County roundup: Brimfield drafts data center restrictions; Atwater, Mogadore, Randolph and Suffield news

A letter was received from the federal Surface Transportation Board asking for input on environmental issues and/or concerns associated with the consolidation of the Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern railways, which would create the Union Pacific transcontinental railway.

Along with Atwater Fire Department Chief Jason Brock, the board raised concerns regarding the increased rail traffic that is predicted, including the township’s ability for emergency personnel to be able to traverse through the township that has six crossings that lie within it and making sure there are better lines of communicating when and which tracks will be closed and for how long. There is concern regarding the increased noise factor, along with the increased vibration damage from heavier tonnage allowed.