A Four Oaks town official confirmed Wednesday afternoon that two Four Oaks Town Commissioners who initially supported a CSX intermodal terminal in their community have now changed their minds.
Commissioners Chris Haley and John Hatch were among the 5 commissioners and the mayor, Linwood Parker, who went on record several weeks ago in support of the railroad hub between Four Oaks and Benson.
Earlier today, letters were reportedly left at the town hall by Commissioners Haley and Hatch for Mayor Parker rescinding their support. WTSB News has asked for copies of those letters.
Click Here To Read Letters From Four Oaks Commissioners
Commissioner Haley was present during Monday night’s protest held at Four Oaks Elementary School but he did not speak. No other representative from the Town of Four Oaks was present.
On Wednesday, local and state officials fled to the NW Ohio CSX intermodal terminal for a tour of the facility. The trip was reportedly put together by the NC Department of Commerce and not CSX.
Kristin Seay, with CSX Corporate Communications, said they were accommodating a request by public officials for a site visit. She referred all questions about the visit to the NC Department of Commerce.
Trent Lassiter, who is leading the opposition to the CSX terminal near Micro questioned the purpose of today’s trip. “Obviously CSX is still considering Johnston County or this trip wouldn’t be taking place. I am curious if each of the people flying out to visit Ohio are paying for their own plane ticket or is the trip being funded by someone else?”
“All we would like to hear is an update from CSX, not from the Chamber of Commerce, or a local elected official, but from CSX directly in regards to the status of this project.”
