GRIFFITH | Two dozen residents at a public hearing Wednesday evening on the proposed sale of the EJ&E Railroad registered their opposition to the move.

The residents were concerned about traffic tie-ups, train noise, the elimination of businesses along any overpass - and the resulting drop in the tax base.

Council President Rick Ryfa, R-3rd, said an environmental impact study on the effect on Indiana and Illinois communities will be submitted to the Surface Transportation Board in a couple of weeks. The STB will have 30 days afterward to decide on the Canadian National Railroad's proposal to buy the EJ&E.

The councilmen said the number of trains traveling with the EJ&E would increase from nine to about 34 per day.

Councilman George Jerome, R-2, said CN trains usually pass through town going east-west or west-east. But he said this would change if the sale is approved.

These trains would be diverted to the EJ&E tracks for a trip north to the Kirk Yard, which is a railcar switching facility near the steel mills, Jerome said.

After leaving Kirk, these same trains would travel south, back through Griffith, and continue their journey east or west.

One resident near the tracks said sometimes there are four locomotives idling nearby waiting for a green light. He wondered what it will be like if the number of trains is increased.

"What they've done is take Chicago's problem and bring it to us," said Councilman Stan Dobosz, D-5th.

Resident Mike Kubacki said that any overpass over the tracks should include a bike path and possibly a viewing station.

Resident Angie Lewis wondered if the extra trains would have to wait until an overpass is constructed.

"The trains would start running right away," Jerome said. He added that such vehicle "mitigation" usually has three to five years of federal oversight to complete an overpass.

"The entire Griffith Town Council remains strongly opposed to this acquisition and asks that the STB rule against the acquisition," Ryfa said. He noted that the residential concerns will be included in a letter being sent to the STB.

Ryfa said the council is also in talks with the CN for an overpass and other considerations just in case the sale is approved.