J.A.S.O.N.

There was also a Foot Locker and an urban clothing store named Q.T.'s next to the "Pizza Place" on that map.

This pic is from the 13th. I thought DT's club scene was doing well

All aboard a revived plan: rail to Galveston By ALAN KOLODNY Look south, my fellow Houstonians, the gentle Gulf breezes whisper: "Welcome to our future." Yes, the future is incredibly bright for our Bayou City, but Houston's potential is linked to improving quality of life and tourism. And Galveston is essential to both. Let's embrace the Gulf of Mexico, not only for the wealth it brings in oil and gas and via its shipping lanes, but also for its oft-overlooked natural beauty

Photo by Kevin M. Cox

I've never enjoyed the "international" seasons.

No need, I'm an econ major. Btw, I really like your sig!

LOL, I knew what you meant.

I agree!

How about improving upon some of those things you mentioned TAK? Favorable tax treatment and better transportation options. I'm certainly not suggesting that Galveston create industry, but use Houston as a catalyst and to its advantage (as the city is doing now with its port). Most would agree that a diversified economy is better than a single one. I don't suppose I would raise these kinds of questions had Galveston not at one time harbored more industry. The fact of the matter is that Galveston has never been a "Key West", but more of a "New Orleans" in respect to industry. A tourist town that "works". Certainly, Galveston should build itself up to be the best tourist destination it could be, but would that alone be good for Galveston and Galvestonians? (I never said Mobile had a car manufacturing plant, I apologize for the mix up ) I case you are thinking that everything you typed has went over my head, it hasn't. Defying logic in this instance doesn't make good for the "bottom line". I understand that Galveston may not be the most ideal place to do business, but we could certainly make it more desirable. I can't help but wonder sometimes what Galveston's downtown would look like had Mitchell Energy & Development, and Landry's Restaurants Inc. decided to headquarter here like the Moody's Amercian National Insurance and Moody National Bank.

If ANICO moves from Galveston, this also means people from Galveston, Hitchcock, Texas City, and LaMarque will have to drive all the way to League City. plumber2, do you think our city leaders should do something (anything) to reverse the status quo of diminishing returns? Those companies that you listed should still be here. Why isn't there a proactive approach in Galveston to lure industry or their subsidiaries to the island? Can focusing on tourism alone be benficial to Galveston? plumber2, you even said that tourism alone will not sustain the island. I read stories all the time of cities along the gulf coast like Mobile, and others of "company x" moving into its downtown, or a car manufactuing plant choosing the city. Why not Galveston? Why not at least put yourself in the race? I understand that there are problems here, but are they so beyond help that Galveston should accept its fate as a "one trick pony" (or two if you consider the port). This is something the city is going to have to accept for the first time in its 171 year history if ANICO or UTMB leave. Could maybe a collaborative effort between the public and private sector make a push to turn things around for the better?

Wow, its funny that you vacation in Galveston when you already live in beautiful area by the sea.

I don't know Marty. That plaque at the bottom says it was done by the Texas Commission on the Arts.

http://www.galveston.com/rudypaco/

If you don't mind me asking, where are you from?

Best BBQ on the island, hands down... Leon's World Finest. No kidding!

Proof of pie in the sky is in the testing By Heber Taylor The Daily News Published January 14, 2007 The city of Galveston is going to test interest among the private sector in developing the roughly 600 acres known as the East End flats. One of the stories you can hear around town is that the same folks who have built mansions on manmade islands in the Middle East are interested in the property. But other parties have expressed interest..." http://news.galvestondailynews.com/story.l...315b5e968601d6b

I'm not really familiar with Lee Brown, other than knowing he was the mayor of Houston. Was he that bad?

Ex-Houston chief to advise NOPD Community policing expert calls citizens' role crucial Saturday, January 13, 2007 By Laura Maggi Former Houston Mayor and Police Chief Lee Brown and his consulting company will shortly begin evaluating the New Orleans Police Department and developing a plan on how to improve the relationship between police and residents of crime-ridden neighborhoods. At a news conference Friday, the day after an unprecedented anti-crime rally outside City Hall, Brown said he will begin a three-and-a-half month assessment of the NOPD immediately. Brown and NOPD Superintendent Warren Riley characterized Brown's role as a partnership with the city's chief.... http://www.nola.com/news/t-p/frontpage/ind....xml&coll=1

Thanks aslowdodge. Simp's is very good imo, if you are in the mood for soul food. They serve bbq, but only on certain days. The coffe shop just celebrated they're first year with a party, the community was invited. The mayor, and George Mitchell himself visted the couple after the second incident to show their support. The library is on 27th street across from Garten Veren. It's now the Nia Cultural Center. Tons of pictures and information of African American history on the island. A Kwanzaa celebration was going on inside while I took my pictures. Thanks houstonfella!

It's my sister's.

Thanks Marty, just a couple

I also posted these in SSC Drove around the African Amercian neighborhoods New Year's eve... The couple who opened this coffeehouse returned to Galveston from Los Angeles after 25 years, the local drug dealers tried to burn the place down TWICE This building was interesting, it has some sort of artsy monument outside This neighborhood was once rows and rows of government housing projects, now it's a low income neighborhood This guy has a local public access tv show called "Hood TV" :| On to another neighborhood near downtown.... New Year's Eve in Texas!

I guess you are right, the population just doesn't call for it. I just thought that since this trek is made by those that have to handle county business anyhow, (being that Galveston is the county seat) downtown Galveston would be a great place to concentrate offices. There is already a mix of ANICO, UTMB, the regional offices of United Fire Group, small law firms, and other financial institutions, (Merrill Lynch, Moody National, BOA, etc...) more so than anywhere else in the county.

Thanks for the replies guys! Anyhow, I didn't mean to imply that Galveston should take tourism out of the equation. That would be well......stupid lol. Islander, I have to agree with you on the Port of Houston/Port of Galveston issue. The attitude of "Us against Houston" is no longer relevant, Houston is much too large and iinfluential. Galveston would continue to only hurt itself with such an attitude. Thank goodness Port Director Cernak realizes this and is getting us back in the "game" (so to speak). What I am wondering is can this type of cooperation between Houston and Galveston translate to other industries. If Galveston can't draw the headquarters, then how about satellite offices? Could Galveston become Houston's link to southern Galveston County?

Tourist based ecomonies are typically fragile, and Galveston's is no exception. With UTMB (our counties largest employer) struggling and laying off workers, I got to thinking about what would really happen to Galveston or non transient Galvestonians if the University left the island. The status quo isn't all that great even with American National and UTMB. Does anyone think Galveston should or even could find ways to diversify its ecomomy? Also, with what type of industry? I realize that many of you think of Galveston exclusively as a vacation spot, but there are many of us that live, work, and play here on a full time basis.