trymahjong

received this email and thought I'd share it-- From: First Montrose Commons Neighborhood Association Sent: Wednesday, January 20, 2010 6:41 PM Subject: Murder in First Montrose Commons Dear neighbors, As some of you may have already heard, this past Monday HPD discovered a murder victim on or near the empty Post Properties lot at the intersection of Richmond and Garrott, which is the southeast corner of our neighborhood. The victim has been identified as Myra Ical, a transgendered person who was legally known as Ruben Dario Ical. She was last seen wearing black clothing. To my knowledge, Myra was not a resident of First Montrose Commons, but that in no way reduces the impact of her death upon all of us. It's true that our neighborhood has its fair share of petty crimes, but no one in FMC should ever have to fear for their life, no matter whether they are residents, business people, or just passing through. We as a community cannot and will not tolerate this kind of crime. But what can we do? First and foremost, if any of you were acquainted with Myra, or if any of you saw her recently, please contact HPD to let them know whatever you know. I have been informed that HPD has no leads on this crime right now. You may not be able to provide HPD with a "smoking gun", but any little bit of information about Myra might lead them to something more, so I urge you to share whatever you know even if it may seem inconsequential to you. For those of you who are hesitant to speak with HPD for whatever reason, you may contact me instead and we can work out a way to get your information to them. Next, we must take steps to minimize the possibility of an incident like this occurring again in FMC. We need to work with HPD and our elected officials to increase police presence around Spur 527 at the Richmond and W. Alabama intersections. These areas are well-known havens for drug dealers, prostitutes, thieves, and beggars masquerading as homeless. And while few of those people are capable of murder, their presence fosters a lawless environment where violent tendencies can fester. It is unreasonable to expect HPD to constantly monitor these areas, but we can demand that they at least periodically drain those swamps and send a message to criminals looking for action in and around our neighborhood. It is my intent to call a security meeting to be attended by FMC, our neighboring civic associations, HPD, and all relevant representatives and authorities to discuss our crime problems along Spur 527. When that meeting is announced, I hope to see all of you there and to hear your voices. Only by working together can we make First Montrose Commons safe for all.

I live close to 611 --And I always call the 3131 number to report what I see and ask for a reference number-- do a followup with a paper copy of that report and include the 3131 reference number--yes, it's a hassle but it makes a difference-The local PIP meetings for district one have repeatedly noted that the number of reports concerning a specific area translates to the number of patrols by HPD-- Also--- after a lot of complaints(citizens going to those PIP meetings and verbally explaining/complaining about the problem) that "forested" area by the spur-- the precint one capt did a sweep and cleared it out last year--of course it all seems to go back to the way it was-- but really what else can you do but keep filling out those reports and keep going to those meetings?

To: undisclosed recipients: Subject: body found Just in case nobody knows about it. On Monday a womans body was found in a field in the lower part of 1a20s (close to the spur surrounding area) . The body, thought to be a woman, was a ( male dressed in drag ) . Homicide was at the storefront yesterday placing out flyers with the a picture on it, hoping to find a witness who may have seen the this person with someone. I have no other information at this time, but if I come across something I will be sure to send everybody a email on the update. Thank You Very Much W

I noticed the sign at Ruggles that there would be a big New Years Celebration there--and someone was inside working this weekend to accept the invite to the Avondale gathering and said they currently only open in the evenings--but I was wondering if anyone has tried out Ruggles and if they were the same or different?

I've spoken about PIP --positive Interaction program with HPD-- but telling us the crime stats each month is at the heart of this program-{city wide meets everyother month-- local meets monthly}-- Updates on the Center of criminal activity are always on the agenda-- 2 sections come to mind-- one is further south than sharpstown but still close to I59 and the other is far west on westheimer-- HPD does storefront HPD--where there was a tradition of hight criminal activites and now those places aren't the hotbeds they once were but also if the crime rate goes significantly up-- a mobile storefront is put in place. And about the Heights --awhile back I posted that the murder rate in the Heights had gone up 900%--that was true-- there had only been ONE murder in the previous 12 months in the Heights-- but 8 bodies were found in the heights area-- that had been murdered somewhere else--If there was only ONE murder-- that doesn't exactly scream. . . . . . . center of criminal activity

-------i'm glad the antique store is open, that could mean more business in that area but . . . . . . it looks like there is living space above that antique store as well as living space above the continental club-- I point this out because of the potential for other types of business to go into those spaces. And it seems likely that the more things that go in and draw the interest of buyers-- the better all the business will be

If the area will be booming-- I'm wondering about that Antique store across the street ---is it ever open? are those apartments above it rentals? or could those be used for other small enterprises?

The lot directly next to Indika's on Westheimer (500 block) as well as the older house next to that has been fenced off with what looks like construction fencing-- anyone know what is planned?

FROM HOUSTONHISTORY.COM On January 20, 1931, Sterling was sworn in as governor of Texas after defeating the former governor (1925-1927) Miriam A. "Ma" Ferguson in the first and second Democratic primaries. His administration lasted only two years. On January 17, 1933, Ma Ferguson returned for her second term in the governor's mansion in Austin. A major problem arose during Sterling's term: unrestricted production in the huge new East Texas field drove prices down causing a depression in the oil industry. To reduce production, Governor Sterling declared a drilling curfew in four East Texas counties and ordered the National Guard to enforce it. While the Texas courts declared his move unconstitutional, he succeeded in assigning the Texas Railroad Commission its first regulatory authority over oil field drilling. After Ma Ferguson defeated Sterling in his bid for a second term, Sterling returned to the oil business in Houston.

This is 600 Avondale-- "the House was built in 1912 (Avondale first platted in 1907) by Dr. Peyton Denman--Gov. Sterling and wife Maude lived there between 1915 -1917-- from book by Gary Coover" I guess I was wondering if anyone knew where the Chronicle got their info on the house that was moved from Westheimer to Bagby

It has always been aknowledged in my neighborhood that Gov. Sterling lived in the newly developed Avondale District ( 600 Avondale) in the 1910's before he built his fabulous mansion-- but I was given this: http://www.chron.com...id=1999_3128940 now I wonder? anyone have any information?

Neartown also heard about the Master Plan (done by David Chipperfield of London-- I think) at the Menil--highlights of future plans -- will build an auditorium, another single artist gallery-- upgrade current green space --committed to open and green spaces-- the Richmont apts are owned by Menil and generate income-- plans would demolish that and put in new large green space surrounded by income producing property with height limit of 3 stories-- apparently lots of property was bought in that area with that in mind-- no high rises-- the dark gray places (Richmont apt-- Old Telephone building in white) in picture are owned by Menil--gray with white dot owned by Rothko- --old telephone building at Mandel and Richmond will be torn down and a new storage building will replace (maybe converting existing bungalow) --some of the streets will be put back in to improve traffic flow --all bungalows are to be preserved if possible --current parking on Alabama will stay

I was wondering about the curious building under construction on Drew at Brazos? Looked a little like a huge elevator shaft but now a friend says a $350. a night B&B? any details out there? </h1>

Interesting the discussion about plans for that block where Prive is-one of the owners sat with the avondale group at the pride parade--- I think on- going divorce ------------settlement isn't finshed yet and so the future of prive is uncertain.------- I heard Wanda Adams talking about the El Felix property at a summer Neartown meeting where the "charette" (know each of you would love being a fly on the wall--)was being discussed-- I didn't quite hear everything that was said and emailed asking for the details-- this is the response I received-- Concerning the Old El Felix Property adeveloper who has done several types of restaurant developments in other majorcities has bought the property. He has communicated to our office that his planis to have a restaurant reminiscent of Dubai ,a Middle Eastern, yet modern theme. The entire project encompasses a lounge, restaurant,and coffee bar and is ambitiously seeking to be complete by this winter. Iwill say that the developer did mention an outside component to thisdevelopment. We would be interested if this gets completed the community'sfeelings on that? I have no concentrate details in terms ofbusiness specifics i.e. - liquor license, hours of operation, plans forparking. My assumption is that it is too early to tell, as with mostdevelopments right now funding is difficult and several logistical items arestill being worked out. Jeron Ravin The Office of Council Member Wanda Adams

The Positive Interaction Program (with police) or PIP was held tonite for districts one (montrose) and district two (heights) all of the on going stats for crime are presented and discussed but the biggest gasp came when it was reported heights homicide rate was up 900% yipes! last year there was only one homicide this year 10-- but the kicker is-- most of those were committed elsewhere and the bodies dumped in the heights-- overall crime in the heights is actually down slightly if you don't count the homicide number-- in montrose most of the crimes are down (homicide, rape, armed robbery etc) but home and car burglary are really up so the overall crime stat is up--

They are set to open soon-- the kitchen is already turning out fab food as they donated "munchies" to the avondale civic organization bi-monthly social in august--

urban land institute architect renderings the charrette was sponsored by the Neartown Asso and ULI the community leaders, businesses, residents and interested parties were asked to gather and tell what should be "in the Mix" for the "buckle" of Montrose-- the intersection of Montrose and Westheimer-- Walkability, multi-use -less traffic-- more parking--public art were all elements--this is just one possibility

you're right about the trade off-- walkability is what i moved to avondale for-- still -- i have to admit to more than my share of frustration at Boheme--I was at the meeting where he assured everyone that all of the available spaces front and back would be made into parking--in addtion to the places he'd provide by pulling his frontyard fence back--that's the prickly part--that lingering feeling of resentment at being lied to-- but sure----walkability is worth it --doesn't mean i aint cranky about the parking stuff--and it's soothing to have a venue like this to vent--- and really makes me wonder why COH didn't think about a reliable bus/train/rail system back when the monorail dreams were floating around--

there might be a another bar at morgan and fairview-- have you seen the renovations of the old post office building? i hear that the owner of boheme is renovating upstairs for apartments and down stairs for cafe/bar/? space ------the parking nightmare will only get worse

maybe Eclessia is moving after all--is there another thread on Eclessia? A friend sent me this: did you catch this HAIF post by 'RS' on 4/8/09? Not the first time to hear this. Stats (if accurate) are interesting. Posting: Somewhere up the thread, The Meridian was mentioned. I've got several friends who work at a church/coffeeshop/art gallery at Taft & Welch (Montrose/Midtown) called Ecclesia. It is, for lack of a better description, a "hip/artsy" church. In late 2007, as a favor (I'm not affiliated with them formally), I ran a statistical analysis on their attendance. 80% of the congregation was under 35, and lived in Montrose or Midtown. They have three services on Sunday -- maybe 200 people showed up to each then; my guess is that's increased since. The rumor mill tells me that Ecclesia has bought The Meridian and plans to vacate their current space on Taft (I used to live nearby, and parking and noise had become major problems for their neighbors) and move in to The Meridian. My guess is, also, that the Ecclesia management has a pretty clear hypothesis on where "20-something hip people" are migrating in the next 5-10 years or so. --

I'm wondering if the HPD hesitency might have something to do with the "church" label? HPD might not want the PR nightmare of "going after those churchgoers--- my $.02 most of the people incharge at eclessia including chris seay the head guy seem very friendly and positive-- but they also refused to obey the firemarshall's ban on meeting at the venue because there were too many people for that venue--eclessia just removed the firemarshalls proclaimation paper from the door and held services as usual----and when councilwomen adams office investigated the "no permit" thing-- eclessia onl offered up their permits for the coffee shop and gallery--both of these don't require as much parking to be available. most of the EMCA residents are very good and tolerate people also--many have been residents BEFORE Eclessia -I know many avenues have been explored to resolve this---but no resolution has been found so far-- there are rumors now that the church is moving---maybe that's best--the whole parking/traffic and big-amp-sunday service has made me avoid the whole place anyway-- so i don't get to enjoy the co-op or coffee anymore-- it's a shame-- i love my neighborhood and can't understand why eclessia can't find a way to be a GOOD neighbor

There is a historic house at Rosalie and Bagby (grey house-- 3012 Bagby on googlemap it was moved there from corner of westheimer and bagby before strip shopping was built)-- thought it was going to be a lawyers office but now im told a a liquor license permit is posted? Anyone know what is going on?

What will happen to the brick house presently on the lot?

there is bit of an area south of I59 montrose to binz to grustark other wise it's over to shepherd west and dallas is the northern boundary--