June 4, 2002

Ms. Sara E. Morningstar
Federal Relations Coordinator
Office of Intergovernmental Relations
Executive Office Building
101 Monroe Street, 4th Floor
Rockville, MD 20850

Dear Ms. Morningstar:

Per our discussion, attached are copies of various correspondence which will bring you up to speed on the train noise issue. As Richard Madaleno will attest, on May 8, 2002, the Rock Creek Hills Citizens' Association (RCHCA) voted in favor of requesting that our public officials investigate the feasibility and appropriateness of establishing a quiet zone at the Forest Glen Crossing intersection in Silver Spring. We would greatly appreciate your facilitating this process.

I have organized the attached materials in four groupings to assist you in this effort:

(1) A "Train Noise Issue Update" dated 3/14/2002, which I e-mailed to the numerous activists and interested parties who either assisted me in the petition drive last year or else simply requested being kept informed. It is a good summary/chronology of how the issue has unfolded.
(2) Correspondence to Montgomery County Traffic Chief Anthony Ricchiuti from two citizens associations (Rock Creek Hills and Capitol View Park) requesting an investigation regarding the feasibility of a train horn/whistle ban and quiet zone. Also attached is CSX's initial response to Chief Ricchiuti.
(3) The RCHCA letter sent May 19, 2001 to numerous public officials with various attachments (i.e., the final Petition Results, Chief Ricchiuti's e-mail response to me, and two background items from the FRA).
(4) Subsequent correspondence from Councilmember Berlage to the FRA, from Senator Mikulski to both the Councilmember and to the FRA, and from FRA Administrator Rutter to Senator Mikulski.

The above materials should give you some idea why many of us are extremely frustrated by the lack of responsiveness from the FRA. I would encourage you to contact Councilmember Berlage's office to get his assessment of the FRA's role as well.

I understand that Councilmember Berlage will not be seeking re-election to the Council this year, and I would like to get your guidance and his on how best to ensure continuity of involvement by the County Council in this matter.

Please let me know how I can be of further help. I may be reached on 202-752-7085 during office hours or 301-495-9821 during the evening.

Thank you very much for your consideration.

Sincerely,

Joseph Rosenberg
Vice President
Rock Creek Hills Citizens' Association

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