Blog entries tagged travel

Greater 288 Partnership and METRO Join Forces

Daphne Hager — Sat, 24 Jul 2010 02:39:31 +0100

The Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris Count (METRO) and The Greater 288 Partnership have recently joined forces, and METRO is expected to bring a great deal of knowledge, credibility and influence to the infant organization.

“METRO’s new board and management are working collaboratively with groups inside and outside our service area to improve customer service and facilitate better mobility across the region,” said METRO’s Acting President and CEO, George Greanias. “We will be an active and committed participant in the Greater 288 Partnership as we explore options for building better mobility between Harris and Brazoria Counties.”

Equally excited about the union is Partnership Co-founder and Chairman Kevin Cole. “From the beginning, we have sought to provide a clear strategy for effecting positive change in regional transportation by assembling the key players in our area for input,” states Cole. “We had METRO on our membership prospect list because of what they bring to the table – strategic planning, influence, and an overall critical understanding of the regional transportation issues facing the area, including the 288 corridor. The fact that METRO has joined us is a major step in fulfilling the Partnership’s mission of directing positive outcomes for the future development improvements of Highway 288, and we welcome their input.”

The Greater 288 Partnership is still seeking to add new members who also participate in regular quarterly luncheons, involvement in numerous committees, and periodic workshops and seminars. Congressman Pete Olson will be at the Greater 288 Partnerships next luncheon on August 18to be held at the Hilton Garden Inn and Conference Center. For more information on the organization or to obtain membership details, visit their website at Greater288.org.

Pearland Shadow Creek Parkway Improvements on Their Way

Greg Rivera — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 12:17:02 +0100

Pearland City might see some changes making their way through town if the newly proposed expansion to Shadow Creek Parkway gets underway. The Texas Department of Transportation recently shared a proposal to area residents and local officials which detailed plans for road improvements, namely widening the road to address traffic congestion and safety.

“If approved, FM 2234 (Shadow Creek Parkway) will be expanded to four lanes from FM 521 to SH 288,” Project Manager Kyle Bertrand shared during a TxDoT presentation. The proposed changes would include three miles within the existing right of way in Brazoria and Fort Bend Counties, and the project would total $18.5 million.

“The road improvements will help reduce traffic congestion,” Bertrand shared. This will be beneficial as the road has seen 23 accidents and 3 fatalities in the last three years, which TxDoT official Karen Coopersmith commented on during the presentation, “Safety is one of the biggest problems to be addressed by the proposed improvements.”

Creating a safer and easily travelled road for Pearland is top priority, but ensuring that concerns for the public and local business owners are addressed is pertinent. As Pearland City Councilman Scott Shermann explained, “This is a highly travelled road and it is clear that the traffic volumes will be increasing in the next few years rather than decreasing. That said, in order for this to be a successful project, TxDoT needs to listen to the concerns of the business owners along 2234…and appropriately deal with the concerns. While the expansion of 2234 is a necessary and important project we cannot afford for it to occur to the detriment of the business owners who have chosen to establish their businesses on the roadway.”

The initial plans indicate that no businesses or homes would have to be relocated, and that no noise barriers would need to be constructed. Other concerns which still need to be addressed included comments on potential problems with the driveways and median cuts, as well as the possibility of installing a red light at the entrance to Nolan Ryan Junior High, and the necessity to accommodate the needs of the Second Baptist Church currently under construction.

“This is a wonderful idea,” said state representative Dr. Alma Allen. “I am in support of the road changes. This portion of my district is growing very quickly and traffic is a problem. Any road improvement in this area is something I support.” And Allen is not the only one – project officials hope to move forward with the changes to create a road and area that is welcoming and safe for current and future residents.

Source: www.hcnonline.com/pearland_journal

City of Pearland Plans for Growth

Daphne Hager — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 05:00:00 +0100

The City of Pearland has moved one step closer in their proposal and efforts to widen Cullen Boulevard from FM 518 to the Beltway. The stretch of road will benefit the Pearland community and Lakes of Savannah residents to accommodate more traffic. The current two-lane road will be widened to four lanes, complete with a curb and gutter drainage system as well as a bike path along the west side and a sidewalk on the east side of the roadway.

State transportation officials approved pass-through financing for the Cullen project on September 24, 2009. This was a positive step forward as an attempt at this type of financing fell apart three years ago. The program would provide reimbursement from the TxDot to the City of Pearland if the City finances and builds the roadway initially. The reimbursement would be paid over a number of years determined by traffic, and is determined by the type of roadway.

Trent Epperson, Projects Manager for the City of Pearland explained “Payback is based on the type of roadway, so we partnered with Harris County and submitted that package for financing with the understanding that Harris County would be responsible for the piece (of Cullen) in Harris County.”

This is just the first step among many, including negotiating reimbursement terms with the state and having a design engineer work on the project. The City hopes to go to the transportation commission and city council for approval in late October, with the total process taking about 30 months for completion.

Source: www.hconline.com

New State Law: No Cell Phones in School Zones

Daphne Hager — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 05:00:00 +0100

Lakes of Savannah residents should be wary when driving through Alvin I.S.D.'s and other schools' school zones, as a new state law will prohibit the use of wireless communication devices while operating a vehicle in a school zone. Violators must pay a fine of up to $200 per violation.

House Bill 55 is set to take effect on September 1, and is intended to promote the safety of students. While the law has not taken effect in all areas of Texas yet, it is in effect in the Pearland area.

A few facts about the law:

Provisions under the law will allow drivers to use cell phones in school zones with a hands-free device or when their vehicle is stopped.School bus drivers will be affected, too.The law is an amendment of the Texas Transportation Code, section 545.425. An additional exception is provided in emergency situations, when a driver needs to use a cell phone in a school zone to contact police, fire, or emergency medical personnel.

We beg Lakes of Savannah residents to heed this new law, as it is designed with the safety of you and your children in mind!

New Park and Ride Services Coming Soon

Melissa Burnham — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 05:00:00 +0100

Beginning as early as late fall, a new park and ride service may be up and running, creating improved transportation efficiency within the greater Pearland region. The new service will provide passengers with transportation to the Medical Center within Pearland and Brazoria County, reducing traffic throughout the area. Although officials have not confirmed a location for the service yet, plans are developing smoothly with positive feedback throughout the community.

When originally introduced, the plan for transportation would've cost the City of Pearland approximately $1 million per year. However, thanks to the cooperation of Connect Transit, the City and Metro, the Medical Center, and others, the investment has drastically reduced to just $100,000. This joint effort comes at the unanimous response to growing Brazoria County and taking action on this new opportunity.

So now that we know that this is economically a great deal and joint effort, what else does this mean for everyone? In this case it means less. Less traffic for drivers during their 9-5 hustle, less gas to burn through, and less pollution in the city. Less cars on the streets also means increased safety for children and pedestrians living in Lakes of Savannah and other communities. This also coincides with the Pearland Green Policy, with clean air and a more environmental friendly and conscious city.

Although not finalized, thanks to the joint effort funding--made available through JARC (Job Access Reverse Commute) and heavy community support, we may see the park and ride services later this year. This will be the first park and ride service for the city and another great step forward for the community. As Mayor Tom Reid said, “The more we can get people out of their automobiles and into a park and ride service such as this, the more it will help us all in clean air, the conservation of gas, and the cleaning up of our environment” and make the Lakes of Savannah community an even more beautiful place to live.

Source: HCN Online

Pearland Welcomes Another New Hotel

Cheryl Boe — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 05:00:00 +0100

The growth of the Pearland area is evident in the increase number of new businesses including another new hotel just off SH 288, minutes from Lakes of Savannah. Sleep Inn & Suites Pearland celebrated its grand opening recently with a ceremony hosted by General Manager Neil Bhakta and attended by Pearland Mayor Tom Reid and numerous representatives from area businesses and the Pearland Chamber of Commerce.

Sleep Inn & Suites Pearland, a 66-room facility located a 1908 Country Place Parkway near the Highway 288 McHard exit, offers 24-hour front desk service, complimentary breakfast, complimentary local and long distance calls, high-speed internet access (both wired and wireless) and free parking.

The facility has conference rooms, laundry facilities, a pool, spa and exercise room. A high-ceiling lobby and adjacent breakfast area were designed for the business or leisure traveler.

Sleep Inn & Suites is a three-story hotel with single and double occupancy and suites as well as handicap-access rooms or rooms with the business traveler in mind replete with multi-line phones and desks. Rooms are equipped with 32-inch flat screen televisions, MP3 alarm clocks, refrigerators and microwaves.

Sleep Inn & Suites is the latest hotel chain to open a facility in Pearland in the last six years, joining Hampton Inn, Spring Hill Suites by Marriott, Courtyard by Marriott, Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites and La Quinta Inn.

The growth along SH 288 has provided a number of added conveniences for residents of Lakes of Savannah, located off SH 288 at SH 6. Now, residents are minutes away from world class health care facilities, retail centers, restaurants and recreation.

Pearland Plans Trip to China

Melissa Burnham — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 05:00:00 +0100

Have you always wanted to travel and explore the world, but never got around to it? Well, now is your chance.

The Pearland Chamber of Commerce is planning a nine-day business and culture field trip to China, and anyone who is interested is welcome to come.

The trip, which isn’t until November 14th, was organized as an opportunity for members of the Chamber of Commerce and any Pearland residents to learn about the Chinese culture and its business practices. “The world has become smaller with many companies doing business internationally, and China is an important and recently opened market,” said Chamber President, Carol R. Artz.

Many fun, exciting adventures are planned, including visits to Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, the Great Wall, Shanghai and much more. For more business applications, a conference is scheduled as well as the opportunity to meet Chinese business owners. If anyone is interested in a particular Chinese business or industry, arrangements can also be made to learn more information.

The total price for the trip is $1,899 for chamber members and $1,999 for all other travelers. Included in the list price is round-trip airfare from Los Angeles International Airport (transportation to and from the airport is each person’s responsibility), five- and four-star hotel accommodations, three full meals a day, daily sightseeing tours, deluxe bus transportation, English-speaking guides, admission to tourist attractions and all airport taxes.

Although the trip is still five months away, the chance to visit a new and exciting place will not last forever. If you are interested attending, and wish to register or learn more about this opportunity, please call 281-485-3634, email carolartz@pearlandchamber.org or visit the chamber website at www.pearlandchamber.com.

Source: Houston Chronicle

Fort Bend Toll Road Offers Commuting Options

Greg Rivera — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 06:00:00 +0100

FT Bend Tollway:

The newly opened Ft. Bend Tollway now offers Savannah residents three routes into Houston's major employment corridors via Hwy 288, FM 521 (Almeda Rd.) and the new Ft. Bend Tollway. This new tollway currently extends from Hwy 6, approximately 4.5 miles west of Lakes of Savannah and runs a route via Hwy 90 into Post Oak, allowing for easier Galleria area commutes. The tollway is now open for commuters!

This new roadway will soon also be the site of a new retail shopping/dining complex, Fort Bend Town Center. This new center will be located at the intersection of the Ft Bend Tollway and Hwy 6, just 4.5 miles from Lakes of Savannah! The center will be anchored by a 200,000 sq ft Kroger's grocery store.

Savannah Parkway and County Road 58 extension:

Construction began in late 2007 on the extension of Savannah Parkway north to County Road 58. Lakes of Savannah's developer will also pave County Road 58 along all areas adjacent to;Lakes of Savannah.

Once complete in spring/summer 2008, this extension will provide Lakes of Savannah residents with a second, more northern access point to Highway 288 via County Road 58.