BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - The Parent Teacher Association at McAdory Elementary School took a firm stance today against a proposed railroad hub next to the school, the Birmingham News reports.
Norfolk Southern wants to build a hub in McCalla, but some residents oppose the plans.
More than 50 parents turned out at a meeting this afternoon to pass a resolution against the, $112 million, 316-acre facility that Norfolk Southern plans to build on a site adjacent to the school starting next year. It will be used to unload containers from trucks and load them on trains.
"McAdory Elementary School PTA requests that Norfolk Southern, realizing the dangers to children, relocate the proposed McCalla, Ala., intermodal terminal site and set an example by making the safety of children a priority," the resolution reads.
The resolution points to a number of concerns ranging from air quality, diesel fumes and increased traffic.
Pat Breden, president of the PTA, said the concerns are too great for Norfolk Southern to ever convince her the planned intermodal site is workable.
"We are not opposed to progress, we're opposed to this site," she said. "We want them to stop and find another location."
She said the state PTA and national PTA are joining in the fight.
Norfolk Southern has said it will build berms and landscaping to separate the facility from neighboring properties. The railroad has also said it will do all it can to address all of the concerns of the school and McCalla residents.
A meeting of the No Hub 4 McCalla opposition group is planned for 7 at the school tonight. Norfolk Southern has scheduled its own public meeting on Aug. 18 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Bessemer Civic Center.
(This item appeared July 28, 2009, in the Birmingham News.)
