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Certainly understand that line of thought. I guess the infrastructure is more of a concern than the actual rail is. If this we're a metro rail line coming through I'd probably be one of the happiest people, but having another train just cruise by on a huge concrete bridge really doesn't do much for the areas below. I guess we will just keep waiting to see the final alignment.

All well and good. I just find it hard to believe that a structure the size of a freeway overpass would not have a negative impact on home value. Most new homes are 3 stories tall and an elevated rail line would still tower over those to allow clearance for the underlying freight trains. I also don't see any certain sign that it would induce further development along the corridor considering the HSR would not even stop along the way. I have a love/hate relationship with the UPRR right of way, on one hand i think it allows for easy expansion of a usable metrorail route or bike trail and lends something to the urban nature of the area. On the other hand it creates a collecting place for trash, stops traffic far too often, and of course can be noisy. The bike path that they created through the heights on a old rail right of way would be pretty nice, but i still think a commuter line would net the best value add to the city and area. Perhaps below grade with street overpasses, pipe dreams....

Fair enough, then it is my opinion that it would negatively impact the area. Relative to the potential I-10 alignment, i know they plan to replace the Yale bridge just south of I-10 in 2016, hopefully that work would take an HSR alignment into consideration if that does end up being a real possibility.

I recall during a TRC meeting they expected a good bulk of their ridership to have destinations in the Galleria and Energy Corridor. A terminus at NW Mall would provide more flexibility to transfer riders to any of the 3 most likely destinations.

Under the assumption there is just an added HSR track it will only pass through the area, and not directly service the neighborhoods it will bisect. Now if it allows expansion of local commuter transit then I believe there would be added value. Id be interested to hear the perspective on how it would be a positive impact on the Wash Ave corridor. Also under the assumption the freight rail stays and it's just an HSR track.

Agreed, but I think it still needs to connect to the metro system, and not the buses... Unless there is an express bus to downtown or the energy corridor.

There is no chance the HSR would fit at grade level and include the freight line. The HSR needs at least 50' on each side (plus the clearance for the freight line). We spoke with the president of the TRC and he noted that they already realized an elevated rail would be required. As a resident of the affected area there is zero value added with HSR coming through and it only negatively affects the area(Assuming an elevated solution and not in lieu of freight)

I'd fall into those NIMBY's and would be all for it if it were in lieu of the freight line or if it were reasonable to put it below grade. Since UPRR has no intention of giving up their ROW the HSR would need to go over the freight lines where trains are often stacked two cars high. The structure would essentially look like putting the I-10 over passes through the middle of the Washington ave neighborhood. FWIW I am all for more rail transit in Houston. In a perfect world the freight line would relocate outside the city and then the HSR and commuter trains would share that right of way.

What was the purpose of the webinar? Any additional details about the current state? I know the environmental study findings are due soon.