bt12402

Well this is vague. I want details, dammit.

Specifically, I want a time frame, answers regarding expansion of rail infrastructure to serve the container yard, and also information on how much truck traffic would be generated that would have to go over the causeway.

It is my opinion that we'll have plenty of capacity once Bayport comes on line and is expanded. Beyond that, there's a Seattle-based company that is working to build a container terminal at Shoal Point in Texas City. If more capacity were required, there's still enough land at Barbour's Cut to handle a whole new inlet and turning basin.

Poor people are inescapable and are not "dumped" on a city. In Galveston's case, they really need a low-skill workforce to serve their growing tourism industry, but it'd be best if they didn't congest the causeway every morning and afternoon, and also if they could be contained away from areas frequented by visitors. So the idea of developing low-income apartments on Pelican Island wouldn't be to add to the population of the poor, but to dislocate it into a more contained and controllable space.

Btw, UTMB has been providing charitable services to the poor for decades. My parents used to work there in the early 80's and treated people from throughout Galveston County and the 'septic triangle' (no offense to residents of Beaumont-Port Arthur-Orange.

UT area condo project designed to offer a home-field advantage

Developer targeting Longhorn fans who want a home of their own for games.

By M.B. Taboada

AMERICAN-STATESMAN STAFF

Tuesday, October 24, 2006

Developers plan a luxury condominium hotel near the University of Texas, targeting Longhorn fans who want a home away from home for game weekends.

The Texas Gameday Center, at Dean Keeton and Red River streets, will include the renovation of an apartment complex into condominiums and the construction of a 136-unit building.

The developer, Atlanta-based Gameday Centers Southeastern LLC, has similar projects in other college sports towns and plans two more in Texas, in College Station and Lubbock.

http://www.statesman.com/business/content/.../25gameday.html

I don't think Galveston needs more sect 8 housing. Hell, UTMB appears to be changing its mode to take care the poor. I think it's time to Galveston to get away from being a dumping ground for destitute people and move forward. Like the adage, everyone wants to take care of the homeless, needing halfway homes, etc. as long as it's not in my backyard.

Galveston isle has enough problems with infrastructure for the existing east end much less for the west end and the wharf.

I personally called HEB corporate after hearing a rumor of building a Central Market off Champions area and 1960. The person told me that they have no plans. The closest concept location is in Katy where they combined a HEB store and a Central Market. The size of this place compares to a super Walmart size.

Sells, furniture, futon sets, etc. You could easily spend 2 hours in this place looking at the samples and variety of stuff.

In terms of marketing the isle, I really don't think it really matters at this point. Galveston isle is about 7 to years out in really being competitive to other major resorts. The city needs to clean up the east end (by the jetties), the new developments will take some years to complete, and Broadway Blvd needs a major cleanup of the businesses and projects from about 33st heading west.

Despite what people may fell about Fertitta, he has improved the quality of Galveston as a tourist destination and his ongoing quest to beautify the isle. Not many people have the guts nor money

to do so. I can't wait to see what he does with the Flagship Hotel and the surrounding areas.

There are hardly any more bargains on the island anymore. Fixer upper home prices have increased greatly in the last 4 years, since I bought and restored our 1926 bungalow. I'd say these homes that have the construction to overcome hurricanes (as long as you are behind the seawall).

BT12402

Parttime Galveston resident.

I remember 15 or more years ago you could not give away any land on that island now they are selling it for incredible amounts. Watch another storm will come thru and property prices will crash again. So hold on to your money it will be much cheaper in a year or two, maybe more.

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To the old vintage charmers,

I currently live in the suburbs, 1960/Jones Rd area. My wife and I are looking

at the Norhill Heights area as an alternative. Any pros/cons about this

area would be appreciated. It would be more convenient drive wise for both

of us.

Thanks.

Brian T.

ps. Does the Norhill Heights area flood???