SUBJECT: Approval of the permanent closure of a portion of Wanda Lane.
RECOMMENDATION: Adopt a motion to approve the permanent closure of a portion of Wanda Lane.
SPECIFIC EXPLANATION: The Neighborhood Traffic Management Program is governed by Article XV of Chapter 45 of the City Code of Ordinances. The Program aims to reduce speeding and cut-through traffic problems and improve quality of life. The Neighborhood Traffic Management Program has worked with neighborhoods throughout the City to address speeding and cut-through traffic issues. Speed cushions, partial/full closures, and diverters have been installed in these neighborhoods. The Department is requesting the City Council to approve these devices as permanent traffic calming devices.
The Bonhomme Acres neighborhood (Project ID 7134-21) submitted an application to the Neighborhood Traffic Management Program (NTMP) to request mitigation of speeding and cut-through traffic issues within the neighborhood. Houston Public Works (HPW) worked with the residents through the Volume Control Program. HPW conducted investigations and collected data, completed two traffic studies, and presented a plan to residents to permanently close Wanda Lane at approximately the 7200 block. Three public meetings were conducted as part of the process. The hearing dates were as follows: April 25, 2022, April 28, 2023, and June 11, 2024.The final public meeting was a recorded public hearing to receive final public comment about the proposed permanent roadway closure on Wanda Lane. The section of Wanda Lane to be closed is generally bound by Lugary Drive on the west and Fondren Road on the east.
Based on the results of two traffic studies along with the consensus of public opinion supporting the roadway closure, HPW recommends that City Council adopt a motion approving the roadway closure so that it becomes permanent.
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Randall V. Macchi
Director, Houston Public Works