Walmart Supercenter At 111 Yale St.

[samagon]

That is great news, except that I cross at 15th street. I s'pose I could walk 12 blocks south to safely cross at Koehler, then 12 blocks back to get where I was trying to get. Heck, I could pick up some water at the convenient Wal-Mart to avoid the dehydration. (All tongue in cheek here).

Bottom line, I just wish 30 mph meant 30 mph on Yale. And, in my opinion, this portion of Yale/Heights (north of I-10) is highly residential. I believe you were stating you opinion for the area near the proposed WM, which I largely agree with.

SLOW DOWN ON YALE.....people, dogs, strollers.

I'd hate to see a stoplight be put in my neighborhood, a residential area should have ample stop signs. stop signs do a fair bit to make people want to take alternate routes.

At any rate, that's pretty far from the location, and I'd imagine quite a few people will be using the freeway that is much closer to the walmart than 15th street.

I certainly agree that people should go slow down in residential areas, it bothers me that people treat them as racing areas.

Edited September 4, 2010 by samagon

[flatline]

Has the highly anticipated traffic study begun? There are vehicle counters installed out on Heights Blvd. this morning. . .

[Angostura]

Hmmm....not sure if this has been mentioned or not, but I didn't realize that HEB had exclusive rights for 2 years and had declined to build (assuming this quote is accurate). Was HEB really outbid, then, or did they simply opt not to build on this particular site? Doesn't this make all of those comparisons of a Walmart vs. an HEB sort of irrelevant? (Of course, the fact that Walmart is willing to pay the most $ alone makes the comparison irrelevant)

Until I read that quote in the article, I hadn't realized that HEB was looking at this site for so long. I understand that they did a focus group about a year ago regarding building a store there.

Pure speculation, but this might have been a bigger space than HEB was willing to commit to at the time. The Bunker Hill store is, I think, about 128k s.f., which is probably about 20-30,000 s.f. bigger than it needs to be. I'm not sure the general merch areas are actually adding any value. It may also be that, given the expense of the new Wilshire Village location, they weren't prepared to take on another project of similar expense so nearby at the same time. If the Wilshire store would be the most expensive in the chain, the Heights store would probably be 2nd.

[Firebird65]

Well, unfortunately, looks like this thread has wound down now that the anti-Wal-Marters have realized the store is going to be built and there's nothing they can do about it. I sure enjoyed following some of their twisted logic. I eagerly look forward to shopping there when it opens (although not on the grand opening day - it'll be packed, probably with some of the same folks who used so many words to oppose it). It would be nice if people would post updates on this site of the progress the store is making in construction and when the planned opening will be.

[Marksmu]

Well, unfortunately, looks like this thread has wound down now that the anti-Wal-Marters have realized the store is going to be built and there's nothing they can do about it. I sure enjoyed following some of their twisted logic. I eagerly look forward to shopping there when it opens (although not on the grand opening day - it'll be packed, probably with some of the same folks who used so many words to oppose it). It would be nice if people would post updates on this site of the progress the store is making in construction and when the planned opening will be.

I am still planning on taking a picture once the tilt walls are upright, and captioning it with the words "YOU LOST" so that SM3H can acknowledge defeat. I also hope to do that with the historical ordinance, a Cherry Excavator, and a pile of rubble....but I am less hopeful there. A nice add on would suffice too, but its harder to find the add on's and know for sure, without any research that it was done without HAHC approval.

[aggie92]

Has the highly anticipated traffic study begun? There are vehicle counters installed out on Heights Blvd. this morning. . .

Here is the traffic study. Yale South was 6426 vehicles over a 24 hour period, Yale North was 3682 vehicles over same period.

http://stopheightswalmart.org/media/rudh-traffic.pdf

[Angostura]

Here is the traffic study. Yale South was 6426 vehicles over a 24 hour period, Yale North was 3682 vehicles over same period.

http://stopheightswa...udh-traffic.pdf

There may be other studies in the field. I saw counters at a couple different points on Heights and on Washington on either side of Heights and Yale.

A little surprising that traffic on northbound Yale was that high, since the only way onto it is from Washington (westbound) and Center St. I tend to only take it to avoid trains on Heights.

[sonic0boom]

A little surprising that traffic on northbound Yale was that high, since the only way onto it is from Washington (westbound) and Center St. I tend to only take it to avoid trains on Heights.

It's not protected, but you can actually turn left on to Yale from Washington eastbound. While you may only tend to take it to avoid the trains on Heights, I always take it to avoid the trains since there's sure to be one when i get there

[RedScare]

Here is the traffic study. Yale South was 6426 vehicles over a 24 hour period, Yale North was 3682 vehicles over same period.

http://stopheightswalmart.org/media/rudh-traffic.pdf

That's it? The opponents made it sound like Yale is a parking lot (though I've never seen it crowded personally). Those numbers are downright puny. That study will impress no one in Planning. They see real traffic numbers, and will not be faked out by claims that a 4 lane street is in gridlock with only 2,500 vehicles per lane per day.

Montrose gets 30-35,000 vehicles per day. THAT'S traffic.

[TheNiche]

That's it? The opponents made it sound like Yale is a parking lot (though I've never seen it crowded personally). Those numbers are downright puny. That study will impress no one in Planning. They see real traffic numbers, and will not be faked out by claims that a 4 lane street is in gridlock with only 2,500 vehicles per lane per day.

Montrose gets 30-35,000 vehicles per day. THAT'S traffic.

To put this study further in context, one should bear in mind that the peak hourly traffic volume occurs southbound on Yale from 7:00 to 8:00 in the morning, at 924 vehicles per hour. Consider that that is just 15.4 vehicles per minute, or one vehicle every 7.8 seconds per lane. That's manageable.

The other thing to consider is that traffic induced by a 24-hour Wal-Mart Supercenter will occur disproportionately during non-peak hours and particularly on weekends. It isn't enough to say that traffic will increase by 50% (or whatever number) in such a way as might lead one to conclude that congestion will increase proportionately. The fact is, a congestion externality does not exist at all until a sufficiently high volume of traffic is sustained for a period of time. If 90% of the additional induced trips are occurring outside of the peak hour or so in one direction or the other, those trips have zero impact. The remainder, whatever it is, is only impacting a fairly short period of time for five days per week.

[samagon]

That's it? The opponents made it sound like Yale is a parking lot (though I've never seen it crowded personally). Those numbers are downright puny. That study will impress no one in Planning. They see real traffic numbers, and will not be faked out by claims that a 4 lane street is in gridlock with only 2,500 vehicles per lane per day.

Montrose gets 30-35,000 vehicles per day. THAT'S traffic.

yeah, NPR had a 1 minute and 30 second bit on this that I heard on my way home today...

http://app1.kuhf.org/houston_public_radio-news-display.php?articles_id=1283893040

[RedScare]

yeah, NPR had a 1 minute and 30 second bit on this that I heard on my way home today...

http://app1.kuhf.org/houston_public_radio-news-display.php?articles_id=1283893040

Talk about politi-speak. Check this out...

The organization Responsible Urban Development for Houston has spear-headed the anti-Walmart effort. It now says the development could impact traffic in the neighborhood more than it previously thought. A new traffic analysis commissioned by the group shows there are actually fewer vehicle trips currently along some of the streets that border the development than previously thought. The group's Nick Urbano says even if the developer widens Koehler, a key east-west street that runs along the north edge of the property, it still won't mean traffic relief for the neighborhood.

So the argument is that since there is less traffic than they thought, an increase in traffic would be a bigger PERCENTAGE increase over existing levels. One would think that if traffic is less than previously thought, that would leave more road capacity to handle the expected increase. But, not for these disingenuous morons. And yet, there are people on this forum claining that if I don't understand this, then there is no hope for me. Well, that is true. If I cannot come up responses like this, I'll never make it in politics.

I am ashamed that NPR actually gave this airplay without questioning it. It's one thing when a rag like the Houston Press prints false price comparisons, but NPR used to be considered good journalism.

[barracuda]

Well, unfortunately, looks like this thread has wound down now that the anti-Wal-Marters have realized the store is going to be built and there's nothing they can do about it. I sure enjoyed following some of their twisted logic. I eagerly look forward to shopping there when it opens (although not on the grand opening day - it'll be packed, probably with some of the same folks who used so many words to oppose it). It would be nice if people would post updates on this site of the progress the store is making in construction and when the planned opening will be.

I, for one, welcome our new overlords. I really just think everyone finally realized what a great and benevolent friend Walmart will be for the community. They were the clear underdog in this fight, but through the persistence and sheer determination of their supporters, they were able to overcome these great and unfair distortions lodged against them. That and the fact that there was nothing to legally block them in the first place.

As the inscription on each and every Walmart store proclaims, “Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to shop in a fluorescent-lit dreamscape of low, rollback prices, and, oh, check out our special $6 eight-pack of Starter tube socks!”

The large community of poor rich folks living in neighboring gated townhome complexes and expensive Heights rebuilds will finally have a place to seek refuge from high prices. It’s about time somebody started looking out for these folks.

As for the low-income folks living in Heights Plaza apartments…er, sorry, you gotta move now. There’s progress to be had, and you’re not invited.

[RedScare]

To get a feel for the crushing traffic load on Koehler of which Mr. Urbano speaks, note that the traffic study found 734 vehicles travel Koehler each day in both directions. Between 5 am and 11 pm, 700 vehicles travel Koehler, or 350 in each direction. Over 17 hours, that's 20.5 vehicles hourly, or ONE VEHICLE EVERY 3 MINUTES! Even if Walmart caused traffic to TRIPLE...which is unlikely...traffic on Koehler during that 17 hour period would increase in frequency to 1 vehicle per minute.

Seriously, Nick, could you possible be more full of it?

Note: For those wondering why I only chose 17 hours, it is because that is the busiest traffic time. If you go on a 24 hour average, traffic frequency drops to 1 vehicle every 4 minutes. Wayne and Garth could play street hockey with traffic that low.

[TheNiche]

...

NPR used to be considered good journalism.

It's because they enunciate.

[heights]

I have spotted a white Prius placing anti Walmart signs in the yards of people who have the sign in opposition to the historical ordinance and then burning the opposition sign right there in the persons front yard....I swear, I think its the strangest thing...

Edit: just sighted again...Prius has an Obama Sticker AND a Bill White sticker on back bumper/window. Be on the look out!

I think I saw the same Prius repeatedly driving back and forth down Koehler street on the day the non-biased traffic study was being performed.

On another note, it's funny how in the NPR story, Nick Urbano (from the Responsible Urban Development aka anti-Walmart group) says that he thinks the 380-agreement is a good idea! Amazing that they would let that slip out after paying money to Civic Economics to "prove" that the 380-agreement is a bad idea.

I think a competent therapist would recommend medication for the whole lot of them.

Edited September 8, 2010 by heights

[RedScare]

I think I saw the same Prius repeatedly driving back and forth down Koehler street on the day the non-biased traffic study was being performed.

On another note, it's funny how in the NPR story, Nick Urbano (from the Responsible Urban Development aka anti-Walmart group) says that he thinks the 380-agreement is a good idea! Amazing that they would let that slip out after paying money to Civic Economics to "prove" that the 380-agreement is a bad idea.

I think a competent therapist would recommend medication for the whole lot of them.

He thought it would be a good idea if they rebuilt MORE streets. In other words, it is a good idea if they rebuild HIS street, but since they are not, it is a bad idea to rebuild ANY of them.

[Marksmu]

I, for one, welcome our new overlords. I really just think everyone finally realized what a great and benevolent friend Walmart will be for the community. They were the clear underdog in this fight, but through the persistence and sheer determination of their supporters, they were able to overcome these great and unfair distortions lodged against them. That and the fact that there was nothing to legally block them in the first place.

As the inscription on each and every Walmart store proclaims, “Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to shop in a fluorescent-lit dreamscape of low, rollback prices, and, oh, check out our special $6 eight-pack of Starter tube socks!”

The large community of poor rich folks living in neighboring gated townhome complexes and expensive Heights rebuilds will finally have a place to seek refuge from high prices. It’s about time somebody started looking out for these folks.

As for the low-income folks living in Heights Plaza apartments…er, sorry, you gotta move now. There’s progress to be had, and you’re not invited.

I'm not sure how to rep this post. Initially I thoroughly enjoy the Simpson's reference, and one of my all time favorite quotes from the series (behind the Moe lie detector test)...on the other hand the sarcastic points make me want to neg rep it. Those apartments needed to go. They were not just ugly, but also unsafe. I recall last summer a child in some apartment complex somewhere else in town died when their stairs collapsed on it. After that accident the city sent out inspectors to inspect a load of apartments. This particular complex was featured on the news for having multiple unsafe units, and if I recall correctly (no guarantee) I seem to remember that they were even forced to close 1 whole building for a short period to make much needed repairs.

That is neither here nor there, but getting rid of these apartments is good for the area. I have several other units I would also like to see go, but these were pretty high up there on the list of buildings that need to be torn down; despite their historic contribution to the area.

My conclusion you get a +1 for the Simpson's reference, and a -1 for the overall content of your post....which nets you nothing.

The Walmart, though I dont shop there, or support it, is here to stay, and I will support their right to build and to stand up to a bunch of pushy snobs who try to yell and scream to get their way every time someone tries to do something they don't like.

[20thStDad]

It's because they enunciate.

Huh, I always thought it was because they give the token update on some human atrocities taking place in Africa, read by someone with a british accent. Same thing I guess.

[J008]

Those apartments needed to go. They were not just ugly, but also unsafe. I recall last summer a child in some apartment complex somewhere else in town died when their stairs collapsed on it. After that accident the city sent out inspectors to inspect a load of apartments. This particular complex was featured on the news for having multiple unsafe units, and if I recall correctly (no guarantee) I seem to remember that they were even forced to close 1 whole building for a short period to make much needed repairs.

When you mention the "this" I bolded up top, Are you referring to the apartments on Heights blvd or the one with collapsed stairs somewhere.

[Marksmu]

When you mention the "this" I bolded up top, Are you referring to the apartments on Heights blvd or the one with collapsed stairs somewhere.

The units on Heights Blvd....and that was IF I was recalling correctly, but I believe I am recalling correctly.

It was one of those local news person investigates stories, following the stair collapse. They got the city reports on the worst units, and this one (on Heights Blvd) I believe was one of the worst.

[J008]

The units on Heights Blvd....and that was IF I was recalling correctly, but I believe I am recalling correctly.

It was one of those local news person investigates stories, following the stair collapse. They got the city reports on the worst units, and this one (on Heights Blvd) I believe was one of the worst.

Interesting, I have cycled to work past this place everyday for several years and never noticed it in any major disrepair or with a building shuttered, I do not doubt your account though.

At least they still got everyday low prices on rent.

[barracuda]

My conclusion you get a +1 for the Simpson's reference, and a -1 for the overall content of your post....which nets you nothing.

The Walmart, though I dont shop there, or support it, is here to stay, and I will support their right to build and to stand up to a bunch of pushy snobs who try to yell and scream to get their way every time someone tries to do something they don't like.

Thanks...I guess. People opposed to this project do themselves a disservice by making lots of crap up. But what I find even more amusing is that folks think the largest corporation in the world and it's dominion of attorneys needs their help in defending itself against these harmless NIMBYs, who have no legal recourse for stopping this project. But then again, I prefer to play the contrarian.

[samagon]

more on NPR...

http://app1.kuhf.org/houston_public_radio-news-display.php?articles_id=1284071470

I'm absolutely coming from the standpoint that this is a project that will happen anyway. The developer is very clear. They came to us saying they were going to do the project. They didn't come to us asking us for anything. We asked them, why not takeadvantage of their money, interest free, to do some things of benefit to the neighborhood and making this a win-win for everybody involved.

[RedScare]

I think I will make an Annise Parker quote my sig for a few days.

[Jesse]

I'm shocked... shocked!... that Walmart's 24 hour security patrol didn't catch this sooner. I'm sure their 0.001 megapixel security cameras caught the perp though.

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/metropolitan/7194544.html

[JJxvi]

Most people killed over drug deals probably get killed in the actual neighborhood in the Heights since we dont have a walmart yet...

[samagon]

I'm shocked... shocked!... that Walmart's 24 hour security patrol didn't catch this sooner. I'm sure their 0.001 megapixel security cameras caught the perp though.

http://www.chron.com...an/7194544.html

yeah, cause this only happens in walmart parking lots.

maybe you should focus your efforts at finding ways to improve the walmart, rather than outright disgust that it will be there, cause it's coming.

[Jesse]

yeah, cause this only happens in walmart parking lots.

maybe you should focus your efforts at finding ways to improve the walmart, rather than outright disgust that it will be there, cause it's coming.

I'd love to hear other examples of murders in parking lots that go unnoticed for several hours. Truly, I'd be interested.

Call me cynical, but I have a hard time believing that WM is going to listen to the neighborhood and what we'd prefer. What would I want? A storefront that's not visible from the road, shopping carts that lock up when they reach the property boundary, and a legitimate drainage plan so all the oil/trash/etc doesn't run into the bayou.

[DrLan34]

I got this e-mail today.

380 Agreement Details with developer Ainbinder about Koehler Street Development

During the second town hall meeting regarding the Koehler Street Development, also referred to as the possible Wal-Mart project, I promised to provide the 380 agreement as soon as it was ready to be considered by Houston City Council. In accordance with my pledge to residents for transparency during this process, the agreement has been posted on the City's Koehler Street Development Webpage at http://www.houstontx.gov/koehler/koehler380.pdf. This agreement will be considered at the September 15, 2010, 9:00 a.m. meeting of Houston City Council.

From the start, my goal has been to have the developer build with traffic, drainage, noise and crime concerns in mind. Your feedback through e-mails, phone calls and both town hall meetings played a big role in the negotiations. However, it is important to note that neither I nor City Council are able to tell the developer which stores may be leased on this or any property. We can only ask that they pay attention to specific issues raised by the community and address them adequately.For further comments or concerns, contact Cecilia Ortiz in the Mayor's Citizens Assistance Office at cecilia.ortiz@houstontx.gov or call 832.393.0955.Sincerely,Annise Parker