C2H

Hardy Rail Yard is dead???

I'm not too thrilled about this name change. The Discovery Tower name always complimented the park.

I never said the city doesn't do anything for minorities. I also wasn't trying to imply that it was about racism either, but I can understand how you may have interpreted that. I was just saying that as the city is moving out toward where all the money is, with exception of the eastside which is the industrial area of town. My issue is not about the freeways themselves, it's about the billboards and some of the businesses. Those are not TXDOT issues at all. Those could easily be implemented by City ordinances, the same ones that fine a person who refuses to mow their own lawn if it gets higher than 3 feet. I remember reading when Mayor White took office in early 2004, that he had removed a great portion of billboards. Driving down 45 today really shows no indication of any major stride ever having taken place. Again, I was not trying to play the race card but it does seem that the city is letting portions of the city die off while they reinvent somewhere else. The fact that they happen to be in low income areas where blacks and hispanics primarily live is a true statement.

I agree with the above post. My impression is that the city just flat out doesn't care about certain parts of town like southeast, parts of north, and southeast areas. The city is moving toward its growth patterns. It's all about the $$$. The money is out toward West Houston. The areas i mentioned above are mostly filled with low income Hispanics and Blacks. Why invest in building upgrades or beautification projects? It's easier to just let the "maggots" die. Edit: 500th post! Wow, only took me 4 years to do it!

Denver built a huge noise reduction wall on the main freeway (I-25) with little concrete designs when they expanded their LRT. That helped hide some of their blight. I think if Houston did that it would help. It seems that the only freeways that are cared for are West Loop and I-10 West (Katy Freeway). 59 near Montrose does struggle with gang members who constantly trash it up with Grafitti. I personally think a noise reduction wall which is tall enough to hide the ugliness of the city is what is needed. I was very frustrated and embarrased when I was driving my mother around while she was visiting for Thanksgiving. She was born and raised in Houston but said she understands why people think Houston is ugly when we were driving on South Loop between 288 and 45. She did say that the Katy Freeway was gorgeous and progressive looking but that's only a small portion of this gigantic city. Trees for Houston is a good attempt to beautify the freeways but its not enough to hide the ugly stretches off I45, East Freeway, 610E, and 290. The Palm Trees they planted on I-45 are not working. Half of them are dying and dried up making it look even worse. I think a wall is the only answer to the problem since it doesn't appear that the shabby businesses off 45 aren't going anywhere. SOMETHING definitely needs to be done!!!

i think he's mocking LTAWACS's signature.

Whayever happened to the video screen plans? It seems that they just dissappeared or could they just be holding out, waiting for more tennants to arrive

I will admit that i may be judging HP a little early. Denver did have a head start on its redevelopment in the early 90s. One thing for sure, Denver Pavilions is a small piece to what the rest of downtown has. 16th Street Mall is the busiest part to downtown.

I agree with your post. I used to live in Colorado and hung out in Denver quite often. I was just there in August and I must say dwntn Houston makes dt Denver look like a mini New York in comparison. The Denver Pavilions does seem like the better development, even though Houston Pavilions is larger. Denver's smart planning with the 16th Street Mall has fostered development on adjacent streets, thus creating an atmosphere that's bustling everywhere. Houston downtown's main center of action and nightlife is around Main Street. I'm a little disappointed that HP doesn't seem to be creating the buzz that we all hoped for. The only way that will happen is if we open up more stores off Main Street! Sorry!

Your joke reminded me of a bad stand up comedian when all you can hear is cricketts after he tells the punchline. OK MOVING ON, NEXT CHAPTER PLEASE!

I liked the blue better too but this lighting isn't so bad.

T/V i think the reminder is automatically triggered. I do feel like the mods on here are a little paranoid any time someone mentions the word Dallas. I quess because historically, especially on the old HAIF site when Dallas VS Houston wars were permitted, it could get kind of ugly. They were fun and entertaining reads though!

I agree it was overhyped at the beginning. It seemed like it was realy focused on flash which I myself bought into the hype. I heard the developer is moving towards cheaper alternatives. That's the only way that place will survive because right now its on life support!

My name is based on my old name before the 1st HAIF crashed in 2004. It was originally ComingtoHouston so i shortened it to C2H so my user name wouldn't be so long. I selected ComingtoHouston because I was supposed to be moving to Houston back then but the job offer fell through so I didn't end up officially coming here until about 1 1/2 year ago.

I don't see the Red cat Jazz Cafe on the tennants list on the new site! Anyone know what happened?

Pavilions is looking great. Juast drove by. Now on with the VIDEO SCREENS !!!!!!

Actually I got more replies than I thought . I thank you for your contribution and hilarity

I'm kidding Trae. I'm going to vote. I'm more impressed with Obama's plans right now of trying to get out of the recession. Before Palin came in the picture, I was straddling the fence between Obama and Mccain. Couldn't decide.

I wasn't sure if I was going to vote for Mccain or Obama until Palin came in the picture. Now i'm not planning to vote at all. If I do, it will be for Obama. I think everyone's expecting Palin to fail but I heard she's cramming like crazy and is being set up with some of the top political experts to prepare her for the debates. She may have her engine going and win this debate. I'm scared

One Park Place is looking awesome coming into downtown from 288. I wonder how they will light it up at night..... or will they at all?

I know this has been talked about over the last few years but I just wanted to say that downtown Houston's skyline is looking 10xs better these days without those tacky looking white Christmas lights on top of the buildings. The blue ones on top of the Amegy bank building look so good. It seems that some of the letters sent by some members on here, including myself may have done the trick. I know many didn't care about this issue like I did, but I was always a strong advocate of removing the Christmas lights. I think I remember reading on here that once the H/P opens up, it will have newer features as far as lighting up downtown. I think there's supposed to be a special feature on the new Houston Pavilions skywalk bridges. Downtown Houston's shaping up. I don't expect to get many replies but what do you guys think?

Thank you for your answer. I'm not sure I thought the synchronization worked well when I'd be down here visiting my girlfriend around 2004/2005. At least once the green lights hit you could go a constant speed. Now its stop n go, go 10 feet then stop. Something needs to be done!

Hello all. I haven't been on this forum in a while and just wanted to ask a question. Does anyone know what happened to the downtown traffic lights being synchronized. I remember Mayor White enforcing that about 4 years ago. I was just downtown for the first time in a long time and noticed that the lights are no longer synchronized. It's very frustrating too because the stop n go is hard on my brakes and gas. If any one has any information i would love you.

get used to it. this guy's usually late with projects.

bummer!