Description
I wanted to write in to discuss my experience with a train in my neighborhood. The only descriptions that can accurately describe this train are such words as mind boggling, incomprehensible…and baffling.
I recently moved back to Charlotte after spending some time in Florida and California. I found a unique place off of Hoskins Road (Fox Ridge Loft Apartments). I love the apartment building as the people and atmosphere are more than I could ever ask for. There is one thing that has never failed to disappoint. It is the train that runs through the intersection of Hoskins Road and Rozzelles Ferry Road. If what they are doing is not illegal, it’s at the least in some strange way immoral.
The train runs at the most inopportune times, 8-9a.m and 5-6p.m. It also runs late at night which I don’t mind. Not only does the train come through when people are on their way to work, but it also exhibits some peculiar behavior. It is common for the train after moving in one direction at a very inefficient pace to just abruptly stop and turn around. It will then go in the opposite direction, at a pedestrian pace mind you, and then simply stop in the middle of the tracks. This is not in the middle of day when no one is around. This is when there is a line of cars waiting to head to and from work. It really makes no sense. You can ask anyone in the neighborhood or in the building and they will tell you about this train. I have even seen people on multiple occasions hop on the train and walk to the other side while it was moving.
Ridiculous is usually the word that residents of the area use to describe the train. I do not know if they are testing the train or what, but they really need to be considerate of the residents of the neighborhood and discontinue this egregious behavior.
I should probably reach out to the train company myself, but I would not even know where to get started. In addition, I feel as if my attempts would be futile. For that reason, I thought I would bring it to your attention, so you could figure out what the heck is going on.
15 Comments
Closed areynol3 (Guest)
The issue has been getting progressively worse. In fact, they are building additional train tracks which will result in additional angst, delays, and danger for local residents.
I know that this would not be happening in other neighborhoods, especially not in South Charlotte.
Reopened Christine Nelson WBTV (Registered User)
Christine Nelson WBTV (Registered User)
Thanks!
Christine
Christine Nelson WBTV (Registered User)
Thanks!
Christine
Christine Nelson WBTV (Registered User)
Thanks!
Christine
Dianne (Registered User)
West Side (Guest)
areynol3 (Guest)
I wanted to follow up on the issue above. I actually no longer live in the Charlotte area as I am attending law school in Boston, MA. I have spoken with a few legal professionals about the issue. I gave them the facts as I knew them to be in the summer. I am not sure if the circumstances have changed though. (I hope that they have.)
They all seemed to be pretty shocked about what I described. A couple of issues were addressed:
1. The following behavior may be against federal statutes that guide the conduct of cargo trains.
2. The most effective way to address this would probably be a public nuisance claim. Generally, these are usually brought by public officials, unless the individuals who bring the claim can establish there are harm is different in kind than the public.
In any case, I really think this is the type of issue which should be researched in more detail. At least someone should bring it to light. I do not think that it is fair that a local community has to suffer because a train company finds it convenient to do so. The ramifications of this train company's behavior are serious. I do not think it should take someone being seriously or fatally wounded before someone steps in to do something. As a reminder, hundreds, if not thousands of people per day, have their access to transportation completely blocked by this train. Moreover, people jump on the train connectors while the train is stopped to cross the other side. Imagine if someone did this and happened to fall under while it started moving. In addition, drivers in vehicles who know that they have to beat the train, or else be held up for upwards of 20-30 minutes, may be injured while hastily crossing to the other side.
As I stated above, I hope this is no longer an issue, but I do not think that it is in the best interest of the community to sacrifice their means to transportation, and more importantly, their safety for the sake of the train company. I am curious to at least know what is going on and if this is the ONLY alternative of operation for the train company.
areynol3 (Guest)
I wanted to follow up on the issue above. I actually no longer live in the Charlotte area as I am attending law school in Boston, MA. I have spoken with a few legal professionals about the issue. I gave them the facts as I knew them to be in the summer. I am not sure if the circumstances have changed though. (I hope that they have.)
They all seemed to be pretty shocked about what I described. A couple of issues were addressed:
1. The following behavior may be against federal statutes that guide the conduct of cargo trains.
2. The most effective way to address this would probably be a public nuisance claim. Generally, these are usually brought by public officials, unless the individuals who bring the claim can establish their harm is different in kind than the public.
In any case, I really think this is the type of issue which should be researched in more detail. At least someone should bring it to light. I do not think that it is fair that a local community has to suffer because a train company finds it convenient to do so. The ramifications of this train company's behavior are serious. I do not think it should take someone being seriously or fatally wounded before someone steps in to do something. As a reminder, hundreds, if not thousands of people per day, have their access to transportation completely blocked by this train. Moreover, people jump on the train connectors while the train is stopped to cross the other side. Imagine if someone did this and happened to fall under while it started moving. In addition, drivers in vehicles who know that they have to beat the train, or else be held up for upwards of 20-30 minutes, may be injured while hastily crossing to the other side.
As I stated above, I hope this is no longer an issue, but I do not think that it is in the best interest of the community to sacrifice their means to transportation, and more importantly, their safety for the sake of the train company. I am curious to at least know what is going on and if this is the ONLY alternative of operation for the train company.
Fed Up (Guest)
Concerned (Registered User)
CSX , CSX..that's the company.
Seriously (Guest)
Common RR Knowledge (Guest)
deeannadeanna (Registered User)
Westsideriders (Registered User)