SEBASTIAN — All Aboard Florida will be paying for safety improvements to the county’s crossings, including the five in Sebastian, a huge financial burden the city was originally facing.
After directives from the Federal Rail Administration and the FDOT, and a firestorm of opposition from the entire Treasure Coast, FEC’s All Aboard Florida spokesman Rusty Roberts read a prepared statement to the Sebastian City Council, explaining the 180 degree attitude adjustment by saying, “We have a lot more information.”
The City’s cost in installing Quiet Zones at its crossings will be greatly decreased because much of that work will have been covered by the extensive crossing safety improvements. These, Roberts said, will include new tracks, a new St. Sebastian River bridge, high tech signals, lights and gates.
The City has been ahead of the game in preparing necessary studies and paperwork to apply for a portion of the $10 million the state has made available for municipalities to install Quiet Zones.
At the Sept. 24 meeting, Council gave the go-ahead for the City Manager to submit a letter of intent to the FDOT that it will apply for $450,000 in Quiet Zone grant funds, with the City providing $50,000 of the estimated $500,000 project.
Several residents along Louisiana Avenue, all of whose property is close to the tracks, addressed Council to urge that they oppose the AAF project, expressing concerns for child safety and the potential for reduction in property values and quality of life.
“We are against it, too,” said Mayor Bob McPartlan. “But we can’t stop the train. They own the tracks. We’re trying to get the Quiet Zones.”
“We share your concerns,” Council member Andrea Coy added. “We can only try to mitigate” the problems. “We’re doing our best to keep it safe.”
Council member Richard Gillmor reiterated that there is nothing that can be done at the local level to actually “stop the choo-choo,” but advised residents to contact their Senators and Representatives at the federal level.