AK123

As far as the above article -- that's a different situation because the signs were put on private property. Though, I don't know if the property owner is aware they were put there. Hopefully pressure continues on the county to somehow have those removed.

What I'm talking now about are the little bandit signs, stuck in the grass or tied to road signs or utility poles, that are on land that is likely the county's, or maybe TxDot's. I'm unable to find out if there is a policy in Fort Bend County regarding those.

Does anyone know if Fort Bend County has any policies on these little signs along the sides of the roads?

It seems the problem is escalating around the US 90A and Grand Pkwy / FM 1464 intersection. They're even posting them with plastic ties on the county road signs now.

It's literally just outside of the Sugar Land city limits, so I don't think the city can do anything about it.

If not the county, maybe TxDot?

If you haven't seen it lately, it's coming along very nicely! There are a lot more trees than I expected. Along Hwy 6 near University Blvd too. Will look great after a few years of growth.

Sugar Land will plant trees and shrubs along Hwy 90A from Hwy 59 out to just past Hwy 6 by the end of the year.

http://www.chron.com...ws/6445433.html

I've driven through a few times, and have been impressed at what there is so far.

Any idea when there will be any commercial/retail? I know tons of people just waiting for that HEB to be built! People in Telfair are waiting for it too, apparently they have no plans for a grocery store and the Sienna Plantation fancy HEB is too far.

What about the polo field? When will that start hosting games?

Seems like Aliana hasn't done much advertising, I'm only just now starting to see some the last few months.

The LPGA tour championship will be literally next door this November. I wonder if Aliana and any surrounding communities might get a few people looking at the new homes just from the extra traffic... with a national event like that, hopefully Aliana and the whole FM 1464 area will put their best face forward for that. (It would be a start if someone would clean up that mess of excess signage on FM 1464 where it curves around to meet Hwy 99!)

I would think Aliana would take advantage of having a high-caliber event like that next door.

The estimated completion of construction on the 17,000 s.f. amenity center is the first part of November 2009. The center will be completed in about one year from the start of construction. This is amazing for this size building with the quality of finishes that will be included in the construction which includes the fully furnished Tuscan style clubhouse, the 300,000 gallon resort-style pool, and all site improvements.

The $6 million clubhouse will be luxuriously furnished and features a ballroom, two large party rooms, a fully furnished workout gym with state-of-the-art equipment, locker rooms for changing, interactive computer room with Wii stations, a dual furnished commercial-grade kitchen and large covered patios for outdoor parties. The $1.5 million resort-style pool will have separate lap pool lanes, slides, water-park like toys and a multilevel waterfall style design.

These exceptional amenities are available to all Aliana residents for no additional HOA dues.

Aliana Development has begun to design the extension of utilities through Westmoor for the school and FBISD has indicated they will have the elementary school ready for the 2011-2012 school year. The actual start of construction falls on the FBISD but it is expected that they will start construction in the early part of 2010.

The changes since February are amazing. The exclusive designer glass monuments will be done in the next couple of weeks. The road to the Polo Club, lake and pumping systems are complete and the sprigging of the field has started. Also, Aliana phase one landscaping is complete.

I went to visit some family friends in Telfair over the weekend and drove through some of the neighborhoods. I came away very impressed with this development. First off, I personally don't like the trend of building houses on all the available land, but at least the houses look pretty nice and not totally cookie cutter (in my opinion). Next, knowing this development was built on prison land and agricultural land they have done an exceptional good job landscaping streetscapes and green space. I was most impressed with the drainage basins or whatever you want to call them. They made them look very natural with the wetland grasses that were planted along the banks, the lack of fake colored water, lack of concrete, and lack of water works. I saw at least 5 egrets, not geese or ducks, but egrets along the banks. Also, they had some nice trails that really blended in with the drainage basins. The streetscapes were very nice and given 10 years, all the trees planted will make a very positive effect on the whole area. Finally, I am not sure whether or not it is HOA enforced of the newness of the development, but almost every single house was immaculately landscaped. From what I understand Telfair is a bit more pricey, but given how it's developed and its proximity to 59, seems like its worth it. And no I am not a real estate agent, just giving my opinion.

Telfair has a good developer with a good history, and it shows.

They have taken rather barren farmland once owned by the state, and will really transform and reforest it (same with Aliana, a similar development.) I hear the homes and lots are selling really well. Too bad the commercial/retail seems to be at a standstill... certainly hope that changes soon.

Anything that will also make 1960 more beautiful. I am sure at one time 1960 was a nice thoroughfare from I45 - Champions, but lately it just looks a mess. I am not talking a whole The Woodlands makeover, but it does need more greenery (and a whole lot less SIGNAGE). It's just an ugly street!

FM 1960 has looked bad for quite some time. At least 15 years now.

25-30 years ago, it looked much better with more trees, less signage and fewer ugly strip centers. Of course the road had fewer lanes as well.

yes! 1960 is the main artery for northside.. why make it look like trash the way it does now? green medians and get rid of that clutter of signs and countless driveways

I don't think anyone "made it" look that way. Problem is, there seems to be absolutely no regulations in that area. No signage laws/ordinances of any kind and the result of lax building regulations evident in unincorporated Harris County. For example, if you go into Fort Bend County (and maybe others) you'll see there are regulations on the setbacks of buildings from the street, planting shrubbery/trees between the street and parking lot, even some architectural guidelines of retail/commercial buildings. Everything just looks more aesthetically pleasing. Harris County should have done this a long time ago.

Anyway, I hope these green medians are indeed constructed on FM 1960, and the whole road perhaps cleaned up some.

Can Sugar Land take it even though the addresses are Richmond,Tx

In the case of unincorporated areas, postal addresses really don't mean anything.

Sugar Land could take it in the future, but first there would have to be an ETJ land swap with Houston.

If this were to ever happen, it would probably be once Aliana has retail built (like the HEB and other planned retail.) This tax revenue would be attractive to any city. This is why the HEB shopping center at Riverpark was annexed. The subdivision surrounding it is next.

As to Aliana, it seems like another nice MPC but it sure is far from everything. I'm sure if this thing gets built out, retail and basic amenities will follow but it's location is terrible in regards to current amenities and employment. However, it seems (by what I've seen from the builder's presentation) to be well landscaped and planned (for a MPC), much like Telfair.

I don't think it's located any worse than any of the other new MPCs that are even further out west off the Westpark. And Aliana is closer to Sugar Land and all its amenities than any of those. In fact, word is that Sugar Land wants Aliana. But it would take an ETJ swap with Houston in order for this to happen. With the economy and building slow down, I'm not sure if Sugar Land is still as interested... but once all the retail, especially big box and HEB is built in Aliana, that tax revenue will make Aliana much more attractive.

I don't know about new territory... I hear there are a lot of car jackings and home invasions in that area.

A lot of carjackings? I don't think so.

There was recently a story about thieves targeting Asian households in New Territory believing they had lots of jewelry and cash. I think they were caught though.

Below is what a Fort Bend real estate expert and personal friend told me a few days ago about Aliana:

A few builders did pull out of Aliana not because a lack of desirability of the neighborhood, but because of the financial crisis and economic conditions. Banks are requiring builders to show a profit before they will lend for construction nowadays (which is why there is now a shortage of inventory homes on the market), but because the land is so expensive in Aliana (and the developer won't cut land prices to the builders) these few builders have made a business decision to pull out. Those lots will just go to higher-priced, higher margin builders that will charge more for the home.

And word is FBISD is to start construction for the Aliana elementary school in 2010, which will open for the 2011-2012 school year; this is what a resident of Aliana told me the school district had recently said.

I completely and totally disagree with what you have done, but I salute you for banding together as a community. Now maybe you can band together and come up with a solution to integrate the income levels that is less offensive to you.

The specific location was inappropriate and even dangerous for future residents of this development.

The situation is much more complex than most outsiders realize.

And what this means is that other, more deserving applicants will receive the tax credits instead, based off TDHCA's points system.

Just received word from Robbye Meyer at TDHCA -

Likely due to pressure from area residents and revelations brought to light by the area civic group United77498, Goldshire has officially withdrawn their application as of today!

Thank you to everyone who took the time to send in opposition letters to TDHCA. Final count was 2,605 opposition letters!

You can bet United77498 will be keeping watch on future developments in this area and keep working for you, the residents. Stay tuned.

AK

www.united77498.org

I realized I never posted an update on here after the last hearing in Austin.

Three members of our group (United77498) traveled to Austin at the end of June to share what we've found in our investigations of Goldshire Development. A lot of highly suspicious information was found, and we shared all of this with TDHCA. After United77498 concluded their presentation, the Board said the TDHCA is engaged in an active investigation of Goldshire. They suspected that Goldshire would be disqualified. However, if Goldshire should somehow not be disqualified, the staff would not be recommending Goldshire’s approval. We hope to receive the final official decision soon.

Thanks to everyone who mailed in opposition letters. The final count was 2,605!

As far as future development in this area of Sugar Land, you can bet United77498 will be keeping watch. Some other good news: this particular area of Sugar Land has mostly Sugar Land postal addresses but is technically in Houston's ETJ (extraterritorial jurisdiction). It's only a small portion but includes subdivisions such as Orchard Lake Estates, Chelsea Harbour, Stratford Park, Summerfield, Village of Oak Lake, and Old Orchard (Richmond postal addresses). All of these are part of MUD 25, which is currently in negotiations with the City of Sugar Land for an ETJ swap. This means the area will likely be switched from Houston ETJ to Sugar Land ETJ, which will make it a candidate for future annexation by Sugar Land. But even just being in Sugar Land's ETJ will put some limits on undesirable development (although unincorporated Fort Bend County is still better than unincorporated Harris County, being that Fort Bend has stricter building codes and restrictions.)

Anyway, I will post more updates on Goldshire from TDHCA as I get them.

WWW.UNITED77498.ORG

The TDHCA sign now has "CANCELLED" spray painted on it.

Interesting. I can almost guarantee none of the residents around here would have done that. Wouldn't be the least surprised if it was the land owner who was selling to Goldshire who did it, trying to save his butt after all the fake HOA letter controversy. He got on another forum posting it was "cancelled." Which is strange because TDHCA has the final say on funding, not him, and we're still waiting for their decision (should be any day now.)

"Jen, 35, is a neonatologist at Texas Children

Katiedidit, strange you should say that because you're one of those always saying how apartments in the burbs are a necessity for the restaurant/grocery workers to live. When others complain about apartments you usually put in your two cents of why they shouldn't be complaining. So why make the comment here in the first place.

Does KatieDidIt = EasilyAmused in city-data?

Not surprising with all the jabs she makes at Sugar Land over there.

I wonder why people who do not live, and have never lived in Sugar Land even take the time to read the SL section on the forum in the first place. Let alone take stabs at it not knowing what they're talking about.

For the record, all I was trying to do was inform Sugar Landers about the new development. Since there have been people asking. I wasn't promoting anything, and didn't expect the thread to get so hijacked.

I Do? I'll have to through all my posts one day. I know I made a comment that people should just learn to live next to them in a thread about Sugarland. My comment about this development was because the Sugarland posts find them so offensive I found it ironic that it would be promoted. 300,000 for a commute and apartments seems a bit steep to me for the Sugarlander, if looking at their reactions in other posts.

We're coming up on two weeks until all opposition letters are due.

If you've been on the fence about this or haven't gotten to it yet, now is the time. Tell all of your neighbors as well.

We found out the land seller for the site and his real estate selling agent sent in a letter of support to TDHCA from a fraudulent HOA to add points to the Goldshire Townhomes application. If you too believe this is deceptive and unethical, voice your concern to the TDHCA. We were able to get TDHCA remove those points, but the application still stands.

Send your objections to:

Sharon.Gamble@tdhca.state.tx.us

Robbye.Meyer@tdhca.state.tx.us

Fax: 512-475-0764

And/or by mail:

TDHCA

Multifamily Finance Division

P. O. Box 13941

Austin, TX 78711-3941

In these communications, please reference the development:

Goldshire Townhomes

16827 Old Richmond Rd, Sugar Land, 77498

File # 09166

Don't forget to include your full name, address and phone number so they'll know you're a real person and your complaint is counted!

The survey to vote on categories in Houston is up now.

Go vote!

And be nice!

http://www.travelandleisure.com/afc/2009/s...fm?city=houston

We appreciate all the suggestions and feedback... even the attempted liberal guilt-trip about "NIMBY"

BTW, reporters from ABC 13 and FOX 26 have already been out today to interview residents, and may be present to cover our initial community meeting at 8 pm at the Windrose meeting house tonight.

Stay tuned.

I heard they withdrew the application.

Maybe you need to give us some tips.

How did you get the media out there?

We've been fighting the Goldshire Townhomes application since around the same time. This proposed development is not across from a subdivision, but in the middle of one. In Sugar Land. We even found out the land seller for the site and his real estate agent sent a letter of support from a fraudulent HOA to get points added to the Goldshire application. We were able to get TDHCA to remove those points, but the application still stands. www.united77498.org

Sugar Land will plant trees and shrubs along Hwy 90A from Hwy 59 out to just past Hwy 6 by the end of the year.

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/nb/for...ws/6445433.html

TxDOT wants to construct a multi-level interchange at Hwy 90A & Hwy 99 (Grand Pkwy). This project however, wouldn't even start for many years and is already causing some controversy.

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/nb/for...ws/6444901.html

Don't be so quick to say this area won't be a crap hole down the line. I have lived in places where the mass influx of apartments eventually turned very nice areas into crap holes.

Its one thing if the complexes are kept up with high standards, etc but if there are no associations, ect to oversee this I would venture to say that little by little the clientele will start going down and down.

I don't know if any of you all remember but years ago the section now known as Gunspoint was once a very nice area. I had friends who lived there and loved it and I often visited that area but I work there now for the most part only and its a crap hole compared to what it used to be.

Another example is the Bammel/Spring ISD area of FM 1960. Olde Oaks, Oak Creek, Ponderosa etc. Westfield High and Klein Forest used to be good schools a decade or two ago.

Houston was voted in

http://blogs.chron.com/lisafalkenberg/2009...n_redeemed.html

Goodness the comments in her blog are awful.

I know, where in the world do these people come from...

I assume from the description above that this development will be between Grand Parkway and 1464, and not on the east side of 1464?

And I probably should have specified earlier -- it's just north of Hwy 90A. Sort of across FM 1464 from Chelsea Harbour, if you know where that is.

I assume from the description above that this development will be between Grand Parkway and 1464, and not on the east side of 1464?

Correct. Bordered by FM 1464 on the east, Grand Parkway on the west, and Owens Rd on the north.

Here's the latest info we've gotten from them. Probably still a year or more away from development.

"The plan includes 292 single-family lots, a small commercial reserve on FM 1464 and an apartment site facing the Grand Parkway. This will be a high-end subdivision with home prices probably starting in the mid-$300