First let me say that I do empathize with the residents of Sundance Ranch Estates. But that empathy is tempered by the fact that you chose to build your home 65 feet from an operating railroad track and the spray fields of a wastewater treatment plant. The potential for industrial development has existed for decades.

That being said, I believe that both CSX and City of Winter Haven representatives want an equitable solution for nearby residents. But for an equitable solution to be found there has to be common ground. What is it that the majority of Sundance residents want to happen? Fair market price? A 30 foot berm? Or should we walk away from the potential for thousands of jobs and an economic impact that can raise the standard of living for many, many area citizens?

I am committed to bringing you and your neighbors into a setting where equitable solutions can be found.

I love this community as you do and a strong vibrant economy will ensure Winter Haven will be a place where our children and grandchildren can be successful. Let’s not slam the door shut on such a great opportunity as this when we have the talents necessary to do this correctly, safely and in a way that everyone will benefit.

CSX has already begun the process of scheduling the first of many citizen meetings. I believe they truly want to be good neighbors. Anything less is unacceptable.

First let me start by saying I was born and raised in Winter Haven and my Grandparents lived here for over 80 years. My Grandmother worked as the secretary to the Justice of Peace for Winter Haven for many years. My Grandfather owned the Studebaker dealership here so you can see my family goes way back. My Grandparents donated a piece of land between (11th Street N.E. and where the PCC access road is now) to the City of Winter for the College. I grew up with Parents and Grandparent who loved and believed Winter Haven was the ideal place to raise a family and I grew up to love it as well. Now with that said let me also tell you that I have lived in Sundance Ranch Estate or over 20 years and my house is the closest to the tracks I live 65 feet from the existing track. I am extremely sad that neither you nor any of the City of Winter Haven officials have the least little bit of empathy for the residents of Sundance or surrounding neighborhoods that will be the most affected by this CSX project. Second it is not true that CSX has tried to involve the residents in their planning of this site and may I also add with all do respect CSX has never even contacted me as an individual homeowner to discuss anything. I did meet with CSX along with my neighbors on two separate occasions but was told at these meetings they were considering buying our properties. What bothers me the most Mr. Gernert is that not one Winter Haven City Officials has bother to even come out to Sundance to see how close we live or to see what kind of impact this will have on our peaceful way of life nor have they come talk to us about a berm or check to see if a berm would be compatible or even feasible for us. Third the proposal from CSX did not have specifics on the size of the berm and each time we talk to the City we get a different answer regarding the size of the berm. Last but not least let me say, I understand the potential economic impact this may have and all me and my neighbors are asking is that CSX and the City of Winter has the decency to come and look at our property and have a true, honest and open discussion with the residents. Please no more exaggerating the positive we have done more research and investigations on this subject than any City or County official we know the fact so please let’s be honest about this issue. Thank you for letting me express my opinion.

As far as the proposed 15ft berm made to the residents of Sundance, if you haven’t been informed, they turned it down. The proposal was unexceptable. So again, no published, detailed plan for a site that is to be started in the coming months.

And we have asked for a bigger berm. We have stated this desire directly to Mr. Hood of CSX and Mr. Chichetto of the City of Winter Haven. Mr. Chichetto stated that only the phosphate mines had such large berms and that Winter Haven would not require such from CSX. Mr. Hood has not responded.

Yes, CSX has mentioned that they would like to have the locals involved with planning for the center, however, to date, nothing concrete has been done on their end.

There you have it, open and honest discussion. No exaggerations. Thanks for posting this.

I have read your responses and am actually floored. CSX has said many things, I could list them for you if you would like…I have my notes to say the least my backup written letters.

CSX has proposed many things to many people only to backout or take the ‘deal’ off the table. Check out what happened to the neighbors that are ‘close’ to the CSX Fairburn GA site. By the way close is 700+ feet of GA wooded land – I have pictures if you are willing to post them.

As to the berm, no where in my letter from CSX is a 15′ berm noted. It says “planning for a landscaped earthen berm”, please note that does not say anything about “15 feet”.

I will ask, what control or enforcement does the Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce, or even you personally, have to enforce or guarantee that CSX will do this berm at 15′? So posting it on your website is of no comfort to me.

As to where we get “2 feet”, I got it from using the fire hydrant in the picture supplied by CSX in my copy of the letter as a height measurement…the earthen part of the berm is not much taller than the fire hydrant in the picture. I can even supply you with a copy of the picture.

I ask that you and other readers check out the Polk County News Blog at http://www.tboblogs.com/index.php/news/story/csx-hub-new-industrial-city-or-humble-rail-yard/ written by Billy Townsend. He has done his homework, not just listened to CSX’s propaganda.

If you think higher berms are better, bring that to the table.

CSX has offered nearby residents to participate in the planning process for the center. (See our earlier post and their letter to you and other residents of Sundance Ranch Estates.)

CSX will soon announce meetings for other nearby neighborhoods and we will publish those details on this site.

We endorse an honest open discussion of the issues. Not exaggerations.