[RP TownTalk] Traffic Concerns

[Dwight Holmes]

OK, this reminds me of a question I've got, which I'll raise here, since
it's pertinent.  "We have heard" that the terms under which the Calverts
deeded right-of-way to the B&O railroad stipulated that passenger service
must be provided for Riverdale in perpetuity, or else the title reverts back
(to whom??) and the railroad would lose the property.  Is this just a
wonderful 'town legend'? or is it in fact true?

BTW, I would take issue with the attribution of "useless" to the railroad
station.  It's not only attractive, but serves to keep those of us who ride
the MARC nice and toasty on the cold days (except for the 9:04 train -- the
automatic lock on the door is set a bit too early, shutting 9:04 passengers
out in the cold).  "Underutilized," yes. "Useless,"  no!!

On 2/1/07, Gerald King <Gerald at geraldking.com> wrote:
>
>  I'm confused.
> If, as Rob says "This rail road crossing is identified as one of the 10
> most dangerous crossings in the state of Maryland (It has a high fatal
> accident prediction factor, ref: http://www.fra.dot.gov/us/Content/803 ).
> We have been pretty lucky so far," why are the town, county, and state
> governments considering authorizing variances to build high density
> residences next to such a crossing?  Am I mistaken that this rail line has
> been and is a major East Coast freight carrier and is vary busy? The
> wonderful Mark train station is a true convenience to town residents and
> would no doubt be attractive to buyers or renters of  new condominiums on
> the tracks. But what if our "luck" runs out?  What if some of the increased
> number of children or elderly folks living in the new condo's get hurt when
> two trains are passing or stalled on the intersection? How long do you think
> we will have the wonderful Mark train stop? Will the town have to foot the
> bill for building a wall along the tracks (both sides) to protect our
> citizens?
> I agree something has to be done to improve the traffic problems at this
> crossing, but high density housing, does not seem like a good solution. But
> I'm sure the brilliant minds in UP and Annapolis will figure out how to
> justify some variances. First they will do a study or two, and then choose
> whatever is profitable. Perhaps Jamal can buy the useless train station and
> use it for the attendant to the toll gate at the crossing. Think of the
> profits of charging condo residents for getting to their cars in the Town
> Center Parking lot. And the town can put in parking meters to skim a few
> bucks from the train watchers  who frequent the area.
> Just a little rant. No solutions until the Town Center is occupied.
> Gerald King
>
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