Trains expected to start running in 2016

Trains expected to start running in 2016

More study is required before the town can move forward with a crossing agreement with All Aboard Florida, the town council decided Tuesday night.

The crossing agreement calls for All Aboard Florida to pay for the infrastructure costs associated with the passenger rail project. That includes safety features but not quiet zones.

The town would maintain the crossings at Toney Penna Drive and Riverside Drive.

All Aboard Florida is proposed to operate 32 passenger trains daily on the FEC railroad tracks between Miami and Orlando with stops in Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach.

“We need more information before we can entertain making an agreement,” said Vice Mayor Ilan Kaufer.

Several Jupiter residents who live near the two crossings voiced opposition to the plan.

Increased traffic, declining property values, danger to boaters and noise from the trains were some of the reasons they said the $2.5 billion train would bring to their neighborhoods.

“I don’t see any benefits. I do see lots of problems,” said Bob Culpepper.

Neil Schiller, an attorney representing All Aboard Florida, agreed that AAF would extend the deadline for the crossing agreement with Jupiter from Nov. 15.

“We are committed to working with the town,” Schiller said.

Town Manager Andy Lukasik said he expects to report back to the council next month.

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