Several residents spoke out during the Starke County Commissioners meeting Tuesday night to present opinions on a proposal from Norfolk Southern Railroad to close the railroad crossing on 225 South between State Road 23 and 1000 East.
The railroad closure would be part of the crossing elimination program and would reportedly be for safety purposes, as reported by Highway Superintendent Dan Dipert in a previous meeting, although the commissioners have not gotten an official reason for the closure from Norfolk Southern. They wanted more concrete accident and traffic reports, but the information was not available to them prior to Tuesday night’s discussion in the public meeting.
There is an offer to the county of $52,500 for the permanent closure of the crossing and INDOT has agreed to put in $7,500 to close the crossing, which could cover the costs of paving roads in that area, if the closure moves forward.
Commissioner Bryan Cavender stated that he was opposed to it when it was first proposed at the last meeting, but wanted to hear from residents before making a formal decision.
Ten people spoke against the closure citing inconvenience, delayed response by emergency vehicles, disruption of farming activities, and the fact that it does not make sense. Washington Township Fire Department officials have also expressed their opposition to the closure of the crossing to the commissioners. Walter Fritz said that the railroad has worked for many years to eliminate crossings for safety reasons, plus the burden of maintenance costs.
With the majority of the residents voicing opposition to the railroad closure, the commissioners are leaning toward denying the request from Norfolk Southern officials. Commissioner Mark Gourley stated that he would like the highway superintendent to be present before taking a formal vote on the matter. Commission President Charlie Chesak was not in attendance during Tuesday’s meeting for a vote. Cavender reiterated that he will be voting to deny the request.
Gourley and Cavender voted to table making a decision until the next meeting on Monday, July 18.
