January 15, 2003

Livable Communities Steering Committee

The City of Galveston Livable Communities Steering Committee discussed the location of the proposed downtown transportation terminal on Wednesday.

John Cararra of the Goodman Corporation said negotiations are continuing with the Brown family, owners of the parking lot at the northeast corner of The Strand at 25th Street.

"The city will not purchase the property," Cararra explained.  "It will be a long term lease."

"This is the third site we have selected," said Allen LeCornu, urging the city to get some agreement in writing.

The committee asked Cararra to draft a letter of understanding to be considered at the next meeting of the committee on January 22.

Carrara reported that funding for Phase II of the Livable Communities project is not included in legislation pending before Congress.

The committee voted 5-1, with Betty Massey opposed, to move forward with the purchase of trash receptacles for Postoffice Street, which was included in the Phase II plans, using about $23,000 of the money allocated to the transportation terminal.

"What I hate to do is mortgage this terminal for some trash barrels if you've got no reason to think that in 2004 we will be any more successful than 2003," Massey said, speculating that the funding won't be approved by a Republican Congress. 

At the urging of Preservation Officer Lori Feild and Council Member Lyda Ann Thomas, the committee agreed to meet with the Galveston Landmark Commission at its February 3 meeting, to discuss the transportation terminal.

Barbara Crews, who has been unable to attend all of the meetings has informed Chair Fred Wichlep that she is resigning from the group.  Wichlep suggested that John Dundee also should be removed from the committee because he has been unable to attend meetings.

Galveston Historical Foundation Executive Director Marsh Davis, who intended to replace Gina Spagnola on the committee, learned that one year's residency in Galveston is required to serve.

LeCornu suggested that Spagnola, who now works for the Tremont House, could be appointed to fill another vacant position on the committee.

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