CSX legal department representatives reportedly visited affected homes, handed out business cards, and assured they will “take care of it”
ROCKLAND, NY – New York State Senator Bill Weber from the 38th New York Senate District has spoken out about the recent brush fires that occurred in Stony Point, Haverstraw, Tompkins Cove, and Congers areas of Rockland County NY. In an interview with Rockland News, Senator Weber expressed his concerns about the incident and the need for accountability.
According to Senator Weber, his office was on the scene on Friday night and has been in contact with representatives from CSX all weekend. They have a meeting set up at his Albany office (with representatives from CSX, local, state, and federal officials from Rockland County) at 9 am on Tuesday 4/18/23, to get answers and ensure that similar incidents do not happen again.
Senator Weber also confirmed that representatives from CSX visited neighborhoods affected by the brush fires and went door-to-door, handing out business cards and information to residents. He believes this is an indication that CSX understands they caused the issue. The senator stressed the need for accountability and for CSX to put policies and procedures in place to prevent such incidents from happening again.
In terms of liability, Senator Weber mentioned the need to address not only the environmental cleanup but also the cost to local agencies and municipalities. He cited the sheriff’s department, fire department, and police department as examples of those who had to spend resources and manpower dealing with the incident. He stressed that CSX should compensate not only the residents for their damages but also the villages and municipalities for their outlay. Senator Weber also emphasized the need for accountability, citing negligence as a factor.
Senator Weber cited several previous incidents involving CSX, including the recent incident in Wappingers where a CSX train derailed. He believes that if the issue is not addressed proactively, similar incidents could happen again. He stressed the need for CSX to take responsibility for the damages and compensate the affected residents and municipalities. He also emphasized the need to put policies and procedures in place to prevent such incidents from happening again.
The meeting with representatives from CSX, local, state, and federal officials from Rockland County is expected to take place at 9 am on Tuesday, and Rockland News will continue to follow this story as it develops..