Residents weigh in on Richmond rail

About 350 people turned out yesterday to hear Houstonians tell the Metro board what they think about the route of the proposed University light rail line, and the message was a resounding "We're not sure what we think." Metro's plan to run most of the line along Richmond Avenue rather than Westpark, as originally proposed, has drawn concern and continued to do so Thursday:

Whatever the board decides late this year, it should "keep the city's long-term best interests in mind" and "build something our children and grandchildren can be proud of," said blogger Tory Gattis.

Gattis also said that if Richmond is the choice instead of Westpark — the designated route in a 2002 referendum on Metro's transit plans that was narrowly approved by voters — the board should appoint "somebody with real power" to advocate for business and residents during construction, and ride herd on contractors to minimize harm.

Metro should also "consider a well-funded 'Support Richmond Business' campaign," Gattis said.

Among those against the Richmond route were Chris Seger of the Afton Oaks Civic Club and state Rep. Martha Wong. Afton Oaks residents have been vocal opponents of the line, and that's no surprise — the trains would be running right outside their front doors (just as thousands of cars and trucks do every day now). There is concern that running the rail along Richmond would make businesses go under, cut vehicular access to Richmond and ruin property values for homeowners. Very little of that would happen on Westpark because there's very little on Westpark, whereas a Richmond route would make a direct connection between Montrose, South Shepherd, Kirby, Greenway and Post Oak.

Metro is expected to decide late this year where to put the line. In the meantime, Metro Chairman David Wolff assured residents that "no decision has been made ... I can guarantee you that."