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POLICE CHIEF INVITES ALL HOUSTONIANS TO TOWN HALL MEETING Houston Police Chief Charles A. McClelland, Jr. is asking you to mark your calendars for an HPD Town Hall Meeting on Saturday, February 7. The Chief is inviting you and your neighbors to meet with him and top HPD commanders at the HPD Citywide Town Hall Meeting, from 10 a.m. to Noon on Saturday, February 7, at the Granville M. Sawyer Auditorium, Texas Southern University Campus, 3100 Cleburne Street. Free parking will be provided on the TSU campus, as will accommodations for hearing-impaired citizens. Attendees will also have the opportunity to participate in the "Shoot, Don't Shoot" simulator, as well as view displays of the HPD Helicopter and the SWAT Tactical Vehicle. Chief McClelland and his commanders will take questions one-on-one and in group settings to find out what issues are of most importance to you and your neighbors. Everyone is encouraged to attend and to voice concerns and ask questions. The event will also be live-streamed on the HPD YouTube channel at http://www.youtube.com/houstonpolicedeptand live-blogged at www.hpdtownhallmeeting.blogspot.com Following Chief McClelland's address and a question-and-answer period, you will be able to break into smaller groups to meet with HPD patrol captains who oversee your neighborhoods. Members of various HPD divisions including Internal Affairs, Homicide and Juvenile will also be present. A video clip of last year's Town Hall Meeting can be viewed on the HPD YouTube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-JencRauhEk. Photos of last year's Town Hall meeting can be viewed on the HPD Flickr page at https://www.flickr.com/photos/houstonpolice/sets/72157640603919883/ For more information regarding this event, visit www.houstonpolice.org or call 713-308-3200.

Yes Parking is something to wonder about-- There is a lot of permit parking only along Avondale and Stratford and goodness knows there is one zealous parking officer that seems to put out tickets regularly--- Nothing ever seems to address the issue of parking shortage-- and I've noticed all that big talk about a "Parking Authority" similar (but not exactly) like the one along Washington Ave has all gone away? . . . . . . sigh

I agree it's a lovely building and it puzzles me at how 'unsuccessful ' the business that use it. But I am curios about how the parking situation will work out since it seems El Tiempo seems to be expanding the building. I wonder if something was worked out to share parking with the old Numbers building-- ?

Memorial Park Master Plan Public Meeting - January 12, 2014 Please join the Houston Parks and Recreation Department and the Memorial Park Conservancy for a Public Meeting on the development of a new Master Plan for Memorial Park: Memorial Park Tomorrow. 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Monday, January 12, 2015 Moody Park Community Center 3725 Fulton Street Houston, TX 77009 The meeting will focus on use of and improvements on spaces and places within Memorial Park. For more information on Memorial Park Tomorrow, please visit www.memorialparktomorrow.org or contact Suzanne Landau at 713.863.8403 extension 2. For more information on Memorial Park and the Houston Parks and Recreation Department, visit www.houstonparks.org or write to Askparks@houstontx.gov.

Chronicle had a blurb about this-- guess high rise apartments will go up at former location Tex-Mex restaurant El Tiempo 1308 Cantina has found a new home. Located at 1308 Montrose Blvd, the restaurant's owners are relocating it about a mile away to 322 Westheimer Road, the site of the former La Casa Del Caballo, a steakhouse that closed on Dec. 31. El Tiempo 1308 Cantina is among six El Tiempo Cantina's owned by the Laurenzo family. Roland Laurenzo confirmed the relocation in a public statement issued in an email on Dec. 22. Word of the popular Montrose eatery's closure was originally announced in October, however, at the time the Laurenzo family was unsure where it would relocate the restaurant. El Tiempo Cantina lost its lease at 1308 Montrose Blvd. because the site is being redeveloped as a high-rise apartment building, said James Kelleher, director of marketing for the restaurant chain. It will take approximately three months to remodel its new space on Westheimer. But Kelleher said the new location should be open by April 1. "La Casa Del Caballo is a beautiful location," he said. "We want to preserve it as much as possible. Very little remodeling will need to be done at the new location."

I attended the central one and two district (Montrose and Heights) PIP tonite and thought I'd pass along just a couple of things-- about BMV's. . . . guess what-- the rate went down for both Montrose and the Heights! The Lt who spoke thought it was because of raising awareness and those HPD report cards on cars in areas where BMV are prevalent---but bad news also-- home burglary up 18%. Mainly because of the holidays and criminals being able to scope out houses where residents were gone for holidays etc. But. . . . . all the tips given were brought up as a sound idea to prevent burglaries to homes. a little something extra I learned-- 2 man bike patrol is beginning 5 days a week during evening shift in 1&2 districts. Also plainclothes HPD in "cool cars" ie late model muscle cars with tinted windows I think are being sent out also.

I go the Citywide PIP (positive interaction Police program) and the Central one PIP and it's the same ole same ole-- most crime stats in Houston are down but. . . . BMV's Avondale with all the Bars etc-- our #1 --BMV's Sometimes the HPD storefront (located within Avondale area) will walk up and down our neighborhood and leave those "report cards" on wind shields-- most of them are about "valuables in sight" But all those little tips are important-- no matter how silly it seems-- all those tips really do help.

http://houston.eater.com/2014/12/22/7433491/el-tiempo-1308-cantina-stakes-claim-in-la-casa-del-caballo-closing so many different restaurants have tried that location. . . . . . I wonder if that location doesn't have a whisp of curse attached?

From Cohen's enewsletter The Houston Parks and Recreation Department plans to soon purchase approximately 4,000 trees of various types to plant throughout Houston. District C will receive 310 of these trees to fulfill super neighborhood requests for esplanades in neighborhoods throughout the district. Council authorized the funding for this effort last week, which is derived from developer mitigation, settlement revenue from those who have violated the Tree Protection Ordinance, and private donations from groups such as Trees for Houston.

Hmmmmm might have to postpone those --- According to Cohen's enewsletter Council voted unanimously to approve Council Member Cohen's request that the proposed expansion of TIRZ #2 be referred back to the Mayor's administration until the affected neighborhoods have the opportunity to have their voices heard. During the first public meeting on the issue, a standing room-only crowd reviewed the proposal and provided the first round of input. Stakeholder meetings will continue through the next several months and, should the community consensus be to move forward with this or an amended expansion, the matter will likely be back before Council during Spring or Summer 2015.

Someone at the. Timberline Gym was talking about Zoe's kitchen going in at the old Dirks. I was wondering if anyone else had heard that.

I remember when it was the "Route 66" the redo wasn't bad-- all the tables were uniquely made from recycled stuff- along the same lines at the tables inside Hot Tops salon on Montrose. I wonder if it was the same artist

I'll have to look at that silly upside down map again but i thought the Buffalo soldier museum wasn't included. And Sue Lovell who represents (all or at least a lot of) Museum in that alliance group certainly was upset that the presumption from the Midtown TIRZ was that all the Museums were for this proposal.The TIRZ is suppose to have a different boundary because of the 25% housing (can't have anymore than that) requirement. TIRZ I really don't have a problem with but it tells me something that their head guys didn't do any bridge building to anyone in MOntrose before hand. If there's one thing Montrose does it's hold stakeholder events to discuss Montrose problems and how those might be solved.DAvid Robinson has been at the head of at least a half dozen such events-- I'm sure he was shocked that no one asked his opinion. A lot of info on other TIRZ came up also-- The one for the Galleria-- apparently none of the stakeholders want the dedicated bus lane. Plus although TIRZ meetings are open to the public and you can ask questions-- TIRZ cannot answer those questions and a woman told of having to use the freedom of information act to get access to information that concerned her question. These Midtown guys talking gave me a creepy feeling the same as a smarmy used car salesman, when you hope to get a better car, I'm afraid there is already a plan in place to have a terrific outcome-- I'm just not sure Montrose will see any of the benefits.

I attended the Town Hall meeting about this. There were maybe 250 +- Ellen Cohen hosted- David Robinson was there- Dwight Boykins was suppose to be there but didn't show- Michael Kubosh wasn't expected and showed up--- I looked for Stephan Costello ( I think he lives in Montrose) but didn't see him. Andy Aicken - COH development guy- Baron Wallace-Midtown TIRZ lawyer represented the Pro Midtown TIRZ annexation of Montrose movement. Those guys were on the hot seat most of the time--Apparently when the idea was presented to COH Their spokesperson related that the MMD, MDBA, Neartown and ALL the museums anywhere in Montrose were all 100% for the proposal. ( the TIRZ guys related that it was the idea of "uniting" all the Mueums in Montrose that was the catalyst for the annexation. But really the Buffalo Soldier Musuem wasn't included neither was HMNS -only the Menil is on Board and that might have something to do with the Menil trying to form an independant parking district) That wasn't true- none of them were aware of it--Nor were any COH council. Sigh-a lot of time spent trying to shame the TIRZ over that misstep. There was a Q&A and none of the questioners were for the proposal. Most wanted to know why Montrose couldn't be its own TIRZ since the Parker administration had created 2 new TIRZ. Also came out that only the streets of Westheimer, Alabama, Richmond and Montrose could be annexed because areas have to be "Blighted " and have less than 25% residential housing. Hmmmmmm Cohen stated nothing would pass in 2014 and 2015 was " wait and see" that means more Town Hall meetings.

From Cohen's enewsletter Chair Cohen will convene a meeting of the Council Committee on Quality of Life on Wednesday, December 17th at 2:00PM in Council Chambers at City Hall. The City Planning and Development Department will discuss updating our city's Bicycle Master Plan,

from Cohen's enewsletter Chair Cohen will convene a meeting of the Council Committee on Quality of Life on Wednesday, December 17th at 2:00PM in Council Chambers at City Hall. Houston Parks and Recreation Department will provide an overview of the Parks and Open Spaces Ordinance. Committee meetings are open to the public and will be archived online via HTV.

from Cohens enewsletter Community Considers High-Speed Rail Proposal The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) and the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) are preparing an Environmental Impact Study (EIS) on a proposal by Texas Central Railway to create a high-speed rail line connecting Dallas and Houston. Both of the two routes currently under consideration include portions of District C neighborhoods. While Council Member Cohen supports high-speed rail as a transit option, she opposes locating the route within close proximity to residential neighborhoods. Two community groups will host public meetings to discuss the proposal before the public comment period on the EIS ends January 9th, 2015. The first of these meetings will be hosted by Super Neighborhood 22, which represents the Washington/Memorial Corridor: SN 22 Public Meeting: High-Speed Rail Proposal Thursday, December 18th, 6PM Houston Council on Alcohol and Drugs 303 Jackson Hill, 77007 (MAP) Super Neighborhood 12, which represents the greater Oak Forest/Garden Oaks area, will host a follow-up meeting in January. Questions and comments on the proposal should be submitted to the FRA and TxDOT.

TIRZ #2 Expansion Proposal Delayed Council Member Cohen plans to postpone the council vote on a proposal to expand Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone (TIRZ) #2. Discussion on this issue is expected to continue over the next few months to ensure that all stakeholders are involved in the decision-making process. Council Members Cohen, David Robinson, and Dwight Boykins will host a public meeting on Monday evening to provide more information about the proposal and its potential impact on affected neighborhoods. Public Meeting: Proposed Expansion of TIRZ #2 Monday, December 15th 6:30PM – 7:30PM University of St. Thomas: Scanlan Hall in the Jerabeck Activity Center 4000 Mt. Vernon St, 77006 (MAP) The Center is located on a pedestrian-only path within the university complex. Signage will be posted. Parking available at Moran Center parking garage, 3807 Graustark St.

from Cohen enewsletter Dear Friend, Recently, a proposal has come before Council to expand Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone (TIRZ) #2 to include portions of District C's Montrose and Museum District neighborhoods (map). In contrast to a management district, a TIRZ does not involve new taxes for businesses. Rather, a TIRZ changes how property taxes from commercial properties are allocated by using them for projects within the TIRZ boundaries. To ensure that the affected community has an opportunity to learn more about this proposal and how it will impact their neighborhoods, Council Members David Robinson, Dwight Boykins, and I will host a public meeting next week: Public Meeting: Proposed Expansion of TIRZ #2 Monday, December 15th, 2014 6:30PM – 7:30PM University of St. Thomas: Scanlan Hall in the Jerabeck Activity Center 4000 Mt. Vernon St, 77006 (Please note that this building is located on a pedestrian-only path within the university complex. Signage will be posted.) The parking garage at the Moran Center (3807 Graustark St, 77006) will be available for participants. I encourage you to send questions in advance by contacting my office at DistrictC@houstontx.gov or (832) 393-3004.

Not sure I can name a favorite but there is a catchy tune that seems to stick in my head whether I want it to or not so it's really the first Christmas song I think of. . . I want a hippopotamus for Christmas Hmmm The little girl (Gayla Peevy) who originally recorded it is from my hometown ( Okc) it got a lot of airtime on local radio when I was a kid and even now the local TV station go out every Christmas to interview her and ask her to sing a bit of it accapella -

I've thinking about that neon badge sign. Why tear it down? I think that would have really added to the night time shots with the TowerTheater marquee in the background. I had heard the "M" sign at Bagby & Elgin might get a redo by the MMD--- maybe a little neon would perk it up also.

This is great--very interesting-- I've only lived in this area since 2005 but wondered when the plant place went in next to HPD storefront? Actually when was the Horse shaped Topiary planted at the curb in front of the HPD storefront was put there--any ideas? why a horse?

So there is a Management District in Montrose (MMD covers Kirby to Dallas to Bagby to I59 plus a small bit of museum district I59, Montrose to Binz to Graustark--I think)--- they knew nothing of the annexation before hand-- neither did Neartown (umbrella organization of the 22 civic organizations of Montrose) neither did the council people who live inside Montrose----Guess it just seems strange so many organizations were caught unaware of this- I'm still wondering where does the money generated from a Montrose TIRZ go to? who/where gets the benefit? City council is having open discussion about this topic this week- Last week (Dec 2 there was a public Hearing)

I'm wondering what the discussion will be at the Montrose Management District board meeting next week