Railroad crossing closing moves ahead in Elco
ELCO – The details are still being worked out, but there was no objection from Elco residents or council Wednesday to the proposed closing of the Lincoln Street railroad crossing by Norfolk Southern. Representatives from Norfolk Southern met with council Tuesday and heard concerns about wheelchair-bound residents who live on Lincoln Street.
The rail company agreed to construct a sidewalk from Lincoln Street to the next railroad crossing at Vesta Street so the residents could safely cross Route 88 if necessary.
Jim Young, Norfolk Southern’s assistant superintendent for the Pittsburgh division and chairman of the division’s grade crossing safety committee, said the railroad would also construct a turn around on Lincoln Street.
Young said that it is likely that the railroad will donate the sidewalk to the borough once it is completed. Young said there will also be a financial contribution made to the borough.
Young said Norfolk Southern is doing all it can to make railroad crossings safer, including closing those that are unnecessary.
“In 2001, about 440 people lost their lives in car-train collisions, 1,200 were injured and another 500 lost their lives in trespasser accidents involving trains,” Young said.
Young said that it is up to municipalities and the state to put up flashing lights and crossing arms, though Norfolk Southern will provide some assistance if Elco wants to pursue improved safety at the Vesta Street crossing. A hearing involving the Public Utility Commission and the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation must be held before the Lincoln Street crossing is closed.
In other matters, council adopted the proposed 2003 budget with no tax increase. Council president Larry Pollock noted that the budget appears much higher than usual because of a $62,200 grant for a new community center and a $5,000 grant for tarring and chipping streets. The grants swell the borough’s normal $47,000 budget to more than $114,000. Pollock said the projected general fund spending for 2003 is actually down slightly from the current year.
A special meeting will be held Nov. 25 at 7 p.m. in Coal Center regarding the proposed regional comprehensive plan. The December meeting of the Elco Borough Council will be held on Dec. 18 so the budget can be properly advertised prior to its final adoption.
It was announced that the Elco Civic Club will be celebrating Light Up Night on Nov. 29 in conjunction with the American Legion. Christmas caroling will be held on Dec. 7, with the carolers collecting canned goods for the area food bank. Residents who want to donate food but won’t be home that day can leave the canned goods on their porch, Pollock said.