Houston19514

And, FWIW, the rest of the Houston Matters show (after the interview with the Mayor) is also worth a listen.

I just think it’s important for people to be able to listen to his actual words, in context. Hence I provided the link.

Again, I suggest everyone listen to the interview. Maybe even with an open mind.

For those interested in what the Mayor actually said: https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/shows/houston-matters/2024/05/02/485119/transportation-projects-in-limbo-may-2-2024/

https://youtu.be/pLPBeJGNIaY

This is the opposite of a cut. This is adding significant additional elements to the project. Can we tap the brakes on mayor-hate? In yesterday's council meeting, there was a quite encouraging discussion about addressing the long-neglected rail crossings in the east end. The Mayor indicated full support for addressing the issue and merely said he would talk to Metro about the possibility of using some of its funds to help address the issue. There was NO indication of anyone's knowledge of the University BRT underpass, one way or the other. FWIW, the discussion exposed pretty huge failings on the part of the City on this issue. Apparently, the FRA funding from several years ago specifically calls out Houston as being the worst in the nation on the rail-crossing issue, but the City hasn't bothered to apply for grants under that funding.

They are not proceeding immediately with the originally-planned structure, because Metro is rethinking the plan (and applying for some additional grants). The original plan was to provide facilities for Metro Police Department (which has to relocate; they are in one of the structures up by the Bayou that will be demolished for the North Canal project. Metrolift Metro Emergency Operations Center (currently dispersed among several facilities) Transtar support facilities and parking. Now they are considering incorporating additional Downtown Transit Center facilities. They say they need up to 22 bus bays at the DTC and currently have only 7 for buses and 2 for Metrolift.

Famous?

From a Houston Airports System press release last week: “Next month, we will break ground on the $470 million Southwest Airlines expansion at William P. Hobby Airport.”

Already divided by the railroad tracks, (which I believe are actually the western boundary of the 5th Ward).

All 4. 5. Pass out on new Mattress Firm mattress (or on the display in the store).

Of course, you don't all need to go side-by-side. This seems to be a hard concept for people to understand.

With this demolition and Tilman's purchase of the office building next door, I'd be surprised if Tilman is not purchasing this property as well.

What's the over/under on the percentage at which Downtown Austin's office availability rate tops out? Will it hit 40%?

To be clear, the reference to future expansion opportunities for River Oaks District was with respect to the 3.4-acre parcel at 4702 Westheimer (adjacent to ROD), which Tilman also purchased.