Resident requests quiet zone for frequent train horns; councilmembers outline lengthy approval process

Kiva Saint Ford asked the council to create a quiet zone in her neighborhood, citing excessive train horn noise during the day and night. Councilmember Martinez and Councilmember Flickinger responded that the city’s public-works team has the application and that the process requires negotiation with the railroad (likely Union Pacific) and can involve the Federal Railroad Administration.

Flickinger described the regulatory and practical limits the city faces in working with railroads and warned that projects often proceed at the railroad’s pace. Martinez said the city has been working on long-standing applications (for example, the Harrisburg line) and noted that intersection upgrades to create quiet zones typically cost roughly a half-million dollars per crossing. He encouraged the resident to engage neighbors and said council staff would continue follow-up and suggested setting a meeting to discuss funding and next steps.

Councilmembers said district service funds and grant-writing support could be options but emphasized realistic expectations: quiet zones are possible but take significant time, coordination, and money. No formal action was taken at the meeting; staff agreed to continue coordinating with the resident and public-works officials.