CSX INSTALLED CAMERAS IN EVERGREEN PARK TO MONITOR AND PREDICT TRAIN MOVEMENT AND PARKED TRAINS. THE VILLAGE DISONNECTED THEM.
According to the Final Environmental Assessment CSX Transportation, Inc. Acquisition of Operating Easement Grand Trunk Western Railroad Company, January 09, 2013:
Emergency Response – Train traffic increases of 19.5 trains per day at the 95th Street crossing would affect emergency response operations to the Advocate Christ Medical Center (1.2 miles from the Elsdon Line) in Oak Lawn, Illinois and the Little Company of Mary Hospital (0.3 miles from the line) in Evergreen Park, Illinois. The Surface Transportation Board’s (Board) Office of Environmental Analysis (OEA) has recommended which would require CSXT to install a Closed Circuit Television Surveillance System (CCTV) or other similar system (with a camera in each direction) at the 95th Street crossing. The video camera(s) would transmit a signal to a specific place where they would be directly linked to live video monitors at designated emergency response dispatch centers. This would provide emergency dispatchers with information that could be used to predict train movements and to reroute emergency response vehicles, thus significantly reducing the possibility of impacts on emergency services due to the Proposed Transaction.
The Village of Evergreen Park, Chief Kleinhaus stated “The cameras were installed at the village hall, 9412 S Kedzie Avenue when the CSX railroad took over ownership of the track from the CNN railroad. The monitor was installed at the fire station located at 9000 S Kedzie Avenue. The monitor provided a “real time” view of the crossing at 94th & Kedzie Avenue so our crews could see if a train was blocking the crossing during an emergency response. The cameras were never set up to record any video. Due to constant issues regarding the video feed and computer problems, they were DISCONNECTED approximately 18 months ago."
Please join the community to improve train parking problems, railroad train noise, vibrations, diesel fumes, and safety crossing issues. If you are concerned about your health, safety, and your property value, please see the updated petition.
Let's fight this together! Thank you!