Dear Mayor Whitmire,

We, the undersigned residents and concerned citizens of Houston, TX, are writing to express our deep concern regarding the air quality in the Greater Fifth Ward community. The health and well-being of our Fifth Ward residents are of paramount importance, and we believe that monitoring air quality is essential for quality of life.

TCEQ has already approved for the state designated air monitor installation in 2022 within its annual Air Monitor Network Program for Greater Fifth Ward and the location has been selected for Finnigan Park located at 4900 Providence St, Houston, TX 77020. I’m sure you are aware of the new PM 2.5 standards released by the EPA a few months ago and because Texas refuses to adhere to the new standards, we, the residents of Greater Fifth Ward, are constantly in danger of potential hazards associated with poor air quality, including respiratory issues, cardiovascular diseases, and adverse effects on children's development.  Mayor Whitmire, the Greater Fifth Ward is the location of 4 cancer clusters and when you compound industrial pollution, vehicular emissions, and other sources contributing to air pollution, it is imperative that we have access to reliable air quality information in our community so that we can make informed decisions regarding our outdoor activities for our families and community.

We understand there are some COH permitting and administrative obstacles that are preventing the contractor from moving forward with installation and we are asking for your help regarding resolving the red tape that has prevented us from having the air monitor installed. 

We respectfully urge you, as our mayor, to prioritize the installation of the TCEQ air monitor in the Greater Fifth Ward.  We would like to think that you are committed to the well-being of our residents and the sustainability of our environment.

Thank you for your attention to this matter. We look forward to your positive response.