Independent Newsmedia
By Jerry Diedrichs | Surprise
I have been reading about BNSF’s plans for a 4,320-acre intermodal site in Wittman.
Having recently relocated to The Grand, I have serious concerns about the impact this plan has not only for Wittman residents but for the thousands of residents in surrounding communities.
Aside from the Independent’s reporting, there seems to be little information on this issue. Having wider, objective coverage would be good. For starters, it would be good to publish a map of the area with the project site clearly shown.
A letter from Sun City West resident Bud Meador had a comprehensive list of issues.
My issues are traffic and noise. Being in close proximity to U.S. 60 and the 303 loop, we have a large amount of train and truck road noise that can be distracting to downright irritating.
We have very heavy traffic on U.S. 60 between the 303 and Whittman. We avoid driving in that area unless absolutely necessary. Increasing truck and train traffic is a huge concern for our quality of life here. Having a huge intermodal site within 10 miles of our retirement home is a serious issue for us and the approximately 9,500 homes in The Grand.
I believe the ripple effect on the homes in Asante, Vistancia, Peoria, Sun City West and others will be significant. The newer communities have few alternative routes aside from north 163rd Avenue and U.S. 60 to get in and out of their communities, and this project will exacerbate those issues.
BNSF has the resources to develop land for its needs and to build its own road infrastructure to serve the facility without impacting residential communities.
This project is a bad mix for the communities, no matter what the representatives of BNSF tell the residents. Property values and quality of life are at risk.
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