CEDAR LAKE | The Town Council has jumped the track and is off the South Shore rail extension bandwagon.
In what may have been a surprise move to many, the council last week declined to adopt a resolution that would have stated the council's support of the South Shore extensions to Lowell and Valparaiso.
Vincent Galbiati, the Northwest Indiana Forum director who has been beating the South Shore extension drum in visits to region communities, said Friday that he is surprised by the Cedar Lake Town Council's decision.
"You know, really the councils have to act on their consciences, but I'm certainly surprised," Galbiati said. "The initiative is strong. ... Honestly, the response has been so positive that it's been overwhelming."
Like other communities, Cedar Lake had put up money for the extension's feasibility study -- in their case, about $45,000 -- to demonstrate local support and gain federal dollars.
But on Thursday, Councilman Dominick Kortokrax, R-7th, opened discussion on the South Shore extension with charges that proponents "have not been upfront with us."
His concerns were echoed by Councilman William Landske, R-6th, who said those riding the passenger rail will not pay their fair share, and, instead, everyone will be paying for the rail line. "We'll be paying for it forever," he said.
Council President Robert Carnahan, R-1st, who voted in favor of supporting the rail extension, said the South Shore is expected to deliver better access to Chicago area jobs and be an environmentally friendly way to reduce traffic congestion.
"He (U.S. Rep. Pete Visclosky, D-Ind.) wants us to be emotionally involved in it like you are," Kortokrax said.
In the end, only Carnahan and Councilman Jerry Reiling, R-4th, voted to support the South Shore.
Councilman Dennis Wilkening, D-5th, and Councilwoman Pat Wisniewski, D-3rd, joined Kortokrax and Landske in opposition. Councilman Charlie Kaper, R-2nd, was absent.
A subdivision by Hawk Development has been dubbed Union Square, with commercial space planned in hope of a train station locating there.
