TGM

It's the result of the never ending friction of private property owner interests vs. the maternal instincts of those who seek to insure that the concrete and asphalt public right of ways are enjoyed to the maximum by those without a voice or a HAIF account. It's also a good chuckle.

A decibel and/or glass breakage sensor will see to it that no innocent, cherubic pedestrians are punished by mistake. Would this appease the committee of PC anxiety and hand-wringing?

The party goers have a right to the sidewalk and conversation. Is it ethical to be loud and obnoxious at 2am?

Am I reclaiming the street when my run-off water hits the curb? If he were to block off the section of sidewalk that runs in front of his house with say a orange warning come, then you might be able to argue that. Ditto for yellow caution tape. If I recall correctly property owners are responsible for maintaining sidewalks and curbs. (That was what the city always told us) He could perform maintenance on his section, insuring that it remains off-limits until the construction is complete.

No one is going to argue against a water hose being a weapon of assault. (1960's Alabama anyone?)A light sprinkle from a motion activated sprinkler is just going to make someone get out of the way. No one is suggesting that you respond like some jug head who has been told their schools will be integrated.

Fake xenon bulbs in getaway car, use of revolvers, poetic, floral hold-up language......must resist...must resist... In all seriousness, this is a dangerous situation and I hope these douchebags get caught before someone is injured. I'm good for a carton of American Spirits for the cellmate who whispers "delicate flower" into the ear of the tried, convicted, and sentenced robber.

Good idea, because apparantly iPhones are no longer worthy of theft in Houston. Heaven help the person who attempts this with a Galaxy S4.

In the future during a mugging one should inquire with one's mugger as to what racial demographic they belong to as to avoid the crime of offending Kinkaid. Example: "Dear sir, might I request a favor from you after I hand over my wallet?" "Well that all depends on the favor. If I deem it reasonable I might acquiesce to your wishes." "Oh my good man, you are a gentlemen and a scholar!" "Yes, yes, yes, spit it out, I've got to catch the 10pm showing of The Great Gatsby" "Might I inquire what your ethnic background, or national origin is, as I do not wish to offend when I file my report." "But of course, but I warn you my answer might cause the PC Patrol heads to explode" "How is that?" "I am African-American" "I don't often argue with a man holding a gun, but you are clearly white my good man" "Yes, but I am from Zimbabwe, which under your current system is factually correct" "Sir, just how on earth am I supposed to file a report now?" "Beats me, tell them you don't see color"

http://search.har.com/engine/2114-Oak-Creek-Dr-Houston-TX-77017_HAR69161565.htm

So much for wet t-shirt night....

Water torture, I take it? Good heavens somebody get Amnesty International on the phone! Sigh..

I'm not sure if you can consider water to be hostile. Is it assault-water? 10-gallon limit? The only thing hostile would be the amount the city would charge you for it.

GINIMBY (Glad it's....) Another way of looking at it; Are the beer bottles half full, or half empty? Midtown has always been a crossroad for all sorts of visitors. Before it was 3rd ward drug dealers, prostitutes, paroles, and panhandlers. Now it's relocated Washington Ave douchbags. All of the former go quietly into the night. The Washington dude-bro's like to scream out how drunk they are while relieving themselves on your property at 3am. Lots of luck...

I'd say a little Perestroika is in order for the HAHC Apparatchiks.

According to the Leader newspaper we may see no change or possibly an "improvement" in our flood risks. I have been unable to locate these proposed map updates. Could someone point me in the right direction so that I can view the proposed maps? Also, if you do live in the 100 year flood plain, are the rates based on the total property or improved value? My neighbor down the street in the same zone indicated that his flood insurance was approx $1000 less than mine. (Based on a home with near identical hcad numbers) WTH?

Still laughing about this one...

Yes there is a smell every now and then. Does it make living there unbearable? Not even. It tends to be more pronounced after a good rain, so this week will be a great opportunity to get a whiff. When it comes to the city fixing it, I'll believe it when I see it. No matter what it has not hurt the values in the neighborhood nor lengthen the days on market.

Yes.

It looks like there are two vacant lots around 6000 Woodbrook Ln in Timbergrove. Not sure if these are true vacants or someone's extended yard/s.

That is the property I was thinking of. (Could not recall the street name) Research this one very carefully before making any decisions. One other neighborhood you may want to check out is Lazybrook. Nice size homes and lots, currently "under appreciated" much like Timbergrove was 10 years ago.

There are some lots in Timbergrove Manor section 5, but I'm not sure of their elevation status. I've been told that Harris County Flood Control has limited what you can do with some of the lots. I'm not sure on the specifics, that's just what I have heard. You could always start with Google Maps, making note of the addresses that appear to be vacant lots. I think the reality is that you can find a lot if you're willing to tear down the house that stands on it. The problem is that the supply is tight in Timbergrove. Recently we became aware of a home that had a severe termite problem, and the recommendation was to tear it down. A month later we heard that someone on the same street purchased it, and will probably demo and build new on the lot.

Is it too soon for the waterbed to stage a comeback? I think a Superior Waterbeds store would be a great addition to Midtown.

Last time I drove by that location there was nothing but empty space.

That shopping center on Tuam between Fannin and San Jacinto would be an ideal and convenient location if the folks that own it would actually make an effort to attract desired neighborhood business ventures. (Dry cleaners, coffee shops, overly pampered dog supply stores, etc)

I agree streets are for pedestrians and the handicapped. Bicycles are also vehicles. Anything with wheels or shoes should be required to register, receive plates and tags, and undergo inspection. These added fees will go to support the historic district and restaurant diversification programs oversceen by Paunchous Parker.