The FAQ's were updated March 2009 to reflect current questions and concerns.

Q: Will METRO purchase any residential property along the MLK portion of the southeast alignment?

A: METRO has no plans to acquire homes on Martin Luther King or Old Spanish Trail. Along MLK and OST, METRO does plan to acquire sections from several commercial properties as well as a service station.

In compliance with environmental laws, METRO will ensure that all surface and underground materials are safely removed.

Q: Where along MLK will the train run?

A: The Light Rail transit system will operate in the median of MLK.

Q: What will METRO do to ensure the safety of children in the area, particularly around Peck Elementary School?

A: METRO Solutions implemented its Community School Safety Education Program (CSSEP) in the Southeast Corridor at four Houston Independent School District (HISD) schools. Designed for K - 12 students, the program addresses construction safety, rail safety, and pedestrian safety. In addition, the CSSEP includes training for the school district staff and for community organizations. The curriculum is aligned to the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) learning objectives and the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS) test objectives.

In March 2008 METRO implemented the CSSEP at Peck Elementary as part of its pilot program at the elementary school level. By April 2008 the School Safety Program expanded its scope beyond the elementary grade level to include middle and secondary schools. In September the School Safety Program was implemented at Dodson Montessori, followed by MacArthur Elementary and Jack Yates High School. MacArthur Elementary was included in the CSSEP program in anticipation of its merger with Peck Elementary.

In addition, METRO engineers and safety personnel are working closely with HISD architects and Peck administrative staff to ensure that METRORail is compatible with the new Peck Elementary School campus.

METRO has introduced a new kids website, "METRO Kids' Stop", and mascot "Fred the Tread" to teach children about safety and transit and environmental awareness. Visit www.ridemetro.org and click on the Community tab for more information.

Q: Will METRO be blocking my street?

A: During construction, METRO will consistently maintain exit and entry from residential and business properties.

METRO is proposing to add signalization on MLK between OST and Griggs Road where no traffic signals are currently in place. This will promote safe street crossings and facilitate entry and exit in and out of the neighborhood for vehicles and pedestrian traffic. The City of Houston will determine final placement of traffic signals.

Q: What will METRO do to help mitigate impacts and assist businesses during construction?

A: METRO recognizes that successful businesses along the alignment are necessary for successful ridership. Mitigation measures are not "one-size-fits-all" and implementation depends on case-by-case evaluations. However, METRO is committed to implement creative solutions and using more community friendly construction methods which will include:

• Conducting construction in segments (rather than on long stretches of a street at once) to allow roadways to remain open.
• When possible, contractors can pre-engineer and pre-fabricate portions off-site and then install them at a time that would cause less disruption.
• Appropriate signage will be provided to the busineses along the alignment.
• Business owners will be made aware of what to expect ahead of time through door-to-door and face-to-face contacts.
• Contractors will provide temporary driveways and walkways as needed to ensure continuous business access.

METRO has partnered with the Greater Southeast Management District (GSEMD) to provide technical assistance and resources to area businesses through METRO's Communities in Motion program.

Do you have a specific question that is not answered here? Submit your questions and comments to your local METRO Representative by clicking here.

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