Here's a copy of the e-mail I sent today to Lee Roy Davidson, a vice president at CSX in charge of maintenance expenditures.
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Doug

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-----Original Message-----
From: Eckert, Doug
Sent: Tuesday, May 30, 2000 1:54 PM
Subject: CSX bridges at Murphy Road and Acklen Park within the Sylvan Park Community of Nashville

Mr. Davidson,

Several weeks ago I e-mailed you about this subject. I have not received any response.

The problem is this: the CSX railroad bridges at Acklen Park and Murphy Road are in need of maintenance. The small granite rocks meant to support the railbed are eroding and falling on pedestrian walkways and the road where cars pass. I would be surprised if they haven't fallen on a few cars or pedestrians.

The bridge at Murphy Road is rusting severely. It makes both your company and our neighborhood look bad. I don't believe either bridge has been painted except for when it was built.

The condition of these bridges would be more acceptable if they were located in a rural area with little traffic. Instead they are in an urban upscale Metropolitan Nashville neighborhood with heavy traffic.

During the recent "Great American Cleanup Day" at Sylvan Park, I personally removed trash and overgrowth around both railroad bridges. I found numerous small discarded plastic water bottles typical of those used by railroad employees, plus a discarded abrasion wheel, fast-food litter and even a bag of heavy steel clips for the rail.

Can you tell me of any plans you have to make this situation better? I've heard your company sometimes donates paint for neighborhoods to use on smaller bridges such as the concrete one at Acklen Park.

I plan to also post this letter on our Sylvan Park neighborhood website at www.sylvanpark.org. You're welcome to respond there if you wish.

Thanks
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Doug Eckert
doug.eckert@nashville.com
Mayoral Appointee to Council District 24 of the Metro Nashville Beautification and Environment Commission
Steering Committee Member of the Sylvan Park Neighborhood Association




By Doug Eckert

Response from CSX/ Mr. Davidson

This may look like I'm having a conversation with myself, but I just received this reply from Lee Roy Davidson. I'm encouraged!

Watch this space, and let me know your thoughts.
---
Doug

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-----Original Message-----
From: Davidson, Leeroy
Sent: Tuesday, May 30, 2000 5:03 PM
Subject: RE: CSX bridges at Murphy Road and Acklen Park within the
Sylvan Park Community of Nashville



MR. ECKERT

THANKS YOU FOR YOUR CONCERN, I DID RECEIVE YOUR E MAIL
AND HAD PLAN TO VIST THE SITE PRIOR TO A RESPONSE. HOWEVER, I HAVE NOT HAD
THE OPPORTUNITY TO SO TO DATE.

MY PLANS ARE TO BE IN THE NASHVILLE AREA THE WEEK OF JUNE 4, 2000, AND
WOULD BE AVAILABLE ON FRIDAY JUNE 8 FOR A SITE INSPECTION TO MORE CLEARLY
IDENTIFY THESE CONDITIONS.

I WILL HAVE REMEDIAL ACTION TAKEN TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM OF ROCK FALLING
INTO ROADWAY AND SIDE WALKS.

AS FOR THE RUSTED BRIDGE CAUSING AN UNSIGHTLY CONDITION
TO THE NEIGHBORHOOD, THAT IS SOMETHING THAT IS NOT IN CSX-T PLANS TO
CORRECT, BUT WOULD BE AGREEABLE TO POSSIBLE ALLOW THE COMMUNITY ACCESS TO
CLEAN AND PAINT THE EXTERIOR PORTION OF THE STRUCTURE.

AGAIN, THANKS YOU FOR YOUR CONCERNS AND I WILL MAKE A MORE COMPLETE
RESPONSE AFTER I HAVE MADE THE SITE INSPECTION.

LEEROY DAVIDSON
REGION ENGINEER STRUCTURES






By Doug Eckert

response

Dear Mr. Eckert:

I couldn't agree with your more. In fact, I wouldn't be at all upset if the CSX tracks were re-located. (According to my maps of the neighborhood, there used to be another railroad line in sylvan park, not too far west of the current one. Wouldn't it be nice if this one joined that one?

gaynor wild

By gaynor wild