Have your say on possible takeover of EJ&E railway

Communities who stand to lose or gain by the Canadian National Railway's proposed takeover of the EJ&E railway can sound off this month.

If the Canadian railway's acquisition goes forward, CN intends to shift freight trains from its own congested tracks to lesser-used EJ&E lines. Such a plan would have a ripple effect across Cook, DuPage, Lake and Will counties, plus potentially threaten Metra's STAR Line plans.

But before any decisions are made, federal regulators first must report on the environmental impact of the changes. As a result, the U.S. Surface Transportation Board will hold several public forums across the region.

Already battle lines are being drawn, with municipalities from Barrington to Naperville rallying to stop additional freights in their communities.

At the same time, municipalities such as Buffalo Grove hope CN will bring needed relief by reducing train traffic locally.

Metra had planned to connect Will, Cook and DuPage counties along its proposed STAR Line using the EJ&E tracks. But CN officials intend to keep the tracks for freights, raising new questions for Metra.

Here's a look at upcoming local open houses. Hours are from 1 to 4 p.m. and from 6 to 8 p.m.

• Tuesday at the Crown Plaza, 510 E. Route 83, Mundelein.

• Wednesday at Makray Memorial Golf Club, 1010 S. Northwest Highway, Barrington.

• Thursday at Jacob Henry Mansion, 15 S. Richards St., Joliet.

• Jan. 17 at St. Andrews Golf Club, 3N441 Route 59, West Chicago.