Comment EI-14048
Received or sent (printed as 9/30/2008)
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
Submitted by: Michael Vanlandingham · Fox River Grove, IL
The Board publishes this comment in its environmental-comment table for this proceeding. It is quoted here as printed; nothing is inferred from it, and it states the commenter's own position in their own words, not this record's.
Permanent address docketyard.org/d/FD-35087/comment/EI-14048 · back to the docket sheet