After a few days of recovery and much thought, I would like to pass on to you my views of this past Tuesday's Transportation Commission Public Hearing. First, I would like to thank Steve Lyda for his valiant effort to have this meeting tabled. It was the right decision and the clear decision to make.
This past weekend, we received a copy of the agenda for the Trans Comm Public Hearing. The agenda was laid out a bit different than how it was initially explained to us. First noticeable difference was the Visitors Comments Section. On the agenda it was listed as Item C, following the Pledge of Allegiance. When Scott Cleland stood up to make his comments on the Morriss issue, he was interrupted by Chairman Paul Stone and admonished that this time is for Public Comments for OTHER business before the board. What other business was before the board this evening except the Morriss/Gerault Public Hearing? (first misstep of the evening for Chairman Stone). Next on the agenda Assistant Town Manager's report at which time Kent Collins launches into the Morriss/Gerault project. Second error by Chairman Stone of the evening. If the Visitors Comments, Section C would have to fall into the order of the Regular Agenda Items, than the Assistant Town Manager's report should have also fallen under the Regular Agenda Items. Kent Collins presented his report by rehashing line for line the exact information with charts and graphs he had presented during the Workshop Session last month. Kimley-Horn's spokesman, also presented the exact, word for word data and charts and graphs he had presented a month earlier without even taking the time to correct obvious errors that were pointed out in the workshop. One example of this was a slide that was posted stating something about 25,000 cars a day and some other data, but no reference date. It was very misleading last month and equally confusing the second time around. The only new data was information about proposed landscaping and wooden fence replacement. This went on for TWO HOURS. The only comments that were made by the Commissioners was about policy of changing street names and whether there would be any rocks or pavestones used in the landscaping. Steve Lyda asked several substantive questions to which Kent Collins and/or the Kimley-Horn associate could NOT answer. Third error by Chairman Stone, this was a session for answers and this Commission was charged with getting them, not "I don't know, I'll have to get back to you". How can this Commission come to the conclusion they did with lots and lots of still unanswered questions? What if they got back to them (which I highly doubt they ever will) and the answer would cause them to change their mind? (not that they didn't know how they would vote at 6:30pm). The meeting should have been tabled then and there.
Next came the Q & A portion (error number 4, not listed on the agenda and no rules or guidelines listed, but only explained by Stone prior to it). It was very confusing as residents lined up to ask questions. We were told to limit our questions to three minutes and wait for an answer, then step away. Many were asking very important, pertinent questions that were going unanswered due to the sheer volume. Resident were trying to get as many questions asked as possible, including myself as Kent Collins sat glassy-eyed staring at them and maybe being able to acknowledge one or two of their questions with the answer, “I don't know or I have no knowledge of it“. When a question was asked about other roads in Western Flower Mound operating under level F LOS, the resident was TOLD "that is a rhetorical question that won't be answered". Why wasn't there someone on staff that could write the questions on an overhead transparency when it was asked so the responders could give an intelligent answer or a tally could have been made to see how many questions were not answered at all? Steve Lyda was the only Commissioner to recognize that while the citizens were being allowed to speak, their questions were being left unanswered. Recognizing this, he made a motion to allow the Commission and Staff to address all of the gaps, but received no support.
The Q & A session went on for at least another 2 hours. During my own question, I respectfully asked the Transportation Commission to table this meeting due to the countless unanswered questions from the public and from the Commission. I was told by Chairman Stone that he would take that under advisement. Sadly, many questions became "rhetorical" due to the lack of caring.
Next, (11:30pm), after many of the residents had left due to the late hour, came the Visitor Comments part of the evening. Earlier in the evening, Stone mentioned the numerous emails that were received by the town from residents and NONE of them were sent to him, The Chairman. He seemed rather perturbed that he was bypassed. He was later advised by me, during public comment, that we were following the instructions from the Town to send the emails to Kent Collins and Harlan Jefferson to be included in the minutes of the meeting.
We, as citizens and taxpayers, couldn't do many things right this evening.
My view is this. The first charge this Commission and Staff had from the Town Council was to LISTEN TO THE RESIDENTS CONCERNS. They failed.
Stone was later overheard saying:
“There is a core group of StopMorriss6 that will never be satisfied with anything other than a 4-lane road; it has to be their way or nothing. SM6 ran their candidate and he lost“.
Its obvious Chairman Stone was already biased from an earlier meeting he was invited to, that he was in favor of the project, and to not make it an election issue. Well, he was wrong, it was an election issue and it drew over 500 first-time May voters to the polls, gave Tom Hayden an overwhelming victory, got Steve Lyda within 29 votes of defeating Steve Dixon and got Bob Butler, who spent 10 times less than Mike Wallace and campaigned almost exclusively in the Morriss Corridor over 1000 votes.
I know the opponents of our group will say, Sour Grapes, get over it, you lost. But, if our words had been HEARD by an unbiased chairperson and commission, it might have been at least fair.
I would also respectfully submit to town council to have the minutes and the validity of The Transportation Commission Public Hearing, dated May 26th,2009 be ruled invalid and the minutes expunged.
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To Kim and the other participants on this blog: Let me assure you that I will NOT be baited into debating Town policy on this blog. I would suggest that the if one needs to better understand the procedures during public meetings, one can easily find the item below on the Agenda page of the Town’s website and if you’re still confused, you should call the Town Secretary’s Office as they are always pleased to assist residents of the Town. Let folks make up their own minds. They can view the meeting for themselves on the Town’s website.
ReplyDeletePaul Stone, Chairman Flower Mound Transportation Commission and 19 year active resident
Public Participation
In accordance with the Open Meetings Act mandated by Texas State Law, all Town of Flower Mound public meetings are open to the general public. Most meetings of the Town Council, Boards, Commissions, and Committees include a Public Participation agenda item that allows attendees to address the body for up to three minutes on issues that are not the subject of a public hearing on that particular agenda.
Some meeting and work session agendas are created primarily for discussion by the governing body and do not include public participation opportunities. Items listed as Public Hearings on an agenda allow the public to speak at the time that item appears on the agenda. For more information regarding public comment opportunities in relation to a specific meeting agenda, please call 972.874.6070.
What is the Open Meetings Act?
The Open Meetings Act, codified at chapter 551 of the Government Code, provides that meetings of governmental bodies must be open to the public except for expressly authorized executive sessions. The Act also provides that the public must be given notice of the time, place, and subject matter of meetings of governmental bodies.
Is a governmental body required to let citizens speak at their meetings?
No. The purpose of the Open Meetings Act is to ensure the public's access to meetings of governmental bodies so that they have the opportunity to be informed concerning the transactions of public business. It does not provide a public forum for every citizen wishing to express an opinion on a matter. However, if the governmental body decides to allow citizens to speak up, it must not unfairly discriminate, but may establish reasonable restraints on the number, length, and frequency of presentation.
First off, who are you?
ReplyDeleteWhy would you post that you will not be baited into debating Town policy on this blog, when we have no idea who the hell you are? No asked you to debate anyone on this blog in the first place. If you want to be heard here, tell us who you are, so we can respond accordingly. You must be a current or former Town staffer or servant to even say something like that. Also, because you chose to write anonymously, it would fit the mold of a current or former Town official.
I’m not sure what you’re trying to get at here, but the Agenda clearly stated:
G. Regular Items
2. PUBLIC HEARING to discus potential design enhancements and implementation of the Morriss/Gerault Capacity Improvement project.
Are you trying to make the point that the Agenda can be rearranged at will by the Chairman and that no one should notice or complain about that? Mr. Stone has the legal right to change the rules in the middle of game? OK, fine, he’s the Chairman and he can do that, so what, does that mean we have to bow down to him in his infinite wisdom? Get real.
This meeting was NOT sold to us an “Open Meeting” or for “Public Participation”, it was a Public Hearing. That means we are to be heard and the Town is to answer our questions.
You people that run this Town have an ego that is off the charts, but please keep it up, because we are definitely paying attention to you now.
500 new voters in three months of grass roots, door to door, pounding the pavement determination. Just think what we can do with eleven more months to get the word out about you.
We’ve be defiant all along, that’s nothing new, but now you’re starting to be defiant. What that tells me is that your scared and you should be, because your time in power is going to end sooner than you would probably like.
As we have all noticed lately, elections have consequences.
And spare me with the “Mr. Butler, you’re so mean and ignorant and blah blah blah. People voted for me, because I’m not like you. I shoot straight with the folks and I tell it like it is and that scares dishonest politicians. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, the truth will always win in the end, we just need to keep digging until we find it. You would make our job a lot easier if you would post under your real name and actually tell us the truth, but we know that is never going to happen.
However, as luck would have it, we have a highly motivated group of intelligent and concerned citizens that are hell bent on finding out what the real reason for this destruction of our community is all about. And rest assured, we will not stop until the truth rears its ugly head.
So keep on dragging this out with meetings that go until the wee hours of the night and using political speak that we aren’t meant to understand. Keep belittling us and telling us we are ignorant and that our tiny little brains can’t possibly understand what’s best for us.
I like a good challenge and to your credit, you’re giving me just that.
One other thing before I go.
I just want to make it perfectly clear to everyone who reads this blog, whether you are for or against this project, when I post, I speak for me and not for the StoppMorriss6 Group.
Kim, Bjorn, Scott and others are the founders of this blog, not me. I don’t want to put words in their mouths and you shouldn’t assume that my posts represent their opinions or ideas. I speak for myself here and I say what I believe as a concerned resident of Flower Mound. The difference is that I have the spine (feel free to insert your own more appropriate word) to put my real name behind my posts, unlike the many of you who post against me or the StopMorriss6 Group.
Hope that clears it all up.
I look forward to your posts telling me how stupid I am, I really get a kick out of that.
Bob:
ReplyDeleteI signed it.
Paul Stone
19 year Resident
See Bob? He's a 19 year resident-and active at that!
ReplyDeleteAs such, he's free to marginalize those of us who more recently came to infest his community. He can do as he pleases and push forward with the unnecessary expansion of a 4 lane road that has minimal traffic. Don't make intelligent improvements- Pave it over!
That fits nicely since those making the decisions apparently don't know much about traffic or transportation anyway.
Just rubber stamp the town council's plan and ignore what doesn't fit-especially the stockholders.
I did send an email that was addressed to each one of the Commissioners, Mr. Kent, Mr. Jefferson and Ms. Paschal. The only response back from Ms. Paschal, “On behalf of the Mayor and Town Council, thank you for your comments.” I had several questions, but no one responded.
ReplyDeleteWhy is our elected officials, commissions, boards, etc. acting the way they are? We are trying our best to understand the process and get our questions answered. As stated above, many questions went unanswered or very vague; i.e. when asked the name of the staff person at LISD, Mr. Kent wouldn’t answer. Big question for me, are the numbers that were projected, are they accurate? Again, no one could answer that question
Why is there such a rush for this project? Please just give us the truth. Why aren’t other alternatives being looked at; expanding the lanes at the major intersections, etc?
I believe we were told to look beyond our backyard and think regionally. But why are we making it so much easier for everyone else to pass through Flower Mound so quickly and yet the residents it will impact are being looked down upon? I just don’t understand that mindset.
Since this was put into the Master plan in 1981, why then did our previous elected officials allow Morriss/Gerault to be developed the way that it has, with homes very close to the road, 2 schools, day care centers, sidewalks with no buffer between itself and the road? That wasn’t very forward thinking and it should not have been developed this way. I find fault with our elected officials since they are the ones who approve or disapprove of projects and development.
I just think Flower Mound is changing from what once was a beautiful rural town to another Southlake, etc. I didn’t move to Southlake for a reason. And now the reason for moving to Flower Mound is vanishing. I was heartbroken when 2499 was expanded. I think about the people who are impacted by this road in Highland Village and Flower Mound. Garden Ridge could be next (read the town website).
To make a point I will sign in as Marboro Man (MM). MM first appeared in 1954 for Philip Morris, note Morris Rd., and finally left the ads in 1999 only after three men in the ads died of lung cancer. Philip Morris fought all efforts to show a relationship of lung cancer and smoking, and is now being sued. A similar story holds for the oil companies and leaded gasoline.
ReplyDeleteThe point is that the establishment of the relationship between pollution and serious health issues can take a long time to establish and requires exacting research. To argue that because Morris Road was proposed in 1981, now is the time to go forward, completely ignores the vast body of scientific research ( particularly in the last 15 years) that clearly shows that air pollution from trucks and cars is a health hazard that rivals smoking.
The most crucial aspect of air pollution and health for Morris Road lies in the immediate danger posed to the students assigned to the two large schools that are curbside to the road. All studies show that the higest impact of pollution is within two to three hundred yards of the curb, however low levels of pollution also appear to be a serious concern even more than a mile away.
For childern, leukemia and acute asthma attacks are the leading effects of auto pollution. For the elderly, heart attacks and lung cancer are elevated.
The following review on the web is useful. sierraclub.org/sprawl/report04_highwayhealth
The report summarizes 24 peer-reviewed studies up through 2004. A few highlights (lowlights)
Children who live within 250 yards of a road with 20,000 vehicles per day are 8 times more likely to get leukemia and six times more likely to get other cancers than those with light traffic.
Each 10 microgram per cubic meter elevation in fine particulate air pollution leads to a 8% increase risk of lung cancer, 6% risk of heart attack, and 4% risk of death by general causes.
Blood levels of benzene in childern living in high density traffic areas were 71% higher than those living in low traffic areas. Benzene is associated with aplastic anemia and leukemia.
Asthmatic childern using maintenance medication are particularly vulnerable to ozone at levels BELOW EPA standards.
The air quality of the Morris Road Extension was addressed by the Transporation Committee with one sentence. Due to the anticipated reduction in future congestion and delays that would result, the project is considered as a benefit to air quality.
Does Kimley-Horn and Lee Engineering stand behind this statement? I see no reference and no studies.
The death of childern and increase in serious asthma attacks can never be equated to a million river walks. That the town of Flower Mound, city officials and consulting parties may well be libel to law suits resulting from increased pollution is a serious consideration.
Please forward by registered mail the report to the appropriate parties that no excuse for ignorance of the facts may be put forward.
The council did not specifically charge the transportation committee with a serious study of air quality. The first step should be to rectify this error. More than one consultant should be used. Zietsman (TTI) of Texas A&M and David Allen (PI of Highway Pollution Study for TCEQ UT Austin) and many others qualify.
Wallerstein, exec. officer of South Coast Air Quality Management District, California: I don't think they should build a school that lies along a freeway.
MM: I don't think they should build a major road next to two existing schools.
Interesting - thanks for the info!! One more thing to worry about for the children of Flower Mound!
ReplyDeleteA car that idles because it is stuck in traffic will produce far more toxins in the air. Furthermore, the Town has given answers about procedures and other things we have asked but everytime people get an answer they don't like they say the Town isn't answering. To all those that have said that Stop Morriss 6 isn't listening and hearing to what well educated and informed people have said...POINT PROVEN..i'm now a believer.
ReplyDeleteHas anybody thought that expanding Morriss to 6 lanes might actually be counterproductive to the flow of traffic?
ReplyDeleteMy thought process is that certain intersections that are now unprotected will be forced to have stop lights put in if Morriss is expanded. The intersection at Sagebrush is a good example. I would not want to try to take a left out onto a 6 lane Morriss with no light. I would probably cut through to Firewheel where the light is already in place. But doesn't this also defeat the purpose of trying reducing the number of cut through vehicles in our neighborhoods?
Eaton Road is another good example. I take a left onto Morriss from Eaton every morning on the way to work. With the west side opening up with the Riverwalk, I'm pretty sure this intersection will be forced to have a light put in.
So my question is this. If Morriss is expanded to 6 lanes, but this forces more stop lights to be installed, then is the flow of traffic really moving any faster?
I was walking down Morriss the other day and thought I saw a Arakan Forest Turtle. Do you feel the International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources would help confirm?
ReplyDeleteThe only endangered species will be the humans that use the road for a sense of community. Humans riding bikes, humans walking their dogs, humans jogging,humans pushing strollers, humans visiting their neighbors. All gone. In the 16 years I have lived along Morriss, I can count on one hand how many times I have had to sit idling in traffic. Are we in such a bubble that we do not see that the rest of the world is madly trying to get people out of their cars? Re-think car trips that are not needed? Maybe if a 4 lane road is a little more crowded, someone might put off turning the key and maybe, heaven forbid, WALKING to the store. Stop trying to cover the earth with more concrete.
ReplyDeleteRemember they are naming this project to the north of 1171 "riverWALK". With all this talk of roads maybe, its misnamed.
MM, your comments deserve a thread of its own.
ReplyDeleteKim-
ReplyDeleteThat's part of the irony with the town's official line. The Riverwalk project is the excuse that's being used to justify this unneeded expansion. The Riverwalk project is supposed to be a walking community but the sacrifice is the walking community that already exists.
There really is no traffic problem on Morriss/Gerault currently but there could be once traffic is intentionally directed along the corridor. I lived for a number of years in Mexico city prior to arriving here. Truthfully, I had more traffic and the end of my block there than Morriss sees on its worst day- and it was 2 lanes, one way.
Given that there is no real problem, they've based calculations on minimal or flawed data and want to push ahead before the other expansion projects are complete and the misinformation is exposed.
As far as the "Anon" who claims to have proven their point:nothing could be further from the truth. We all can see through the smokescreen.
Remember the first charge to the Transportation Commission from the town council was the Listen to the community. You tell me if they did.
ReplyDeleteI think the "Anon" was saying a point was proven to them about the behavior and attitude of the Stop Morris 6 group not that they had proven a point. That's what I got anyways.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Bob and others. Our elected officials and appointed commission members are combative and ignorant of citizen requests for information at best.
ReplyDeleteI have seen the town use state law minimums to get around proper notification of rezoning requests. IE they do not consider a HOA an entity that borders a area receiving rezoning. Only the homes within 200 feet of the rezoned property line. I have since asked local congressmen to get involved in this poorly thought out regulation but have never gotten a response.
Apparently getting one person on the council was not enough of a wake up call, so how about removing one of them.
It appears that recall laws in Texas does not require any wrongdoing of an individual, and would trigger a special election to perform the recall and elect said recalle's replacement.
Maybe then they'll start listening to the citizens. It's not only about Morris folks, the horse trailhead folks have been ignored, the seniors have been ignored, that joke of a gym out on Geralt was a waste of taxpayer money once I went there and saw it I was pretty angry we spent that money on it. Would of been cheaper to build a public pool with a activity center next door as a large sectionable building.
So I was right in the other thread where I said that it was nice to see current Councilmen and Commissioners posting here. I think someone owes me an apology :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for manning up and signing your name to your post Mr. Stone.
And to Corey, I think you're on to something here. If they won't listen, why should we wait until next May to get rid of them? It could be too late by then and irreversible damage could be done. Let’s start looking into your idea a little further.
Hey Bob: If you would have read every word of Mr. Stone's original post you would have seen his name was on it. Furthermore, exactly who did we get replaced on council? Who are we wanting to replace now? Exactly what has she/him/them done to be replaced? Not voting "No" on the Morriss/Gerault Road project doesn't count for me. I need more info before jumping on board with this idea.
ReplyDeleteSo you want the tax payers to pick up the tab for your discontent? (Elections cost money)
ReplyDeleteA room full of angry (some might consider a mob) people does not represent the views of the thousands who stay at home because they are not angry or maybe don't even care. It would be a disaster for a board or the Town Council to vote to make the room happy. No, they have a responsibility to do what's best for the Town regardless of the views of a few vocal people. The Transporation Committe members have nothing to gain from the widening of of the road except the knowledge that they are trying to do what benefits the Town and its citizens. The same goes for the Town Council. So if you have a recall election to throw out those you disagree with, can we have another election the following month? Heck, let's have an election after every Council meeting.
I do shoot from the hip from time to time. I was not at the Transportation Comission committe and do not have any first hand knowlege of the attitude of the crowd. So I do no wish to imply that the group was a mob. I have been at meetings where that description would fit. I do stand by the statement that a vote should not be to please the crowd but to do what is best for even those who did not attend.
ReplyDeletePrec # votes reg voters
ReplyDelete303 143 4336 3.3%
304 364 3919 9.3%
320 442 4279 10.3%
323 90 2531 3.6%
307 266 4336 6.1%
314 121 2572 4.7%
317 266 3805 7.0%
select precincts 1692 25778 6.6%
other preceincts 1374 15583 8.8%
Total for Town 3066 41361 7.4%
So there were 500 first time voters. How many of these are new to town and would be first time voters regardless of this issue? How come a higher % of voters in the other precincts voted? Yes one precinct did have a higher % but others of the "selected" precincts had very much lower % of registered voters voting. How come the race with the most outspoken candidate drew 168 fewer voters than the one of the others?
This blog seems to have turned into a place where people who don't feel they are not getting their way come to vent. The unfortunate part is that some vent their anger toward people who actually take time to help our town. My guess is when the angry people have no reason to be angry they will go back to whatever they were doing before they got angry. Suggestion, stay involved, serve and volunteer.
ReplyDeleteI am so tired of people “bashing” the Stop Morriss 6 group – calling us “mob” & “a few angry people”. We are exercising our right to have our voices heard. We are being quite respectful to the people we are addressing in all the meetings that we have attended. Kim contacted Town Hall to find out what needed to be done prior to the Transportation Public Hearing, protocol, what will happen and then we are told we did it wrong. Hold on a minute, it seems that the people at Town Hall change it the way they want to run it and then try to make us look like we are “stupid”, etc. Why are people so angry at us? We are just trying to get to the truth about this project. I’ve read through the blog and it seems that we are “few” in numbers and that there are 60,000 plus people who have not comment or don’t care. I was one of the 60,000 plus people who did not get involved simply because I didn’t know what I could do. So yes, that is my ignorance. But I’m trying to get involved now and in the process being “bashed” for it. One thing I noticed while attending various meetings is that if you are on “their” side, they are quite nice to you. If you are against this, they tend to be rude to you. The town liaison fell asleep during both the transpiration workshop and the transportation public hearing. How respectful is that? I realize the meetings were quite long and it’s been a long day for many. But come on. Obviously this issue has hit home with many people.
ReplyDeletePlease don’t assume that we are not for road improvements in and around Flower Mound. We understand this is a growing area and want what is best for this Town as well. It shouldn’t be them against us. We are trying to work with our elected officials but they seem to be making it quite difficult for us to do so. Why is that? Makes me wonder...
Probably because everytime a question is answered and the group gets an answer they don't like foul play is screamed. Also, can you really say that members have shown respect during meetings. I seem to recall Renee Doyle being very rude to Chair Stone during the meeting. After he gave her extra time she asked for his resignation...are you kidding me!! You get 3 minutes, what the heck is so hard to understand about that. Public comments and questions are meant to be just that, comments and questions not a debate. I am sick of everyone bashing the council for doing what the whole dang county voted for!! I have read this blog from tip to toe and have finally just had it and felt the need to speak out. Mr. Butler, just so you know I am not on council or on a board. While on that subject, there are people that agree with this expansion that aren't "in the know" type people. Stop making accusations that can't be backed up, if you really believe that council/board members are posting on here call them out. If you can't do that then just be quiet, because that kind of behavior makes some of those that voted for you regret that they voted for you!! I much prefer the Bob of the campaign rather than the Bob you are displaying now. Maybe this is the real you and you are a better politician than you claimed to be.
ReplyDeleteI agree completely with the approach that a six lane road directly in front of Marcus and Forestwood is a safety hazard to kids and based on the cost of more bus routes, prohibitively expensive. LISD may not have a direct say in this issue, but they certainly have influence. I also feel that a six lane road is a fundamental change in the nature of the neighborhoods along Morris/Gerault and this is as important an issue as anything else. Why? Clearly, Morris/Gerault runs through a highly residential area. FM 2499 does not. Neither does FM 1171 in Lewisville (Lewisville High School). I travel Morris/Gerault every day and there are always people out walking, exercising and kids going to and from school. Crossing four lanes is tough enough at times, but 6 lanes is a very scary proposition when you’ve got a stroller, little kids and/or some dogs.
ReplyDeleteWho really benefits from this expansion? My experience is it’s developers and the Riverwalk, plus the commercial district on south Gerault are prime examples of who’s got the most interest.
Based on the lack of response to citizens by Transportation Committee and Town Council members, you also have to ask what’s going on in the background? When I worked to stop a Super Wal-Mart in NH, the company had promised the town a new fire engine to help with the added burden their store presented. Perfectly legal, but it was kept secret for a while and had a big influence on people. I’m not suggesting anything illegal is happening.
I think concerns that we will be overwhelmed by spillover traffic from FM 2499 are a red herring. Is there a study to prove it? To get to Morris/Gerault from FM 2499 is not a fast or logical proposition for a driver, especially one who only wants to get to SH 121. It just doesn’t make sense. I believe the gentleman who made the point about the expansion being counterproductive to traffic is dead on the mark.
Prior to the June Town Council meeting, I recommend this group has a meeting to organize an approach, inform people of up-to-the-minute developments and to stress that everyone remain civil. What about posting signs about the meeting in neighborhoods and getting articles/letters to the editor in the local newspapers to discuss specific points of view? Has anyone talked to a lawyer to see if there are any legal issues that can be dug up?
The town liaison fell asleep during both the transpiration workshop and the transportation public hearing. How respectful is that?
ReplyDeleteGive names and dates
We are trying to work with our elected officials but they seem to be making it quite difficult for us to do so. Why is that? Makes me wonder...
Give names and dates
I wonder about your intent when you DO NOT give specifics!!
Did Kim mention sufficient facts to start this thread to satisfy you? Were the names, topics and approximate times sufficient?
ReplyDeleteIt’s clear that there are a number of people who favor the project using this forum to provoke and discourage those of us that oppose the destruction of our community. They post in anonymity and basically rehash the same old lines for justifying the project. Let’s not fall into their trap.
If the questions being asked of the Town and its commissions were indeed being answered, there would be far less discord. They’re not answering. As official they're obligated to do so.
They are obligated to do what is best for the entire Town, which in some cases means some people don't get what they want. We should think them instead of assuming they are playing dirty.
ReplyDeleteBelieve it or not, we are trying to work with the town and have praised them for their support. You ask for specifics but don't add your name to your post? We will not post the pictures of town liasons sleeping due to respect and to not embarrass them.
ReplyDeleteRegarding the vote, We have pinpoint tallies that show well over 500 votes within a quarter-mile of Morriss Rd. It is FACT that we produced a significant result for the election, sadly we weren't completely sucessful. Next time we will be much more organized and effective, I will promise you that.
Regarding our group of residents, we are a bit angry and realize we must work with the system. The town told us they don't listen to people who don't vote. So the 57,000 of you that didn't, don't matter to them. If and when something effects you directly in your neighborhood, keep that in mind. And if there is anything that might become controversial in your neighborhood, know that this group would support your cause. Foremost we are residents of this town.
It is a matter of fact that before we came along, the communication from this town consisted of 2 sheets of paper that came with your water bill and an ineffective web site.
Since then, the website has been revamped, they have a facebook page, they are on twitter and they are praising themselves for being so communicative, bravo Town of Flower Mound. The paid Communications Director for the town told me he couldn't get a crowd together like we did at the fire house. Thank everyone for coming to the blog and adding dialog. Maybe I should offer the town advertising on this blog.
You still choose to hide behind your anonymous postings..
ReplyDeleteYes, they are obligated to do what is best for the Town. It has not been proven to ME that this expansion is in the best interest of the town. So far the only winners would appear to be the developer of Riverwalk and those who want to make this a short cut to DFW or 121.
They are also obligated to answer to those citizens who ask them for clarifiaction.
They work for us not the other way around. As their employers, they should not expect to be thanked by us.
I, as a citizen, will continue to ask questions and demand answers.
The Town Council SERVE the residents, they DO NOT WORK for the residents. I heard Mayor Smith say that once and I believe it to be true.
ReplyDeleteI am soooooo tired of the "argument" that Town Council "serve" the residents, they do not "work" for the residents. As if the fact that they serve vs work is a good rational for treating residents who disagree with their postion in a dismissive mannner. That because they serve vs work they are under no obligation to listen to the resident with an open mind and act in accordance with what the residents are requesting. That because they serve vs work they are under no obligation to answer our questions directly (that is why the same question is being asked repeatedly) or give us factual relevant information/facts.
ReplyDeleteLet's look at the definition of SERVE as defined by The Merriam Webster Dictionary .... copyright 1994..... this is America's #1 paperback dictionary. (page 664)
SERVE: 1: the occupation of a servant 2: to render obedience and worship to (God) 3: to comply with the commands or demands 4: to go through or perform a term of service (as in the army) 5: put in (served five years in jail) 6: to be of use : answer 7: benefit 8: to prove adequate or satisfactory for (a pie that ~s eight people) 9: to make ready and pass out (~drinks) 10: to furnish or supply with something (one power company serving the whole state) 11: to wait on (~a customer) 12: to treat or act toward in a specified way 13: to put the ball in play (as in tennis) -server
The members of the Town Council volunteered for and agreed to "serve" when they ran for and won their postition on the council. According to the dictionary definition it is clear, that in the case of the Morriss expansion, the Town Council is neither "working for" or "serving" the people that live on the East side of town.
-Diane
I suggest everyone start calling these people and complaining.
ReplyDeleteTexas State Senator
Senate District 9--Senator Chris Harris
Capitol Office: CAP 3S.5
Capitol Phone: (512) 463-0109
Capitol Address: P.O. Box 12068, Capitol Station
Austin, TX 78711
District Address: 2001 E. Lamar Blvd., Suite 150
Arlington TX 76006
Phone: (817) 461-9109
State District Offices
Texas State Representative
House District 63--Representative Tan Parker
Capitol Office: EXT E2.606
Capitol Phone: (512) 463-0688
Capitol Address: P.O. Box 2910
Austin, TX 78768
District Address: 800 Parker Square, Suite 245
Flower Mound TX 75028
Phone: (972) 724-8477
Texas State Board of Education Member
SBOE District 14--Mrs. Gail Lowe
District Address: 11 CHRIS AVENUE
LAMPASAS TX 76550
Phone: (512) 556-6262
Work the angle that the town has been combative, secretive, and evasive in getting this approved, asking for citizen input or ignoring it etc. Our council is subverting the will of the people.
I'm sure Anonymous is sitting comfortably in West Flower Mound with no worries about putting highways through their neighborhoods.
Also not sure who said it, but one of the council members had stated that "They live off 1171 and it's being expanded". I looked at his house and it's got a nice distance from where the new road will sit.
I think all residents along said roads deserve the same benefit.
http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&ll=33.043691,-97.100545&spn=0.001457,0.003079&t=h&z=19
So said council member, I challenge you to buy and live in a home off Morriss if you vote in 6 lanes.. give up the cush house out in west flower mound and come live with those of us who will have to suffer a road that's not needed.
Tom Hayden said it and he campaigned on voting "No" for expansion. Sorry Corey, but you will have to pick another Council Member to try an bully. What specifically do you think calling Tan Parker or Chris Harris will do? "Corey", if that is your real name, fyi I notice you don't put your last name on here..what are you hiding from?
ReplyDeleteSaid Mr./Mrs. Anonymous. Hey Kettle, it's the pot calling.....you're black.
ReplyDelete2nd MM Post The first post discussed the problem of traffic pollution and the extreme danger posed to the 3500+ students in two schools along Morris Road. (Summary of pollution studies: sierraclub.org/sprawl/report04_highwayhealth). Clarification seems necessary.
ReplyDeleteP&Z, and Transportation Com. have opted for only one solution: increase capacity. The opposition, favors a decrease demand solution. As PTA, LISD, and mothers of students become aware of the terrible consequences of the increase capacity solution the opposition will grow rapidly.
Two arguments will show that the increase capacity solution will increase pollution, kill additional students and hence is fundamentally immoral.
In the first post, mm asked if the consultants agreed with the only sentence about air quality. Due to the anticipated reduction in future congestion and delays that would result, the project is considered as a benefit to air quality. Reply: A car that idles because it is stuck in traffic will produce more toxins in the air. Thanks for answering. This answer is widely held to settle the question.
First argument: Although an answer may be true, it may not answer the pertinent question. The T
C trys to answer the question:what is the optimal solution for all of FM to maximize traffic flow with minimum pollution? In that case the response is germane.
My question is limited to air quality on Morris. Keeping only 4 lanes will restrict traffic flow on Morris and direct it elsewhere with no schools.
Graphs of pollution from major roads show that the majority of pollution occurs during the morning and evening rush hours. Due to the constraints of work schedules, the graphs show the peak periods are restricted to a fixed time interval, say two hours. If traffic is very slow, in order to get to work, drivers will take an alternate route (decrease demand on MORRIS). For 6 lanes, drivers will be drawn to the increased capacity. Studies show about 80% of the increased capacity is used. During the two hour period that the two lanes are packed and moving at some slow average speed In the three lane model all three lanes move rapidly and are about 90% capacity for the two hours. Now imagine two tubes of same length, one with two lanes filled with slow moving cars for two hours, and the larger tube with fast moving cars filled to 90% capacity for two hours. An example will show the increase in pollution is about 40% for the three lanes. Please excuse the crude one day thought model. If false, hit delete.
Second argument. The report states that if Morris is extended to 6 lanes the new capacity will be exceeded by about 2030. In 2030 with the 6 lane model now moving at a snail pace, the 6 lane snail pace will produce more pollution than a 4 lane snail pace. Is the solution in 2030 eight lanes?
One of the studies in the reference above states that deaths due to pollution on major roads are about five times higher than traffic deaths. That should imply we need five times as much data on pollution as on traffic data. There was none.
When the air quality expert Wallerstein (see reference in sierraclub)states: I don't think they should build a school that lies along a freeway, we should take extra notice. To build six Lanes on Morris with two schools is criminal. Step across the line in defense of the childern of FM?
Decrease demand solution!!??? How do you do that? Increase the price of gasoline to $10 per gallon? Put a gate at each end of Morriss and only let in a fixed number of cars per day?
ReplyDeleteI'm not hiding from anything Anonymous. You're seriously trying to hit on me for just using my first name while you're sit there as Anonymous. That's classic. Grow up and register or go away.
ReplyDelete"I am soooooo tired of the "argument" that Town Council "serve" the residents, they do not "work" for the residents. As if the fact that they serve vs work is a good rational for treating residents who disagree with their postion in a dismissive mannner. That because they serve vs work they are under no obligation to listen to the resident with an open mind and act in accordance with what the residents are requesting. That because they serve vs work they are under no obligation to answer our questions directly (that is why the same question is being asked repeatedly) or give us factual relevant information/facts."
ReplyDeleteSo based on that, congress is not responsible to the people of the country? They can do what they want eh? Let me set one thing straight. If you run for an elected position and do not "serve" those who put you there, you'll find yourself out on the street come next election.
When I read drivel like that It reinforces the position of some who state that our education system produces functional 6th graders. Did US Government somehow become an elective in school?
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ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDeleteWelcome to StopMorriss6, where the men are are men, the women are women, and the city council is scared.
ReplyDelete