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Couldn't have asked this question any better....can't wait for the response.

Except when it comes to asking for the annual dues.

We are pulling for you Briekelman. What they are doing to you is beyond unbelievable. It is appalling. We live in a 1915 bungalow and they use our home as an example of acceptable additions. We were against this ordinance precisely for this reason. It is unclear and subjective. I can only hope your pain is short-lived and possibly be the catalyst for some changes to the ordinance to make it go away ideally, or at least amended. Good luck!! We are pulling for you Briekelman. What they are doing to you is beyond unbelievable. It is appalling. We live in a 1915 bungalow and they use our home as an example of acceptable additions. We were against this ordinance precisely for this reason. It is unclear and subjective. I can only hope your pain is short-lived and possibly be the catalyst for some changes to the ordinance to make it go away ideally, or at least amended. Good luck!!

Noted Red.

Chevron is the first one that comes to mind. Tons of them. There are still Shell stations in Houston. One on Washington Ave no less. And I thought the one on Shep/Durham near Memorial was Exxon (could be She'll though). I think the station on Westheimer at 610 West Loop by the Galleria is also Shell. Back to the Citgo. I was there a few weeks ago for an inspection sticker and asked them about the For Sale sign and gas situation. He told me the owner was a 70+ year old woman and she was just ready to shut it down and sell out. No idea on the economics of the station, although I only got gas there in an emergency since they was always so much more expensive. Oh, and they started charging $1.00 PER TIRE for air.....WTH!!

I saw there is a chain link fence surrounding the old auto parts store and the signage is painted over. Any rumblings out there HAIFers?

We've used Kris Bitner in the past. Seems to be very knowledgable. She did some work on one of our trees a couple months ago, so the jury is still out.

We are now getting crushed by ~2,000 votes. Mt Airy must have posted something on their 'Hoods newspaper, or school flyers, or banners behind airplanes. C'mon somebody. We have 115,000 views for the Wal-Mart topic, plus another (???) for the Historic Districts for chrissake!!! Mom's groups??? Where are ya?!?!? Rally caps ON!!!

This is all very interesting commentary. However, I was hoping someone knew what the plans were for this lot. Sorry to interrupt the debate on Historic Districts....please proceed.

Anyone have an idea about what camera was used in this case? I've seen a couple mentions of $100 cameras, but if someone has a model number/type, that would be helpful. I'd rather not have to hardwire based on where I would need them, so wireless/battery powered is preferred. Thanks all!

Phil's BBQ will be changing over to J. Black's. Saw the sign today and googled it tonight....here are the stories on it. http://www.bizjournals.com/houston/print-edition/2011/09/02/hip-austin-lounge-has-recipe-for.html?ana=twt http://www.facebook.com/JBlacksHouston ""A popular Austin-based hot spot is set to take over the former Phil’s BBQ location on Washington Avenue. J. Black’s Feel Good Lounge is slated to open in the 7,000-square-foot space at the southern corner of Heights Boulevard later this year. The lounge, which also has a location in Dallas, features signature cocktails, salads and artisan pizzas. The upscale lounge also features a brunch menu and an extensive wine list. The menu includes items such as Australian Lamb Chop Lollipops; Texas Kobe Beef Sliders; and Shiner, TX Pizza. In addition, the Houston location will feature The Cork Room, a special event area. J. Black’s will also feature two all-season covered patios to provide shade for drinking and eating in the hot Texas weather. Phil’s BBQ closed in May, after just over a year in business. Martin Pike, an owner of Phil’s BBQ, said at the time the economics just didn’t work out (read more at http://bizj.us/b3j67). Phil’s had a long-term lease but was able to sublease the space to J. Black’s. Alan Chodrow of Houston-based Chodrow Realty Advisors represented the owner of the building in the transaction, while J. Black’s was represented by Carter Butler and Jon Smallingof Houston-based UCR Moody Rambin. David Littwitz, of Chodrow Realty Advisors, confirmed the deal was finalized and said there was quite a bit of interest in the high-traffic location. “I can tell you now that the deal is completed, that we had many, many legitimate inquiries on the space and received a dozen letters of intent,” he said. The J. Black’s concept was created by Judson Sutherland, a real estate attorney; Brian Franzman, former manager of Eddie V’s steak house in Austin; and Sean Fric, a lead bartender at Eddie V’s.

I see where the old sewing machine shop on the corner of 13th and Yale was demo'd. Anyone have an idea on what is going in there? The land looks prepped for development. Thanks!

Just wondering about what is going in at the corner of Yale, one block north of Washington? It was some sort of one story office building and they've been renovating the past couple months. Likely another bar or restaurant it appears. I'm sure someone on here knows, as usual. Thanks.

Sounds like the same guy is hitting multiple houses. The 1500 block of Allston was hit last week. Same story. White van. African-american guy. Parked in the alley, walked around the house acting like a contractor (they had just finished up a remodel). Kicked in the front door in the early afternoon when no cars were in the driveway. The neighbors had seen a suspicious van the prior week, with 2-3 guys in the van parked on the street for a while. One neighbor went out to ask what was going on, but they had left already. The constable was called for the Allston break-in, so please, please be sure to call and report this break-in to the constable as well as the regular police. Sounds like it could be an easy catch if the word gets out. Please keep the Haifers posted. Thanks

Another option to look at is Norhill Heights, or Sunset Heights, or possibly Heights proper on the west side of Yale. Norhill/Sunset will generally have smaller lots and smaller houses, but I think it has a more "neighborhood" feel (just my opinion...not knocking on any area). Heights on the west side of Yale is generally a bit less expensive than on the east side of Yale, and most have 6,600 sq ft lots with a mix of older homes and new builds. There are even some new builds up around 17th street around Ashland being built right now. Just some other ideas. Best luck to you on your search.

We hit Happy Fatz on Saturday night after dinner at Glass Wall. Skipped dessert just to try it out. It is a great little bungalow with a cozy feel and GREAT desserts. Some small items, and some UUUUGE cakes slices. We tried a variety of bite size chocolate covered cheesecake balls and a couple mini red velvet cupcakes. They also had some little cake balls on a stick (couldn't fit one of those in my gullet). All were great. I think they'll do well here. Perfect for an after dinner snack. And they also serve lunches which I wasn't aware of before. We hit it again tonight on a whim on our way home. Again, great. Owners are super friendly, so we're pulling for them. Go check them out.

Here is an email I received from Suzy....so nice of her. I responded asking why she didn't bother to respond to my emails during the debate itself, but instead chose to respond now....I copied my response below as well. So damn mad at all of them. Mr. XXXX, Thank you for contacting Mayor Parker and Council Members regarding the historic preservation ordinance and the transition process. I can see you feel strongly about this issue; however, what is posted for Council’s consideration on Wednesday is whether or not to accept the reports from Planning regarding the boundaries of the six existing districts. Sincerely, Suzy Hartgrove Public Affairs Manager Planning & Development Department AND HERE IS MY RESPONSE: I take note that you can reply to my letter for this request, but did not bother to respond to my other letter during the debate over the changes to the ordinance. I can’t believe how over-reaching this whole process has been, with total disregard for the wants and desires of the constituents within the districts. I can already envision the cost of the lawsuits that will inevitably occur due to this process. That being said, thank you for your note. Regards,

Here's one for you. I live in a historic district (HW), live in a historic bungalow which we renovated 4 years ago (before the stupidity). I even signed the original petition once our work was done, and went back to get a COA after the fact to qualify for the tax break. And I hate what has been done to me and to others who were duped. Heck, they even used our house as an EXAMPLE of what an acceptable addition is in their advertising during the debate. So, S3MH, am I anti-preservation??? Nope, anti-ordinance.

Can't go wrong with Bungalow Revival. They've done a ton or incredible restoration work in the Heights, from full renovations, to smaller, period projects. www.bungalowrevival.com They've won numerous awards for their restoration work, and I know they also do smaller projects such as yours.

Ambassador Shoe Repair if you need new soles and a shine...it is just outside of downtown near the bus station. The Char Bar is a great little joint for a shoe shine and a drink if you desire...it is right on Travis across from the new Market Square. It's one of those places where you wonder what they really do there. But a great shoe shine and some interesting people watching.

Check your mailboxes folks. I just got my ballot in the mail today. (I'm in Heights West). It is up to you to fill out your name, HCAD #, Block #, Subdivision, etc. Must be "postmarked or delivered" by December 23, 2010. The letter also mentions the public meeting for Dec 8th at 6:00pm at Reagan High School. Mine is filled out already, with a photocopy to keep for my records. I wish there was a way for us to track the responses to repeal so that we'd know exactly who sent them in by lot/block, etc.

Yes, go you! And go me. Not a builder, not a developer. 1915 Bungalow. In Heights West HD (unfortunately). Did an add-on out the back a few years ago. I can't wait for this ordinance to get overturned...I just hope we can make it happen. I hear that HWHD is going to be the most difficult one to overturn (for whatever reason). Did anyone attend the meeting tonight for the discussion on the ordinance? Curious about what it was all about.

This shouldn't matter....I'm not a realtor or a builder and I live in a historic 1915 bungalow. I even went through the COA process to do an addition. And I was fine with the 90 day rule because ultimately it left me to do what I wanted with MY property. I even signed it. However, this new ordinance completely takes it out of my hands and into the city's hands. And we know how good the city is at running themselves. Let me change out my siding if I want to without getting into MY business. My house....I paid for it. And stop saying it is just builders/developers who want to ruin the neighborhood. It is people like me. Nothing else in the game except to keep others/gov't out of my business. SCRAP THE NEW ORDINANCE!

According to my 1915 bungalow, 95 years and counting....

Form letter....I got the same one. How about they just let us vote, and eliminate the 15-30 day time frame extension.