Save The Trail Coalition

Testimony -- December 10, 2009

before the Montgomery County Planning Board

Peggy Turnbow, Edgevale Neighborhood

My name is Peggy Turnbow and I am asking my neighbor, Michelle Chatfield, to present my testimony.

I have lived in Edgevale for 35 years, since 1974.  I am 79 years old.  I am a widow and now live with my daughter and dog.

You can see the photo attached here of my home, and me by my back fence.  We are very close to the Trail. 

The right of way extends into my back yard.  That is the way the homes were built back then, because no one thought there would be two train tracks coming through here.

I remember when the freight trains ran.  They came through very slowly, about three times a week, going one way, on the single track.  We waved at the conductor.  They were fun.

It is not going to be the same if trains are running by here every 3 minutes.  It will ruin my property values.  And I won’t be able to get to the trail.

Now I have a gate and I walk the dog on the trail and I walk to Connecticut Avenue where I do my shopping and banking.  My daughter walks on the trail too.

All that would change if the Purple Line comes through here.  We’ll have to stay in our house.  There may be vibrations when the trains pass, in the yard and in the house.

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