Propaganda on Richmond.
Driving down Richmond today I saw local business owners putting up angry anti-rail signs and banners. I figured residents would cry NIMBY at the light rail, but I was surprised that local shops would also oppose the rail, especially given the positive effect of the Main Street line on its environs.
Structural engineer, photographer, and all-around urbanographer Christof Spieler explains why in today’s Intermodality blog entry:
The businesses along Richmond have some very real concerns. Businesses did suffer from Main Street construction. Richmond is narrow in portions, and fitting in rail wouldn’t be easy. But I’d like to see them talk about this issues and to engage METRO in a dialogue, not a political confrontation. And I’d like to see METRO reach out to them with good information, with opportunities to participate, and with measures to minimize the impacts.
He goes on to write a detailed FAQ about the proposed Universities line that should be mandatory reading for anyone interested in Houston light rail. [Previously, in my public bookmarks: Christof’s Why Richmond makes sense.]