LEGAL UPDATE
Dear Friends:
It’s been almost two years since we learned of the Washington Heights Development Project coming into our neighborhood. We have learned many things about our City, our elected officials and how business is conducted in Houston. We have also learned this project was conceived and now being constructed without what, in our opinion, is sufficient concern for safety. Through RUDH’s efforts, we raised issues related to the safety of the Yale Street Bridge. We now know the Texas Department of Transportation has confirmed our suspicions that the bridge in its current state is unsafe for all commercial heavy truck traffic. Unfortunately, the City of Houston has maintained the position that there is no money available to make the necessary repairs to the Yale Street Bridge and is allowing the development to go forward despite the lack of heavy commercial truck access from the Yale Street Bridge.
As you know, late last Fall, RUDH filed a lawsuit in against both the City and the developer of the Washington Heights Development. We are asking the Court to stop the City from reimbursing the developer six million of our tax dollars for public infrastructure improvements that we allege the developer should have paid for out of its own pocket. That’s money that can be used to repair the Yale Street bridge and keep 18-wheeler traffic from re-routing to Heights Boulevard. After we filed the lawsuit, both the City and the developer tried to have the case dismissed, claiming that a community organization could not challenge the 380 agreement with the developer. Fortunately, our legal team prevailed and the judge allowed the case to move forward.
The fight we have taken on with the City will be difficult. Construction of the project is well underway. But our resolve has not diminished. This is still our neighborhood and the way of life here in the Heights deserves to be protected in every way possible. As we head toward a trial date to have our issues litigated, we need your help now more than ever. Litigation is expensive. Your financial support is important and I hope we can count on you today!
Sincerely,
RUDH
Rob Task, President
Eileen C. Reed, Colton Candler, Jeff Jackson, Directors
DONATE and help the Heights set a precedent. Use public funds for public good.
RUDH is small team of local volunteers; we’re professionals and parents who believe in building sustainable, vibrant, healthy urban neighborhoods for Houston’s residents. WITH YOUR SUPPORT we can continue to invest our time and energy to set the course for the future!
DON’T DELAY, please donate whatever you can! http://rudh.org/donations
or write a check to RUDH, PO Box 7834 Houston, Tx 77270
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