Posted on 08/01/2006 10:02:47 AM PDT by Jalapeno
Aug. 1, 2006, 11:32AM
U.S. Rep. John Culberson today announced that because of what he described as "overwhelming opposition of the community" to a Metro light rail line on Richmond Avenue, he will oppose the project.
"I will vigorously protect the clearly expressed interests of my constituents, in particular those who live, work, or own property on Richmond," Culberson told a crowd of about 200 who gathered under a tent near James Coney Island, at Richmond and Shepherd, to hear his announcement.
"Today I am asking Metro to adopt a resolution ... withdrawing its plans to build rail on Richmond."
(Excerpt) Read more at chron.com ...
ping
Richmond rail supporters to hold counter-rally at 9:00 am Tuesday right outside Culberson press event
Culberson presumes to "announce his decision" Tuesday regarding rail on Richmond
Houston, TX Aug 1, 2006 Congressman John Culberson continues to conspire with opponents of public transit to kill rail on Richmond. He will be the "keynote speaker" at their anti-Richmond rally and press briefing at James Coney Island on Tuesday at 10:00 am.
Show up at 9:00 am and get the other side of the story!
Richmond Rail supporters will hold a counter demonstration right outside at 9:00 am Tuesday to show our disgust with the Congressman and our support for rail on Richmond.
What: Richmond rail supporters' counter-rally outside Culberson's press event
When: Tuesday August 1 from 9:00 to 10:00 am
Where: 3607 Shepherd Dr. at Richmond Avenue (77098) on the sidewalk in front of James Coney Island
It's time for John Culberson to answer some tough questions!
Why does John Culberson presume "to decide" the fate of the Universities line?!?
Why is John Culberson working with a handful of NIMBYs from just one or two neighborhoods? John Culberson took an oath to represent his entire district, and the Universities rail project will affect all Houstonians. But he's here today with a small group of anti-rail leaders from Afton Oaks. Why?
Why is John Culberson pandering to fear mongerers?
Richmond rail opponents continue to claim that rail will hurt traffic while METRO has now shown that NO traffic lanes will be lost and nearly every left turn will remain. Rail opponents have personally terrified small business owners on Richmond with false claims that METRO has now refuted, but Culberson is standing firm.
Why is John Culberson suddenly a new champion of displaced businesses?
John Culberson personally oversaw the condemnation of more than 480 properties to expand the Katy Freeway -- including Courtesy Chevrolet, Ciro's, 90% of Spring Valley's commercial tax base, and others -- all to "improve mobility." In contrast, METRO has now shown they can run rail down Richmond to bring urban transit to Greenway Plaza and the Galleria by taking only 8 properties, one of which is vacant and one an "adult" bookstore, but Culberson "won't let that happen." Why???
Why won't Culberson support urgently-needed urban transit for central Houston?
Two weeks ago, Culberson's House committee awarded $700 million to Dallas for another 45 miles of light rail, doubling the size of their system. But back in Houston, Culberson co-chaired Texans for True Mobility which fought the METRO referendum and he has failed to deliver the federal funds Houston is depending on.
About RichmondRail.org
We are residents, business owners, workers, and students living and working on or near Richmond Avenue. We are civic leaders and professionals with a stake in Houston's quality of life and economic vitality. We are landowners and institutions with a specific interest in the long term health of Richmond Avenue. We want to preserve and enhance the quality of life and vitality of our neighborhoods, businesses, and institutions. We want to ensure the long term quality and success of our neighborhoods through the development of light rail along Richmond Avenue from Main Street to its connection with the Uptown line and beyond. We expect METRO to thoroughly study and expertly design the Richmond alignment. We expect our local elected leaders to support it. And we expect our Congressional representatives to fund it.
http://richmondrail.org
Take it to court. This was not what the voters approved.
Houston PING
(anyone know what the Death Train's tally is now?)
Since Metro's OWN police department keeps the count, we can be fairly certain that the real number is bigger than the reported number.
Bait and switch...becoming more commonplace after voters vote...
And it is why ballot language is important and the LANGUAGE(s) of those ballots is important.
Anyone know how many passengers?
Metro was trying to boast of 20million riders.
This must be a METRO sponsored front group. Is there anyone who really wants the toy train running down Richmond except the big real estate developers and construction firms?
I guess since they can't moan about Tom DeLay anymore, the rail advocates will target Culberson.
OMGosh, there's all kinds of porn and cat juggling at your link!
About 30,000 per day, last time I checked. Which makes it one of the most successful new rail transit startups in the country. Ridership isn't among the line's problems.
I think they have a sign at a "station" near the Astrodome, er Reliant Corp sponsored Astrodorm.
Does that yet meet the definition of a quagmire?
They have such a good record in that department so far. (/sarcasm)
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