Hoffman Estates claims CN reneged on mitigation deal

Hoffman Estates officials are saying Canadian National Railway is reneging on part of a 2008 deal to offset effects from its merger with the Elgin, Joliet and Eastern Railroad.

Village Attorney Arthur Janura said the conflict stems from CN wanting Hoffman Estates to assume responsibility for maintaining an easement, part of which falls outside the village.

“Worst than that, it's the liability, Janura said, noting that village taxpayers would be responsible if a train derailed and hit a pedestrian.

“That's absurd, Mayor William McLeod said after Monday night's village board meeting.

CN spokesman Patrick Waldron said the railroad is not reneging on the deal.

“We are ready to move forward with the implementation of that agreement, Waldron said.

Janura is drafting a letter to the Illinois Commerce Commission informing them of the village's concerns. He hopes the ICC will consider the village's plight before ruling on CN's request to build a second rail for a stretch near Shoe Factory Road.

“Realistically, OK, they signed an agreement, they said they'd do it, now they're not going to do it, Janura said. “What are we supposed to do?

The federal government approved CN's $300 million purchase of the EJ&E two years ago, despite concerns from some that the deal would increase train traffic through their towns. Led by Barrington, several affected towns formed a group, The Regional Answer to Canadian National, or TRAC, that opposed the merger.

Towns, including Hoffman Estates, brokered agreements with CN to mitigate the impact of more train traffic. Hoffman Estates' agreement included electronic signs to warn motorists approaching hills where they could not see a railroad crossing.

Several TRAC members remained in the group, reasoning that no concession would dampen negative effects the deal would have on their communities.