Thank you for your article about the soon-to-open John Igo Library in the Northwest Weekly on Nov. 8.  I can’t wait for it to open!

 I think it’s interesting to note that in the same newspaper an article by Leon Valley Mayor Chris Riley highlighted her experience with efficient public transportation in Oregon. 

 With the opening of the new library and next year’s opening of Brandeis High School, San Antonio has the opportunity to demonstrate it’s serious about improving neighborhoods by connecting them to facilities and events via a network of sidewalks and bicycle lanes.

 I recently contacted the Northside ISD about their plans to connect the new high school and the Dub Farris Sports Complex to the neighborhoods of Hunters Chase I & II, Woller Creek, Cambridge, Parkwood, etc., so people could walk or ride their bikes to school and athletic events in a safe and efficient manner.They told me they tried to work with the city on this matter, but the city informed them there was no interest or money. Sad.

I think San Antonio’s response to NISD says volumes about their lack of commitment to get people out of their cars and getting them to walk, ride bikes, etc., in an attempt to cut down on traffic congestion, air pollution and our fat city title.

 Hausman Road has no sidewalks to connect the new library to neighborhoods.As usual, people will drive their cars to the library, creating even more congestion on Hausman Road.

There is also no paved shoulder on Hausman Road, so people who do choose to walk will do so at their own peril.

 San Antonio will once again miss out on an opportunity to become progressive when it comes to moving people in a more efficient manner. And if anyone is waiting for VIA to do something, I think their response to Chris Riley that it will take 10 years to improve conditions on Bandera Road says it all.

 District 8 City Councilwoman Diane Cibrian told me she’s looking into the congestion on Hausman Road and hopefully something will be done, even if it’s nothing more than a simple paved sidewalk on Hausman Road to the library and the new Kyle-Seale Parkway extension off Hausman Road to the new high school.

Richard Gray

Leon Valley votes yes for better streets

Editor:

The many volunteers from the Citizens Organized for Economic Development (COED) who helped get the word out about the election want to thank voters for believing in Leon Valley and its future. On Nov. 6, the voters of Leon Valley overwhelmingly approved the street maintenance tax (SMT), which will collect a 1/4 cent sales tax that will be used for road improvements and repairs.

Garnering 83 percent of the vote, the SMT will allow our Public Works Department to accelerate the much-needed repairs on our streets and related infrastructure. State law requires that any revenue generated by the SMT be used exclusively for street maintenance and where applicable, it can be used for associated infrastructure such as curbs, drainage and sidewalks.

We all love living in Leon Valley because of the small city setting with the big city amenities. But it takes money to provide the type of rapid services we demand and the SMT will provide extra money for road repairs without raising property taxes. It is estimated that the SMT will generate approximately $400,000 per year in additional revenue and will expire in four years unless extended by the voters.

Your approval of the SMT will continue to support Leon Valley’s becoming one of the best places to live in this area. Our city is working hard to improve our emergency services, our parks and our environment. With your continued support for our community, the members of COED look forward to working with you to make Leon Valley an even better place to live, work and raise our families.

Rudy L. Garcia