Public meeting on the closure of Miller Road, Bexar County

San Antonio
July 21, 2009
Last night my boys and I attended a public meeting on the permanent closure of Miller Road. The way I found out about this meeting was a flashing construction signs on Miller road. I called Tommy Adkisson's office for details. I live only two streets from miller road and did not get a meeting notice.

The purpose of the meeting was to present to the residence the request made by the Army Residence Community(ARC)to close Miller road for expansion on the property they own on the opposite side of Miller Rd. The county Engineer assured everyone that this is not a "done deal".

The ARC's presentation by Bruce Furbish ARC Executive Director, was about the expansion plans and reasons for the request to close the road. Some of the reasons are to make one campus instead of two being divided by the road and that because of the low traffic flow it would stop illegal dumping, and slow down "undesirables" coming though the area.

During the ARC's traffic impact many residence voiced concerns and opposition. Many felt that the increased flow of traffic would be hazardous, slow emergency response times, increase drive times and affect property values.
Others voiced that they welcomed the improvements that the new development would bring to the community.

I know that the County will benefit from the increase of property taxes that the expansion will bring. This was not discussed.

On a personal observation, I did not think that Bruce Furbish, ARC Executive Director, helped his cause by being silent during the questions from the residence. He had his arms folded and looked down during most of it. The questions were being fielded mostly by the ARC's Engineer,the County Engineer and some by the Commissioner.
I thought it was interesting that previous meetings have been held with the neighboring Home Owners Associations. These HOA's are voluntary and are not elected or supported by the majority of home owners. Would it not be more productive to the Commissioner to hold a neighborhood meeting that his staff organizes. This would include more people and eliminate the bias of the HOA influence of being the host. Many people do not recognize the "voluntary" power that assume upon themselves. HOA's imply that individuals is able to do "the right thing" and must be forced to live according to the HOA's views. In Commissioner Addkinsson's opening remarks he praised the HOA's and stated he was president of his. He also stated that without his HOA the neighborhood would be left out to dry. I would like to see elected officials that trusted me to make decisions for myself for my situation. My HOA does not like my pickup. Why? it is old and ugly. But it is what I think I need and can afford.

The meeting was well attended. It will be interesting to see the out come of this.
Stay tuned.