June 5, 2006

As has been reported, the city of Edgewood is opposed to the currently proposed commuter rail that would run through our city. Besides the originally estimated cost of $473 million, another estimated $200 million has been added. According to my conversation with CSX management, CSX has not even signed on to the plan, which would entail rerouting much of its freight-train traffic, plus the expense of leasing/buying the CSX rail line.

Further reasons our citizens object to this proposed commuter-rail plan are:

The commuter rail would sever every east-west artery of Orange Avenue within the city of Edgewood and south Orlando, thus crippling traffic movement. Currently there are 30 trains per day through Edgewood.

Ineffective improvement to traffic within the city. Traffic congestion would be compounded due to the current interchange design at the Holden Avenue/Gatlin Avenue/Orange Avenue intersections.

The long-term financial burden to city and county residents, much less the federal and state tax dollars. Long-term costs, based on projected ridership numbers provided by the commuter-rail planners, speak directly to an immediate cost burden.

There is no plan for a station in Edgewood, nor is there land available for such.

Our current national debt is more than $8 trillion and growing, and many of us complain about Congress overspending.

Shouldn't we complain about the $236,750,000 the government has said it will spend on this project?

Neil G. Powell
Edgewood city council

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Rail rejection