| Name |
Comment |
| TJ Flowers |
It is better to slow down when driving through our beautiful streets than to live with the pain of knowing you were the cause of a life lost.
|
| S Nicholas |
As one of your City of San Antonio, Bel Meade neighbors, thank you for letting us put up signs in our neighborhood. Your message spread to the City of San Antonio and made us all more aware of being nice to one another and slowing down. Come over anytime to Bel Meade. We have a nice big park and lots of hills for biking and running. Take care and thank you again. Sue and Michael Nicholas
|
| T Disel |
This sounds like a great project and we a glad to help in anyway possible.
|
| G Kaats |
20 Green goes beyond just slowing down our vehicles to "encourage residents to slow down in all aspects of their lives and enjoy the place where we live". Culriously, in his album Home Before Dark, Neil Diamond's song, "Slow it Down" seems to capture this message so well it could serve as a 20 Green theme song. Diamond sings his advice to "Slow it down, take your time... And you'find your time as a meaning... Easy now... Catch the sound of your heartbeat before it's leaving... You say you want satisfaction... Try stepping away from the action... Get some traction between you and the scenery... And the rest of the words seem to a fit with what 20 Green's is saying.
Admins note: Great post Gil and THANK YOU so much for your families support!
|
M Carter |
Always drive as though a child can dart out into the street at any time. consider any car, bush or tree as something the child can hide behind. and use your rear and side view mirrors, positioned to cover the blind spots (most people position them to see the sides of the car when their head is in the center of the driver's position, which are not the blind spots. move your head to the left driver's window, and position the driver's side mirror to just see the side of the car: move your head over the center console, and position the passenger side mirror to just see the side of the care: then, in the center position in the driver's seat, the car's blind spots are covered. I've never understood why, with the cheapness of video cameras now, car makers have not put a mildly wide angle rear view camera up near the third stop light in the rear of the car, and put the viewscreen where the rear view mirror is now. no blind spots.
|
| |
|
| M Ashmore |
HI! I'm not in the San Antonio area, but used to live there (currently at Incirlik Air Base, Turkey). I was back last week for a conference, and stopped by bike world to get some parts for my MTB. I saw the 20green water bottles, and had no idea what it was all about. Once it was explained to me, I felt obligated to support and buy a bottle. Even though I don't live in the area, there are a lot of other military folks who go back all the time. Hopefully as I'm riding on base to work (as I do almost daily), I'll be able to explain and spread the word to anyone who asks what in the world 20Green is, and who the heck is Greenie! Thanks for doing the right thing!
Admins note: "Greenie" is our cartoon mascot. We "hired" him because he was well qualified - he is a turtle, therefore he is GREEN and he is SLOW, but he is quick to spread the 20GREEN message! (our good friend graphic designer Eli Flores came up with "Greenie")
|
| B Holzhausan |
I might suggest speed humps on Vandiver specifically on the curve from Ivy to Garraty. A speeding car has a hard time reacting to pedestrians and on coming traffic at the same time
|
| H Donoho |
This is a great idea. Vehicles have been driving faster through out town every year and somthing needs to be done..
|
| J Purnell |
Thanks for all you do for safety, fitness, and Colonel "Pump".
|
| J Stepan |
Many Thanks to all our great neighbors for the efforts. We're with you 100% - Twenty is Plenty!
Admins notes: Thank you so much for supporting our neighborhood and the project.
|
| G Weatherston |
YOU GUYS ARE DOING A GREAT JOB !!!!!!!!!!!!!
Admins notes: And will continue to do so ALL because of the support and encouragement of people like yourself. Thank you George!
|
| A Strunk |
Need to reduce the speed on Eldon Ave. (the main drag thru Terrell Hills)
Admins note: Eldon is definitely the most dangerous street in Terrell Hills. We have about 170 20GREEN signs displayed in Terrell Hills but I don't think there is one on Eldon.
|
| M Bagg |
Need larger recycle trash cans like they have in other neighborhoods. We always fill up the small bin that we currently have.
Admins note: That has been mentioned three or four times by residents posting here. I will be at the City Council Monday and will present these comments on that subject.
|
| C McCarthy |
Any chance of getting those large blue recycling bins with the lid and wheels that the rest of the city has? They sure would keep the recycling dry in the alleys.
Admins note: Does it make any sense that if we had really nice size, dry containers perhaps we could cut down to every other week for pickup? Just a thought
. |
| W Conner |
Sidewalks!
Admins note: That has been studied, and I am told that there are problems with the grade on Eldon for example. Don't know how that would sell in this town, but a lot of us would love them.
|
| R Rudd |
If you prefer 20mph, that's fine, so long as you pull over to allow cars wishing to drive the legal speed limit are behind you
Admins note: I think everyone supporting this realizes that is a reasonable request. Also, as I have said before, speeding up to 30MPH makes sense in this situation if there in no meditate danger to others on the road. Its the basic "drive friendly" concept - slow down when you can, but don't impede traffic wishing to drive 30MPH.
|
D Center |
I am all in for lower speeds on all of Terrell Hills streets! However, driving Eldon and having "Rebel Walkers" or "Organ Donors" blocking the road with obvious traffic at rush hour coming in both directions is a serious situation! Come on people, use your common sense when walking/biking/jogging our streets. I have also cited school bus and construction drivers with signs on their vehicles by calling their administrators. That slowed them down!
Admins note: I think most of our supporters are sincere and reasonable. I think its great that someone has brought up the fact that the whole courtesy, safe initiative is a two way street. The people on the street need to set examples of this. I encourage my friends to not ride double, and stay next to the curb. Walkers should really consider if traffic and the width of the street warrants walking two abreast - it usually does not.
|
| R Maldonado-Holder |
Probably slower speed limits. I've noticed people speed early in the morning when I'm out running at 5 a.m. because they think no one is around on the road. But a lot of runners, cyclists and walkers (and also dogs in tow) are out. Runners/walkers also need to know that it is safer to face traffic when walking/running.
Admins note: If you take on the mindset to drive a bit slower at all times, you get in the habit of it, then the time of day won't matter. I see that most people who run and walk early and late in the evening are using high visibility lights, and boy do they help drivers. (especially if your night vision is not all that good)
|
| M kelley |
Being from San Francisco, I can really appreciate the need for the roads to be more pedestrian friendly here and am all for giving right of way to bicyclists. However, this is the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard, and I feel that you should be focusing all this money, energy and time on city (san antonio included) infrastructure like bike lanes and sidewalks to accommodate a healthier lifestyle rather than littering the neighborhood with more signs that mean absolutely nothing and cannot be enforced. Not only are the signs becoming an eyesore, but they are also are going to confuse people about what the legal speed limit actually is, not to mention create more potential hazards when someone behind one of the "voluntary" slow drivers that is in a hurry and wanting to go the real speed limit of 30 decides to fly around someone who - lets face it - is driving WAY TOO SLOW in an already low and safe speed zone!
Admins note: Next week the San Antonio City Council votes on an multi-million dollar initiative to bring Bike Share to S.A. My wife's proposal was chosen over several other applicants, including one from the West Coast and one from Canada, and you are right these are good things to work on as well. We don't put up the signs, we simply deliver them when someone requests one, and they apparently stand for something very important to a lot of our residents. Since they are not on an 8 foot pole and don't say "Speed Limit", I don't think they are confused with the city speed limit signs. I don't think the mindset of our average supporter is to cause anyone any problems while driving. When someone is behind me, I speed up. If someone wants by and I perceive a danger to walkers or runners who are present, then I just pull over.
|
| P Fernandez |
Thanks so much for keeping this project going. My children have many great memories growing up here and hope it will always be the best! The only concern I have is very fast cars down Garraty from north of Vandiver to Harry Wurzbach. even with the construction and rocks! I always see children and dogs especially by the apts. at Harry W.
|
| M. Lovell |
"I am an avid cyclist, and therefore a proponent for safety, but I think that this is misleading. When Alamo Heights changed their speed limit from 30 to 25, my gas mileage was cut by almost 50%. If this is supposed to be an environmentally friendly solution, it is WAY OFF!!! I will cannot support an initiative if it misleads its audience by stating that as an advantage."
Admins note: Thanks for the eMail and comments. I really want to hear all sides. You are correct that there is no gas savings by going 20MPH, and you are also burning hydrocarbons for a longer period of time, since you are driving in the neighborhood longer. Our concept of green really goes beyond hydrocarbons and emissions. To me it is about quality of life, and making our neighborhoods a safer and better place to live. Also, to me it means having a healthier environment, that encourages walking, running and cycling. That is certainly a green agenda. When cars are more considerate of these people, they are more likely to be on the streets in something other than a car. I think perhaps we need to re-state this message on the website, as I certainly don't intend to mislead anyone.
|
| J Evans |
Encourage people to walk jog run on the correct side of the road - the left
Admins note: You are correct sir. And it drives me crazy, and my wife crazy because I don't feel comfortable walking, other than on the "right" side of the road, even though I know I should walk facing traffic. Old habits are hard to break.
|
| S Hayes |
How about free fire wood after this storm??
Yes, that was me out with the Steel Chain Saw, and yes it was turned in to fire wood. We also had no internet for two days, and are behind on sign delivery and web updates.
|
| S Owens |
This idea is a win/win/win on so many levels for the residents of Terrell Hills. By what I've seen so far, 20Green will raise consciousness and awareness of local safety issues. I think of it as community glue that can help provide cohesion and increase communication between our friends and neighbors. The best part is that it's free and voluntary. All that's required is you care about making your block a better place to live.
Admin note: I like that - "Community Glue!"
|
| B Lang |
I HAVE BEEN WANTING A SLOWER SPEED LIMIT FOR A LONG TIME THANK YOU
|
| D Stephens |
I wish we had speed bumps. It seems like the FedEx and UPS trucks go way too fast.
Admin note: I had hoped to enlist the support of these companies, but it seems that "Time is Money" is the mantra of the delivery business. 20MPH would sure make for a safer environment for drivers who frequently jump in and out of their trucks.
|
| T Ashby |
I'm thrilled to see the supportive comments here. Congratulations to everyone who started these ideas. My husband and I built our dental office with many green features, This was less than a year ago and it was really difficult to find construction people who 'got' what we were talking about. I predict that Terrell Hills might draw more innovative people as we show our true colors- red, white, blue, and green
Admins notes: We are thrilled as well. Starting with your comment, I will post the newest note from residents at the top, rather than the bottom. Also, as you may have noticed, posting all comments, supportive or not. Love it - "red, white, blue and green!"
|
| D.Brousard |
"This is a great start. We tried to get STOP signs
on Garraty years ago to slow cars down to no avail, so I am glad to see
the police chief behind this initiative. Thanks"
|
| P.Armstrong |
Got your lovely flyer yesterday. Good on you! Yes, I
want a yard sign, please, as soon as they are available. (Whit: Also
thank you for the dog drinking fountain.
|
| J Purnell |
This is a great idea and I'm happy to do my part in
get it off the ground.
|
| Anonymous |
A 20mph speed limit is absolutely nonsensical for
commuters to work and MOST others. Maybe the Sunday lazy drivers but
this is asinine and think a promotion to “Keep the Speed at 30mph”
should be initiated to combat this idea. And to try to tie this to it
being “Green” – who came up with this?? It's vehemently opposed fyi and
will be fought/voted against with all whom have better things to do
than worry about slowing down a VERY typical/safe/reasonable and green
residential speed limit. VOTE NO TO 20.
Admins note: There is no election or vote, nor are we advocating
changing the speed limit. 20GREEN just advocates slowing down when it
makes sense - when it is practical and prudent to do so, with special
consideration to pedestrians, bicycle riders and children. In fact, 20GREEN could be a
great alternative to changing the speed limit, speed bumps and
stopsigns.
|
| Anonymous |
I would love to have all the power lines
buried and while doing so, put in sidewalks. I would happily pay more
taxes for that!
Admins note: This is a person who gets it! 20GREEN is about more than
just driving 20MPH when it is the right thing to do... its about ideas
and a "what if" to make Terrell Hills a better place to live. More
taxes?? - Yikes! Perhaps there will be Federal money to update power
grids in the future. I hope someday we will look back at photos of all
those power poles and wires everywhere and think "how strange!"
|
| S. Ramirez |
Great idea!!!!
|
| Anonymous |
We are both very interested in this project
and
the ideas we see so far. We are seniors and don't have children living
with us. But we still want to be involved. Thanks for starting this.
|
| R.A.Cantu |
What a great initiative! Count me in. I would
love to see safer streets for those who love to walk and bike in our
great little city. This is what Terrell Hills needs. Additionally,
incentives or awards for most water conscious lawn owners. Recognition
for sustainable/green architecture for all the new home construction.
Maybe water catchment for city owned properties. What a great start.
Admins notes: So many sides to "Green" Even if you simply give someone
an "idea"
about what to plant in a new bed. A few friends have already commented
on how great it felt just to relax a bit while driving and really try
not to be in such a hurry. And when you start thinking about
conservation, encouraging "green" behavior, it seems like we could make
a collective difference in so many areas! Great post.
|
| K. Warman |
I think that a lower speed limit is a perfect
place to start. It makes Terrell Hills a much safer place for everyone
to run, walk, bike and live! Thank you!
Admins notes: This is going to be the great debate. Can we make a
difference in driving habits
with the voluntary 20GREEN program? Our hope is that we can through
changing the community conscious.
Perhaps it is "Pollyanna thinking", but would it not be great if
every resident noticed a change in driving courtesy in Terrell Hills,
and it didn't come about by enacting speed laws, installing stop signs,
bumps etc?
|
| P. Zacher |
Hi Whit, This is great. My wife may have signed up
yesterday, as she forwarded this to me. I recently was thinking about
our undersized recycling bins that the city provides compared to other
cities. I heard that I could actually go get larger bins on my own and
use these, but never knew this fact. I would love to see your
organization succeed in your initial initiative on making the city more
bike and pedestrian friendly for us, but also use 20GREEN as a
springboard to a broader based platform to improve other "greener"
initiatives in Terrell Hills, be it recycling, energy use of what have
you. Our kids are 5 and one just took off the training wheels 10 days
ago. August being able to bike safety around town on his own as he gets
a little older, like I did in my childhood in Piedmont, CA, is
something for which I strive. Thank you. Peter Zacher
Admins Notes: Hey Peter - I think your comments are right on. I hope
that I can provide a forum for this project
and that with time we can turn some good ideas into realities. A real
critical service 20GREEN could provide is to prove that people have
some concerns, and also they care about making things better. There
is always room for improvement.
|
| R Walker |
Speed bumps in certain areas!
|
| P Kane |
I
would love to see the trash & recycle schedule change to allow one
of each on holidays weeks. Currently we have no recycle on holiday
weeks,
causing excessive dumping of recycled materials into the trash bins.
|
| D Fowler |
A few more street lights!!! And it seems that the police presence has dissipated -- used to be a cruiser driving by all the time, now rarely. Sure would be nice if those who speed down our streets where our children play were stopped and ticketed.
Admins Notes: Any concerns with our Police Dept should be directed to Chief Whitlock. He is the most "accessible" Chief we have ever had, a great listener, and has a real desire to improve Terrell Hills.
In the early 60's the city of Terrell Hills put a gas lamp on every corner. They put out great light and were really a nice feature - but being gas, they burned night and day, and were deemed too wasteful, too much maintenance, and years ago they disappeared. You still see one every now and then, that someone maintains in their yard. And have you seen the work on the new street lamps on Geneseo? Thanks to "Boo" Howser who initiated the fund drive to purchase those.
|
| Anonymous |
Speed Bumps on major roads that are travels often. If there were speed bumps, maybe the boy who died on Morningside Dr would not have occurred.
|
| B BrewerIII |
Let's all take a breath...and slow it down to enjoy all that life has to offer!
Admin notes: This has to be my favorite comment of all!
|
| B Kane |
The longest non-stop stretch of road in Terrell Hills is 0.9 miles. [(1) Garraty between H. Wurzbach and Eldon AND (2) Geneseo between N. New Braunfels and Dover] Driving this distance at 30 mph takes 1 minute, 48 seconds. At 20 mph, this takes 2 minutes, 42 seconds.
Net difference is 54 seconds. Or in other words, it "costs" us less than a minute to slow from 30 mph to 20 mph. Seems like a pretty fair trade to me.
Admins note: I actually had not timed this, but assumed it might take perhaps two plus minutes more. This is very good data and info to know - saying, it's hardly any sacrifice. Today, my 20MPH kept me from running over a little Cocker Spaniel loose on the street on Terrell. Net result? No hurt dog, a relieved owner, and a new sign up in a Terrell Road yard!
|
| The Bolado Family |
To have more city functions / gatherings such as the 4th of July parade, and the new Memorial Day Walk.
Admins notes: Thanks for mentioning the City Managers First Annual Run this coming Monday (Memorial Day). Big City Celebration on July 3rd, then our Run and Concert on the 4th. I know it is not the "Status Quo" of Terrell Hills to have events other than the 4th Parade, but I think a few special events, such as walks and "light" concerts where we use our "Parkway" as a real park and we all get together every once in a while is a great idea.
|
| J Palmer |
This is an awesome idea! Seeing how way too many people use Seford Drive as a thoroughfare to the hills, and speed through here like a bat out of New York City, we are hoping this initiative will SLOW THEM DOWN in this area! Thank you for taking the lead!!
Admins notes: Non-residential traffic using residential streets as "shortcuts" has become a problem for many neighborhoods nationwide as motorists seek to avoid the major thoroughfares (Harry Wurzbach?). Solutions have been lower speed limits, stop signs and speed bumps which remove the advantages of the shortcuts. I personally hope Terrell Hills never gets to that point. Burr Road (SA) obviously needed the changes it is getting this week. Burr got so bad the residents could no longer back out of their driveways.
|
| G Harcourt |
I am opposed to changing the speed limits in Terrell Hills. I am in favor of enforcement of current speed limits - which are reasonable and safe.
Admins note: 20GREEN is not trying to change the legal speed limit. We do think we have areas of Terrell Hills (Eldon for example) where extra care needs to be taken while driving. If you have walkers on both sides of the road and cars converging "legally" at a combined speed of 60MPH, you have an unsafe situation.
|
| B Keenan |
Great initiative. We just moved here this month and are excited to become a part of it. Looking at the average water bill for this area, water conservation is foremost on my family's mind.
Admins notes: Welcome to Terrell Hills! We also got sticker shock with the water bill this month. We were on water restriction last year and a lot of residents lost a lot of landscape and grass. Some of us (guilty) watered extra last month to try and get some of it to grow back and got a wrist slap with that water bill. Zeroscape makes more sense every day.
|
| S Marion Family |
I would love it if the speed limit were officially changed to 20 throughout Terrell Hills.
Admins notes: The state passed a law that the minimum speed limit you can have is 25MPH, other than School Zones. 20GREEN is committed to simply trying to change drivers habits and mindset, and hoping to make a difference. 20MPH is our goal as well, although strictly voluntary.
|
