WARSAW — Leaders will be seeking input from the community next month as the town begins to give serious contemplation to a railroad project that could leave Warsaw with three less crossings.

On the table is an offer by CSX Transportation Inc. and the N.C. DOT to repair three railroad crossings; at N.C. 24, Bay Street and Dudley Street. In addition to the repairs, which won’t cost a penny to the town, a lump sum of $40,000 is being offered. However, in return CSX and the N.C. DOT want to close crossings at George, Plank and Yancey Streets.

Reasoning for the railroad closings, said town manager Jason Burrell, is that it would reduce travel time for the trains while reducing any liability.

As for the $40,000, “Basically, it is just kind of incentive money for allowing them to close certain locations,” said Burrell. No strings would be attached with the funds. Warsaw would be able to spend the money as they wish.

According to Burrell, half of the money would come from N.C. DOT with the other half coming from CSX. Previously, John Dillard, director of State Government Affairs from CSX commented that the work to be done would be paid for by federal funds.

Currently, the plan has been approved by CSX and the N.C. DOT. On, Monday, March 9, 2009 Warsaw residents will have a chance to speak on the matter. Concerns have already been raised by one on the town board. In January, board member Susan Greenhill expressed her interest in putting “some kind” of memorial near the area of Plank Street.

Greenhill’s desires were recounted, and a plaque or “other work” will be done at Plank Street as part of the bargain.

Greenhill said it is one of the oldest roads in town; Plank Street was made by wooden planks and that is how it got the name. When Dillard and Nancy Horne, from DOT, first approached the board last month, Greenhill asked that they “look into” having monuments and memorials placed near the historic streets of Warsaw.

Two weeks ago Burrell, Warsaw fire Chief John Blackmore, Warsaw Public Works director, Gerald Lanier, Warsaw police Capt. Larry Holland and Ed Collins of the Warsaw Code Enforcement Department met with Dillard and Horne to review specifics and give leaders a chance to voice any concern.

No concerns were noted at the meeting.

Michael Connolly can be reached at (910) 592-8137 ext. 120 or can be emailed at sicity@intrstar.net.