The People Lost, the MPO Won (San Antonio, Austin: public schools, prices, safety)

[Tools McTool]

he didn't say anything about himself being professsonal..just said others weren't. Sometimes it works that way.

[BamaSailor]

Originally Posted by scuba steve

So how about tolling Hwy 1604? I heard they were going to do that on the far west side?

That is part of the toll plan...from Potranco Road up 1604 for 33 miles.

[dvlpr]

Originally Posted by mmac12

Well I can tell you one thing ...if you think that having toll roads on 281 will just affect mostly Stone Oakers-- don't breathe a sigh of relief just yet- This has now set a presedent that may affect every congested road in San Antonio!

I know it's counter-intuitive, but I think it's a great precedent to set. People who choose to live in suburban sprawl should deal with the true costs of moving to a part of SA that is low-density, auto-dependent, and where most daily activities are separated by significant distances.

Conversely, people who choose to live in close-in, walkable, mixed-use neighborhoods can (continue) to bring sighs of relief, and enjoy a lifestyle that doesn't revolve around traffic/commuting.

[Dopo]

Originally Posted by dvlpr

I know it's counter-intuitive, but I think it's a great precedent to set. People who choose to live in suburban sprawl should deal with the true costs of moving to a part of SA that is low-density, auto-dependent, and where most daily activities are separated by significant distances.

One problem is that by having tolls, you'd be forcing relatively poor people (not rich) out of the suburbs where they went to make sure that their kids could go to good schools, and now they are forced to move to the inner city.

That's just one reason I disagree with toll-roads.

[stoneoak]

Originally Posted by Dopo

One problem is that by having tolls, you'd be forcing relatively poor people (not rich) out of the suburbs where they went to make sure that their kids could go to good schools, and now they are forced to move to the inner city.

That's just one reason I disagree with toll-roads.

Psst....don't tell anyone, but there are actually other roads up around these here parts. I visit businesses up and down the 281 North corridor, but rarely drive on 281 itself. The threat of a toll road is not the dire, do or die tragedy many are trying to make it out to be. Highly doubt there is going to be this mass of people marching south of 1604 because a 17 cent per mile toll that no one has to pay unless they want too has subsequently forced them from their homes.

[BamaSailor]

It is a matter of point as much as anything...why would you be willing to pay for a road again? Money was designated in years past to build overpasses and thus eliminate traffic lights on the main corridor but that money was siphoned off to be used on other things, not necessarily related to roads or traffic at all. Both 281 and 1604 on the west side could be greatly helped just by adding some overpasses. Look at 281 inside 1604. Look at 1604 at Culebra (overpass) compared to 1604/151 (traffic light). Tolls should be a last resort as a way to pay for roads. Use the tax money for what it was designed instead of on whatever other pet project that pops up.

[LuminousFive]

Am I the only one who is in favor of this project? As a property owner in Timberwood park, I actually look forward to this being built. Every toll road I have ever driven on has been exceptionally nice and relatively traffic free. I have no problem paying a premium to drive on a nicer road and get home to be with my family more quickly... plus, people seem to forget that money collected from tolls isn't just to pay for the building of a road; it also pays for maintnance. I would use that toll road constantly. To get to and from work... oh, and lets not forget that if you have to drive on a toll road to get to work, you can deduct what you spend on tolls from your taxes.

This will raise property values, improve quality of life, and most importantly decrease traffic. BTW we are talking about still having 3 or 4 lanes each way as free access roads. That is better that what we have now!

[dvlpr]

Originally Posted by wc2005

It is a matter of point as much as anything...why would you be willing to pay for a road again? Money was designated in years past to build overpasses and thus eliminate traffic lights on the main corridor but that money was siphoned off to be used on other things, not necessarily related to roads or traffic at all. Both 281 and 1604 on the west side could be greatly helped just by adding some overpasses. Look at 281 inside 1604. Look at 1604 at Culebra (overpass) compared to 1604/151 (traffic light). Tolls should be a last resort as a way to pay for roads. Use the tax money for what it was designed instead of on whatever other pet project that pops up.

So you're claiming that TXDOT utilized the monies it had collected for other pet projects? Which ones?

[Ms. 01 Snake]

Originally Posted by LuminousFive

Am I the only one who is in favor of this project? As a property owner in Timberwood park, I actually look forward to this being built. Every toll road I have ever driven on has been exceptionally nice and relatively traffic free. I have no problem paying a premium to drive on a nicer road and get home to be with my family more quickly... plus, people seem to forget that money collected from tolls isn't just to pay for the building of a road; it also pays for maintnance. I would use that toll road constantly. To get to and from work... oh, and lets not forget that if you have to drive on a toll road to get to work, you can deduct what you spend on tolls from your taxes.

This will raise property values, improve quality of life, and most importantly decrease traffic. BTW we are talking about still having 3 or 4 lanes each way as free access roads. That is better that what we have now!

We also live in TWP and I would pay 100 a week if it meant I didn't have to waste 2 to 3 hours a day in traffic just trying to get to and from 1604 (it is less than 7 miles from our house).

I mean the city planners have done a really bad job out here-sure Mr. builder go ahead and build a 1000 + homes but, no change in the roads. It has become a nightmare out here over the last 5 years.

This city has the worst infrastructure of any "big city" I have ever been to and I have been to them all. Most cities do have a toll road system for those that choose to use them. I will gladly choose to drive on it and save myself some time in the car. I just don't know what I will do with the extra hour I have to plan into my morning just for Blanco or 281.

[RGJ]

I really don't think it was the builder's or developer's responsibility to take care of 281 or Blanco Rd. The city, county and state should have seen the problem coming long ago. But then, they should have seen the problem with the intersections of 410/IH 37 and 1604/281. They waited too long and the more they waited, the costlier it got to fix the problem. Now we can all enjoy the 100' overpasses.....