Barrington president says EJ&E sale must be halted
Barrington's fight against Canadian National's proposed purchase of the Elgin Joliet & Eastern Railway Co. is the biggest challenge facing the community, according to Village President Karen Darch.
The statement came Monday during Darch's annual State of the Village address.
"As others have said, this is the biggest challenge we will ever face," she said.
CN is proposing a $300 million acquisition of EJ&E, which runs through the Barrington area in an arc from Waukegan to Gary, Ind.
The line, which officials estimate will see an additional 20 trains a day, would become a bypass route for CN freight traffic.
Those in Barrington oppose the deal because of the potential safety, traffic and environmental issues it may cause.
"It presents life threatening issues to Barrington," Darch said.
She said the village's active role in making sure the deal is not approved will continue throughout the year.
"We will continue to press our cause and our case," she said. "Our citizens have risen to the occasion and will be called on to continue to do so."
While the fight against CN has taken up a lot of time, Darch said it is important to not lose sight of the good things that happened in the past year.
She pointed to the village being given a Tree City USA award, the additional landscaping that was finished throughout town and the roadway rehabilitation work that was completed.
"In 2007, we took many steps to make sure we looked good and even better than before," Darch said.
The creation of a new community and economic development department, Darch said, was also something to be proud of.
"That department has taken the lead in our continuing effort on the Hough-Main redevelopment project."
The project, which Darch said will be moving forward in the coming year, calls for a three building development that will include retail space, luxury condominiums and contemporary lofts.
"We will pursue (the development) to ensure Barrington's future health in a financially responsible manner," she said.
The village's work with its sister governments, the Barrington Park District and Barrington Area Unit District 220, to open Citizen's Park and prepare for the opening the high school's new community stadium, were also reasons to celebrate the work done in 2007.
"These are two additions that the village was thrilled to support for our community," Darch said.
Citizen Park opened last summer, while the new athletic stadium is scheduled to open in time for the start of next fall's high school football season.