Metro's public comment meetings
We all know Metro has no direct accountability to the public that funds it, so it's interesting to read a couple of anecdotes about how Metro handles those pesky public comment times.
Recall last week this KHOU-11 story about residents protesting Metro's plan to run the East End rail line down MLK. Metro's David Wolff complained that there's already been plenty of public input, and no more is needed:
“We can’t just wiggle around every time somebody shows up. This process went on for six years like I said we had 140 meetings. At some point you have to make a decision, and stick with it,” said Metro Board Chairman David Wolff.
But look at what happened when a Richmond property owner went to meetings where the University Line was up for discussion:
For 30 years, Francisco Valle has owned one block in Richmond, but now new rail could be coming.
That could affect all four of Valle’s properties.
In fact, he says three of them could be taken in full, “That is what they always emphasized in every meeting. Not to worry about it. It is not going to effect anything. It will only be a few feet from the front. That’s all it’s gonna take.”
In all 13 homes and about one dozen businesses would be lost on the Richmond option.
Were similar soothing reassurances given at the East End meetings? Probably. But all Metro has to do is say it has held these meetings, and its obligation is done. Metro can spin or dismiss any concerns affected residents and property owners might present.
Which is why Metro is pressing forward with the Richmond route, even though that wasn't on the 2003 ballot. It's what Metro and its supporters have wanted all along.
Posted by Anne Linehan @ 08/08/07 08:20 PM | Print |
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