East River: Mixed-Use Development By Midway

[JClark54]

On 9/15/2023 at 7:21 AM, 004n063 said:

It can also be pretty inefficient. This in conjunction with the Kinder project definitely moves the needle forward in terms of trail access on both sides of the bayou, but we also need to keep pushing for street-level bicycle facilities in the area. The Jensen bridge, Runnels, Commerce, Navigation, Canal, Harrisburg, and Milby could all do with some separation. (And pedestrian improvements in general).

Agreed on the separations. The fastest way there is to report stopped trains to the FRA blocked crossing portal: https://www.fra.dot.gov/blockedcrossings/

The West Belt project emerged from its 15-year hiatus as a result of east end residents reporting blockages there. As a result, the FRA administrator made three personal visits (no other city got that) and the near east end (eado/eastwood/second ward from commerce to Lockwood) earned the worst top of the list award available: Most blocked in the nation. 

The more blocked intersections that are documented, the greater chance Houston has for more federal funding. That's good for residents, businesses, and the railways alike. 

[JClark54]

I've always valued Velasco for a pedestrian crossing, personally. Would connect the new trail built as part of the Concept Neighborhood development with the Columbia Tap. The Concept trail will connect with Buffalo Bayou East. Of course, it would require permission from UP to go over or under the rail yard, and UP has a history of not granting access. The West Belt project occurred literally because of the overwhelming evidence against their operating practices, seen firsthand by federal officials on visits, that they relented on the York underpasses. 

 

Important to note the railway access hesitancy isn't Houston centric. 

https://www.fox13now.com/news/local-news/state-and-local-lawmakers-rip-union-pacific-over-costs-delays-on-community-projects

Edited September 18 by JClark54

[j_cuevas713]

On 7/1/2023 at 11:21 AM, Valhalla said:

Easy on the copium hits dude. 

The water looks objectively disgusting, like toilet water after a late night taco bell run disgusting. Every time I take someone to the bayou downtown they comment on the color of the water.

I grew up in San Antonio and no one would ever go to the river walk if it was this color. There's no reason the bayou can't copy the success of the river walk, but the color of the water is a major factor holding it back. 

I'm not sure if permanently dying the water is even possible. If it is, however, that's clearly the way to go. 

 

That comparison is dumb as hell . The River Walk is paved. The Bayou is literally that, a bayou. 

[JClark54]

On 9/15/2023 at 7:21 AM, 004n063 said:

It can also be pretty inefficient. This in conjunction with the Kinder project definitely moves the needle forward in terms of trail access on both sides of the bayou, but we also need to keep pushing for street-level bicycle facilities in the area. The Jensen bridge, Runnels, Commerce, Navigation, Canal, Harrisburg, and Milby could all do with some separation. (And pedestrian improvements in general).

Graf from the CoH railroad crossing elimination grant proposal stating bike lanes, sidewalks will be included in the York and Commerce/Navigation separations. Currently, sidewalks aren't continuous.

Commentary about an the separation opening up opportunities for a future East River trail connection.

 

 

I wrote my wish would be Velasco, since it enables the Columbia Tap, Harrisburg Trail, and Buffalo Bayou East to connect, but realistically I doubt the plausibility. Most likely, they intend to continue the bike lanes along York to Buffalo Bayou East, where the pedestrian bridge will provide access to East River. 

Edited September 18 by JClark54

[hindesky]

[HoustonMidtown]

 

[ChannelTwoNews]

https://www.bizjournals.com/houston/news/2023/09/26/midway-the-laura-east-river-apartments-pre-leasing.html?cx_testId=40&cx_testVariant=cx_27&cx_artPos=3#cxrecs_s

"Pre-leasing has begun for The Laura, the multifamily component in the first phase of Houston-based Midway's 150-acre East River mixed-use development.

The company will start delivering the 359 apartment units in December."

[IntheKnowHouston]

A plan review permit was submitted today for 2921 Riverby Rd, Suite 100. This is one of the ground level suites located in The Depot, which is part of the East River mixed-use development.

According to the permit, it's for a retail remodel.

I think 2921 Riverby Rd, Ste 100 is leased to Broham. Broham / Broham Fine Soul Food & Groceries is chef Johny Rhodes' forthcoming boutique grocery store.

Edited 18 hours ago by IntheKnowHouston

[Bassclef]

On 9/23/2023 at 1:29 PM, HoustonMidtown said:

 

So when this river overflows during a heavy rain, then what?

[wilcal]

1 hour ago, Bassclef said:

So when this river overflows during a heavy rain, then what?

It basically doesn't. With the flow output from the ship channel directly into the ocean. The 100 and 500 year flood plains end basically at the bank.

[stuckINdallas]

2 hours ago, Bassclef said:

So when this river overflows during a heavy rain, then what?

Pretty sure the developers took that into consideration before putting up all the $$ to get this built. 

[samagon]

1 hour ago, wilcal said:

It basically doesn't. With the flow output from the ship channel directly into the ocean. The 100 and 500 year flood plains end basically at the bank.

I am no hydrologist, but I'd guess there's more to do with obstructions upstream in the downtown area that doesn't move enough water (and floods downtown), than it is to do with downstream.

[monarch]

5 hours ago, Bassclef said:

So when this river overflows during a heavy rain, then what?

^^^ ok, i'll play.  well, one would think that all of the employees/patrons/occupants/residences would end up in the bayou with the gators?

[august948]

6 hours ago, Bassclef said:

So when this river overflows during a heavy rain, then what?

They clean up and reopen.  Just like we always do after a big storm.

[wilcal]

3 hours ago, samagon said:

I am no hydrologist, but I'd guess there's more to do with obstructions upstream in the downtown area that doesn't move enough water (and floods downtown), than it is to do with downstream.

That's a fair assumption and why they want to spend so much on the canal project.

[JBTX]

8 hours ago, Bassclef said:

So when this river overflows during a heavy rain, then what?

I can smell the bait, but I'll bite. It doesn't. I have the Harvey pics to show it.

*MAY* get up to that wooden overlook thing.

[hindesky]