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LOCK HAVEN -- With the backing of multiple members of the public, along with fire and EMS personnel, Lock Haven City Council voted to deny a request by Norfolk Southern to close five railroad crossings in the city.
The request came to City Manager Gregory Wilson on Friday and saw the corporation request the removal of crossings on Liberty, Vesper, Grove, Fourth and Henderson streets.
Norfolk sighted its efforts to decrease railroad related accidents as its reason for the request.
Prior to voting against the request, council heard from members of the public – including Fire Chief Tyler Wooding and Lock Haven EMS Chief Gerard Banfill.
Wooding said diverting emergency services due to closed crossings could put members of the public in need.
"Some might say it’s only an extra minute or two... but that might mean life or death," he said.
Banfill echoed Wooding's statement. He noted the EMS facility is located next to the Liberty Street crossing and that the company crosses that railway hundreds of times each year.
"We feel it would be a detriment," he said.
Mayor Joel Long, who expressed his disagreement with the request, read a letter from city resident Richard Marcincavage.
Marcincavage expressed his disagreement with the request, noting it would create issues for motorists, residents who live near the crossings and EMS response amongst other problems.
"It doesn't appear to benefit the city," his letter said.
Long agreed with Marcincavage's assessment.
"I don't see this as being a benefit to the city," he said.
Councilmember Steve Stevenson mirrored Long's thoughts along with the others who spoke. He noted the closure of these railroad crossings would functionally cut off portions of the city to some degree.
Former city fire Chief Bob Neff noted that -- in his 38 years of service in the city -- there have been only two accidents at railroad crossings in the city.
"I think their citing of safety concerns is short sighted," he said.
Following discussion, council unanimously voted to deny the request.
Wilson said, due to the lateness in receiving the request, he hadn't been able to research what recourse Norfolk Southern may be able to take.
"We'll have to wait and see," he said.
All members of council were present for Monday's meeting held in council chambers. Council's next meeting will be held on Monday, Nov. 13 at 7 p.m. The meeting is held in person at City Hall, 20 E. Church St., and live streamed on the city's Facebook and YouTube pages.