Barrington can't bear more trains

To the editor: I want to express the concern that I, and others have in regards to the proposed CN application to take over the EJ&E rail line. This must not be allowed!

The impacts are huge. The traffic congestion in Barrington will be disastrous for citizens and business in downtown Barrington. The city of Barrington is right on the only north-south route available for many miles and is already dealing with traffic concerns. The city has improved the downtown area and already supports commuter lines to Chicago.

The traffic that would occur from the proposed milelong-plus freight trains will put many back in their cars and avoid downtown businesses which are vital to keeping the Town Center atmosphere that we all aspire to maintain. The sprawl that is ruining local business is not good for our environment or our sense of community.

Another issue is the effect on residential quality of life and property values. The proposed volume of freight traffic will make life near the track unbearable. If you spend a little time near a track while a train comes and goes by you can get the idea. The noise is incredible, the ground shakes.

The current train traffic is bearable, five to 10 trains a day, which stop conversation, scare the dogs and wake us up. This increase will make the thousands of homes near the tracks sale proof! The homes near the tracks are already hard to sell. Homeowners are getting destroyed already by the poor real estate market. Tens of millions of dollars in value will be lost immediately. Many may lose their homes.

The negative impact upon many of the citizens will be huge! Please we must fight this takeover as hard as we can.

Jack Scully

Elgin