Walmart Supercenter At 111 Yale St.

[JJxvi]

I'm nostalgic for my youth. I think the Heights should remain perpetually as it was in 1987.

[JJxvi]

Wal*Mart will most definitely increase the amount of crime committed on that block. Its inarguable. What most of the anti-WM folks won't tell you is that in the vast majority of the cases, Wal*Mart will be the victim of the crime. Cost of doing business.

[TheNiche]

Hear is EXACTLY what I said:

"Funny how the 380 agreement did not provide for any infrastructure improvements for the abutting West End residential neighborhood."

You said this was a lie because the 380 agreement widened Koehler. When confronted with the fact that the 380 agreement only widened Koehler from Yale up to the end of the Walmart site and did not go into the abutting (this is a term that means next to the Walmart, not at the Walmart) neighborhood, you could not admit that you were WRONG!!! WRONG!!! You looked at the 380 agreement and assumed that Koehler would be widened past the Walmart. You were WRONG!!!

I did not lie about anything. What I said was 100% the truth. The 380 agreement provides NOTHING for the abutting West End residential NEIGHBORHOOD (last I checked a 152k sq ft Walmart wasn't a neighborhood). If you want to find the definition of malicious intent, look in the mirror. You called someone a liar, were completely WRONG and tried to change what I said to cover the fact that you didn't look at the details of the 380 agreement, even though you are happy to act like you are an authority on it.

I mentioned three streets, not just Koehler. I did not imply that Koehler would go all the way through (which IMO is a good thing because it would encourage through traffic). The widened streets will all serve the adjacent neighborhood. You were complaining that the streets were all too narrow to service Wal-Mart trucks and that that would adversely impact the neighborhood; now they won't be. You would've known that if you'd read the 380 Agreement, which seems to have been the case.

I cited page numbers and was careful not to state anything more than did the 380 Agreement that you linked to because I'm not an authority on the Agreement and never claimed to be. The 380 Agreement speaks for itself. So there.

[IronTiger]

One thing I noticed that I haven't read about on this thread (but no, I didn't read every single page of it) was the demolition of the Heights Plaza apartments on Heights Blvd. when they extend Koehler to 2nd Street. What happens there?

[TheNiche]

One thing I noticed that I haven't read about on this thread (but no, I didn't read every single page of it) was the demolition of the Heights Plaza apartments on Heights Blvd. when they extend Koehler to 2nd Street. What happens there?

The apartments get demolished. Was there something else about them that intrigued you?

[IronTiger]

The apartments get demolished. Was there something else about them that intrigued you?

Oh, not really. It's just that everyone's complaining about Wal-Mart and its perceived effects on the Heights, while there are apartments that are going to get demolished, with people evicted. And everyone's still talking about the Wal-Mart.

The worst part is that the apartments look somewhat interesting and well-kept. There are plenty of run-down apartments in Houston, and those aren't getting flattened (yet).

And didn't Texas recently (last year, I think?) pass a law that said businesses couldn't flatten residential areas via eminent domain?

[TheNiche]

Oh, not really. It's just that everyone's complaining about Wal-Mart and its perceived effects on the Heights, while there are apartments that are going to get demolished, with people evicted. And everyone's still talking about the Wal-Mart.

The worst part is that the apartments look somewhat interesting and well-kept. There are plenty of run-down apartments in Houston, and those aren't getting flattened (yet).

It doesn't get brought up because Heights elitists are looking forward to the demise of these apartments. And nobody else cares because, frankly, even in good times there is an overabundance of crap multifamily housing in the marketplace. It's just not a big deal.

And didn't Texas recently (last year, I think?) pass a law that said businesses couldn't flatten residential areas via eminent domain?

And that applies, how?

[barracuda]

It doesn't get brought up because Heights elitists are looking forward to the demise of these apartments. And nobody else cares because, frankly, even in good times there is an overabundance of crap multifamily housing in the marketplace. It's just not a big deal.

And that applies, how?

"Heights elitist" Marksmu dismissed demolition concerns on account of them being ugly and unsafe in post #1028.

[TheNiche]

"Heights elitist" Marksmu dismissed demolition concerns on account of them being ugly and unsafe in post #1028.

I'm sorry, did you need to be supplied with a Venn diagram?

[barracuda]

I'm sorry, did you need to be supplied with a Venn diagram?

No, but I suppose someone should be supplied with a sense of irony.

[samagon]

I don't have a sense of ironing. I just hang shirts in my shower and let the steam do it's work.

[TheNiche]

No, but I suppose someone should be supplied with a sense of irony.

I see no irony.

The sample pictured is the population of the Heights. The left set is anti-Walmart. The right set is elitist. I'll leave you to figure out what the intersection of the two might imply.

Set theory is fun, but dry. There's not much room for irony.

[IronTiger]

And that applies, how?

I'm just wondering about the legality of a developer knocking down residential apartments (where people still live) to build a commercial business, that's all. Yes, I know it's not technically the Wal-Mart, appears to be some sort of outlot strip center-type building. And yes, I can see now that the building is in poor repair, so I suppose it would be okay for it to get knocked down.

The post is on this page, by the way.

[TheNiche]

I'm just wondering about the legality of a developer knocking down residential apartments (where people still live) to build a commercial business, that's all. Yes, I know it's not technically the Wal-Mart, appears to be some sort of outlot strip center-type building. And yes, I can see now that the building is in poor repair, so I suppose it would be okay for it to get knocked down.

The post is on this page, by the way.

It doesn't matter what shape the multifamily property is in. Everyone can be evicted and the bulldozers doing their job within 60 days, quite easily. The legal process is uncomplicated.

[JJxvi]

Step 1:Buy Appartment complex

Step 2:Tell residents to move

Step 3:Bulldoze your property

?

Profit

[RedScare]

I'm just wondering about the legality of a developer knocking down residential apartments (where people still live) to build a commercial business, that's all.

You are correct that it is generally illegal to knock down apartments (or any other building) while the residents are still there.

[Ross]

I'm just wondering about the legality of a developer knocking down residential apartments (where people still live) to build a commercial business, that's all. Yes, I know it's not technically the Wal-Mart, appears to be some sort of outlot strip center-type building. And yes, I can see now that the building is in poor repair, so I suppose it would be okay for it to get knocked down.

The post is on this page, by the way.

Wait for the leases to expire and tell the residents to move because you aren't renewing them. Then demolish. Easy, wasn't it?

[samagon]

Step 1:Buy Appartment complex

Step 2:Tell residents to move

Step 3:Bulldoze your property

?

Profit

not sure if the apartment complex can break the lease like that (I don't think they can), but it's easy to say, sorry, we aren't renewing leases, or make it cost prohibitive so people don't want to renew their lease, or let them continue living there month to month, with a notice that on month x they gotta go.

I think they can also come to an agreement with the tenant.

could be worth a call to the rental office to find out about getting a new lease, if they say they have no new leases to sign, there you go.

However they do it, it will surely be within the letter of the law.

and regardless, it would be up to the tenant to decide whether they want to pursue any legal recourse, if something was done in violation or not.

also, there's nothing saying in the information released whether that part of the development is going to happen at the same time as the rest or not, it could be a different 'phase' of what happens?

Edited October 20, 2010 by samagon

[J008]

not sure if the apartment complex can break the lease like that (I don't think they can), but it's easy to say, sorry, we aren't renewing leases, or make it cost prohibitive so people don't want to renew their lease, or let them continue living there month to month, with a notice that on month x they gotta go.

I think they can also come to an agreement with the tenant.

could be worth a call to the rental office to find out about getting a new lease, if they say they have no new leases to sign, there you go.

However they do it, it will surely be within the letter of the law.

and regardless, it would be up to the tenant to decide whether they want to pursue any legal recourse, if something was done in violation or not.

also, there's nothing saying in the information released whether that part of the development is going to happen at the same time as the rest or not, it could be a different 'phase' of what happens?

I haven't looked at rental agreement in a while, but I am confident that there is some language that covers change of ownership (since this is Texas I would also imagine it is very favorable to the landlord). I lived across the street from Allen House when it was bought and the people were out of there pretty quick.

As far as the condition of these apartments. I still question that they are in ill repair. I cycle by them daily and they are in better shape than several others on Heights blvd.

[20thStDad]

I haven't looked at rental agreement in a while, but I am confident that there is some language that covers change of ownership (since this is Texas I would also imagine it is very favorable to the landlord). I lived across the street from Allen House when it was bought and the people were out of there pretty quick.

As far as the condition of these apartments. I still question that they are in ill repair. I cycle by them daily and they are in better shape than several others on Heights blvd.

I'm not sure it had anything to do with change of ownership, more likely a term in the lease, but at Allen House they did tell people to be out before some of their leases were up. I'm sure there was a minimum notice # of days, but a friend of mine had to be out 3 months before his lease was up.

[barracuda]

I see no irony.

The sample pictured is the population of the Heights. The left set is anti-Walmart. The right set is elitist. I'll leave you to figure out what the intersection of the two might imply.

Set theory is fun, but dry. There's not much room for irony.

You left out pro-Walmart non-elitist who look forward to the demolition, which is the case referenced earlier. Can you point to any "Heights elitists" who've actually stated they look forward to the demolition?

[TheNiche]

You left out pro-Walmart non-elitist who look forward to the demolition, which is the case referenced earlier.

No, you just don't understand set theory.

Can you point to any "Heights elitists" who've actually stated they look forward to the demolition?

Yes. I suggest you read back through the thread.

[barracuda]

No, you just don't understand set theory.

You don't understand irony. You presented a Venn diagram that doesn't apply to the situation. There are only three elements in your diagram. None of them describe post 1028. Ironic.

Yes. I suggest you read back through the thread.

That doesn't answer the question.

[TheNiche]

You don't understand irony. You presented a Venn diagram that doesn't apply to the situation. There are only three elements in your diagram. None of them describe post 1028. Ironic.

That doesn't answer the question.

READING COMPREHENSION FAIL. SET THEORY FAIL.

[Angostura]

As far as the condition of these apartments. I still question that they are in ill repair. I cycle by them daily and they are in better shape than several others on Heights blvd.

The Heights facade is in reasonably good condition. Try looking at them from Yale.

[lockmat]

In other Wal-mart news, from a different perspective

Northline Commons in North Houston will kick off the holiday shopping season with the Grand Opening of the new Walmart located adjacent to the center. "We're delighted to welcome Walmart to Northline Commons," stated Eugene O'Brien

Walmart, located at Northline Commons, will be open to customers at 8:00 a.m., Wednesday, October 27.

“We are grateful for the opportunities that Walmart brings to the Northside neighborhood of Houston,” stated Congressman Gene Green. “Walmart brings us a beautiful new shopping opportunity, over 400 new jobs, new tax revenues, and unparalleled corporate generosity in the local community. We welcome Walmart as a win/win for both the shoppers and for our Northside community.”

"Especially in this economy, we know how important it is for our customers to find the best value for their families. They know when they shop at Walmart, they'll get a great price, and they can trust the quality of the product. Walmart is world-renowned for delivering quality, selection, price and customer service," commented O'Brien. "With the newly-designed Walmart store layout, our customers will also enjoy a clean, bright, easy-to-navigate shopping experience offered by the world's largest retailer," stated O'Brien.

http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/northline-commons-kicks-off-houstons-holiday-shopping-season-with-the-grand-opening-of-walmart-105694668.html

[Marksmu]

"Heights elitist" Marksmu dismissed demolition concerns on account of them being ugly and unsafe in post #1028.

I'm an elitist....wow I've never been called an elitist....been called a lot of things, mostly a redneck, which goes well with elitist... but I'll just add this to my list of names...maybe Ill add a signature to my name...Marksmu -"redneck elitist"

WalMart bought the land the apartments on....they have every right to bulldoze them once they evict, buy out the tenants leases, or relocate them. Will I cry a tear for the loss of that lovely complex? No I will not. Progress is progress....I dont cry tears for run-down property being bulldozed. People get displaced by progress all the time...its called the real world...Its one of those things you know going in when you rent....you dont have any say at all about whether or not you will be there once your term is up. You don't own it, you don't get a say...your only vote is with your wallet. There is still plenty of affordable inner loop property to be rented or purchased... I wont cry a tear for this loss of this building. If that makes me an elitist in your book , then I guess to you I am an elitist.

[s3mh]

I'm an elitist....wow I've never been called an elitist....been called a lot of things, mostly a redneck, which goes well with elitist... but I'll just add this to my list of names...maybe Ill add a signature to my name...Marksmu -"redneck elitist"

WalMart bought the land the apartments on....they have every right to bulldoze them once they evict, buy out the tenants leases, or relocate them. Will I cry a tear for the loss of that lovely complex? No I will not. Progress is progress....I dont cry tears for run-down property being bulldozed. People get displaced by progress all the time...its called the real world...Its one of those things you know going in when you rent....you dont have any say at all about whether or not you will be there once your term is up. You don't own it, you don't get a say...your only vote is with your wallet. There is still plenty of affordable inner loop property to be rented or purchased... I wont cry a tear for this loss of this building. If that makes me an elitist in your book , then I guess to you I am an elitist.

You are not an elitist, but you are misinformed. Walmart has not bought any land yet. They will buy the 15 acre tract west of Yale St where they will cram a suburban supercenter. Ainbinder bought the tract between Yale and Heights. Ainbinder is putting in a retail pad there that will house multiple tenants. Ainbinder is also giving up a right of way to the City across the property to connect Koehler from Yale to Heights. Just wait until you see the traffic mess that intersection will cause.

[s3mh]

In other Wal-mart news, from a different perspective

http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/northline-commons-kicks-off-houstons-holiday-shopping-season-with-the-grand-opening-of-walmart-105694668.html

so we can now stop all the talk about depriving people in the Heights of a Walmart. There is your Walmart. Enjoy. And, if you can wait another year, there will be another on Silber and I-10. Enjoy. With two Walmarts within a five mile radius, we can do just fine without one in the Heights, as we have been doing for over 100 years.

[sozavac]

this is the first that i've heard about the heights plaza apartments being demolished. does anyway know if the same is true for the dirt bar?