Bartlett, Hoffman Estates oppose rail sale
Officials in Bartlett and Hoffman Estates have joined the chorus of neighboring towns opposing the purchase of the Elgin Joliet & Eastern railroad tracks, which run through the west sides of both villages.
The speed and frequency of the trains, additional noise and environmental effects were some of the issues trustees raised.
The Bartlett village board passed a resolution Tuesday objecting to the proposed $300 million acquisition by Canadian National Railway Corp., which wants to shift a significant amount of train traffic from Chicago to EJ&E rail lines west and south of the city.
Canadian National estimates the average number of daily trains using the EJ&E lines that run through Bartlett will jump from 5.5 to 23.5 trains per day. In Hoffman Estates, at least 15 additional freight trains would pass daily.
Bartlett's resolution brings up travel delays and the negative impact on emergency vehicle access. The planned Metra Suburban Transit Access Route, or STAR Line, also would be in jeopardy since it proposes using the EJ&E railroad to provide commuter rail service.
Entering into the resolution registers Bartlett as a party of record, meaning it can participate in a number of future hearings.
Cathy Scanlon of Bartlett says most residents have no knowledge of the issue and wants the village to mail letters. She's especially concerned of the increased number of freight trains that will be carrying hazardous materials.
Hoffman Estates trustees also oppose the potential purchase, which is still months off.
"I would move that they wouldn't put it in there," Trustee Cary Collins said.
Nadine Roach and her husband's Hoffman Estates home is about 50 feet from the tracks in the Hunters Edge subdivision. The couple moved there in 1998 to be close to nature, including the herd of deer that run through daily.
Roach told trustees she's most concerned about how the extra traffic would affect the ecosystem and said she's willing to fight the purchase.
"We don't have to have fencing. We moved here for the pristine environment," Roach said Tuesday. "My neighbors have echoed that same message."
The U.S. Surface Transportation Board will host meetings from 1 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at St. Andrews Golf and Country Club, 3N441 Route 59 in West Chicago. Hoffman Estates also will host a meeting at 7 p.m. Jan. 28 at Lincoln Prairie School for residents.