(The following story by Susan Demar Lafferty appeared on the Southtown Star website on May 6, 2010.)
CHICAGO — Frankfort residents might not be happy about the Canadian National Railway running more freight trains by their homes, but at least they are getting some improvements out of the deal.
So far, those living near the tracks have spent more than $1 million on landscaping in the past eight months to lessen the impact of CN’s additional freight trains on the former EJ&E tracks. It is part of the $2.7 million the rail company gave the village for noise mitigation.
The village board Monday approved the disbursement of $1 million from the CN noise mitigation escrow account. Payments were made to 300 homeowners – 180 of whom live adjacent to the tracks and 120 who live nearby.
Village administrator Jerry Ducay noted the landscaping won’t eliminate the noise, but said it is a “psychological benefit.”
Rather than dictate the types of improvements, the village allowed residents “to do whatever makes them happy,” Ducay said. Village officials just made sure the work was done properly.
With the remaining $1.7 million, the village has begun another program to allow the same homeowners to buy windows, doors or insulation to reduce noise. Those living closest to the tracks will receive more funding.
“We want to see everyone take advantage of these programs,” Ducay said.
Frankfort also is making improvements to several at-grade crossings to qualify them for quiet zone designation. In quiet zones, the requirement to blow train whistles is eliminated. CN is paying for the crossing improvements.