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Date: 7/13/2021
WEST SPRINGFIELD – The West Springfield Planning Board met on July 7 with representatives from CSX Transportation and EMH&T, a civil engineer for CSX, who in search of a site plan approval.
Frank Palange, chairperson of the Planning Board explained that EMH&T wants to expand an existing gravel storage area for terminal operations with site improvements including fencing, stone and concrete dolly pads at a property located at 151 Day St., in the industrial zoning district. This conversation was continued from their June 16 meeting.
During the July 7 meeting, Matt Stypula from EMH&T presented background on the project. He said that the project will take place along Western Avenue. The plan is to regrade this area so that it will drain and they can put down new stone pavement. He added that they are also planning on putting concrete dolly pads for parking so the concrete pavement doesn't get torn up, along with a few parking spaces for the Signal Department building along Western Avenue.
“We’re basically just regraveling the area – putting in a new storm infrastructure. The site will all drain down to new inlets,” said Stypula.
He claimed that EMH&T has been working with the city to make sure officials were comfortable with the storm water control.
“A grit will take out the sentiment, any oil or grease that might – should be a limited amount – but this is just for storage of chassis and containers, but that would protect the system from any contaminants as well,” he said.
In addition, they would be putting in two new light poles and replacing overhead existing electric lines. In the future, EMH&T plans on putting new underground wires as well.
Following Stypula’s presentation, Palange informed attendees that Mayor William Reichelt had forwarded him some concerning images related to CSX. He said that the images displayed trash all over the place and that CSX has been asked to clean it up, but has not. “Neighbors are angry,” claimed Palange.
Palange went on to say, “How do we trust them to do a good job in what they’re asking for when they’ve been asked to clean up their mess and they told us there was snow… I don’t know, I went by this morning – I didn’t see much snow, but they really aren’t cleaning up.”
Palange asked CSX representatives John Hall and Richard Hisrich: “What’s your reasoning for not being such a good neighbor and not cleaning up?”
Hall replied, “This is a division of CSX Interval Terminals. The CSX Transportation side where you’re having those issues is another entity of CSX. The intermodal side of the yard does not deal with the trash trains, we are the container and trailer business.”
Hall continued, “We lease the properties from them. We don’t lease the property you’re having issues with – we’re strictly the container yard at 151 Day St.”
Hisrich said, after seeing these pictures provided by the mayor, he would be sure to take it up with the CSX employees to make sure this issue is addressed.
“The area that we’re talking about developing is a little different here. I think it’s an improved use compared to what it is today. We use it for storage of materials so it’s relatively clean but I think that this use only helps clean up that area,” said Hisrich.
Palange replied, “There have been several issues with CSX in general, whether it’s blocking the railroad tracks, trash, trucks going up and down Union Street … there’s a lot of animosity with citizens and we as a board hear it constantly, so it’s our duty to bring this stuff up.”
Hisrich reiterated his understanding of concern and position on this and assured the board that it’s a priority to fix.
Jayson Lacasse, Planning Board member, along with Palange, said they would like to do their own homework regarding this matter and CSX in general, before providing site approval.
Lacasse raised additional concerns in other parts of the town related to CSX. He claimed that after many complaints were made about CSX, no one ever replied to them. Lacasse described CSX as “one of the worst” he’s seen.
After much deliberation among board members, Lacasse made a motion to continue this conversation at the next Planning Board meeting on July 21. The motion was seconded and approved by all members of the board.
Palange encouraged everyone to do their research and for CSX members to look over the images in preparation for the next meeting.