Plymouth Residents Demand Action as Train Delays Disrupt Daily Life

Plymouth Residents Struggle with Train Delays

Plymouth, Mich. – Life in the charming city of Plymouth has its fair share of conveniences and delights, but recent years have seen a significant bump in the residents’ daily rhythm thanks to troublesome trains. If you’ve lived here, you know what we’re talking about: long, frustrating delays at crossings, often leaving drivers and pedestrians stuck for over an hour. No one seems to be happy about it, and residents from all walks of life are calling for a solution that, sadly, seems a long way off.

Trains and Timing: A Daily Hassle

At HALE Strength and Shape, a women-only gym nestled off Main Street, the buzz of workout sessions is often interrupted by the sound of trains rattling along the tracks. Gym member Kurt Hessenbruch explained, “Even first thing in the morning, we start at 5:45, and I’ll be getting to work around 5:25. And I’ll pull up, and there’s a train. Before you know it, class is starting late, and everything runs behind.” This isn’t just a gym issue; it hits the whole community.

Joining in the frustration, gym-goer Ginny Porter shared, “It’s very frustrating, especially when you know you have to be someplace and the class starts at a certain time. You have no control over it.” You might even find yourself standing there, wondering how late you’ll end up when a train comes rolling through — and it doesn’t only happen during rush hour, folks.

April Dono, another Plymouth resident, recalled a day filled with snow that added to her woes. “I hadn’t brushed my car off, and I actually got out and brushed the snow off. There was plenty of time! I could’ve done the whole row. It’s stressful when you have to be someplace!”

Local Business Owners Feeling the Pain

Jeff Stokes, who owns a business just a block away from HALE, expressed how the constant train delays affect not just daily commuters but also business. “I’ve seen trains stalled for 45 minutes, and cars backed up all the way down both lights,” Stokes lamented. His words echo a sentiment felt across the city.

Although the residents have been vocal and proactive, the problem seems a bit sticky due to regulatory limitations. U.S. Congresswoman Debbie Dingell voiced her concern, stating, “Trains should not be able to block intersections for hours at a time. It’s unacceptable and can even become life-threatening.” It sounds serious! However, no matter how much local leaders push, trains are ruled by federal regulations that don’t seem to provide a way out.

A Community Divided with Little Power

Shirley Keller, a local business owner of Perfect Paw’s Pet Salon, reflected on the increasing frequency of these inconveniences. “I didn’t know there were so many trains until I moved down here. Over the last 24 years, the problem has gotten worse—more frequent, longer trains, and they seem slower too,” Keller noted. It’s a stark difference from when she first opened her salon.

These delays have become a hot topic at countless meetings with the Michigan Department of Transportation, the Federal Railroad Administration, and other local leaders. Unfortunately, as Dingell pointed out, “You end up in meetings where everybody is pointing fingers at everyone else.” It’s frustrating for the community when officials seem powerless to effect any real change.

A Call for Local Control

What’s the community’s take on this? Many, including Dono, wish they had some power over the situation. “It’s not like they’re not listening to us. The city and local legislators know how inconvenienced we are, but they can’t do anything about it.” Everyone wants a resolution, and it feels like it’s time for some serious conversation about local control over these pressing issues.

As Plymouth continues to grow, the road ahead might be tough, but it’s clear that the community is united in making sure trains don’t derail their daily lives any longer than necessary. Whether through more meetings, petitions, or public forums, it’s high time for change—after all, everyday life shouldn’t be held up by chugging trains!