HomeMy WebLinkAboutRes 2006-17 Supporting the Metro Solutions Transit System Plan for Rail along the “University Cooridor”
City of West University Place
Harris County, Texas
Resolution No~ 2006-17
A RESOLUTION SUPPORTING THE METRO SOLUTIONS TRANSIT SYSTEM PLAN
FOR RAIL ALONG THE "UNIVERSITY CORRIDOR"; AND CONTAINING FINDINGS
AND PROVISIONS RELATING TO THE SUBJECT.
WHEREAS, the Metropolitan Transit Authority has unveiled the first substantial
detail of potential alignments for light-rail along the University Corridor, providing
insights into potential lane configurations, right-af-way requirements and potential
platform locations; and
WHEREAS, Metro is continuing to take feedback from the public and large
numbers of community and professional organizations, civic groups, residents and
businesses near the proposed route; and
WHEREAS, notwithstanding concerns of impact to the community immediately
local to the University corridor rail alignment, decisions regarding the ultimate success
of light-rail are issues of the greater metropolitan area; and
WHEREAS, the light-rail's fundamental purpose is to connect dense urban core
areas providing housing, employment, retail and educational opportunities, such light-
rail along any lengthy stretch of Westpark fails to meet that objective and is therefore
unlikely to get high ridership because the area is largely absent of such dense
development; and
WHEREAS, introduction of light-rail on or near Westpark, especially near the
intersections which are gateways to the City of West University Place, i.e. Kirby, Buffalo
Speedway and Weslayan, will unreasonably compound current traffic issues associated
with the use of these roads by commuters passing through the community and the
advent of the Westpark Tollway; and
WHEREAS, introduction of light-rail on Westpark near the 1-610 West Loop
could result in the removal of the Danny Jackson Family Dog Park and thereby deprive
area residents of a p~pular local amenity; and
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of West University Place believes that
Richmond Avenue is the most attractive option because the ridership is likely to be
materially higher than on Westpark and although there will be localized disruption along
Richmond, on balance the solutions to key traffic issues are believed to be more
manageable than those that would occur along Westpark~
NOW l THEREFORE,
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST
UNIVERSITY PLACE:
Section 1. The City Council formally supports the Metro Solutions Transit Plan
for rail along the Richmond Avenue alignment of the University Corridor.
Section 2. All resolutions and parts of resolutions in conflict with this resolution
are repealed to the extent of the conflict only~
Section 3. If any word, phrase, clause, sentence, paragraph, section or other
part of this resolution or the application thereof to any person or circumstance, shall
ever be held to be invalid or unconstitutional by any court of competent jurisdiction,
neither the remainder of this resolution, nor the application of such word, phrase,
clause, sentence, paragraph, section or other part of this resolution to any other
. persons or circumstances, shall be affected thereby.
Section 4. The City Council officially finds, determines and declares that a
sufficient written notice of the date, hour, place and subject of each meeting at which
this resolution was discussed, considered or acted upon was given in the manner
required by the Texas Open Meetings Act, as amended, and that each such meeting
has been open to the public as required by law at all times during such discussion,
consideration and action. The City Council ratifjes~ approves and confirms such notices
and the contents and posting thereof.
Section 5. This resolution takes effect immediately upon its passage and
signature.
PASSED, APPROVED ADOPTED AND SIGNED on August 14, 2006~
Voting Aye: Mayor Ballanfant, Council Members Cohen, Segal, Woods
and Yehle
Voting No: None
Absent: None
Recommended:
Signed: M e~/2kf r-
Mayor
Attest: