Rail Association
    Harnish, Richard
  11286. (printed as 1/17/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6503IL State Representative
    Mendoza, Susana
  11287. (printed as 1/17/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6396Town of Griffith
    Dobosz, Stan
  11288. (printed as 1/17/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5812HERMAN
  11289. (printed as 1/17/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5030LOUGHNEY
  11290. (printed as 1/17/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4752Champaign County Chamber of Commerce
    Weis
  11291. (printed as 1/17/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4577Van Wolde
  11292. (printed as 1/17/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4573Potaczek
  11293. (printed as 1/17/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4565Sterb
  11294. (printed as 1/17/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4534Macom Corporation
    Van Poucke
  11295. (printed as 1/17/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4533Swartz
  11296. (printed as 1/17/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4532Rudolph
  11297. (printed as 1/17/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4531Olsen
  11298. (printed as 1/17/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4530Means
  11299. (printed as 1/17/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4529Kreft
  11300. (printed as 1/17/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4528Kelly
  11301. (printed as 1/17/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4527Holmes
  11302. (printed as 1/17/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4526Hernon
  11303. (printed as 1/17/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4525Haik
  11304. (printed as 1/17/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4524Francesconi
  11305. (printed as 1/17/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4523Evensen
  11306. (printed as 1/17/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4522Dooman
  11307. (printed as 1/17/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4521Doherty
  11308. (printed as 1/17/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4520Crane
  11309. (printed as 1/17/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4519Chandra
  11310. (printed as 1/17/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4387Unknown
  11311. (printed as 1/17/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4385Phipps
  11312. (printed as 1/17/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4383Kwon
  11313. (printed as 1/17/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4381Lim
  11314. (printed as 1/17/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4380Lim
  11315. (printed as 1/17/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4378Johnson
  11316. (printed as 1/17/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4375Staron
  11317. (printed as 1/17/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4369Schlossman
  11318. (printed as 1/17/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4367Porter
  11319. (printed as 1/17/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4365Jasczczurowski
  11320. (printed as 1/17/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4363Mathisen
  11321. (printed as 1/17/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4361Unknown
  11322. (printed as 1/17/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4359Smith
  11323. (printed as 1/17/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4357Smith
  11324. (printed as 1/17/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4355Kellum
  11325. (printed as 1/17/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4354Westmoreland
  11326. (printed as 1/17/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4352Andrews
  11327. (printed as 1/17/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4351Mathisen
  11328. (printed as 1/17/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4350Ahmed
  11329. (printed as 1/17/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4349Andrews
  11330. (printed as 1/17/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4347Zay
  11331. (printed as 1/17/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4346Bingham
  11332. (printed as 1/17/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4345Morong
  11333. (printed as 1/17/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4343Spade
  11334. (printed as 1/17/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4342Scanlon
  11335. (printed as 1/17/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4340Smalley
  11336. (printed as 1/17/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4338Neary
  11337. (printed as 1/17/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4336Dietz
  11338. (printed as 1/17/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4335Francesconi
  11339. (printed as 1/17/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4333Bracke
  11340. (printed as 1/17/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4331Bracke
  11341. (printed as 1/17/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4329Melchert
  11342. (printed as 1/17/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4325Perri
  11343. (printed as 1/17/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4324Hartnett
  11344. (printed as 1/17/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4322Healy
  11345. (printed as 1/17/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4320Orsini
  11346. (printed as 1/17/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4318Gieske
  11347. (printed as 1/17/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4316Powell
  11348. (printed as 1/17/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4314Johnson
  11349. (printed as 1/17/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4312Mansfield
  11350. (printed as 1/17/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4310Patel
  11351. (printed as 1/17/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4309Bailey
  11352. (printed as 1/17/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4308Kwon
  11353. (printed as 1/17/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4307Wisniewski
  11354. (printed as 1/17/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4262Betar
  11355. (printed as 1/17/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4259Burrows
  11356. (printed as 1/17/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4114Monehan
  11357. (printed as 1/17/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4112McMahon
  11358. (printed as 1/17/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4111Oberc
  11359. (printed as 1/17/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4110Bingham
  11360. (printed as 1/17/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4108Flens
  11361. (printed as 1/17/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4106Franze
  11362. (printed as 1/17/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4104Camp Manitoqua
    Vroom
  11363. (printed as 1/17/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3952Frederick Donaldson
    1. No increased traffic until the second track is installed completely, from Joliet to Matteson. 2. I would like to see a wall along the side of the tracks to help with added the noise. 3. I would like quad gates at all crossings within the village limits. 4. After the gates are installed, make this a quiet zone (no horns). 5. Pay village to add additional Fire Stations to other side of tracks, also to help with the added hazardous spills. 6. Require all coal trains to be sprayed, to stop coal dust blowing all over the neighborhood. 7. Add second track from just west of Sauk Trail to just east of Cicero, as this will be the only 6 mile section of single track! This will cause trains to wait in Frankfort for westbound trains to pass. This is an accident waiting to happen.
    Frankfort, Illinois
  11364. (printed as 1/17/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3951Luciana Galesi
    Attention: Phillis Johnson-Ball Environmental Filing STB Finance Docket No. 35087 Please see attached my concerns and comments to be considered by the board during the environmental review study by the SEA.
    Naperville, IL
  11365. (printed as 1/17/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3950Bob Lusco
    I would really like to see you reroute all train traffic away from the West Bartlett Road tracks. It is bad enough that the timing of the trains that do come through are very inconvienment.
    Bartlett, IL
  11366. (printed as 1/17/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3949Darla Tolva
    I am writing in regards to CN proposed purchase of the Ej&J railroad. The tracks run across West Bartlett Rd. in Bartlett. I live close to the tracks and there is 2 elementary schools that are close to the tracks. I am against the purchase of this railway due to many concerns that include: the 500% increase in train traffic (which in turn increases the accidents relating to trains - pedestrian, car accidents, spillage, etc.), the air pollution (I have 2 children with asthma that is controlled - I don't think a railway should push us out of our own house b/c my children cannot breath and enjoy being a kid), the road it crosses over is the main road used to get to the expressways and to the various places within the town of Bartlett (an increase in traffic will cause a lot of problems), enviromental impact (there is a lot of single family homes and schools within a mile of the railway - trains carrying hazardous materials puts our future at risk - our children! Whomever is reading this letter please ask yourself. Would you like to be pushed out of your home due to a medical condition of a family member? Would you like your child to be put at risk if there was a hazmat spill? Would you like your own life be put at risk? Would you want to leave at least 1/2 hour earlier for everything you have scheduled b/c a train may make you late for everything? I would guess your answers to these questions would be no", so why are you putting others at these inconveniences and hazards? Again, I strongly oppose the purchase of EJ&E railroad from CN. It is not beneficial for anyone involved other than the owners, which are just greedy money hungry bastards with no conscience. Thank you for your time and consideration to this proposal. Sincerely, Darla Tolva"
  11367. (printed as 1/17/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3948Westridge Subdivision Resident
    We are very concerned about the potential increased rail traffic near our home. We are concerned about conjestion and environmental issues. It already takes nearly 15 minutes in the morning to go from our subdivision to Route 59. Increased rail traffic will make it impossible.
    Albert Bullock · Bartlett, IL
  11368. (printed as 1/17/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3947KAREN RODRIGUEZ
    No written comments submitted with this submission
    BARTLETT, ILLINOIS
  11369. (printed as 1/17/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3946Meredith Miraglia
    I oppose the CN acquistion of EJ&E railroad. Due to the many health, environmental, safety issues - we as a community can not afford to have the railroad block West Bartlett Road. This the only direct roadway in to the 5 subdivisions from the heart of Barlett, IL (the East). As we all know TIME is so important in the event of an emergency. As a 8 year resident of Bartlett, IL, I have unfortunately had to witness 3 occurances of ambulance assistance within the last 2 years. One of which was a child with asthma. Our children's safety is more important than the monetary value of the this acquisition. Please help us in our community to be a safer one. Thank you. Sincerely, Meredith Miraglia and famliy.
    Bartlett, IL
  11370. (printed as 1/17/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3945Jen Pray
    I am a concerned mother of 2 and live in teh Westridge subdivision. I am very concerned about this new takeover of the EJ&E railroad. It is already difficult with the current EJ&E trains that are constantly stopped at the tracks by my house. The new acquisiton would increase the number of trains that use these tracks. I am very concerned about he safety issues associated with this. Bartlett has finally built a firestation close to our homes and the new trains that stop may hlat the emergency services needed and this scares me especially as I now have children. I beleive more tarin backups would also harm our environment with all the traffic being held up on West Bartlett Road. This road has gotten busier and busier every year with more and more traffic. I beleive all the emissions would be harmful to our environment around us. I hope you will seriously consider not permitting this acquistion to take place. WE all need to think of the future for our children teh next generation. This train intersection is already difficult, please do not make it worse! I wish someone would think of an alternative- please help our community!
    Bartlett, IL
  11371. (printed as 1/17/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3944Gwen Bronke
    In regards to the Canadian National Railroad plans to acquire the EJ&E railroad. Concerned about the environmental issues, existing train passing problems with the signal and the existing long train delays, all of which make commuting difficult? On top of that the future recycling center development on the other end of W Bartlett road will be adding additional traffic from North & South direction of 25, we are truly looking at a traffic problem.
    Bartlett, il
  11372. (printed as 1/17/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3943Gail McEvilly
    I am concerned about the proposed increase in freight in Barrington, IL by the Canadian National Railway. As a commuter who crosses those tracks at least twice a day, I am concerned about the impact this would cause an already congested area.
    Algonquin, IL
  11373. (printed as 1/17/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3942Richard Hansen
    This correspondence is in reference to the the “Canadian National-Elgin, Joliet & Eastern Railway” proceeding in STB Finance Docket No. 35087. I can not stress enough how this potential change in the amount of trains through my community would hurt my family and my neighbors. Given that hundreds of homes back up to the tracks--and that a elementary school is less than four blocks from the tracks, the pollution caused by the trains and possible toxic leaks from of railroad disaster would be unspeakable. Given that this subdivision relies on well water, should a toxic leak occur, we'd be in huge trouble. They have just started building a brand new Fire Station just east of the railroad crossing in Bartlett. Should there be this huge increase in train traffic, this new station that my tax dollars are help paying for will be useless---in the event of a fire or heart attack, the trains would most likely cause the matters to end in disaster. Another aspect of how wrong this proposal is relates to traffic flow. West Bartlett Road is THE only main road within over a mile that heads east into the main area of Bartlett and surrounding areas. Should these trains come, I can just imagine the grid lock all surrounding roads would experience. Even now trains for some unknown reason decide to stop while the gates are still down--bringing all flow of traffic in the area to a skretching halt. I purchased my home because I thought it was in a safe, clean and secure area--please make sure that this stay this way. Please don't allow this train plan to take place. Should you want to contact me to discuss this further, please be sure to do so. Thank you! for your help in this very important matter. Ric Hansen
    Bartlett, IL
  11374. (printed as 1/17/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3941Peggy Golnick
    I am against the purchase of EJ&E by the CN. Getting through downtown Wayne would be impossible with 25 trains per day. Also, the noise level is extremely high in rural areas such as ours.
    Wayne, IL
  11375. (printed as 1/17/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3940Barrington Communities Against CN Rail Congestion
    Official Protest Letter regarding purchase of EJ&E Railroad by Canadian National enclosed. Please review and consider. Thank You
    Jennifer Palmo · Barrington, IL
  11376. (printed as 1/17/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3939Mark & Lisa Bird
    Strong opposition to the sale of EJE line.
    Frankfort, IL
  11377. (printed as 1/17/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3937Anders, Michelle
  11378. (printed as 1/17/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3934Village of Bartlett
    Please find attached a copy of an resolution objecting to CN Railroad's proposed acquisition of the EJ&E Railraod from the Village of Bartlett Board of Trustees.
    Steven Bosco · Bartlett, IL
  11379. (printed as 1/16/2008)
    Statement
    221289Protest/Opposition Statement
    Washtenaw Area Transportation Study
  11380. (printed as 1/16/2008)
    Reply
    221286Reply
    Canadian National Railway Company And Grand Trunk Corporation
  11381. (printed as 1/16/2008)
    Motion
    221285Motion To Withdraw
    Reichhold, Inc.
  11382. (printed as 1/16/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5811WISNER
  11383. (printed as 1/16/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5633BEDFORD
  11384. (printed as 1/16/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5044Fremont Township
    GRINNELL
  11385. (printed as 1/16/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5036Buffalo Grove C.C.
    SCHNEIDER
  11386. (printed as 1/16/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4751ArcelorMittal USA Inc.
    McCarthy
  11387. (printed as 1/16/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4750Dilbeck
  11388. (printed as 1/16/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4569Cunningham
  11389. (printed as 1/16/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4518Breitlow
  11390. (printed as 1/16/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4517Basilea
  11391. (printed as 1/16/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4516Albrecht
  11392. (printed as 1/16/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4515Svetanoff
  11393. (printed as 1/16/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4514Stanley
  11394. (printed as 1/16/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4513Stanford
  11395. (printed as 1/16/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4512Severtson
  11396. (printed as 1/16/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4511Rogers
  11397. (printed as 1/16/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4510Pratt
  11398. (printed as 1/16/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4509Perez
  11399. (printed as 1/16/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4508O'Connor
  11400. (printed as 1/16/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4507Nowacki
  11401. (printed as 1/16/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4506Nowacki
  11402. (printed as 1/16/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4455Murphy
  11403. (printed as 1/16/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4454Drenth
  11404. (printed as 1/16/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4453Djahspora
  11405. (printed as 1/16/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4452Cobb
  11406. (printed as 1/16/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4371Johnston
  11407. (printed as 1/16/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4341Budzinski
  11408. (printed as 1/16/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4328Bialk
  11409. (printed as 1/16/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4327Lagowski
  11410. (printed as 1/16/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4286Sullivan
  11411. (printed as 1/16/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4237Peller
  11412. (printed as 1/16/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4235Albright
  11413. (printed as 1/16/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4232OConnor
  11414. (printed as 1/16/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4231Mayor of Gary, IN
    Clay
  11415. (printed as 1/16/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4230Member of Congress
    Visclosky
  11416. (printed as 1/16/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4229Town of Schererville, IN
    Volkmann
  11417. (printed as 1/16/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4227Stanley
  11418. (printed as 1/16/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4226Hendricks
  11419. (printed as 1/16/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4225Oconnor
  11420. (printed as 1/16/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4224Clay
  11421. (printed as 1/16/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4223Stanford
  11422. (printed as 1/16/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4222Pratt
  11423. (printed as 1/16/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4221Djahspora
  11424. (printed as 1/16/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4220Murphy
  11425. (printed as 1/16/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4219Nowacki
  11426. (printed as 1/16/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4218Nowacki
  11427. (printed as 1/16/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4217Rogers
  11428. (printed as 1/16/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4137Kirkland
  11429. (printed as 1/16/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4109Sherrard
  11430. (printed as 1/16/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4097Griffin
  11431. (printed as 1/16/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3521Michelle Henson
    Canadian National Railway's acquisition of the EJ&J railroad will cause SEVERE DETRIMENT to our environment and health. CN's proposed 500% annual increase of trains running through our backyard will certainly lead to death. According to the EPA and the Union of Concerned Scientists, diesel pollution and soot is deadly, and it causes premature mortality through cancer, respiratory illnesses and heart disease. Their studies have shown a 26% increase in mortality in people living in soot-polluted cities. We can not afford to have an ADDITIONAL 8,000 trains running through our neighborhood train tracks every year. My family and I live in Bartlett, less than one mile west of the RR crossing on W. Bartlett Road. But more importantly, my young twins will soon be attending Nature Ridge Elementary School that is only about 2500 feet from the RR crossing! This is too close for ANY child to be to a source of heavy amounts of deadly pollution on a daily basis. Beyond this, the extra proposed cars will be carrying extremely hazardous material. Just 2 years ago, CN had an awful hazmat spill that affected ground water and forced people from their homes. The surrounding environment will take a lifetime to recover. Beyond the scope of health and pollution issues, there is an equally important concern I have . . . emergency services. In the event that our neighborhood tracks are blocked, I will not be able to get my son to the hospital in time to save his life. Justin, my older twin, has severe food allergies. Although we are overly cautious in what we feed him, we always make sure his Epi-Pen is nearby. In the event of my son's next anaphylactic reaction, the effects of his epinephrine injection would wear-off after 15 to 20 minutes. If there is a long or stopped train on our tracks, an ambulance, as well as any other emergency vehicle, will NOT be able to get through in time to save my son’s life. 911 would become useless in some instances. Our closest hospital is 15 minutes (9 miles) away. In an emergency, will the 20+ extra trains yield to those in a life or death situation? Will fire trucks or the Bartlett police get the right of way before a train? I think not. In conclusion, I beg you to PLEASE block CN’s acquisition of EJ&E.
    Bartlett, IL
  11432. (printed as 1/16/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3520Rick Eberly
    I attended the Canadian National public information meeting at the Gary Genesis Center today (1-18-08)representing the Town of Dyer and have the following questions. 1. The projected train traffic increase in Dyer is 24 trains per day. It appears that this could be even higher based on proposed connections to other rail lines in the area. Is this the case and how much higher could this count go? What is the speed limit on the E.J. and E. now and will it increase if the ownership changes? What are the existing peak periods on the line? What would the proposed peak periods become? Is there a proposed schedule for the usage of the track should the ownership change? Is there any data on the average number of rail cars per train for CN? If so, how does that compare to the E.J. and E. trains? Will the results of the scoping meetings be published on this website? Will the draft EIS be published on the website as well? Will the final EIS be published on the website? Dyer has two at grade crossings on the E.J. and E. within 700' of each other. Some of our major concerns are the proposed 400% increase in the number of rail cars carrying hazardous materials, the potential delay in getting emergency vehicles to accident scenes, fires, ambulance calls etc., and air quality issues that result when vehicles are sitting at idle while waiting for trains.
    Dyer, IN
  11433. (printed as 1/16/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3519Leona Tichenor
    I am a resident of the City of Chicago Heights and I am writing with respect to the Canadian National Proposal to purchase the EJ&E railroad. The City of Chicago Heights has an older industrial section with some specialty steel manufacturing and a number of coating companies. The community struggles with a diminished tax base and actively seeks to strenghten the tax base by attracting both industry as well as new retail business to the area. The traditional downtown section of the Heights is as bleak and abandoned as any mainstreet in the country. If the purchase of the EJ&E by the CN can promote the attractiveness of the Chicago Heights rust belt" it should be given serious consideration. New jobs and a stronger tax base will benefit the residents of the City. I am concerned that adequate overpasses be constructed on major north/south routes to reduce the potential traffic congestion and problems with emergency access. Also, much of the area is low and prone to flooding,we expect all construction and maintenance to enhance storm water management in the area. The tracks run through forest preserve, however, the larger mammals are abundant and appear to have few natural predators. Although I do not like to see animals hurt or killed, I don't think the overpopulated deer are going to be seriously impacted by increase train traffic. I would hope that the CN would consider building adequate rail to service the Matteson Auto Mall located near the intersection of I-57 and Route 30 (Lincoln Highway). Currently, new automobiles are off-loaded from rail (perhaps in Homewood?) and trucked across local roads. Reducing freight traffic on local roads (particularly in residentail areas) would benefit many local residents. I also hope the change would mean relief for towns like Blue Island where the train wait times are truly horrendous--particularly if one is on the way to the St. Francis Hospital in Blue Island. I also assume someone will demonstrate how much energy can be saved by making untangling the rail traffic through Chicago. Economic development throughout the south suburbs can be enhanced by the intersection of shipping (Great Lakes), rail, interstate, and hopefully a new airport in the future. I also think enhancing the linakges between several of the older industrial areas in the Chicago Metro reagion (C.H., Joliet, and even Waukegan) makes long-term sense. I know Metra would like to use this rail for their propose STAR line, a project that may be complicated by CN's propsed increase in rail traffic. However, Metra should place priority on extending Metra service to Chicago Heights and Crete along the UP line before capital is invested to serve communities, many of whom are already well served."
  11434. (printed as 1/16/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3518Marc J. Blumenthal
    See attached comments
    Buffalo Grove, Illinois
  11435. (printed as 1/16/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3517Donna Manley-Essenfeld
    I am writing to register by deep concerns regardinig the Canadian National Railway's takeover of the EJ&E Railroad. My deep concerns are as follows: 1. The elementary school in my neighborhood is extremely close to the railroad tracks. It is my understanding that hazardous materials will be transported and pose a potential diaster should the train de-rail next to the school. If this sale were approved, what measures would be put in place to insure the children's safety? 2. Traffic along this route would be severly compromised. Most importantly, it would delay response time for Emergency Services. It will also cause severe traffic conjestion. 3. What impact would this sale with the increased traffic have on the surrounding environment? Obviously, noise and pollution will increase. What negative impact will that have on the health of the families whom live very near the track? 4. It is my understanding that this sale will most likely put an end to the STAR line that has been proposed and talked about for years. How sad would that be when we should be conserving fuel for future generations. The STAR line would reduce individual fuel consumption for the greater good of this country. I urge you to consider seriously that if this sale were to be approved, serious consideration should be addressed on how to fund the above mentioned concerns for the greater good of many. Thank you. Donna Manley-Essenfeld
    Naperville, Illinois
  11436. (printed as 1/16/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3516Congressman Peter Visclosky
    Merrillville, Indiana
  11437. (printed as 1/15/2008)
    Statement
    221275Support Statement
    Supply Chain Management Consultant
  11438. (printed as 1/15/2008)
    Supplement
    221272Modify/Supplement Prior Filing Or The Record
    Small Railroad Business Owners Of America
  11439. (printed as 1/15/2008)
    Comments
    221270Comment
    Village Of South Holland
  11440. (printed as 1/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6772EDDINGER
  11441. (printed as 1/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6738SIMMONS
  11442. (printed as 1/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5810UNKNOWN
  11443. (printed as 1/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5809SAHP
  11444. (printed as 1/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5714UNKNOWN
  11445. (printed as 1/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5675GATLIN
  11446. (printed as 1/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5495LINDSEY
  11447. (printed as 1/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5037Village of Arlington Heights
    MULDER
  11448. (printed as 1/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4749Daley
  11449. (printed as 1/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4748Hofeld
  11450. (printed as 1/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4633Wozniak
  11451. (printed as 1/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4568Surti
  11452. (printed as 1/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4567Arnberger
  11453. (printed as 1/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4451Boler
  11454. (printed as 1/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4450Weems
  11455. (printed as 1/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4449Tarvid
  11456. (printed as 1/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4447Summers
  11457. (printed as 1/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4445Schwartz
  11458. (printed as 1/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4444Petty
  11459. (printed as 1/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4442Nori
  11460. (printed as 1/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4441Newman
  11461. (printed as 1/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4439Misiorowski
  11462. (printed as 1/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4437Kriha
  11463. (printed as 1/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4436Keenan
  11464. (printed as 1/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4435Joyner
  11465. (printed as 1/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4433Jefferson
  11466. (printed as 1/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4431Hornick
  11467. (printed as 1/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4429Garner
  11468. (printed as 1/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4427Galloway
  11469. (printed as 1/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4425DUROVEC,Ray
    South Holland, IL
  11470. (printed as 1/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4423Beal
  11471. (printed as 1/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4421Alexander
  11472. (printed as 1/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4417Zastro
  11473. (printed as 1/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4416Williams
  11474. (printed as 1/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4414Wilkens
  11475. (printed as 1/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4413Urban
  11476. (printed as 1/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4412Thornton
  11477. (printed as 1/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4411Stevens
  11478. (printed as 1/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4410Senne
  11479. (printed as 1/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4409Root
  11480. (printed as 1/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4407Reinhart
  11481. (printed as 1/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4405Mielcarz
  11482. (printed as 1/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4403Mick
  11483. (printed as 1/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4402Martello
  11484. (printed as 1/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4400Makowski
  11485. (printed as 1/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4398Macfarland
  11486. (printed as 1/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4396Kalvelage
  11487. (printed as 1/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4395Johnston
  11488. (printed as 1/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4394Havgens
  11489. (printed as 1/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4392Gericke
  11490. (printed as 1/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4389Unknown
  11491. (printed as 1/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4353Wojtowicz
  11492. (printed as 1/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4344Keenan
  11493. (printed as 1/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4323Free
  11494. (printed as 1/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4306Alexander
  11495. (printed as 1/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4305Williams
  11496. (printed as 1/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4304Williams
  11497. (printed as 1/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4303McNeil
  11498. (printed as 1/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4301Tarvid
  11499. (printed as 1/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4299Unknown
  11500. (printed as 1/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4298Unknown
  11501. (printed as 1/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4294Joyner
  11502. (printed as 1/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4291Jongsma
  11503. (printed as 1/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4289Jongsma
  11504. (printed as 1/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4285Cirn
  11505. (printed as 1/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4283Garner
  11506. (printed as 1/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4281Rappaport
  11507. (printed as 1/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4279Macfarlane
  11508. (printed as 1/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4277Rappaport
  11509. (printed as 1/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4276Steinman
  11510. (printed as 1/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4275Primack
  11511. (printed as 1/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4274Macfarlane
  11512. (printed as 1/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4273Lupien
  11513. (printed as 1/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4272Ahmed
  11514. (printed as 1/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4269Bird
  11515. (printed as 1/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4267Root
  11516. (printed as 1/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4265Bird
  11517. (printed as 1/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4260Ruzich
  11518. (printed as 1/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4251Unknown
  11519. (printed as 1/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4250Hargens
  11520. (printed as 1/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4248Johnston
  11521. (printed as 1/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4247Paesel
  11522. (printed as 1/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4246Heath
  11523. (printed as 1/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4245Buck
  11524. (printed as 1/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4244Janeliznas
  11525. (printed as 1/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4243Root
  11526. (printed as 1/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4242Madonia
  11527. (printed as 1/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4241Plummer
  11528. (printed as 1/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4240chlebak
  11529. (printed as 1/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4239Unknown
  11530. (printed as 1/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4238Rugish
  11531. (printed as 1/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4100Anderlick
  11532. (printed as 1/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4099Turner
  11533. (printed as 1/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4098Lamping
  11534. (printed as 1/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4095Paolella
  11535. (printed as 1/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3515B
    STB Finance Docket 35087: As a Naperville resident whose neighborhood contiguously to the east of the present E J & E tracks, the noise created by a tripling of the traffic would be horrendous to the current residential population and add more negatives to a weak real estate market. The noise from the current loads is already extreme and adding to it would be ridiculous in terms of noise levels. Please do not approve this purchase
    Rich Brzezinski · Naperville, IL
  11536. (printed as 1/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3514Don Evans
    My wife and I are very opposed to the proposed CN acquisition of the EJ&E for several reasons: 1) safety - there have been several fatal accidents on the line recently, including one just a block from our home a couple of months ago. The EJ&E line was built when the area was far less urbanized. It makes no sense to increase the volume of rail traffic through heavily populated communities, greatly increasing the likelihood of more fatal accidents". 2) traffic congestion - at a time when our government is trying to reduce consumption of foreign oil and cut carbon emissions, it makes no sense to create many more massive traffic blocks at crossing grades. 3) noise - our home is one block from the Hillside/Eastern/N.W.Hwy crossing grade. This is a very populated community. We do not want more rail traffic noise. 4) property values - the increase in rail traffic noise, and the significant increase in the frequency of trains coming through our community will most assuredly cause a decrease in property values. 5) CN's withdrawal from, and competition with the CREATE (Chicago Region Environmental and Transportation Efficiency) Program for state and federal dollars proves CN is only interested in maximizing profits at the expense of the environment while giving lip service to being a good neighbor. A "neighbor" like CN we don't need, or want. 6) Long-term solution needed - develop a comprehensive, regional solution to the numerous rail issues in the Chicago area. Shifting problems from one area to another, only to have more problems develop in the absence of a regional plan, is no solution. CN will sell or lease its track rights in Chicago to other railroads. Any void created by CN through this proposed acquisition will be filled and the region's rail problems will be greatly exacerbated, not improved."
  11537. (printed as 1/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3513Michael M Lawrence
    Dear Ms Johnson-Ball, The stated increase in rail traffic which would result from CN's acquisition of EJ&E poses a clear and present threat to the home and business communities as well as the forest preserves, wild life sanctuaries and protected marshes along the railway line with irreversible negative impacts on air quality, noise and vibration levels, traffic congestion, citizen and wildlife safety and general quality of daily life. The voices of all concerned citizens that will be impacted by this unprecedented congestion are being heard throughtout the affected areas. Please listen. Please help. Thank you. Michael Lawrence Citizen
    Barrington, Illinois
  11538. (printed as 1/15/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3512denny suckow
    Regarding the proposed purchase of the EJ&E railway by Canadian national railway: I am concerned that this route crosses IL. Rte 59 (a major state hyway) in muliple locations. These currently are tolerable although aggravating bottlenecks due to current freight train traffic. If this purchase is approved, Canadian railways plans on greatly increasing fright train traffic which will make hwy. 59 virtually useless as a route between my city and Wisconsin. I believe that if approved it should only be with the proviso that Canadian railway erect bridges across major state hyways (primarily hwy. 59). The environmental imapct of the air fouled by thousands of idleing cars is unacceptable.
    Naperville, IL
  11539. (printed as 1/14/2008)
    Statement
    221279Protest/Opposition Statement
    Scott & Doreen Gibrich
  11540. (printed as 1/14/2008)
    Statement
    221278Protest/Opposition Statement
    Corporate Identity, Inc.
  11541. (printed as 1/14/2008)
    Misc.
    221266Miscellaneous
    Norfolk Southern Railway Company
  11542. (printed as 1/14/2008)
    Statement
    221265Support Statement
    Environmental Law & Policy Center
  11543. (printed as 1/14/2008)
    Statement
    221262Protest/Opposition Statement
    Catherine Noel Howes
  11544. (printed as 1/14/2008)
    Misc.
    221261Miscellaneous
    International Association Of Machinists And Aerospace Workers, National Conference Of Fireman & Oilers, International Brotherhood Of Electrical Workers, American Train Dispatchers Association
  11545. (printed as 1/14/2008)
    Statement
    221260Support Statement
    Propane Gas Association Of Canada
  11546. (printed as 1/14/2008)
    Statement
    221259Support Statement
    Honorable Robert A. Rita
  11547. (printed as 1/14/2008)
    Letter
    221256Letter/Telegram
    Honorable Michael W. Tryon
  11548. (printed as 1/14/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5808UNKNOWN
  11549. (printed as 1/14/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5807BENNETT
  11550. (printed as 1/14/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4747Howes
  11551. (printed as 1/14/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4746Environmental Law & Policy Center
    Geertsma
  11552. (printed as 1/14/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4624Stillman
  11553. (printed as 1/14/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4561Sparr
  11554. (printed as 1/14/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4558Schlossman
  11555. (printed as 1/14/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4557Probus
  11556. (printed as 1/14/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4370Kramer
  11557. (printed as 1/14/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4366Brown
  11558. (printed as 1/14/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4364Tanking
  11559. (printed as 1/14/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4348Riha
  11560. (printed as 1/14/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4334Setterstrom
  11561. (printed as 1/14/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4313Crowley
  11562. (printed as 1/14/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4311Gehler
  11563. (printed as 1/14/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4300Saletta
  11564. (printed as 1/14/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4282Peschert
  11565. (printed as 1/14/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4280Zambole
  11566. (printed as 1/14/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4278Korbel
  11567. (printed as 1/14/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4116Anderson
  11568. (printed as 1/14/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4101Donnelly
  11569. (printed as 1/14/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4094Beil
  11570. (printed as 1/14/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4093Ludemann
  11571. (printed as 1/14/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4092Kilgore
  11572. (printed as 1/14/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4090Roder
  11573. (printed as 1/14/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4088Maher
  11574. (printed as 1/14/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4087Palmer
  11575. (printed as 1/14/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4086Jacobson
  11576. (printed as 1/14/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4085Finnegan
  11577. (printed as 1/14/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4084Schubertz
  11578. (printed as 1/14/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4083Austin
  11579. (printed as 1/14/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4082Decker
  11580. (printed as 1/14/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4081Ryan
  11581. (printed as 1/14/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4080Unknown
  11582. (printed as 1/14/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4079Koelzer
  11583. (printed as 1/14/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4078Duffy
  11584. (printed as 1/14/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4077Barry
  11585. (printed as 1/14/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4076Faycurry
  11586. (printed as 1/14/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4075Osowski
  11587. (printed as 1/14/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4074Tisdo
  11588. (printed as 1/14/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4073Jaramilio
  11589. (printed as 1/14/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3511Sharad
    I strickly oppose EJ&E purhcase by CN. It affect our entire family and community. Even with current 4-5 trains passing a day, it wakes up at night. My son gets afraid with noise and they will have to get up early in the morning to go to the school since they have to cross shoe-factory railway crosssing. Also it increase chances of train de-railing and transportation of hazardes material next to my house. It will also increase pollution and affect forest reserve.
    Hoffman Estates, IL
  11590. (printed as 1/14/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3510SOAC
    With regards to Docket No. 35087, I would like to express my concerns over the environmetal and safety issues this proposal contains. As a homeowner living near the EJ&E tracks and Vice President of the local home owners association, I am extremely concerned with the effects of the increased rail traffic that this proposal will bring to our neighborhood. On the environmental side based on the reported increase in train traffic, there will be an approximately 500% increase in the air and noise pollution in our neighborhood. It is inconceivable to me that this proposal can be accepted without mitigation of these factors via sound barriers and other remedies so that the health of the local residents is not greatly impacted. There will be a significant safety issue for the children in the area with the chance of injury or death rising the same 500% as for the pollution issues raised above. What steps will be taken to prevent children and pets from entering the unguarded track areas? Also as a safety matter, what steps will be taken to insure that the track and rail bed is capable of handling this significant increase in traffic? A derailment could destroy a number of homes adjoining the tracks and injury or kill the residents of those homes. As evidenced by the collapse of the bridge last year in Minneapolis, the normal inspections conducted by government agencies is apparently inadequate to the task. Obviously the value of the nearby residential property will suffer greatly if these issues are not addressed. While I can not attend the remaining meetings on this subject because of business travel, I plan to enter a protest of this project to my local, state, and federal officials, and will encourage my neighbors to do likewise. As a former principal of the Citizens Action Committee of the Fox Valley Freeway IDOT study, I am well aware of what the concerted effort of local citizens can accomplish when these types of programs are proposed without consultation with and agreement of the citizens who are impacted.
    David Swanson · Elgin, IL
  11591. (printed as 1/14/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3509Raymond Durovec
    STB Finance Docket No. 35087 Municipalities along the proposed Canadian National Railway acquisition of the Elgin, Joliet & Eastern Railway in Illinois and Indiana need to be made aware of the increased noise pollution created by excessive train horn blowing at railroad grade crossings in residential areas. Municipalities need to be notified about creating Quiet Zones or a corridor Quiet Zone. South Holland, Illinois is infested with train horn blowing day and night -- even on Sunday, Mother's Day and holidays including Christmas. A petition [more than 700 signatures so far] is being circulated here to establish two Quiet Zones. Check the Web site [Q and Z have to be capital] for details www.geocities.com/raydurovec/QuietZone
    South Holland, Illinois
  11592. (printed as 1/14/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3507Roger W Prietz
    Opposition Letter
    Frankfort, IL
  11593. (printed as 1/14/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3506Ed Guntin
    STB Finance Docket no. 35087 See attached comment sheet directed to the STB in regards to the CN Rail purchase of EJ&E in Chicago Illinois.
    Barrington, IL
  11594. (printed as 1/14/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3505Bob Schlossmann
    14-Jan-2008 Surface Transportation Board members; Reference FD_35087 0 I have spent the last few weeks gathering information regarding the proposed purchase of the Elgin, Joliet & Eastern (EJ&E) railroad line by the Canadian National Railroad company (CN). What becomes immediately obvious from reading the documents posted on your web site is that on one side of the coin, the municipalities and businesses that currently have the problem with railroad traffic, noise, congestion, air pollution and safety, are more than willing to say, do, or support anything that will improve their existing situation. What they fail to realize is that in the near future, CN is projecting 80% growth in railroad traffic on all their existing lines, making their situation just as bad if not worse than before. On the other side of the coin are the residents and businesses who oppose these problems for the exact same opposite reasons. From an historical perspective the EJ&E railroad line was built in 1893 and purchased by U.S. Steel Company around the turn of the century, making it 114 years old. One hundred and fourteen years ago this railroad line was surely the outer loop around the city of Chicago without much concern for grade crossings, traffic congestion, air pollution and noise. A lot of changes have since ensued. The population of the Chicago land area has increased substantially. This alone in itself has caused many surface transportation problems. It was not that long ago, that major automobile intersections, were once country roads with very little congestion and four way stop signs. Many of today’s suburban residents grew up in the city, and over time migrated to the suburbs as a means to avoid traffic, noise, congestion and pollution. I have seen a lot of changes in my lifetime, some good, and some bad. Railroads existed long before automobiles, air planes, radios, TV’s, phones, etc… However, railroad technology has not kept pace with other technological advances made during the same 114 years. If trains did not cause traffic congestion, if trains were not so noisy, if trains did not have a whistle that could be heard for miles away in the middle of the night, then maybe the local residents and businesses would not find them as objectionable. My home is located near the EJ&E tracks. When I first moved here twelve years ago we had one train early in the morning and one train late at night. This was tolerable, and in fact gives the neighborhood a little character. A few years ago, railroad traffic was increased to 5 / 6 trains per day. This increase in railroad traffic has not had a good effect upon residents who live near the railroad line. Any additional increase in railroad traffic will have detrimental side effects such as; 1) Increased automobile traffic congestion. 2) Increased automobile related crossing safety. 3) Increased noise pollution. 4) Decreased air quality. 5) Decreased property values. 6) Increased difficulty in the sale of your home. We need to determine what’s important, and what our priorities are. Are box cars more important than people? I would certainly hope not. A freight train bypassing the Chicago land area saves the CN railway 4 hours in transit time. But this proposed increase of twenty plus trains per day at 133 railroad grade crossings will have a detrimental affect upon local productivity and businesses. Assume one train takes 5 minutes to clear a crossing, and on average there are twelve automobiles affected (6 in each direction). This causes a combined one hour delay for each crossing. Multiply this time by 133 crossings, causes a loss of 16.6 working man days per train. This doesn’t take into account the amount of gasoline that would be wasted idling waiting for the train to clear the crossing. This likewise causes increase automobile emissions in addition to the pollution caused by the train. People when frustrated make mistakes and this is not a good thing when a driver tries to beat the train at the crossing. Train technology is extremely noisy, you have combined engine, rail, whistle, and grade crossing noise. Lastly, property values which have substantially decreased over the past couple of years will now be subjected to an additional decrease because no one would find living next to a noisy major railroad transportation line very desirable. In our immediate area we already have to contend with a natural geographical barrier in the form of the Fox River. Substantial growth expansion on the West side of the river has caused major commuting problems caused by too few river crossings. If increased railroad traffic is allowed, commuters will be subjected to both problems. Major delays caused by too few bridges and increased railroad traffic at grade crossings. The town of Barrington will become grid locked. Recently it has taken ½ hour to commute through downtown Barrington. This is already a bad situation and increased railroad traffic will only compound the problem, making a bad situation worse. Besides the 133 at grade automobile crossings there are several rail to rail crossings. There are two in our area, one just south of Lake Street (US20), and the other near downtown Barrington. These at grade rail to rail crossings, with increased railroad traffic will cause additional major railroad delays on all railroad lines that they cross giving raise to additional safety concerns. At the Barrington Surface Transportation Board meeting held of 12/9/2007 over 1600 residents attended in opposition to this proposed purchase. I wasn’t able to attend the meeting but I’m in total support of their objections. I’m requesting that this proposed purchase be rejected. What is required is a major regional comprehensive rail transportation plan utilizing today’s technology, not some plan where the Canadian National tries to improve their transportation problems in a piece meal approach on a railroad line that was created 114 years ago, and there by shifting their problem onto the residents and businesses of the surrounding area. The harm to the residents and businesses will far exceed any benefit gained by a private foreign company. CN, which made two billion in profit last year, has made public statements, and placed newspaper ads, stating that they are willing to work with the effected residents and businesses to resolve problems caused by their proposal. This has not happened, and appears only to be propaganda from their PR department. Their CEO is on record as being a real railroad’n man, with his main focus on getting freight trains, not people, from point A to point B. People are more important than freight trains. Robert J. Schlossmann 1815 HillTop Road Elgin, IL. 60120 BSchlossmann@sbcglobal.net
    Elgin, IL
  11595. (printed as 1/14/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3498Joanne Roig
    Re: STB Finance Docket No. 35087 I vehemntly opposed the CN applicaiton to aquire EJ&E lines. They argue that a railway is in place already. But it is a railway that was designed with a limit of rail traffic in mind. The fact that they would have to improve" the structure of the rails to support increased rail traffic is evidence of that. It adversely will affect my daily commute, my daughter's commute to and from school and school activities. It will drive traffic away from town (to avoid the trains) thereby adversely affecting local businesses. The noise polution already from the trains is horrible. To increase the number of cars by 500% and the length of the trains for an overall increased affect of 800% is rediculous. (even a 100% increase is too much)"
  11596. (printed as 1/14/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3497JAMES M. MAYER
    STB Finance Docket No. 35087 The proposed increase in trains of the Elgin Joliet and Eastern railroad will severely increase traffic congestion in the village of Barrington. The freight trains are already three times longer than they were 6 months ago. When they stop on the line waiting to clear the Union Pacific Metra rail line, they are so long that they block both the Ela Rd. and Cuba Rd. crossings. My wife and I both have been stopped on seperate occassions for up to 15 minutes as the trains park waiting to get OK to cross the Metra line. What will happen when they have four times as many trains that will likely be even longer will be completely overwhelming to our already oversaturated road system. The E, J and E tracks run through the center of town and this will cut off half the town from the police and fire station in a way that we have never experienced. This increase will be devastating to our local downtown bussinesses. It is already well know that you can't drive down Northwest Highway, Main Street and Route 59 any time around rush hour. This proposal shows a complete lack of understanding of our community. Please do not allow this to happen as would coolapse our already overwhelmed streets not to mention the fire and saftey issues.
    Barrington, Illinois
  11597. (printed as 1/14/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3496Jennifer Cheh
    I am extremely concerned about the potential increase in rail traffic as an outcome of the proposed acquisition of the EJE railway company by CN. Please make sure all factors are considered prior to approving the purchase. The 5 trains per day already creates havoc with traffic, and noise in the middle of the night from the trains wakes up my children. An increase would create safety issues and the congestion would cripple the Barrington community. Id like your assessment to include the impact on Emergency personnel getting to/from patients and hospitals, increased risk of train accidents (several teenagers have recently been killed by trains), congestion with traffic patterns, and impact on environment, home values, and traffic congestion.
    Barrington, IL
  11598. (printed as 1/13/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5166LUECKE
  11599. (printed as 1/13/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5038MARP
    WHIMS
  11600. (printed as 1/13/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4332Webster
  11601. (printed as 1/13/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4326Wheatley
  11602. (printed as 1/13/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4321Wheatley
  11603. (printed as 1/13/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4319Cerone
  11604. (printed as 1/13/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4302Roder
  11605. (printed as 1/13/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4290Scully
  11606. (printed as 1/12/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5806PINEDA
  11607. (printed as 1/12/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5805BEEHEIMER
  11608. (printed as 1/12/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5617AMES
  11609. (printed as 1/12/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4570Owens
  11610. (printed as 1/12/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4315Brottman
  11611. (printed as 1/12/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4266Dorzweiler
  11612. (printed as 1/12/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4263Falkenstrom
  11613. (printed as 1/12/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4144Engelman
  11614. (printed as 1/12/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4140Peterson
  11615. (printed as 1/12/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3495Jeffrey Peterson
    Reference STB Finance Docket No. 35087 We oppose the sale of the EJ&E railroad line to Canadian National Railway. This track is less than a mile from our house and already the traffic is very annoying and loud when the whistles blow at the road crossings. Purchase by Canadian National would only increase the traffic on this line and block traffic on two major roadways -- St. Mary's Road and Milwaukee Avenue in Libertyville. Train traffic is expected to increase by 4X with this transfer of control and this is totally unacceptable to the residential area of Libertyville surrounding this track. Please DO NOT approve the sale.
    Libertyville, Illinois
  11616. (printed as 1/11/2008)
    Motion
    221244Petition
    Aux Sable Liquid Products, Llc, American Chemical Service, Reichhold, Inc.
  11617. (printed as 1/11/2008)
    Motion
    221243Motion To Withdraw
    Coilplus Illinois, Inc.
  11618. (printed as 1/11/2008)
    Motion
    221242Motion To Withdraw
    Technical Propellants, Inc.
  11619. (printed as 1/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7042Bond, Robert
  11620. (printed as 1/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6395Whitmer, Laurie
  11621. (printed as 1/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6394Frankenberg, Kari
  11622. (printed as 1/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6393Store/Property Owner
    Hines, John
  11623. (printed as 1/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6392Rolfs, Carol
  11624. (printed as 1/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5804City of Aurora, IL
    WHITE
  11625. (printed as 1/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5803WACHOWICZ
  11626. (printed as 1/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5802SMITH
  11627. (printed as 1/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5801City of Gary, Indiana
    SEVERTSON
  11628. (printed as 1/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5800Beacon News
    SALLIS
  11629. (printed as 1/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5799LOMAS
  11630. (printed as 1/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5798GALP
  11631. (printed as 1/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4368Crawford
  11632. (printed as 1/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4362Kinsella
  11633. (printed as 1/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4360Kinsella
  11634. (printed as 1/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4358Zimmer
  11635. (printed as 1/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4356Zimmer
  11636. (printed as 1/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4296Ewing
  11637. (printed as 1/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4284Perscheret
  11638. (printed as 1/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4268Moore
  11639. (printed as 1/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4264Madigan
  11640. (printed as 1/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4253Ficenec
  11641. (printed as 1/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4252Gilly
  11642. (printed as 1/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4249Hedl
  11643. (printed as 1/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4150Manchester
  11644. (printed as 1/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4139Barnhart
  11645. (printed as 1/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4103GArcia
  11646. (printed as 1/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4096Lee
  11647. (printed as 1/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3474Pinehurst Homeowners Association
    Our organization was unaware of the recent Mundelein meeting and therefore did not attend. The EJ&E tracks back up to our townhome association. When the trains come by there is a substantial amount of noise and a fair amount of shaking that takes place. When we all moved here, within the past 7 years or so it was with the understanding that the train traffic was unfrequent. With the proposed purchase of the EJ&E by CN and the subsequent four fold increase in traffic, the noise pollution will become unreasonable. Additionally, all of our property values will suffer. This increase in traffic will also have a significant negative effect on traffic flow north and south on Rt. 21, Milwaukee Ave, which crosses the EJ&E tracks in Librtyville. Rt 21 is one of the major north-south roads in our area. Our entire area now suffers from significant north-south auto traffic congestion. To increase train traffic to approximately 20 trains per 24 hour period, would bring an already difficult situation to an impossible condition. Traffic will be tied up at the Rt 21 surface crossing, further adding to the noth-south auto traffic congestion. The amount of additional polution caused by additional traffic back-ups will be injurious to all of the communities in the area. Thank you Norbert Klincik Treasurer Pinehurst Homeowners Association
    Norbert J. Klincik · Vernon Hills, IL
  11648. (printed as 1/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3473Frank W. Palmisano, Sr.
    Please see attached comments document.
    New Lenox, IL
  11649. (printed as 1/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3472Kathleen Umphred
    I am contacting you regarding STB Finance Docket NO 35087. This will greatly increase the traffic in our community. As well as, negatively impact the environment. I am against the merger and wanted my comments to be submitted.
    Barrington, IL
  11650. (printed as 1/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3471Brenda Beuten
    I travel through Barrington 4 times a day & I am strongly against the CN purchasing the EJ&E RR. This will have safety issues along with long delays for us the users of our roadways. Please consider these problems along with may others before making your decision. Thank you.
    Lake In The Hills, Illinois
  11651. (printed as 1/11/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3470Ann Behling
    I attended the STB scoping meeting in Barrington, Illinois on 1/9/08. The following are my concerns around the proposed CN acquisition of the EJ&E: - More traffic delays and congestion due to more trains at the grade crossings. More congestion means more accidents. Also, emergency vehicles not being able to get through Village of Barrington as quickly as they need to. - Hundreds of students cross the EJ&E tracks at Lake Cook Road (about 3 blocks west of Route 59) going to and from the high school every day. When you are at the grade crossing and looking to the north for oncoming trains, there is a curve in the track shortly before the crossing and you cannot see very far down the track. Kids will be kids and may try to beat the trains at this crossing. This is a dangerous situation. - Already, the Metra train from Harvard to Chicago is periodically delayed due to EJ&E trains. This will only increase, and it impacts all commuters on the UP Northwest Line, from Harvard to Chicago. - More trains means more cars, buses and trucks sitting in traffic in the Village. This is a waste of scarce and costly fuel, and it's a source of increased emissions to the atmosphere. This is compounded by Metra trains that also have to sit and wait for freight trains to cross and the UPRR/EJ&E intersection. - Negative impacts on individual health and the environment due to increased emissions from the incresed freight trains.
    Barrington, IL
  11652. (printed as 1/10/2008)
    Misc.
    221234Miscellaneous
    Chicago Southshore And South Bend Railroad
  11653. (printed as 1/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5958Powell
  11654. (printed as 1/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5795Engelmann, Pam
  11655. (printed as 1/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4745Small Railroad Business Owners Association of America
    Gohmann
  11656. (printed as 1/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4576Blue
  11657. (printed as 1/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4337Russell
  11658. (printed as 1/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4330Rigkoff
  11659. (printed as 1/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4297Raclaw
  11660. (printed as 1/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4295Nelson
  11661. (printed as 1/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4288Grudzinski
  11662. (printed as 1/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4271Guarnieri
  11663. (printed as 1/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4258Ficenec
  11664. (printed as 1/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4254Payton
  11665. (printed as 1/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4234Bechleda
  11666. (printed as 1/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4233Kelly
  11667. (printed as 1/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4210Zellner
  11668. (printed as 1/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4209Illinois Association of Realtors
    Joseph
  11669. (printed as 1/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4208Unknown
  11670. (printed as 1/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4207Dwrant
  11671. (printed as 1/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4206Beck
  11672. (printed as 1/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4156Kelly
  11673. (printed as 1/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4151Drabek
  11674. (printed as 1/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4149Marks
  11675. (printed as 1/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4146Belieff
  11676. (printed as 1/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4143Moore
  11677. (printed as 1/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4141Ordway
  11678. (printed as 1/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4138Fifles
  11679. (printed as 1/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4136Whitly
  11680. (printed as 1/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4134City of Waukegan
    Gallagher
  11681. (printed as 1/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4130Santeler
  11682. (printed as 1/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4129Naggatz
  11683. (printed as 1/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4128Cramer
  11684. (printed as 1/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4124Tabak
  11685. (printed as 1/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4120Roberts
  11686. (printed as 1/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4119Baxter
  11687. (printed as 1/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4118Thornton
  11688. (printed as 1/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4117Baker
  11689. (printed as 1/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4115Wetcott
  11690. (printed as 1/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4091Schultz
  11691. (printed as 1/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3469Elaine Ramesh
    Barrington Hills, IL
  11692. (printed as 1/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3468Susan Lenz
    We recently attended the scoping meeting in Barrington, IL. As residents of Barrington we are deeply concerned about the effects that the acquistion would have on traffic congestion as well as noise pollution. Since the railway crosses 2 vital intersections in our downtown community it could cripple response times with emergency vehicles. Additionally, we have many children who travel via bus or car to our schools and often cross those intersections. It would increase the already long time that those students are on the busses. Also, it could cripple our town which is trying to revitalize itself. Because our town has two vital arteries where the train line crosses, I personally would avoid driving into town because of the increase in traffic. We are also concerned with the increase in noise from double tracking as well as horns. Thank you for your attention to this matter.
    Barrington, Illinois
  11693. (printed as 1/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3466Cinda Pittman
    I am very concerned about the impact that the proposed CNN Railroad merger will have on the environment of the Barrington area. The traffic congestion that it will cause will be huge. I understand that this may be seen as progress", but because this area has no underpasses or overpasses it will create a huge negative impact on everyone that lives here. I think that the profits that will be realized by these companies should be used to fund underpasses or overpasses for out community."
  11694. (printed as 1/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3465Cinda Pittman
    Inverness, IL
  11695. (printed as 1/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3464Barrington Communities Against CN Rail Congestion
    1. All the major roads that service the Barrington community are crossed by the EJ&E tracks. These roads are extremely congested from about 6:00am until about 7:00pm in the evening. We sure don't need 20 to 30 trains a day making travel in the community almost impossible. 2. I am concerned about emergency vechicles getting around quickly and safely with their progress impeded by large numbers of long freight trains. All of the roads to our hospital from the largest portion of Barrington must cross the EJ&E tracks at grade level. 3. The EJ&E tracks pass very close to Barrington High School. There is heavy foot traffic across the tracks at Main Street along with large numbers of school buses. I am very concerned with the safety of the kids trying to get to and from school. All of the buses that service the large school population are located and stored adejacent to the tracks at Main street. 4. Since the EJ&E tracks are adejacent to many residential neighborhoods which will be severely impacted by noise and air pollution caused by the heavy rail traffic from the CN railroad trains. 5. I cannot believe that the sale of the EJ&E to a foreign carrier can be in the best interest of the United States.
    Donald E. Kenney · Barrington, Illinois
  11696. (printed as 1/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3463Timothy Hicks
    As a property/home owner near the EJ&E railway being proposed for acquistition by CN, I want to express my concerns. The SW coridor of Naperville, Plainfield, Oswego, and SE Aurora will all be adversely affected by this acquisition. This area continues to be a high growth and development area and the future property values will be impacted negatively with the sale. This would come in the way of up to 4-5 times the number of daily trains, noise, vibration, traffic safety and congestion, school bus and student safety, pollution, and emergency vehicle access. Also, the future use of the north and south tracks parallel with Rt 59 was supposed to be for feeder route and sub station use near Rt 30 for Metra train access at the Rt 59 station, alleviating parking issues there, and ongoing traffic issues along Rt 59. It would appear that the plans for that feeder station will have to be eliminated if this acquistion goes through. Please take these concerns into consideration with your scoping meeting analysis, and do not approve of this sale. Thanks for your consideration.
    Naperville, IL
  11697. (printed as 1/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3462charlene breitlow
    the increase rail traffic will be devistating.It sounds and feels like the train is comming thru my bedroom it shakes the house,windows and soldiers fall off the shelves in our museum. We have visitors from around the world.An increase in freight trains would lower our property value.we are seniors and could not sustain a loss when we retire. charlene Breitlow
    Elgin, IL
  11698. (printed as 1/10/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3461Therese Prentice
    Elgin, IL
  11699. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-7048Unknown
  11700. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6047KOLAR
  11701. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5971Keller
  11702. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5792Barrington Area Council of Government
    AGNOLETTI
  11703. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5588Salit, Mary
  11704. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5493SCHNEIDER
  11705. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5305ADAMS
  11706. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4603Maraval
  11707. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4564Caplin
  11708. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4339Rall
  11709. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4292Coath
  11710. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4270Ordway
  11711. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4261Golab
  11712. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4257Littauer
    see attached
  11713. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4255Gillette
  11714. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4205Duffy
  11715. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4204Javelo
  11716. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4203Freeburg
  11717. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4202Freeburg
  11718. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4201Kelly
  11719. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4200Magnuson
  11720. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4199Johnson
  11721. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4198Deroche
  11722. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4197Campise
  11723. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4196Ewing
  11724. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4195Fergus
  11725. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4194Bisbee
  11726. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4193Rushing
  11727. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4192Clancy
  11728. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4191Good Shepherd Hospital
    Sullivan
  11729. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4190ReMaxx
    Snell
  11730. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4189Bisbee
  11731. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4188Casper
  11732. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4186Suppes
  11733. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4185Unknown
  11734. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4184Keady
  11735. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4181Kurzawski
  11736. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4180Zachar
  11737. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4179Peters
  11738. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4178Mattison
  11739. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4177Crissie
  11740. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4176Schuetz
  11741. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4175Diederichsen
  11742. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4174Washburn
  11743. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4172Washburn
  11744. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4171Cafcas
  11745. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4170Graser
  11746. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4169McAndrews
  11747. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4168VanDam
  11748. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4167Mooney
  11749. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4159Mooney
  11750. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4158Oliver
  11751. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4157Bishop
  11752. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4155Mica
  11753. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4153Shepherd
  11754. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4152Wlas
  11755. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4148Kinsella
  11756. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4145Epperson
  11757. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4142Storenso Co.
    Gully
  11758. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4133Bell
  11759. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4132Money
  11760. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4131Lannin
  11761. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4127Clark
  11762. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4126Rosenfeld
  11763. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4125Hollis
  11764. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4123Johnson
  11765. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4121Sheperdson
  11766. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4089Sieger
  11767. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4054Shapiro
  11768. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4053Hanson
  11769. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4052Mead
  11770. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4051Dorzweiler
  11771. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4049Zelcs
  11772. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4047Conner
  11773. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4046Hockey-Yeargin
  11774. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4045Cruz
  11775. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4044Perhats
  11776. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4043Russell
  11777. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4042Casterline
  11778. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4041Sparr
  11779. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4040Meyer
  11780. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4039Bosley
  11781. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4038Gohl
  11782. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3933Unknown
  11783. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3931Schreiber
  11784. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3930Kroll
  11785. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3929Considine
  11786. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3928Catehpole
  11787. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3927Gilson
  11788. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3926Onyszczak
  11789. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3925Lennert
  11790. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3924Lennert
  11791. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3923Beck
  11792. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3922Lederer
  11793. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3921Carroll
  11794. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3920Weigel
  11795. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3919Molony
  11796. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3918Gallagher
  11797. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3917Torri
  11798. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3916Unknown
  11799. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3915Lederer
  11800. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3914Hehn
  11801. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3913Forman
  11802. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3912Wilkerson
  11803. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3911DeLaney
  11804. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3910Cunningham
  11805. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3909Engstrom
  11806. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3908Unkown
  11807. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3907Knoop
  11808. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3906Unknown
  11809. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3905Unknown
  11810. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3904Chapman
  11811. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3902Barrington Area Library
    Pintozzi
  11812. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3901UNKNOWN
  11813. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3900LeVert
  11814. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3899Durbin
  11815. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3898Nieves
  11816. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3897DeJisu
  11817. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3896Sauerberg
  11818. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3893Tourville
  11819. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3892Semla
  11820. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3891Kruz
  11821. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3890Capellos
  11822. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3889Schnepf
  11823. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3888Raynor
  11824. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3887Gordon
  11825. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3886McGowan
  11826. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3884norton
  11827. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3883Glenn, Jay
  11828. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3882howard
  11829. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3881unknown
  11830. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3880allen
  11831. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3879eissler
  11832. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3878gustafson
  11833. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3877Murray
  11834. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3876roberts
  11835. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3875padula
  11836. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3874Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital
    niese
  11837. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3872Blomowski
  11838. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3870Langdon's of Barrington
    Rush
  11839. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3869Hansen
  11840. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3867macdonald
  11841. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3866Kraus
  11842. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3865macdonald
  11843. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3864Cantwell
  11844. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3863Lukes
  11845. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3862johnson
  11846. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3861ransom
  11847. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3860Sobb
  11848. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3859Braithwaite
  11849. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3858Schuetz
  11850. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3857carder
  11851. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3856Trawinski
  11852. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3855szymanski
  11853. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3854divito
  11854. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3853Guntin
  11855. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3852eichler
  11856. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3851roberts
  11857. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3850miller
  11858. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3849hofmeister
  11859. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3848burgoon
  11860. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3847karolyi
  11861. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3846zgoda
  11862. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3845Guernsey
  11863. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3844marron
  11864. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3842ross-henning
  11865. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3840crowley
  11866. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3839stallard
  11867. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3837Quigg
  11868. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3836Egan
  11869. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3835mena
  11870. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3834butler
  11871. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3833Niren
  11872. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3832brauch
  11873. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3830hawthorne
  11874. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3829hawthorne
  11875. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3828theodore
  11876. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3827lucas
  11877. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3826zacaroli
  11878. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3825Guthrie
  11879. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3824marquardt
  11880. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3823Filley
  11881. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3822Allen
  11882. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3821Heinrich
  11883. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3820Kukowski
  11884. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3819Cavlini
  11885. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3818KIEP
  11886. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3817Dinsmore
  11887. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3816Pajowski
  11888. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3814Schlobohm
  11889. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3813dimas
  11890. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3812Schabek
  11891. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3811lee
  11892. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3810Greenlees
  11893. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3809lee
  11894. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3808Hoerner
  11895. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3807mcconnell
  11896. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3806Montalbrus
  11897. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3805stetson
  11898. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3804Johnson
  11899. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3803unknown
  11900. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3802Cooke
  11901. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3801Keith
  11902. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3800Tillman
  11903. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3799nester
  11904. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3798McManus
  11905. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3797blanchard
  11906. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3796Quinn
  11907. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3795brown
  11908. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3794Lewis
  11909. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3793wolchuck
  11910. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3792Trawinski
  11911. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3791mack
  11912. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3790bahr
  11913. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3789Monalbano
  11914. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3788Village of Barrington
    Bosley
  11915. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3787Adams
  11916. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3786Cronin
  11917. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3785Vaughn
  11918. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3784Kushner
  11919. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3783leitner
  11920. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3782McKneally
  11921. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3781falog
  11922. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3780Umbach
  11923. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3779Hansen
  11924. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3778keffel
  11925. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3777unknown
  11926. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3776Guntin
  11927. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3775eisenbarth
  11928. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3774fitzpatrick
  11929. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3773Smith
  11930. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3772heffernan
  11931. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3771lanetti
  11932. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3770henehan
  11933. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3769scott
  11934. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3768Echito
  11935. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3767sieger
  11936. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3766sauer
  11937. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3765ryckman
  11938. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3764plavtz
  11939. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3763albert
  11940. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3762matthews
  11941. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3761glantz
  11942. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3760murray
  11943. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3759roggoveen
  11944. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3758Moews
  11945. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3757kuhn
  11946. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3755mcsorley
  11947. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3754poduska
  11948. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3753hogan
  11949. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3752hogan
  11950. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3751ficenec
  11951. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3750larsen
  11952. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3749lachapelle
  11953. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3748forester
  11954. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3747konia
  11955. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3746johnson
  11956. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3745cox
  11957. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3743minnick
  11958. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3742iozzo
  11959. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3741trunda
  11960. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3740baggett
  11961. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3739camel
  11962. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3738Richardson
  11963. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3737todd-middleditch
  11964. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3736Lenling
  11965. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3735Spinner
  11966. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3734mehringer
  11967. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3733Snellgrove
  11968. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3732rowland
  11969. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3731shircel
  11970. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3730andrew
  11971. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3729Ferguson
  11972. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3728Winkenbach
  11973. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3727Hamilton
  11974. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3726Berquist
  11975. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3725Talbert
  11976. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3724Burmeister
  11977. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3723BRETT
  11978. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3722CAPTAIN
  11979. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3721PIZZI
  11980. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3720MEREDITH
  11981. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3719NELSON
  11982. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3718BRIDGES
  11983. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3717BARRINGTON-INVERNESS POLICE DEPARTMENT
    LAWLER
  11984. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3716LANCASTER
  11985. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3715BUSCH
  11986. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3714WILLIAMS
  11987. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3713LOPRESTI
  11988. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3712WITZIG
  11989. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3711SHUETZ
  11990. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3710HANSEN
  11991. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3709BROWN
  11992. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3708FABEL
  11993. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3707GRABACKI
  11994. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3706MARION
  11995. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3705KERR
  11996. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3704KERR
  11997. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3703GARRELS
  11998. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3702BURNHAM
  11999. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3701BANJAMIN
  12000. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3700JENSEN
  12001. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3699TABEL
  12002. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3698SOELDNER
  12003. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3697PAONE
  12004. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3696GRABACKI
  12005. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3695WOOD
  12006. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3694WERNER
  12007. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3693MYERS
  12008. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3692CHURCH
  12009. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3691KUKOWSKI
  12010. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3690NELSON
  12011. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3689OWENS
  12012. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3688KARON
  12013. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3687TEGEDER
  12014. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3686MOSTON
  12015. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3685TABEL
  12016. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3684BEIGHTOL
  12017. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3683KNOOP
  12018. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3682AGNOLETTI
  12019. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3681BAXTER
  12020. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3680BRAUCH
  12021. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3679MCCLINTOCK
  12022. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3678MANZULLO
  12023. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3677KELLER
  12024. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3676PANCHAL
  12025. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3675BARRY
  12026. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3674PANAT
  12027. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3673PANAT
  12028. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3672KARON
  12029. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3671MOHR
  12030. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3670KOLASINSKI
  12031. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3669MYERS
  12032. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3668LAGOUSLA
  12033. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3667KEMP
  12034. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3666ROMAN
  12035. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3665KICK
  12036. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3664FRANCIS
  12037. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3663POWAL
  12038. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3662LEITNER
  12039. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3661POWAL
  12040. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3660NIEMIEC
  12041. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3659KRANZ
  12042. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3658guest
  12043. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3657CLANCY
  12044. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3656CANNON
  12045. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3655ROEMER
  12046. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3654GLORCH
  12047. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3653MCGUINN
  12048. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3652HOWARD
  12049. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3651HINKLE
  12050. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3650MAYTHIER
  12051. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3649MILLER
  12052. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3648MILLER
  12053. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3647LIESKE
  12054. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3646GOSS
  12055. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3645MARTIN
  12056. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3644MJOLSNESS
  12057. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3643POLLOCK
  12058. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3642UNKNOWN
  12059. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3641EDWARDS
  12060. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3640BRADY
  12061. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3639SALIN
  12062. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3637VANDERHEYDEN
  12063. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3636RESHAM
  12064. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3635SQUITES-CANNON
  12065. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3634NASH
  12066. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3633CHATZIDAKIS
  12067. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3632CHATZIDAKIS
  12068. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3631scott
  12069. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3630wambach
  12070. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3629Kramer
  12071. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3628Nichols
  12072. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3627Gear
  12073. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3626Patterson
  12074. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3625Wescott
  12075. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3624Pederson
  12076. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3623Crotty
  12077. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3622Crotty
  12078. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3621Myers
  12079. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3619Keenan
  12080. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3618Jakubec
  12081. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3617Adams
  12082. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3616Bishop
  12083. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3615Rotolante
  12084. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3614Madden
  12085. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3613Rejzer
  12086. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3612Nichols
  12087. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3611Sulikowski
  12088. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3610Schwartz
  12089. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3609Martin
  12090. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3608Gibrich
  12091. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3607Kliment
  12092. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3606Roberts
  12093. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3605Bauer
  12094. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3604Tyler
  12095. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3603Ecaytz
  12096. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3602Pickert
  12097. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3601Brund
  12098. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3600Haufschild
  12099. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3599Ruer
  12100. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3598Hirsch
  12101. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3597Palmer
  12102. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3596Murray
  12103. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3595Kolasinski
  12104. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3594Kellogg
  12105. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3593Engelman
  12106. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3592Graff
  12107. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3591Akim
  12108. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3590Akim
  12109. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3589Venditti
  12110. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3588Johnson
  12111. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3587Garland
  12112. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3586Steliga
  12113. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3585McCill
  12114. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3584Thompson
  12115. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3583Beazley
  12116. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3582Brooke
  12117. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3581Schiewe
  12118. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3580Singer
  12119. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3579Lirgameris
  12120. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3578Singer
  12121. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3577Hanson
  12122. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3576hanson
  12123. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3575Jarvela
  12124. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3574Davis
  12125. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3573Clertis
  12126. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3572Duffy
  12127. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3571Waak
  12128. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3570Withrow
  12129. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3568Sterrett
  12130. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3567Shattuck
  12131. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3566Shattuck
  12132. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3565Nichols
  12133. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3562Zucco
  12134. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3561Zucco
  12135. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3560Wheatley
  12136. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3559Huxhold
  12137. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3558Shattuck
  12138. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3557Raseman
  12139. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3556Garglund
  12140. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3555Scott
  12141. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3554Kelly
  12142. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3553Landolfi
  12143. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3552Baker
  12144. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3551Tyler
  12145. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3550Village of Barrington
    Arie
  12146. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3549Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital
    Lambert
  12147. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3548Richardson
  12148. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3547Yerton
  12149. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3546Ablin
  12150. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3545Adams
  12151. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3544Cellini
  12152. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3543Callanan
  12153. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3542Saelren
  12154. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3541Trebac
  12155. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3540Chapdeland
  12156. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3539Benesh
  12157. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3538Arthur
  12158. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3537Frensoa
  12159. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3536Eisenbart
  12160. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3535Moehlinger
  12161. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3534Roach
  12162. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3533McAuliff
  12163. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3532Unknown
  12164. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3531Mooney
  12165. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3530Lautenschlager
  12166. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3529Arnberger
  12167. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3528Keiser
  12168. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3527Mena
  12169. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3526Michelson
  12170. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3525Jorat
  12171. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3524McCauley
  12172. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3504HARDISON
  12173. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3503Angelina
  12174. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3458William Kinsella
    I am writing to you to express my concern regarding the EJ&E track sale to CN. I live next to the track and if the increase in traffic is allowed, my home will become unlivable since the noise and vibration will destroy our environment. I am also very concerned about what will happen to the endangered animals which live next to the tracks in Flint creek. How will these animals (herons) and fish be able to reproduce and live if they are constantly harmed by the noise and vibration of the additional trains of one an hour? Also, what happens if there is a spill? The Flint Creek Watershed is a very important water way for all of Northwest Illinois. There are also in town issues in regards to safety and the ability of ambulances and fire equipment to get across the tracks in a timely manner. The road traffic will become unbearable as the trains cross every hour and this will cause many more car accidents as more peolpe try to use smaller roads to get around the train traffic. Please do not let this sale go through! Let's turn this track into a trail! Let us save the environment...CN only cares about profit and they will not reduce the Chicago traffic, they just want to increase their revenues and will go to any length to do so....including destroying the environment. Let us put people before profit! Thank you for considering my request. William Kinsella
    Barrington, IL
  12175. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3457Kathryn Cotter
    Also attached: Scoping Comment for the Proposed Canadian National Railway Company Acquisition of the Elgin, Joliet and Eastern Railway Company STB Finance Docket No. 35087 I attended scoping meeting in Barrington, IL on Wed., Jan 9, 2008 Comment Form: This is an economic issue for all involved. CN, a non-US company, stands to make a great deal of money from this transaction and current residents of the Barrington, IL community will suffer both economically and from a lower quality of life. Added train traffic (20 to 30 freight trains per day) will: • Increase noise levels (a concern at any hour – the current trains rumble through in the middle of the night shaking the ground enough to jar pictures on the wall). • Lower property values. • Increase air pollution as motorists wait for long, slow freight trains (CN states trains will run from 7,500 to 10,000 feet long – trains of this length will easily block more than one road crossing at a time) to pass. • Increase gas consumption as motorists wait for long, slow freight trains. • Create safety issues as more pedestrians, bikers, motorists & school buses come in contact with train traffic. Many of the train crossings in this area do not have gates. • Create logistics issues for emergency vehicles such as police, fire and ambulances (emergencies happen at all times of the day and night). • Create logistics issues for school buses as they strive to get kids to school on time and schools fight to secure their own funding based on attendance and performance. • Create a level of frustration as residents deal with blocked streets from slow moving freight trains that are already required to give right-of-way priority to Metra commuter trains. Even with the sophisticated staging/scheduling that can be done on these tracks, having an additional 20 to 30 of these long, slow freight trains will cause delays and traffic build-ups. • Create a conflict with the goals of the Chicago Region Environmental & Transportation Efficiency (CREATE) Program. The current traffic that is going through Chicago and causing the delays is part of the cost of doing business for CN and this cost should not be passed onto the residents of the Barrington, IL area. Respectfully, Kathryn Cotter 21510 Old Farm Rd. Deer Park, IL 60010
    Deer Park, IL
  12176. (printed as 1/9/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3456Leon M. Gopon
    RE:STB Finance Docket 35087. Railroad freight traffic through the Northwest and West Suburbs of Chicago has become a real problem and causes delays to street traffic on a regular basis. This inconveniences many, many people on a daily basis. Emergency vehicles have been delayed by freight train traffic. The acquisition of EJ&EW by CNR/GTC and subsequent rerouting of rail traffic to areas outside of the heavily populated suburbs is a good idea and will benefit many, many people. I recommend that the STB approve this acquistion.
    Buffalo Grove, IL
  12177. (printed as 1/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5794HILLS
  12178. (printed as 1/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5793ENGELMANN
  12179. (printed as 1/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5791SCHUTIS
  12180. (printed as 1/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5790Highway Dept.
    HUET
  12181. (printed as 1/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5178NANNIZZI
  12182. (printed as 1/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4744Stupak
  12183. (printed as 1/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4743Tryon
  12184. (printed as 1/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4236Derocly
  12185. (printed as 1/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4166Bates
  12186. (printed as 1/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4165Hall
  12187. (printed as 1/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4164Hartnett
  12188. (printed as 1/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4163Smith
  12189. (printed as 1/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4162Grant
  12190. (printed as 1/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4161Wallace
  12191. (printed as 1/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4160Unknown
  12192. (printed as 1/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4122Raseman
  12193. (printed as 1/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3935Smith
  12194. (printed as 1/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3494Roundout Rockland Corp
    Baker
  12195. (printed as 1/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3493Schoby
  12196. (printed as 1/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3492Evans
  12197. (printed as 1/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3491Greenberg for Senator
    Greenberg
  12198. (printed as 1/8/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3455John A. Schweizer
    As a local resident, taxpayer and active environmentalist (prairie/wetlands/savanna preservation; wildlife habitat restoration; water quality protection; open space protection), I support CN’s acquisition and proposed utilization of the EJ&E because it’s a cost-effective and environmentally benign (partial) solution to a major environmental problem in the Chicago metropolitan area, namely freight train congestion and the fuel-wasting and air-polluting idling of diesel locomotives. I’ve been a member for 18 years of the board of directors of Citizens For Conservation, Inc., a well-known, respected, locally based (Barrington, Ill.) non-profit organization engaged in the preservation of open space and restoration and management of native wildlife habitat. Significantly, Citizens For Conservation has not taken a position on the CN/EJ&E petition even though the EJ&E passes through or abuts ecologically sensitive portions of at least three major county wildlife preserves in the Barrington area (Cuba Marsh, Spring Creek and Poplar Creek). Undoubtedly, serious environmental damage probably was committed by the EJ&E during its construction 120 years ago and during subsequent decades of unrestricted herbiciding and other deplorable practices that are now banned or moderated. However, I doubt the passage of another 15 to 20 freight trains a day at 30-40 mph (in addition to the existing four or five movements a day) will have much destructive impact on native vegetation or wildlife (even bugs, birds, snakes, etc.) -- certainly nothing like the thousands of cars and trucks moving considerably faster on local roads or the 75-80 daily trains through Barrington on the Union Pacific (which intersects the EJ&E in Barrington), including 62 daily Metra commuter trains moving at 50-70 mph. As I see it, this increase in rail traffic presents not much more than an inconvenience for wildlife and for people, which is the real reason for the opposition.
    Barrington, IL
  12199. (printed as 1/7/2008)
    Statement
    221228Support Statement
    Honorable John Shimkus
  12200. (printed as 1/7/2008)
    Letter
    221227Letter/Telegram
    Becky Barnhart
  12201. (printed as 1/7/2008)
    Motion
    221212Motion To Withdraw
    United Transportation Union
  12202. (printed as 1/7/2008)
    Statement
    221205Support Statement
    Gary/Chicago International Airport Authority
  12203. (printed as 1/7/2008)
    Motion
    221198Motion To Withdraw
    Indiana Harbor Belt Railroad Company
  12204. (printed as 1/7/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5789State Senate - Illinois
    MARTINEZ
  12205. (printed as 1/7/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5040Baker & Miller PLLC
    SERPE
  12206. (printed as 1/7/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4742Rita
  12207. (printed as 1/7/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4741Elliott
  12208. (printed as 1/7/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4740Harnish
  12209. (printed as 1/7/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4287Carter
  12210. (printed as 1/7/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4256Paolella
  12211. (printed as 1/7/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4147Velleuer
  12212. (printed as 1/7/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4135City of Park Forest
    Mick
  12213. (printed as 1/7/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3454Eagle Pointe Residents
    This is in regards to the Canadian National-Elgin, Joliet & Eastern Railway” proceeding. To increase the amount of traffic on the tracks that run directly behind our homes along Normantown Road in Aurora is frightening. We already deal with loud train whistles all night long that repeatedly disrupt our sleep and traffic delays at the crossings. We do not have any sound barriers. You cannot have a conversation in your home without having to wait for the train to pass. We have three crossings along the length of our neighborhood and are unable to tolerate the amount of current noise. We've asked the local alderman to address the issue of the noise and cars cutting through our neighborhood because of the train traffic but have not had any releif. Please do not allow any more traffic along those tracks.
    Peggy Saylor · Naperville, IL
  12214. (printed as 1/6/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4216Cobb
  12215. (printed as 1/6/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4215Perez
  12216. (printed as 1/6/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4214Drenth
  12217. (printed as 1/6/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4213Stanley
  12218. (printed as 1/6/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4212Svetanoff
  12219. (printed as 1/6/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4211Boler
  12220. (printed as 1/6/2008)
    Comment
    EI-4154Golab
  12221. (printed as 1/3/2008)
    Correction
    221186Correction
    Canadian National Railway Company And Grand Trunk Corporation
  12222. (printed as 1/3/2008)
    Reply
    221185Reply
    Canadian National Railway Company
  12223. (printed as 1/3/2008)
    Notice
    221180Notice Of Intent To Participate (Without Comment)
    Steve Greenberg
  12224. (printed as 1/3/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5788RUSSELL
  12225. (printed as 1/2/2008)
    Reply
    221167Reply
    Gary/Chicago International Airport Authority
  12226. (printed as 1/2/2008)
    Comments
    221165Comment
    Village Of Vernon Hills
  12227. (printed as 1/2/2008)
    Comments
    221163Comment
    Village Of Buffalo Grove
  12228. (printed as 1/2/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3449Bedoe
  12229. (printed as 1/2/2008)
    Comment
    EI-3447Mark Essenfeld
    I am very upset over the future plans following the take over of the EJ&J railway, as part of the route runs right behind our subdivision. I believe that the follwing will occur if current plans are followed through: - Hazardous materials will be transported through our neighborhood and very close to our elementary school. - Traffic will become very congested where the tracks cross 111th. Many large trucks use this route. - Noise will increase. - Pollution will increase. - Emergency Services Response Time will be delayed. Please reconsider your plans so that these detriments to our neighborhood can be avoided.
    Naperville, IL
  12230. (printed as 1/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-6557Thrun, Caren
  12231. (printed as 1/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5970Graft
  12232. (printed as 1/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5950Casey
  12233. (printed as 1/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5949Casey
  12234. (printed as 1/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5948Casey
  12235. (printed as 1/1/2008)
    Comment
    EI-5634DONLEY
  12236. (printed as 12/31/2007)
    Notice
    221160Notice Of Intent To Participate (Without Comment)
    L E Peabody Associates Inc
  12237. (printed as 12/28/2007)
    Comments
    221184Comment
    Honorable Candice S. Miller
  12238. (printed as 12/28/2007)
    Notice
    221174Notice Of Intent To Participate (Without Comment)
    Larry W. Henry
  12239. (printed as 12/28/2007)
    Comments
    221173Comment
    Honorable Mark Beaubien
  12240. (printed as 12/28/2007)
    Statement
    221172Support Statement
    Indiana Chamber Of Commerce
  12241. (printed as 12/28/2007)
    Motion
    221136Petition For Reconsideration
    United Transportation Union
  12242. (printed as 12/28/2007)
    Comment
    EI-4035CN Railroad
    Cunningham
  12243. (printed as 12/28/2007)
    Comment
    EI-3446Dan Brockman
    With reference to the Surface Transportation Board's NOI to prepare an EIS for the proposed CN acquisition of EJ and E Railway I make the following comment. Although the proposed EIA Scope suggests an assessment of airborne pollutants, no mention is made of the pollutants which are proven to carry the most risk nor how they will be measured. I live 14,000 feet from the nearest EJ E line. I am concerned with the impact on my clean air at my home. I am concerned with airborne small particulates found in the typical Diesel exhaust stream. I live in a 2500 person community with an aging population where the average age is approx 58 years. Many of my concerns are also especially important to these older people with prior lung damage. Please take into account the nature and level of small particles in your scope of the EIS. Thank you.
    Lake Barrington, Illinois
  12244. (printed as 12/27/2007)
    Statement
    221210Support Statement
    Rodney W. Kreunen
  12245. (printed as 12/27/2007)
    Comments
    221176Comment
    Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce
  12246. (printed as 12/27/2007)
    Comments
    221175Comment
    Gerald Haan
  12247. (printed as 12/27/2007)
    Comments
    221171Comment
    Honorable Tim Walberg
  12248. (printed as 12/27/2007)
    Comments
    221169Comment
    Honorable Pamela J. Althoff
  12249. (printed as 12/26/2007)
    Statement
    221131Support Statement
    Honorable Carl Levin, Honorable Debbie Stabenow
  12250. (printed as 12/26/2007)
    Statement
    221130Support Statement
    Honorable Thaddeus Mccotter, Honorable Joe Knollenber
  12251. (printed as 12/26/2007)
    Comments
    221129Comment
    Honorable William E. Peterson
  12252. (printed as 12/26/2007)
    Comments
    221128Comment
    Honorable Evan Bayh
  12253. (printed as 12/26/2007)
    Notice
    221125Notice Of Intent To Participate (Without Comment)
    Will County Board, District #5
  12254. (printed as 12/26/2007)
    Reply
    221113Reply
    Will County, Illinois
  12255. (printed as 12/26/2007)
    Reply
    221112Reply
    Midwest High Speed Rail Association
  12256. (printed as 12/26/2007)
    Comment
    EI-5781Village of Mundelein
    LABEDA
  12257. served (printed as 12/21/2007)
    Decision
    38646Chief Of Section Of Environmental Analysis
    PROVIDED NOTICE OF INTENT TO PREPARE AN ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT, NOTICE OF INITIATION OF THE SCOPING PROCESS, NOTICE OF OPEN HOUSE MEETINGS, AND REQUEST FOR COMMENTS.
  12258. (printed as 12/21/2007)
    Comments
    221166Comment
    Environmental Law & Policy Center
  12259. (printed as 12/21/2007)
    Notice
    221106Notice Of Intent To Participate (Without Comment)
    County Government Of Dupage
  12260. (printed as 12/21/2007)
    Misc.
    221104Miscellaneous
    United Transportation Union
  12261. (printed as 12/21/2007)
    Reply
    221102Reply
    Arcelormillat Usa
  12262. (printed as 12/21/2007)
    Comment
    EI-3406Thieman
    letter 00082
  12263. (printed as 12/20/2007)
    Misc.
    221089Miscellaneous
    Brotherhood Of Locomotive Engineers And Trainmen
  12264. (printed as 12/20/2007)
    Reply
    221087Reply
    Reichhold, Inc.
  12265. (printed as 12/20/2007)
    Letter
    221081Letter
    Coilplus Illinois, Inc.
  12266. (printed as 12/20/2007)
    Comment
    EI-5041U.S. Congress
    MILLER
  12267. (printed as 12/20/2007)
    Comment
    EI-3459Congress
    Miller
  12268. (printed as 12/20/2007)
    Comment
    EI-3344Manfred Haiderer
    The proposed sale of the railroad is concerning for the environment. the present traffic is of such volume that train noise is impacting thre quality of life. Please do not grant an increase in traffic especially if this stretch is a buffer as it is today
    Naperville, Illinois
  12269. (printed as 12/20/2007)
    Comment
    EI-3343Charles and Karen Trascritti
    I would like to comment on the negative impact of the CN Railway and how it will effect our community. 1. Hazadous materials will be transported throughout our neighborhood and extremely close to our elementary school. 2. Traffice will become very congested, as the tracks cross 111th Street. Large trucks use this route routinely. 3. Noise will increase. 4. Polution 5. Emergency Services Response time will be delayed. These points are very distrubing. Please help us keep our community safe and healthy. Thank you.
    Naperville, IL
  12270. (printed as 12/19/2007)
    Statement
    221080Support Statement
    American Chemical Service
  12271. (printed as 12/19/2007)
    Statement
    221075Support Statement
    Aux Sable Liquid Products, Inc.
  12272. (printed as 12/19/2007)
    Statement
    221074Verified Statement/Support Statement
    Duluth Area Cham Of Comm
  12273. (printed as 12/19/2007)
    Statement
    221073Verified Statement/Support Statement
    Peter Boonstra
  12274. (printed as 12/19/2007)
    Statement
    221072Support Statement
    Mayor Anthony W. Arredia
  12275. (printed as 12/19/2007)
    Comments
    221071Comment
    Honorable Angelo Saviano
  12276. (printed as 12/19/2007)
    Notice
    221069Notice Of Intent To Participate (Without Comment)
    Honorable Mike Fortner
  12277. (printed as 12/19/2007)
    Statement
    221068Support Statement
    Technical Propellants, Inc.
  12278. (printed as 12/19/2007)
    Comment
    EI-3342Mark Thompson
    Please do not approve this sale due to many reaons that negatively effect the environment and our neighborhood. Pleaes find attached just a few of the programs this will creat: Hazardous materials will be transported through our neighborhood and very close to our elementary school Traffic will become very congested where the tracks cross 111th. Many large trucks use this route Noise will increase Pollution will increase Emergency Services Response Time will be delayed Thank you in advance for your time.
    Naperville, IL
  12279. (printed as 12/18/2007)
    Comments
    221070Comment
    Steve Greenberg
  12280. (printed as 12/18/2007)
    Notice
    221064Notice Of Intent To Participate (Without Comment)
    Township Of Naperville
  12281. (printed as 12/18/2007)
    Notice
    221062Notice Of Intent To Participate (Without Comment)
    Village Of Schiller Park
  12282. (printed as 12/18/2007)
    Notice
    221056Notice Of Intent To Participate (Without Comment)
    Chicago Metropolitan Agency For Planning
  12283. (printed as 12/18/2007)
    Comment
    EI-5039U.S. Congress
    WALBERG
  12284. (printed as 12/18/2007)
    Comment
    EI-3460Congress
    Walberg
  12285. (printed as 12/18/2007)
    Comment
    EI-3341Marciniak
    Concerned about hazardous material transport right next to schools and through our neighborhood. It is noisey now if trains increase it will be unbearable! Congestion congestion congestion
    Naperville, IL
  12286. (printed as 12/18/2007)
    Comment
    EI-3340Becky Barnhart
    I am deeply concerned about the increased train traffic that will be in our community if CN takesover the EJ&E railroad. This takeover will negatively impact our community by delaying emergency response time, creating major congestion, increasing noise, pollution, and the transportation of hazardous materials through our neighborhood. Please consider the safety and the well being of the many families that live near the EJ&E tracks before you allow the train traffic to triple near our homes. Respectfully, Becky Barnhart
    Naperville, IL
  12287. (printed as 12/17/2007)
    Comments
    221076Comment
    Honorable Elaine Neikritz
  12288. (printed as 12/17/2007)
    Notice
    221059Notice Of Intent To Participate (Without Comment)
    City Of Aurora
  12289. (printed as 12/17/2007)
    Statement
    221047Verified Statement/Support Statement
    Canadian National Railway Company And Grand Trunk Corporation
  12290. (printed as 12/17/2007)
    Motion
    221045Petition To Reopen
    Indiana Harbor Belt Railroad Company
  12291. (printed as 12/17/2007)
    Notice
    221040Notice Of Intent To Participate (Without Comment)
    Village Of Bartlett
  12292. (printed as 12/15/2007)
    Comment
    EI-4784The Development Association Inc.
    Lisak
  12293. (printed as 12/15/2007)
    Comment
    EI-4783Johnston
  12294. (printed as 12/15/2007)
    Comment
    EI-4782Gibrich
  12295. (printed as 12/15/2007)
    Comment
    EI-4781Wolly
  12296. (printed as 12/14/2007)
    Comments
    221030Comment
    Honorable Janice D. Schakowsky
  12297. (printed as 12/14/2007)
    Notice
    221027Notice Of Intent To Participate (Without Comment)
    Canadian Pacific Railway Company
  12298. (printed as 12/14/2007)
    Statement
    221026Verified Statement/Support Statement
    Transportation Development Association Of Wisconsin
  12299. (printed as 12/14/2007)
    Notice
    221025Notice Of Intent To Participate (Without Comment)
    City Of West Chicago Illinois
  12300. (printed as 12/14/2007)
    Notice
    221023Notice Of Intent To Participate (Without Comment)
    Karen A Yarbrough
  12301. (printed as 12/14/2007)
    Notice
    221022Notice Of Intent To Participate (Without Comment)
    Arcelormittal, Usa Inc., Arcelormittal Burns Harbor Llc, Arcelormittal Indiana Harbor Inc., Arcelormittal Kote Inc., Arcelormittal Tek Inc., Arcelormittal Hennepin Inc., And Arcelor Mittal Riverdale Inc.
  12302. (printed as 12/14/2007)
    Notice
    221021Notice Of Intent To Participate (Without Comment)
    Northwest Municipal Conference
  12303. (printed as 12/14/2007)
    Notice
    221020Notice Of Intent To Participate (Without Comment)
    Village Of Channahon
  12304. (printed as 12/14/2007)
    Notice
    221019Notice Of Intent To Participate (Without Comment)
    Honorable Richard G. Lugar
  12305. (printed as 12/14/2007)
    Notice
    221014Notice Of Intent To Participate (Without Comment)
    City Of Carbondale, Illinois
  12306. (printed as 12/14/2007)
    Comment
    EI-4793Bond
  12307. (printed as 12/14/2007)
    Comment
    EI-3424Neault
  12308. (printed as 12/13/2007)
    Notice
    221039Notice Of Intent To Participate (Without Comment) · in FD 35087 (Sub-No. 7)
    Village Of Barrington, Illinois
  12309. (printed as 12/13/2007)
    Notice
    221038Notice Of Intent To Participate (Without Comment) · in FD 35087 (Sub-No. 6)
    Village Of Barrington, Illinois
  12310. (printed as 12/13/2007)
    Notice
    221037Notice Of Intent To Participate (Without Comment) · in FD 35087 (Sub-No. 5)
    Village Of Barrington, Illinois
  12311. (printed as 12/13/2007)
    Notice
    221036Notice Of Intent To Participate (Without Comment) · in FD 35087 (Sub-No. 4)
    Village Of Barrington, Illinois
  12312. (printed as 12/13/2007)
    Notice
    221035Notice Of Intent To Participate (Without Comment) · in FD 35087 (Sub-No. 3)
    , Village Of Barrington, Illinois
  12313. (printed as 12/13/2007)
    Notice
    221034Notice Of Intent To Participate (Without Comment) · in FD 35087 (Sub-No. 2)
    Village Of Barrington, Illinois,
  12314. (printed as 12/13/2007)
    Notice
    221033Notice Of Intent To Participate (Without Comment) · in FD 35087 (Sub-No. 1)
    , Village Of Barrington, Illinois
  12315. (printed as 12/13/2007)
    Notice
    221017Notice Of Intent To Participate (Without Comment)
    Gary/Chicago International Airport Authority
  12316. (printed as 12/13/2007)
    Notice
    221013Notice Of Intent To Participate (Without Comment)
    , Town Of Schereville
  12317. (printed as 12/13/2007)
    Notice
    221011Notice Of Intent To Participate (Without Comment)
    Thomas And Patricia Wichlinski
  12318. (printed as 12/13/2007)
    Notice
    221010Notice Of Intent To Participate (Without Comment)
    National Industrial Transportation League
  12319. (printed as 12/13/2007)
    Notice
    221009Notice Of Intent To Participate (Without Comment)
    Champaign County Economic Development Corporation
  12320. (printed as 12/13/2007)
    Notice
    221008Notice Of Intent To Participate (Without Comment)
    Village Of Park Forest
  12321. (printed as 12/13/2007)
    Notice
    221007Notice Of Intent To Participate (Without Comment)
    Norfolk Southern Railway Company
  12322. (printed as 12/13/2007)
    Notice
    221004Notice Of Intent To Participate (Without Comment)
    Champaign County Chamber Of Commerce Board Of Directors
  12323. (printed as 12/13/2007)
    Notice
    221003Notice Of Intent To Participate (Without Comment)
    Environmental Law & Policy Center
  12324. (printed as 12/13/2007)
    Notice
    220996Notice Of Intent To Participate (Without Comment)
    University Of Illinois
  12325. (printed as 12/13/2007)
    Notice
    220991Notice Of Intent To Participate (Without Comment)
    Department Of Agriculture, Trade And Consumer Protection
  12326. (printed as 12/13/2007)
    Comment
    EI-4780Volkmann
  12327. (printed as 12/12/2007)
    Notice
    220997Notice Of Intent To Participate (Without Comment)
    City Of Chicago
  12328. (printed as 12/12/2007)
    Notice
    220994Notice Of Intent To Participate (Without Comment)
    Village Of Trout Valley
  12329. (printed as 12/12/2007)
    Notice
    220993Notice Of Intent To Participate (Without Comment)
    City Of Naperville,
  12330. (printed as 12/12/2007)
    Notice
    220992Notice Of Intent To Participate (Without Comment)
    Illinois Department Of Transportation
  12331. (printed as 12/12/2007)
    Notice
    220990Notice Of Intent To Participate (Without Comment)
    Village Of Oswego
  12332. (printed as 12/12/2007)
    Notice
    220989Notice Of Intent To Participate (Without Comment)
    Plainfield Fire Protection District
  12333. (printed as 12/12/2007)
    Notice
    220988Notice Of Intent To Participate (Without Comment)
    City Of Mattoon, Illinois
  12334. (printed as 12/12/2007)
    Notice
    220987Notice Of Intent To Participate (Without Comment)
    Champaign County Regional Planning Commission
  12335. (printed as 12/12/2007)
    Notice
    220986Notice Of Intent To Participate (Without Comment)
    City Of Joliet
  12336. (printed as 12/12/2007)
    Notice
    220985Notice Of Intent To Participate (Without Comment)
    City Of Champaign
  12337. (printed as 12/12/2007)
    Notice
    220984Notice Of Intent To Participate (Without Comment)
    Naperville Area Chamber Of Commerce
  12338. (printed as 12/12/2007)
    Statement
    220983Protest/Opposition Statement
    Mchenry County
  12339. (printed as 12/12/2007)
    Notice
    220982Notice Of Intent To Participate (Without Comment)
    City Of Hammond Indiana
  12340. (printed as 12/12/2007)
    Notice
    220981Notice Of Intent To Participate (Without Comment)
    , Village Of Mokena
  12341. (printed as 12/12/2007)
    Notice
    220979Notice Of Intent To Participate (Without Comment)
    Macom Corporation
  12342. (printed as 12/12/2007)
    Notice
    220978Notice Of Intent To Participate (Without Comment)
    Wisconsin Public Service Corporation
  12343. (printed as 12/12/2007)
    Notice
    220977Notice Of Intent To Participate (Without Comment)
    Village Of Mundelein
  12344. (printed as 12/12/2007)
    Notice
    220976Notice Of Intent To Participate (Without Comment)
    Midwest High Speed Rail Association
  12345. (printed as 12/12/2007)
    Notice
    220975Notice Of Intent To Participate (Without Comment)
    City Of Crest Hill
  12346. (printed as 12/12/2007)
    Notice
    220974Notice Of Intent To Participate (Without Comment)
    Gary/Chicago International Airport Authority
  12347. (printed as 12/12/2007)
    Notice
    220973Notice Of Intent To Participate (Without Comment)
    Wisconsin Department Of Transportation
  12348. (printed as 12/12/2007)
    Notice
    220972Notice Of Intent To Participate (Without Comment)
    Illinois Department Of Transportation
  12349. (printed as 12/12/2007)
    Comment
    EI-4779The Macom Corporation
    Van Poucke
  12350. (printed as 12/12/2007)
    Comment
    EI-4778Hamilton
  12351. (printed as 12/12/2007)
    Comment
    EI-4777Nilsesteun
  12352. (printed as 12/12/2007)
    Comment
    EI-4776Althoff
  12353. (printed as 12/12/2007)
    Comment
    EI-4775Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce
    Greene
  12354. (printed as 12/12/2007)
    Comment
    EI-4774Cline
  12355. (printed as 12/12/2007)
    Comment
    EI-4773Curry
  12356. (printed as 12/12/2007)
    Comment
    EI-3442Walker
  12357. (printed as 12/11/2007)
    Notice
    220980Notice Of Intent To Participate (Without Comment)
    Village Of Wayne
  12358. (printed as 12/11/2007)
    Notice
    220969Notice Of Intent To Participate (Without Comment)
    Technical Propellants, Inc.
  12359. (printed as 12/11/2007)
    Notice
    220968Notice Of Intent To Participate (Without Comment)
    Reichhold, Inc.
  12360. (printed as 12/11/2007)
    Supplement
    220967Modify/Supplement Prior Filing Or The Record
    International Brotherhood Of Electrical Workers, National Conference Of Fireman & Oilers, International Association Of Machinists And Aerospace Workers, American Train Dispatchers Association
  12361. (printed as 12/11/2007)
    Notice
    220963Notice Of Intent To Participate (Without Comment)
    Will County, Illinois
  12362. (printed as 12/11/2007)
    Comment
    EI-4772Tomasosk
  12363. (printed as 12/11/2007)
    Comment
    EI-4771Moore
  12364. (printed as 12/11/2007)
    Comment
    EI-4770Sobotik
  12365. (printed as 12/10/2007)
    Notice
    220962Notice Of Intent To Participate (Without Comment) · in FD 35087 (Sub-No. 7)
    United Transportation Union General Committee Of Adjustment (Go-386)
  12366. (printed as 12/10/2007)
    Notice
    220961Notice Of Intent To Participate (Without Comment) · in FD 35087 (Sub-No. 6)
    United Transportation Union General Committee Of Adjustment (Go-386)
  12367. (printed as 12/10/2007)
    Notice
    220960Notice Of Intent To Participate (Without Comment) · in FD 35087 (Sub-No. 5)
    United Transportation Union General Committee Of Adjustment (Go-386)
  12368. (printed as 12/10/2007)
    Notice
    220959Notice Of Intent To Participate (Without Comment) · in FD 35087 (Sub-No. 4)
    United Transportation Union General Committee Of Adjustment (Go-386)
  12369. (printed as 12/10/2007)
    Notice
    220958Notice Of Intent To Participate (Without Comment) · in FD 35087 (Sub-No. 3)
    United Transportation Union General Committee Of Adjustment (Go-386)
  12370. (printed as 12/10/2007)
    Notice
    220957Notice Of Intent To Participate (Without Comment) · in FD 35087 (Sub-No. 2)
    United Transportation Union General Committee Of Adjustment (Go-386)
  12371. (printed as 12/10/2007)
    Notice
    220956Notice Of Intent To Participate (Without Comment) · in FD 35087 (Sub-No. 1)
    United Transportation Union General Committee Of Adjustment (Go-386)
  12372. (printed as 12/10/2007)
    Notice
    220955Notice Of Intent To Participate (Without Comment)
    United Transportation Union General Committee Of Adjustment (Go-386)
  12373. (printed as 12/10/2007)
    Statement
    220954Support Statement
    Southern Wayne County Regional Chamber
  12374. (printed as 12/10/2007)
    Notice
    220953Notice Of Intent To Participate (Without Comment)
    Village Of Lenox, Illinois
  12375. (printed as 12/10/2007)
    Statement
    220951Support Statement
    Honorable Jesse L. Jackson, Jr.
  12376. (printed as 12/10/2007)
    Statement
    220949Support Statement
    Honorable Terry Link
  12377. (printed as 12/10/2007)
    Statement
    220948Support Statement
    Honorable Carolyn H Krause
  12378. (printed as 12/10/2007)
    Notice
    220945Notice Of Intent To Participate (Without Comment)
    Village Of Frankfort, Il
  12379. (printed as 12/10/2007)
    Certificate
    220944Certificate Of Service
    Northern Indiana Commuter Transportatoin District
  12380. (printed as 12/10/2007)
    Notice
    220939Notice Of Intent To Participate (Without Comment)
    Village Of Plainfield
  12381. (printed as 12/10/2007)
    Comment
    EI-5031Algoma
    BUMBACCO
  12382. (printed as 12/10/2007)
    Comment
    EI-4769Propane Gas Associate of Canada
    Gratton
  12383. (printed as 12/10/2007)
    Comment
    EI-4768MacDougal
  12384. (printed as 12/10/2007)
    Comment
    EI-4767Jessen
  12385. (printed as 12/7/2007)
    Notice
    220921Notice Of Intent To Participate (Without Comment)
    Chicago Southshore And South Bend Railroad
  12386. (printed as 12/7/2007)
    Notice
    220920Notice Of Intent To Participate (Without Comment)
    Village Of Lake Zurich Illinois
  12387. (printed as 12/7/2007)
    Notice
    220919Notice Of Intent To Participate (Without Comment)
    Coilplus Illinois, Inc.
  12388. (printed as 12/7/2007)
    Comment
    EI-5033CMAP
    BLANKENHORN
  12389. (printed as 12/7/2007)
    Comment
    EI-4766Illinois Department of Transportation
    Clary
  12390. (printed as 12/7/2007)
    Comment
    EI-4765Schakowsky
  12391. (printed as 12/7/2007)
    Comment
    EI-4764Tolomei
  12392. (printed as 12/7/2007)
    Comment
    EI-4763Fowler
  12393. (printed as 12/6/2007)
    Supplement
    220914Modify/Supplement Prior Filing Or The Record
    Canadian National Railway Company And Grand Trunk Corporation
  12394. (printed as 12/6/2007)
    Notice
    220913Notice Of Intent To Participate (Without Comment)
    Richard G. Lugar
  12395. (printed as 12/6/2007)
    Notice
    220911Notice Of Intent To Participate (Without Comment)
    Wisconsin & Southern Railroad Co
  12396. (printed as 12/6/2007)
    Notice
    220910Notice Of Intent To Participate (Without Comment)
    Csx Transportation Inc
  12397. (printed as 12/6/2007)
    Comment
    EI-4762Transportation Development Associate of America
    Thomposon
  12398. (printed as 12/6/2007)
    Comment
    EI-4761Bowden
  12399. (printed as 12/6/2007)
    Comment
    EI-4760Heffner
  12400. (printed as 12/6/2007)
    Comment
    EI-4759Mahoney
  12401. (printed as 12/6/2007)
    Comment
    EI-4758Lugar
  12402. (printed as 12/5/2007)
    Notice
    220901Notice Of Intent To Participate (Without Comment)
    Indiana Department Of Transportation
  12403. (printed as 12/5/2007)
    Notice
    220900Notice Of Intent To Participate (Without Comment)
    Will County Governmental League
  12404. (printed as 12/5/2007)
    Notice
    220899Notice Of Intent To Participate (Without Comment)
    U S Department Of Transportation
  12405. (printed as 12/5/2007)
    Notice
    220898Notice Of Intent To Participate (Without Comment)
    Illinois Commerce Commission
  12406. (printed as 12/5/2007)
    Comment
    EI-5034Illinois Senate
    GARRETT
  12407. (printed as 12/5/2007)
    Comment
    EI-4757Yarbrough
  12408. (printed as 12/5/2007)
    Comment
    EI-4756Phipps
  12409. (printed as 12/5/2007)
    Comment
    EI-3450Vaughn
  12410. (printed as 12/5/2007)
    Comment
    EI-3407Melnyk
  12411. (printed as 12/5/2007)
    Comment
    EI-3405Yarbrough
  12412. (printed as 12/5/2007)
    Comment
    EI-3333Vaughan
  12413. (printed as 12/5/2007)
    Comment
    EI-3332Angelina
  12414. (printed as 12/4/2007)
    Statement
    220896Support Statement
    Minnesota Chamber Of Commerce
  12415. (printed as 12/4/2007)
    Notice
    220894Notice Of Intent To Participate (Without Comment)
    American Chemical Service
  12416. (printed as 12/4/2007)
    Notice
    220890Notice Of Intent To Participate (Without Comment)
    Canadian Pacific Railway Company
  12417. (printed as 12/4/2007)
    Comment
    EI-4755Jackson
  12418. (printed as 12/4/2007)
    Comment
    EI-3404Nekritz
  12419. (printed as 12/4/2007)
    Comment
    EO-757SEA
    Victoria Rutson
  12420. (printed as 12/3/2007)
    Notice
    220875Notice Of Intent To Participate (Without Comment)
    Town Of Dyer
  12421. (printed as 12/3/2007)
    Statement
    220874Support Statement
    Chicagoland Chamber Of Commerce
  12422. (printed as 12/3/2007)
    Notice
    220870Notice Of Intent To Participate (With Comment)
    South Suburban Mayors & Managers Association
  12423. (printed as 12/3/2007)
    Notice
    220868Notice Of Intent To Participate (Without Comment)
    National Railroad Passenger Corporation
  12424. (printed as 12/3/2007)
    Comment
    EI-4754Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District
    Lukman
  12425. (printed as 12/2/2007)
    Comment
    EI-3330Urban
  12426. (printed as 12/2/2007)
    Comment
    EI-3329Quigg
  12427. (printed as 12/2/2007)
    Comment
    EI-332800128
    Pearson
  12428. (printed as 12/2/2007)
    Comment
    EI-332500125
    Michuda
  12429. (printed as 12/1/2007)
    Comment
    EI-3331Bremneour
  12430. (printed as 12/1/2007)
    Comment
    EI-332701127
    Dortenzio
  12431. (printed as 11/30/2007)
    Statement
    220850Support Statement
    Oshkosh Chamber Of Commerce
  12432. (printed as 11/30/2007)
    Notice
    220849Notice Of Intent To Participate (Without Comment)
    Iowa Department Of Transportation
  12433. (printed as 11/30/2007)
    Comment
    EI-5032Harkins Cunningham LLP
    NADEAU
  12434. (printed as 11/30/2007)
    Comment
    EI-4792Baldermann
  12435. (printed as 11/30/2007)
    Comment
    EI-4791Link
  12436. (printed as 11/30/2007)
    Comment
    EI-4790Krause
  12437. (printed as 11/29/2007)
    Comment
    EI-4789Minnesota Chamber of Commerce
    Olsen
  12438. (printed as 11/29/2007)
    Comment
    EI-3395Sieger
  12439. (printed as 11/28/2007)
    Notice
    220834Notice Of Intent To Participate (With Comment)
    Indiana Department Of Transportation
  12440. (printed as 11/28/2007)
    Statement
    220827Support Statement
    Town Of Munster
  12441. (printed as 11/28/2007)
    Notice
    220826Notice Of Intent To Participate (With Comment)
    Northwest Indiana Rgional Development Authority
  12442. (printed as 11/28/2007)
    Comment
    EI-4788Browning
  12443. (printed as 11/28/2007)
    Comment
    EI-3437Indiana Department of Transportation
    Browning
  12444. (printed as 11/28/2007)
    Comment
    EI-3408Hehn
  12445. (printed as 11/28/2007)
    Comment
    EI-3397Hoffman
  12446. (printed as 11/28/2007)
    Comment
    EI-3396Stathakis
  12447. (printed as 11/28/2007)
    Comment
    EI-3393Ordway
  12448. (printed as 11/28/2007)
    Comment
    EI-3388Lytle
  12449. (printed as 11/28/2007)
    Comment
    EI-3386Rowe
  12450. (printed as 11/28/2007)
    Comment
    EI-3301Cook
  12451. (printed as 11/27/2007)
    Statement
    220805Support Statement
    Development Association
  12452. (printed as 11/27/2007)
    Notice
    220804Notice Of Intent To Participate (Without Comment)
    Northern Indiana Commuter Transportatoin District
  12453. (printed as 11/27/2007)
    Notice
    220794Notice Of Intent To Participate (Without Comment)
    International Brotherhood Of Electrical Workers, American Train Dispatchers Association, International Association Of Machinists And Aerospace Workers, National Conference Of Fireman & Oilers
  12454. (printed as 11/27/2007)
    Comment
    EI-3422Palumbo
  12455. (printed as 11/27/2007)
    Comment
    EI-3403Guntin
  12456. (printed as 11/27/2007)
    Comment
    EI-3401Hills
  12457. (printed as 11/27/2007)
    Comment
    EI-3398Van Fossan
  12458. (printed as 11/27/2007)
    Comment
    EI-3392Hills
  12459. (printed as 11/27/2007)
    Comment
    EI-3391Keller
  12460. (printed as 11/27/2007)
    Comment
    EI-3257Jim Palumbo
    Attached is a self explanatory letter to CNR outlining the serious and damaging issues facing my home, property, privacy and safety as they increase their freight train traffic 5x , 140'from the rear of my new home.
    Wyckoff, NJ
  12461. served (printed as 11/26/2007)
    Decision
    38540Entire Board
    DECISION ACCEPTED FOR CONSIDERATION THE APPLICATION FILED BY CANADIAN NATIONAL RAILWAY CORPORATION AND GRAND TRUNK CORPORATION FOR ACQUISITION OF CONTROL OF EJ&E WEST COMPANY. ALSO, THIS DECISION ACCEPTED FOR CONSIDERATION SEVEN RELATED FILINGS, FOUND THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION TO BE A 'MINOR TRANSACTION,' AND SET A PROCEDURAL SCHEDULE.
  12462. (printed as 11/26/2007)
    Notice
    220790Notice Of Intent To Participate (Without Comment)
    Brotherhood Of Locomotive Engineers And Trainmen
  12463. (printed as 11/26/2007)
    Notice
    220786Notice Of Intent To Participate (Without Comment)
    Indiana Harbor Belt Railroad Company
  12464. (printed as 11/26/2007)
    Comment
    EI-3485NICD
    Lukman
  12465. (printed as 11/26/2007)
    Comment
    EI-3420Shea
  12466. (printed as 11/26/2007)
    Comment
    EI-3402Kamm
  12467. (printed as 11/26/2007)
    Comment
    EI-332200122
    Chapman
  12468. (printed as 11/25/2007)
    Comment
    EI-3421Holzknecht
  12469. (printed as 11/25/2007)
    Comment
    EI-3321Filley
  12470. (printed as 11/25/2007)
    Comment
    EI-332000120
    Obrien
  12471. (printed as 11/25/2007)
    Comment
    EI-330800108
    Chapdelaine
  12472. (printed as 11/25/2007)
    Comment
    EI-330700107
    Haufschild
  12473. (printed as 11/25/2007)
    Comment
    EI-330600106
    Ittner
  12474. (printed as 11/25/2007)
    Comment
    EI-330400104
    Crouch
  12475. (printed as 11/24/2007)
    Comment
    EI-332300123
    Mclaughlin
  12476. (printed as 11/23/2007)
    Reply
    220776Reply
    International Port Of Memphis
  12477. (printed as 11/23/2007)
    Comment
    EI-3378Stephens
  12478. (printed as 11/23/2007)
    Comment
    EI-331700117
    Deja
  12479. (printed as 11/23/2007)
    Comment
    EI-331300113
    Moehlmann
  12480. (printed as 11/22/2007)
    Comment
    EI-3423McConnell
  12481. (printed as 11/22/2007)
    Comment
    EI-3419Flolid
  12482. (printed as 11/22/2007)
    Comment
    EI-3377Benjamin
  12483. (printed as 11/22/2007)
    Comment
    EI-331100111
    Hagenberg
  12484. (printed as 11/22/2007)
    Comment
    EI-331000110
    Raedel
  12485. (printed as 11/21/2007)
    Statement
    220772Support Statement
    Honorable Jennifer M. Granholm
  12486. (printed as 11/21/2007)
    Statement
    220764Support Statement
    Fond Du Lac Area Association Of Commerce
  12487. (printed as 11/21/2007)
    Notice
    220763Notice Of Intent To Participate (With Comment)
    Honorable Melissa L. Bean
  12488. (printed as 11/21/2007)
    Statement
    220762Support Statement
    Chicagoland Cham. Of Comm.
  12489. (printed as 11/21/2007)
    Reply
    220761Reply
    Canadian National Railway Company And Grand Trunk Corporation
  12490. (printed as 11/21/2007)
    Reply
    220760Reply
    Canadian National Railway Company And Grand Trunk Corporation
  12491. (printed as 11/21/2007)
    Comment
    EI-4787Granholm
  12492. (printed as 11/21/2007)
    Comment
    EI-3486House of Rep
    Bean
  12493. (printed as 11/21/2007)
    Comment
    EI-3484Intl Port Memphis
    McCrory
  12494. (printed as 11/21/2007)
    Comment
    EI-331900119
    Mooney
  12495. (printed as 11/21/2007)
    Comment
    EI-331800118
    Emrath
  12496. (printed as 11/21/2007)
    Comment
    EI-331500115
    BACH
  12497. (printed as 11/21/2007)
    Comment
    EI-331400114
    Bach
  12498. (printed as 11/21/2007)
    Comment
    EI-331200112
    Berquist
  12499. (printed as 11/21/2007)
    Comment
    EI-330900109
    Kilayko
  12500. (printed as 11/21/2007)
    Comment
    EI-330200102
    Serbe
  12501. (printed as 11/21/2007)
    Comment
    EI-3295Joseph Reitemeir
  12502. (printed as 11/20/2007)
    Statement
    220758Support Statement
    Atc Pembroke
  12503. (printed as 11/20/2007)
    Comments
    220749Comment
    Bnsf Railway Company
  12504. (printed as 11/20/2007)
    Notice
    220748Notice Of Intent To Participate (Without Comment)
    Bnsf Railway Company
  12505. (printed as 11/20/2007)
    Notice
    220738Notice Of Intent To Participate (Without Comment)
    Town Of Merrillville
  12506. (printed as 11/20/2007)
    Comment
    EI-6807Bremneour, Michael
  12507. (printed as 11/20/2007)
    Comment
    EI-4786Southern Wayne County Regional Chamber
    Anderson
  12508. (printed as 11/20/2007)
    Comment
    EI-4785Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce
    Roper
  12509. (printed as 11/20/2007)
    Comment
    EI-3490ATC Pembroke
    Spoerer
  12510. (printed as 11/20/2007)
    Comment
    EI-3382Myren
  12511. (printed as 11/20/2007)
    Comment
    EI-330500105
    Maher
  12512. (printed as 11/19/2007)
    Statement
    220728Support Statement
    Verso Paper, Behr Iron And Steel Inc, Ozinga Bros., Inc., Major-Prime Plastics Inc, Consolidated Grain And Barge Company, Parkdale International Ltd., A&R Transport, Inc., Louisiana Pacific Corporation, Hapag-Lloyd Container Lines
  12513. (printed as 11/19/2007)
    Notice
    220726Notice Of Intent To Participate (Without Comment)
    Chicago Southshore And South Bend Railroad
  12514. (printed as 11/19/2007)
    Notice
    220723Notice Of Intent To Participate (Without Comment)
    Bulkmatic Transport Company, Chicago Port Railroad Company
  12515. (printed as 11/19/2007)
    Reply
    220722Reply
    Village Of Barrington, Illinois
  12516. (printed as 11/19/2007)
    Reply
    220721Reply
    Aux Sable Liquid Products, Inc.
  12517. (printed as 11/19/2007)
    Notice
    220720Notice Of Intent To Participate (Without Comment)
    , Aux Sable Liquid Products, Inc.
  12518. (printed as 11/19/2007)
    Notice
    220716Notice Of Intent To Participate (Without Comment)
    Save The Dunes Council Inc.
  12519. (printed as 11/19/2007)
    Statement
    220715Verified Statement/Support Statement
    Metropolitan Milwaukee Association Of Commerce
  12520. (printed as 11/19/2007)
    Notice
    220713Notice Of Intent To Participate (Without Comment)
    Town Of Griffith
  12521. (printed as 11/19/2007)
    Comment
    EI-3483A&R Transport
    Sweeden
  12522. (printed as 11/19/2007)
    Comment
    EI-3482Behr
    Little
  12523. (printed as 11/19/2007)
    Comment
    EI-3481CG&B
    Threlkeld
  12524. (printed as 11/19/2007)
    Comment
    EI-3480Hapag-Lloyd
    Nardi
  12525. (printed as 11/19/2007)
    Comment
    EI-3479LP
    Chavez
  12526. (printed as 11/19/2007)
    Comment
    EI-3478Major-Prime Plastics
    Miguel
  12527. (printed as 11/19/2007)
    Comment
    EI-3477Ozinga Trans
    Betts
  12528. (printed as 11/19/2007)
    Comment
    EI-3476Parkdale Int Ctr
    Askett
  12529. (printed as 11/19/2007)
    Comment
    EI-3475Verso
    Partridge
  12530. (printed as 11/19/2007)
    Comment
    EI-3440The Village of Barrington, Illinois
    Kirkpatrick & Lockhart
  12531. (printed as 11/19/2007)
    Comment
    EI-3439Aux Sable Liquids Products, Inc.
    McFarland
  12532. (printed as 11/19/2007)
    Comment
    EI-3389McFarland
  12533. (printed as 11/19/2007)
    Comment
    EI-3387Ruer
  12534. (printed as 11/19/2007)
    Comment
    EI-3375Olszewski
  12535. (printed as 11/19/2007)
    Comment
    EI-3228The Motivation Shop
    Steve Morrissey
  12536. (printed as 11/17/2007)
    Comment
    EI-4795Giass
  12537. (printed as 11/17/2007)
    Comment
    EI-3444Kolasinski
  12538. (printed as 11/17/2007)
    Comment
    EI-3443Oliva
  12539. (printed as 11/17/2007)
    Comment
    EI-3400di Moriondo
  12540. (printed as 11/17/2007)
    Comment
    EI-3399Kraus
  12541. (printed as 11/16/2007)
    Comment
    EI-3385Lagowski
  12542. (printed as 11/16/2007)
    Comment
    EI-3381BradfordWhite
  12543. (printed as 11/16/2007)
    Comment
    EI-3368Hovde
  12544. (printed as 11/16/2007)
    Comment
    EI-3347Shattuck
  12545. (printed as 11/16/2007)
    Comment
    EI-3346Essler
  12546. (printed as 11/15/2007)
    Notice
    220699Notice Of Intent To Participate (Without Comment)
    Iowa Interstate Railroad Ltd
  12547. (printed as 11/15/2007)
    Comment
    EI-3489Town of Merrillville
    Brown
  12548. (printed as 11/15/2007)
    Comment
    EI-3487Save the Dunes
    Anderson
  12549. (printed as 11/15/2007)
    Comment
    EI-3428Minner
  12550. (printed as 11/15/2007)
    Comment
    EI-3427Caba
  12551. (printed as 11/15/2007)
    Comment
    EI-3415Langdon's of Barrington, Barrington Area Chamber of Commerce
    Rush
  12552. (printed as 11/15/2007)
    Comment
    EI-3413Barrington Chamber of Commerce
    Cunningham
  12553. (printed as 11/15/2007)
    Comment
    EI-3412Barrington Hills Conservation Trust
    Schumm-Burgess
  12554. (printed as 11/15/2007)
    Comment
    EI-3380Meyer
  12555. (printed as 11/15/2007)
    Comment
    EI-3374Lamkey
  12556. (printed as 11/15/2007)
    Comment
    EI-3367Andrews
  12557. (printed as 11/15/2007)
    Comment
    EI-3359Auchter
  12558. (printed as 11/15/2007)
    Comment
    EI-3358Rode
  12559. (printed as 11/15/2007)
    Comment
    EI-3353Glorch
  12560. (printed as 11/15/2007)
    Comment
    EI-3352Battle
  12561. (printed as 11/15/2007)
    Comment
    EI-3348Nero
  12562. (printed as 11/14/2007)
    Comment
    EI-3432Lambert
  12563. (printed as 11/14/2007)
    Comment
    EI-3418Joseph M. Lucas & Associates, L.L.C.
    Lucas
  12564. (printed as 11/14/2007)
    Comment
    EI-3417National Realty Network, Barrington Area Chamber of Commerce
    Adams
  12565. (printed as 11/14/2007)
    Comment
    EI-3416McCauley Design. Village of Barrington Plan Commission. Village Traffic Advisory Committee
    McCauley
  12566. (printed as 11/14/2007)
    Comment
    EI-3414Bass, Solomon & Dowell, LLP
    Dowell
  12567. (printed as 11/14/2007)
    Comment
    EI-3410Korein Tillery
    George A. Zelcs
  12568. (printed as 11/14/2007)
    Comment
    EI-3390Dobosz
  12569. (printed as 11/14/2007)
    Comment
    EI-3383Smetana
  12570. (printed as 11/14/2007)
    Comment
    EI-3379Kholamian
  12571. (printed as 11/14/2007)
    Comment
    EI-3372Nykaza
  12572. (printed as 11/14/2007)
    Comment
    EI-3369Oliver
  12573. (printed as 11/14/2007)
    Comment
    EI-3366Palmquist
  12574. (printed as 11/14/2007)
    Comment
    EI-3362Barrington Township
    DAWSON, GENE · Barrington, IL
  12575. (printed as 11/14/2007)
    Comment
    EI-3357Riffner
  12576. (printed as 11/14/2007)
    Comment
    EI-3345Marquardt
  12577. (printed as 11/14/2007)
    Comment
    EI-332400124
    Bridge
  12578. (printed as 11/14/2007)
    Comment
    EI-3299Fond Du Lac Area Assoc. of Commerce
    Reitemeier
  12579. (printed as 11/13/2007)
    Notice
    220682Notice Of Intent To Participate (With Comment)
    Kansas City Southern Railway Company
  12580. (printed as 11/13/2007)
    Comment
    EI-3438Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Comerce
    Sheehy
  12581. (printed as 11/13/2007)
    Comment
    EI-3436Howard
  12582. (printed as 11/13/2007)
    Comment
    EI-3431The St. Anna Catholic Parish Community
    Dewes
  12583. (printed as 11/13/2007)
    Comment
    EI-3429Barrington Community Unit School District 220
    Villers
  12584. (printed as 11/13/2007)
    Comment
    EI-3411Schuetz
  12585. (printed as 11/13/2007)
    Comment
    EI-3394Winkelman
  12586. (printed as 11/13/2007)
    Comment
    EI-3355Harkins
  12587. (printed as 11/12/2007)
    Comment
    EI-3488BNSF
    Welcher
  12588. (printed as 11/12/2007)
    Comment
    EI-3433Barrington Area Council of Governments
    Agnoletti
  12589. (printed as 11/12/2007)
    Comment
    EI-3430Barrington Community Unit School District 220
    Leonard
  12590. (printed as 11/12/2007)
    Comment
    EI-3361Arie
  12591. (printed as 11/9/2007)
    Notice
    220670Notice Of Intent To Participate (Without Comment)
    Commuter Rail Division Of The Regional Transportation Authority (D.B.A. Metra), , Northeast Illinois Regional Commuter Railroad Corporation D/B/A Metra
  12592. (printed as 11/9/2007)
    Errata
    220668Errata Sheet
    Canadian National Railway Company And Grand Trunk Corporation
  12593. (printed as 11/9/2007)
    Notice
    220667Notice Of Intent To Participate (Without Comment)
    Union Pacific Railroad Company
  12594. (printed as 11/9/2007)
    Comment
    EI-3376Lawler
  12595. (printed as 11/8/2007)
    Notice
    220663Notice Of Intent To Participate (With Comment)
    Honorable Peter J Visclosky
  12596. (printed as 11/8/2007)
    Notice
    220662Notice Of Intent To Participate (Without Comment)
    Village Of Barrington
  12597. (printed as 11/8/2007)
    Comment
    EI-4794Visclosky
  12598. (printed as 11/7/2007)
    Comment
    EI-330300103
    Scott
  12599. (printed as 11/6/2007)
    Comment
    EI-3435Grelle
  12600. (printed as 11/6/2007)
    Comment
    EI-3434Barrington Bank & Trust Company
    Stetson
  12601. (printed as 11/6/2007)
    Comment
    EI-3384Greene
  12602. (printed as 11/6/2007)
    Comment
    EI-3373Lamkey
  12603. (printed as 11/6/2007)
    Comment
    EI-3370Rosene
  12604. (printed as 11/6/2007)
    Comment
    EI-3360Aspell
  12605. (printed as 11/6/2007)
    Comment
    EI-331600116
    Feeley
  12606. (printed as 11/5/2007)
    Notice
    220640Notice Of Intent To Participate (Without Comment)
    City Of Owatonna Minnesota
  12607. (printed as 11/1/2007)
    Notice
    220629Notice Of Intent To Participate (Without Comment)
    United Transportation Union, Sheet Metal Workers' International Association
  12608. (printed as 10/30/2007)
    Notice
    220607Notice Of Exemption · in FD 35087 (Sub-No. 7)
    Ej&E West Company
  12609. (printed as 10/30/2007)
    Notice
    220606Notice Of Exemption · in FD 35087 (Sub-No. 6)
    Ej&E West Company
  12610. (printed as 10/30/2007)
    Notice
    220605Notice Of Exemption · in FD 35087 (Sub-No. 5)
    Wisconsin Central Ltd
  12611. (printed as 10/30/2007)
    Notice
    220604Notice Of Exemption · in FD 35087 (Sub-No. 4)
    Illinois Central Railroad Company
  12612. (printed as 10/30/2007)
    Notice
    220603Notice Of Exemption · in FD 35087 (Sub-No. 3)
    Grand Trunk Western Railroad Incorporated
  12613. (printed as 10/30/2007)
    Notice
    220602Notice Of Exemption · in FD 35087 (Sub-No. 2)
    Chicago Central And Pacific Railroad Company
  12614. (printed as 10/30/2007)
    Notice
    220600Notice Of Exemption · in FD 35087 (Sub-No. 1)
    , Elgin Joliet And Eastern Railway Company
  12615. (printed as 10/30/2007)
    Motion
    220599Motion/Petition/Request
    Canadian National Railway Company And Grand Trunk Corporation
  12616. (printed as 10/30/2007)
    Application
    220598Application
    Canadian National Railway Company And Grand Trunk Corporation
  12617. served (printed as 10/22/2007)
    Decision
    38450Secretary
    DECISION GRANTED A MOTION FOR PROTECTIVE ORDER IN THIS PROCEEDING.
  12618. (printed as 10/19/2007)
    Comment
    EI-3218Mark Wollschlager HDR
  12619. (printed as 10/18/2007)
    Comment
    EO-701David A. Hirsh
  12620. (printed as 10/3/2007)
    Motion
    220389Motion For Protective Order
    Canadian National Railway Company And Grand Trunk Corporation
    in the protective-order register
  12621. (printed as 10/3/2007)
    Comment
    EI-3215Harkins Cunningham, LP
    David A. Hirsh
  12622. (printed as 1/22/2007)
    Comment
    EI-5478HUELS
  12623. (printed as 1/6/2007)
    Comment
    EI-332600126
    Ploder
  12624. (printed as 1/10/2006)
    Comment
    EI-4574Thompson
  12625. (printed as 9/29/2005)
    Comment
    EI-13688Kerchberger, Dawn
  12626. (printed as 9/29/2005)
    Comment
    EI-13661Lynch, Susan
  12627. (printed as 9/29/2005)
    Comment
    EI-13654Cass, Karalyn
  12628. (printed as 9/29/2005)
    Comment
    EI-13587Potter, Shari
  12629. (printed as 9/29/2005)
    Comment
    EI-13576Miller, George
  12630. (printed as 9/29/2005)
    Comment
    EI-13566Meewes, Jackie
  12631. (printed as 9/29/2005)
    Comment
    EI-13559Paulon, Gerri E.
  12632. (printed as 9/29/2005)
    Comment
    EI-13555Wegner, Gigi
  12633. (printed as 9/22/2000)
    Comment
    EI-13083Moore