hindesky

https://www.austinchronicle.com/news/2024-04-19/austin-blocked-apartments-by-houses-for-years-new-rules-would-change-that/

Rasmus is a respected pastor in Houston with a long-standing reputation for completing apartments in the low-income neighborhood with city and state support. So Rasmus said he was surprised to read a recent Houston Chronicle story that described how the law firm Hoover Slovacek had raised concerns over Rasmus asking the city's Planning Commission for permission to build the Crawford closer than 25 feet from the property line.

The attorneys representing a real estate developer, which specialize in upscale apartment complexes, said the Crawford's request for a variance goes against Houston's Walkable Places ordinance promoting wide sidewalks, and that the request could interfere with ambitions to remove the Pierce Elevated as part of I-45 expansion and build a park resembling the popular High Line in New York City.

The city's Planning Commission is expected to vote on the variance this Thursday. "We didn't know we had a NIMBY case," Rasmus said this week, referring to the acronym meaning "not in my back yard" that's often attached to vocal residents who object to unwelcome or undesirable elements entering their neighborhoods. "This is the first time we have ever gotten any pushback from our neighbors."

https://www.chron.com/culture/religion/article/texas-pastor-battle-developers-19405832.php

Note: The pastor is one of many that spoke in favor of the proposed project.

Tilman Fertitta is making half hearted attempt to bring an NHL team here but won't happen unless the NHL decides to expand. I think he wants the city of Houston to give him money or tax breaks to make it happen.

21 minutes ago, __nevii said:

 

I am confused about this recent news, regarding why a variance request/fight for such was needed to begin with?
 

It was only because of the IH 45 Pierce Elevated, which is coming down.

Chaad Whitmire might try to stop it, he hates making things nicer in Houston, but he has zero authority over TXDOT taking it down. Dude thinks he is able to get whatever he wants after being a minority wrench in the GQP ruled Texas Legislature for decades.

Planning commission deferred this. Neighbor spoke for it if they build a fence next to the alley to prevent vehicles traveling in the alley. Commission deferred it pending TIRZ 5 response due to possible future 20th street rehabilitation.

The Planning Commission approved the variance request for off street parking. A neighbor behind this project spoke in favor of it because she is worried about vagrants that have moved in to it several times and was worried about potential fires they often could cause. It's a historical building, a former mechanical shop. After business hours paid parking is available across the street at the law office.

The Planning Commission approved the variance request. Multiple people spoke for it including Council Women Carolyn Evans Shabazz from District D. The one and only person speaking against it was a representative of the proposed project at 1500 Gray who has a vested interest in opposing it.

The woman tower crane operator I follow on social media is now operating the tower crane here.

https://www.hashkitchen.com

Firehouse Saloon was torn down and now several retail shops are being built here including a El Bolillo Bakery.

8 hours ago, TCL said:

Any word on when they open?

My guess would be 4Q '24 or 1Q "25.

https://nrpgroup.com/communities/the-pointe-at-bayou-bend

Leasing site - https://www.pointebayoubend.com

https://slimchickens.com

It's finished.

Ravenvolt is now doing the work. The fence is now covered.

https://ravenvolt.com

The Wells Fargo Drive Thru is fenced off. Assuming demo will be coming shortly and then they will build the new Wells Fargo which will open the existing location to be repurposed.