Midtown Real Estate

[midtown_resident]

I'm in NYC this week, and I noticed MANY of these same tanks standing at numerous intersections...in fact, I've counted at least 25 tanks in Times Square alone...

[MidtownCoog]

Houston Chronicle had an article about Tutes in Midtown.

Johns came from as far away as Alabama. I have seen plenty, even at 6:30am.

Most were AAM.

[WestGrayGuy]

No those frat boys end up at South Beach on Saturday night with their "girlfriends".

[Talbot]

I saw the report on the news last night, and i think that it is good that people are standing up against businessed such as this one.

[Montrose1100]

No those frat boys end up at South Beach on Saturday night with their "girlfriends".

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

[ssullivan]

You poor guy.  You're seeing the rhino in the room now, eh?

Ricco

Not quite but I am seeing those damn tanks all over this city now. They were probably there all along and I just never noticed them.

[dbigtex56]

And speaking of ugly vacant lots...

Today I took a walk on the east side of Midtown, because I hadn't been there in quite some time (years?) and wanted to see first-hand what has transpired.

And I have to admit, the new townhomes are very attractive, and not at all like the hideous early Perry Homes, as I'd feared. The designs are varied and imaginative. On those blocks which have been redeveloped, it's a nice neighborhood.

Yet there's no mistaking that this is recently recovered slum property. Only a block away from these newly constructed, neatly maintained townhomes, it's the same cruddy vacant lots that prevailed 20 years ago. Look at the south side of Elgin near Crawford (kittycorner from Elizabeth Baldwin Park). The grass and weeds between the sidewalk and street are easily two feet high, and the vacant lot beyond is no better. There are abandoned houses (on McGowen, for example) which are literally falling down.

If I lived in this neighborhood, I'd be down at City Hall every Tuesday, demanding to know where my tax dollars were being spent. In other cities, this sort of blight is simply not tolerated. Isn't there a mechanism in place by which neglected properties can be condemned and demolished? Or overgrown lots mowed, and the expense added to the property owner's tax bill? Seems to work elsewhere - why not Houston? Or are our elected officials too lazy (or corrupt) to carry out such a program?

[suzerain]

I know I have seen different things on the news where neoighborhood associations can mow and/or clean a vacant or neglicated property and place a lien on the property to recover the costs of maintaining the property. I do not know if it can be done by individuals or only by neighborhood associations. I would think the MMA might have the authority to do something like this. I get upset at the same thing in the Heights. There are nice houses down my street and then there is a warehouse at the end of the block where the weeds are a couple of feeet tall the grass spills out over the curbs out onto the street. I wish I could walk down there and mow the lawn and send a bill to the owner. Might make them actually do what they should be doing in the first place!

Suzerain

[suzerain]

Here is the actual city ordiannce that allows the city to clean up a vacant lot and charge the property owner for the cleanup!! I love being a law student. You learn very quickly how to find answers to problems. People just need to make a complaint and get the process in motion. The tools to fix this kind of problem are already in place. Here is the relevant ordinances:

Sec. 10-451. Nuisances, generally.

(a) Whatever is dangerous to human health or welfare, or whatever renders the ground, the water, the air, or food a hazard to human health is hereby declared to be a nuisance.

( The following specific acts, conditions, and things are declared to constitute public nuisances and are hereby prohibited and made unlawful:

(1) The deposit or accumulation of any foul, decaying, or putrescent substance or other offensive matter in or upon any lot, street, or in or upon any public or private place in such a way as to become offensive or objectionable; the overflow of any foul liquids, or the escape of any gases, dusts, fumes, mists, and sprays to such an extent that the same, or any one of them, shall become, or be likely to become, hazardous to health or a source of discomfort to persons living or passing in the vicinity, or that the same shall by reason of offensive odors become a source of discomfort to persons living or passing in the vicinity thereof.

(2) A polluted well, or cistern, spring or stream, or the pollution of any body of water used for drinking purposes.

(3) The maintenance of any privy, vault or cesspool, except as provided in this Code.

(4) Keeping any building or room is such state of uncleanliness or the crowding of person in any building or room in such a manner as to endanger the health of the persons dwelling therein, or so that there shall be less than 400 cubic feet of air to each adult, and 150 cubic feet of air to each child under 12 years of age occupying such building or room. To the extent of any conflict between the requirements of this item and those established in section 10-331 of this Code, the more restrictive shall apply.

(5) Allowing cellars to be used as sleeping rooms.

(6) A building or portion of a building occupied as a dwelling which is not lighted and ventilated by means of at least one window, opening to the outer air, in each room, or any such building which is not provided with a plentiful supply of pure water.

(7) The accumulation of manure, unless it is in a properly constructed pit or receptacle.

(8) The maintenance, in a public place, of a roller towel for the use of more than one person.

(9) The slopping or feeding of cattle or other animals on distillery swill, unless the enclosure wherein such slopping or feeding is done is provided with means for preventing and removing the unsanitary conditions associated with such slopping or feeding.

(10) Permitting the existence of weeds, brush, rubbish, and all other objectionable, unsightly, and insanitary matter of whatever nature covering or partly covering the surface of any lots or parcels of real estate situated within the city; permitting such lots or parcels of real estate, as aforesaid, to have the surface thereof filled or partly filled with holes or be in such condition that the same holds or is liable to hold stagnant water therein, or from any other cause be in such condition as to be liable to cause disease or produce, harbor, or spread disease germs of any nature or tend to render the surrounding atmosphere unhealthy, unwholesome, or obnoxious.

Such lots or parcels of real estate in addition to those grounds within their respective boundaries shall be held to include all lots or parcels of ground lying and being adjacent to and extending beyond the property line of any such lots or parcels of real estate to the curbline of adjacent streets, where a curbline has been established, and 14 feet beyond the property line where no curbline has been established on adjacent streets, and also to the center of adjacent alleys.

The word "weeds" as herein used shall include all rank and uncultivated vegetable growth or matter which has grown to more than nine inches in height or which, regardless of height, is liable to become an unwholesome or decaying mass or a breeding place for mosquitoes or vermin. The word "brush" as herein used shall include all trees or shrubbery under seven feet in height which are not cultivated or cared for by person owning or controlling the premises. The word "rubbish" shall include all refuse, rejected tin cans, old vessels of all sorts, useless articles, discarded clothing and textiles of all sorts, and in general all litter and all other things usually included within the meaning of such term. The words "any and all other objectionable, unsightly, or insanitary matter of whatever nature" shall include all uncultivated vegetable growth, objects and matters not included within the meaning of the other terms as herein used, which are liable to produce or tend to produce an unhealthy, unwholesome or unsanitary condition to the premises within the general locality where the same are situated, and shall also include any species of ragweed or other vegetable growth which might or may tend to be unhealthy to individuals residing within the general locality of where the same are situated.

The provisions of this item (10) shall not be applicable to a "natural area," and it shall also constitute an affirmative defense to prosecution in any criminal proceeding that is initiated under this item (10) that the property or affected portion thereof is a "natural area" that is being maintained in accordance with a permit issued under section 32-10 of this Code and regulations issued thereunder, and further provided that:

a. The natural area is maintained and managed so that no weeds or debris are allowed to accumulate and create an imminent hazard to health or safety; and

b. The natural area is regularly mowed so as to prevent uncontrolled vegetation growth within ten feet of a public roadway and within five feet of a public sidewalk.

(11) Permitting the accumulation or collection of any water, stagnant, flowing, or otherwise, in which the mosquito breeds or which may become a breeding place for mosquitoes, unless such accumulation or collection of water is treated so as effectually to prevent such breeding.

The natural presence of well grown mosquito larvae, or of pupae, shall be evidence that proper precautions have not been taken to prevent the breeding of mosquitoes.

(12) Permitting the detectible presence of urine or the presence of feces, vomit and other bodily fluids in or upon any property, including any sidewalk adjacent to any paved portion of a street abutting the property, that may be accessible to the public or in such a manner that the presence of any of the foregoing may be detected in the vicinity of the property.

© It shall be unlawful for any owner, lessee, occupant, or any agent, representative, or employee of any owner, lessee, or occupant or any other person having ownership, occupancy, or control of any land, or improvements thereon, to permit, allow, or suffer any condition to exist on such property if such condition is prohibited or made unlawful under the provisions of this section. It shall be an affirmative defense to prosecution under section 10-451( (12) of this Code that the detectible presence of urine or the presence of feces, vomit or other bodily fluids in or on any property is specifically authorized or permitted by law or ordinance.

(d) Except as provided below, whenever in this section an act is made or declared to be unlawful, the first violation by any person of any such provision shall be punishable by a fine of not less than $50.00 nor more than $1,000.00; the second violation by the same person of any such provision shall be punishable by a fine of not less than $100.00 nor more than $1,500.00; and the third and any subsequent violation by the same person of any such provision shall be punishable by a fine of not less than $200.00 nor more than $2,000.00. Provided, however, if a person is convicted of an offense under this section which offense is also a violation of the criminal provisions of any state law, such person shall be subject to the criminal penalties set out in state law. Each day any violation of this section continues shall constitute a separate offense.

The first violation of item 10-451( (12) of this Code shall be punishable by a fine of not less than $200.00, nor more than $1,000.00; the second violation by the same person of such provision shall be punishable by a fine of not less than $400.00, nor more than $1,500.00; the third and any subsequent violation by the same person of such provision shall be punishable by a fine of not less than $600.00, nor more than the maximum amount allowed by law.

(Ord. No. 91-1102,

[dbigtex56]

BRAVO (brava?), SUZERAIN! If there was a way I could bronze that post, I'd do it.

Knowledge is power. I hope people put it to use.

BTW, who or what is a "neighborhood protection official"? Would this include police, firefighters, public works employees...?

[suzerain]

BRAVO (brava?), SUZERAIN! If there was a way I could bronze that post, I'd do it.

Knowledge is power. I hope people put it to use.

BTW, who or what is a "neighborhood protection official"? Would this include police, firefighters, public works employees...?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Bravo....

I tried to look up the definition of a neighborhood protection official but I could not any info. I would call the city or call the neighborhood association to find out who this person is in your community. Call 311. They should be able to tell you who you need to talk to.

Suzerain

[WestGrayGuy]

I have tried it out and have liked it better than Marble Slab. Marble Slab is way way too sweet it seems to me.

Parking will be an issue for this location with the BW3 next door.

[MontroseNeighborhoodCafe]

LOCAL NEWS

MeatRack isn

[dbigtex56]

After residents of a nearby high-rise condominium complex complained about the relocation,

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

What on Earth are they talking about? There is no nearby high-rise condominium complex.

If they're talking about 2016 Main, these residents are really pushing the limits of the definition of 'nearby'. They'd need binoculars to be offended - maybe a telescope. And X-ray vision.

"A meeting of those involved in the revitalization of Main Street was called this week to discuss the move of the MeatRack"

Those involved? What the heck does that mean? Was this a public meeting? Seems to me that anyone with an interest in Main Street is one of 'those involved' - and I didn't get any invitation.

[ricco67]

I was thinking the same thing.

Maybe they're so offended by what they see, they have to keep an eye on it with binoculars.

Isn't the "modeling" studio on smith (i think) closer than the meatrack?

Ricco

[RayLSU]

I had a question...I know a few people that browse these forums probably have children. Particularly with infants/toddlers/etc...do you all have any particular places in the areas of Midtown or Downtown that you'd recommend? Our family lives in Midtown and we both work downtown. We'd like to find a good place in the near vicinity...pricing info would be helpful as well.

Thanks!

[pineda]

Montessori Children's Cottage

This was the place where my daughter went to ten years ago. I haven't been back in at least five years, but I was extremely impressed with the teaching methods and the staff when she went there. I truly believe that the groundwork laid by that school is at least partly responsible for what a great student she is now. If you don't or can't use this place, please consider using someplace that employs the Montessori method. I can't recommend it highly enough! Good luck to you!

[midtown_resident]

Much like pineda, we've had a GREAT experience with Downtown Montessori at Blodgett and San Jacinto - we're very happy with the program that our child has been enrolled in for some time now.

Downtown Montessori

[ricco67]

Don't forget Creme' De la Creme' on Labranch @ Polk (I think)

There is supposed to be a good place along main street, but I don't know that much about it.

Ricco

[dbigtex56]

Wasn't a child care facility built adjacent to the new Enron building?

I don't know if it's in operation or anything about its reputation - but the location might be convenient for you.

[MidtownCoog]

We have done all the research. Creme' De la Creme' is the best in downtown. They also have a location and Town and Country.

The downtown location makes for a crazy pick up at 5:00.

There are a number near the Museum District, but we were not that impressed with them. They give you the "these are doctors kids" speech, but we found much better interaction at Creme.

[pineda]

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Petite Elite

By Michelle Galley

Zoe Zalesak spends some time on the Oriental rug in the infant room. The center accepts children as young as 6 weeks.

In a brown-brick building here, around the corner from a Circuit City and across the street from a Sam's Club warehouse store, sits what some say is a paradise for the sandbox set.

Just past sunrise, parents begin to pull up in Mercedes sport-utility vehicles and Toyota minivans. They walk their children past an off-duty police officer and step into a glass-enclosed foyer. Here, they use a touch-screen computer to enter the personal code assigned to their child. This registers the child for the day at Cr

[RayLSU]

We have done all the research.  Creme' De la Creme' is the best in downtown.  They also have a location and Town and Country. 

The downtown location makes for a crazy pick up at 5:00.

There are a number near the Museum District, but we were not that impressed with them.  They give you the "these are doctors kids" speech, but we found much better interaction at Creme.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Do you have the approximate price for infants?

Thanks everyone!

[MidtownCoog]

Creme is around $1,100 for infants, and the ones in the Museum District are around $700.00.

[midtown_resident]

Wasn't a child care facility built adjacent to the new Enron building?

I don't know if it's in operation or anything about its reputation - but the location might be convenient for you.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Knowledge Beginnings ran that center for Enron and continued to do so after the Enron collapse. However, I believe they've now moved to the Concorde School facility in midtown.

[eLy383Inc]

I was looking for some ideas of what this block could be. It is an old 1960's era mall that currently has Les Givral's Cafe as it's most well known tennant. I have a fair amount of influence with the owner of the property and he is looking to either remodel somehow or tear the whole thing down and build. Obviously, one is way more costly than the other. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

[midtown 4.2]

e-mail me, I'd like to talk further about this subject.

[Houston Retail]

This is a great use for the board. We can make a big difference in how things happen if we put the right minds together.

[Houston Retail]

accidently posted twice. sorry.

[Guest danax]

Midtown residents didn't plan on thefts

06:12 PM CST on Monday, December 13, 2004

By Carolyn Mungo / 11 News

It's prime real estate now but not long ago, the part of Houston called Midtown was filled with abandoned buildings.

Townhome owners in Midtown weren't prepared for the thefts that have plagued them.

While recent high-end development has brought in plenty of new homeowners, many say they've gotten more than they bargained for.

Visit any suburban neighborhood and you're bound to see holiday decorations.

Residents in the newly developed neighborhood of Midtown say they tried the holiday spirit, until someone stole it.

"Every one of these chairs are, if you'll see, it's got the chains. Rocking chairs, they're all chained to the walls in the house," says townhouse owner Richard Denham.

Richard Denham's Christmas lights were stolen last week. He tries to protect himself against thieves, but he couldn't chain Christmas lights.

"It's really ridiculous we have to live like this," Denham says.

Denham says his upscale townhome has been burglarized several times. It's what prompted him to install a motion sensor and siren, and he is not alone.

"I came in the same afternoon to check my lights, and they were stolen also," says nearby resident Marjorie Cerejo.

"I'm not going to put up any this year because I've seen what they've gone through," townhome owner Robert Gray says.

Even the rocking chairs are chained to the house to prevent thieves from taking them.

Some say this is just the price you pay for moving into a neighborhood in transition, but residents here insist they had no idea theft would be a daily occurrence.

"When we moved here I didn't know my wife's car would get broken into. I didn't know a transient would be drinking a beer in my garage, stealing my fishing tackle. I didn't know I'd have to spend thousands of dollars on a security gate," says resident Mark Oehl.

Even though Midtown is filled with pricey real estate, there are still abandoned buildings.

"I used to have really nice plants here, but they're gone," says Denham.

Revitalization must apparently be a work in progress -- at least for these townhome owners.