Railroad makes case for closing crossing
By KEVIN HOWELLEETONIA- A Norfolk Southern Railroad representative spoke with Village Council at a special meeting Wednesday night, proposing an exchange of land owned by the railroad for the right to close the Washington Street crossing.
According to Norfolk Southern representative Virginia Caso, the railroad has wanted to close the crossing for several years. With the overpass providing a safe alternative for crossing the tracks, there is no need for the street crossing, which should have been closed in conjunction with the overpass' construction in 1976, she said.
Admitting that closing of the crossing may be unwanted, Caso said the railway is willing to exchange the parcel of land between Hazel and Madison streets south of the tracks to the IGA, land for which the railroad and the Leetonia Revitalization Committee have been working toward a lease, for the Washington Street railroad crossing with which to do whatever it chooses.
Citing safety concerns, Caso said the railway is attempting to make the street safer.
"This is not the railroad trying to do something for an advantage," she said. "It's a huge safety issue."
See CROSSING, Page 5A
Not only does the overpass provide a safer alternate route over the tracks, but its overhanging piers hinder visibility at the crossing, adding to its dangers, according to Caso.
In response to the offer of land and request to close the crossing, both Village Administrator Gary Phillips and Village Solicitor Walter Newton cited legal contracts with Consolidated Railroad, former operator of the tracks, and the Ohio Department of Transportation providing the crossing to remain open.
Caso said Norfolk Southern recognized those legal contracts, but is seeking a change of course for the village.
School Board member and Village Zoning Commissioner John Rydarowicz voiced his concerns about the possible effects on the school budget created by the closing, stating that the crossing is a major thoroughfare for individuals and buses commuting from Franklin Square and Lisbon's career center and Educational Service Center.
Council did not take any action on the offer at the meeting.
Kevin Howell can be reached at khowell@salemnews.net
