SCHUMER: CORNING NEIGHBORHOOD IS PLAGUED BY IDLING TRAINS THAT SEND NOXIOUS FUMES INTO HOMES & LEAVE ENGINES DRONING ALL NIGHT – CALLS ON NORFOLK SOUTHERN TO FIND NON-RESIDENTIAL AREA TO LEAVE TRAINS INSTEAD OF PARKING THEM OUTSIDE PEOPLES’ HOMES FOR HOURS ON END

Schumer Also Urges Norfolk Southern to Address Possible Noise Pollution Violations in Corning Neighborhood From Trains That Idle At All Hours of the Night – Schumer Urges Company to Move Trains For The Sake of Corning Northside Residents’ Health, Quality of Life

Schumer: Corning Families Cannot Have Rail Smoke & Noise Pollution As Neighbors

Today, U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer called on Norfolk Southern Railroad to find a non-residential area to park idling trains that sit for hours beside a residential neighborhood and emit noxious fumes and smoke that permeate homes and yards. According to neighborhood residents and Corning Mayor Rich Negri, there are frequently freight cars, owned by Norfolk Southern Railroad, that idle all night in the midst of this residential area emitting smoke and constant engine noise. The local community reports a significant uptick in the amount of time these trains sit and the level of pollution they’re emitting. As pleas from many homeowners and the Mayor to Norfolk Southern Railroad to help rectify this issue have fallen on deaf ears, Schumer weighed in with a personal letter to the CEO of Norfolk Southern, calling on him to address the environmental and noise pollution they are causing in Corning. Schumer said that the company should prioritize the health and quality of life of Corning residents by finding an alternate location for these trains and voluntarily moving these idling freight cars to a non-residential part of track.

“No matter what side you live on, when there is a train idling for hours near your home, you’re on the wrong side of the tracks. Ask any resident of this community and they will tell you that the horns, smoke, fumes and noise are disruptive to their lives and a risk to their wellbeing,” said Schumer. “There is no reason Norfolk Southern couldn’t find an area of the track to park these cars where they do not interfere with residents’ health and quality of life, so I’m urging the company to be a friendly neighbor and resolve this issue immediately by moving these trains to a non-residential neighborhood.”

The regional train line owned by Norfolk Southern runs through several residential communities in Corning and residents recently have noticed an uptick in the number of trains idling in their neighborhoods and the duration of time they linger. Many of the trains do not shut off their engines at night, providing a noisy distraction for all of the nearby residents and preventing many of them from getting a good night’s sleep. Many homeowners have registered complaints of noxious smoke, fumes and noise pollution in their backyards. According to Mayor Negri, he has written letters to Norfolk Southern to no avail.

Schumer is pushing the CEO of Norfolk Southern to find new locations for these train cars, far from residential neighborhoods where trains can idle without disrupting the surrounding community.

A copy of Senator Schumer’s letter to Norfolk Southern’s Chairman and CEO Charles Moorman appears below:

Dear Mr. Moorman,

I am writing to draw your attention to an issue occurring in the City of Corning, NY. Trains operated by Norfolk Southern have been sitting idle for long periods of time within the City causing constant disturbances for its residents.  Remedying this situation is a priority for Corning Mayor Rich Negri and many of his citizens, and so I urge you to work to address the issue as quickly as possible.

These trains are located on the tracks in Corning’s Northside, which is a residential neighborhood.  The constant noise and exhaust of trains idling, sometimes for more than 24 hours, creates distractions and an unpleasant smell for those living near the tracks. For many people in Corning, this means suffering through their daily routines and difficulties with sleeping at night. 

Idling the trains elsewhere, away from any residential neighborhood, would lead to a significant improvement of the quality of life in this neighborhood. I would encourage you to consider doing so as soon as possible. If there is any way I can facilitate an expeditious resolution, please let me know.

If you have any further questions, do not hesitate to contact my office.

Sincerely,

Charles E. Schumer

United States Senator

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