when is enough enough? 281/1604 interchange and environmental issues (Houston, Dallas: high school, property tax)

[bluffsatlookoutcanyon]

I moved out to far north San Antonio to get away from the riff-raff that has infiltrated a lot of the areas of San Antonio....yes, even in the 281 and Bitters area. Yes, I do sit in traffic, but I would much rather sit in traffic than live in some of the seedy neighborhoods I have seen just inside Loop 1604.

[Montirob]

Originally Posted by datacity

I agree that our politicians do not have the courage to do what is right, but that is the result of an indifferent populace. Yes, there have always been pockets of citizens that are concerned, but they have to convince the greater body of people. Yeah, democracy is inefficient, but most believe it better than the alternative.

Agreed. It would be nice, however, to have some real leadership at the city level rather than bowing to those who yell the loudest but may also be wrong. Every once and a while we have it (Hardberger, whether you agreed with him or not), but most often we do not (too many councilmembers to mention).

Originally Posted by datacity

Sorry for the tangent. Getting back to this specific topic, I sincerely hope that a resolution can be agreed upon, less the project lose the federal stimulus dollars.

I agree again. While I believe that the ramp will only encourage greater congestion later, to lose our share of the stimulus dollars (if it can only be earmarked for this project) is perhaps not wise either. I am reminded of the controversial construction of 281 through Brackenridge Park - pollution did get reduced, but the citizens also lost park land.

[Soviet]

Originally Posted by Montirob

Agreed. It would be nice, however, to have some real leadership at the city level rather than bowing to those who yell the loudest but may also be wrong. Every once and a while we have it (Hardberger, whether you agreed with him or not), but most often we do not (too many councilmembers to mention).



I agree again. While I believe that the ramp will only encourage greater congestion later, to lose our share of the stimulus dollars (if it can only be earmarked for this project) is perhaps not wise either. I am reminded of the controversial construction of 281 through Brackenridge Park - pollution did get reduced, but the citizens also lost park land.

I wasn't around in 1971(?) when that happened, but the fact of the matter is, how much park land do you NEED?! How many people in this city actually go to parks on a regular basis. I am in no way decrying the beauty and necessity of parks, I am just saying that if you have something that is worthwhile economically (shortened travel times on 281) why not do it? The alternative isn't necessarily any better environmentally.

And it's the same thing with this interchange! Is maintaining the status quo REALLY smarter than just building the gosh-darn interchange?

[Azure110]

Originally Posted by bluffsatlookoutcanyon

I moved out to far north San Antonio to get away from the riff-raff that has infiltrated a lot of the areas of San Antonio....yes, even in the 281 and Bitters area. Yes, I do sit in traffic, but I would much rather sit in traffic than live in some of the seedy neighborhoods I have seen just inside Loop 1604.

There are some seedy neighborhoods outside the Loop 1604 as well.

[bresilhac]

Some people just cannot seem to realize that with continued growth you must have the improved infrastructure to go along with it. People have been and will continue to flock to this area from around the country and indeed the world for the foreseeable future. And to just throw your hands up and say "I don't want San Antonio to change or grow" is just foolish, deluded thinking that is not connected to reality.

I don't believe, like so many others, that this lawsuit is about beetles at all. It is about trying to stall progress in one of the most successful parts of town. People have been moving to the 281/1604 area because it is a great place to live with many amenities. A new interchange at that intersection to alleviate traffic bottlenecks would serve to preserve and enhance the quality of life that exists in the area.

Like so many other large projects in the past everything connected with improving the lot of commuters in San Antonio has been one big fight. Maybe, just maybe, people around here will concede that San Antonio is a major, growing, sprawling urban area that needs forward thinking citizens and effective leaders if the city is to continue to be an attractive destination for people around the country.

[Soviet]

Originally Posted by MattTx

There are some seedy neighborhoods outside the Loop 1604 as well.

For example? ???

[doss1]

Good thread. I admit I came in anti-aQua, but now I see their point and have to agree with dvlpr.

More about that later. Carry on.

[01Snake]

So, were these people against the 410/281 interchange as well?

[skeet09]

Originally Posted by Soviet

Anyone interested in urban planning needs to check this out: Songdo International Business District - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

South Korea's spending its money on cutting-edge infrastructure....why can't we? Not necessarily to THAT degree, but certainly something similar. Self-contained cities that limit the need for miles and miles of driving are certainly a step in the right direction.

Songdo looks beautiful Soviet!

[Quattro72]

Originally Posted by Soviet

South Korea's spending its money on cutting-edge infrastructure....why can't we?

Because the words “cutting-edge” and “San Antonio” don’t go together.