dbigtex56

So let me get this straight, if you'll forgive the expression...the problem is that people are shocked by the website, so the business should move or close? The impact on Main Street would be minimal, as almost certainly the customers will be using the rear entrance (of the building - what are you, 14?) I imagine it would be in the best interests of the Meatrack to make its presence as discreet as possible. I seriously doubt if they'll have display windows (or signs) on Main Street. A three year lease isn't forever; by the time any residential development in the area is built and occupied, the building's owner will be in a better position to lease to a more conventional tenant. This property has sat empty for quite a long time; it's a beautiful old building and a paying tenant provides an incentive for the owner to maintain it.

KHOU report: Click to watch video HOUSTON -- For several years now, the stream has run steady with folks moving back to the city. Approximately 25,000 call it home now. KHOU The Meatrack's Web site is one of the reasons Midtown neighbors are fighting against it. But in the middle of it all is Midtown. Even on this cloudy day, Noel Cowart can see how much has changed in the last few years from his 14th floor high-rise home. "This has become a premier neighborhood to live in," Cowart proclaimed. "I'm delighted to live here. What I'm not delighted about is having some sexually oriented business moving in to my neighborhood near to churches, schools and residents." A gay club called The Meatrack signed a three-year lease to rent a building in the 2900 block of Main Street right along the rail line. "He has a Web site and it's a very graphic Web site," Cowart said referring to the club. True. Meatrack.org leaves little doubt as to what happens inside. The site says it has lockers, towels and free condoms throughout the club. Plus, restraints, an exam table and other fantasies. The Meatrack encourages its customers to have safe sex. But this place considers itself a private club. Membership is required to get inside. But you can buy it at the door for $5. "If that's what he's doing and that's the type of crowd he's generating I don't want him in my neighborhood," said Cowart. There are other clubs like the Meatrack already open in Midtown. In fact, it's only moving three blocks to its new location. But it'll open right in front of the light rail line, right on the Main Street corridor. While many may consider this club immoral, we discovered it may not be illegal. These clubs operate in a gray area of the law. They don't serve alcohol. There are no dancers for hire. And going in customers sign off that graphic sex isn't offensive. So it's not considered a sexually oriented business. That makes it difficult for opponents. Even the ones at City Hall. "Main Street has been designated as the signature boulevard for the city of Houston," said Councilwoman Carol Alvarado. "We have the Main Street Coalition that has put a lot of time resources and thought into developing Main Street. This is not the type of business we want on Main Street." But Alvarado and others can't find any legal way to stop the Meatrack from moving to Main Street. "We've got to get people to move back to the city," proclaims Peter Brown, who helped found the Midtown Coalition. "They want to move back. They're tired of commuting." Peter Brown fears places like the Meatrack will deter development in Midtown, especially the empty lot directly across from the club. So, Brown's trying to update standards new businesses have to follow in hopes of keeping these types of clubs from opening. Brown said he would rather see a more pedestrian friendly urban environment. "It's going to do a lot to attract people back to the city," Brown said looking over artists' renderings of new Midtown development. But for now there appears to be little that anyone can do legally to prevent the Meatrack or any other so-called private club from opening their doors where they want. Link note: Access to KHOU website requires sign-up (free)

That's the only location directly on Main St. anywhere near McGowen which makes any sense. Any comment from realtors?

So far as I know, no law is being violated. This is a private club, and the activities are legal (except in the case of someone who knowingly transmits HIV). What appears to be happening is that an existing (not new) SOB is moving to a more sparsely populated part of Midtown. Isn't that a slight improvement?

Yes indeed. The British have suffered terribly from poor dental hygiene

Point well taken - I checked my dictionary and it too makes no mention of the financial arrangement for the word 'apartment'. But I think we're all pretty much on the same page here - by "apartment building" (or complex) it's assumed that we mean rental units. As someone else pointed out, the newer, more expensive buildings will have fairly strict criteria for lessees. Also, the circumstances which brought about the huge, cheaply constructed apartment complexes in the Gulfton (and Greenspoint) areas were different from today's market. If I recall correctly, the vacancy rate for apartments in the late 70's - early 80's was <5%. They were built on the cheap, because anything that had four walls and plumbing was being snapped up. There's a dizzying array of different ownership/rental options out there today. As I understand it, some of those NYC "apartments" are sold for huge sums, but also have steep monthly rents (or maintenance fees). What's the difference between a condo and a co-op? Darned if I know. The point I'm trying to make is that these 'apartments' may someday turn into some mix of ownership and rental. There are a couple of apartment complexes which have converted into individually owned units in the Montrose area (Montrose Gardens, the Burlington), and I imagine the same might eventually happen in Midtown.

Duplicate thread - please see The Asia House

The HAIF moderators (if I can speak for all of us) have a fairly liberal posting policy. Certainly, some members are better informed, more articulate and possess better social skills than others. And I agree that some judicious pruning would make reading the posts more pleasant. On the other hand, some of the most ignorant posts have prompted people to post thoughtful replies. While we're reluctant to allow this forum to degenerate into a flaming chatroom, there's also a hope that the exchange of opinions will remain lively enough to encourage people to return. I hope that all of our members will consider the views you expressed, and use some common sense before posting messages. Moderators walk a fine line between alienating people by a heavy-handed approach, and allowing conversations to degenerate into idiocy. Thanks for the imput.

I've read less vague statements in fortune cookies. Any dwelling carries an element of risk. How can you be sure that your homeowners' association will remain intact? or that the person who lives in the townhome next door doesn't rent it out to undesirables?

Again, I respectfully ask: How much time in your life has been devoted to actually riding public transportation? Let's take a reckless guess and say "practically none". Somehow I think that's probably true. I think you hope you're clever. I suggest you're mistaken. I'm going to get all humorless, and take you at your word. Disney ride? You're going to pay more than $1 for a Disney ride. Public transportation is as boring as plumbing, and just as disturbing when it doesn't work. It's been less than a year, and I've frequently ridden the light rail, and I think it's going to work. On a sheerly practical level, it's dependable, safe, cheap, effective. There's not a lot to hate. Disney ride! That seems to be the attitude of the anti-rail forces. Because rail hasn't eliminated traffic, global warming, crime, racism, terrorism and child molestation, it's a failure. Rail hasn't conquered cancer, either. Alas. Here's a cheap suggestion. Ride a crowded 82 Westheimer between Elgin and Kirby while standing up; then ride the Red Line from the Med Center to U of H campus. Be honest; which did you prefer?

The Astrodome is a real pain in the neck. It's no longer suitable for its intended purpose, and no one has come up with a convincing better use. And stadia are like roads or bridges or anything else people build; they require maintenance. Our tax dollars cover (at least I hope they do) the dreary need to fix leaks, retard corrosion and generally protect our investment. Eventually, we need to ask "is this in our best interest?". I'd hate to see the Astrodome destroyed. I think of it as being like Paxton's Crystal Palace, a significant milestone in architecture. The 'dome helped put Houston on the map. It's audacious and beautiful and influential. When I was a kid, there were three structures being built that really captured my imagination; the St. Louis Arch, the World Trade Towers, and the Astrodome. I've been to two of the three (I've still never been to the Astrodome). People were awestruck; "An indoor, air-conditioned baseball stadium?" The future seemed possible. Until...unless...someone comes up with a great proposal, and has the $$$ to back it up, the 'dome will remain a pain in the neck.

How convenient! Something to satisfy any appetite.

People who think buses are the equivalent of light rail have spent very little time riding either.

The Golden Room on Montrose (between W Gray & W Dallas) has charming decor, great food, attentive service and very reasonable prices. That they've been in the same location for approximately twenty years indicates that they're doing something right in Houston's highly competitive market. Haven't been there recently, but the Thai Palace (I think) on Westheimer in the strip center just east of Commonwealth is under new management, and from all reports has excellent food.

Things change. Five or six years ago, who would build a house east of Taft? or east of Main St.? Or in Midtown? And now those neighborhoods are booming. Freeman's Town in the Fourth Ward has nearly disappeared under Perry homes, and residents of the Third Ward are getting nervous. As has been seen in Midtown, the time to buy parkland is when the opportunity presents itself. If only the city had bought the Superblock ten years ago!

Any updates on this project? They were going great guns for a while - concrete for the slab and the parking lot has been poured - but the only thing I've seen happening on that corner in the past month+ is some digging by the street (storm sewers, perhaps?) Seems to be taking a while for the structure to go up.

Sounds like a sure cure for constipation...

Haven't looked at the site in a couple of weeks - if it's open, has anyone eaten there yet?

Um...that if even I know how to use MapQuest (2.13 miles), perhaps professionals should, too?

You have a point. It might make the guys buying purses uncomfortable.

It's about a 3 minute walk from where I live to Main/Alabama, and I'm just fine with the medical building plan. It sure beats the vacant lot that's there now, and I assume that the people who will be employed there will want to eat lunch. I hope that it spurs more restaurants in the area; we could use them. I don't know what's going on at the old Day's Inn. Haven't noticed any ill effects on the neighborhood. re: Main/Wheel and METRO. How come getting from the Red Line to the 25 Richmond bus is so awkward? Typical Metro stupidity; no signs, and there's not a stop on Wheeler between Fannin and Main. This ought to be a seamless transition. Currently, you have to negotiate a vast wasteland to find the closest bus stop.

I think it's called Spots (sp?) Park.

'Tutes "R" Us

You can find a picture of it here.