A METRO mobile command center positioned outside Moody Park Voting Center during the first week of early voting has drawn concern from some residents and voters in the area — but not all of them feel the same way.
The unit was stationed in front of the park on the first day of early voting, prompting questions from community members who worried the presence of officers could feel intimidating and discourage people from casting their ballots.
Residents raise alarm
Several residents reached out to KPRC 2 asking why the command center was there. Some said its placement felt threatening, particularly given the neighborhood’s demographics.
“They show up in a predominantly Hispanic neighborhood, which is where I grew up right here on northside,” said Diana Salas, a voter and resident of the area. “That is kind of hard for them to wonder why they are parked right front and center before they come up here and decide to vote.”
METRO responds, relocates unit
METRO said the command center was deployed to ensure safety along a nearby railway. The unit has been on-site for a couple of weeks, though officials have not confirmed how long it will remain.
After questions were raised, the command center was not removed — it was relocated. The unit is still at Moody Park but has since been moved to the back of the community center, near the pool, away from the main entrance of the voting location.
“We have since moved on Tuesday, a little bit [in the] afternoon, to the back of the park, just to appease anyone who is coming to vote who feels nervous about the presence of our officers,” said Anna Carpenter with METRO.
METRO keeps one to two officers inside the unit at all times, with several others patrolling the surrounding area. Cameras are also being used to monitor the location.
Carpenter added that community safety has been a driving factor in the deployment.
“We have gotten calls about how safety is not only imperative for the people to ride but also people that live around the communities want to know that they are safe, and our resources with MPD is adding to the surveillance that precinct 2 already has,” Carpenter said.
A neighborhood divided
Not everyone wants the command center moved. Lynette Tello, a resident of the area for 62 years, told KPRC 2 reporter Sandy Torres she welcomed its original placement near the railway and wants to see it moved back.
“I liked it where it was, because it was close to the Moody Park railway,” Tello said. “We walk and drive down those streets. It makes me feel safe and that METRO cares for us.”
Tello acknowledged the concerns of those who felt intimidated but was direct about where she stands.
“It needs to be moved back, and if people feel intimidated, I’m sorry, but safety is more important,” Tello said. “It’s about the feeling about those of us who live here feel safe, for the children, the seniors, and those of us who live here.”
Some residents remain unsatisfied
Not all residents share Tello’s view. Others say the command center should not have been positioned near the voting site at all.
“At the end of the day, I think we are all in this together — [it] should have been called out on day 1 ... should have been gone,” Salas said.
METRO to announce complimentary rides
METRO said it will provide complimentary rides to voting locations during the early voting period. Additional details on the program are expected to be released Oct. 22.
Voters with election concerns are encouraged to reach out to KPRC 2 News.
