Thursday, April 30th weather.com hour-by-hour forecast
5 pm
81° F
Precip:10%
6 pm
81° F
Precip:10%
7 pm
80° F
Precip:10%
8 pm
78° F
Precip:10%
9 pm
77° F
Precip:0%
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Cam-Pain
This blog has invited all the candidates to a place to state their views and have offered equal time to all. We have invited the Candidates to attend an open forum to discuss their views, not sponsored by anyone, not presented by a local newspaper, or a big HOA or a well organized seniors organization or the Republican Party.
It is being offered to the community by some ordinary people, whos only financial stake in the outcome is the continuing value of their homes and the preservation of the community that they are proud to call their home.
I will say now that it will probably have the highest turnout of any of the organized events so far this political season.
This blog has as much traffic on it as many local businesses in this town with over 500 hits a day and that number increases each day.
Their are 8 very qualified individuals running for the office of Town Council in our town. Each one of them spending a lot of time out talking to citizens, spending time away from their families to serve the best interests of the community. My hat is off to each of them for their diligence and commitment.
If a candidate would like to publicize their web-site on this blog, please feel free to ask and I will oblige.
It is not fair to all the candidates for some local businesses and land owners to only offer exclusive display rights to some of the people running for office, even though it's their right to do so. This final 10 days of campaigning should allow all candidates equal displays throughout the community.
For those that find all these signs to be another form of pollution, be thankful it's just for another 10 days.
These are my own personal views and do not reflect the views of others associated with the stopmorriss6 group.
Thank you,
Kim A. Berg
It is being offered to the community by some ordinary people, whos only financial stake in the outcome is the continuing value of their homes and the preservation of the community that they are proud to call their home.
I will say now that it will probably have the highest turnout of any of the organized events so far this political season.
This blog has as much traffic on it as many local businesses in this town with over 500 hits a day and that number increases each day.
Their are 8 very qualified individuals running for the office of Town Council in our town. Each one of them spending a lot of time out talking to citizens, spending time away from their families to serve the best interests of the community. My hat is off to each of them for their diligence and commitment.
If a candidate would like to publicize their web-site on this blog, please feel free to ask and I will oblige.
It is not fair to all the candidates for some local businesses and land owners to only offer exclusive display rights to some of the people running for office, even though it's their right to do so. This final 10 days of campaigning should allow all candidates equal displays throughout the community.
For those that find all these signs to be another form of pollution, be thankful it's just for another 10 days.
These are my own personal views and do not reflect the views of others associated with the stopmorriss6 group.
Thank you,
Kim A. Berg
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Perfect Day For A March
Just checked weather.com and Thursday's forecast looks great for the "Meet the Candidates" forum. I love Texas weather.
Apr 30 Thursday
Partly cloudy. Highs in the low 80s and lows in the upper 60s.
Apr 30 Thursday
Partly cloudy. Highs in the low 80s and lows in the upper 60s.
Monday, April 27, 2009
Public URL for the Evite
Now you can pass this on to all your friends and neighbors.
Let me know if it doesn't work.
http://www.evite.com/app/publicUrl/GONDCXCSOAIALCXAKGMI/sm6meetandmarch
Let me know if it doesn't work.
http://www.evite.com/app/publicUrl/GONDCXCSOAIALCXAKGMI/sm6meetandmarch
Petition Web Site
There is some interesting reading at our electronic petition web site. Check it out.
http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/stopmorriss6
http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/stopmorriss6
Tom Hayden's Position on the Proposed Morriss Road Expansion
Hello, my name is Tom Hayden and I am a candidate for Flower Mound Town Council, Place 5. I have had the opportunity to meet many of you as I visited your home to ask for your support. If we haven’t met I would encourage you to contact me at 214-384-1105 (cell) or (972) 899-0655 (home).
It seems that all candidates running for Town Council this year have said they support Flower Mound’s Smart Growth initiatives. There are three items on Smart Growth that I believe directly apply to Morris Road.
· Ensure growth is served with adequate public infrastructure, services and facilities
· Ensure growth contributes to the attainment of the community, character and quality of life objectives established in the Town’s Master Plan
· Ensure growth does not occur at the expense of environmental quality, community character or quality of life.
I am of the opinion and I believe the majority of residents along Morriss Road have said that if Morriss is expanded to six lanes it will totally alter the Community Character for the residents in that area. How do you balance adequate public infrastructure with the preservation of a community’s character?
The widening of Morriss Road is directly tied to the “projection” of additional traffic from the Riverwalk. I believe it is absolutely wrong to alter the safety and character of Morriss Road. Not only is this bad for Morriss Road, but it would conflict with our Smart Growth initiatives based upon projections. Citizen’s first, my pledge on all my signs, means that I will not support a project that literally thousands (and that is a low estimate) of our residents have said they strongly oppose.
If elected to council I have said from the beginning that I will put the citizens of our town first and that means being your representative, your voice. I will fight to preserve the character of your community. I will not support the widening of Morriss Road. If in the distant future “Projections” turn into need, and you the residents say “Tom we need to widened Morriss Road” then the issue can be revisited.
Lastly I urge you to vote. Many of you have said you oppose the widening of the road. Signs opposing the expansion, public opposition, and rallies all have increased public awareness of the problem. However, the only truly effective method to stop the six lane expansion of Morriss Road is to vote in a mass block against those supporting the expansion and to support those on a new council who favor your position. There is no clearer and lasting message to the political body than a mass voter turnout. The expansion party is counting on you to not deliver a massive vote based on your convictions. You can NOT count on your neighbor to vote for you. Every vote is crucial – a bare majority is not sufficient - your opposition must be overwhelming.
Thank You,
Tom Hayden
Candidate for Flower Mound Town Council, Place 5
It seems that all candidates running for Town Council this year have said they support Flower Mound’s Smart Growth initiatives. There are three items on Smart Growth that I believe directly apply to Morris Road.
· Ensure growth is served with adequate public infrastructure, services and facilities
· Ensure growth contributes to the attainment of the community, character and quality of life objectives established in the Town’s Master Plan
· Ensure growth does not occur at the expense of environmental quality, community character or quality of life.
I am of the opinion and I believe the majority of residents along Morriss Road have said that if Morriss is expanded to six lanes it will totally alter the Community Character for the residents in that area. How do you balance adequate public infrastructure with the preservation of a community’s character?
The widening of Morriss Road is directly tied to the “projection” of additional traffic from the Riverwalk. I believe it is absolutely wrong to alter the safety and character of Morriss Road. Not only is this bad for Morriss Road, but it would conflict with our Smart Growth initiatives based upon projections. Citizen’s first, my pledge on all my signs, means that I will not support a project that literally thousands (and that is a low estimate) of our residents have said they strongly oppose.
If elected to council I have said from the beginning that I will put the citizens of our town first and that means being your representative, your voice. I will fight to preserve the character of your community. I will not support the widening of Morriss Road. If in the distant future “Projections” turn into need, and you the residents say “Tom we need to widened Morriss Road” then the issue can be revisited.
Lastly I urge you to vote. Many of you have said you oppose the widening of the road. Signs opposing the expansion, public opposition, and rallies all have increased public awareness of the problem. However, the only truly effective method to stop the six lane expansion of Morriss Road is to vote in a mass block against those supporting the expansion and to support those on a new council who favor your position. There is no clearer and lasting message to the political body than a mass voter turnout. The expansion party is counting on you to not deliver a massive vote based on your convictions. You can NOT count on your neighbor to vote for you. Every vote is crucial – a bare majority is not sufficient - your opposition must be overwhelming.
Thank You,
Tom Hayden
Candidate for Flower Mound Town Council, Place 5
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Evites, Flyers and Phone calls, oh my!
Many of you have already recieved a really cool evite for the March on Morris and the Meet the Candidates events this thurday. You may evite any friends you might know from the evite request if they already haven't recieved their own. Please feel free to evite anyone and everyone you can think of.
Also early this coming week, you might also be recieving a flyer and also phone calls from you neighbors informing you of this event.
I know its a bit of overkill and I apologize if you receive many of these request, but it is so important that we have a HUGE crowd for this event. Like the firehouse times two please would be really cool.
Help us get the word out.
Also early this coming week, you might also be recieving a flyer and also phone calls from you neighbors informing you of this event.
I know its a bit of overkill and I apologize if you receive many of these request, but it is so important that we have a HUGE crowd for this event. Like the firehouse times two please would be really cool.
Help us get the word out.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Help!
As many of you know, our group is grass roots effort with no budget. We are looking for anyone that might have access to a PA system that we can use at the park rally. If anyone has one to lend or knows anyone that might be able to help us, email to stopmorriss6@googlemail.com . Thanks
Kim
Kim
Keep the Faith
If you were in attendance at the Transportation Commission workshop on Tuesday or at any of the recent Town Council meetings, you heard town staff talking as if the checks are signed and the bulldozers are in position.
In spite of what the town staff members said and any of the FAQ's issued by the city, this is FAR from a done deal. We ARE making a huge difference. We have to stay energized and involve as many people as we possibly can.
Most importantly, everyone has to vote. Two hundred votes can decide this election and our impact in the results could be closer to 1000, if we all get to the polls. I urge each of you to wait until after our forum if you are not sure of who to vote for. Come see what each of the candidates have to say, then, in mass, we can head to the Police and Courts building on Friday, May 1st early voting)to show our power.
This blog is receiving close to 300 hits a day, from not only here in Flower Mound, but from Austin, Washington DC, New York City, Boulder, Houston and even Finland. Please comment and join in.
I'd also like to thank every one that has taken time away from their families to attend the town meetings. Getting up to speak, it's not an easy thing to do but the impact is immeasurable.
So, when you hear a neighbor say "what's the point, it's already a done deal", tell them adamantaly that they are mistaken!
In spite of what the town staff members said and any of the FAQ's issued by the city, this is FAR from a done deal. We ARE making a huge difference. We have to stay energized and involve as many people as we possibly can.
Most importantly, everyone has to vote. Two hundred votes can decide this election and our impact in the results could be closer to 1000, if we all get to the polls. I urge each of you to wait until after our forum if you are not sure of who to vote for. Come see what each of the candidates have to say, then, in mass, we can head to the Police and Courts building on Friday, May 1st early voting)to show our power.
This blog is receiving close to 300 hits a day, from not only here in Flower Mound, but from Austin, Washington DC, New York City, Boulder, Houston and even Finland. Please comment and join in.
I'd also like to thank every one that has taken time away from their families to attend the town meetings. Getting up to speak, it's not an easy thing to do but the impact is immeasurable.
So, when you hear a neighbor say "what's the point, it's already a done deal", tell them adamantaly that they are mistaken!
Bridlewood Candidates Forum
Id like to thank the residents of Bridlewood for allowing me to pass out our flyer concerning the Stop Morriss 6 "Meet the Candidates" forum and March on Morris information. We invite all residents of Flower Mound to join us and everyone is welcome to attend our forum. Besides, this is more than just an issue that effects the citizens in the Morriss/Gerault corridor, but ALL residents of our town.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Transportation Commission Meeting Update
Last night approximately 40 concerned citizens attended the Transportation Commission’s Morriss/Gerault Road Improvement Project Workshop. Of those attending, 22 citizens addressed the commission with their questions and concerns during the citizens/visitors comments section.
Assistant Town Manager Kent Collins then presented his report followed by presentations by engineers Brian Shamburger of Kimley-Horn & Assoc. and Dharmesh Shah from Lee Engineering. Following are the Transportation Commission Board Members names along with some of the questions they posed to the Assistant Town Manager for followup at the public hearing.
Board Members
Paul Stone – Chair/Place 1
Stephen Lyda – Vice Chair/Place 2
Ted Beaman– Place 3
Doug Rice – Place 4
David Henderson – Place 5
Jim Robertson – Place 6
Thomas Walker– Place 7
Q1. Ted Beaman: Is the 121Toll money all or nothing?
A1: Kent Collins: Contractually, the project must be COMPLETED in 10 years. Before answering, Mr Collins asked if Mr Beaman meant "scope change" (ie, don't widen all of Morriss) and Mr Beaman restated his question without including the question of "scope change".
Q2: Steve Lyda: What is the expected amount of developer fees?
A2: Kent Collins: Total roadway impact fees for the entire Riverwalk project are expected to be $5M. But the Town only receives that money as the permits are pulled (ie pay-as-you-go). Mr Collins stated that the exact number is unknown and could be considerably less if the development build out is reduced or delayed.
Q3: Paul Stone: Want to hear more about noise mitigation options.
Q4: Paul Stone: Want to hear about options for public input after the public hearing (ie in design phase). Perhaps staff-level meetings with HOA's.
Q5: Paul Stone: Want to hear more about "traffic calming" techniques that could be used.
Q6: David Henderson: Want to see comparison of air quality from flowing traffic vs gridlock traffic.
Q7: David Henderson: What happens when traffic reaches FM 407? Where does it go?
Q8: Thomas Walker: Want to see options to enhance safety on the roadsides, especially in the areas where there is very little offset or right-of-way.
Q9: Ted Beaman: Want to hear about landscaping options for the road sides (not the median).
Q10: Ted Beaman: What is feasable as far as phasing is concerned? The intersection of FM1171 and Morriss is a high priority and we would like to do it first along with the Gerault Road portion (flyover?). But if we don't do the whole roadway at once, how does the bottleneck effect play out?
Q11: Ted Beaman: Want to know the feasibility of reducing the speed limit from 40 to 35 in the center section of Morriss.
Q12: Steve Lyda: Want to see more detailed cross-section views that DO INCLUDE sidewalk configurations, especially between FM 1171 and FM 3040.
Q13: Steve Lyda: Want to see all of the trail access points and understand options for creating additional access points to get more children and pedestrians off the roadway and onto the trail system.
Q14: David Robertson: Can we address the condition of the existing roadway lanes in conjunction or coordination with this project?
A14: Kent Collins: There is a 1/4 cent sales tax funding mechanism for road maintenance. Morriss Road reconstruction is on the list of road reconstructions to be funded by this, but it is at the top of the second set of projects, about 4 years away.
Q15: Paul Stone: Can we do add/alternate options to improve the existing roadway lanes?
Q16: Jody Smith: Want to see previously presented data on the noise mitigation effects of greenery vs sound walls (that show greenery is more effective).
The official Town minutes from the meeting will be posted to the Town website, but that process sometimes takes up to 4 weeks (for various reasons). So while it is fresh on everyone's minds, we are posting some of the questions asked during the Transportation Commission's 4/21 Workshop. These questions have been paraphrased, so we apologize if we have mis-understood or mis-stated the questions. As is customary in the workshop format, many questions are asked of Town Staff and others with the expectation that they will do the necessary research to provide answers at the next hearing. Some questions are responded to immediately.
It seems we still haven't got the point out to them that no project is our preferred option. As we see from questions posed by the commission, they have heard part of our message and safety, aesthetics, and noise played a big part of these questions.
We still have a lot of work to do and this is far from a done deal.
The dates of the public hearings are yet to be announced, but we expect it to be in mid May. We will be prepared.
Assistant Town Manager Kent Collins then presented his report followed by presentations by engineers Brian Shamburger of Kimley-Horn & Assoc. and Dharmesh Shah from Lee Engineering. Following are the Transportation Commission Board Members names along with some of the questions they posed to the Assistant Town Manager for followup at the public hearing.
Board Members
Paul Stone – Chair/Place 1
Stephen Lyda – Vice Chair/Place 2
Ted Beaman– Place 3
Doug Rice – Place 4
David Henderson – Place 5
Jim Robertson – Place 6
Thomas Walker– Place 7
Q1. Ted Beaman: Is the 121Toll money all or nothing?
A1: Kent Collins: Contractually, the project must be COMPLETED in 10 years. Before answering, Mr Collins asked if Mr Beaman meant "scope change" (ie, don't widen all of Morriss) and Mr Beaman restated his question without including the question of "scope change".
Q2: Steve Lyda: What is the expected amount of developer fees?
A2: Kent Collins: Total roadway impact fees for the entire Riverwalk project are expected to be $5M. But the Town only receives that money as the permits are pulled (ie pay-as-you-go). Mr Collins stated that the exact number is unknown and could be considerably less if the development build out is reduced or delayed.
Q3: Paul Stone: Want to hear more about noise mitigation options.
Q4: Paul Stone: Want to hear about options for public input after the public hearing (ie in design phase). Perhaps staff-level meetings with HOA's.
Q5: Paul Stone: Want to hear more about "traffic calming" techniques that could be used.
Q6: David Henderson: Want to see comparison of air quality from flowing traffic vs gridlock traffic.
Q7: David Henderson: What happens when traffic reaches FM 407? Where does it go?
Q8: Thomas Walker: Want to see options to enhance safety on the roadsides, especially in the areas where there is very little offset or right-of-way.
Q9: Ted Beaman: Want to hear about landscaping options for the road sides (not the median).
Q10: Ted Beaman: What is feasable as far as phasing is concerned? The intersection of FM1171 and Morriss is a high priority and we would like to do it first along with the Gerault Road portion (flyover?). But if we don't do the whole roadway at once, how does the bottleneck effect play out?
Q11: Ted Beaman: Want to know the feasibility of reducing the speed limit from 40 to 35 in the center section of Morriss.
Q12: Steve Lyda: Want to see more detailed cross-section views that DO INCLUDE sidewalk configurations, especially between FM 1171 and FM 3040.
Q13: Steve Lyda: Want to see all of the trail access points and understand options for creating additional access points to get more children and pedestrians off the roadway and onto the trail system.
Q14: David Robertson: Can we address the condition of the existing roadway lanes in conjunction or coordination with this project?
A14: Kent Collins: There is a 1/4 cent sales tax funding mechanism for road maintenance. Morriss Road reconstruction is on the list of road reconstructions to be funded by this, but it is at the top of the second set of projects, about 4 years away.
Q15: Paul Stone: Can we do add/alternate options to improve the existing roadway lanes?
Q16: Jody Smith: Want to see previously presented data on the noise mitigation effects of greenery vs sound walls (that show greenery is more effective).
The official Town minutes from the meeting will be posted to the Town website, but that process sometimes takes up to 4 weeks (for various reasons). So while it is fresh on everyone's minds, we are posting some of the questions asked during the Transportation Commission's 4/21 Workshop. These questions have been paraphrased, so we apologize if we have mis-understood or mis-stated the questions. As is customary in the workshop format, many questions are asked of Town Staff and others with the expectation that they will do the necessary research to provide answers at the next hearing. Some questions are responded to immediately.
It seems we still haven't got the point out to them that no project is our preferred option. As we see from questions posed by the commission, they have heard part of our message and safety, aesthetics, and noise played a big part of these questions.
We still have a lot of work to do and this is far from a done deal.
The dates of the public hearings are yet to be announced, but we expect it to be in mid May. We will be prepared.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
TONIGHT Transportation Commission to Hold Morriss/Gerault Road Improvement Project Public Meeting
Responding to community sentiment requesting a public forum regarding planned Morriss/Gerault Road improvements, the Flower Mound Town Council directed the Town’s Transportation Commission to host a workshop and public hearing on the project.
The Transportation Commission’s Morriss/Gerault Road Improvement Project workshop is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 21 at Town Hall, 2121 Cross Timbers. The agenda will include staff and engineering presentations. An opportunity for visitors to offer comments will be provided prior to the presentations. Speaker comments are typically limited to three minutes during a workshop. Time limits can be adjusted by the commission chair as to accommodate more or fewer speakers.
Issues that could be considered and discussed during the meetings include project phasing, landscaping, and public safety. A date for the public hearing will also be determined during the workshop. The Transportation Commission is charged with formulating and presenting a recommendation to the Town Council once the community meetings have been hosted.
The Transportation Commission’s Morriss/Gerault Road Improvement Project workshop is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 21 at Town Hall, 2121 Cross Timbers. The agenda will include staff and engineering presentations. An opportunity for visitors to offer comments will be provided prior to the presentations. Speaker comments are typically limited to three minutes during a workshop. Time limits can be adjusted by the commission chair as to accommodate more or fewer speakers.
Issues that could be considered and discussed during the meetings include project phasing, landscaping, and public safety. A date for the public hearing will also be determined during the workshop. The Transportation Commission is charged with formulating and presenting a recommendation to the Town Council once the community meetings have been hosted.
Monday, April 20, 2009
Your Comments Are Being Seen!
Since I installed the Stat counter on Saturday afternoon, we have received over 500 hits on our blog from all over the state and from other parts of the world, even Spain and Jamaica! Thanks for all your support. Adios Espana.
Meet the Candidates Forum/March on Morriss
Please mark you calendar now for Thursday, April 30th. We will hold our Meet the Candidates Forum as we have mentioned before at Wilkerson Field in StoneCreek Park.
The forum will take place from 7pm-9pm and all candidates are scheduled to attend.
Before the Forum, we would like EVERYONE YOU KNOW to meet at the corner of Morriss Rd and 1171, in the lot next to the WaMu bank starting at 6pm. We will then walk orderly down the sidewalks on both sides of Morriss the approx one mile to the park. Press releases and Media have been invited to attend and our goal is to have 500 people "March on Morriss" to show our support for our lovely, tree-lined boulevard. Let's make this a huge success and have the TV news and media report of our communities displeasure on this road project. We had 250 people at the firehouse - I KNOW we can double that for this EVENT. More details will follow, but we are very excited about this and know that you will be too.
The forum will take place from 7pm-9pm and all candidates are scheduled to attend.
Before the Forum, we would like EVERYONE YOU KNOW to meet at the corner of Morriss Rd and 1171, in the lot next to the WaMu bank starting at 6pm. We will then walk orderly down the sidewalks on both sides of Morriss the approx one mile to the park. Press releases and Media have been invited to attend and our goal is to have 500 people "March on Morriss" to show our support for our lovely, tree-lined boulevard. Let's make this a huge success and have the TV news and media report of our communities displeasure on this road project. We had 250 people at the firehouse - I KNOW we can double that for this EVENT. More details will follow, but we are very excited about this and know that you will be too.
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Bob Butler, Candidate, Town Council Place 3
My name is Bob Butler and I’m running for Town Council Place 3 on May 9th.
For everyone that has been reading this blog, been to any of the Candidate Forums, or checked out my website, you already know that I am against the widening of Morriss Rd. In fact, Rick Cleland (running for place 5) and I are the only two candidates that have stated publically that we are against this project. My main opponent Mike Wallace is in favor of the widening and said this at the Denton County Republican Men’s Forum on April 2nd:
Wallace: “I support widening of Morriss, and the reason is because we have a traffic problem. We have too much demand for the supply of the capacity to meet the demand. And, I’ll tell you where it’s coming from. It’s coming from the DFW Connector, one of the largest projects in TxDOT’s history. We also have the extension of 2499 up through I-35E. We also have the River Walk at Central Park, which will have a 100-bed hospital, 1,200 residential units, retail, office, hotel and hopefully a Market Street. And finally, we have additional growth and development in surrounding communities.”
Here’s what I said:
Butler: “I’m against it. I drive it every single day, and I’ve never been in a traffic jam on Morriss Road before. Building the River Walk is a five-six-year project, and when 2499 gets done, a lot of people from Highland Village will stop coming through Morriss Road. Once construction on 407 and 2499 is done, let’s see how it is then. I’ve heard estimates of in five or 10 years there will be 25,000 cars on Morriss Road. Where’s that coming from?”
To read all of the candidates positions, please go here http://www.planostar.com/articles/2009/04/05/flower_mound_leader/news/73fm.txt
One other issue to keep in mind on May 9th is the explosive growth that Flower Mound has been going through. If you think there’s too much construction going on right now as I do, you haven’t seen anything yet. My opponent Mike Wallace currently serves as the Vice-Chair on the Planning & Zoning Commission for Flower Mound. These are the people (along with the Town Council and Mayor) that approve all of the new developments that you have been noticing. So while Mike is a nice guy, he is extremely pro growth and is one of the reasons that east Flower Mound is turning into a giant sea of concrete. I understand that the Master Plan allows for development in these areas, but our current P&Z Commission as well as the current Town Council, are allowing it to happen too fast. I feel that with the current economical times, we need to slow down a little bit to parallel our sagging business climate. Once the economy comes back, we can take another look at things and make certain that when we allow new development, it’s right for the people of Flower Mound.
I’ve had some people tell me that I’m not for the free market or competition and I answer them by saying this: I am for the free market system and I do believe that competition is a good and necessary thing, I simply believe that a more slowed a controlled growth is a better plan for the people and businesses of Flower Mound.
To see all of my positions, please visit my website: www.bobforflomo.com
Thank you and please cast your vote for me on May 9, 2009.
Sincerely,
Bob Butler
Candidate – Place 3
For everyone that has been reading this blog, been to any of the Candidate Forums, or checked out my website, you already know that I am against the widening of Morriss Rd. In fact, Rick Cleland (running for place 5) and I are the only two candidates that have stated publically that we are against this project. My main opponent Mike Wallace is in favor of the widening and said this at the Denton County Republican Men’s Forum on April 2nd:
Wallace: “I support widening of Morriss, and the reason is because we have a traffic problem. We have too much demand for the supply of the capacity to meet the demand. And, I’ll tell you where it’s coming from. It’s coming from the DFW Connector, one of the largest projects in TxDOT’s history. We also have the extension of 2499 up through I-35E. We also have the River Walk at Central Park, which will have a 100-bed hospital, 1,200 residential units, retail, office, hotel and hopefully a Market Street. And finally, we have additional growth and development in surrounding communities.”
Here’s what I said:
Butler: “I’m against it. I drive it every single day, and I’ve never been in a traffic jam on Morriss Road before. Building the River Walk is a five-six-year project, and when 2499 gets done, a lot of people from Highland Village will stop coming through Morriss Road. Once construction on 407 and 2499 is done, let’s see how it is then. I’ve heard estimates of in five or 10 years there will be 25,000 cars on Morriss Road. Where’s that coming from?”
To read all of the candidates positions, please go here http://www.planostar.com/articles/2009/04/05/flower_mound_leader/news/73fm.txt
One other issue to keep in mind on May 9th is the explosive growth that Flower Mound has been going through. If you think there’s too much construction going on right now as I do, you haven’t seen anything yet. My opponent Mike Wallace currently serves as the Vice-Chair on the Planning & Zoning Commission for Flower Mound. These are the people (along with the Town Council and Mayor) that approve all of the new developments that you have been noticing. So while Mike is a nice guy, he is extremely pro growth and is one of the reasons that east Flower Mound is turning into a giant sea of concrete. I understand that the Master Plan allows for development in these areas, but our current P&Z Commission as well as the current Town Council, are allowing it to happen too fast. I feel that with the current economical times, we need to slow down a little bit to parallel our sagging business climate. Once the economy comes back, we can take another look at things and make certain that when we allow new development, it’s right for the people of Flower Mound.
I’ve had some people tell me that I’m not for the free market or competition and I answer them by saying this: I am for the free market system and I do believe that competition is a good and necessary thing, I simply believe that a more slowed a controlled growth is a better plan for the people and businesses of Flower Mound.
To see all of my positions, please visit my website: www.bobforflomo.com
Thank you and please cast your vote for me on May 9, 2009.
Sincerely,
Bob Butler
Candidate – Place 3
Bye-Bye Old Friends
These beautiful trees are currently in the median just south of Firewheel. It would be very sad to see them go.
Friday, April 17, 2009
Blog Changes
I have made it possible for anyone to post without registering, even anonymous posts. I would prefer if you would at least add your name. Of course, I reserve the right to edit out posts that are inappropriate, but since we are about communication, free speech is accepted..good or bad.
Also, I have invited a few of our other group members to be able to make new posts.
I really encourage comments, please let me know you are out there reading this. Also, even though you don't have to, please register as a member and tell your friends.
Also, I have invited a few of our other group members to be able to make new posts.
I really encourage comments, please let me know you are out there reading this. Also, even though you don't have to, please register as a member and tell your friends.
Neighbors Go
The following article appears in Friday's Dallas Morning News Neighbors Go edition.
Our thanks to reporter Lindsey Bever.
Because of community concern about the expansion of Morriss/Gerault Road, the Flower Mound Transportation Commission is conducting a workshop on the project April 21.
The four-lane road is expected to be expanded to six lanes between farm roads 407 and 2499 starting in winter 2010 to accommodate the increased traffic flow from the River Walk at Central Park, a future commercial and residential development, said Michael Ryan, director of community affairs.
“Our goal is to proactively address traffic issues before they affect quality of life rather than reactively expand the road once the traffic is already here,” Ryan said.
Ryan said the projected increase in traffic by 2020 is about 37 percent during the day and about 50 percent at night.
“This road was designed to where we don’t have to expand the road,” Ryan said, adding that its median was built so that the road wouldn’t have to widen.
But residents such as Kim Berg, who created a blog (stopmorriss6.blogspot.com) to inform the community on the project, oppose the expansion, asking for additional traffic studies.
“We just don’t think the information is accurate,” Berg said. “We appreciate the city being proactive but only if they have the right data and citizen participation in the entire project.”
Berg said the town’s transportation commission is asking for resident input in the project but Berg is asking for the commission to include the option of no expansion.
“We are 100 percent totally against the expansion and we want it stopped,” Berg said. “It’s going to turn our city into a whole new beast. It’s going to increase traffic, noise and safety concerns.”
Ryan said a preliminary evaluation of safety concerns for ForestwoodMiddle School and MarcusHigh School, which are along Morriss Road, are not an issue.
“We have committed to ensuring the school district stays up to date and involved with this project,” Ryan said.
Lewisville ISD spokeswoman Karen Permetti said the Lewisville ISD board of trustees has no position on the issue because it’s a city project.
The 12- to18-month project is expected to cost between $11 million and $15 million. But taxpayers are not funding the project.
Ryan said the expansion of Morriss/Gerault Road is being funded through the revenue from the Sam Rayburn Tollway (formerly the 121 Tollway), Denton County Roadway Bond revenue and Five Star Development, the developer of the River Walk at Central Park.
Transportation Commission meeting
When: 6:30 p.m. April 21
Where: Town Hall, 2121 Cross Timbers
Details: The Transportation Commission will talk about the Morriss/Gerault Road project and give the community a chance to comment. A date for the public hearing will be set during the workshop.
Meet the Candidates
When: 7 p.m. April 30
Where: StoneCreekPark on Wilkerson Field, 2800 Garden Road
Details: Candidates for town council will share their views on the expansion of Morriss/Gerault Road as well as other issues such as taxes and oil and gas.
Our thanks to reporter Lindsey Bever.
Because of community concern about the expansion of Morriss/Gerault Road, the Flower Mound Transportation Commission is conducting a workshop on the project April 21.
The four-lane road is expected to be expanded to six lanes between farm roads 407 and 2499 starting in winter 2010 to accommodate the increased traffic flow from the River Walk at Central Park, a future commercial and residential development, said Michael Ryan, director of community affairs.
“Our goal is to proactively address traffic issues before they affect quality of life rather than reactively expand the road once the traffic is already here,” Ryan said.
Ryan said the projected increase in traffic by 2020 is about 37 percent during the day and about 50 percent at night.
“This road was designed to where we don’t have to expand the road,” Ryan said, adding that its median was built so that the road wouldn’t have to widen.
But residents such as Kim Berg, who created a blog (stopmorriss6.blogspot.com) to inform the community on the project, oppose the expansion, asking for additional traffic studies.
“We just don’t think the information is accurate,” Berg said. “We appreciate the city being proactive but only if they have the right data and citizen participation in the entire project.”
Berg said the town’s transportation commission is asking for resident input in the project but Berg is asking for the commission to include the option of no expansion.
“We are 100 percent totally against the expansion and we want it stopped,” Berg said. “It’s going to turn our city into a whole new beast. It’s going to increase traffic, noise and safety concerns.”
Ryan said a preliminary evaluation of safety concerns for ForestwoodMiddle School and MarcusHigh School, which are along Morriss Road, are not an issue.
“We have committed to ensuring the school district stays up to date and involved with this project,” Ryan said.
Lewisville ISD spokeswoman Karen Permetti said the Lewisville ISD board of trustees has no position on the issue because it’s a city project.
The 12- to18-month project is expected to cost between $11 million and $15 million. But taxpayers are not funding the project.
Ryan said the expansion of Morriss/Gerault Road is being funded through the revenue from the Sam Rayburn Tollway (formerly the 121 Tollway), Denton County Roadway Bond revenue and Five Star Development, the developer of the River Walk at Central Park.
Transportation Commission meeting
When: 6:30 p.m. April 21
Where: Town Hall, 2121 Cross Timbers
Details: The Transportation Commission will talk about the Morriss/Gerault Road project and give the community a chance to comment. A date for the public hearing will be set during the workshop.
Meet the Candidates
When: 7 p.m. April 30
Where: StoneCreekPark on Wilkerson Field, 2800 Garden Road
Details: Candidates for town council will share their views on the expansion of Morriss/Gerault Road as well as other issues such as taxes and oil and gas.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Monday, April 13, 2009
Meet the Candidates Forum
The Stop Morriss 6, Meet the Candidates forum will be held on Thursday, April 30th from 7pm - 9pm at Wilkerson Field. Located on Garden Rd, in Stone Creek Park, behind Forestwood Middle School. Bring your picnic blankets, Folding chairs, and make an evening of it. More fun details will follow.
We realize this is after the start of early voting, so if you need to hold off voting till after this event to make the best decisions for this important Town Council election.
Most important of all is, REGISTER TO VOTE NOW! Last town council election had a grand total of 3500 votes cast, that is pathetic! We can make the difference in this election and make a positive change to how things are done in Flower Mound. The time is now to make your voice heard and really make your vote count.
We realize this is after the start of early voting, so if you need to hold off voting till after this event to make the best decisions for this important Town Council election.
Most important of all is, REGISTER TO VOTE NOW! Last town council election had a grand total of 3500 votes cast, that is pathetic! We can make the difference in this election and make a positive change to how things are done in Flower Mound. The time is now to make your voice heard and really make your vote count.
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Letters to the Editor
Id like to thank Peggie Kimberlin. Richard and Veronica Needham, Joe McMahon and Nisha and Michael Villegas for taking the time to write and be published in the Flower Mound Leader letters to the editor section. There were several items in this Saturdays edition that pertained to The Morris/Geroux project. As with many peoples predictions and prognostications, saying this is not an election issue. They are wrong as they are with traffic projections. Stop Morris 6 is and will be an election issue.
Friday, April 10, 2009
Steve Dixon, candidate, Place 1, FM Town Council
I drive on Morriss Road and Gerault Road regularly, and I rarely see anything I would consider a traffic jam or even a backup. So I understand when people question the need for making it a six-lane road now. I also agree that the safety of our children is an absolute must. When the Morriss / Gerault project does come before Town Council, I want to see verifiable data on our current traffic flow and have the traffic experts clearly explain the assumptions and modeling projections that show the need for the project. I also welcome citizen input, many times some of the best questions and ideas come from citizens who get involved in a particular issue. I am always interested to hear what our citizen’s offer as suggestions and solutions to improve our projects, and I look forward to the opportunity of getting my questions answered and listening to Flower Mound citizens regarding this project.
With that said, if I am on Town Council when the project is discussed I will consider all options and input. We have time to wait to start the project, we can consider doing the work in phases, we can start with the major intersections, we can wait until the River Walk project along Morriss starts, we can consider only do certain parts – and these are just a few of the options. Flower Mound citizens can be assured that I will carefully consider all options on each and every case that comes before me on Flower Mound Town Council.
Respectfully,
Steve Dixon
With that said, if I am on Town Council when the project is discussed I will consider all options and input. We have time to wait to start the project, we can consider doing the work in phases, we can start with the major intersections, we can wait until the River Walk project along Morriss starts, we can consider only do certain parts – and these are just a few of the options. Flower Mound citizens can be assured that I will carefully consider all options on each and every case that comes before me on Flower Mound Town Council.
Respectfully,
Steve Dixon
Candidates Statements
As you can see in the comments section of the Transportation Committee post I made earlier today, Steve Dixon, candidate for Place 1, Town Council of Flower Mound. We invite each candidate to make similar posts and I will create a separate topic thread with their statements. We will be having our Meet the Candidates forum on April 30th at Wilkerson Field,located in Stone Creek Park, behind Forestwood Middle School. I hope all the candidates will attend to share their views, not only on the Morriss Rd issue, but other issues that impact us, the citizens and proud residents of the Town of Flower Mound.
Transportation Commission Workshop
Here is our next chance to make our voices heard.
Transportation Commission to Hold Morriss/Gerault Road Improvement Project Public Meetings
Responding to community sentiment requesting a public forum regarding planned Morriss/Gerault Road improvements, the Flower Mound Town Council directed the Town’s Transportation Commission to host a workshop and public hearing on the project.
The Transportation Commission’s Morriss/Gerault Road Improvement Project workshop is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 21 at Town Hall, 2121 Cross Timbers. The agenda will include staff and engineering presentations. An opportunity for visitors to offer comments will be provided prior to the presentations. Speaker comments are typically limited to three minutes during a workshop. Time limits can be adjusted by the commission chair as to accommodate more or fewer speakers.
Issues that could be considered and discussed during the meetings include project phasing, landscaping, and public safety. A date for the public hearing will also be determined during the workshop. The Transportation Commission is charged with formulating and presenting a recommendation to the Town Council once the community meetings have been hosted.
The Town Council is currently scheduled to review the entire Five-Year Capital Improvement Projects program, including the Morriss/Gerault corridor, in conjunction with the annual budget public hearings in August.
Posted April 9, 2009
Transportation Commission to Hold Morriss/Gerault Road Improvement Project Public Meetings
Responding to community sentiment requesting a public forum regarding planned Morriss/Gerault Road improvements, the Flower Mound Town Council directed the Town’s Transportation Commission to host a workshop and public hearing on the project.
The Transportation Commission’s Morriss/Gerault Road Improvement Project workshop is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 21 at Town Hall, 2121 Cross Timbers. The agenda will include staff and engineering presentations. An opportunity for visitors to offer comments will be provided prior to the presentations. Speaker comments are typically limited to three minutes during a workshop. Time limits can be adjusted by the commission chair as to accommodate more or fewer speakers.
Issues that could be considered and discussed during the meetings include project phasing, landscaping, and public safety. A date for the public hearing will also be determined during the workshop. The Transportation Commission is charged with formulating and presenting a recommendation to the Town Council once the community meetings have been hosted.
The Town Council is currently scheduled to review the entire Five-Year Capital Improvement Projects program, including the Morriss/Gerault corridor, in conjunction with the annual budget public hearings in August.
Posted April 9, 2009
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Mark your calendars
Set aside Thursday, April 30th for our "Meet the Candidates" meeting.
More details to follow, and I promise its going to be big!
More details to follow, and I promise its going to be big!
Open letter to councilman Tasker
This letter written to the editors of ACN papers.
An open letter to Councilmember Jeff Tasker:
Sir,
You proudly stated at Monday's council meeting that in the last 14 months the Morriss Road expansion project was on the agenda 31 times. That's nice but let's set the organization first.
You are an elected employee of the Town of Flower Mound. The citizens who attended, and those who did not attend, are taxpayers. In a corporate environment, that makes them your employers or managers.
Managers do not have to attend every meeting nor deal with every detail. That's what the employee is charged with doing. So Morriss Road was on 31 agendas. Where are all the minutes of these meetings? In corporate terms, where are your status reports? I receive mailed paper town newsletters, email town newsletters and subscribe to the bi-weekly Flower Mound Star and the Flower Mound Messenger. Nary a word until recently once the StopMorriss6 effort commenced and made an issue of the matter.
Until Kim and Holly Berg brought the expansion to my attention, I had no knowledge of it at all. It has been the best kept secret in this community. Kindly show me and all the other surprised citizens of Flower Mound the post-meeting reports of this project and we'll all owe you a public apology. Until then I am highly suspicious probably my nature from having grown up in NYC where "don't ask, don't tell" is a way of life that something funny was going on all this time... of course I have no proof to show but not having anything to show seems to be ubiquitous on this matter
Lawrence Jermyn
An open letter to Councilmember Jeff Tasker:
Sir,
You proudly stated at Monday's council meeting that in the last 14 months the Morriss Road expansion project was on the agenda 31 times. That's nice but let's set the organization first.
You are an elected employee of the Town of Flower Mound. The citizens who attended, and those who did not attend, are taxpayers. In a corporate environment, that makes them your employers or managers.
Managers do not have to attend every meeting nor deal with every detail. That's what the employee is charged with doing. So Morriss Road was on 31 agendas. Where are all the minutes of these meetings? In corporate terms, where are your status reports? I receive mailed paper town newsletters, email town newsletters and subscribe to the bi-weekly Flower Mound Star and the Flower Mound Messenger. Nary a word until recently once the StopMorriss6 effort commenced and made an issue of the matter.
Until Kim and Holly Berg brought the expansion to my attention, I had no knowledge of it at all. It has been the best kept secret in this community. Kindly show me and all the other surprised citizens of Flower Mound the post-meeting reports of this project and we'll all owe you a public apology. Until then I am highly suspicious probably my nature from having grown up in NYC where "don't ask, don't tell" is a way of life that something funny was going on all this time... of course I have no proof to show but not having anything to show seems to be ubiquitous on this matter
Lawrence Jermyn
Monday, April 6, 2009
Success!
First, I would like to thank everyone that came out to support our cause and take a lot of time out of your busy schedules to make tonight a huge success. Over 130 people were in attendance, counting the boy scouts and other locals involved in the business of the evening. Twenty nine people signed up to speak and most used their allotted time, if not more, in very passionate and sometimes emotional speeches. We made a tremendous impact and received raves from reporters and City officials for our professionalism and keeping on point as far as our message.
I would also like to thank Mayor Smith, the 5 council members and all the city staff in attendance for making us feel comfortable and listening to us patiently.
The result of the meeting was the Council and the Mayor sent the Morriss Rd project to the Transportation Committee for study and public hearings starting as soon as May, instead of not being heard by Council again until August. Workshops will begin soon with us involved very soon and we will be involved directly with the Committee from this point on.
Thanks again, and be assured our goal is still to StopMorriss6!
I would also like to thank Mayor Smith, the 5 council members and all the city staff in attendance for making us feel comfortable and listening to us patiently.
The result of the meeting was the Council and the Mayor sent the Morriss Rd project to the Transportation Committee for study and public hearings starting as soon as May, instead of not being heard by Council again until August. Workshops will begin soon with us involved very soon and we will be involved directly with the Committee from this point on.
Thanks again, and be assured our goal is still to StopMorriss6!
Friday, April 3, 2009
The Agenda
The Agenda is out for mondays town council meeting. You can review it on the towns web site.
The portion of the meeting that is of most interest to us, is the part G Public Particpation.
We welcome everyone to come and address the council. In order to do so, you must fill out an "Appearance Before Town Council" form and turn it into the Town secretary no later than 6:10pm. We are asking to arrive by 5:30pm if you plan to speak. If you like, we will have a few "bullet point" items outlined if you would like to address one of those, or your own comments will be most welcome. We are limited to no more that 3 minutes per speaker, but would like to limit our comments to no more than 90 seconds in order to accomodate all those wishing to speak.
So, show up early and bring all your neighbors, THIS IS OUR CHANCE TO MAKE AN IMPACT.
On another note, I recieved a call today from a Reporter for the Dallas Morning News asking about our cause and will print a Reporters item regarding our participation at the Town Council meeting probably on saturday. She will try to attend the meeting also and is interested in our feedback after the meeting and future media involvement in our "Meet the Candidates" meeting later this month.
I hope they spell my name right.
The portion of the meeting that is of most interest to us, is the part G Public Particpation.
We welcome everyone to come and address the council. In order to do so, you must fill out an "Appearance Before Town Council" form and turn it into the Town secretary no later than 6:10pm. We are asking to arrive by 5:30pm if you plan to speak. If you like, we will have a few "bullet point" items outlined if you would like to address one of those, or your own comments will be most welcome. We are limited to no more that 3 minutes per speaker, but would like to limit our comments to no more than 90 seconds in order to accomodate all those wishing to speak.
So, show up early and bring all your neighbors, THIS IS OUR CHANCE TO MAKE AN IMPACT.
On another note, I recieved a call today from a Reporter for the Dallas Morning News asking about our cause and will print a Reporters item regarding our participation at the Town Council meeting probably on saturday. She will try to attend the meeting also and is interested in our feedback after the meeting and future media involvement in our "Meet the Candidates" meeting later this month.
I hope they spell my name right.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Traffic Counters?
Whats with the traffic counters at several locations along Morriss?
Another attempt to get faulty data?
Another attempt to get faulty data?
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