AUSTIN | Transportation Updates - Page 357

freerover · #**7121** Posted **Nov 2, 2020, 2:27 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Novacek

It’s 451.071

It doesn’t apply to Houston because Houston has a population greater than 850K.

Of course, it must be pure coincidence that the only city it applies to (population and date of transportation authority) is Austin.

https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/D...htm/TN.451.htm

Wait, so the estimate for city limits is over 1 million. If that is what the census shows then all the provisions for 850k cities would be null unless a new bill is passed?

Novacek · #**7122** Posted **Nov 2, 2020, 2:32 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by freerover

Wait, so the estimate for city limits is over 1 million. If that is what the census shows then all the provisions for 850k cities would be null unless a new bill is passed?

As I understand it, the populations used for the "donut" laws aren't legal/official until the next decennial census (estimates don't count). So unfortunately Austin hasn't been exempt for these 5+ years.

Then at that point, there's a relatively pro forma bill to update the population triggers, comprehensively throughout Texas law.

Notice that particular statute has
Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1163 (H.B. 2702), Sec. 144, eff. September 1, 2011.

And then H.B. No. 2702 is pages upon pages of updates, and was passed near unanimously by both the house and the senate.

freerover · #**7123** Posted **Nov 2, 2020, 3:39 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Novacek

As I understand it, the populations used for the "donut" laws aren't legal/official until the next decennial census (estimates don't count). So unfortunately Austin hasn't been exempt for these 5+ years.

Then at that point, there's a relatively pro forma bill to update the population triggers, comprehensively throughout Texas law.

Notice that particular statute has
Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1163 (H.B. 2702), Sec. 144, eff. September 1, 2011.

And then H.B. No. 2702 is pages upon pages of updates, and was passed near unanimously by both the house and the senate.

So IF Texas Dems can take the house for next year's session then they can have some power over what kind of extension is passed. If they don't then maybe there is hope for congress to mandate independent redistricting to give us a better shot in 2022 and 2024.

Novacek · #**7124** Posted **Nov 2, 2020, 5:02 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by freerover

So IF Texas Dems can take the house for next year's session then they can have some power over what kind of extension is passed. If they don't then maybe there is hope for congress to mandate independent redistricting to give us a better shot in 2022 and 2024.

Probably makes no difference for this. All the Democrats voted for it last time.

clubtokyo · #**7125** Posted **Nov 2, 2020, 5:41 PM**

What do you guys think of this for bike lanes? https://www.reddit.com/r/Damnthatsin...tm_name=iossmf

Novacek · #**7126** Posted **Nov 2, 2020, 5:47 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by clubtokyo

What do you guys think of this for bike lanes? https://www.reddit.com/r/Damnthatsin...tm_name=iossmf

I don't think I can think of anywhere worse to bike.

Getting the pollution from the cars on both sides. Risking accidents from both sides (2X the danger). Noise from both sides.

Plus once you're there, you're stuck for miles (?)

Echostatic · #**7127** Posted **Nov 2, 2020, 6:08 PM**

I cannot imagine a worse way to make bike infrastructure.

clubtokyo · #**7128** Posted **Nov 2, 2020, 9:13 PM**

All fair points! Yeah it seems kind of terrifying to be trapped in there for miles.

Maximusx1 · #**7129** Posted **Nov 2, 2020, 9:24 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by freerover

So IF Texas Dems can take the house for next year's session then they can have some power over what kind of extension is passed. If they don't then maybe there is hope for congress to mandate independent redistricting to give us a better shot in 2022 and 2024.

You got a mouse in your pocket?

freerover · #**7130** Posted **Nov 3, 2020, 1:54 AM**

Any predictions for tomorrow? I'll say Prop A goes down 55% against. We can start prepping for the next big mass transit vote in 2040 for a 2050 opening.

austin242 · #**7131** Posted **Nov 3, 2020, 2:18 AM**

I predict it will pass 55-45.

The ATX · #**7132** Posted **Nov 3, 2020, 2:47 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by freerover

Any predictions for tomorrow? I'll say Prop A goes down 55% against. We can start prepping for the next big mass transit vote in 2040 for a 2050 opening.

I'm afraid that you are correct.

austin242 · #**7133** Posted **Nov 3, 2020, 2:50 AM**

Can they not just put the exact same thing on the ballot in 2022 if it fails?

wwmiv · #**7134** Posted **Nov 3, 2020, 3:18 AM**

My prediction: Prop A will pass, 62-38.

The ATX · #**7135** Posted **Nov 3, 2020, 3:39 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by wwmiv

My prediction: Prop A will pass, 62-38.

I love your optimism.

drummer · #**7136** Posted **Nov 3, 2020, 3:54 AM**

I have a lot of friends who want to vote for Prop A but can't based on where they live if it's any consolation.

wwmiv · #**7137** Posted **Nov 3, 2020, 4:37 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by drummer

I have a lot of friends who want to vote for Prop A but can't based on where they live if it's any consolation.

edit: freerover made the obvious point below that I totally missed.

freerover · #**7138** Posted **Nov 3, 2020, 5:07 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by drummer

I have a lot of friends who want to vote for Prop A but can't based on where they live if it's any consolation.

So not in austin?

drummer · #**7139** Posted **Nov 3, 2020, 2:51 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by freerover

So not in austin?

Not in Austin proper - suburbs. Though all of my friends who live in the city of Austin voted for it.

StoOgE · #**7140** Posted **Nov 3, 2020, 2:54 PM**

I think the massive young voter turnout will pull Prop A through. I've been doomposting about it for weeks, but I think we got this.