Staff Writer

WARSAW — Railroad closings are not wanted in the town, citizens told town leaders during a public hearing earlier this week.

Fears exist of being cut off from EMS, fire, rescue, and law enforcement during times of need, residents said.

Railroad closings became a topic of Warsaw business last year when the town, CSX and N.C. DOT began conversation on repairs for crossings at N.C. 24, Bay and Dudley Street. In return for the free repairs and $40,000 in funds for highway safety, Warsaw would have to close crossings at Plank Road, Yancey Street and College Street as part of the deal.

On Monday, during a public hearing, the people spoke to the matter.

Mark Jones questioned what would happen in an emergency situation if Yancey Street were closed and if Dudley were blocked by a train. “(We) shouldn’t have to worry whether a train is blocking the one or two entrances they have. As long as Yancey is open at least one is open at all times. I just don’t think these two closings are good for the town.”

“If you have a rescue call how’s rescue going to get over there?” Jones asked commissioners. “Fire? Rescue? Police?”

Comments from the Warsaw resident struck a nerve on the board from member Tommy Jones. “Totally unacceptable,” he replied. “If your house is burning down or if you have a heart attack,” Jones said, it is unacceptable to be cut off from services. “I think it is a terrible idea to come up with closing Yancey Street.”

Not only was the ability to provide services called into question by citizens, but closings would also change the flow of traffic, a detriment to at least one business in the town.

Manager of Dixie Chemical, Gene Davidson told the board he feared the changes. In the spring, farmers come from all around to buy fertilizers from the company.

“The only thing I have to say is that it would have an effect on our business, because we have a whole lot of trucks coming in from Turkey, Clinton, Magnolia, and Wallace,” the business owner said. “What it would do, it would (make them) have to go to Front Street or either go out to (U.S.) 117 and I don’t know anybody that wants to do that. I am not trying to butt heads.”

Alfred Haydee made his thoughts easy to understand.

“I am going to say to this: We don’t want Plank Street closed,” he said.

After listening to the public, commissioner Susan Greenhill request that the town take some time to digest what they heard and do some followup on some issues.

The subject will continue for Warsaw, but no date has been scheduled.

Michael Connolly can be reached at 910-592-8137 ext. 120 or can be emailed at sicity@myclintonnc.com