Comment EI-4654
Received or sent (printed as 1/28/2008)
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.
Submitted by: Senator Linda Holmes · Plainfield, 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.
The text 01901.012808.HOLMES.ST.60544.O.Y.EF.PDF ↓
Permanent address docketyard.org/d/FD-35087/comment/EI-4654
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