Title
West Summit Avenue Railroad Quiet Zone Feasibility Study
Action
Action:
A. Authorize the City Manager to execute an agreement with FHNC 1420 South Mint, LLC for a West Summit Avenue Railroad Quiet Zone Feasibility Study, and
B. Adopt a budget ordinance appropriating $50,000 in contributions from FHNC 1420 South Mint, LLC for a West Summit Avenue Railroad Quiet Zone Feasibility Study to the General Capital Projects Fund.
Body
Staff Resource(s):
Debbie Smith, Transportation
David Smith, Transportation
Explanation
§ Quiet zones are an exception to the Federal Railroad Administration’s Train Horn Rule, which requires trains to sound the horn prior to all public street crossings.
§ Quiet zones may only be established by public authorities, and historically the Charlotte Department of Transportation (CDOT) has only implemented quiet zones when external partners fund infrastructure improvements to the railroad and/or street.
§ FHNC 1420 South Mint, LLC, the developer of a proposed mixed-use project at 1420 South Mint Street, approached CDOT about implementing a railroad quiet zone at the nearby crossing on West Summit Avenue.
§ This developer contribution will provide funding for CDOT to work with Norfolk Southern to determine what changes to the railroad and/or street would be needed to implement a quiet zone.
§ Funds will be used to pay for Norfolk Southern exploratory work, CDOT staff time, and an outside consultant to guide CDOT through the process.
§ The developer contribution will cover the costs of the evaluation; no other funding sources will be used.
§ The results of this feasibility study will provide scope and cost estimates should the developer want to pursue funding the modifications needed to implement a quiet zone on West Summit Avenue.
§ This railroad crossing and proposed development are in Council District 3.
Fiscal Note
Funding: Private Developer Contributions
Attachments
Attachment(s)
Map
Budget Ordinance