Norfolk Southern/Conrail Rail Connection–Bucyrus, Ohio - Surface ...

ecognized Indian tribes and/or Indian reservation trust interests in Ohio. They also stated they were
unaware of any existent Indian religious sites and/or sacred Indian burial grounds in the immediate
vicinity of the proposed construction site.
Comment: The Ohio Historic Preservation Office (Appendix C, Exhibit 17) stated that they need to
know how the proposed project will affect the former T&OC Railroad Depot, located at 700 East
Rensselaer Street, before they can comment. The agency will also need front and rear elevation
photographs of any building over fifty years old which will be affected by the proposed construction.
Petitioner's Response: The proposed connection would impact the former T&OC freight depot, which
appears to be eligible for NRHP listing either alone or as a part of a district with the T&OC passenger
station. In a meeting on July 25, 1997, STB initiated consultation with the Ohio SHPO where findings
of potential eligibility were discussed. Since the former T&OC freight depot would be demolished to
make way for the new right-of-way, the project would likely have an adverse effect on a historic
property. Support documentation has been prepared and will be submitted to the Ohio SHPO by the
STB. The documentation recommends mitigation at HABS Level II. Consultation with the Ohio
SHPO will continue.
5.1.10 Energy Resources
No comments were received concerning energy resources.
5.2 AGENCY SUGGESTED MITIGATION
A list of the agencies consulted during the environmental review process and copies of agency
correspondence related to this rail construction are provided in Appendix C.
The following mitigation measures were suggested for the proposed construction project by the various
parties consulted in the process of preparing the EA:
! The Rensselaer and East Warren Street road crossings are currently protected by flashing lights at the crossing.
The East Warren Street crossing would be expanded to include the double track that would result from the
proposed construction. One new at-grade crossing is proposed for Rensselaer Street. Warning signals at the
existing Warren Street and Rensselaer Street crossings, would be upgraded and protected by flashing lights and
gates. The new grade crossing at Rensselaer Street also would be protected with flashing lights and arm gates.
! As mitigation for the impacts to the former freight depot, which may be determined to be eligible
for the National Register, petitioner will consult with the Ohio SHPO to determine the
appropriate actions.
! Petitioner will construct the new connections during normal working hours to the extent
practicable.
! The petitioner will construct a natural or man-made visual buffer to the west of the residential
property at the corner of Catherine and Rensselaer Streets.
! Petitioner would maintain all rail line and warning devices according to Federal Railroad
Administration standards.
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