Keep Georgetown on Track
Support Georgetown Bus
On June 25th City Council will likely make a final vote to withdraw from the Lone Star Rail District (LSTAR). This decision is based on a faulty interpretation of a question the Citizen’s Survey to mean that people in Georgetown are not interested in a train to Austin. It’s also based on a misunderstanding of how much it would cost us to get back into LSTAR compared to the low cost of our $50,000 per year membership. This will be a short sighted decision which will worsen traffic conditions on I-35 and slow economic development for Georgetown. Please take the time to make the following points and/or any others you feel are relevant to persuade city council members to change their minds.
· * The current Citizen’s Surveys shows what all previous surveys have shown which is that people in Georgetown are very concerned about traffic particularly on their trips to Austin. LSTAR addresses traffic issues on I-35 in a very direct way.
· *LSTAR will decrease traffic on I-35 not only by giving people an alternative to driving, but also by rerouting freight currently travelling via trucks on I-35 to a high speed freight line that is being developed as part of LSTAR. Union Pacific is an enthusiastic funder and partner of the Urban Freight portion of LSTAR. So even people who prefer to drive to Austin will benefit. I-35 will be much safer, less crowded, and more pleasant to drive on when we are not surrounded by all those 18 wheelers.
· *Comparing the questions related to interest in transit options to Austin on the 2010 and 2012 survey is misleading in that surveys did not ask citizens the question in the same way. The 2010 survey asked which of several options would make Georgetown a better place to live. The 2012 asks for which of several options would you agree to raise your property taxes. Not surprisingly, most people didn’t want to raise their property taxes for anything. It’s misleading to use this apples to oranges comparison to say that there is a down tick in interest in transit alternatives to I-35.
· *Economic development always follows around the stations of a well-planned rail system like LSTAR. The train station will help make our town a destination for visitors from all along the I-35 corridor. Decreases in commuter time and traffic accidents will also save money. Not to mention improvement in air quality and reduced highway maintenance and construction.
· *The proposed funding mechanism, Tax Increment Financing (TIF) or Tax increment Reinvestment Zone (TIFZ), would not result in anyone paying higher taxes. This tax structure is designed to skim off the top of extra revenue generated from the economic development the station brings. Individuals would not pay any extra taxes. A property tax increase to pay for the train is in fact illegal.
· * Mr Hellman stated that we could always rejoin LSTAR later. He is not taking into account that it would cost $50 to $100 million for us to rejoin at a later date since we would be responsible for 100% of the cost of environmental studies and building the track. The $50,000 a year we are spending in annual LSTAR membership is more than a bargain, it’s a gift.
· *A decision having this great an impact on Georgetown should have gone through the Georgetown Transportation Advisory Board (GTAB). City Council typically uses boards and commissions to research and consider all sides of a complex issue like this before making a final decision. This was not done. Two Councilmen, Mr Fought and Mr Hammerlun, both commented on this in the last City Council meeting. However, instead of recommending that the issue be redirected to GTAB, they went ahead and voted to pursue ending our membership despite the lack of sound procedure.
There are two things everyone needs to do to make our voices heard by City Council.
1. #1 Please email city council using the following email addresses: Mayor George Garver Ma...@gerogetown.org, Councilmember Patty Eason Dist...@georgetown.org, Councilmember Troy Hellman Dist...@georgetown.org, Councilmember John Hesser Dist...@georgetown.org, Councilmember Steve Fought Dist...@georgetown.org, Councilmember Jerry Hammerlun Dist...@georgetown.org, Councilmember Rachael Jonrowe Dist...@georgetown.org, Councilmember Tommy Gonzalez Dist...@georgetown.org.
a This issue affects everyone
in Georgetown. It’s perfectly acceptable to address your email to all City
Council members and the Mayor. However, if you would like to direct a message
to your representative directly and you are not sure who that is, let me know
and I’ll help you figure it out.
2. #2 Plan to attend the City Council meeting on Tue, June 25th at 6pm. City Council Chambers are at the corner of 7th and Main streets in Georgetown. You can bring signs showing your support for Lone Star Rail. You can also speak before Council. There will be a form available on the table as you walk in along with an agenda. Take both as you will need to enter the agenda item you are speaking to on your request to address council form. Turn in the form to the City Secretary, Jessica Brettle, who will be seated at the left hand end of the dias where City Council sits. She is very friendly and can help you make sure you filled out your form correctly.
Lalena Parkhurst
Support the bus in Georgetown
george...@gmail.com
512-508-1485