Comment EI-4834
Received or sent (printed as 1/31/2008)
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.
Submitted by: Sherry Bletz-Hartmann · Bartlett, Illinois
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-4834 · back to the docket sheet