Quality of Life

Norfolk Southern is made up of people with families who live in communities just like McCalla. They like their homes and neighborhoods, and they value their relationships with their neighbors. Norfolk Southern is committed to ensuring that the intermodal hub will preserve rather than impinge on the quality of life enjoyed by residents.

How? By taking steps to minimize any noise or light intrusions that the hub might potentially cause. For example, Norfolk Southern is planning to erect high and wide landscape berms between the hub and the nearby homes and school. NS also plans to shade all the facility lighting so that beams are directed down rather than out into the neighborhoods.

Norfolk Southern also plans to protect property values. The intermodal facility will support the local economy, keeping property values up and possibly increasing property values by continuing local prosperity.  The hub’s design and additional measures will preserve neighborhood viewsheds.

Safety and security are of utmost concern. To prevent unauthorized and accidental access to the facility, the hub will be fully fenced and secured behind a 15-foot landscape berm, which will preserve existing property fences and tree lines.  In addition, 24/7 access control and staffing will be in effect.

Norfolk Southern is an experienced and effective partner in working with communities to build projects that are mutually beneficial. And they listen and respond to community concerns. The following maps illustrate modifications NS made to the proposed facility based on community input:  NS Modifications.

To learn more about Norfolk Southern’s willingness to listen and respond to your concerns, please click here to read a series of letters written by NS to answer questions raised by Dr. Phil Hammonds, superintendent of the Jefferson County Board of Education.