Rail spur plan crosses hurdle; on to final design
Posted on February 15, 2010 | By
MIDDLEBURY — A proposed 3.3-mile rail spur linking the Omya quarry on Foote Street with the main line west of the Otter Creek can now proceed to final design and property acquisition, as the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has determined the estimated $34.3 million project could meet federal environmental standards.
The FHWA’s 29-page decision, issued earlier this month, specifically identifies a rail spur alternative calling for an at-grade crossing of Halladay Road, bridges crossings over Lower Foote Street and Creek Road, and an underpass for Route 7. The project would call for around 2,050 feet of rail elevated on a trestle, including a bridge spanning the Otter Creek.
The primary beneficiary of the project would be Omya, which is seeking a rail alternative to move the calcium carbonate it mines in Middlebury to its processing plant in Florence, a task that currently requires many truck trips down Route 7 through downtown Brandon. But the proposal also includes plans for a 2.2-acre trans-load facility in Middlebury to enable other businesses to better access freight rail service.
State and local officials, along with Vermont Railway and business leaders, have been studying the feasibility of a rail spur for more than a decade. It’s a project that would require public and corporate funding.
Federal and state officials in November of 2008 released a final Environmental Impact Statement. The FHWA’s record of decision affirms many of the findings in that environmental report and sets the stage for more intensive planning of the rail spur and negotiations with property owners whose land would be needed for the project, or would be substantially affected by it.
Land acquisition and the prospect of installing an at-grade crossing at Halladay Road loom as two of the significant sticking points in efforts to move the rail spur forward.
The decision calls for the town of Middlebury to petition for a “quiet zone signal” at the proposed Halladay Road at-grade crossing to free approaching trains from the need to sound horns or whistles. This is being pitched as a means of reducing noise disturbances for area neighbors.
Middlebury Town Manager Bill Finger was formerly the top administrator for the town of Shelburne. He recalled how each “quiet zone” crossing cost $1,000,000 to construct in that community.
“The railroad will not support a quiet zone,” Finger wrote in a recent memo to Middlebury selectmen.
Selectboard Chairman John Tenny said he sees some merits in the at-grade crossing.
“It lowers the overall impact and profile of the project, so I think it will have a lot less impact on those residents and the landscape as a whole,” Tenny said.
Halladay Road resident Holly Hathaway, who has been an active participant in past discussions about the rail spur’s potential impact on the neighborhood, could not be reached for comment as the Addison Independent went to press.
Mark Perrin and his family own property off Creek Road that would be within the path, and view, of the proposed rail spur. He is concerned about the impact the project would have on his family’s land and wonders how the federal government will proceed with land negotiations. Perrin noted some of the land needed for the plan is currently locked up in state and local conservation easements.
“Some folks purchased their property here knowing they were protected by (conservation restrictions),” Perrin said.
Perrin said he hopes that more information about the project and its funding sources will come to light now that the FHWA has weighed in with its decision.
“I hope (project organizers) will talk to the property owners and spell out who are the real winners and losers in building this spur,” Perrin said.
Middlebury Town Planner Fred Dunnington said the FHWA decision is merely a “milestone” in a process that is simply entering a new phase.
“It’s not over yet,” Dunnington said.
Reporter John Flowers is at johnf@addisonindependent.com.
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Comments
Lake Dunmore Lake Access "Vague Deeds" many years use+
May 3, 2010 by Pamela Quesnel (not verified), 12 weeks 3 days ago
Comment id: 2163
Good Afternoon!
I was wondering if you can tell me if other Vermont residents near Lake Dunmore have published any articles in your paper on their struggle to keep their lake access when transients began their migration to Lake Dunmore.
My family has resided in Salisbury Village since 1760 and our generation has had this cottage in Lake Dunmore Region that was sold to us in 1965 with Lake Access straight down the road (Leggett Rd in the old days) to the Lake. Our Deed is from 1928 conveyance to the Leggett's daughter and has never been updated, simply passed to us on Warrant yDeed as were all his lake conveyances during that time--1928-1940's.
We have used Lake Access since 1965 as prvious owners sold it to us with the privilege of using the lake as we were told and shown directly on what is now PINE LANE Northeast shore (a back lot behind Kampersville Deli).
We are in lawsuit to get back our rights after being kicked off with threatening behavior of one neighbor in particular but later all Sleepy Oaks Association (10 members agains us) in 2007.
Longest out of state folks that own summer cottage purchased only 3-7 years ago and one 30 years agon--others less time than that. My family has owned this cottage for 45 years and guess we are no longer welcome it seems due to private Association that formed--we were not invited. My Dad bought and paid for this lot and the lake access and now we are fighting to even keep our easement to park in front of our cottage on edge of the road---Summer folks tried to fence us in so we would be landlocked from our road access and access to the lake.
We need any news that would be helpful and enlightening for our case on Lake Dunmore or Vermont lakes in general. We appreciate any ideas or facts that may be of help or give direction. I have done a great deal of research to save money and assistance would be a blessing.
This is our year round home and not just a summer home for us--in fact the only land my family owns--I live with my 82 year old Mom and disabled brother and work in Colchester to support household so we are here for the long haul and will not let greedy, wealthy landowners take our rights away if we can do anything to stop it!
Thanks for your ear!
Pam
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