Downtown Lakeland Partnership Anti-CSX Rally
I swung by the Downtown Lakeland Partnership Anti-CSX rally/protest downtown today. Photos from the rally are here.
I stopped by the tent at the corner of Main and Kentucky on three different occasions. There was a slow/steady stream of locals downtown that stopped by the tent, but never a huge crowd (The Ledger says it was 'sparse'). The largest group I saw numbered around 6 or 7 not including media (and one gorilla)
However, local turnout is only one factor. The rally drew media coverage from Channels 8, 10 and 13. The last time I stopped by, Julie Townsend from the Downtown Lakeland Partnership was doing an interview with Ken Suarez from Channel 13. Channel 13's coverage can be seen here.
Some people seemed aware of the CSX issue, others looked to be hearing about it for the first time.
During the lunch hour a group stood on the corner and held up some small signs reading, "CSX HUB" with the standard 'No' sign over it.
Julie Townsend was going to let me know how many petition signatures they collected at the end of the event. Update: Julie said that 88 people signed the petition.
Comments
There are sincere efforts underway to mitigate Lakeland's concerns and with just a little patience, solutions will be forthcoming.
There are actually opportunities at hand for all the various county concerns to act
in unity to secure regional infrastructure mitigation that we could never acquire individually.
I believe this county has the talent and the creativity to make the CSX intermodal facility a model for the country.
"If you think you can do a thing or you think you can't do a thing ... you're right" - Henry Ford
Posted by: Bob Gernert | August 24, 2007 01:50 PM
I think Lakeland residents would have more patience if they felt State, CSX, and Winter Haven officials would wait to start construction until the DRI is complete.
Out talent and creativity is unlimited, but what if they worked together to create something better than the intermodal?
Acting in unity is fine, but who do we unite behind? That's the question Polk County seems to trip over often.
Posted by: Chuck Welch | August 25, 2007 02:15 PM
Here's an idea that has probably been considered, anyway, Why not turn the Van Fleet rail to trail back to rail. The old railroad grade is still there between Coleman and West Auburndale. That way Downtown Lakeland would be okay except maybe increase freight traffic from Tampa.
Posted by: Jeff | September 9, 2007 09:54 PM