Staff Writer

Troy citizens were given the opportunity, Tuesday, to ask questions and voice concern over about the proposed closing of the Walnut Street railroad crossing.

The Troy City Council held a public hearing on the issue, but delayed any decision until its next meeting, which will be June 26.

According to CSX Railroad officials, closing the crossing will allow traffic to move quicker through the city by preventing stops. A new switch will give engineers ample warning for passage before they get into the city limits.

"What we want to do is make an improvement here," said Ben Johnston of CSX.

CSX representative Richard Rhodes said the modernization will mean "no three trains will stop in Troy" in a day’s time.#

Several residents voiced opposition to the plan. Their concerns were mostly about a delay in response from Fire Station No. 2, which is located adjacent to that particular railroad crossing.

Councilman José Henderson expressed concern about trains blocking a residential area on Railroad Avenue because there is only one entrance and exit to those homes.

"All I want to do is fix the railroad (problems)," Henderson said of the current situation in his district.

In other business, the council:

· Authorized the demolition of dilapidated buildings at 100 Vine Street and 207 Bush Street, owned by Elousie Streeter of Troy and 430 North Knox Street, owned by Donald Kimbrough of Troy. The property owners have 10 days to remove the buildings before the city does so and assesses the taxes to the property.

· Declared the building at 123 Lake Avenue, Church of God, owned by Hubert Rawls of Andalusia as "unsafe" and in need of removal.