Neighbors in the lower 9th Ward and Holly Cross are pushing back against a project that could have trains rolling near their homes.
“Who brings a train 2 feet, 15 feet from somebody’s front door,” said Cheryl Nicks.
Dozens of protestors chanted outside of a meeting discussing the project with the port of New Orleans, hoping to make their voices heard.
“The project will destroy our neighborhood,” said Nicks.
Nicks said she’s worried about her safety.
“There will be trains passing within 15 feet of some residences; it would endanger the children our children have to walk to school bus stops with trains passing,” said Nicks.
The Port of New Orleans says the trains transporting grains would run daily.
“The train will come once a day. There’s a single train up to 10 cars long,” said Loren Marino with the Port of New Orleans.
Sunrise Foods, the company leading the project, has plans to revitalize the Alabo Street Wharf.
Port leaders say that as packages are transported, staff will monitor the area they pass through.
“The conductor will actually be outside of the train while it’s going about 5 miles per hour, keeping an eye out for any concerns there,” said Marino.
But neighbors are still concerned about noise, the environment, and changes in the property values.
“It shows that private companies can partner with the port and place things inside our communities without our concern,” said Cassandra Shepard.
The Port of New Orleans says Sunrise Foods is in the permitting process, and work on the project could start early next year.
READ MORE:Residents in protest against plans to put grain terminal in the Lower 9th Ward
