In a funding request submitted to the Houston Galveston Area Council (H-GAC) on Feb 15, 2024 the Montrose TIRZ confirmed that their plan in Phase 2 of the Montrose Blvd project is to continue with dual 10-foot-wide shared-use paths which will require the removal of ALL TREES on the east side of Montrose Blvd (and likely more). 

As shown in the detailed funding request and accompanying questionnaires, the Phase 1 tree-razing design will continue at least to Westheimer Rd.  South of Westheimer, the Montrose TIRZ refuses to specify a design in the application, while at the same time repeatedly describing their intent to build 10-foot-paths on both sides of the boulevard.

We’ve been hearing for months from the TIRZ and project proponents that Phase 2 isn’t planned yet, and that it is too early to even discuss what the tree impact might be.  They have accused us of spreading misinformation and using a false fear to get people worked up over nothing.   

Well, read it yourselves!  One of the relevant sections is shown in the photo shown here or go read the whole submission at the H-GAC:  https://www.h-gac.com/transportation-improvement-program/project-questionnaires . The Montrose Blvd project is ID #1235. 

TAKE ACTION NOW!   The H-GAC wants and needs public input. Please cut and paste the below email or write your own.  We need them to see overwhelming opposition to this tree devastating project plan. Send your comments to Vishu Lengala, Principal Planner.

TO: vishu.lingala@h-gac.com

CC: savemontroseliveoaks@gmail.com, mayor@houstontx.gov

SUBJECT:   Objection to Montrose TIRZ Montrose Boulevard Reconstruction Project ID #1235

To the H-GAC,

I am writing to strongly oppose the plan recently submitted by the Montrose TIRZ/RDA that will install dual 10’ wide shared use paths on Montrose Blvd, requiring the removal of all trees on the east side (and likely more on the west and in the medians), as well as requiring the narrowing of the existing medians from 30’ to 20’.  

Montrose Blvd. is defined by the City of Houston as major thoroughfare “designed for fast, heavy traffic and intended to serve as a traffic artery of considerable length and continuity throughout the community.”  It is also a neighborhood street, whose medians and sidewalks are lined with oaks, some of which residents planted many years ago, some of which we planted more recently, and we’ve watched them grow alongside our children. We care about preserving these trees, and we care about walkability, too.

There is no need for such an over-engineered, concrete-heavy 10’ wide shared-use sidewalk expansion project. The planned shared use path combines high-speed cyclists with families walking with small children and pets, risking serious injury to both pedestrians and cyclists. This path will also cross 55 existing right of ways and private driveways from the many businesses and residences that front the street. Montrose Boulevard is simply not suited for expanded recreational nor transportation cycling.  The City of Houston’s Major Thoroughfare Freeway Plan (MTFP) states that multi-modal transportation does not mean putting every mode of transport on every block.  

A robust, intelligently designed bike network is a worthy goal which we support - and it is already happening now.  The Montrose area now connects to 17 miles of recreational bike paths along Buffalo Bayou. Furthermore, there are 4 north-south and 3 east-west bikeways built or soon to be built within a few blocks of Montrose Boulevard.

We do not need this excessive “improvement” project, but we DO need our mature trees to:

• Provide a shade canopy to protect pedestrians and shade our bus stops during the sweltering Houston summers.
• Absorb carbon dioxide from the many vehicles that will continue to travel on Montrose.
• Reduce the heat-island effect and protect the unique character of Montrose Boulevard and our community.
• Preserve the habitat of our urban wildlife and birds.

Narrowing of the medians will also be a safety concern as there will be less protective space for turning vehicles, for pedestrians waiting to cross the street and for vehicles to move out of the way for first responders to pass by on the way to the Medical Center.

Please require a changed, simpler and safer design which preserves the mature trees! We can have new 6’ sidewalks that meet the community needs, exceed ADA standards, and still leave the trees standing. 

Thank you,

<Your name>

PLEASE TAKE THE TIME TO SEND THIS EMAIL TO H-GAC RIGHT NOW BEFORE YOU FORGET! 

Thanks, Jonna

Save Montrose Live Oaks