Perspective and Opinion
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Seasonal Soliloquy
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The following list contains reprints of selected editorials
from the original Alsip Today WordPress blog.
>> Mess at Burr Oak
>> Four Years Later
>> Residents Forgotten
>> Record of Misinformation
>> What a Mess
>> Bright Ideas
>> Lawsuit Details
>> Lack of Information
>> Public Works Residency Relief
>> Chief Problem
>> Pulaski Mile
Editorial Policy
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November 12, 2009
by Jay Henry
As the last remnants of leaves cling to their trees, the beauty
of the fall season marches toward the coming winter. We almost
missed fall this year – as the incessant rains of October
threatened to wash it away. Then, as magically as flipping the
calendar forward a month into November, we’ve been blessed with
fair temperatures, abundant sunshine – and generally dry days.
Let’s face it – complaints about the weather haven’t been part of
our conversations over the past couple of weeks.
But just as certain as the sun is shining as I write this – winter
is coming. The holiday season is starting to ramp up – one trip to
the mall is all one needs to get a taste of Christmas. Surprisingly,
I still haven’t heard the first seasonal song break the radio airwaves
yet. Even WLIT-FM hasn’t flipped the switch yet! For anyone ‘jonesing’
for a dose of holiday music, WLIT is streaming holiday music on their
website (www.litefm.com).
As we transition through the holidays into the New Year, let’s keep
in mind all of our family, friends and neighbors serving in the military.
Most of the soldiers won’t be home over the holidays – and many find
themselves in distant countries and hostile situations.
They’re in our thoughts and prayers. Stay safe my friends.
There are others, closer to home that also find their way into
our thoughts and prayers around the holidays. I speak of the less
fortunate in our community that have been hit harder than most in
these difficult economic times.
Several community organizations use the occasion of the holidays to
gather food, clothing and gifts to assist those in need. Local churches,
township and village facilities have collection bins for anyone interested
in making donations. Give a little extra thought this year – and any time
you’re making a trip or visit to one of these locations, bring along
something to donate. I guarantee you’ll feel good about it – and you’ll
be helping a worthy cause.
To all my friends and neighbors – enjoy the holidays – and welcome the
New Year with a renewed sense of vigor and commitment to making life
better for yourself and others – even in some small way.
Click Here for Printable Copy
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No Relief from New Rail Line
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October 8, 2009
by Jay Henry
On October 5, 2009 plans were made public regarding the addition of a 3rd rail line along the
Indiana Harbor Belt (IHB) corridor between Blue Island and Alsip. The approximately 3 mile expansion
adds a 3rd set of tracks to the existing pair from Francisco Avenue in Blue Island to about
123rd Street in Alsip.
The $26 million project is part of the CREATE (Chicago Region Environmental and Transportation
Efficiency) Program which is aimed at improving railroad efficiency while reducing railroad crossing
delays. CREATE Project B12 – as this particular effort is named, is expected to complete in
December 2010.
A closer look at the details reveals that the project will have little, if any, impact on
automobile delays at the lone grade-level crossing that is affected by this particular effort.
Specifically, the 123rd Street crossing in Alsip is at the end of the rail expansion – with switching
necessitated between the 3rd track back and the existing track within a few hundred feet of the crossing.
This will not permit any realistic increase in the amount of simultaneous rail traffic beyond what already
occurs – which for anyone ever stuck at that crossing can attest – isn’t too much anyway.
In railroad terminology – this type of addition to the main line is referred commonly as a side rail.
A side rail, being to the side of the main line, allows trains to pull over – permitting other trains to
pass by on the main line.
There’s no argument that this stretch of the IHB might need additional room for trains to move more
efficiently in and out of the Blue Island Yard – it’s an extremely active rail hub.
I just don’t think it’s fair to characterize the additional tracks as a 3rd main line through the area –
as other media outlets have represented this expansion project. Alsip Mayor Patrick Kitching was quoted in
an article posted October 6, 2009 on the Southtown Star’s website saying he’s, “Thought a lot about
railroads in my lifetime, mostly while waiting at crossings for trains to clear.” He was further reported
to having empathy for truck drivers traveling through Alsip adding, “Not to mention all the moms taking
their kids to school”
I understand where he’s coming from. I refer to the railroad crossing at 123rd Street as the 50-50 tracks.
It feels like 50 percent of my trips through that area result in getting stopped by a train. But I believe
the Mayor needs to reconsider his comment regarding moms taking their kids to school – as well as his
apparent belief that this expansion project will benefit motorists driving on 123rd Street.
Quite simply, an Alsip mom would have to be a little lost – or have decided to take the long way to the
school to be on 123rd Street getting stuck by a train. It’s more likely they’d get stuck by the train at
the Kostner Avenue grade crossing. And this project doesn’t extend that far down the tracks.
(refer to project diagram in above inset).
The bottom line is that this project offers no relief to train-induced traffic delays on the
streets of Alsip. It’s sole benefit is efficiency of operations within the railroad. This project
doesn’t even provide much benefit the city of Blue Island – and they have many more grade-level
crossings than Alsip.
Click Here for Printable Copy
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