trymahjong

The last I heard Midtown would annex the Museum district-

I wonder what year for those hotels named after different parts of London? There was a naming contest 1907 for the development ultimately named Avondale---6 people came up with that name and shared the $25 prize. Now I understand about that street name - what better name than Stratford street in AVONdale?

Who was the Stratford Hotel named after? There is a Stratford street in Avondale.

Went to Neartown and hear presentation from Montrose Management District proposal for Special Parking Designation plus proposal for 3 new parking garages to be built within the Designation area. MMD stated that preserving existing housing was a priority ..........businesses who close before evening that have existing parking will be approached to share parking (as Southland Lumber does for Paulies) ..........a one block expansion of the parking designation is possible ..........reclaiming streets (such as Lincoln) might be explored for parking .........parking garages might be "moveable" not neccessarily built in one spot forever cost per parking space is anywhere between $15k to $25k per space --MMD doesn't have enough capital yet--probably take 10 years but there are companies that could be hired and do it in 18 months. Most of attendees at Neartown didn't think bar patrons would use a parking garage that charged $ Comes before COH: PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING INFORMATION: Thursday, October '1, 2015 beginning at 2:30 p.m. City HallAnnex Building, 900 Bagby Street City Council Chamber, Public Level, Houston,

Guess there won't be an annexation after all. From Costello's newsletter: At a presentation last month, council members were shown the city's plans to create three new TIRZs: Westchase; Sunnyside; and Montrose. Increment generated from these new zones will be used for infrastructure - primarily street, sidewalk and lighting projects. The city also plans to expand six existing zones: Fifth Ward; South Post Oak; Southwest Houston; Midtown; Memorial Heights; and St. George Place. These zones will annex additional property in order to generate long-term economic development, fold prospective projects into ongoing projects within the zones, and capitalize on ReBuild Houston projects in the areas. City Council is currently in the process of approving all operating budgets for existing TIRZs. Public hearings on TIRZ annexation and creation will begin in late September and continue through October with City Council votes expected in October and November.

From Cohen's enewsletter Council authorized acceptance of work relating to the completion of the historic Bethel Church’s renovation into a City of Houston park. An icon in District C’s Freedmen’s Town neighborhood, Bethel Missionary Baptist Church was tragically damaged by fire in 2005. Its revitalization into Bethel Park has included restoring the three remaining walls and upgrading the interior into a multi-use space that is open to the sky while incorporating the park’s history as a place of worship into its design.

From Cohen enewsletter Committee to review Historic Preservation Amendments Chair Cohen will convene a special-called meeting of the Council Committee on Quality of Life on Wednesday, September 2nd at 2PM in Council Chambers at City Hall. The Planning and Development Department will present proposed changes to Houston’s Historic Preservation Ordinance. This meeting will be archived online via HTV and associated materials will be posted on the Quality of Life Committee website. All committee meetings are open to the public and include the opportunity for public comment.

hts Ordinance Ballot Language Amended Per a directive of the Texas Supreme Court, City Council amended the ballot language concerning the Equal Rights Ordinance. Houstonians will vote on the following language on November 3, 2015: “Are you in favor of the Houston Equal Rights Ordinance, Ord. No. 2014-530, which prohibits discrimination in city employment and city services, city contracts, public accommodations, private employment, and housing based on an individual’s sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, familial status, marital status, military status, religion, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender identity, or pregnancy?” Citizens who wish to protect ALL Houstonians from discrimination should vote YES.

from Cohen enewsletter The Memorial Park Conservancy will host a public meeting to provide updates on the Memorial Park Long-Range Master Plan and related traffic studies and upcoming projects in the park. The meeting will begin at 6PM on Tuesday, August 25th at St. Theresa's Catholic Church (MAP). Attendees are asked to please RSVP to Natchaya Wanissorn at nwanissorn@uptown-houston.com by Monday, August 24th.

Houston to Vote on Term Limits Vote on Term Limits Council voted to place an item on the November 2015 ballot to amend our city’s term limits for the offices of the Mayor, the Controller, and City Council Members. Our current system allows those officeholders a maximum of three, two-year terms and Houstonians will have the opportunity to vote on whether to amend this system to allow two, four-year terms. If passed, the transition period would allow elected officials currently serving their first term to seek two additional four-year terms. Elected officials currently serving their second term would be eligible to seek one additional four-year term. Mayor Parker and other elected officials currently serving their third term would not be eligible for any additional terms. This alternative reflects the solution recommended by the 21-member non-partisan Houston Term Limits Review Commission in 2010.

I was thinking about "street art" Maybe that's what the MMD will be giving the residents with the new "light up" --M sign at Bagby and Elgin?

Bats on the Bayou August 28, 2015 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM View Larger Map Summary Join us for this FREE event at the Watonga Boulevard Bridge bat colony along White Oak Bayou Greenway to learn about bats from the experts, enjoy bat-themed activities and watch the bats emerge for their evening hunt! Description The Houston Parks Board (HPB), in partnership with the Houston Parks and Recreation Department (HPARD) and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD), presents “Bats on the Bayou,” a free event to introduce families to the bat colony living under Watonga Boulevard Bridge and highlight this special feature along White Oak Bayou Greenway. Attendees will learn about bats from the experts, enjoy bat-themed activities and watch the bats emerge for their evening hunt. Ecologist Cullen “Batgirl” Geiselman, Ph.D., an HPB board member; Jed Aplaca, HPARD Natural Resources Manager; and representatives from TPWD and the Houston Area “Bat Team” will share their knowledge about the Mexican free-tailed bat. The Watonga Parkway bat colony along White Oak Bayou Greenway is just one of the many special places being made more accessible through Bayou Greenways 2020, a project that will create a system of 150 miles of parks and hike and bike trails along Houston’s major waterways. Free family activities provided by the Houston Area Bat Team begin at 6:30 p.m. Bats will emerge around dusk. Attendees are encouraged to bring folding chairs, blankets and bug spray. (Rain date: Friday, Sept. 18)

From Cohen's enewsletter On Wednesday, August 5th, Council is expected to vote on whether to repeal HERO or to place it on the ballot. There will be an opportunity for public comment during the Council meeting on Tuesday, August 4th at 1:30PM in Council Chambers at City Hall. Speakers must sign up through the City Secretary's office.

I like this idea- The term "affordable housing " is one used by COH in describing the proposed development on Cleburne and 288-near Dowling----but none of the local residents seem thrilled with the proposal.

Just an interesting little tidbit- JW Neal and his son both had grand homes in Avondale -- both on Avondale Ave.

guess I can give a few updates The Avondale Board was approached by COH on possibility of adopting the "M" median at Elgin/Westheimer and Bagby plus median at Genesse & Fairview/Tuam. Proposed roadwork would change up those two medians and city would put in fill dirt and Civic association would design green space (with COH approval) and then maintain the green space. Avondale did the paperwork and submitted in May. In July Board became aware that Montrose Management District had plans of it's own-- The "M" part of the statue will be taken down and donated to GLBT museum and the median will have new statue that has it's own lights. There are several other locations for this new branding also The details are still in progress.

from Cohen's enewsletter Public Meeting: W. Alabama Reconstruction Council Member Cohen and the Public Works and Engineering Department will host a public meeting seeking community input on the upcoming reconstruction of W. Alabama St, from Weslayan St to Main St. This project will be completed in segments, in partnership with the Upper Kirby TIRZ and the Midtown TIRZ. PUBLIC MEETING: W. ALABAMA ST RECONSTRUCTION Thursday, July 30, 2015 6PM – 8PM St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church 1805 W. Alabama St, 77098 For preliminary details on the project, please visit www.ReBuildHouston.org.

from Cohen's enewsletter The Planning and Development Department and the Houston Archaeological and Historical Commission (HAHC) have hosted a series of public meetings over the past year to craft changes to Houston's Historic Preservation Ordinance. The proposed amendments seek to correct and clarify items that are confusing or inconsistent for owners of historic homes. Video and materials from the public meetings are available online. The HAHC is seeking public input on these draft changes following their regularly-scheduled meeting on Wednesday, July 22nd in the City Hall Annex Council Chambers (900 Bagby St, Public Level, 77002). The regularly-scheduled meeting will begin at 3PM and the public comment period on historic preservation amendments is estimated to begin at 6PM. Those unable to attend may also contact the Planning Department at (832) 393-6556 or via email at historic.ordinance@houstontx.gov. District C is home to 14 of Houston's 22 designated Historic Districts and Council Member Cohen encourages all her constituents to make their voices heard on this matter.

I live where Montrose meets Midtown in Avondale and really planted the milkweeds in my yard--and other flowering plants I thought might attract butterflies. In the past few years it seemed like I usually could see a few each day every day. Not really none so far this year-- I thought it might be the the huge rains but I did some more surfing on internet- http://ens-newswire.com/2015/04/06/insecticide-blamed-for-monarch-butterfly-decline/ Now I'm wondering if milkweed flourishes in Texas or Oklahoma or Kansas (etc etc etc) pastures anymore.

from Cohen enewsletter TWO Flood Recovery Workshops TONIGHT Evelyn Rubenstein Jewish Community Center 5601 S. Braeswood, 77096 5PM - 6:30PM & 7PM - 8:30PM During this meeting, Federal and City officials will present requirements for filing claims and permitting repairs, which are unique for each individual structure impacted by flooding. In addition, beginning at 4PM, residents with proper documentation of their home values and the cost estimate of repairs will be able to visit with experts to have specific questions answered, including whether their homes are considered to be ‘substantially damaged’ by FEMA guidelines. Please note that residents whose homes are located in the floodplain must contact the FMO prior to making repairs: (832) 394-8854 or fmo@houstontx.gov.

from Cohen enewsletter The Solid Waste Department has begun its final round of storm debris collection for residents impacted by the extreme weather over Memorial Day weekend. In District C, pickup will be based on the following schedule: Monday, July 20, 2015 Northwest Region (west of I-45 North and north of I-10 West) Monday, July 27, 2015 Southwest Region (west of 288 South and south of I-10 West) Residents must have all debris curbside by 7AM on their designated day of collection and items should be placed away from fire hydrants, mailboxes, power lines, and other objects that will obstruct safe pickup. Debris should be sorted into the following categories when possible: Appliances: air conditioners, dishwashers, freezers, refrigerators, stoves, washers, dryers, and water heaters Construction and Demolition Debris: building materials, carpet, drywall, furniture, lumber, mattresses, and plumbing Electronics: computers, radios, stereos, televisions, and other devices with a cord Household Hazardous Waste: cleaning supplies, batteries, lawn chemicals, oils, oil-based paints, stains, and pesticides Vegetative Debris: leaves (do not put in bags), logs, plants, tree branches Please note that normal household trash and bagged debris of any kind will not be picked up with storm debris. REMINDER! TWO Flood Recovery Workshops TONIGHT Evelyn Rubenstein Jewish Community Center 5601 S. Braeswood, 77096 5PM - 6:30PM & 7PM - 8:30PM During this meeting, Federal and City officials will present requirements for filing claims and permitting repairs, which are unique for each individual structure impacted by flooding. In addition, beginning at 4PM, residents with proper documentation of their home values and the cost estimate of repairs will be able to visit with experts to have specific questions answered, including whether their homes are considered to be ‘substantially damaged’ by FEMA guidelines. Please note that residents whose homes are located in the floodplain must contact the FMO prior to making repairs: (832) 394-8854 or fmo@houstontx.gov.

Sigh

Saw in the Chronicle today that State Comptroller Glenn Hegar approved funds to study Monarch Butterfly decline. A quick search of Internet showed plenty of articles concerning Monarch decline. I have only seen a very few this Spring and Summer-- so Are they disappearing from Houston?

Houstonbikeplan.org

I don't know the status of exemption from Historical Designation but I drove by after being out of town for 3 weeks and it looks like work is being done? or maybe I'm being optimistic and demolition has begun.