Several alternative routes are still under consideration for a planned light rail route included in Houston's METRONext long-range transit plan, in progress ahead of a vote by residents in November.
Planning for the Hobby Line light rail route in Houston hasn't gone smoothly, and that's before the city's residents vote to weigh in on the larger long-range transit plan of which the route is a component.
Officials with the city of Houston are hammering out details of a proposed light rail route from Houston's East End to Hobby Airport, and finding controversy and disagreement along the way.
"In a sometimes-testy back and forth, District I Councilman Robert Gallegos and Metropolitan Transit Authority Chairwoman Carrin Patman sparred over various scenarios to route rail from the Green Line’s terminus along Harrisburg near 75th to Hobby," according to an article by Dug Begley following a public hearing on Tuesday of this week.
"The route is the most intricately-debated part of a long-range transit plan Metro is scheduled to approve next month. After that, the plan heads to the November ballot, giving Harris County voters their say on whether to allow additional borrowing for most of a $7.5 billion list of projects over the next 20 years," according to Begley.
To be clear, Councilmember Robert Gallegos is against the project, saying the route would destroy neighborhoods by requiring demolition of homes and business. Begley provides additional details of the various routing proposals for the line.
FULL STORY: Rail route to Hobby still up for debate, Washington Avenue line to wait
Opinion: Houston Should Vote Yes for MetroNext to Build Transit and Clean the Air
The executive director of Environment Texas makes the case for public transit as a key tool in improving air pollution in and around Houston. Houston voters will vote on the MetroNext bond referendum today.
$7.5 Billion Regional Transit Plan Revealed in Houston
The METRONext Moving Forward Plan was revealed at the annual meeting of the Greater Houston Partnership.
25.3-Mile BRT Route Approved for Houston’s University Corridor
The METRORapid University Corridor bus rapid transit route will become the backbone of the Houston Metro system.
Alabama: Trump Terminates Settlements for Black Communities Harmed By Raw Sewage
Trump deemed the landmark civil rights agreement “illegal DEI and environmental justice policy.”
Study: Maui’s Plan to Convert Vacation Rentals to Long-Term Housing Could Cause Nearly $1 Billion Economic Loss
The plan would reduce visitor accommodation by 25% resulting in 1,900 jobs lost.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Grand Rapids Mayor Proposes Garage Conversion Plan
The mayor says allowing homeowners to convert garages to dwelling units could alleviate the city’s housing shortage.
Baltimore Ordered to Improve Sidewalk Accessibility
The city is one of many to face lawsuits for failing to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
This Toronto Suburb Has More Bus Riders Than Columbus, Ohio
Brampton, Ontario used gradual improvements in service to prove that if you build it, they will ride.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Smith Gee Studio
Alamo Area Metropolitan Planning Organization
City of Santa Clarita
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service