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Vol. 2 No. 2 | Richmond Suburban News | July 13, 2016
Ashland united in resolution against current rail alternatives By Patrick Gordon for The Hanover Local
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SHLAND — The crowd at Ashland Town Hall spilled out ianto the lobby and out the front door as more than 100 people attended the July 5 Ashland Town Council meeting to discuss the DC2RVA highspeed rail alternatives. Twenty people spoke during the public comment session, all in agreement that the current ideas being discussed by the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation were unacceptable. Before the meeting concluded, town council unanimously approved a resolution expressing the overwhelming opposition to the options offered by the DRPT. Newly-appointed Mayor James Foley spoke first on the topic, emphasizing that unified opposition of the potential proposal of a third rail through Ashland should be the top priority. He held up a large orange sign, which read “No Third Rail,” and told residents that signs would be available after the meeting. “The more unified we make our voice, the better it will be heard,” Foley said. “The more disjointed we are, the less we will be heard. The big threat facing Ashland is a third rail going through the heart of the town. It will destroy the town eco-
Patrick Gordon/The Hanover Local
More than 100 people attended the Ashland Town Council meeting on Tuesday, July 5, for a public discussion and official resolution about the DC2RVA high-speed rail project.
nomically, put all those businesses there are no restrictions on CSX in by the track out of business, many that regard, they could hypothetiof the homeowners will have to have cally choose to double their volume other avenues, values almost overnight, Foley will go plummeting said. down. This will affect Council member the whole area. This is Kathy Abbott, who was the real threat. When I sworn in earlier in the spoke to the rail peomeeting, read a stateple, this is still on the ment before the citizen table. We cannot let input period began. that happen. The point In her statement, she is to unite in our oppoemphasized the need sition to the state plans for a unified voice, but and try to get everyone stressed that simple FOLEY on the same page.” opposition to the current Foley also noted that CSX options wouldn’t be enough. She Transportation plans to double said the door should be open to its freight volume within the next other alternatives, an idea that the 10 years. This means that the “no DRPT has rejected in the past. build” option wouldn’t be viable, Abbott recounted a conversasince it would not accommodate tion she had with Ashland resident for the impending increase. Since Phyllis Theroux, who reminded her
that the government works for the people, so it wasn’t necessary to simply accept their process. “It won’t be easy,” Abbott said. “But I say we demand a fourth option. I reject the ‘Sophie’s Choice’ that we are being forced to make as a community because of DRPT’s rigid process. We want another alternative that won’t harm anyone who calls Ashland home.” Council member James Murray, who was appointed vice mayor earlier in the meeting, said the DC2RVA rail project was the most important issue that has faced the town in recent history. “It’s both terrible and fantastic that this room is as full as it is,” he said. “It is terrible that everybody has to be here because it is such a see RAIL, pg. 11
Ashland Summer Theatre Festival presenting three shows Aug. 13 Contributed Report news@mechlocal.com ASHLAND – The Ashland Summer Theatre Festival is billing Aug. 13 as “Three shows, one day, fun for the whole family!” With performances scheduled at noon, 2 and 4 p.m., the festival will present “Beauty and the Beast Tamer” at the Hanover Arts and Activities Center; “Peter Pan: When Wendy Grew Up” at Ashland Coffee and Tea; and “Alice in Wonderland” at the Ashland Theater. The Whistle Stop Theatre Company is joining with Ashland Main Street to present the three movies. The entire family can see all three shows for just $25 with the Family Package. Individuals can see all three shows for $10 or see just one show for $5. Tickets can be purchased at whistlestoptheatre.weebly.com. For more information, contact Louise Ricks at 804-240-4498 and whistlestoptheatre.weebly.com.