With the 2012 election officially behind us, many in Western Washington are turning their focus to the next big battle that's brewing. The proposal to run approximately eighteen 1.6-mile-long coal trains through Seattle and all the way up to Bellingham. While pollution and traffic delays are top of mind for a lot of detractors, there's one issue in particular that has home and property owners up in arms. According to a study by Climate Solutions, the coal trains could cost Seattle homeowners over $250 million in lost property value.
According to the study, drivers and bicyclists could also expect rises in traffic near train crossings "by one to three hours each day by 2026."
The study predicts that single family residential property are the most likely to be significantly impacted, while multi-family properties near the tracks may also be strongly affected by noise, delays and pollution. Properties and businesses on the seaward side of the tracks would be expected to receive much more adverse impacts due to blockage from the "mainland" by so many passing trains.
Upcoming hearings about the coal train and Gateway Pacific Terminal in Bellingham are planned for the coming months in Seattle and surrounding cities along Puget Sound. Don't miss the chance to make your voice heard.
· Climate Solution's Coal Train Study [Climate Solutions]