If you really can’t take the traffic, try google map’s public transit option to find a bus route that works.

4800 W. 34th Suite B-1 w Houston, TX 77092 w 713.816.0444 http://www.I-45 Coalition.org

February 9, 2009

Meeting tonight at 7:00 PM

Lindale Park Clubhouse, 218 Joyce, (off of Fulton in Lindale Park)

Here is a map-link:(copy & paste) http://maps.google.com/maps?f=.....6&om=0

Just a quick reminder that the I-45 Coalition is having their meeting tonight with Mr. Ruben Landa, Legislative Assistant / District Liaison for Senator Mario Gallegos, Jr., District 6. He wants to determine what our thoughts and concerns are as a neighborhood, regarding I-45.

In addition to having folks from the neighborhood (you!), we are also planning to have representatives in the audience from:

· State Representative Jessica Farrar

· Harris County Precinct 2 Commissioner Sylvia Garcia

· City Council District H office (previously Adrian Garcia’s position)

· Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT)

This is a great opportunity to voice your concerns, get some questions answered and in general, get updated on what, if anything, is on the calendar.

Some questions I have already heard:

· How can I-45 be considered an evacuation route when it floods as frequently as it does?

· What happens if we get a Category 4 or 5 hurricane?

· If I-45 gets rebuilt, will there be additional lanes added? Additional right-of-way needed?

· Are there alternatives to rebuilding I-45?

· What is the criteria by which an alternative would be chosen?

· Who, specifically, will be making the decisions at each step in the process?

· Didn’t we go through several of these steps a few years ago? Why are we starting over again?

This is a great opportunity to be a little more involved in what will be happening to your neighborhood & your city. Please plan on attending Monday, February 9, 2009 if you can. (Please send me a quick e-mail if you are planning to attend (if you haven’t already), so that we can have enough seats set up for everyone.) Contact me with any questions. Thanks!

Jim Weston

I-45 Coalition

jim@I-45Coalition.org

There is a huge difference between buses and rail as a rider. I have a tendency towards motion sickness which I do not experience on the rail, but do on a bus. Buses have to deal with traffic just like cars, whereas the rail has it’s own path and therefore is not as prone to being late. Buses put out a whole lot more air pollution where the trains do not.

And lastly, you would not have to put those of us who choose to live close to town out of our homes so that those of you who to choose to live in the suburbs can have a traffic free private car commute. If you were to enlarge I-45 to accommodate the traffic coming into the city in private cars, you would take out huge chunks of some old historic neighborhoods such as the Heights, Brookesmith and Lindale Park to name but some of the many.

Regarding rail. First, rail lines remove space to add vehicle lanes. Rail cars will be empty except during rush hour. Better to use buses that utilize existing vehicle lanes and can be shifted to meet demand. (i.e. the rodeo)

Another thing, I have noticed this about the supporters of rail. Most never use the existing Metro buses and do not plan to use rail because it is not “convenient” for them. Yet they expect others to use rail so it is easier for them to travel in their private vehicles.

I was told that the the long-term plans of all relevant agencies are to convert that ramp to a HOT lane, and that cannibalizing it for LRT would be impossible politically.

So there you have it! When the highway’s all done outside 610 and the Katy people are clogging Ellifrit’s original 10/45 spaghetti, we’ll just allow SOVs in the bus bypass - for a fee, of course.

Then again, perhaps this will finally provide the impetus for Hines’ grand scheme to put the whole mess under Houston Avenue and open up the White Oak bayoufront for a brand-new urban district of luxury condos and upscale eateries. Could it be done without destroying the entire First Ward in the process? Who knows! Maybe I’ll open up ACAD and have a looksee.

Should have put in rail to Katy, but no.

I am railing about RAIL. RAIL RAIL RAIL!!!

The two weeks that I lived in Connecticut (long story, no time) taking the train to NYC and from all over the state, was a wonderful wonderful way to commute. You can nap and text.