tierwestah Posted February 1, 2005 Share Posted February 1, 2005 I'm sorry to say it but with much sadness it has to be said. Houston is SLOW. I mean i love my home but it seems to be the most least progressive city it almost gets me in tears. I'm basing this off the fact that Houston's downtown is DEAD for a city of its size. Even Downtowns like Denver and Ft. Worth put ours to shame. No tourist spots to think of, at least not centrally located to where vistors who come into town are not invited to a place full of energy and vibrancy that should be in the downtown area. And Houston's thing is, "We don't have any money!" Hell, the 4th largest city in the country better have something. It's funny how funding can never go to Houston for anything. Houston can't get a subway or monorail because of the Tom Delay guy or Houston can't get enough funding for this and that? Sadly to say, it seems like all the good stuff gets handed to our neighbors up north. They have more commercial, TV centers and have more reality shows and big corporate headquarters. I know this is a rant post but What's so wrong with Houston? Why can't Houston get anything that's more touristy or anything like that? Why is it anything that seems hip, new, or fashionable go cities like Dallas or Austin. I think part of this is Houston's own problem. Houston doesn't think of itself as a visitor destination like Dallas and you can tell by the way Houston keeps its city. Look at the eye-sores on the east side of town, especially off I-45 South and 610E. It hardly even looks like the city cares. IT's a wonder why anyone would ever want to come here. Houston's transportation options are so way behind, the start of the light rail was a good thing, but the city is still plaugued with the METRO bus drivers who can't drive and continue to pollute this city further to no end. Houston needs more areas that look like Uptown/Galleria or at least look half-way restored. The entire east side of Houston is SOOO country. I had the pleasure of finally visiting CHItown last weekend and i really didn't want to come back. I was just reminded of how much of a long way Houston has to go to get to a city of greatness like Chicago with all of the retail, street acivity that you see in downtown Chicago. I'm not starting this post to tear down anyone's love for this city, i mean i do love it. This is my home, my birthplace, my life. I just want Houston to become a city of great respect that these others do. WHEW!!! I had a lot to get off my chest Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tw2ntyse7en Posted February 1, 2005 Share Posted February 1, 2005 ... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kzseattle Posted February 1, 2005 Share Posted February 1, 2005 Sadly to say, it seems like all the good stuff gets handed to our neighbors up north. They have more commercial, TV centers and have more reality shows and big corporate headquarters. I know this is a rant post but What's so wrong with Houston? Why can't Houston get anything that's more touristy or anything like that? Why is it anything that seems hip, new, or fashionable go cities like Dallas or Austin. I think part of this is Houston's own problem. Houston doesn't think of itself as a visitor destination like Dallas and you can tell by the way Houston keeps its city. <{POST_SNAPBACK}>I havnt been to Dallas and I do not intend to initiate Dallas vs Houston debate. However, from what I have heard, Dallas downtown is just about as dead as Houston. Instead, from what I have heard, Houston's entertainment district is better off than that in Dallas. Unlike Dallas, however, Houston does suffer from reputation problem. Having said this, it is 'bout time Houston starts taking itself seriously and gets it act together.By the way, when I was in Austin, I found it downtown to be pretty dead as well although it was a bit better than Houston. The 6th street area does come alive at night.I used to work in Denver downtown and it does have more street life primarily because of warehouse district, which hosts several bars and restaurants, and 16th street mall.About downtown chicago, all I can is wow! I doubt Houston would ever be like CHItown! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tw2ntyse7en Posted February 1, 2005 Share Posted February 1, 2005 ... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2112 Posted February 1, 2005 Share Posted February 1, 2005 Houston is one of the most progressive cities in the nation. The economy and growth are second to non other. There is a huge restaurant and club scene all over the city, and the international element is incredible. I am quite confused at your post here, really. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lowbrow Posted February 1, 2005 Share Posted February 1, 2005 I wouldnt mind Houston having something of a tourist attraction beyond NASA. But I am also happy that we were pretty well protected from the tourist industry crash associated with 9/11. 50/50 on that I guess. It is really hard to compare our young city of Houston to the old boys on the block like Chicago, NYC, Boston, and San Francisco. We are catching up but they had quite a lead on us. Atlanta is our closest comparison. Don't get down on Houston. If you are as dedicated to this town as you say you are then just apply that energy to changing something about Houston that you dont like. There is so much stuff going on right now. Its kind of exciting. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest danax Posted February 1, 2005 Share Posted February 1, 2005 Â Houston needs more areas that look like Uptown/Galleria or at least look half-way restored. The entire east side of Houston is SOOOÂ country. I had the pleasure of finally visiting CHItown last weekend and i really didn't want to come back. WHEW!!! I had a lot to get off my chest <{POST_SNAPBACK}> I have never been to Chicago but, after spending just a couple of days in Spring, then coming back to my neighborhood on the East End, I felt like I had descended into a pit of pitiful dumpiness. Sometimes we need the step back to see reality. The Spring neighborhood is working class people, mixed racially, and is nothing special. The big difference is that there are strictly enforced deed restrictions. I was reading the Civic Club newsletter and they handed out almost 300 violation notices in the past month. In other words, if left to their own ways, the people would be trashing that area too. This city needs to have ordinances that create a type of city wide deed restrictions. Mayor White has already started the process. Most of our residents cannot be trusted to make this place nice, and with between 1 to 1-5 million immigrants expected to being arriving here in the next 20 years, most of them illegals, (not an anti-Hispanic rant but let's face it, they will come and try to make it look like home, ie; dumpy/not up to American standards. Sorry, just the truth as I see it. They have no pressure to "assimilate", in the sense of conforming to the standards set by Americans, since there are neighborhoods completely dominated by their fellow countrymen) we are facing an even rattier future. Standards of order and beauty have to be set by our leaders. Residents must be compelled to follow. I think we should have some kind of artist/design departments staffed by professionals working with the mayor and city council to come up with ordinances regarding every aspect of visible Houston. Signs, streets, freeways, construction....all must be in line with an aesthetic master plan. Short of that, the ugly, low-class mish mash will continue dominate, with enclaves of beauty and order. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Great Hizzy! Posted February 1, 2005 Share Posted February 1, 2005 On the one hand, constructive criticism is great because if taken seriously and followed up by sincere dilligence, great things can come of it. On the other hand, the hyperbole with regards to Houston can be a bit frustrating and confounding.Los Angeles is larger than Houston and it's downtown is pretty much a ghost town at night as well. Is Los Angeles not progressive? What about Miami, Florida? Did you know that South Beach is at the tip of Miami Beach, across the Bay from Miami proper? Other than the Bayside Marketplace, which is noticeably seperated from the core of DT Miami, downtown Miami is extremely dead off hours. Is Miami not progressive? DT Phoenix, another large city--in fact, the fifth largest now--has not only a smallish downtown but one that isn't very active either.As a visitor from Phoenix who was interviewed by Channel 2 last year in January said, "Wow. There's stuff going on here on Sunday. You'd never see anyone downtown in Phoenix on a day like this."It's all about perspective.And what about Atlanta, Georgia? A large, sprawling downtown with lots of great architecture but not much street life, particularly after hours. And, in fact, much less than Houston in the evening.Conversely, New Orleans has a lively, historic downtown but an economy that's in the dumps, infrastructure that's in shambles and a serious issue with crime.I applaud the continued desire by so many forumers and Houstonians in general to want Houston to be the best it can be in all phases but sometimes we need to check ourselves on our use of hyperbole lest we sound like one of those never-satisfied-the-grass-is-always-greener types.Finally, do we become so desirous to see Houston with a fully-active 24-hour downtown that we forget that in a large, albeit sprawling city, there is a lot to do in so many various areas (hey, just like Los Angeles!)? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tierwestah Posted February 1, 2005 Author Share Posted February 1, 2005 I meant no offense to anyone but when i talk about least progressive, i'm talking about the fact that Houston seems like its the last to get new things. Such as my comparison to Dallas. I've visited Dallas and was just a tad bit envious on their architecture and innercity (downtown) infrastructure. And yes Dallas's downtown is pretty dead but they have a nice set up. When i talk about set-up, i'm talking about having the subway train run through that small area between Mockingbird station and downtown. Houston has nothing like that. I will admit that i might be wrong by trying to compare Houston with Dallas but it was just something i happened to notice that they are doing that i somewhat wish we had. However on the other hand, i wouldn't trade Dallas's uptown area for Houston's in a second. Ours has its own skyline which is more appealing in my opinion. And Everybody talks about how much is happening with Dallas's uptown and urban planning, but frankly, i see the same thing happening in our midtown. But sticking to my initial point, i don't care what anyone says, i want Houston to be noticed more as a great place to visit, and yes that does mean to bring in the tourism. I'm tired of Houston getting slighted as one of the many great places to see in the U.S. when we are the 4th largest city. Not making Houston a visitor destination in my opinion is keeping Houston's progress to be standing still or not advancing at all. When i read posts on this board such as Houston being the" forgotten city", i think as to why and what we could improve on. P.S. The paragraphs this time were done for you Mr. twe2tyse7en. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
J.A.S.O.N. Posted February 1, 2005 Share Posted February 1, 2005 What do you guys think of a joint marketing or publicity effort of Houston and Galveston? Possibly giving the area a name like Houston-Galveston similar to "DFW". Galveston will soon get the casinos plus, festivals, Schlitterbahn, cruise ships, Moody Gardens, the beach (though not the greatest of beaches), coupled with Houston's NASA, Kemah Boardwalk, museums, great restaurants, and major sports venues could become a contender for Texas' tourist dollars. I don't know, maybe set up vacation packages or something? Then again, I do agree with earlier comments that Houston doesn't need to become touristy to be a great city. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pineda Posted February 1, 2005 Share Posted February 1, 2005 I was reading the Civic Club newsletter and they handed out almost 300 violation notices in the past month.Spring is a big place, danax. Which Civic Club newsletter are you referring to? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest danax Posted February 1, 2005 Share Posted February 1, 2005 Spring is a big place, danax. Which Civic Club newsletter are you referring to?<{POST_SNAPBACK}>Yes, it can mean quite a variety of locations. I'm talking about the Birnamwood/Fairfax subdivisions over between 45 and 59 not too far from Mercer Arboretum. On another note, they are building a huge amount of KB type homes out there and are clear-cutting the forest big time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pineda Posted February 1, 2005 Share Posted February 1, 2005 Very sad to hear about the clear-cutting. I live near 2920 and Kuykendahl (closer to Hooks Airport than to Mercer) but the clear-cutting is rampant everywhere. It is ironic that people move out here saying that one of the big draws was the huge amount of forested old-growth timberlands, and yet once they're here a while, they start to notice how rapidly it is disappearing at an alarming rate.The Harris County Commissioners Court in conjunction with some whiz-bangs from various and sundry chamber of commerce types announced recently that they are aware of the dire situation and are "looking into it", maybe putting together a blue-ribbon task force to study what they can do to encourage developers to preserve some of the trees, not just for aesthetics sake but for drainage values as well. I'm sure developers everywhere are shaking in their shoes over that news! Good ole Eckels and Eversole, looking out for us, ha! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tw2ntyse7en Posted February 2, 2005 Share Posted February 2, 2005 ... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
greystone08(returns) Posted February 2, 2005 Share Posted February 2, 2005 galveston's getting casino? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
suzerain Posted February 2, 2005 Share Posted February 2, 2005 Again, for the 20th time, why do we want a "touristy" town? Why do we have to have attractions for vistors? We don't need all that crap. Name one thing Houston doesn't have that you, as a resident, have to go to another city to see, buy, or experience?We have it all - minus the tourism. THANK GOD. I love this city because it's business oriented. People come here to work, not play. <{POST_SNAPBACK}>Well, this a big problem that the city of Houston has. Mayor Brown stated one the biggest problems the city has is the perception and the fact that the city is not the best place to live. He stated we needed to increase the quality of life, the infrastructure, and the image of the city if we want to attract talent to our city.A city cannot just be about business. It has to be about play too. A problem I know as a recent college graduate is people do not want to come to Houston because it is just a business city. They want a place where they can enjoy all aspects of their life. A lot are forced to come to Houston because they cannot find a job in Austin or elsewhere, but a lot of them leave to go back to those cities when they can. The reason places like Dallas and Austin are much nicer is because they spend more on taxes in their cities to make sure they are nicer. Houston has one of the lowest tax rates in the state and, because of that, we do not have the money for the same types of beautification and infrastructure. People raise a hue and cry over the high tax rates here but then complain about the state of our city. We had a hard time after Allison increasing the water and sewage rates to improve the infrastructure. After the flooding occurred, Houstonians still did not want to increase their rates to pay for flood improvements.Then we pass a revenue cap for the city. The is not progressive. We are so far behind in our infrastructure, the amount of park space available, centralized entertainment choices. We need to do what it takes to get our city up to par. We need to increase the amount of money we spend on these things in order to make our city competitive globally for skilled workers to want to live here.Austin is busy almost every night between 4-6th streets and has a developing downtown population. The city has a number of plans to develop a walkable, livable space for residents in the downtown area. Go to the city of Austin website and see the planning there and you will wish Houston had the same kinds of programs. Houston cannot compete with Austin in this area because everything is not within walking distance. Everything in this city is spread out and requires you to drive to get there. Thankfully, the situation is starting to improve in Midtown. I used to walk to a number of bars, grocery stores and other shops. The only thing worring me in Midtown are the number of empty blocks there with signs up for "Retail Space Coming Soon." Enough with the Strip centers!!! They do not belong in an area like Midtown, but no zoning.Suzerain Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
debmartin Posted February 2, 2005 Share Posted February 2, 2005 i would love to see houston associated with galveston, but i'm not sure how the boi's would take it. (born on island) i have noticed when i'm there that the term ibc (island by choice) is catching on as more non-natives move in. btw the houston/galveston thing has already caught on with one major player, the catholic church.i have never understood why we are supposed to be a tourist town, but houston is exciting as those who travel here are pleasantly surprised to discover. we could do with some stepped-up pr and a new campaign for attracting conventions, especially with all the state of the art sports arenas to advertise. we did get the superbowl even if we never get the olympics - what would we do with the traffic anyway?debmartin Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
J.A.S.O.N. Posted February 2, 2005 Share Posted February 2, 2005 Deb, I think the Houston/Galveston link is long overdue. I also think it would benefit both cities to collaborate and form some kind of union. I do feel our region is less cohesive than DFW in name and in attitude. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tw2ntyse7en Posted February 2, 2005 Share Posted February 2, 2005 ... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MidtownCoog Posted February 2, 2005 Share Posted February 2, 2005 They want a place where they can enjoy all aspects of their life.You live in a big fog if you can't do that in Houston. Time to wake up and smell the coffee. I live in Houston, and enjoy all aspects of mine. And Austin and Dallas "nicer" than Houston? That's your opinion but not a fact.Having lived in Dallas, I think the cites are pretty even when it comes to "nice". And don't forget the wasteland that is south Dallas. Even the locals pretend it does not exist. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
suzerain Posted February 2, 2005 Share Posted February 2, 2005 You live in a big fog if you can't do that in Houston. Time to wake up and smell the coffee. I live in Houston, and enjoy all aspects of mine. And Austin and Dallas "nicer" than Houston? That's your opinion but not a fact.Having lived in Dallas, I think the cites are pretty even when it comes to "nice". And don't forget the wasteland that is south Dallas. Even the locals pretend it does not exist.<{POST_SNAPBACK}>I do not live in a "big fog" but I know that you can do a lot in Houston. The problem is with all the problems Houston has, it is slow to fix to them. The Buffalo Bayou Partnership is a great start, but this something the city should have done a long time ago. The city itself is so spread out and lacks a centralized identity. I like living Houston. I loved living in Austin. Austin has an identity, and Austinites are very proud of the city they are living in. Beyond this board, I do not run into a lot of people who feel a lot of civic pride in the city. The most important thing in this city seems to be development and business interests. This is why the Mayor stated there needed to be something more than that. In order for the city to compete it needs to improve other aspects of life.I think, like others in this thread, that Houston is moving in the right direction, but it seems that the city's residents and government have to be dragged kicking and screaming to improve infrastructure and aesthetics. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest danax Posted February 2, 2005 Share Posted February 2, 2005 The Buffalo Bayou Partnership is a great start, but this something the city should have done a long time ago. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tw2ntyse7en Posted February 2, 2005 Share Posted February 2, 2005 ... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VelvetJ Posted February 2, 2005 Share Posted February 2, 2005 Suzerain, I could kiss you. Everything you have stated is right on. I have been saying for quite a while now that Houston should really focus more on tourism in the future and increasing it's "cool factor". I am NOT saying tourism should become our backbone like San Antonio or New Orleans, but it should be a important factor in a city our size. Tourism does have a place in "World Class" cities, as Houstonians like to think we are. Let's be honest, when you think about World class cities, are they places that many people choose to go for vacation? Yes, they are. Is Houston a place that people travel from around the country or the world for vacation, no it's not. And let's ask ourselves a couple of questons:Why don't people as a whole, travel from around the country to Houston for vacation? Why do cities that aren't necessarily tourist cities such as Atlanta, Dallas, Austin, and Denver get more tourists than Houston? If most people could choose to live in any city in the country, how many outside of Houston would choose Houston? Seriously.With regard to the CBD, this really isn't about who has the liveliest CBD at night. Dead CBD's in Los Angles, Austin, Dallas, and Atlanta doesn't appear to be stopping tourists from visiting those cities. Apparantly there is something else going on in those places outside of their CBD's that attract people. And someone from Phoenix complimenting Houston really doesn't phase me. A San Franciscan, or a Chicagoan, or a New Yorker visiting Houston and being impressed, is something I would pay more attention to.A attitude of, "It doesn't matter that people don't want to visit our city" is something I do not have and wish fewer people in Houston had. Our focus should broaden a little more, because just like tourism has hurt places that are soley reliant on it in the past, IMO business being a city's only focus can hurt it just as much (I think we saw a little of that when the Olympic Committee got a good look).OP, I don't know if I agree that Houston is slow so much as it seems to always be a step behind. It seems when our counterparts take two steps, we take one. Despite what some may say, one of the things that comes with being a city our size is indeed competition with other places. Houston is not Tyler Texas and we shouldn't act like we are. The innovative, cutting edge, progressive spirit that built this place seems to be lost. We're coming up with these great ideas years after other cities have done them, and seem to be content with it.I love Houston and know what it has to offer, but we could be so much better. The progress we are making is encouraging, but I'm not sure if our city as a whole truly understand the importance of it and why it should continue. Our days as a one trick business pony has got to be eased if we are to be the best we can be. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KinkaidAlum Posted February 3, 2005 Share Posted February 3, 2005 Houston is moving in the right direction, but we have a long way to go.Thank God we have spent the last few years focusing on downtown. I heard numerous times after I moved to Boston how much people dreaded coming to Houston for business because there was NOTHING for them to do downtown. Now at least we have some things open in the Houston Center, the Aquarium, Bayou Place, and the new hangouts around Market Square. These are VERY important because they leave lasting impressions on people. Even more important is that folks who travel here who are used to using public transportation can take easy side trips to Hermann Park, the Museum District, or Reliant Park without having to rent a car and navigate our streets. Thank you, METRO. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest danax Posted February 3, 2005 Share Posted February 3, 2005 what about our pesky braces? (just kidding...) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Oh, you mean MetroRail? Costs some big bucks but definitely better than those buck-toothed buses. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tw2ntyse7en Posted February 3, 2005 Share Posted February 3, 2005 ... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
houstonsemipro Posted February 3, 2005 Share Posted February 3, 2005 Again, for the 20th time, why do we want a "touristy" town? Why do we have to have attractions for vistors? We don't need all that crap. Name one thing Houston doesn't have that you, as a resident, have to go to another city to see, buy, or experience?We have it all - minus the tourism. THANK GOD. I love this city because it's business oriented. People come here to work, not play. Once you realize what's here for you then you'll start to be happy. It seems all anyone is worried about is tourism. Do you stand to profit from tourism where you work? Unless you're a hotel, restuarant, car rental, or place of entertainment - probably not.You have to think about it this way - people treat touristy towns like rental cars & hotel rooms. They rent them, trash them, and then leave them. I don't want to have to clean up the mess of tourists. Do you?<{POST_SNAPBACK}>You know I agree with you on that statement. Why Houston be a tourist town? Look at tourist towns such as, New Orleans. Tourism treat New Orleans just like you mention, rent them, trash them, and leave them. Look what happen last year doing the Super Bowl on main street. They interviewed people downtown saying, "it smelled like Barbon street in new orleans." EWWWWW. For me, I'm glad we're not a tourism city like NO, CHI TOWN, L.A. or the rest of them. Tourism also bring problems into our city.Someone mention L.A. is bigger then Houston, i disagree. Downtown Houston is bigger then L.A. New york also has a small downtown compare to houston, and Chi town.I say Houston is coming along great. Houston is not slow compared to other cities in the south, or up north. Hell, I see cranes everywhere in houston area. Some cities don't even have cranes, or just a few. Be thankful of what you got. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
houstonsemipro Posted February 3, 2005 Share Posted February 3, 2005 I forgot to mention. Houston is a business hub, central of businesses. The city is trying to convert Houston into a tourist town, I seriously doubt it would work. People all over the world know Houston only for business. They fly here for conventions, and business meetings. They might sight see a little of houston on their free time, but after that they flying back where they came from. Just like New Orleans. New Orleans is a tourism town, not a businesses hub. They depends on tourism to come to their city, if not, they lose money. New Orleans made themselves a tourism town, and everybody know new orleans for that. But let's not forget, houston will always have tourist here, cause this is an international city. People going to come here reguardless if nothing going on. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
suzerain Posted February 3, 2005 Share Posted February 3, 2005 You know I agree with you on that statement. Why Houston be a tourist town? Look at tourist towns such as, New Orleans. Tourism treat New Orleans just like you mention, rent them, trash them, and leave them. Look what happen last year doing the Super Bowl on main street. They interviewed people downtown saying, "it smelled like Barbon street in new orleans." EWWWWW. For me, I'm glad we're not a tourism city like NO, CHI TOWN, L.A. or the rest of them. Tourism also bring problems into our city.Someone mention L.A. is bigger then Houston, i disagree. Downtown Houston is bigger then L.A. New york also has a small downtown compare to houston, and Chi town.I say Houston is coming along great. Houston is not slow compared to other cities in the south, or up north. Hell, I see cranes everywhere in houston area. Some cities don't even have cranes, or just a few. Be thankful of what you got.<{POST_SNAPBACK}>Yeah, I do not want Houston to necessarily to be a place that everyone wants to come on vacation, but I want Houston to be a place where people want to come to live. I want people to be envious and want to live here. I want Houstonians to be proud of their city. I want the people who live in the suburbs want come into town. I want the center of city to vibrant and bustling with people.I just get annoyed when I see a city like Denver come up with such an agreesive transit plan and this city has to fight for every foot of rail. I just wish the people in this town did not get the wool pulled over their eyes as much by developers and other business leaders who cry wolf every time the city talks about spending money to improve this...well, except when it comes to freeways that is Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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