(The following appeared on the Chicago Tribune website on June 18.)
CHICAGO — West Chicago has joined a chorus of communities opposed to Canadian National Railway’s bid to acquire tracks that run through the suburbs.
The City Council this week unanimously approved an intergovernmental agreement to participate in a coalition, The Regional Answer to Canadian National and Ald. Ruben Pineda was recognized as the DuPage County representative.
Canadian National plans to buy 198 miles of track from the Elgin, Joliet & Eastern Railway to expedite service and ease freight rail congestion in Chicago.
Opponents argue that the move would cause too much disruption in the suburbs.
In January the City Council passed a resolution objecting to the acquisition.
“People don’t realize that this would be catastrophic to police, fire and ambulance service, let alone the traffic issues,” said Ald. Alan Murphy. “It will literally divide our town in half.”
The city has pledged $10,000 to the coalition.