THIRD WARD WILL SOON HAVE RAIL, MAYBE FORCING SOME BUSINESSES TO TRAVEL: But Metro hopes to make moves less painful than 1999.

By Paul F. Bennett

When Houston Metro Rail begins Phase 2 of its transportation layout this summer, Fredrick Jefferson may have to move his Scott street based barbershop. "There's a possibility that they may use part of the property. If we do have to move, they said they would pay for any moving expenses. I don't want to move. But I'm okay with it. I just hope there's not a lot of traffic problems because of all the construction," said Mr. Jefferson.

From downtown, the 6.8 mile project will take off at Capitol and Rusk, travel south on Scott, make its way up to Wheeler, turn left on MLK, until its final resting place at the Palm Center at MLK and Griggs. 2010 is the slated completion year of the plan which will include 11 stations.

Metro spokesperson Sandra Salazar said the organization is making sure that business owners like Mr. Jefferson won't be affected like some of their Main Street counterparts were when Phase 1 construction began in 1999.

"Metro is committed to minimizing construction by segmented construction which means rather than working on the entire length for long periods of times, crews will get in and get out with a focus on small areas of the road," said Ms. Salazar.

Ms. Salazar said Third Ward business owners and residents will see utility reconstruction in the coming weeks and the demolition of properties which are already abandoned. Metro is also looking for a store front location in the area which will be used as a field office to address community concerns.

"Before we do anything we will communicate with those businesses to make sure we are on the same page," said Ms. Salazar.

For example, Ms. Salazar said Metro has already gathered the delivery times of businesses to ensure easy traffic flow during construction. Metro will implement signage and road pavements on driveways for business customers.

Where the first part of the construction site will begin has not yet been determined. Ms. Salazar said Metro is currently conducting a business survey of the area.

Once Phase 2 is completed, Sunny Side and Hobby Airport will serve as the next connection for what will eventually be more than 30 miles worth of Metro Rail.

"We will keep updating information as soon as it becomes available," said Ms. Salazar.

To find out where your community is at on the Metro Rail list go to www.metrosolutions.org.

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From Publisher

The New Majority is not a politically correct publication.The New Majority seeks to have open and honest dialogue. No issue will be subjugated to the outer realm of political and social discussion for fear of offending someone. TNM will expand on those things which all New Majority persons have in common and bring to light those things which brings us at odds with one another.
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