Letter to the Editor - Gordon Brand

However, the dangers inherent to this 4 track vehicle and pedestrian crossing still will remain.  Railroad employees as well as local citizens all agree that a catastrophic accident will occur.  when it will occur is the unknown factor.  In addition, the city has the aggravation of ten to thirty minutes of the crossing being blocked by trains; traffic backup of 3 to 4 blocks in both directions; waste of gasoline through idling engines going nowhere (heaters and air conditioners don't work when the engine is off); detouring substantial mileage to avoid waiting; all probably encouraging the delayed to make up lost time by higher speeds in residential neighborhoods.  All in all, not a good situation.

In discussing this problem at the Mayor's Coffee on the 19th of May, it turns out that the Washington Street grade crossing, priority wise, isn't even on the back burner.  In fact, it's off the stove entirely.  If the coming catastrophe happens on this administration's watch, it will be interesting to see how they respond.

It also turns out that the building of a new city hall is the number one priority.  You can put bronze tablets on buildings that people can read and admire.  The number two priority is the implementation of a downtown plan to improve the retail presence.  This plan is in an historical preservation district.  The present plan is to tear down about twelve turn of the century residences that are in good condition and replace them with high density row houses and town houses.  Also historic parking lots will be featured... All this for the possible improvement of profits for Main Street merchants and landlords (many absentee).  Benefits in the long run to the citizens of West Chicago will be nil.  Are plans by outside hired planners who know really nothing about West Chicago and its history really what's needed?

Gordon Brand