j_cuevas713

2 hours ago, MaxConcrete said:

The pollution issue is greatly over-exaggerated. Going forward there will be more electric cars (no pollution) and hybrids (much less pollution) in the vehicle fleet. This tollway will have minimal or negligible trucks, which pollute much more than cars.

I recently lived alongside the Sam Houston Tollway for several years near an overpass and my opinion is that pollution from a freeway is a non-issue. Noise was also a non-issue except during usual wind conditions, although the tollway has a low-noise asphalt overlay in that area (Jersey Village).

The use of an expensive freeway cap for about 1.3 km is a huge violation of good judgement and responsible financial management. The main reasons to build a cap are to 1) Add park space where land is scarce or unavailable, and 2) if the freeway goes through the middle of an established neighborhood, to maintain connectivity.

Neither condition exists. There is an abundance of vacant land in the area, and many vacant parcels are being repurposed to parks as part of this project. The freeway cap adds a super-expensive 100 feet of width to the park, which brings the park to be alongside the heavily trafficked railroad. That makes no sense.

There is also no need to "connect" neighborhoods because of the triple-track railroad. Obviously the railroad is a permanent barrier. And the east side of the railroad has a large scrap yard, a truck yard and a warehouse.

The visioning enhancements, especially the trench and cap, will add massively to the cost, possibly $200 million or more. And that may be the intent of Harris County Commissioners Court. They (especially Hidalgo, but excluding Tom Ramsey) would rather spent toll revenue on enhancements than on the toll roads. They could also lower tolls further (more than 10% as was done in 2023) if there is surplus revenue.

That whole area was divided by 59. It's still historically old 5th Ward. And you're also forgetting emissions from tires not just exhaust. 

14 hours ago, Triton said:

But it's likely going to work. Although there's some that still don't like this project, adding all of these sporting areas and parks and the big shocker, capping parts of the toll road, was a surprise by those here on the Northside. Those on the fence seem more supportive now.

So far, the big complaint I still hear is that if they really are going to build this toll road through, they wish there was greater connectivity with the community it's traversing through. Perhaps add more ramps to get on and off of the toll road besides the one all the way at Calvacade. It's just too exclusive for those commuting to Spring and the Woodlands. At least build some ramps at Quitman. It's difficult to explain but the Northside has always felt a bit... cut off.. from the highway system. Some like that but some also believe that is the reason we haven't seen more development here and another reason why we probably won't ever get a major grocer here except for the Fiestas we have.

That's how it works. The community sees greenspace and they buy in. The reality is, those parks are going to have huge amounts of air pollution because each cap needs a small uncapped area as ventilation, only compressing that smog in to those vents. 

Greenwashing the neighborhood to hide the bigger problem of a 4 lane highway cutting through increasing air pollution for the "parks"

I really hope it's more residential

I think part of the problem is Dunlavy. I'd willingly walk from Westheimer to this development if I knew I could stroll and feel comfortable with nice wide sidewalks. Also Phase II is crucial in making this feel better for people. It's sort of on an island at the moment because the infrastructure still sucks. 

Damn this is looking so nice but imagine if they removed some parking since the garage is getting a makeover

That’s the fastest I’ve ever seen a building get demolished after a fire. There are a few buildings in this city that have been standing for years after the same thing

On 3/23/2024 at 9:39 PM, j.33 said:

METRO put back the stops on Travis in the right turn lane with the route numbers. They were up for around 4-5 days. They have now since been switched back to the bus stop flag that says "stop closed". Attached is a photo of the right turn lane stop at Travis and Preston (photo taken (3/1)). It not is back to saying stop closed (as of 3/23).

 

somewhat good news for the day

It’s official. This mayor does not get it and we’re stuck with him for the next few years. I’m really worried how this affects us from getting future funding. 

https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/news/traffic/2024/03/21/481261/houston-deemphasizing-commitment-to-vision-zero-traffic-safety-initiative-under-new-mayor-john-whitmire/?fbclid=IwAR2qT9efQH5-RUObATO6Rphn268auzgrO3cKE3K1DsOfkNdwLnO1osv-6cc_aem_ARsJG5Ui7ogEPO68dvO4NvCFZl7pqoU0IvnNXqziacc0RGSVkJfAI63--43EeQ0NM8U

47 minutes ago, Triton said:

https://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston-texas/transportation/article/alex-mealer-metro-board-19325497.php

Very odd choice...

She'll mostly be representing the burbs or outlying areas

8 hours ago, steve1363 said:

Vision Zero is not a slogan, not a tagline, not even just a program. It is a fundamentally different way to approach traffic safety.
https://visionzeronetwork.org/about/what-is-vision-zero/
 

This philosophy is extremely bureaucratic.  I can see how it might consume a ton of “wasted” meetings in the Whitmire administration and he clearly wants his team focused on different priorities.

I have mixed feelings about this.  This program at least gave visibility to the fact the city is committed to improved walkability.  My priority for Houston is improving the quality of life for its residents (I.e. ample parks, trails, affordable housing).  Whitmire must feel that Vision Zero has gone overboard with road diets and bike lanes.  It doesn’t help that the bike lanes are seldom used.  It’s not improving the quality of life for the majority of residents and he’s hearing the complaints of his constituents.

Who decides what is "getting used" or not? I never see that being said about roads for cars. I can name plenty of roads that don't carry many people every day but the option is still provided. It really comes down to drivers having an accurate understanding of how other commuters move and get around. The problem is drivers compare everything to their car and driving so when they see someone using another mode to get around, they naturally look down on it. And there's plenty of data showing that a street is safer with bike lanes. 

Let me make everyone aware that a town hall meeting will take place next month. I'll give more details when I hear more. I encourage everyone to show up. 

So as it stands, those against the Montrose Boulevard plan are winning. No trees will be removed, no lane reduction, and 6ft sidewalks for most of the stretch and 5ft in others. There will be no sidewalks installed near the cemetery to Allen Parkway. This mayor doesn't care about what you think unless you're over the age of 60. 

Someone on this topic said what is planned here will be a game changer for Rice Village. I hope we see some renderings soon because if it's a mixed-use development then it will be win for the neighborhood. I love charming little buildings like this but I'm also ok with smart density. And if Rice owns these lots, then I expect the end product to be very nice. 

8 minutes ago, Triton said:

Wow, are you sure? I had not heard of this yet. That would potentially prevent them from getting federal dollars unless they planned to go about this a different way. 

It hasn't been fully confirmed. CM Castillo's rep emailed me back to let me know no word has been made yet. 

19 minutes ago, steve1363 said:

Surely Houstonians didn’t “super love it” when pedestrians died prior to the adoption of Vision Zero.  It’s the “means” to an end that are in contention and yes it is safe to assume that Mayor Whitmire is not on board.  This is obvious with the Washington Avenue reversal and the soon to be 11th Street reversal, and the departures in City Hall of the proponents of this strategy. So no big surprise here.

Vision Zero reminds me of “Lean Manufacturing” or other philosophies that are in vogue at one time or another.  From the website:

Vision Zero is a strategy to eliminate all traffic fatalities and severe injuries, while increasing safe, healthy, equitable mobility for all. First implemented in Sweden in the 1990s, Vision Zero has proved successful across Europe — and now it’s gaining momentum in major American cities.

Washington Ave reversal? 

I'm hearing that the mayor is getting rid of the Vision Zero program. This will ultimately affect any federal dollars for future projects. It has already affected Phase 2 of the Montrose Boulevard redesign. The feds denied funding because it doesn't provide enough multi-modal access. The city resubmitted the project for funding with no changes. I'm very worried how this will affect projects like Gulfton/Kashmere Gardens and the massive grant they just received. 

This mayor just doesn't get it and he's not going to. I voted for a Democrat, and this mayor doesn't act like one. I expect some major changes to 11th Street if not completely removed. 

On a positive note, the mayor supports the Quitman bikeway which will have a groundbreaking tomorrow. Adrian Garcia said he met with the mayor to discuss the project and it has his support. 

I've never been a fan of gimmicky stuff like this but I do appreciate the time they're taking to renovate the building

22 minutes ago, Ross said:

Turner's minions consistently said that TxDoT rules do not allow for a light at Nicholson. If they revert 11th Street, I am going to demand a stop sign at every cross street. There is nothing wrong with the current setup, and emergency vehicles have no issues.

SJL would have been worse in most ways, but I am super annoyed with Whitmire over traffic and giving away $650 million to the firefighters, who I would have told to leave if they don't like their pay. What next, close the libraries and parks to fund public safety?

 

Agree. I'm all for supporting our first responders but $650 million!? And he has yet to detail how we're going to make that happen.

12 hours ago, 004n063 said:

Is the whole Metro facility there being decomissioned/demolished? If so, I completely agree - it would be great to enclose Sterrett.

I believe so

With the way Whitmire handled Houston Avenue, I'm sold on the idea that these will be removed with no plan for the future. I have yet to hear anything about a "new design" for a crossing at Houston Ave. When Shepherd/Durham are finished in the next few years there will be no east/west connection for cyclists. I've heard rumblings that Phase 2 for Shepherd/Durham are being threatened. It was also confirmed by PW's yesterday that all bike lane projects are paused and that a handful of projects might get canned. That includes Quitman which ironically will have a groundbreaking next Tuesday. Sawyer/Edwards should already be under construction as well. Gulfton is getting $43 million in federal dollars to rebuild that entire neighborhood. I wonder how the feds will view Houston if Whitmire completely dismantles 11th Street and considers removing the lanes on Hillcroft after receiving that federal grant. Blodgett is also under threat. Shabazz has been vocal on using Prop A to bring that issue to the table soon. Things seems to be unraveling for Houston becoming a gold level bike city. This administration is hellbent on undoing anything the previous administration did regardless if there is support. 

3 hours ago, j.33 said:

What are you referring to as "this"? If it is the photos that @Triton posted, then those are photos of the red lane design. The red lanes do not have red where the right turns are and do not have red at the end of the hov lanes at each block (which is what their photo shows). The only thing @Triton is showing are the decommissioned stops having their shelters being reinstalled. 

That's my bad. I've been balancing so much nonsense coming from the mayors office I didn't realize this was still the current design. 

14 hours ago, Triton said:

What do you mean?

The test was to see how easy it was to remove the paint if Metro needed to repaint the lanes. It looks like Metro is try to penny pinch any way possible to cut the cost of needing to repaint so frequently. Based off the work they’ve done it appears they’re going to cut that cost in half while also reimplementing the diamond design. 

1 hour ago, hindesky said:

North Canal won't be any closer to Warehouse District than Buffalo Bayou already is, its intent is to not let the water back up due to choke points that caused the flooding downtown.

Interesting, I didn't know that southern parcel of land would still be open for development. I thought it was going to cut all the way through the Metro bus area. I hope another McKee style apartment complex is built there.