Red, White Signs Signal Homeowner-CSX Showdown

Dan Hammil purchased $900 worth of signs last spring that have cropped up everywhere from front yards to gas stations in greater Elkridge. 

The signs are intended to raise awareness that his community is in jeopardy, said Hammil, who was the first homeowner in Hanover Woods, along with his wife Linda.

“We're proud of our little community,” said Hammil, who is president of the Hanover Woods Homeowners Association, which he said includes 26 homes.

Last March, they were looking at land on Hanover and Race roads—across the railroad tracks from Hanover Woods—for a train-truck depot called an "."

There are more than 300 homes near the site that CSX and MDOT are considering. They are also looking at three additional locations.

After learning the facility could be headed for Hanover, Hammil ordered 250 signs last April. They are red and white and can be found all over, from the on Marshalee Drive to homes on Old Washington Road.

"The color scheme and wording [were] suggested by Pam Bertrand, who lives in our community. The signs had to be simple and eye catching. Something you could read at 50 mph," said Hammil.

The Greater Elkridge Community Association helped with the purchase and distribution of the signs, which have made it to the and the .

“We believe the signs are necessary to help bring the CSX issue to the attention of not only others in the local communities but also to those who travel through it,” said Hammil.

Over the summer, that CSX employees working on the railroad did in fact notice the signs up and down Hanover Road.

“If someone from CSX, MDOT or the like see the signs, so much the better,” said Hammil. “It helps to let them know that...we're not going down without a fight.”

Sign Facts
How many were ordered: 250
Where they were made:  in Elkridge
What they say: "STOP the CSX INTERMODAL Rail Site in Hanover/Elkridge NOW"