Tower26

I believe that if Metro is considering a corridor for a northeast corridor , this would probably be a good lightrail segment reaching Deerbrook being that it's already a major railhub . It would probably be elevated as an express to Bush IAH and Deerbrook . The reason why I mentioned this area as many times as I visited this area for trainwatching . I could vision what the vacinity could be. Great for warehousing and intermodal jobs . Liberty Rd. has alot of building space and industrial parks with I-610 , McCarty(Truckers Ave.), Pierce Staging Yard nearby . It would create many jobs and take the strain off the port especially since there will be future traffic from Brazil . It could help clean up and make Fifth Ward valuable including the Settegast community .

1. Houston Coluseum (Houston Wrestling) 2. SP 982 in Hermann Park (Locomotive) 3. Woolworth in Downtown (Cafe) 4. Woolco at Parker@I-45 (Train Dept.) 5. Williams Chicken in Downtown 6. Food Stamp Office in the Heights 7. The Summit 8. Zoo when it was free 9. Malibu Grand Prix 10. Go Carts 11. Astrodome , Astrohall , Astroworld , Waterworld 12. 80's Hurricanes 13. Going Intercontinental Airport (Eastern)before renamed Bush IAH . 14. Greenspoint Mall before Citiview/Gunspoint 15. Garden Oaks Theatre 16.Goodyear Blimp Yard 17. Northline Mall 18. Gulfgate Mall 19. Break Dancing 20. Riding around the city 21. First time going to San Antonio , Galveston , Dallas , Freeport , College Station , Austin , Lamar , Da Ridder , Atlanta , Texarkana , Shreveport , San Diego , El Paso , Conroe , Jacksonville , El Centro , Vidor , Lake Charles , Baton Rouge , New Orleans , Yuma , New York , Tampa , Daytona Beach , Tellahassee , Pensacola , Lawton , Brunswick , Hinesville , Kerrville , Mobile , Savannah , Barstow , Los Angeles , Memphis , Phoenix , Chicago , Cairo , Shannon , Kuwait , TJ , Witchita Falls 22. Travelling in a Winnebego 23. Riding Amtrak first time coming from San Diego 24. Riding Greyhound first time (San Diego ) 25. Riding a trolley first time (San Diego ) 26. Eureka Yard (MKT Active) 27. going to the Galleria , Richmond , Kirby 28. Foley's Downtown 29. Main St. before Metrorail 30. Downtown Tunnel 31. Metro (Red/White/Silver Buses) before the 80's revamping to black, white, red ,blue scheme 32. Willowbrook and Northwest Malls 33. Westheimer

1. Wynn Dixie 2. Frye's 3. Rubio's Restaurants 4. Soundwaves

1. William's Chicken (Churches ) 2. Hot Stuff Restaurants 3. Fish King 4. Showbiz Pizza (Chuckie Cheese) 5. Pizza Inn (Still Here ) 6. Two Pesos 7. Grandy's 8. Del Taco 9. Captain D's 10. Lone John Silver's (Still Here ) 11. Ryan Steahouse 12. Wyatt's Cafeteria 13. Steak N'Ale (Recently Closed ) 14. Monterrey House (1 Remaining ) 15. Checker's 16 . Ninfa's 17. Pancho's 18. Godfather's Pizza 19. Sizzler's 20. BigTex Chicken 21. Hart'z Chicken (Still Here )

The zoo does seem small , I would go by it to and fro appointments . It could use some extra room . I've been to the zoo in San Diego and like Houston has a miniature train but the difference is the zoo is huge and the train runs all through the zoo for quick and easy viewing . Hermann is room for expansion . Another Idea that would be possible is to remove or shrink the golf course by a few acres away from MacGregor street and from the walking trail.The thought of those flying balls passing trees that suppose to deflect them and knocking out the windows of passing vehicles and people jogging and walking on the asphalt trail being hit by them . That would really create some expansion room .

I believe 290 is on its way to becoming a interstate like I-59/69 . There is a webpage called my290.com for info on the 290 project and you can use AA Interstate Guide .com and Texas Freeways.com for more information . I remember when I was young , the SP (Southern Pacific Red/White/Grey/Orange/Black) followed it way before the UP 96 merger . It is called the Presidential Highway because it runs directly into Austin . Northwest mall was a busy and crowded mall back in the day . Montgomery Ward and Foley's ( Before Macy's buyout (Federated) ,Store no.35, I worked at the warehouse ; closed )was apart the mall at the time . Before RAC was Colortyme . I remember Kmart on 34th . Radio Shack was on Antoine at the time before it moved to 34th .Rice was on Antoine before it closed . The skating ring used to be open nextdoor to Randall's aka Kmart . KFC was on Antoine before it was moved to what is now Northwest Crossing shopping district at Tidwell@290 . I went to visit Prairie View , College Station , and UT on that highway when I was in high school . I believe there used to be a hotel that sat across the street from Northbrook Square that was torn down that was behind that night club at the corner of 34th@290. Before the giant interstate lamps was the "Y'' overhead expressway lamps up and down the freeway . Those giant interstate lamps would only illuminate the interstate stacks (Freeway Intersections) at night or during storms before they were posted up and down the city's interstate corridor's. Known as''Crowns'' or ''Halos'' because the lamps were arranged in a illuminated circular shape at the top . They didn't have the red aircraft lamps at the time . Today they do. A mile or so east was the BN (Burlington Northern , White/Black/Cascade Green) Route at the time way before merging with Santa Fe in 95' . If you go up 34th east a mile from 290 and turn north on Mangum/Watanga and proceed to the Watanga crossing near White Oak Bayou , you would see trains coming and going .

LOL , I recently had pc issues that kept me offline for a bit .

West Mount Houston & Highway 6

It will be a nice area to stay in.

These are my favorite downtown skyline viewing points . 1. Look southwest at sunset from the Irvington St. Bridge and N.Wayside over Englewood Yard . 2. Look west at sunset from the Ship Channel 610 Bridge . 3. Look southeast at sunset and midday from 290 . 4. Look south at morning and midday from I-45 and Northline and North Main . 5. Look northwest at sunset and midday from U of H Central . 6. Look north from Hermann Park at sunset and morning 7. Look northeast at sunset from Bellaire . 8. Look south from IAH Bush at morning , midday ,and sunset . 9. Look west from San Jacinto Monument and from the deck of BB35 at morning and sunset . 10. Look north from Reliant Stadium at sunset . 11. Look east from I-10 at morning , midday ,and sunset . 12. Look southeast from Houston Ave.@ Washington Ave. 13. Look south from UofH Downtown morning, midday ,and sunset . 14. Look northwest from Hobby and Ellington Field at midday and sunset .

Isn't this the eastbound line in downtown that runs along Rusk on one side of the street ? I'm thinking the same in the previous post they may add signals to the catenary poles but these poles may be cantilevered where the arms stretches over one or two lines towards the middle of the street which is possible.

I would choose Settegast because it is flat and has the room for it .

Houston is growing in all directions and in every aspect . One aspect is major demand in market retail . Rail is in a very high demand around the state and country. With BNSF Bayport to the south and KCS Sugarland to the southwest and future expansion of the ship channel. UP located central northeast of the city and a several blocks from downtown in Fifth Ward has the potential to increase its intermodal capacity . Englewood being a East/West Ramp yard and Settegast being a flat North/South yard both are capable of increase in intermodal traffic and development .In a given scenario , if UP chose a yard for intermodal development , would it be Settegast or Englewood or both for intermodal expansion?

Another problem is that some are sunk to hold standing rain water even sewage from flooded sewers and there are areas along streets and rail crossings where there are no sidewalks . If someone was running say for example catching a bus and have to cross the tracks it is possible they could trip or stumble because of the ballast , rails , or crossbuck signs and gates that are in the way where there should have been a sidewalk . The crossbucks and gates should be moved a few inches to the side to allow right of way for pedestrians but still allowing trains major right of way or build a sidewalk segment around them across tracks flushed to the tops of the rails allowing trench room for wheel flanges with gates guarding the sidewalk crossing like in some areas around the city where there are at-grade crossings .

Yes , it is true , this ordinance was passed during the post Katrina/Rita period a few years ago because of the rise in dog attacks and the illegal use of dogs to guard stashhouses around the city and illegal dogfighting . This was also on the news. The ordinance hasn't really became widespread around the city but it exist .

Houston has many apartment properties around and outside the city . There are many floor plans and amenities to choose from . Having a good income and reasonable budget is very essential . For those who are first time renters , this would be a good to begin to establish credit . Here are some very important do's and don'ts . For info on subsidized housing , please refer to topic HCVP(Section 8)&Public Housing that I posted . Apartment/Townhome Leasing (Do's) 1. Income & Budget As mentioned earlier ,having a good income and reasonable budget is very essential . Make sure you have a good or high enough income which is more than what the leasing office is asking for rent . A good budget is very important . If you are not good budgeting expenses , this would be good practice for you . I would suggest having more than one income would help . One to pay rent , utility , and or apt. insurance which is a city requirement . 2. Know how many rooms that you want to lease . The number of bedrooms depends on how much you're willing to pay for rent . Because they charge by the amount of space and make that it is within your budget . Some or most properties have a strict rental policy. 3.Know who will be on your lease . Pay very close attention to this . Knowing who will be occupying on your lease is a must. Your dependents are a priority. This also determines how many rooms and what kind of unit will be leased . 4. Know where you want to stay If you're paying out of pocket , you have the right to choose where you want to be located on the property . In some instances , it is probability that the property may not have the unit you're looking for that is to be expected . You can go with what they have or go to another property. 5. Check the condition of the property Checking the condition of the property and how management does housekeeping and maintainence determines if it is rentable condition for residence . This is also very important because of the property's value . Just the outside appearance can be sometimes decieving and mysterious at the same time because it can tell you what the interior looks like . Examine before you rent . 6. Pay very close attention to the neighood or vacinity the property is in . Look at your surroundings and locations for your outside ammenities to determine the safety of where you're staying . Crime is a deciding factor when looking for a apartment . 7. Having a good insurance Having a good insurance is not much a priority but it is in case of theft , fire ,storm , flood damage . This will cover your possessions and having medical coverage is good . As you are looking , research for a good affordable policy . Apartment Leasing/Townhome Leasing (Don'ts) 1. Do not falsify your lease . Never lie on your lease because the information you provide can be verified or they can ask you to verify it before they accept your application . They do background checks . 2. Do not any not covered on your lease in your unit . This is a automatic eviction if caught . They may give you a warning or an ultimatum of putting whomever on your lease and paying more rent or paying for breech of lease and moving altogether . 3. Never lie about your income . Do not say you have more than enough income when you only have just enough for the rent . You're living outside your means and lying to yourself . Many people do this all the time when they know they have to eat and have other expenses they can't cover because they lied about their income . 4.*** Under no circumstances ,never be late or come up short on the rent . *** At no time , should you be late or come up short on your rent at all . Rent is paid in full at all times on time no excuses period. You can be late on utility but never on the rent. Always have the full amount and pay it on time . Use a money order . 5. Never be too late on your utility . They will work with you on your utility if you tell them your situation , i.e. when you will be paid , due date , etc . only if you are making payments on the bill. Never allow your utility to be disconnected . 6. ***"All Bills Paid"*** This is a widely known advertisement used all the time to draw in new tenants . This is ad mysteriously and wrongfully used as false advertisement . Many apartment seekers are often tricked or taken advantage of because management is only looking at the money and not the tenants . This is also tells how well or not the management know or doing their jobs . Be aware of this gimmick . Many people have wrongfully lost money over this gimmick because they were led to believe that their bills would be taken out of the rent not knowing that the bills are separate. 7.Never pay and don't abtain a receipt . Never pay your utility or rent and dont abtain a receipt . Always get a receipt to back up paying the rent or utility. It is proof that you paid if they were to say you didn't . 8. Never just move in and don't examine the unit . Do not sign anything or put down a deposit until you examine that unit . Make sure that unit doesn't have any damages from previous use before you do anything . 9. Never fall for personal apt . ads . There are many personal apt ads out there claiming that people are renting out their units to others . Sometimes or often that is a scam . I will cover this in City Hall Forums(Crime and Punishment) because there is more to this . Be careful of fake apt ads . 10. Never go by word or mouth . Always do your research . People can lie to you . Never go on what they're saying which can be misleading . 11. Never have a pitbull , mastiff , or any yard dog in your unit . Same as the occupancy rule , this can be a automatic eviction . Though pit bulls are apt . dogs , according to city hall , an ordinance was passed making them illegal to own or have in the city limits . The reason why they are not allowed in your unit . Yard dogs require much room and a apt. is limited . For maintainence or management to enter your unit if necessary, you dog must be a small house dog .

That used to be Hobbytown . They closed that location in the early 90's.

I-45 was a 6 lane interstate , 3 north , 3 south . before the HOV transit way now it is a huge multilane interstate . North shephard was a gravel road as well as West Montgomery before the concrete . 44 Acres Homes route ended and turned around at Stallings St. before being extended to Compaq in Willowbrook . Gulf Bank was a wooded lot behind Garden City Apartments before the concrete and extended to Inwood . Tidwell was a long wooded lot before extention . 249 was a dirt gravel highway before being a freeway . I stayed in Garden City/Acres Homes at the time . I had fun when Gulf Bank was under construction . Beltway 8 northern section wasn't completely built except the segment to the airport but is completed. I had fun when Hardy Toll Road was under construction , I used to coast my bicycle down on one of the ramps . It is now being extended to Hermann Park . I remember seeing only Burlington Northern/ Rock Island trains run by the grade school I attended , now I see BNSF.

I wish there were more hobby shops on this corner of town . The sad thing is many hobby shops are disappearing from the city and only a few remain . One question is why are there any hobby shops in the northwest area?

There has to be a major return of retail franchisewise and ammenities that attract tourism and future downtown residents . For example , a return of major restaurants like Burger King , Jack In The Box , Taco Bell , Wendy's , Pizza Hut , Starbuck's , IHOP , Denny's , Golden Corral, etc . Border's Books , Books -A-Million , Barnes & Noble can be brought back . New necessary retail can be greatly needed in downtown like Office Depot and Office Max , Best Buy , Dollar General or General Dollar for office/residential needs in the downtown area . Midtown can be a retail hub for downtown for example, Academy or Sport's Authority , DSW , Big Lots , Rent-A-Center or Conn's , etc. would bring more value to the area . Fiesta and Randall's grocery is already there . Retail would have to be a major necessity for that area and would have to be visually present that could benefit residents and anyone in midtown and more hotels for tourism . I believe city funds should never be used . The city can provide water and utility and infrastructure . Commercial and residential revitalization depends on the choice of residential real estate and retail developers and use of their own funds to build or move in available retail space already existent in midtown or downtown . It should be the other way around . Not using city funds .

Lol . those are not ordered . They are just listed .

It will be more like L.A. or El Paso sprawling in all directions . There would be a huge increase in retail resulting in more retail jobs which would bring more warehouse distribution to the city especially the port . BNSF and UP would have to greatly expand their intermodal terminals as well as trucking because of the demand of retail and distribution would double . You would possibly find warehouses all on the outskirts possibly near along Grand Parkway including more malls , shopping center outlets or huge grocery stores depending on the growth .

1.Hilton Garden Inn 2. Big Las Vegas Style Hotels & Casino Resorts 3. Best Western Plus

Welcome to Houston , if you're looking for low income housing , the Houston Housing Authority office is at Fountain View and Westheimer . There are many programs for housing but the prominent two programs initially are HCVP ( Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program) and Public Housing . One other is HUD(Housing Under Developement) .These programs are easy to apply for but is a lengthy process which can take up to 18 months to 2 years approximate time on a waiting list . Section 8 also has homes for rent .You can go to the GoSection8 and HHA websites for more info . The programs have strict rules based on residency . Here are some of them . 1. No one other than those occupants on your lease allowed to reside in your unit other than to visit . If anyone is caught in your unit that is not on your lease is automatic grounds for eviction and removal from designated program . 2. Due to fire safety,insect , and rodent population prevention , no boxes may be used in your unit . Containers are allowed with lids . No wall outlets are covered or overloaded . They must be seen during inspection . 3. Do not overcrowd unit with too many personal items . To keep items to a bare minimum , remove uneeded things that you no longer use . This will help prevent the possibility of hoarding which is a major violation . Keep the unit clean at all times . 4. You are responsible for any damages inside your unit . (There is a price list ) The length of time required for residency on the programs is 4yrs . Each program has its rules for applying . HCVP or Choice Voucher Housing Program is a program where the applicant has a choice of apartment property to where they choose to reside but they must remain at that property for 4yrs . Public Housing is a program where the applicant is placed at any property at HHA's descretion without consent or sayso from the applicant . Know the difference between the two importantly . Here are some quick steps for preparing for low income housing : I. Section 8 (HCVP) or Home Rental 1. Do your research . Compare information and rental prices that meet your income . 2. Know where you want to reside before placing your voucher or pay low rent . Make sure that the property apartment or home is section 8 approved and your definate choice of residency . II. Public Housing 1. Be prepared to placed at any property . When you applied for the public option , you told them to do the searching for you and you are willing to reside at any property of their choice without your consent . You have to reside at that property for at least a year before you can apply for Section 8 . 2. Be openminded that the property may not be in a convient area . You may be sent to a apartment property that may be a good distance from any outside ammenities i.e. bus stops , convient stores , shopping centers ,etc . More power to you if you have a vehicle or Metrolift . If not , expect to much walking or biking . For those who are new to Houston or first time utilizing low income housing . These are the options for you if for i.e. starting over or saving money.

A narrow doubletrack bridge overpass would be an only option . Crossing an active freight row would mean installing two or four 90 degree track diamonds which means getting permission from UP and there would be schedule delays in both LRT and freight as well as street traffic if the lines were built in to a at-grade crossing . Underpasses tend to flood but I understand if there is a SIT yard or multiple throat tracks for freight use that is necessary for an underpass to go under those lines .