Well here’s something you don’t see every day: the little guy came out on top in a battle against TxDOT (via KUHF-88.7)
TxDOT has been planning to build two overpasses — one at the intersection of Westheimer and Highway 6 and the other at the intersection of Bellaire and Highway 6. David Harbers, who owns a Shipley’s Donuts franchise, and several other business owners and community members made comments at H-GAC’s Transportation Policy Council, urging the members to vote against the project because they say it will destroy commerce and do nothing to truly alleviate congestion and mobility in the Highway 6 corridor. Turns out, the council agreed. Harbers says he’s overwhelmed by the decision.
“The little man was finally able to win. They finally listened to the people that are in the public rather than just doing it because we got money.”
And there definitely was money — $36 million to be exact. The money was a chunk of safety bond funding awarded to the Houston region specifically for these overpass projects. And since the projects were scrapped, the money goes back to the state for use elsewhere. TxDOT District Engineer Gary Trietsch says he’s not disappointed about losing the money, as much as he’s concerned this decision will delay any progress in that corridor.
[snip]
Three members of the council voted to move forward with the project, but the remaining members voted it down, including Harris County Judge Ed Emmett, who says the voice of the community underscored the need for a long-term plan to relieve congestion in that area.
“There are a lot of cases where the community doesn’t want a transportation improvement, but it’s still the right thing to do.
I do hope that’s not an omen for Grand Parkway F-2 segment. Judge Emmett has already said it’s a top priority of his to get it completed, but, as long-time readers of bH know, Tomball and Spring residents do not want it. It will just devastate our communities.
