Houston19514

From Axios, regarding Finner’s resignation: The move came after an email surfaced showing he was aware officers were dropping investigations due to a "lack of personnel" years before he claimed to have found out.

Worth noting: Of the "ten buildings that define Texas Architecture" 3 are in Houston, a 4th is in the Houston Metro area and a fifth is in the Houston Combined Statistical Area.

FWIW, from what I know, I don't agree with the Mayor's pending moves regarding the Shepherd/Durham pair. But no minds will be changed by engaging in hyperbole and hate. Also, with regard to Metro and the University Line (and other BRT projects), it is indeed hyperbole to say they have been canceled. They are still shown on Metro's website as part of their plans.

We don't need time to tell us that it is hyperbole to claim that he has completely reversed multiple projects that are nearing completion. AFAIK, that description only applies to one project (the Houston Ave re-do).

Millions of Dollars had been spent on the planing and design for the Astrodome work and construction was scheduled to begin only a couple months after Hidalgo canceled it (work was scheduled to start right after that year's Rodeo). According to reports at the time, Turner "tore up 5 contracts" for Bush Airport's International Terminal Expansion project, after "Phase 1" of the project (the construction of new Terminal C North to prepare for the replacement of old C North) had already started.

Some posters need to review the history and tap the brakes on the hyperbole.

IIRC, Mayor Turner halted the Bush Airport international terminal expansion plan in its tracks shortly after taking office.

And, FWIW, the rest of the Houston Matters show (after the interview with the Mayor) is also worth a listen.

I just think it’s important for people to be able to listen to his actual words, in context. Hence I provided the link.

Again, I suggest everyone listen to the interview. Maybe even with an open mind.

For those interested in what the Mayor actually said: https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/shows/houston-matters/2024/05/02/485119/transportation-projects-in-limbo-may-2-2024/

https://youtu.be/pLPBeJGNIaY

This is the opposite of a cut. This is adding significant additional elements to the project. Can we tap the brakes on mayor-hate? In yesterday's council meeting, there was a quite encouraging discussion about addressing the long-neglected rail crossings in the east end. The Mayor indicated full support for addressing the issue and merely said he would talk to Metro about the possibility of using some of its funds to help address the issue. There was NO indication of anyone's knowledge of the University BRT underpass, one way or the other. FWIW, the discussion exposed pretty huge failings on the part of the City on this issue. Apparently, the FRA funding from several years ago specifically calls out Houston as being the worst in the nation on the rail-crossing issue, but the City hasn't bothered to apply for grants under that funding.

They are not proceeding immediately with the originally-planned structure, because Metro is rethinking the plan (and applying for some additional grants). The original plan was to provide facilities for Metro Police Department (which has to relocate; they are in one of the structures up by the Bayou that will be demolished for the North Canal project. Metrolift Metro Emergency Operations Center (currently dispersed among several facilities) Transtar support facilities and parking. Now they are considering incorporating additional Downtown Transit Center facilities. They say they need up to 22 bus bays at the DTC and currently have only 7 for buses and 2 for Metrolift.

Famous?