Quiet zones by railroad tracks are costly, frustrating but worthwhile
Published 12:00 am, Friday, April 2, 2010
If you think the goal of more "quiet zones" along railroad tracks in Beaumont and other cities is a costly, frustrating and endless process, you're right. Quiet zones are basically large retrofits. Railroads and cities are trying to go back and make homes by railroad tracks more livable.
When these homes were built decades ago, the trains might not have been as noisy or numerous. Even so, that was just the way things were. The modern phenomenon of consumer rights was not conceived of.
Today, fortunately, individuals have more rights. That's why quiet zones are worth pursuing, even if they cost a lot ($400,000 to $800,000 per intersection!) and simply are not feasible in some places. If Beaumont can add one or two each year, the quality of life will vastly improve for the affected neighborhoods.
None of this, however, eliminates the ancient concept of "caveat emptor" (let the buyer beware). If you're a light sleeper, don't buy or rent near railroad tracks.