Comment EI-3972
Received or sent (printed as 1/21/2008)
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.
Submitted by: Nathan Hancock · Wayne, 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-3972 · back to the docket sheet