We have the new Flyers made and have emailed to several of our neighborhood volunteers to distribute them this week. However, there are a few uncovered Neighborhoods that we need to try and get someone for Flyers and Petitions.
If you live or know someone that lives in one of these areas, please call me at 972-355-0677 so we can get you set up
Bakers Branch
Candlebrook Estates
Cedar Bluff
Countryside Estates
Meadows at Cross Timbers
Timberview Estates
Waterford Park Estates
If we can't find someone to help in these areas, We plan on hitting them on friday and could use some help to make sure everone is informed. Call me if you are available for a few hours on Friday to distribute.
Thanks,
Kim
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Monday, March 30, 2009
New informational flyer
Copy from here if you like also...or we can email you the file
TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE!
The Town of Flower Mound has received an allotment of $11MM to widen Morriss Road from 4 to 6 lanes – from FM407 to FM2499. Many citizens of Flower Mound question the need for this specific expansion at this time. When asked, the Town continues to respond that it has been part of the Master Plan since 1981, giving no current data that warrants this expansion. The Master Plan has been amended numerous times over the years. Their reason for expansion is not valid.
Concerns:
The town has not been able to produce data that supports need for expansion at this time.
The current construction underway on 2499 and 1171 is not complete, therefore there is no way to truly evaluate need for expansion.
Riverwalk development is not complete. It is unknown how much traffic that will generate.
There have been no Public Hearings relative to the Morriss Road expansion plan
Development planning begins Q2 2009 and construction begins mid 2010.
The Flower Mound Town Council will only listen if we have enough people voicing their concern.
We want:
To delay expansion until valid traffic data can be gathered
Public Hearings relative to expansion plans
FULL TRANSPARENCY---not something buried in a Bond election
What can you do?
Attend the next Flower Mound Town Council meeting (Town Hall, 2121 Cross Timbers) to show your support and you can also voice your concerns during the “open mike” segment. There is power in numbers !!! 5:45 pm Monday April 6th
Voice your concerns to the Mayor and Council Members: (note - Places 1,3,5 are not running for re-election)
Place 2: Al Filifdoro Place 4: Jean M Levenick Mayor Jodi Smith
972 539 2145 817 430 2252 817 480 3211
place2@flower-mound.com place4@flower-mound.com mayor@flower-mound.com
Send letters to the Editors:
The Flower Mound Messenger: Charles Young cdyoung@alliancenews.net
Flower Mound Leader: Brian Porter bporter@acnpapers.com
The News Connection: Shane Allen sallen@thenewsconnection.com
Cross Timbers Gazette: Max Miller info@lantanalinks.com
Upcoming Election May 9th for Council Place 1, 3 & 5 --- choose your candidates wisely! Watch our Blog site for upcoming “Meet the Candidates” meeting date.
Visit/Join our blog and Facebook sites for ongoing updates:
www.stopmorriss6.blogspot.com
Facebook group: stopmorriss6
TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE!
The Town of Flower Mound has received an allotment of $11MM to widen Morriss Road from 4 to 6 lanes – from FM407 to FM2499. Many citizens of Flower Mound question the need for this specific expansion at this time. When asked, the Town continues to respond that it has been part of the Master Plan since 1981, giving no current data that warrants this expansion. The Master Plan has been amended numerous times over the years. Their reason for expansion is not valid.
Concerns:
The town has not been able to produce data that supports need for expansion at this time.
The current construction underway on 2499 and 1171 is not complete, therefore there is no way to truly evaluate need for expansion.
Riverwalk development is not complete. It is unknown how much traffic that will generate.
There have been no Public Hearings relative to the Morriss Road expansion plan
Development planning begins Q2 2009 and construction begins mid 2010.
The Flower Mound Town Council will only listen if we have enough people voicing their concern.
We want:
To delay expansion until valid traffic data can be gathered
Public Hearings relative to expansion plans
FULL TRANSPARENCY---not something buried in a Bond election
What can you do?
Attend the next Flower Mound Town Council meeting (Town Hall, 2121 Cross Timbers) to show your support and you can also voice your concerns during the “open mike” segment. There is power in numbers !!! 5:45 pm Monday April 6th
Voice your concerns to the Mayor and Council Members: (note - Places 1,3,5 are not running for re-election)
Place 2: Al Filifdoro Place 4: Jean M Levenick Mayor Jodi Smith
972 539 2145 817 430 2252 817 480 3211
place2@flower-mound.com place4@flower-mound.com mayor@flower-mound.com
Send letters to the Editors:
The Flower Mound Messenger: Charles Young cdyoung@alliancenews.net
Flower Mound Leader: Brian Porter bporter@acnpapers.com
The News Connection: Shane Allen sallen@thenewsconnection.com
Cross Timbers Gazette: Max Miller info@lantanalinks.com
Upcoming Election May 9th for Council Place 1, 3 & 5 --- choose your candidates wisely! Watch our Blog site for upcoming “Meet the Candidates” meeting date.
Visit/Join our blog and Facebook sites for ongoing updates:
www.stopmorriss6.blogspot.com
Facebook group: stopmorriss6
News Connection Article
http://www.thenewsconnection.com/article.cfm?articleID=32448
Good article and not a bad pic either.
Good article and not a bad pic either.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
More Comments from a current Town Councilperson
Thank you for your email and for sharing your concerns regarding the proposed expansion of Morriss and Gerault Road(s). Please be assured that I welcome your comments and will consider all issues and viewpoints surrounding this project. It is also my understanding that you have been provided with a Fact Sheet and Frequently Asked Questions regarding the Morriss/Gerault expansion that may address some of the concerns you have.
As a Councilmember and representative of the entire community, I am charged with ensuring the health, safety and welfare for all who choose to call Flower Mound home. As you can imagine, this is sometimes a difficult task – balancing the needs and desires of specific areas with the overall vision and goals for the Town. Please understand that I do not take this responsibility lightly, and considerable deliberation is given to every decision that is made regarding the future of Flower Mound.
As you may be aware, the expansion of Morriss/Gerault has been planned for many years to serve as a north-south corridor connecting to DFW Airport and the proposed DFW Connector. While the need for the expansion has been well-studied and documented, it is my hope that we can address the majority of the concerns raised by the adjacent neighborhoods prior to moving forward. Before voting to proceed with the project, several issues must be evaluated to my satisfaction. These issues include, but are not limited to, safety, phasing, landscaping, access to Morriss Road and visibility clips. As the Town Council will consider and vote on this project in two stages, I encourage you to remain involved in the public process. Information regarding the project, and future meetings, can be found on the Town’s website at www.flower-mound.com.
Again, thank you for your email and for taking the time to share your concerns. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or require additional information. If you choose to share this email with others, I ask that you share it in it's entirety.
Jean M. Levenick
Town of Flower Mound
Councilmember, Place 4
As a Councilmember and representative of the entire community, I am charged with ensuring the health, safety and welfare for all who choose to call Flower Mound home. As you can imagine, this is sometimes a difficult task – balancing the needs and desires of specific areas with the overall vision and goals for the Town. Please understand that I do not take this responsibility lightly, and considerable deliberation is given to every decision that is made regarding the future of Flower Mound.
As you may be aware, the expansion of Morriss/Gerault has been planned for many years to serve as a north-south corridor connecting to DFW Airport and the proposed DFW Connector. While the need for the expansion has been well-studied and documented, it is my hope that we can address the majority of the concerns raised by the adjacent neighborhoods prior to moving forward. Before voting to proceed with the project, several issues must be evaluated to my satisfaction. These issues include, but are not limited to, safety, phasing, landscaping, access to Morriss Road and visibility clips. As the Town Council will consider and vote on this project in two stages, I encourage you to remain involved in the public process. Information regarding the project, and future meetings, can be found on the Town’s website at www.flower-mound.com.
Again, thank you for your email and for taking the time to share your concerns. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or require additional information. If you choose to share this email with others, I ask that you share it in it's entirety.
Jean M. Levenick
Town of Flower Mound
Councilmember, Place 4
Town Council meeting
We are less than 2 weeks from the council meet that I hope will have as large an attendance as our meeting at the fire house. This town council has taken it upon themselves to resolve this issue and not pass it on to the next term.
WE NEED AS MANY PEOPLE AS WE CAN FIT attend this meeting. We need to stress to the current council that more time is required before such a monumental mistake is made into a fact.
Please tell your friends and neighbors to plan on attending and if you so wish speak your mind and let them hear our voices.
Please continue to circulate the petitions and OUR information sheets to your communities. We have recieved press from all of the area papers and in time, Im sure surrounding communities will be hearing of how WE made a difference in our city government.
Let us know what the response has been when you have neighborhood gatherings and when you have gone door to door informing everyone. We want to hear.
We plan on having another large meeting towards the end of April where we won't have time restraints and capacity problems where we can all speak and hear from future town council candidates to see where they stand and give support to those that support us. More info on that will follow soon.
WE NEED AS MANY PEOPLE AS WE CAN FIT attend this meeting. We need to stress to the current council that more time is required before such a monumental mistake is made into a fact.
Please tell your friends and neighbors to plan on attending and if you so wish speak your mind and let them hear our voices.
Please continue to circulate the petitions and OUR information sheets to your communities. We have recieved press from all of the area papers and in time, Im sure surrounding communities will be hearing of how WE made a difference in our city government.
Let us know what the response has been when you have neighborhood gatherings and when you have gone door to door informing everyone. We want to hear.
We plan on having another large meeting towards the end of April where we won't have time restraints and capacity problems where we can all speak and hear from future town council candidates to see where they stand and give support to those that support us. More info on that will follow soon.
Friday, March 20, 2009
Do we want this?
These are pictures of Custer Rd in Plano and Hebron Parkway in Carrollton. Uggg.
This is a pic of Paseo Blvd in Kansas City. This is what a town is all about.
These are the superimposed pictures of what present strips of Morriss would look like at 6 lanes. DO NOT WANT!
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Town Council Meeting
Michael Ryan has asked for assistance in determining a headcount for the attendance of the Town Council Meeting on April 6th. This way he can set up the hall and possibly arrange for the overflow room with closed circuit TV. We do not want to have anyone left out this time.
Instead of emailing RSVPs, we can do it right here on the blog.
On the bottom of this post you will see 3 boxes next to the word reactions. If you plan on attending, place a check in the box labeled COOL.
Our presence is the key to our success. I hope to see many of you even in the overflow room.
Instead of emailing RSVPs, we can do it right here on the blog.
On the bottom of this post you will see 3 boxes next to the word reactions. If you plan on attending, place a check in the box labeled COOL.
Our presence is the key to our success. I hope to see many of you even in the overflow room.
Meeting with City Manager
Today, Bjorn, Scott P, Robert and Myself met with Town Manager Harland Jefferson, Assistant Town Manager Kent Collins and Director of Community Affairs Michael Ryan.
The purpose of the meeting was for the Town to address some of the questions that were brought up at the meeting last week. More details of the meeting will follow, but I can tell you it was imformative and a productive hour plus meeting.
We would like to thank Mr. Jefferson, Mr. Collins, and Mr. Ryan for their time and willingness to address us.
The purpose of the meeting was for the Town to address some of the questions that were brought up at the meeting last week. More details of the meeting will follow, but I can tell you it was imformative and a productive hour plus meeting.
We would like to thank Mr. Jefferson, Mr. Collins, and Mr. Ryan for their time and willingness to address us.
Monday, March 16, 2009
Banners and Yard Signs
Banners and yard signs are now available! Due to the demand and cost involved we are making them available at cost. The banners are 20.00 and the yard signs are 5.00. Please email us at stopmorriss6@googlemail.com and we will get them to you or have them available for pick-up.
Council Members positions.
Bjorn send emails to all Town Council members to get their offical positions on the project. The following are published unedited.
My name is Bjorn Vandug and I am a Flower Mound resident. As you might be aware of at this time we are a group of concerned citizens that initiated the StopMorriss6 project. On March 10th, 2009 we had a very successful meeting at Fire Station #1. We had representatives from the Town of Flower Mound, two candidates running for town council, the news media and over 200 residents attending.
During our question and answer session one of residents asked the following question:
What is the position of our Mayor and the Council Representatives on this issue?
We are currently researching answers on many of the questions we received on last Tuesday, and ask that you please provide us with your stand on the expansion of Morriss Road/Gerault.
Regardless of the StopMorriss6 group’s opinion, your answer is important and will be conveyed as stated by you.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me via e-mail or at xxx-xxx-xxxx
Sincerely,
Bjorn Vandug
StopMorriss6
Responses:
Hi Mr. Vandug,
Thanks for the email. My answer would be that I want to continue to get all the facts. I want to hear everyone's input. I will say that the decision I make, as it is with all road issues, will be based on what is best for the entire town. As you have probably discovered in your research, there has not been a road expansion in this town that someone has not been against....and the reasons presented "against" are always safety and property values. I think folks will be relieved to know that I am not aware of any road expansion, new road, etc. that has led to decreased property values or increased risk. In fact, the people who typically speak against the roads are almost always the ones who end up using them!
Road issues are always difficult....because they are one of those things that are desperatly needed....as long as it's not in someone's backyard. Obviously, with a growing town like Flower Mound....we all want and need better roads...but understandbly the folks against them are the ones near them. People were against expanding 3040, 2499 and 1171. We received threats for expanding Gerault....for agreeing to expand Windsor...and I could go on and on. And yet the whole town needs and utilizes the roads!
I have not yet heard a solid argument against the need to expand Morris, so I am hoping residents will have some data. It does need to be beyond property value however (homes near a road with an existing four lanes are not going to decrease with an additional 2 lanes). I live next to 1171 that is going from 2 lanes to 6 lanes....and my property value has not dropped (as an example). In fact, the expansion of Morriss has been on the books for many many years because of the need....so I will need to understand what has changed to make it no longer needed.
So, I want to hear from everyone. But if the expansion is still needed, I will support it (I won't leave it to a future council just because its a tough decision). If residents prove it is not needed for the whole town, I will support that.
Hope that helps explain my thoughts. If you pass along my thoughts, I ask that you pass along all of them and not just parts of my email.
Look forward to hearing from you.
All the best.
Joel
Bjorn,
Thank you for your email. Congratulations on your successful meeting concerning the Morriss Road expansion. That is great to see so many residents turning out like that. It is good to see your neighborhoods getting involved in this important decision.
As for the Morriss Road expansion, I do support it, simply because it is on the Master Plan and has been on it since 1981. As you know, we need more north/south connections as our Town continues to grow. Now, hearing that, I want you to know I am always interested and very willing to listen to our Town's citizens. When I see a meeting taking place of over 200 residents voicing a concerning, I will definitely listen. If I am presented compelling reasons in which changing the Master Plan is better for our community, then I am open to listening.
My suggestion to you is to keep holding your meetings, gather signatures, and present the Town with your suggestions as to how we can make Morriss Road a better and safer connection. Please know that the Town Council is always open to listening to our residents. We are hear to serve you.
Thanks,
Tim Trotter
Flower Mound Town Council, Place 3
My name is Bjorn Vandug and I am a Flower Mound resident. As you might be aware of at this time we are a group of concerned citizens that initiated the StopMorriss6 project. On March 10th, 2009 we had a very successful meeting at Fire Station #1. We had representatives from the Town of Flower Mound, two candidates running for town council, the news media and over 200 residents attending.
During our question and answer session one of residents asked the following question:
What is the position of our Mayor and the Council Representatives on this issue?
We are currently researching answers on many of the questions we received on last Tuesday, and ask that you please provide us with your stand on the expansion of Morriss Road/Gerault.
Regardless of the StopMorriss6 group’s opinion, your answer is important and will be conveyed as stated by you.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me via e-mail or at xxx-xxx-xxxx
Sincerely,
Bjorn Vandug
StopMorriss6
Responses:
Hi Mr. Vandug,
Thanks for the email. My answer would be that I want to continue to get all the facts. I want to hear everyone's input. I will say that the decision I make, as it is with all road issues, will be based on what is best for the entire town. As you have probably discovered in your research, there has not been a road expansion in this town that someone has not been against....and the reasons presented "against" are always safety and property values. I think folks will be relieved to know that I am not aware of any road expansion, new road, etc. that has led to decreased property values or increased risk. In fact, the people who typically speak against the roads are almost always the ones who end up using them!
Road issues are always difficult....because they are one of those things that are desperatly needed....as long as it's not in someone's backyard. Obviously, with a growing town like Flower Mound....we all want and need better roads...but understandbly the folks against them are the ones near them. People were against expanding 3040, 2499 and 1171. We received threats for expanding Gerault....for agreeing to expand Windsor...and I could go on and on. And yet the whole town needs and utilizes the roads!
I have not yet heard a solid argument against the need to expand Morris, so I am hoping residents will have some data. It does need to be beyond property value however (homes near a road with an existing four lanes are not going to decrease with an additional 2 lanes). I live next to 1171 that is going from 2 lanes to 6 lanes....and my property value has not dropped (as an example). In fact, the expansion of Morriss has been on the books for many many years because of the need....so I will need to understand what has changed to make it no longer needed.
So, I want to hear from everyone. But if the expansion is still needed, I will support it (I won't leave it to a future council just because its a tough decision). If residents prove it is not needed for the whole town, I will support that.
Hope that helps explain my thoughts. If you pass along my thoughts, I ask that you pass along all of them and not just parts of my email.
Look forward to hearing from you.
All the best.
Joel
Bjorn,
Thank you for your email. Congratulations on your successful meeting concerning the Morriss Road expansion. That is great to see so many residents turning out like that. It is good to see your neighborhoods getting involved in this important decision.
As for the Morriss Road expansion, I do support it, simply because it is on the Master Plan and has been on it since 1981. As you know, we need more north/south connections as our Town continues to grow. Now, hearing that, I want you to know I am always interested and very willing to listen to our Town's citizens. When I see a meeting taking place of over 200 residents voicing a concerning, I will definitely listen. If I am presented compelling reasons in which changing the Master Plan is better for our community, then I am open to listening.
My suggestion to you is to keep holding your meetings, gather signatures, and present the Town with your suggestions as to how we can make Morriss Road a better and safer connection. Please know that the Town Council is always open to listening to our residents. We are hear to serve you.
Thanks,
Tim Trotter
Flower Mound Town Council, Place 3
How is it going?
Have you signed a petition? Are you circulating a petition? Have you wrote to the city council and the Mayor? Have you recieved a response other that the canned messages in the past? What are you neighbors saying, good or bad? Let us know!
We are looking for representatives from every neighborhood to become part of our current core group that mainly consists of residents of Creekside. There are a few that have expressed interest and have attended some of our planning meetings. If you are interested in representing your neighborhood, email us at
stopmorriss6@googlemail.com .
We are interested in hearing from you.
We are looking for representatives from every neighborhood to become part of our current core group that mainly consists of residents of Creekside. There are a few that have expressed interest and have attended some of our planning meetings. If you are interested in representing your neighborhood, email us at
stopmorriss6@googlemail.com .
We are interested in hearing from you.
Questions from the Meeting
Here is the list of questions that were posed at the meeting last Tuesday. We are having a meeting this tuesday with some officials from the city and we will try and get answers for these questions and some more infomation that we will pass on to you here. The momentum is gathering. keep it up with the petitions and letter writing campaign.
Do we know if the project money is lost if it doesn't get spent in a certain period of time?
What is the position of our Town leadership (mayor and council members) on this project?
What is the impact on property values and quality of property ownership? Example: Westin Rd in 40% rentals now.
What will be the impact on area crime?
Is the median really wide enough in all places to accommodate the extra lanes?
Will they have to tear out all of the trees and irrigation upgrades installed last year?
Does the Town have the power to stop this project? How do they stop it?
Do we need legal representation?
What kind of truck traffic will be allowed? (eg weight or axle limits?) What is allowed currently?
How long will it take to complete construction? Can they really do it in 12 months? Especially if they do it in sections as claimed?
Are fire/emt response times a factor in this project?
Do we know if the project money is lost if it doesn't get spent in a certain period of time?
What is the position of our Town leadership (mayor and council members) on this project?
What is the impact on property values and quality of property ownership? Example: Westin Rd in 40% rentals now.
What will be the impact on area crime?
Is the median really wide enough in all places to accommodate the extra lanes?
Will they have to tear out all of the trees and irrigation upgrades installed last year?
Does the Town have the power to stop this project? How do they stop it?
Do we need legal representation?
What kind of truck traffic will be allowed? (eg weight or axle limits?) What is allowed currently?
How long will it take to complete construction? Can they really do it in 12 months? Especially if they do it in sections as claimed?
Are fire/emt response times a factor in this project?
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Friday, March 13, 2009
Interesting comments on the Lantana Links message board.
This was taken from the Lantana Links message board.
Last night I tried to attend a meeting a friend of mine made me aware of at
the Fire Station in Flower Mound. The meeting was on how the Town has on the
budget and plans for widening Morris Rd and Gerault Rd to 6 lanes.
I never did get inside to hear the speakers. They were turning several of us
away because they were over the capacity of the room, 75 people. We did get
to sign that we were there and against the concrete jungle. I then decided
to wait outside until people came out and asked them what was being said.
More and more of my friends and neighbors kept coming and also being told we
could not go in. The halls outside the room and now the entrance outside the
building where filled with concerned Flower Mound residents. At the end when
everyone was leaving a Fireman told me he counted over 250 people inside the
doors. I know that did not include the people being turned away that actual
did leave right away.
This was a great showing of what America is all about;” Our ability to have
a voice on our future.”
While I was waiting outside I was offered a packet to bring back to my
Homeowners Association that explained the Residents concerns and papers the
Town provided that explained their intent. All of this information is
available at Stop Morris 6’s Blog Site,
STOPMORRISS6.BLOGSPOT.COM http://stopmorriss6.blogspot.com.
After reading through the packet I was given and the Town’s Fact Sheet, I
started thinking. The Fact Sheet says that this has been on the books for 27
years. I ask why not wait another 27 years. I hope the next time we have to
address this question again it will be in the year 2030. Maybe the residence
then will want the road expansion. I know I do not and all the people at the
meeting do not want the expansion.
I never did say why I was there. I have young children that go to one of the
Middle Schools on Morris Road and my Children walked or rode a bike to
Elementary School and Middle School on this road. I already fear the safety
of my children on this neighborhood access road and cannot imagine Morris
Road as a 6 lane major access road.
Let me go off topic a bit. When we moved to Texas we went out of our way to
find the best city to raise our family as close to the same memories as I
grew up in. We first where going to move to McKinney where we have family.
We then thought better of the drive to the airport and started looking close
to DFW Airport. Several of my husband’s new office workers said to go to
Flower Mound. You will like the family environment and the beauty of the
Town. So for several days we just drove around the city. On purpose we would
take Forest Vista and Morris Road because of how pretty the streets where
and it just felt like home. We decided on Donald Elementary and Sherwood
Estates and then later moved to Rustic Timbers, Forest Vista Elementary,
both go to Forestwood Middle School. Yes we did pick these schools and
communities because of the winding, no straight line neighborhood access
roads.
Please honor the wishes and the safety of the residents of Flower Mound
Today. Just delay the project another 27 years or more.
Last night I tried to attend a meeting a friend of mine made me aware of at
the Fire Station in Flower Mound. The meeting was on how the Town has on the
budget and plans for widening Morris Rd and Gerault Rd to 6 lanes.
I never did get inside to hear the speakers. They were turning several of us
away because they were over the capacity of the room, 75 people. We did get
to sign that we were there and against the concrete jungle. I then decided
to wait outside until people came out and asked them what was being said.
More and more of my friends and neighbors kept coming and also being told we
could not go in. The halls outside the room and now the entrance outside the
building where filled with concerned Flower Mound residents. At the end when
everyone was leaving a Fireman told me he counted over 250 people inside the
doors. I know that did not include the people being turned away that actual
did leave right away.
This was a great showing of what America is all about;” Our ability to have
a voice on our future.”
While I was waiting outside I was offered a packet to bring back to my
Homeowners Association that explained the Residents concerns and papers the
Town provided that explained their intent. All of this information is
available at Stop Morris 6’s Blog Site,
STOPMORRISS6.BLOGSPOT.COM http://stopmorriss6.blogspot.com.
After reading through the packet I was given and the Town’s Fact Sheet, I
started thinking. The Fact Sheet says that this has been on the books for 27
years. I ask why not wait another 27 years. I hope the next time we have to
address this question again it will be in the year 2030. Maybe the residence
then will want the road expansion. I know I do not and all the people at the
meeting do not want the expansion.
I never did say why I was there. I have young children that go to one of the
Middle Schools on Morris Road and my Children walked or rode a bike to
Elementary School and Middle School on this road. I already fear the safety
of my children on this neighborhood access road and cannot imagine Morris
Road as a 6 lane major access road.
Let me go off topic a bit. When we moved to Texas we went out of our way to
find the best city to raise our family as close to the same memories as I
grew up in. We first where going to move to McKinney where we have family.
We then thought better of the drive to the airport and started looking close
to DFW Airport. Several of my husband’s new office workers said to go to
Flower Mound. You will like the family environment and the beauty of the
Town. So for several days we just drove around the city. On purpose we would
take Forest Vista and Morris Road because of how pretty the streets where
and it just felt like home. We decided on Donald Elementary and Sherwood
Estates and then later moved to Rustic Timbers, Forest Vista Elementary,
both go to Forestwood Middle School. Yes we did pick these schools and
communities because of the winding, no straight line neighborhood access
roads.
Please honor the wishes and the safety of the residents of Flower Mound
Today. Just delay the project another 27 years or more.
Lantana Links
Check out www.lantanalinks.com
They pulished our letter to the editor, thank you very much.
Also there are some interesting entrys on their message board.
They pulished our letter to the editor, thank you very much.
Also there are some interesting entrys on their message board.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
More attention for our cause.
Go to the link for a very interesting posting and a very objective view.
www.flowermound.net
First of all, I would like to state that I do not live in a neighborhood on this road. I do however work at a business that does, and live not far from Morriss. During one of my commutes back home I saw a banner advertising a blog, STOPMORRISS6.BLOGSPOT.COM. I immediately thought, "oh great, another Stop 2499 or Windsor nut, who doesnt realize how much this would benefit the community." However as I continued to drive during what is considered "rush hour," I then questioned the reasons behind wanting to expand the road. Traffic really wasnt that bad. I think half of the traffic, me included, only used the road to bypass the 2499 construction. Meaning, once thats finished, we wont have a need to drive there.
The speed limits 40mph, the right lane is much slower due to right turners, and with the road all windy, not only is the road much longer than it should be, but every SUV has to brake, driving 30mph because OMG, they'll flip! On top of that theres school zones, so during certain times of the day, why even bother driving it, if you can avoid it?
So pretty much this road is there for its residents, so once 2499, and even 407 is fixed, what little traffic they had will greatly decrease. Even with the rush hour traffic, there really is no issue. Everyone is capable of making it through the lights, and other than your occasional sports biker, speeding doesnt seem an issue.
However I know that with 6 lanes, speeding will be an issue, because as Ive noticed with 3040 and other expanded roads, more space means more speed, even if the speed limit lowers. I also wouldnt like seeing them cut down many of those trees which live in the current medians. Plus with smaller medians, means that residents during rush hour will have a difficult time turning left out of their neighborhood, because they wont have an area in the middle to sit at, meaning they will have to wait even longer for more lanes to be free. I dont see how, with the Riverwalk property fully completed, traffic would be so bad. Remember that most of that traffic will most likely use the newly expanded 2499.
Pretty much the ONLY thing that should be done is extending the left turn lane for the westbound 1171 turners. All it takes is 3 SUVs (which everyone in this town seems to have) and that lane gets blocked up. Due to the way they have the lights, this means everyone turning left loses their arrow (which is needed during rush hour) and have to wait through another light cycle. The westbound 3040 left also suffers this fate during rush hour, but their lane is already pretty long as it is, so I doubt anything will be done for them.
So pretty much, there is no need for the expansion of Morriss/Gerault, therefore I FINALLY side with these homeowners.
Back to top
www.flowermound.net
First of all, I would like to state that I do not live in a neighborhood on this road. I do however work at a business that does, and live not far from Morriss. During one of my commutes back home I saw a banner advertising a blog, STOPMORRISS6.BLOGSPOT.COM. I immediately thought, "oh great, another Stop 2499 or Windsor nut, who doesnt realize how much this would benefit the community." However as I continued to drive during what is considered "rush hour," I then questioned the reasons behind wanting to expand the road. Traffic really wasnt that bad. I think half of the traffic, me included, only used the road to bypass the 2499 construction. Meaning, once thats finished, we wont have a need to drive there.
The speed limits 40mph, the right lane is much slower due to right turners, and with the road all windy, not only is the road much longer than it should be, but every SUV has to brake, driving 30mph because OMG, they'll flip! On top of that theres school zones, so during certain times of the day, why even bother driving it, if you can avoid it?
So pretty much this road is there for its residents, so once 2499, and even 407 is fixed, what little traffic they had will greatly decrease. Even with the rush hour traffic, there really is no issue. Everyone is capable of making it through the lights, and other than your occasional sports biker, speeding doesnt seem an issue.
However I know that with 6 lanes, speeding will be an issue, because as Ive noticed with 3040 and other expanded roads, more space means more speed, even if the speed limit lowers. I also wouldnt like seeing them cut down many of those trees which live in the current medians. Plus with smaller medians, means that residents during rush hour will have a difficult time turning left out of their neighborhood, because they wont have an area in the middle to sit at, meaning they will have to wait even longer for more lanes to be free. I dont see how, with the Riverwalk property fully completed, traffic would be so bad. Remember that most of that traffic will most likely use the newly expanded 2499.
Pretty much the ONLY thing that should be done is extending the left turn lane for the westbound 1171 turners. All it takes is 3 SUVs (which everyone in this town seems to have) and that lane gets blocked up. Due to the way they have the lights, this means everyone turning left loses their arrow (which is needed during rush hour) and have to wait through another light cycle. The westbound 3040 left also suffers this fate during rush hour, but their lane is already pretty long as it is, so I doubt anything will be done for them.
So pretty much, there is no need for the expansion of Morriss/Gerault, therefore I FINALLY side with these homeowners.
Back to top
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Scott Clelands passionate speech
This speech couldn't wait for the light of day to be shared with you.
Hello, I am Scott Cleland, a Morriss Rd subdivision homeowner.
While classified identically on paper, Morriss Rd is a profoundly different roadway from FM 1171, 2499, and 3040. Those roads are 6 lane thoroughfares with minority residential frontage, and where they exist, most neighborhoods have additional right-of-way setback from vehicular traffic.
This is not the case for Morriss Rd and we should not allow our Town road planners to treat it identically. Morriss Rd has overwhelmingly more pedestrian traffic than the Town's major thoroughfares. There are over 3400 single family homes within 400m of Morriss Rd. That is over 10,000 residents. Over 4400 of our children attend schools along Morriss Rd. This is not a commercial avenue. From 3040 to 1171, 85% of the road frontage is neighborhoods, schools, and parks. Morriss Rd defines our Town.
Most sidewalks along Morriss Rd are just 3ft from vehicular traffic. Between College and Dixon Ln, most sidewalks are directly against the roadway with no buffer. I attended Marcus High School and Lamar Middle School, frequently walking and running along its roadway; I know what it is like for an adolescent to walk this road. I am a father of 3, and my oldest daughter will be walking to Forestwood Middle School along Morriss Rd in a few years. I shudder to think of her making that trek along a road the likes of FM 2499, just 3 ft away from 35,000 cars a day zooming by. No parent would choose that. Joggers and bikers too will not want to traverse the roadway. We will see either grievous accidents or an end to all pedestrian traffic on this roadway. This does not serve the needs of our citizens.
Yes, this Town must address future vehicular traffic needs. I lived in Flower Mound in 1989 when FM 1171, 2499, and 3040 were 1 lane blacktops; the Town has made tremendous progress in upgrading those roadways to accommodate current and future traffic needs. Today, I too idle in my car on our roadways during peak traffic periods. Our citizens, myself and my fellow Morriss Rd neighborhood residents, expect our Town leadership to make intelligent planning decisions to accommodate greater transportation demand from continued growth.
But not by cramming 6.5 miles of concrete through the center of our town and telling us that was the plan in 1981. There are safety issues created by 27 years of development that has been contrary to the vision of a 6-lane major arterial thoroughfare. For 27 years, we have been building neighborhoods, schools, and parks. For 27 years, we have been putting in curb cuts and median pass-throughs.
It is incumbent upon us that we let our Town leadership know that they cannot treat Morris Rd like 2499. Any roadway additions must have consideration for the important safety concerns associated with a road so closely populated by such a large number of our Town's residents. Just paving over the median is a solution that benefits commuters only, not our community; increases thru-traffic, not our citizens' safety; and is not in the best safety interests of our Town's residents. Thank you.
Hello, I am Scott Cleland, a Morriss Rd subdivision homeowner.
While classified identically on paper, Morriss Rd is a profoundly different roadway from FM 1171, 2499, and 3040. Those roads are 6 lane thoroughfares with minority residential frontage, and where they exist, most neighborhoods have additional right-of-way setback from vehicular traffic.
This is not the case for Morriss Rd and we should not allow our Town road planners to treat it identically. Morriss Rd has overwhelmingly more pedestrian traffic than the Town's major thoroughfares. There are over 3400 single family homes within 400m of Morriss Rd. That is over 10,000 residents. Over 4400 of our children attend schools along Morriss Rd. This is not a commercial avenue. From 3040 to 1171, 85% of the road frontage is neighborhoods, schools, and parks. Morriss Rd defines our Town.
Most sidewalks along Morriss Rd are just 3ft from vehicular traffic. Between College and Dixon Ln, most sidewalks are directly against the roadway with no buffer. I attended Marcus High School and Lamar Middle School, frequently walking and running along its roadway; I know what it is like for an adolescent to walk this road. I am a father of 3, and my oldest daughter will be walking to Forestwood Middle School along Morriss Rd in a few years. I shudder to think of her making that trek along a road the likes of FM 2499, just 3 ft away from 35,000 cars a day zooming by. No parent would choose that. Joggers and bikers too will not want to traverse the roadway. We will see either grievous accidents or an end to all pedestrian traffic on this roadway. This does not serve the needs of our citizens.
Yes, this Town must address future vehicular traffic needs. I lived in Flower Mound in 1989 when FM 1171, 2499, and 3040 were 1 lane blacktops; the Town has made tremendous progress in upgrading those roadways to accommodate current and future traffic needs. Today, I too idle in my car on our roadways during peak traffic periods. Our citizens, myself and my fellow Morriss Rd neighborhood residents, expect our Town leadership to make intelligent planning decisions to accommodate greater transportation demand from continued growth.
But not by cramming 6.5 miles of concrete through the center of our town and telling us that was the plan in 1981. There are safety issues created by 27 years of development that has been contrary to the vision of a 6-lane major arterial thoroughfare. For 27 years, we have been building neighborhoods, schools, and parks. For 27 years, we have been putting in curb cuts and median pass-throughs.
It is incumbent upon us that we let our Town leadership know that they cannot treat Morris Rd like 2499. Any roadway additions must have consideration for the important safety concerns associated with a road so closely populated by such a large number of our Town's residents. Just paving over the median is a solution that benefits commuters only, not our community; increases thru-traffic, not our citizens' safety; and is not in the best safety interests of our Town's residents. Thank you.
Unbelievably Extraordinary
First, I would like to thank the 181 people who signed our petition tonight at the Standing Room only, overflowing crowd that showed up at Fire House One. The response was overwhelming and I was thrilled and energized to the point I will have a difficult time getting to sleep. Thank you to all those that showed up after the open house only to find we had to shut down due to the 200 plus neighbors, concerned citizens and loyal Flower Moundians that came to have their voices heard. A special thanks to the folks at Fire Station One for their hospitality at their house.
I personally would like to thank Michael Ryan, Director of Community Affairs for the Town of Flower Mound, for his help in securing the larger meeting room. Also to Ken Parr, Director of Public Works for his expertise.
Also we would like to thank Town Council candidates, Tom Hayden, Bob Butler, and Steve Dixon for showing up and speaking about our concerns.
I now think I can get some sleep, 4am comes way too fast. Good Night and my sincere thanks.
I personally would like to thank Michael Ryan, Director of Community Affairs for the Town of Flower Mound, for his help in securing the larger meeting room. Also to Ken Parr, Director of Public Works for his expertise.
Also we would like to thank Town Council candidates, Tom Hayden, Bob Butler, and Steve Dixon for showing up and speaking about our concerns.
I now think I can get some sleep, 4am comes way too fast. Good Night and my sincere thanks.
Monday, March 9, 2009
Parking
We plan for a big crowd tomorrow and urge you to get there early. Parking is allowed on Forums and on Olympic Drives, but please do not block driveways, etc. There are other parking options with a short walk by the post office and in the business park. Please use caution crossing the streets. See you tomorrow!
Friday, March 6, 2009
Conflicts
We are told there are a few other events scheduled about Flower Mound on Tuesday night.
There is an Open House at Forrestwood Middle School and a Cub Scout meeting. If you can at all possible drop by the Fire Station after the other functions, we would still be glad to have you come by. We will remain at the Fire Station to answer questions and present petitions and personally recap what occurred during the meeting for you.
There is an Open House at Forrestwood Middle School and a Cub Scout meeting. If you can at all possible drop by the Fire Station after the other functions, we would still be glad to have you come by. We will remain at the Fire Station to answer questions and present petitions and personally recap what occurred during the meeting for you.
Help Wanted
This weekend, we need some volunteers to help distribute information sheets in neighborhoods we have yet to visit. If you can help, please write us at stopmorriss6@googlemail.com .
At the meeting, we will also be looking for help to canvas your neighborhoods with the petition we have developed and to talk to your neighbors. We will have a packet with petitions, addresses of town council and the Mayors office and other information at the meeting.
Help us by representing your neighborhood and see all of you on Tuesday!
At the meeting, we will also be looking for help to canvas your neighborhoods with the petition we have developed and to talk to your neighbors. We will have a packet with petitions, addresses of town council and the Mayors office and other information at the meeting.
Help us by representing your neighborhood and see all of you on Tuesday!
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Also taken from the Email
Some interesting comments from someone not in our community.
Interesting reading and your group is to be commended for your efforts.My job brings me to the Flower Mound every week day from West Arlington and I enjoy the area and would move here in a heartbeat but the number of family member living around us prohibits that so I have the 45 minute drive one way every day. Arlington experienced a similar project with the widening of Green Oaks to 6 lanes some time ago. We did not have the luxury of a parallel road like you do with 2499 so this needed to happen. The development team for the project met with concerned citizens about the timeline and listened to property owners concerns in numerous meetings. This Green Oaks widening was going to happen regardless but the Mayor was very explicit to the developers that the property owners concerns were heard. I personally was not part of these meetings because our property was not on the right of way. This project did include sound control walls for properties that were next to the right of way. The project was completed and all were happy. The boulevard has a 45 MPH speed limit and Arlington Police do an excellant job of enforcement. My suggestion to your group is to stand firm and talk facts. Safety for people and property are always priority but emotion needs to be left out because these folks want facts. I agree that Morriss should be left the way it is but face it the right of way was there long before the neighborhood. Good luck in your efforts. When your meeting occur demand better solutions from your Traffic Signal Engineering Department. The vehicle detecting systems at all Flower Mound intersections are wonderful when they are efficiently used. The majority of the intersections from what I experience are not. Many times I wait in long queues for traffic with no cross traffic and see long lines on Gerault waiting to turn south on 2499 with no vehicles in the south bound lanes at the intersection, same for Lakeside Parkway at 2499. Well that is my two cents and I wish your group success. Remember stand firm, speak facts and win this deal.
Interesting reading and your group is to be commended for your efforts.My job brings me to the Flower Mound every week day from West Arlington and I enjoy the area and would move here in a heartbeat but the number of family member living around us prohibits that so I have the 45 minute drive one way every day. Arlington experienced a similar project with the widening of Green Oaks to 6 lanes some time ago. We did not have the luxury of a parallel road like you do with 2499 so this needed to happen. The development team for the project met with concerned citizens about the timeline and listened to property owners concerns in numerous meetings. This Green Oaks widening was going to happen regardless but the Mayor was very explicit to the developers that the property owners concerns were heard. I personally was not part of these meetings because our property was not on the right of way. This project did include sound control walls for properties that were next to the right of way. The project was completed and all were happy. The boulevard has a 45 MPH speed limit and Arlington Police do an excellant job of enforcement. My suggestion to your group is to stand firm and talk facts. Safety for people and property are always priority but emotion needs to be left out because these folks want facts. I agree that Morriss should be left the way it is but face it the right of way was there long before the neighborhood. Good luck in your efforts. When your meeting occur demand better solutions from your Traffic Signal Engineering Department. The vehicle detecting systems at all Flower Mound intersections are wonderful when they are efficiently used. The majority of the intersections from what I experience are not. Many times I wait in long queues for traffic with no cross traffic and see long lines on Gerault waiting to turn south on 2499 with no vehicles in the south bound lanes at the intersection, same for Lakeside Parkway at 2499. Well that is my two cents and I wish your group success. Remember stand firm, speak facts and win this deal.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
The "Meeting"
Myself, and many of your neighbors encourage you to attend our Information Meeting on Tuesday,March 10th at Fire House 1 on Forums Dr. (behind the main Post Office).
The Meeting will start at 730pm. Please get there early to register and get a good seat.
For those who attend, we are looking for a few representatives from Neighborhoods along Morriss Rd, to distribute out petition and information about our email campaign and our planned attendance at the April Town Council Meeting. We have several neighborhoods covered already and thank those volunteers for their help.
We look forward to seeing you there on Tuesday.
The Meeting will start at 730pm. Please get there early to register and get a good seat.
For those who attend, we are looking for a few representatives from Neighborhoods along Morriss Rd, to distribute out petition and information about our email campaign and our planned attendance at the April Town Council Meeting. We have several neighborhoods covered already and thank those volunteers for their help.
We look forward to seeing you there on Tuesday.
Bond Election in November 2008
A few facts regarding the Bond Election results for Precinct 0304 (my prec for example):
2300 Ballots were cast.
Bond Proposition 1 (Denton County Road Improvements)
yes, it was passed by a majority For: 1561 Against: 739.
There were numerous projects for improvements encompassing the entire county.
In our area alone there were 8 projects including Morriss/Gerault.
I know not being aware of specifics of the Bonds is no excuse and most voters are always in favor of items that have the word "improvement". I personally, voted No. How many of you 1561 voters knew?
Denton County, please use the money for this somewhere else.
2300 Ballots were cast.
Bond Proposition 1 (Denton County Road Improvements)
yes, it was passed by a majority For: 1561 Against: 739.
There were numerous projects for improvements encompassing the entire county.
In our area alone there were 8 projects including Morriss/Gerault.
I know not being aware of specifics of the Bonds is no excuse and most voters are always in favor of items that have the word "improvement". I personally, voted No. How many of you 1561 voters knew?
Denton County, please use the money for this somewhere else.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)