FREEPORT

Well after residents from District 1 participate in a workshop on the establishment of a downtown quiet zone tonight, the Town Council will vote on the matter.

Then, councilors will consider funding for a study on the costs and benefits of withdrawal from Regional School Unit 5.

It shapes up as a long night.

While the District 1 workshop at the Freeport Community Center starts at 6:30, the regular Town Council meeting begins at 8, and there are many items on the agenda.

District 1 residents live in the area encompassing the railway that carries the Amtrak Downeaster, which blow its whistle three times as it crosses West, Bow, School and East streets.

The Town Council already supports a quiet zone; tonight’s forum will allow District 1 residents to weigh in on safety measures that could replace the whistles.

Later, the council will vote on a quiet zone designation application to the Federal Railroad Administration.

The town could simply do away with the whistles and not replace them with a safety measure, but town officials are wary of that. The town has traffic counts and safety calculations to help determine what safety measures could replace the whistles, Town Manager Peter Joseph said. A raised median is one option. How much money to spend on a safety measure is one major consideration.

At a public hearing last Tuesday, most who spoke favored a study of RSU 5 withdrawal. Tonight, the council will vote on a study that would determine “financial and educational outcomes.”

Freeport Town Council

WHEN: workshop, 6:30; meeting 8 tonight WHERE: Freeport Community

Center