Last week saw a marked increase in the number of large trucks and tractor trailers going through the neighborhood. One neighbor called me directly. Another reached out via email. There was an outcry (or two) via NextDoor. Many people weighed in.
The overwhelming sentiment seems to be, "Someone should do something!" But who? And what exactly? Posting to social media is often just yelling into the void. There had to be something productive that could be done. Something that I could do.
So, I sent a note to CM Castillo's office. They advised me to file a 311 request asking for "No Thru Trucks" signage along the route the big trucks were following. The biggest problem seemed to be trucks going north on Studewood before turning east onto Bayland.
Only a couple of days later I received call from a city staffer who was on-site investigating. He reported that there already is such signage at Studewood and Bayland. That being the case, he would ask HPD to monitor the location for the next week or two.
At the start of the I-10 project we saw significant heavy truck traffic cutting through the neighborhood. Brian Edmondson, WHCA Director of Infrastructure, met with TXDOT's PR team. They toured the neighborhood looking for ways to improve signage, keeping the traffic on larger streets. As a result, the problem largely subsided.
Last week was a special case. The existing situation was compounded by the fact that I-10 eastbound was closed to allow repair of the Houston Avenue bridge. For a couple of days all traffic was diverted off I-10 at Shepherd, then ran along the feeder, finding its way towards I-45. Some turned north on Studewood. Others not until Watson. Thankfully, that closure was short-lived. By Sunday I-10 eastbound was back to normal.
Ideally, large trucks trying to get to I-45 should follow Studewood north to Pecore before making their eastward turn. That has them effectively skirt the perimeter of the neighborhood. Of course, people always follow signs, right?
CM Castillo's office has since followed up, arranging for a representative from TXDOT to address a future WHCA Member's Meeting.
Enough about what's been keeping me busy distracted. What have you been up to? In fact, I have some suggestions I'd like you to consider.
The Home Tour committee is seeking volunteers to help run their event, which occurs the last weekend in March.
Ryan and the Beautification Team have some clean-up days planned. They could surely use some help.
In May we'll hold another round of WHCA board elections. Several positions are available. If you think that "someone should do something"...why not you?