Several municipalities have sued the railroads and have successfully won cases forcing them to install quiet zones in their communities.
So why couldn’t citizens do the same? I have discussed this with politicos and attorneys and they all say it is doable, just need to find a law firm to take it on.
I look at it as basic quality of life. While I knew what I was getting into when I bought my home DTSF, it has gotten progressively worse noise wise, and as a local and federal taxpayer I think the government (judicial system) has a duty to protect our quality of life.
People talk about ice ribbons and indoor pools, how about a nice quiet night’s sleep?
Just look at this video below I took at 12:12 PM today on 8th street.
The train was very long and the traffic was backed up all the way past Phillips. While the quiet zones can’t effect traffic, I ask people, maybe it is time to just boot them out of downtown all together?
Oh, that’s right, Sioux Falls most corrupt mayor next to current Dutch mobster screwed the pooch on that opportunity. What an idiot!
I think if myself or any other citizen was considering litigation I would go for the gold and push to move them completely out of downtown.
Until we fix up the donut around the donut hole called DTSF no progress will happen downtown, including a convention center (let me fill you in, that ain’t never happening.)
We need to make DTSF beautiful and QUIET for EVERYONE! Even the peeps who buy their hamburger at Slumshine or Franklin Food Stuff.
For there to be organized effort, there must be residents. The Cherapa area is vacant. Zillow showed 44 units. It’s not just the trains, it’s the homeless area and Gen Z with time and no money. Maybe passenger trains to remove some of the trash.
My memory is fuzzy about this topic; I thought a proposal was made a few years ago to create quiet zones downtown. And a “study” was completed. Is this remotely correct or am I way out in left field watching the grass grow?
Rich, you are correct, but I am not sure about the studies, I think the DC delegation got involved and the DOT gave the green light, but the quiet zones are only going in on 6th street and 8th street right downtown. They need to be at ALL downtown intersections. There are at least 8-10 streets downtown that need to be covered by this, mostly 14th and Cliff where most of the traffic is.