Tell the Mayor and City Council that you support greenspaces and do not want the Brazos St. Bridge rebuilt. For convenience, an email form has been created that is automatically sent to the Mayor, City Council Members, and the Public Works Department.
We are encouraging everyone to contact the Mayor and City Council directly by phone AND email:
Support Parks, Send An Email To Mayor Turner & City Council Now! – Use This Automated Form
Midtown Montrose Parks - Automated Email To Mayor Turner & City Council
Note: The form contents and email body can be modified by click on “READ OR EDIT THE PETITION”
Alternate Contact Method
If you would prefer to contact the Mayor and City Council directly, we have created an email sample which you can copy/paste and modify as needed. To expedite sending to all involved in the City, a shortcut email address has been created: petitions@MidtownMontroseParks.org
To: petitions@MidtownMontroseParks.org
Subject: Midtown Montrose Parks – Community Petition – WBS NO. N-320445-0006-4
Thank you for your leadership and outstanding efforts during these trying and extraordinary times! We all realize that the safety and wellbeing of the city is priority one, but want to bring to attention another critical item to your attention.
As citizens and stakeholders, we are asking that the City of Houston cancel the Brazos Bridge rebuild project until we are through the worst of the pandemic and a study of the six 59 Spur exits/entrances in entirety is completed. Individual citizens and civic associations have questions they would like to have answered when everyone is better situated to be focused, thoughtful and able to gather together. The issues we see as needing more attention and consideration fall under four general categories:
1. Fiscal Responsibility
2. Flood Mitigation
3. Quality of Life
4. Good Governance
1. FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY
In addition to the pandemic, we are facing a serious international recession with the oil and gas sector specifically looking to be in a difficult position. The city has been clear that the rebuild of the Brazos Bridge was not necessary for traffic flow based on the traffic analysis conducted by Houston Public Works (HPW). Houston taking on projects that will cost the city more, for little to no benefit, would be imprudent. It is clear that the park was to be a great boon to the neighborhood but, additionally, it saves Houston taxpayers money. And with the increased prospect of more federal infrastructure money coming our way, that could improve other road projects in the vicinity, the Brazos Bridge might be even less necessary. With the upcoming 59/I45 redesign, it would be practical to study the six 59 Spur entrances/exits in entirety in order to avoid a possible rebuild in a few years.
2. FLOOD MITIGATION
With issues of flooding and drainage in the area, having more green space, permeable surface area and water sucking trees protects the adjacent neighborhoods and the city at-large. Additionally, it has been noted that money that was specifically intended for drainage is being put towards the rebuilding of the bridge. We would like to know how this project would affect drainage in a positive manner, rather than increasing more impermeable surface area.
3. QUALITY OF LIFE
The plans for a pocket park were very well-received by the large majority of the neighbors, civic associations, and other significant Houston organizations such as Preservation Houston and Bike Houston. In a city and a high-density neighborhood that lacks sufficient green space, neighbors welcome a safe, handicapped-accessible link between Montrose and Midtown that would increase walking and biking while making the neighborhood both more pleasurable and communal. Finally, citizens who are inspired and have access to exercise, fresh air and sunshine are likely to be less of a drag on a local health system. The nearby businesses would also greatly benefit the increased foot and bicycle traffic.
4. GOOD GOVERNANCE
We are at a juncture in the United States where there is a crisis in confidence of government and leadership. Never before has it been more necessary to put into use best governance and management practices. Decision making processes, from inception to final outcome, should not be opaque or unilateral but rather transparent, inclusive and reflect the desires and best interests of as many stakeholders and agencies as possible, especially those most directly impacted.
The inception of this potential park project began on an inclusive, data-driven, well-planned and positive note. We ask that Mayor Turner and the Department of Public Works revisit the announced decision and continue on in such a matter to it’s conclusion, where citizens and civic groups have an opportunity for a better understanding and a continued voice in the matter. Please ask yourselves if the businesses that are asking for the rebuild of the Bridge at tax payers expenses in order to push their business strategy.
This is a great opportunity to shape Houston into a model city for the 21st century. The previous bridge divided neighborhoods, destroyed historic houses, and lasted 60 years. We now have an opportunity to undo previous mistakes!
Thank you.
Sincerely,
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