(Darien CT - November 11, 1998): On a clear day you can see forever -- especially from the overpass at the Noroton Heights Railroad station. This morning construction crews from Metro-North completed work to replace all of the worn, graffiti-covered windows on both side of the elevated structure used by hundreds of commuters each day.

"Last June the Commuter Council received complaints about the graffiti on the overpass," says CT Rail Commuter Council Vice Chmn. and Darien resident Jim Cameron. "I'd seen the conditions myself and was glad to address the situation with the railroad."

There followed a period of discussion between Conn. Dept. of Transportation, Metro-North and the Town of Darien as to who was responsible for the overpass. It turned out that while the Town was responsible for the upkeep of the station and platforms, the overpass was under Metro-North's jurisdiction.

"Today, five months after we brought the complaint forward, the repairs were complete," said Cameron, adding that "a couple of months ago the offending graffiti was removed, but the old windows -- once clear, but in recent years as opaque as frosted glass -- are now finally replaced." The new windows are made of a polycarbonate material which is shatter resistant. "We'll see how they hold up to graffiti," added Cameron.

"This repair is a good example of how the Commuter Council can be an advocate for change with the railroad," said Cameron who, like the other Council members is an unpaid volunteer appointed to the Council by the Legislature. The Council meets each month at various stations served by Metro-North and Shore Line East to hear commuter complaints and ideas.

The next meeting of the Council will be Wed. December 9th, 7:30pm at the offices of SACIA, One Landmark Sq., Stamford. For further information about joining the Council or bringing forward any issue concerning commuter rail operations e-mail the Council at TRAINS@CAMCOMM.COM or call 203-655-0138.

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