TxDOT plans to demolish hundreds of apartments for its interstate widening project despite local calls to preserve the buildings as affordable housing.
Despite decades of criticism from community groups and local leaders, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) just won’t let go of its highway expansion dreams. The department plans to push ahead with its $85 billion plan to demolish homes, businesses, and neighborhood amenities in favor of larger roads.
In an article originally published by Strong Towns and republished by Streetsblog USA, Asia Mieleszko describes the saga, which pits state transportation officials against local politicians, residents, and business groups. Although many local stakeholders have spoken out against road expansion, the agency has fought to move forward with its plans.
Last year, the agency moved to demolish hundreds of apartments in Houston as part of its Interstate 45 expansion plans, despite a federal freeze on the project. “Nick Arcos of LINK Houston, a nonprofit advocating for a robust and equitable transportation network, remarked that the loss of centrally located housing can be especially devastating to lower-income communities, in particular those who rely on transit.”
FULL STORY: TxDOT Chooses Highways Over Housing
Proposed Park Yet Another Hurdle for Houston Interstate Expansion
The Interstate 45 widening project, halted by a federal order and opposed by many local officials and organizations, could hit a new snag if White Oak Bayou becomes a city park.
Contentious Houston Freeway Widening Project Inches Forward
Federal officials have given TxDOT the go-ahead to resume work on a small portion of a controversial interstate widening project in downtown Houston.
Interstate Expansion to Go Ahead in Houston
The North Houston Highway Improvement Project, stalled by a federal investigation, will now go ahead with only a few tweaks that opponents say don’t go far enough to mitigate the damage it will cause to Houston neighborhoods.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
The Simple Legislative Tool Transforming Vacant Downtowns
In California, Michigan and Georgia, an easy win is bringing dollars — and delight — back to city centers.
San Francisco's School District Spent $105M To Build Affordable Housing for Teachers — And That's Just the Beginning
SFUSD joins a growing list of school districts using their land holdings to address housing affordability challenges faced by their own employees.
In More Metros Than You’d Think, Suburbs are Now More Expensive Than the City
If you're moving to the burbs to save on square footage, data shows you should think again.
The States Losing Rural Delivery Rooms at an Alarming Pace
In some states, as few as 9% of rural hospitals still deliver babies. As a result, rising pre-term births, no adequate pre-term care and "harrowing" close calls are a growing reality.
The Small South Asian Republic Going all in on EVs
Thanks to one simple policy change less than five years ago, 65% of new cars in this Himalayan country are now electric.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Smith Gee Studio
City of Charlotte
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)