Settlement offices in East Palestine busy helping with claims

EAST PALESTINE, Ohio (WKBN) – Those walking into the Train Derailment Settlement Center in East Palestine could find themselves in for a long wait. It was taking close to 90 minutes for residents without an appointment to get to talk with anyone.

Sherri Burney, who lives in town, spent about two hours at the center. This was after she spent all day Tuesday trying to make an appointment over the phone.

“I tried clean up to 4 p.m. — from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.. Just all day — every 45 minutes and just could not get through,” Burney said.

For others, the process has been quick and easy.

“As soon as I called at 9, I got through and the girl was very nice, set me up for an appointment for 11:30,” said Amy Donatella, of Columbiana.

There are now two offices to help residents fill out their forms. One on Rebecca Street, which opened in early June. A second one was set up on West Main Street inside an old chiropractor’s office to help with the overflow.

The whole process has left some confused after they received additional mailings about the settlement. A second mass mailing was sent to encourage residents to get their paperwork turned in.

“I don’t think they’re really keeping track of who has given them their paperwork yet. Just a reminder to the general public because they do want your paperwork as soon as they can get it,” said Julie Bussard, of Columbiana.

As the deadline to file those claims draws closer, officers may get busier. Residents are being encouraged to keep calling if they have questions. or stop by one of the offices in town, which are open six days a week.

The deadline to file claims is August 22.

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