Unfortunately, as much as I believe one person can make a difference; in this case I believe it is too late. As in most major projects of this magnitude the wheels have been turning long before the general public becomes aware. As an optimist, I will continue to be part of the force against the train and pray that we are successful, but history tells me it is too late.
Yvonne - 10 years ago
Anyone who believes that this train will benefit anyone besides the investors and the frieght division of Founders and Florida east Coast railroad should start talking and listening to the Marine Industry, The Real Estate Industry and all the residents that live along the rail corridor. We have a perfectly good rail system west of the FEC tracks that runs passenger trains to Orlando every day, stopping in Ft Lauderdale and West Palm Beach....mostly empty ..called Amtrack and we have to subsidize that. Tri rail costs a fraction of what the FEC is proposing and takes care of the average person that has to commute. This whole rip-off is all about FREIGHT and the tax payer is going to be hit really hard when we have to start maintaining all these crossings! As it is each town etc pays the FEC annually just to cross the tracks... They propose 32 trains a day in addition to the 8-10 Freight trains that run now..It has been mentioned that they plan to increase the number of Freight trains by another 10!!!!! If a railroad bridge is down over any body of water, it cannot open for boat traffic to pass if there is another train within an hour of the one that just passed...you do the math ..what a nightmare!!!!!!!
All this negativity about all aboard Florida let's look at the positives, this will make a lot of very wealthy politicians and investors a whole lot richer, isn't that good for Florida? Noise, safety, lower property values public inconvenience and guaranteed taxpayer bailout should be viewed just as collateral damage. Welcome to the new America and you can't blame Obama on this one we voted these self serving corrupt politicians in and this assault on the public couldn't occur without their help and cooperation. Our only weapon is the vote, remember the names of the public enemies starting with Governor Scott. Sometimes we just get what we deserve.
Jean Deering - 10 years ago
Everyone should read CARL HIAASEN on this subject. This is a really stupid plan. No benefit to south Florida at all.
Don Paulus - 10 years ago
The quiet communities to the north of West Palm Beach do not want these trains going through their towns. The noise, the disruption to emergency vehicles, and danger to residents will have a severe impact on their property values. This All Aboard Florida concept has not been thought through properly. Get the trains further west away from the coastal communities north of West Palm Beach.
Barbara Shelley - 10 years ago
Piper flying over 24hours a day train stopping every day when people trying to get to work or school ambulances fure trucks get held up. But yet we live with it. All aboard florida is a good thing for commuters roads to congested.
Steve Wilcox - 10 years ago
I believe high speed rail travel is good for Florida and for the rest of the country however along the east coast of Florida, tracks should be built along existing transportation corridors such as I-95 or the Florida Turnpike where trains can travel safely and with little disruption to the communities along its path. There are too many crossings in Indian River County which will be a safety concern. Additionally high usage rail lines along the existing tracks will create a barrier in the communities which is similar to what happened with many interstate highways when they were built.
Laura - 10 years ago
I happen to live on Old Dixie Hwy right across the street from the railroad track. I've gotten used to the house shaking and the noise as the trains go by several times a day. I cannot fathom what we will do if 32 trains are going by 24/7. Sleep? Nope. Not to mention I cannot sell this property now even if I wanted to. My property value will be in the tank. I have invested in this property because it is so close to the beach, but now it is worthless. Someone said that Fort Pierce needs this more than anyone. How is that going to help Fort Pierce? The trains won't even stop in Fort Pierce. If I want to go to Orlando or Miami on the train, how would I do that? Drive to Orlando to get to Miami? Drive to Palm Beach to get to Orlando? During the winter I wait in the traffic coming in and out of Hutchinson Island when the bridge goes up or when there is a passing train. Multiply that by 30. The only way to really have a wonderful high speed rail system would be to build a monorail system like in Japan. Then the trains speed quietly above us without disrupting traffic or neighborhoods. This is just another example of big corporate money looking for more money.
Alan Schlossberg - 10 years ago
All Aboard Florida would be a disaster for all the east coast towns,with 32 passenger & 18 freight trains,two miles long,& running 24/7.
This would create a traffic nightmare, resulting,in reduced property values,taxes,& tourism income,all probably in the billions,
Emergency vehicles,& hurricane evacuations,& auto & boat traffic, all would be seriously impacted
This company is rated as a junk bond operation,paying 12% interest,& financed by a N.Y.hedge fund
In reality this is a real estate & freight train operation,with an added passenger service ,which will run at a deficit,but necessary to obtain $1.5 billion of tax payer money from the feds.
We need to derail this horrible plan.
Call & write your elected officials,& Anthony Fox,Administrator, Federal Dep't of Transportation
Karen - 10 years ago
The poll is phrased incorrectly. It should say, "Do you want the express train?" Not, do you "think" it will be built? Words speak volumes.
phil - 10 years ago
As long as NO tax dollars are spent; Federal, State or local FECRR can build anything they want. Just not on my dime.
Barry Elder - 10 years ago
I certainly hope that this boondoggle does not get built on the East Coast! Since some peabrained person or Body has determined that the owner of the rail lines does not have to maintain the various crossings, so that leaves the taxpayer exposed for whatever maintenance the high speed vibrator makes necessary. I would hope that all the "moneybags" who are working the "con" would use some CSX rails for their "scam" since the CSX rails are not rated nearly as high as FEC rails. Using CSX rails and right-of-way would be more direct, therefore a shorter and quicker trip and would most likely upset more cows and armadillos than people, and they don't vote! I hope our deadbeat government requires definite proof that this is a viable project and not a waste of money, so I hope a separate committee is appointed to "follow the money" on a daily basis!
Andy - 10 years ago
Paul- it seems you think you're intelligent. Let me dispel that notion for you.
In no way is it pretty close to impossible to stop this project, and you have literally no justification to say that. In no way are the readers of TCPalm victims of a propaganda campaign- little newspapers can't afford to go against public will and opinion else they'll die out. The theory of which you speak isn't nonsensical. It is literally impossible to read information and be less informed- you're looking for a term other than 'less informed.' If you care to hire me, I'd be glad to help you find the words you actually meant to say, but I don't do that for free.
You're unaware of the difference between " and '. Please learn that difference before posting again. In no way is an article about a hotly contested publicly funded project analogous to an article in the enquirer.
Please learn how capitalization is used before posting again.
Nancy Meyer - 10 years ago
I am a resident originally from RI. Gov. Carcieri and the state legislature there approved a $75,000,000 loan for the retired baseball player, Curt Schilling, to start a video games company in Providence a couple years back. Well, guess what, nobody did due diligence and Curt Schilling may know baseball but he is no businessman where a video games co. is concerned. Needless to say, RI taxpayers are on the hook for $75 mil+. This train boondogle is the same kind of thing. It will do more harm than good, will not make money and the taxpayers will be on the hook.
Sylvia Camp - 10 years ago
Thanks for your work but this is not a good poll. If I vote "yes" it is as if it is self fulfilling. The only thing we can hope for is some miracle of business accommodation which would allow FEC and CSX to share rails, and money, to the advantage of both lines.
Paul Harrison - 10 years ago
At the time of writing, it looks like 56% of TCPalm readers think the system will not be built. This is despite the fact that it's pretty close to impossible to stop it.
At some point TCPalm has to take a good hard look at the campaign it's been running against AAF. Its readers are now convinced the trains will be unsafe, disruptive, state subsidized, and that it's some kind of trojan horse for some other conspiracy, be it "Agenda 21" or "All About Freight", no matter how nonsensical that theory is. People read TCPalm and actually end up less informed than they were before they started reading it.
Do the journalists associated with that media organization really want to be associated with that kind of "journalism"? If you write for the National Enquirer you expect this, but if you're writing for something promoting itself as mainstream, is this the type of thing you want your By-line on?
Unfortunately, as much as I believe one person can make a difference; in this case I believe it is too late. As in most major projects of this magnitude the wheels have been turning long before the general public becomes aware. As an optimist, I will continue to be part of the force against the train and pray that we are successful, but history tells me it is too late.
Anyone who believes that this train will benefit anyone besides the investors and the frieght division of Founders and Florida east Coast railroad should start talking and listening to the Marine Industry, The Real Estate Industry and all the residents that live along the rail corridor. We have a perfectly good rail system west of the FEC tracks that runs passenger trains to Orlando every day, stopping in Ft Lauderdale and West Palm Beach....mostly empty ..called Amtrack and we have to subsidize that. Tri rail costs a fraction of what the FEC is proposing and takes care of the average person that has to commute. This whole rip-off is all about FREIGHT and the tax payer is going to be hit really hard when we have to start maintaining all these crossings! As it is each town etc pays the FEC annually just to cross the tracks... They propose 32 trains a day in addition to the 8-10 Freight trains that run now..It has been mentioned that they plan to increase the number of Freight trains by another 10!!!!! If a railroad bridge is down over any body of water, it cannot open for boat traffic to pass if there is another train within an hour of the one that just passed...you do the math ..what a nightmare!!!!!!!
All this negativity about all aboard Florida let's look at the positives, this will make a lot of very wealthy politicians and investors a whole lot richer, isn't that good for Florida? Noise, safety, lower property values public inconvenience and guaranteed taxpayer bailout should be viewed just as collateral damage. Welcome to the new America and you can't blame Obama on this one we voted these self serving corrupt politicians in and this assault on the public couldn't occur without their help and cooperation. Our only weapon is the vote, remember the names of the public enemies starting with Governor Scott. Sometimes we just get what we deserve.
Everyone should read CARL HIAASEN on this subject. This is a really stupid plan. No benefit to south Florida at all.
The quiet communities to the north of West Palm Beach do not want these trains going through their towns. The noise, the disruption to emergency vehicles, and danger to residents will have a severe impact on their property values. This All Aboard Florida concept has not been thought through properly. Get the trains further west away from the coastal communities north of West Palm Beach.
Piper flying over 24hours a day train stopping every day when people trying to get to work or school ambulances fure trucks get held up. But yet we live with it. All aboard florida is a good thing for commuters roads to congested.
I believe high speed rail travel is good for Florida and for the rest of the country however along the east coast of Florida, tracks should be built along existing transportation corridors such as I-95 or the Florida Turnpike where trains can travel safely and with little disruption to the communities along its path. There are too many crossings in Indian River County which will be a safety concern. Additionally high usage rail lines along the existing tracks will create a barrier in the communities which is similar to what happened with many interstate highways when they were built.
I happen to live on Old Dixie Hwy right across the street from the railroad track. I've gotten used to the house shaking and the noise as the trains go by several times a day. I cannot fathom what we will do if 32 trains are going by 24/7. Sleep? Nope. Not to mention I cannot sell this property now even if I wanted to. My property value will be in the tank. I have invested in this property because it is so close to the beach, but now it is worthless. Someone said that Fort Pierce needs this more than anyone. How is that going to help Fort Pierce? The trains won't even stop in Fort Pierce. If I want to go to Orlando or Miami on the train, how would I do that? Drive to Orlando to get to Miami? Drive to Palm Beach to get to Orlando? During the winter I wait in the traffic coming in and out of Hutchinson Island when the bridge goes up or when there is a passing train. Multiply that by 30. The only way to really have a wonderful high speed rail system would be to build a monorail system like in Japan. Then the trains speed quietly above us without disrupting traffic or neighborhoods. This is just another example of big corporate money looking for more money.
All Aboard Florida would be a disaster for all the east coast towns,with 32 passenger & 18 freight trains,two miles long,& running 24/7.
This would create a traffic nightmare, resulting,in reduced property values,taxes,& tourism income,all probably in the billions,
Emergency vehicles,& hurricane evacuations,& auto & boat traffic, all would be seriously impacted
This company is rated as a junk bond operation,paying 12% interest,& financed by a N.Y.hedge fund
In reality this is a real estate & freight train operation,with an added passenger service ,which will run at a deficit,but necessary to obtain $1.5 billion of tax payer money from the feds.
We need to derail this horrible plan.
Call & write your elected officials,& Anthony Fox,Administrator, Federal Dep't of Transportation
The poll is phrased incorrectly. It should say, "Do you want the express train?" Not, do you "think" it will be built? Words speak volumes.
As long as NO tax dollars are spent; Federal, State or local FECRR can build anything they want. Just not on my dime.
I certainly hope that this boondoggle does not get built on the East Coast! Since some peabrained person or Body has determined that the owner of the rail lines does not have to maintain the various crossings, so that leaves the taxpayer exposed for whatever maintenance the high speed vibrator makes necessary. I would hope that all the "moneybags" who are working the "con" would use some CSX rails for their "scam" since the CSX rails are not rated nearly as high as FEC rails. Using CSX rails and right-of-way would be more direct, therefore a shorter and quicker trip and would most likely upset more cows and armadillos than people, and they don't vote! I hope our deadbeat government requires definite proof that this is a viable project and not a waste of money, so I hope a separate committee is appointed to "follow the money" on a daily basis!
Paul- it seems you think you're intelligent. Let me dispel that notion for you.
In no way is it pretty close to impossible to stop this project, and you have literally no justification to say that. In no way are the readers of TCPalm victims of a propaganda campaign- little newspapers can't afford to go against public will and opinion else they'll die out. The theory of which you speak isn't nonsensical. It is literally impossible to read information and be less informed- you're looking for a term other than 'less informed.' If you care to hire me, I'd be glad to help you find the words you actually meant to say, but I don't do that for free.
You're unaware of the difference between " and '. Please learn that difference before posting again. In no way is an article about a hotly contested publicly funded project analogous to an article in the enquirer.
Please learn how capitalization is used before posting again.
I am a resident originally from RI. Gov. Carcieri and the state legislature there approved a $75,000,000 loan for the retired baseball player, Curt Schilling, to start a video games company in Providence a couple years back. Well, guess what, nobody did due diligence and Curt Schilling may know baseball but he is no businessman where a video games co. is concerned. Needless to say, RI taxpayers are on the hook for $75 mil+. This train boondogle is the same kind of thing. It will do more harm than good, will not make money and the taxpayers will be on the hook.
Thanks for your work but this is not a good poll. If I vote "yes" it is as if it is self fulfilling. The only thing we can hope for is some miracle of business accommodation which would allow FEC and CSX to share rails, and money, to the advantage of both lines.
At the time of writing, it looks like 56% of TCPalm readers think the system will not be built. This is despite the fact that it's pretty close to impossible to stop it.
At some point TCPalm has to take a good hard look at the campaign it's been running against AAF. Its readers are now convinced the trains will be unsafe, disruptive, state subsidized, and that it's some kind of trojan horse for some other conspiracy, be it "Agenda 21" or "All About Freight", no matter how nonsensical that theory is. People read TCPalm and actually end up less informed than they were before they started reading it.
Do the journalists associated with that media organization really want to be associated with that kind of "journalism"? If you write for the National Enquirer you expect this, but if you're writing for something promoting itself as mainstream, is this the type of thing you want your By-line on?