TGM

So not only have you assessed how much it will cost them to buy, you have also established how much they will get for their current property. All of this is a purely hypothetical argument, and sticking with the hypothetical I will state that great deals can be found and made. I personally feel that it is a better choice to locate such a facility within the Medical Center area for a variety of reasons. I'm sure there are some that would be perfectly fine living next to a SRO transitional living/alcohol detox center, in fact 17 years ago I would probably be shouting the loudest for a facility to remain and expand in Midtown. The difference is I've lived in Midtown and I've seen the things that others do not notice on their 5 minute commute through Midtown and I hold a different viewpoint now because of it. I recognize their rights as property owners, but I would rather see them own it elsewhere.

There is land in the Medical Center area (yes, area, as it continues to expand) under $150sf. http://www.commgate.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=property.detailFS&ln=173233 So why on earth would office buildings be less than thrilled to lease to them? They do such noble work! I mean, every neighborhood should want them.

Men's Center, not IM.

I totally agree.

They've proved they can raise the money to buy up blocks and and construct new facilities, the Medical Center Area is well within reach.

Midtown residents, like the ones living between Hamilton to Caroline and Wheeler to McGowen. There still were residents in Midtown back then. Yes, a good portion was wasteland, but there still were people living in the area.

I was not implying that. I don't begrudge the fact that the Johnny-come-latelies are overly vocal in their protests. I have more of an issue with any long term residents that did not utter a peep and let the area decline.

I believe it they should consider selling the valuable land they own and use they money to purchase land where their dollar will stretch further.

I think you misunderstood my position. I am against zoning, preservation districts, area plans, etc. I also believe in the organic evolution of neighborhoods. My personal tastes and styles are my own, and I do not seek any means of athority to impose them on others. There are elements in the TIRZ that are at odds with the revitalization of Midtown. The management district paints one picture, (and hires PR firms in an attempt to influence local media reporters) and the TIRZ wishes for another. Again, that was not my point. The point is that those that state that Midtown was always this way, and that those moving into it should just deal with it are picking and choosing the area's history.

Yes and No. Midtown has been re-invaded by residents since the TIRZ and management district efforts started back in the 1990's. But to take a page from the Heights Historic District debate; Which history do you want to preserve? Or in Midtown's case, which history is the accurate history, or which history will be written. When I first drove through the Heights in the 1980's (after seeing a friends band play at Zelda's) I saw a ton of apartment complexes and maintainence-deferred homes. At the time I figured the area would continue on this path. Obvious this is no longer the case. Residents moving into Midtown were told and sold on the area being mixed use, but then find their TIRZ board members and elected officials actually encouraging and backing the institutions, and siding against the residents who protest the relocation of high neighborhood impact social service institutions. If the reality of these institutions lived up the the promises of their advocates we would not be having these sort of debates. The reality is that they never live up to the "artists renderings" in their operations. It is always the same issue, the surrounding areas are impacted by the overflow, that never gets discussed during ribbon-cutting ceremonies. Covenent House in Montrose has this problem. It's not so much the people in that facility, it's the people visiting. The same is true for Interfaith Ministries. The Medical Center is the ideal area in Houston to provide these services, as those with addictions often have other health issues or comorbid disorders. In the end they can build wherever the heck they want, I just think that Midtown has more than enough within its boundaries.

I disagree with the either/or argument. The city does not have to be this way. Dallas does not tolerate it, and guess what, they relocate to a place that does tolerate it and has residents that make arguments like "if you don't like it, move to the burbs". That's the easy way out.

Our Seer has foreseen such possibilities and in a preemptive strike our valiant knights conducted a midnight raid in the Montrose marsh and have kidnapped the High Priestess for eventual exile to the Subaru outback. With the High Priestess in custody, and the axis forces spread thin, the call was given and our 5th column forces emerged from their farmers markets and book club disguises to round up the High Priestess collaborators for arraignment before the Harrisburg Council. The Timbergrove liberators not keen to be viewed as occupiers, nor used to the strange food of the Heights marched back to their quiet abodes nestled in the forrest, to imbibe in Almaden and fierce games of Canasta. Having survived the war they swore to pass on to future generations the story of the evil High Priestess and her feeble minions.

Our tree-dwelling warriors are strong from drinking the bayou's nectar and feasting upon the reptilian meat it provides. We will meet the Hessian invaders at the 11th parallel and drive them back to their metro rail of the east. Having achieved this we will cart away the spoils and declare the Heights a DMZ. An edict shall follow that declares that no one shall construct or modify shelter unless the plans bear the royal seal of King and Council. Those in violations shall have their pantries raided, their help enslaved, and thine chariots appropriated. Habitats in violation shall have Timbergrove Fire rained down upon them from our furious catapults on the banks of the Royal White Oak Bayou and from the ramparts of Wal-mart Castle.

We're scheduled to invade next week. Actually the Wal-Mart is just a ruse by us Timbergrovers to block-bust the Heights and expand eastward.

Yeah, I'm thinking a Thunderdome would be more appropriate.

Right, because the continued addition of these agencies actually solves the problem, rather than attracting more and more into Midtown. Whatever.

Yes, because I got out before more and more of these places open. Would a property adjacent to one of these facilities be on your short list as a buyer? I think not.

Midtown is a funny place. Land is too expensive for development claim some homebuilders, yet the non-profits are able to afford large tracks of land. Go figure. The expansion of the Men's Center was yet another tipping point in my decision to profit-take, and get the heck out. Maybe I should start my own non-profit in Midtown. Most appear geared towards fighting hunger, I'll aim for fighting thirst. Anyone care for an ice cold government-subsidized PBR?

If you don't give (and others follow suit) it will become a bad intersection and the person will move on.

Awesome! I bet that will be a major feature point for the Ventana at Midtown. "Check out the Ventana at Midtown. We're within walking distance from Midtown's hottest bars and rehab centers! Our onsite concierge/sponsor can assist you in your darkest hours. Free LifeAlert for the first 50 renters."

Sure, why not, if you consider prolonging the problem to be the gentlemanly thing to do.

Houston frets to much about the whole world-class city thing. We are, we have been, we will continue to be. There are no magic metrics, though having a few Wal-marts near your CDB does help. ;-p

LOL! Studying Rush? I think even Rush would laugh over that one. ZZ Top was mentioned in our Texas History textbook which was pretty cool at the time. (thinking back I wonder who let a reference to La Grange slip in)

I think HardiPlank makes a modern alternative.

Ditto on the popcorn. The only real difference (besides higher prices) is that Target aims for the metropolitan demographic with their IKEA-lite decor, product lines, and advertising. Wal-Mart is just way too NASCAR for the Sauternes sippers.