brian0123

Ditto on 3 Men http://www.3menmovers.com/. We just used them two months ago. While they are a large company, the crew we had took pride in their work. Didn't scratch a thing, were very fast and nice. They clock in with you (you sign them in), then clock out with you... so prices are up front and nothing hidden.

I don't know what happened to the Crossfit place...

Correction, looks like they just moved locations elsewhere in Midtown. http://pinupcrossfit.com/

I just moved from this area a couple months ago and saw this when driving by my old house last month. I don't know what happened to the Crossfit place... but this was a huge shocker to me. Usually these places are over on Washington near the courthouse. This place just seems so out of place.

My wife and I just moved to Knollwood in a 50's home and will be raising our children in this neighborhood. I'd love to hear more about early life in Knollwood Village. Do you still live nearby?

The article also mentions that other potential locations are the Med Center, Energy Corridor, downtown and even suburban locations like The Woodlands and Sugar Land.

After moving to the Braeswood area, I've noticed that there are a ton of properties along South Main (across from Reliant) that would be perfect for newer developments due to the proximity of the Medical Center. There are a lot of run-down apartments along there (and car washes), that would allow Med Center, Downtown, and Galleria workers a very fast commute (straight up Main). Plus, the parcels are huge.

Figured this would be a good place to discuss the conventions. I'll start with last night.

Ann Romney: Speech was sincere, but message seemed forced. Essentially, she said moms are aweseome, woman are awesome, I love woman, I'm a mom, Mitt makes me laugh, my daddy was a mayor but Mitt and I used to be poor for a little while when we lived in an apartment, Mitt makes me laugh, yeah we're very rich, he'll work hard for you, so vote for him.

Chris Christie: Speech seemed over the place and felt like he was yelling and spitting, while kind of being a Debbie Downer. Aren't these speeches supposed to get people excited? Basically, the message was we're the party that will make the tough, painful choices. When others tell you things are good, don't listen. We're ready to make the sacrifices needed for the country to get better. In other words, vote for Republicans and the things you voters like will get cut because it's the right thing to do. Woohoo?

Maybe I'm way off but that's what it felt like. Ann's speech was what I thought it would be by trying to convince people Mitt has a personality. However, Christie's really threw me off and wasn't at all what I thought it would be like. What did you guys think?

I can't find anything online about it. If it is indeed a real event occurring, a 20x20 tent is not nearly large enough for 500 people. Plus, the group would have had to pay the park rental fee, buy insurance, provide portable bathroom facilities, etc. In other words, they have to have a decent chunk of change to make it happen because of the city requirements to rent the park. I no longer live nearby, but if it is an actual event, I hope the organizers have plans to disperse everyone because camping is not allowed in the park at all.

I wanted to thank you all for responding. My wife and I went ahead and bought in the area (Knollwood Village) and love it. We've been here a month now and have started fixing up our 1956 house. Awesome neighbors, tons of stuff to do nearby, walking distance to Reliant, fun biking/jogging options, quiet, and very close to Rice Village and Med Center. Our street only has two McMansions but the rest are 1950's homes that people have sunk good money in... so we think the street should maintain it's character for awhile. Oh, and yes, the Little Couple lives a couple blocks away.

Newsfix is the worst thing ever. I feel like I'm watching a junior high kid's video project. "Today, some dude from the UN did whatever but look at that guy's head... could he BE any more bald?!?!?!" (and throw in still image of a cue ball). Watching it proves to me that we live in the movie Idiocracy. They'll probably even have an "Ow my balls" segment one day.

I knew it would bring jokes... but I'm serious. I think this facility could really be put to good use for a purpose like this. Like I said earlier, taxpayers have already footed the bill for a good chunk of the cost. Just remodel it to have beds and kitchens, then allow non-profits to operate the thing.

So where then?

How about we actually make use of the Port of Houston's empty cruise terminal? http://abclocal.go.com/ktrk/story?section=news/13_undercover&id=8672576 Huge building, no neighbors to disturb, waterfront views, and it has already been payed for by taxpayers.

You guys are arguing in circles. The real solution is for Houston to do what San Antonio did and create another Haven for Hope. Find a place out of the way and consolidate all services in one huge location. It's working in San Antonio. The various orgs in Houston need to get over themselves and work together.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/04/15/san-antonio-officials-ope_n_539471.html

Hi all. My wife and I are looking at houses in the Houston area (inside or just outside the loop) and we stumbled upon Riverside Terrace. I see that some of you have commented on this area and am just wondering what you think of the neighborhood. Is it a good family area? we have an 8 month old who is going to Montessori school downtown. All info is appreciated...

My wife and I were in your exact situation a couple months ago. We looked at Riverside, but ultimately decided on the South Braeswood area (Knollwood Village). I'm not sure what your price range is, but you can still find decent 3/2/2 for 300k. Yeah, it's more expensive... but the neighborhood is full of families. Our first weekend here consisted of our neighbors inviting us out and the kids on the street playing in the sprinkler (our 1yo daughter had a blast). Riverside Terrace seems like a nice place, but we decided to move where the schools are better and there are more families. Plus, there are a ton of grocery stores/restaurants/ and Rice Village is five minutes away. Good luck on your search. PM if you want more info.

I stopped going to concerts in the burbs because of how much of a pain it is. My guess is that this place will be as bad as the Woodlands Pavilion.

So, Interfaith Ministries... I think that's what this thread was about.

I think you guys need to chill out about this. My only complaint about it is that it removes some prime property off of tax records (which could go to help police/schools in the city). You have no reason to fear there being a Meals on Wheels or admin offices nearby. The east side of Midtown will continue to grow for the better. You live in the most walkable neighborhood in the 4th largest city in the US. There will always be homeless and various strangers walking and driving around. You're literally in the middle of it all in Midtown.

Good thing that we have a Board governing the Midtown TIRZ that brags about buying and holding cheap housing for indigents and promoting homeless shelters/charities.

Midtown does not do this. First, they are required by law to provide cheap housing as part of being setup as the Midtown TIRZ. They HAVE to spend a certain % of their money on this as a requirement by law. They buy land on the other side of 288 for this purpose because it's cheaper and not in the district. The land they own in Midtown is to promote development in the district and increase tax revenues (i.e. the Superblock park coming soon). Trust me... they are not happy with losing tax revenue on properties to non profits. Problem is that they are powerless to do anything because Houston has no zoning. Any non profit is free to buy whatever expensive piece of property they want.

Midtown is also upset with this because they hire extra police to patrol the neighborhood. The Constables are one of the biggest chunks of the budget. Problem is that the increased non-profit presence requires more Constable and HPD patrols, yet the non-profits are not paying taxes to support those extra patrols. That's why I said earlier in another thread that non-profits like the San Jose Clinic are fine when they maintain their property and have the place secure. The problem is when they allow loitering and do nothing to be a good neighbor by tolerating loitering, trash, drug dealing, etc.

My head hurts from rolling my eyes so hard.

Is it possible for Obama to do ANYTHING without people freaking out and thinking he has some hidden agenda or secret plan to destroy you? Every critique I hear about him (or a policy he has pushed for) is some "what if" or "this could happen in the future..." boogyman scenario that hasn't happened and probably never will. In fact, you can come up with any crazy "what if/it might happen" scenario for anyone and anything. I sure hope you guys don't live your lives constantly in fear.

Back when I used to complain about Bush, it was for ACTUAL things he was doing AT THAT MOMENT. ("Well, we just invaded a country for no reason." "Well, he just declared mission accomplished in a flight suit even though soliders are still dying." "Well, he just passed tax cuts for the wealthy." "Hmm, he's currently authorizing secret prisons and is allowing torture to happen right now.")

ifs its a full congressional authority type of law its less prone to abuse, especially when we have split houses.

That's precisely the problem. Do you honestly believe congress would be able to react in an emergency... quickly?

When an emergency happens, someone has to be able to call the shots quickly and you don't have time for debates. If the president were to abuse his power, citizens would have the opportunity to vote him out if they didn't feel it was just. Simple as that. Plus, any president should know that depriving citizens of Facebook and sports scores better have a darn good reason.

@Niche

As a software and web developer who supports a free, open, and neutral internet... I really have no problem with government taking over any resource needed (if needed) during an emergency. I would love to see the government build the type of network you describe (they probably have something setup already). That said, if that network were to fail... they still should be able to take over what they need in order to protect the public.

Let's not forget that the government gave us the internet to begin with. Also, people don't understand how the internet works if they think the US government can just "take it all over". Even if someone were to come in and wanted to abuse their authority to turn America into a communist/socialist state... it would not be possible. just look at China as an example. They continue to struggle with blocking sites and stopping the flow of information.

Anyone have a favorite electrician here in town? I'm buying a 1950's ranch home in the loop and need to upgrade the service to 200 amps. Also looking to possibly rewire a couple outlets to get a ground in some places in the house. I'd love to know who you like to use.

Dude, get a life and stop worrying about everything Obama does. This is a good thing. It's an extension of emergency preparedness dating back to 1984, but bringing the government up to today's tech world. It's making sure the government can get the bandwidth and information it needs during times of disaster. We all know how cell towers and and networks get clogged already when an emergency hits. This makes sure the government can take over (if needed) so they can save lives instead of letting people Tweet "OMG end of wrld hpning. Btr grb last latte 2 go "

http://www.zdnet.com/foreign-news-outlets-cynically-bash-americas-new-emergency-communications-executive-order-7000000554/

That would make sense with what I heard.

Now, I know this is insensitive and horrible, but this news underscores one of the trends in Midtown that has grown over several years - social services. Is it just me or is anyone else concerned that Midtown is/has become Social Services Row?

They don't concern me as long as they run a tight ship and ensure the surrounding areas are clean and safe. For example, people were freaked when the San Jose clinic announced they were coming to Midtown... yet they do a great job of keeping the area clean. The larger concern with these businesses is that they are tax-exempt from paying into the TIRZ, so in essence Midtown loses out on tax revenue that it uses to pay for additional security and improvements in the neighborhood.

I was walking around midtown Frday, not exactly the area where this occured, closer to the Greyhound station. I was amazed at the blatant drug dealing at 9:00am with cops less than a block away. Serisouly the cops were on the same street while a guy was selling drugs to some women in a car.

HPD is pathetic in that regard. Despite the blatant activity around Greyhound, I would routinely see 3+ officers running a speed trap on West Gray down the road. They were sure eager to write tickets to people in BMW's and Mercedes... yet ignore drug dealing and prostitution near the station.