Selectmen Host Public Hearing on CSX Expansion

CSX and theheld a public hearing last night to address the concerns over the relocation of CSX to 19 Walkup Dr. effective 2012. CSX is currently located in Allston/Brighton.

According to Maurice O'Connell, CSX vice president for governmental affairs, CSX has entered into an agreement with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to relocate the railroad for the sake of increasing the number of trains traveling the Framingham/Worcester line.　

The website, www.railwestborough.com says, "In the fall of 2008, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and CSX Transportation (CSXT) agreed on a comprehensive multiyear rail transportation plan to expand commuter and freight rail service in the Commonwealth, strengthen the state's transportation infrastructure and improve the state's position in domestic and international economic markets by enhancing the flow of product shipments. This historic agreement is an unprecedented public/private partnership between business and government where the existing freight rail infrastructure becomes a 21st century sustainable solution for both commuters and businesses with both economic and environmental benefits for the state."

"At the conclusion of the project and the expansion (this is a two-phase project), there will be 45 trains to Framingham/Worcester, up from 25," O'Connell said. "We expect to see increased property values, and we often see an increase in commerce and jobs as businesses like to locate near a rail line."

The new rail yard will produce 106 jobs during construction and 11 permanent positions. It is expected that truck traffic will run from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. and the maximum capacity is 30 trucks per day, according to Jan Barnes, director of health, safety, environment and quality for AMEC, an international consulting and engineering company.

Bonnie Phaneuf, a former chairman of the Board of Selectmen for the Town of Southborough is opposed to the proposed 19 million dollar project which will transfer approximately 30 percent hazardous material through the site.

"I am concerned about the capacity of the commodities in 144 rail cars passing through here," Phaneuf said. "I would insist that you get a commodities list from the company so that the fire chief can keep everyone safe in the event of an accident."

Phaneuf also noted that CSX refused to meet with the Southborough Board of Selectmen on this issue.

O'Connell noted that they had met with the Town Manager in Southborough and that they are well aware of safety concerns.

"We understand the concerns and take them seriously," O'Connell said.

"Nothing is stopping an accident today," Selectmen George Thompson said. " I would much rather have it happen here where it can be managed than anywhere. Don't fool yourself into thinking you cannot have a problem today."

According to Barnes, a wide variety of commodities included but not limited to food such as flour, and plastics all the way up to hazardous materials will be carried, but she assured the audience that safety was a top priority. It was also noted that CSX would only work within the existing footprint of the area; approximately 22 acres.

"We have been working closely with the fire department," Barnes said.

"There is not much we have not covered (with CSX) and we're comfortable," Fire Chief Nick Perron said. "We don't have an end product yet, but we're close."

CSX has also met with the Conservation Commission twice about the Cedar Swamp, and it is believed that the storm water management will be far superior to what exists today.

"ConCom has been working closely with CSX since April 2010," said Derek Saari, chairman of the commission. "CSX should be commended for dropping Cedar Swamp to what it's supposed to be. We are very, very satisfied with the outcome."

The public hearing was continued until July 12 at 6:15 p.m. It is expected that this will be one of several hearings on the subject.

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