Background, Documents and News on Canadian National/Park Forest Deal
In January 2009, the Surface Transportation Board granted approval of the sale of 195 miles of track owned by
Elgin, Joliet & Eastern to Canadian National Railway Company.
Under the new ownership of Canadian National, train activity in Park Forest stood to increase 400%, resulting in
numerous adverse effects on the Village and its residents.
After lengthy negotiations, the Village of Park Forest closed on a voluntary mitigation agreement (VMA) with
Canadian National on October 9th, 2009--in effort to offset the impacts of heightened train activity on the community.
The six agreements that make up the deal include:
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Voluntary Mitigation Agreement (total value: $4,225,000)
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Parking Lot Reconstruction Agreement (total value: $1,320,000)
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Bridge Overpass Ownership Transfer Agreement (total value: $1,165,000)
-
Real Estate Sales Agreement and Option Agreement (total value: $645,000)
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Right of Entry Agreement
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The sale of 5.778 acres of land to CN
The package, totaling $7.3 million dollars, is the largest in Park Forest’s 60 year history.
Additional Information
Correspondence in opposition of EJ&E/CN transaction:
Letter to Canadian National in response to proposed acquisition of EJ&E - 1/7/08
Letter to Surface Transportation Board in response to proposed acquisition of EJ & E - 9/28/08
Details reviewed and approved by Village Board on deal with CN:
Regular Meeting of the Park Forest Board of Trustees: Consent agenda items containing resolutions
on each item of voluntary mitigation agreement with Canadian National - 9/14/09
Press Releases:
CN reaches voluntary mitigation agreement (VMA) with Village of Park Forest (CN)
Village inks deal with Canadian National (VOPF)
CN construction news:
Canadian National Construction Update Information
Other helpful links:
Resident Noise Mitigation Funding
Commuter Lot Construction Phase Map
Parking Lot Construction Aerial View
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