Metro and the East End

I really don't know what this story is trying to say.

The Metropolitan Transit Authority has loyal supporters in Houston's East End, whose voters approved Metro's transit plan in 2003 by a 14 percent margin.

Bus ridership is also strong there, and many in the community look forward to light rail on Harrisburg Boulevard.

But some of that support has waned as Metro's plans have expanded to include a large bridge over freight tracks at Harrisburg near 65th Street, and nearby, build a service facility several blocks long for light rail trains.

Some residents and community leaders welcome the bridge, while others say the large Metro facility should find a different home.

The thing is, there's really nothing in the article to demonstrate that support has waned. There's a quote from the president of the East End Chamber of Commerce saying they can "live with" an overpass for the Harrisburg bridge, which is a compromise solution due to funding constraints, and some pro and con comments about the service faciltiy, and that's about it. No indication that anyone has changed their minds and decided to oppose the rail construction, nor any regret for supporting the rail referendum in the first place. No quotes from elected officials warning Metro to do or not do something. Maybe I'm just used to the decibel levels generated by the anti-Richmond folks, but this all seems pretty tame to me. I certainly don't want Metro to take anything for granted, but if this is as bad as it gets, the road ahead is pretty smooth.

Posted by Charles Kuffner on June 23, 2008 to Planes, Trains, and Automobiles