Hawkeye

In re: to Shulse, I would have to agree that development decisions could be given more due dilligence (the area has the income, market diversity, and population to support a number of things) but the idea right now is to get a return on your investment in whatever form comes your way regardless of it's impact to the surrounding community. One example that is not too far from the 99 corridor that you refer to is the development in recent years along 359 outside of Pecan Grove. I'm certain there were concerns raised when the trend in fast food joints, oil change/car repair businesses, etc began to flourish with really no master plan in place. This lack of planning and disregard to the needs of the community over the almighty dollar has always concerned me as it does have just as much a negative impact on overall environmental aesthetics and your property value as the guy living next you who decides it is appropriate to park his car in the front yard. Consider too that a number of businesses/franchises over in the Hwy 6 corridor you refer to are now looking for new markets in order to survive- those interests are more than elated about the chance to carry on here and I'm guessing that the price of entry was lowered. With respect to the new businesses though- yes- we have enough fast food options in the area (I would vote for Jack in the Box over Mickey D's or Sonic by the way) and we really don't need the additional liquor store unless it results in lower prices across the board (likely won't be the case and I wonder how many folks make the venture to Spec's anyway) but, looking at it from the land owner's perspective they are willing to accept anything in this down economy. I'm guessing that there have been few takers in recent months (such as the restaurants, retail, etc that we see in Cinco/Sugar Land we would like to have instead) so, to the land owner- anything is better than no return at all. Thus, the proliferation of banks, auto care businesses, and I'm guessing a few more fast food establishments along this section of Hwy 99. It really boils down to restrictions on Commercial development and a collection of members in the community to monitor it (something we, unlike our neighbors in Sugar Land and Cinco Ranch, seem to be lacking). From the perspective of a non-land owner- I would rather see unimproved property over fast food joints and automotive care facilities. I have lived in this area for nearly 16 years and recall the days when I had to commute all the way to First Colony for groceries, pizza, retail, etc. Later this commute was shortened by offerrings in New Territory, RiverPark, Cinco Ranch. Never really had that aching desire to have commercial activity here at Waterside but what did appear in recent years was, amazingly, tasteful in terms of the architecture. Now, however, with the trend I am seeing between Long Meadow Farms and Waterside, I am a bit concerned that we could lose the battle of aesthetics. The perfect answer would be to collect enough money from everyone in the community to buy up the undeveloped land and then control the market ourselves but that is unlikely given the amount of investment it would take. The other suggestion is to get close to your M.U.D. board as they hear of such plans well before anyone else does. I have heard that there is a Commerical Modifications committee that supposedly has the same powers as the HOA's deed restriction committee but they are sort of an "undisclosed party" beyond the citizen's reach. Wonder what influence the County Commissioner would have but keep in mind that some sales tax revenue coming in is better than none at all. Wish we had the chance to dictate the business establishments that choose to move in (amazing isn't it- as we are the market they analyze to death before making any investment -right?) but we are at their mercy. Let us hope that in the long-term lessons from West Oaks area have been learned and that a standard is maintained going forward that connects Cinco Ranch to Telfair and all those in between without allowing the permanent damage that a down economy creates to mar the value we all find in living here today. As AK123 stated, let's hope that Aliana's further development provides a standard in commercial development that benefits us rather than hurts us.

I've wanted to respond to this posting for some time now as I was a bit confused as to what could have raised the concern of replatting to begin. I too am a WE resident and very concerned about any news of development on this intersection. Thought I knew everything until kcoole mentioned NTB proposal. Are you referring to National Tire and Battery? How long has this been on the plate? Is it a firm committment yet? Back to the replatting query (New2Waterside)- did you find this on NewQuest website? County records? Was it a serious query to begin with? I hate surprises.

Looks very similar to the design and materials used for the Texas Roadhouse restaurants that I have seen around town. I could be wrong though as their website doesn't mention a thing about a location in Katy.