Petition to Continue Construction and Ensure Completion of Bike Lanes and Sidewalks on Shepherd and Durham in the Heights Neighborhood, Houston Texas  

We, the residents and supporters of the Heights neighborhood in Houston, Texas, hereby petition for the continuation and completion of construction to install full-length bike lanes, sidewalks, and remove one driving lane along Shepherd and Durham by continuing the planned Phase 2 of the reconstruction project that is led by TIRZ 5.

Background:
Despite initial plans and the allocation of federal funds to implement bike lanes, side walks and improved streets on Shepherd and Durham, recent objections from the City of Houston and the new Mayor threaten to halt construction, leaving the project incomplete and the community at a disadvantage.

Reasons for the Petition:

 1. Safety and Accessibility: The completion of bike lanes and sidewalks on Shepherd and Durham is crucial for the safety and accessibility of cyclists, pedestrians, and motorists. Incomplete infrastructure poses significant risks and hampers the mobility of residents.
 2. Equitable Transportation: Halting construction and leaving portions of Shepherd and Durham with inadequate infrastructure prioritizes vehicle traffic over alternative transportation options. This disregards the needs of cyclists and pedestrians, leading to inequitable access to safe transportation.
 3. Community Impact: Incomplete construction disrupts the cohesion of the community and undermines efforts to promote active transportation and sustainable living. Residents deserve fully implemented bike lanes and sidewalks that enhance connectivity and quality of life.

Action Requested:

 1. Utilization of Federal Funds: We call upon city officials to responsibly utilize the federal funds allocated for the Phase 2 reconstruction on Shepherd and Durham. These funds are essential for completing the project and fulfilling the needs of the community.
 2. Continuation of Construction: We urge the City of Houston and the Mayor’s team to reconsider their objections and support the continuation of construction to ensure the completion of Phase 2 reconstruction using the plans already made on Shepherd and Durham. This commitment is vital for the safety and well-being of all residents.

Conclusion:
As stakeholders in the Heights neighborhood, we demand that city authorities prioritize the completion of the Phase 2 reconstruction that includes bikes lanes and sidewalks on Shepherd and Durham to uphold safety, equity, and community well-being. We stand united in our call for action and urge city officials to act swiftly in addressing this critical issue.

 

Thank you for your attention to this matter. 

Sincerely,

Rachel Humphries 

Houston Heights Resident

For more information about The Shepherd Durham project and other ways you can take action, please visit https://atotb.org/shepherd-durham/