The news of Norfolk Southern looking at McCalla as a site for one of the inter-modal hubs has finally hit the news and as expected a group has arisen to resist the efforts. I got wind of this a month ago when I was made privy to an e-mail that the Land Development Office of Jefferson County sent to County Commissioners.
My initial response was resistant to the idea and while I probably continue to lean that way, I am undertaking some efforts as time permits to get both sides of the story. The first step was to e-mail our area's county commissioner, Bobby Humphreys. I will pass along any response, if I get one, but for the time being, here is the rather quick written e-mail I sent this morning.
I have had communication with the city of Austell, GA which also have a hub outside of Atlanta, GA. I will relay what I have found out in another post. But for now, here is my communication with our Commissioner.
Commissioner Humphreys,
As you are aware the recruitment of and the apparent shared interest by, Norfolk Southern, to build an inter-modal hub has now come to light. As is usually the case in such situations, a lot of emotionally charged rhetoric is being tossed about. As a resident of the area, I am simply trying to understand the facts and your prompt response is appreciated. I have the following questions.
1) As commissioner of roads and transportation, how can such a project be sustainable in the area without vast upgrades and support for new and existing roads in the area. The current roads will be barely sufficient enough for the continued projected residential growth and it is my understanding that there are no plans on improvement to Eastern Valley or other road in the area. Please comment.
2) I have a copy of a memo that Dan Voketz of Land Development e-mailed to you and other commissioners on June 19th, expressing concern and admitting to being unaware of the situation. Yet, news reports claim that the MDB has been working on the project for 3 years. I find this amazing. So my question is how long have you known about this project in your district, if you haven't known for three years why not, why has the resident that comprise this community not been made aware, why is land development unaware of such a massive project and why is the approved comprehensive plan being disregarded.
3) I would like an response to each of the claims by the group No Hub 4 McCalla, which I am sure you are aware of, which include this charges:
· The hub would deteriorate property values due to 1) noise, 2) 24 hour lighting, 3) smoke from engine and trucks operations.
· The hub would increase noise and pollution in the area
· Would increase 18 wheeler traffic by 300,000 per year in the area
· Would jeopardize wetlands?
· Would burden the county, which I might add, runs out of money in a couple of weeks, significant costs?
· And finally and perhaps the charge that garners the most emotional response is that the railroad has the power of eminent domain and will exercise that power to purchase property against the will of the property owner.
4) What do you know about the community impact of area in and around other like Norfolk Southern hubs such as Rutherford in Harrisburg, PA or Austell, GA? Perhaps finding out could dispel growing myths. I don't mean impact such as a job number, I mean how did it affect the residents, the property values, the quality of life.
This is an excellent opportunity to demonstrate leadership and responsiveness to your constituents. I look forward to your reply.
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