trymahjong

from Cohen's enews letter City Services Operational Due to the recent extreme weather events, Solid Waste trucks were diverted from their normal routes to aid heavily flooded communities throughout Houston. As a result, recycling bins were missed in several neighborhoods. The Solid Waste Department has confirmed that the missed recycling will be picked up on the next scheduled recycling collection date, so carts should be placed out accordingly. Normal pickup schedules for all solid waste services will resume by Monday, June 1st. Residents may begin to place storm debris at their curbsides and schedules for pickup are currently being drafted. Debris should be separated into the following categories to facilitate collection: • 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 Residents are asked to please not place debris near other objects such as fire hydrants and mailboxes or under power lines. Normal household trash and bagged debris of any kind will not be picked up with storm debris. Contrary to some false reports, the Public Works and Engineering Department has confirmed that Houston’s potable water system was not affected by the recent flooding. Although the Meyerland Groundwater Plant was surrounded by flooded streets during the storms, the facility has received a thorough inspection and showed no evidence of any damage to the plant. All City of Houston water treatment plants are fully operational and water quality within the City owned and operated public system has not been impacted.

I didn't see any of this on news so I thought it had happened overnight during that bid storm that went over.

I drove by early this morning-- The Chimney is totally blown out--maybe lightening struck? Anyway The drawing of the housing is from a 1907 pamphlet for Avondale-- 108 is the second House you can almost see the porch. The first house is 106 Westheimer -- that house belonged to a Ross Sterling relative and was moved to Bagby at Rosalie.

There was a notice put out that Mayor Parker would be speaking at Washington Terrace Civic meeting this Wednesday, concerning development on that piece of land. I noticed a bit of grumbling and lots of rumors about this development from residents Does anyone know any details? Is this part of Midtown TIRZ meeting it's requirement to build affordable housing?

Hmmmmmm I think there are plenty of wealthy Montrosians DIYers who would be very disappointed that the Sears Craftsmen tool department was taken away. It's always crowded down there. How do I know these people have money? Well I'm only guessing but there always seems to be a couple of Mercedes or BMW's when I shop there.

Nice pictures

Don't forget the mattress firm going into the Tejas Boots/Hollywood convenience store location

hmmmmmmm that Historic Designation is the lens through which any ideas for what it could become should be viewed from. Personally-- I like the idea of a Culinary Magnet School-- sort of a dual credit thingy I'm guessing. So there could be "gainful employment" in a shorter time period?

I've been attending those Montrose (proposed) TIRZ meetings and one of the things that came up concerned the future of the old HSPVA building. So I wondered what everyone else thought. Apparently the building sits on 2/3 of an acre and is in an Historic designation district sooooooooooooo that would certainly influence some possibilities. Six years ago a principal at Lamar told me he thought HISD might develop a Culinary magnet school (HISD now offers College level classes at some campuses) or just make it a 9th grade only building ( a bonus would be not many 9th graders drive cars to school so parking needs diminish) to ease over crowding at Lamar. I want to hear other ideas?

Both of these shootings took place in HPD Central one Division. . . . . Montrose Every month HPD Central one and Two release a crime stat report. Each street and it's block number are listed as well as the type of crime listed in a booklet that is given to anyone who attends the Pip ( Positive Interaction Police program) First Tuesday meeting each month---7 pm. Reading over those HPD reports, Montrose doesn't have above average crime --- till the FBar shooting there had been no aggravated assault in that area in February. The last previous murder was at Blur bar? 3 or 4 years ago?Now does Montrose have a kazillion % increase? There does seem to be something going on where Montrose meets Midtown. I don't know what it is but I hope the HPD can get on top of it.

maybe both. . . . . . http://www.myfoxhouston.com/story/29013040/victim-of-deadly-shooting-identified-as-stewart-cadillac-dealership-owner

Yes-- Montrose is within District c

The sign is on Dowling close to Anita street

I drive Dowling frequently and saw this variance sign. I'm surprise more isn't being developed in this area-- noticed there are no "fastfood" places unless you count Navy Seafood-- Odd since you'd think there would be a lot of people coming and going to the park.

I've been attending the meetings on the proposed Montrose TIRZ In the category of "positive" reasons to have TIRZ -- Examples are given that the TIRZ board, the Management District and COH meet with developers and lay out what is expected of them--this almost always means sidewalk construction-(sometimes, curb also--then as the saying goes-- once the developer agrees. . . . . the TIRZ has more budget available to do "other things"

Soooooo what's up with Ed Emmett and his Germany trip making all three local news broadcasts?

As a standout item: High Tea used to available on the menu- I would say prices are on the high side and it's really loud inside. Have you tried looking up reviews on tripadvisor?

Didn't post variance yet Present owner contacted historic muckitymucks to ask for variance

"arguing that the owner should be forced. . . . . . " No. . . . . . . . arguing that after the original owner and the original realtor (also a restorer of 100 year old houses) very carefully laid out the condition of this house (leaking roof, cracked foundation etc) the probable cost of renovations to this particular house-- plus the house was in an historic district then finally a few tips into how many hoops the historic commission was likely to make anyone renovating this house jump through . . . . . . . . . what ever-- this purchaser had full disclosure------what was he thinking? I've seen this house-- I've seen worse that were brought back--------all you need is money. Cruel but true. I guess he didn't have enough. Probably this guy thought he could do a few things and flip it for more money and it didn't work out that way and now wants to try to get his money back by building townhomes on spec. I wonder why he didn't just resell earlier--when he understood he couldn't flip it for the profit he wanted-- just sell back then when the market was different and try to just make back his money. This house was in the first historic designation-- Avondale East. Getting any neighborhood designated " historic" is a huge undertaking. Avondale took on that "undertaking" twice! Once a neighborhood gets that designation to protect the 100+ year old houses within that area-- Everyone has the expectation that => they will be protected. When you see one taken out--in your mind you see another taken out then another then . . . . . . you get the picture.

Once you give variance for "neglected" houses in protected districts to be torn down because "of the state" of their condition, it seems a slippery slope and soon many neglected homes seem to be put forward. . . . . . . . I would like to be optomistic about the new owner but he is in the business of "flipping houses" Yes it did take years of neglect for the house to get in the shape it is in. My goodness this house is 110 years old despite how HCAD has it registered. . . . . . . . all of that was explained to the new owner before purchase plus there was emphasis on the fact that quite a bit of money would be neccessary to restore it as it was in a protected historical district. The current owner assured everyone that he intended to move into the house and restore it little by little. The question of "shame" hmmmmmmmmmmmmm haven't decided.

I posted this on another thread but thought I'd post here-- The current owner ( bought last year from family of guy who lived there 50 years) has petitioned to receive variance and tear down the house.

Sidewalk installation and/or maintenance is the responsibility of the adjacent property owner Seems pretty clear . . . . . . . . . .

from Cohen's enewsletter: Private Sidewalk Repair Program Debuts Council has authorized the creation of a privately-funded Sidewalk Repair, Replacement, and Installation Program that will be coordinated through the Public Works and Engineering Department. Sidewalk installation and/or maintenance is the responsibility of the adjacent property owner. The new program allows individuals to utilize a City contractor at a fixed cost. Interested citizens may apply online and should copy the District C office for guidance (DistrictC@houstontx.gov).

I wonder about that "Doze" an historic mansion in an historic district also-- The current owner of 204 Stratford has just petitioned to be given a variance to tear it down

Dave Grusin soundtrack from The Firm