Mary Heath’s commentary on the Downeaster’s layover facility (“Greens feel railroaded by siting of train facility” Aug. 2, Page A15) reads more like a public relations exercise than a thoughtful presentation of facts. In this, she has taken a page from the Brunswick West Neighborhood Coalition.

The repetition of falsehoods, the misunderstanding of rules pertaining to railroads and the poor reasoning she employs reek of BWNC press releases. This is dispiriting, given that one is accustomed to seeing her political party claim the “high road,” especially in environmental issues.

There is a good reason why federal law, decisive in this case, supersedes state and local laws. If zealous and politically connected groups had their way, airports, highways and all manner of works supporting the nation’s railroads would not get built — or if any of them did, political considerations would trump cost and operational priorities. This is a recipe for corruption, inefficiency and unnecessary taxpayer expense.

The Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority, by law, cannot be governed by state and local laws. The fact that NNEPRA’s chosen site for the layover facility is consistent with state and local laws — and, in particular, Brunswick zoning ordinances, has eluded Ms. Heath’s attention.

The fact that NNEPRA has included all members of the public, and not just the narrowly focused BWNC, in their deliberations should make anyone concerned with “grassroots democracy” satisfied — even Greens.

To answer Ms. Heath on her terms, “the people’s voice” has been heard. The Town Council and NNEPRA have exercised due diligence. Can we say the same of those who bought houses next to land zoned and used continuously for railroad purposes for over a century?

Under “ecological wisdom,” Ms. Heath betrays still more ignorance. The Downeaster uses the newest diesel-electric locomotives on the Amtrak system, not “older” engines. As to Brunswick West being “a quiet neighborhood,” has Ms. Heath spent any time here? Thanks to nearby Pleasant Street and U.S. Route 1, it is noisy all the time.

Regarding the carcinogenic effect of diesel exhaust, I dare say the same could be said for exhaust “spewing” out of the oil and kerosene burners that heat the majority of homes on Bouchard Drive. You don’t hear the BWNC howl about that.

Ms. Heath bemoans property values going down “in the neighborhood.” Everyone who bought a house close to the tracks got a discount, precisely because of proximity to the tracks. If the facility isn’t built at the Brunswick West site, will they return that discount to the town, or the person who sold them the property? When you buy a house next to land zoned for rail operations, land used continuously for that purpose for over 100 years, you take a chance. You don’t push the consequences on someone else.

If the facility is not built at Brunswick West, it will not be built anywhere in Brunswick. No facility means no additional trains, and that translates into full-blown failure for the service. We (and Freeport) can wave good-bye to our Downeaster.

If it happens that, in addition to being the best site in operational and environmental terms, Brunswick West is also the least expensive, that’s cause for admiration.

NNEPRA is doing a great job on all accounts. “A thorough and transparent look . . . at all other choices for the site of this layover facility” has already occurred. No amount of bad arguments, pre-emptive hysteria, and crafty public relations campaigns will change that. Ms. Heath and the BWNC do not like the outcome. Tough.

The layover facility will be built three short blocks from my home. I am eager to welcome my new neighbors: Amtrak and the Downeaster.