Save Lake Thicket - Briarhills Homeowners Association

BRIARHILLS HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION
C/O RealManage – Houston
2000 S. Dairy Ashford #120
Houston, Texas 77077
Tel: 866-473-2573 or Fax: 281-582-6400

Michael McNally

President & CEO

Skanska USA, Inc.

350 Fifth Avenue 32nd Floor

New York, NY 10118

Dear Mr. McNally,

The Board of Directors of the Briarhills’ HOA is writing to you as concerned neighbors about Skanska’s commercial development at 15375 Memorial Drive in Houston, Texas. We seek your immediate attention because we are concerned about the report that you plan to fill in Lake Thicket, which will have a negative impact on both flooding and wildlife in our area.

As I'm sure you are aware, flooding is a major concern of the HOAs in West Houston. Since Lake Thicket already acts as a detention pond during periods of heavy rain, its removal will have a negative impact on solving the flooding problems in our area. Flooding due to unchecked commercial development is damaging individual properties and is a detriment to our West Houston community.

The wild undisturbed area in and around Lake Thicket is also home to many species of animals and contributes to the quality of life in the area. Our wetland areas provide sanctuary for wildlife and helps to mitigate flooding and by leaving this land intact and unaltered preserves the quality of life for residents in the area.

We have requested the support of local regulators and elected officials as well, all who will be receiving copies of the petition as well:

• Colonel Christopher Sallese – Commanding Officer, USACE Galveston District
• Congressman John Culberson – US House of Representatives
• Commissioner Steve Radack – Harris County
• Councilman Oliver Pennington – City of Houston
• Richard Smith – City Engineer, City of Houston
• Moni Belton - U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
• Sharon Parrish - Wetlands Section, Region 6, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
• Charles Maguire – Water Quality Section, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality
• Mark Fisher, 401 Coordinator, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality
• Rebecca Hensley – Ecosystem Resources Program, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department

We ask that you consider Lake Thicket as a positive feature of the property, worthy of keeping intact, because of its history, its role in addressing our flooding issues, and because it is a natural harbor for wildlife.

Thank you for your attention in this matter. On Behalf of Briarhills’ Home Owner’s Association,

Brian Heil, Vice President Briarhills’ HOA
Ken Fickes, President
Martha Whitton, Treasurer
Mark Penick, Director at Large
Jeff Kollar, Secretary