READ CRAIG STEAGALL'S "COMMENTS AND REBUTTAL REPORT," DELIVERED TO CRYSTAL LAKE CITY OFFICIALS TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 3RD

HURRY METRA// KEN KOEHLER// CITY OF CRYSTAL LAKE - GET THIS DEAL DONE BEFORE THE PUBLIC HAS INPUT

This image shows two sites Metra evaluated for its third train station in Crystal Lake. The blue line indicates the railroad tracks. As you can see, the yellow circle routes traffic through existing, high volume arteries like Route 14 and Ridgefield Road.

The red site forces traffic onto streets such as Country Club Road, Hillside, and Oak Street. Traffic coming from Route 14 will be routed through downtown Ridgefield, requiring road easements, turn lanes, and most likely the bulldozing of property.

  

Background:

Metra has considered as many as 3 different Crystal Lake properties for a third commuter rail station. Property owned by McHenry County Board Chairman Ken Koehler is the apparent choice of Metra. This property is adjacent to 84 Lumber Company. The City of Crystal Lake appears to be working in cooperation with Metra and Ken Koehler, with the intention of annexing the property.

I was engaged in negotiations with Metra as the owner of one of the three potential Metra sites. I operate a business off of Ridgefield Road, one that sends out 10 to 12 semis a day and 15 to 20 semis inbound per day. A company policy has been in effect since my operation moved to Ridgefield in 1994 that NO company trucks are to use Country Club Road, Hillside or Oak Street. Those roads are not intended, nor were they built for, truck traffic.

One might conclude that this ad is sour grapes, however, it is much more. Country Club Road is an ill-suited location for a Metra station. This newspaper communication aims to focus attention on the matter, and below I highlight issues that I believe reflect a pattern of questionable activities.

 
 
   

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