Trains will block access to hospital

To the editor: The (CN and EJ&E merger proposal) is a HUGE issue to the citizens of Barrington. I have lived in Barrington for over 35 years and watched development impact our community. The business or residential developers come into Barrington and reap their profits and contribute little or nothing to the solution of infrastructure, public safety, congestion, noise and environmental pollution along with school problems created by their activities.

I attended the scope meeting at Makray Golf Club on Jan. 9. This meeting made it very clear that CNRR had little interest in confronting the above issues or concerns face to face with the affected citizens and any solutions that they may offer. The U.S. surface transportation board needs to require CN to some basic requirements that will be developed with the input from Barrington citizens. We need the press to put pressure for action from CN.

The individual citizen has little clout to make this happen. Of course I will request my state senator and U.S. Senator Durbin to get involved. What normally happens is the petitioner will use lobbyists to influence our politicians with big bucks.

I will provide you with one specific reason why I have a personal reason to be involved. I am a senior citizen at 78 years old. Like many of my neighbors, I have a very serious concern about getting to Good Shepherd Hospital. I am a bleeder, which requires immediate hospitalization. I have documentation from the University of Chicago medical staff recommending that I go to the nearest hospital because any delay could result in my death.

I ask you, do you think it is reasonable that I wait at a railroad crossing for a half-mile freight train preventing me from the urgent medical treatment that's required ASAP? The only solution is the use of helicopters, which should be paid for by CN. Little chance that will be happening.

Roger Owens

Barrington