Jacksonville City Council advances study of proposed San Marco train quiet zone

A proposed quiet zone in San Marco is moving forward, but it could take years before trains are allowed to pass through without sounding their horns.The Jacksonville City Council authorized $90,000 for studies to determine whether a quiet zone could be established along a stretch from downtown to just beyond University Boulevard. The proposal has been under consideration for years.Adam Lackey, who lives near the tracks, said the noise can carry into the night.“It can be loud if you’re by it, so I think it’s pretty beneficial for the neighborhood. So hearing it late at night — I live a few blocks away and I can hear it going into the night,” Lackey said.Michele Barard, who lives near railroad tracks, said she expects nearby residents would welcome the change, though she got used to the noise after living near tracks in college.“I would imagine the neighbors would be happy, but I went to college down the street from railroad tracks. You get used to it after a couple weeks,” Barard said.C