Saving Lake Thicket: Westchester Villa Maintenance Association

Westchester Villa Maintenance Association
618 Chadbourne Court
Houston TX 77079

October 1, 2012

Mr. Michael McNally
President & CEO
Skanska USA Commercial Development
1776 Yorktown, Suite 690
Houston, TX 77056

Dear Mr. McNally,

The Board of Directors of Westchester Villa Maintenance Association 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. As a group we are
working with several government agencies to mitigate the problem, mostly thought the acquisition of property
near Buffalo Bayou that can act as a detention pond. 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.

The wild undisturbed area in and around Lake Thicket is home to many species of animals and contributes to the charm of the Memorial area. We have been very active in protecting our wildlife in the area around Buffalo Bayou and would not like to see any harm come to them.

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.

Sincerely,

Ben Crocker
President, Westchester Villa Maintenance Association