Mayors say rail line purchase threatens economy in Lake Co.

Despite rising gasoline prices, falling property values and a slowing economy, village presidents from central Lake County are optimistic about the future. But a threat from Canada is tempering their enthusiasm.

The Lake Zurich Area Chamber of Commerce held its annual economic forum Tuesday with mayors from Deer Park, Hawthorn Woods, Kildeer, Lake Zurich, Long Grove and North Barrington.

Each leader noted success in their towns, including road improvements and attracting new businesses, such as Menard's and Sunset Foods in Long Grove and Whole Foods in Kildeer. But a plan by the Canadian National Railway to purchase the Elgin, Joliet and Eastern Railway Co. ignited the most passion.

Hawthorn Woods Mayor Keith Hunt said the purchase would be terrible for the local economy. "This plan would be devastating," he said "The impact on traffic and the effect on employees of having 10 to 20 freight trains passing through each day will hurt all of us."

Last fall, CN announced its plan to purchase the EJ&E for $300 million. The company said buying the line is essential to relieve major rail congestion and bottlenecks in the Chicago area.

But that move would dramatically increase the number of freight trains passing through Lake and Cook counties. Many leaders fear traffic gridlock will hurt business and delay emergency vehicles.

North Barrington Mayor Bruce Sauer echoed Hunt's comments and called for action. "It's time to get in the face of your congressional representative," Sauer said. "Some of these trains are two miles long." Sauer also questioned CN's safety record.

CN officials have argued the purchase would ultimately benefit the economy by having a more efficient way of moving goods. But, in June, they agreed to study the environmental impact of increasing freight traffic.

Long Grove Village President Maria Rodriguez told the nearly 100 attendees they need to work to derail the plan. "Write a letter to your representative," she said. "Tell your friends, make your point known."