Poll: Most favor closing Loquat

The Record’s online poll from Aug. 31- Sept. 14 asked readers whether they think the San Marcos City Council should close Loquat Street, as part of a Sessom Creek stream restoration project.

During the last San Marcos City Council meeting, council members found themselves in the conundrum of balancing water quality with public safety needs in deciding whether or not to close Loquat Street as part of a Sessom Creek stream restoration project.

The closure of Loquat would help improve water quality in Sessom Creek by allowing engineers to open up the stream so it resumes its natural function as a tributary to the San Marcos River instead of sending sediment into the river when it floods. However, closing Loquat would limit access to Canyon Road and other streets in the vicinity of Loquat Street, making response times 128 seconds longer for the fire department and 56 seconds longer for the police department.

The poll asking, “Do you think City Council should close Loquat Street?” received a total of 61 votes, with the majority of votes – 57 percent or 35 votes – going to option “Yes, it will improve water quality.” Forty-three percent, or 26 votes, chose, “No, prolonged response times is too big of a risk.”

A slight majority of poll voters think that the City Council should close Loquat Street to improve water quality. Every week, the Record gives its readers the opportunity to voice their opinions on different topics. This poll does not, and does not purport to, accurately depict public opinion. It is only intended to inspire thought-provoking discussion within the community.

SMDR’s new poll is available online now, and asks for readers’ opinions on whether they think a $7,400 pay raise for three Hays County constables for Fiscal Year 2019 is the right amount. It can be voted on now.