FREEPORT
It could be several more months before the town’s proposed train whistle “quiet zones” are implemented, according to Town Manager Peter Joseph.
The problem is one of process, not of local traffic calculations.
Freeport, like Brunswick, attempted several months ago to impose no-horn zones at several rail crossings. But Pan Am Railways, which owns the tracks, refused to approve the no-whistle policy because of perceived problems with the way the Federal Rail Administration calculates traffic congestion at those crossings.
The rail company believes the numbers are outdated and could lead to tragedy if motorists attempt to cross the tracks when a “silenced” train is approaching.
Quiet zone or not, a train engineer still has authority to sound the horn if he or she believes a warning is warranted. However, both Brunswick and Freeport have submitted to the Federal Rail Administration notice of their intention to implement the quiet zones, and are waiting for the agency and the rail operator to work out an agreement.
“The town engineer (Albert Presgraves) suggested that we get updated traffic counts from the Maine Department of Transportation, which could happen in May,” Joseph said. “But the council still needs to decide what, if any, formal traffic upgrades need to be done at town crossings.”
In other business Tuesday, councilors listened to residents’ concerns about the upcoming budget process.
Representatives of numerous departments and groups lined up Tuesday to ask councilors for consideration when the 2014 spending plan is assembled. More than 20 people spoke on behalf of several organizations during an hour of public hearings Tuesday.
Several argued for support of the town’s Active Living Task Force, which wants $23,625 to fund a consultant and resulting plan to make Freeport more pedestrianand bicycle-friendly. Having the study done also would make the town eligible for federal grants to continue the project’s implementation, according to Active Living’s chairwoman, Anne-Marie Davee.
The task force’s initial request was denied several weeks ago and lumped into the more general Capital Plan budget for consideration.
Other requests included $30,000 in funding for the Freeport Chamber of Commerce, widening of town roads to include bike lanes, generally lowering of town taxes and increasing funding for the town’s schools.
jtleonard@timesrecord.com
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