The East End (Harrisburg) rail line had its official kickoff on Thursday.
As streamers and fireworks shot into the sweltering air and opponents picketed outside, elected officials and East End community leaders today celebrated the impending start of construction of a light rail line in their historic neighborhood.
“It may have been said in the past, but it can’t be said now that the city of Houston is overlooking the East End,” Mayor Bill White said to applause from about 200 supporters.
[…]
State Sen. Mario Gallegos said his grandfather had ridden a trolley on Harrisburg and he looks forward to having rail there again.
Councilmen Adrian Garcia and James Rodriguez thanked Metro and fellow council members who grilled the agency about its plans before voting June 18 to allow it to build on city streets.
“Thanks for making sure we pay attention to detail,” Garcia said. “Let’s make sure we keep construction moving fast and effectively.”
You can insert your favorite cliche here about there still being a long way to go, but it’s still nice to acknowledge how far we’ve come. May we have many more reasons to celebrate soon.
** “It may have been said in the past, but it can’t be said now that the city of Houston is overlooking the East End,” Mayor Bill White said…. **
Sure it can.