From Swamplot:
“The Montrose Land Defense Coalition will hold a rally this weekend at Menil Park to raise awareness of H-E-B’s plans to build a new store on the site of the long-gone Wilshire Village apartment complex.”
The rally is this Saturday at 1:30pm near the corner of Dunlavy and West Alabama.
Mayor Annise Parker cast doubt Wednesday on whether the Metropolitan Transit Authority has the money to pay for two planned light-rail lines that proponents say are critical to the success of the agency’s plans.
Parker said members of her transition team have “drilled down” into Metro’s finances and she now feels comfortable only with the funding plans of three rail lines: the East End, North and Southeast. Construction on those lines is under way.
The University Line would run on Richmond Avenue, just North of Richwood place.
Just got this email from Mark Johnson @ Neartown: The City of Houston Urban Forestry Department has gifted Neartown residents with (50) 15-gallon hardwood trees in the following species: Shumard red oak, Texas Green Ash, Retama (Jerusaleum Thorn), Evergreen elm, Mountain Laurel, Redbud, Red Maple and Mexican plum.
The trees must be planted on the City right-of-way (or other City property such as a park or school) and the new owner will sign a form agreeing to water and feed the tree(s) for a minimum of two years.
These trees are HUGE! A truck is required for transport – and I do not have a truck. For more information or to set up a time to view the trees, contact Kathy Schipper at kathleencanty@sbcglobal.net. Hurry and make a decision as these beauties will go fast!
The attached correspondence that was sent to Council Member Wanda Adams this evening regarding Capital Improvement Planning for RPCA. BIg thanks for Moustapha El-Hakam for his work on this.
Sorry for the late notice — I just got this email:
The Neartown Presidents Council will meet this evening at 7:00 PM at the Black Lab on Montrose to coordinate this year’s Super Neighborhood application for City of Houston – CIP Funding. Civic Association Presidents and other Officers are encouraged to attend this event, bringing ideas that will be presented at this coming weekend’s CIP Work Session, sponsored by District D Council Member Wanda Adams.
Please comment on this post or email if you can attend. Additionally, I will be emailing the RPCA CIP committee to see who can represent Richwood place.
Work on Metro’s University Corridor rail project is underway. Once constructed, the line will run directly North of our neighborhood, with the closest stations at Richmond & Shephard and Richmond & Dunlavy.
My wife, Jennifer, spoke with Monique Ward at METRO to see what this means for our neighborhood. Monique first pointed out that METRO received some great news in December 2009. The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) approved the University Corridor Light Rail Transit Project advancement to Preliminary Engineering Phase (the Federal Project Development Process is: DEIS, Designation of Locally Preferred Alternative, FEIS, Preliminary Engineering Phase <where we are now>, Final Design, Construction, Operation). That means the project is moving forward, the line is set and engineering activities are in progress. As a next step, METRO has posted the Final Environmental Impact Statement on its website for any interested parties to review (you can review the first chapter for an overview). METRO anticipates receiving a record of decision in early April. Once this is received, METRO can move forward in the process to seek federal funding and engineers can proceed with design work.
To sum up current activities, METRO resources are currently working to complete all the necessary steps to get federal funding so that construction can begin.
If all goes as planned, METRO is expected to break ground on the line some time in 2011. Construction is expected to take four years to complete, however, METRO plans to break up the construction into small segments to minimize impact to businesses and residents in the area. METRO doesn’t expect to have anymore large scale community meetings, but they do expect to provide regular updates (ground breaking, status, etc) once the record of decision and funding are received. Monique wanted to assure any home or business owners who would be impacted by the line that METRO will contact them directly. She said they will provide ample time for these individuals to work with the METRO real-estate department.
The Richwood Place Board will continue to follow METRO’s announcements and let you know when more information is available. If you have questions or if you would like the METRO contact information we gathered, please email me at dbaker@richwoodplace.org.
Construction of the North and Southeast LRT lines is already taking place.
Last year, I contacted the Harris County Records Management department to request the Harris County Archives Collection information about my home at 1827 Norfolk Street. After about a month long wait, they mailed me the information free of charge. The packet contained tax and sale records from 1939 to 1972. In 1939, our neighborhood was called “Richwood” and my home was valued at $2,430. In 1967, the value was up to about $5,400, including land and property. There’s also a photo from what I believe is in the 60’s or 70’s showing my house looking almost exactly the same; the only differences are the neighboring houses, some missing trees and a different color front door. I enjoyed viewing the information and thought you might be interested in doing the same on your home.
For immediate gratification, you can also peruse the Harris County Archives online. Some of the highlights are listed below:
Currently, I’m working on two blogs to be posted in the next week or two; updates from the February 23rd Board meeting and a University Corridor rail update. If there’s something else you would like to see, or if you can provide more information about historical information, please contact me at dbaker@richwoodplace.org. And keep in mind, the offer is always on the table if you would like to write a post!
Beginning March 1, 2010 the city of Houston will only accept yard waste in paper bags. You can purchase these bags at Southland Hardware or Home Depot (does anyone know of a better place?).
For information on City Services to our neighborhood, call 311 or visit the City of Houston eGovernment Center.
As a quick reference, here’s what you’ll find for our neighborhood:
Welcome to the Richwood Place Civic Association’s blog. The developers of this site have two goals; to provide Richwood Place residents information about what is going on the neighborhood and to create an open forum for all members.
In addition to giving updates about activities in Richwood Place, the site will also be updated with information about the neighborhoods around us, known as our super neighborhood, Neartown. Check here for updates about what is going on in Neartown, including information about the University Line rail project.
Finally, this site is open to all residents. If you have ideas for a post or would like to make a post, please contact our Vice President, Daniel Baker, at dbaker@richwoodplace.org for more information.
Andy did a great job collecting the meeting minutes from our September 2009 meeting (also posted on the NING site). They are very detailed and informative, so I’ve brought them into the blog for future reference.
Richwood Place Civic Association General Meeting
September 22, 2009, 7:00 p.m.
Zoe’s Kitchen
Minutes – Andy Stefaniak
Moustapha El-Hakam, president, calls meeting to order at 7:15 p.m.
Announces officers:
Vice President: Daniel Baker
Treasurer: Larry Wood
Secretary: Andy Stefaniak
Discussion Item No. 01: Deed Restrictions
Opened the floor up for discussion: General clarifying discussion, no issues raised
A copy of the Deed Restrictions should have been provided to the owner at the time of purchase of the residence. A copy of the Deed Restrictions can be found on the Yahoo Group Site: http://www.richwoodplace.org
Opened the floor up for discussion:
A question was raised on how one may apply for a variance. It is the opinion of the Board that the Deed Restrictions remain intact. However, those neighbors who would like to learn more about the process are encouraged to contact the Houston Planning Commission (http://www.houstontx.gov/planning/) for information.
The discussion was closed after some further clarification of the Deed Restrictions and some discussion on the topic of changing the Deed Restrictions.
It is the opinion of the Board that the Deed Restrictions remain intact. The neighborhood is reminded that if you are in doubt or have questions as to the governance of the Deed Restrictions, please contact the President for clarification or discussion prior to starting any projects.
Moustapha indicated that a complete list of those residences with signed deed restrictions is not available and it is obligation of the individual buyer/owner to obtain that information. Any information obtained by the neighborhood association in the past is not considered to be 100% accurate and therefore non-publishable without the risk of providing false information.
Those who have questions regarding deed restrictions, please call the Deed Restriction Hotline at 832.393.6333. Please note that this line is to the Office of the City Attorney’s Deed Restriction Enforcement Team and may not be able to provide information. Residents are also encouraged to find more information at http://www.houstontx.gov/legal/deed.html or by the contacting the city services help line at 311.
The Board will try to give the Neighborhood an update on the progress of the MLS/MBL at the next general meeting.
Opened the floor up for discussion: General clarifying discussion, no issues raised
Opened the floor up for discussion: General clarifying discussion, no issues raised
Discussion Item No. 02:
NING Site: http://richwoodplace.ning.com/
The Neighborhood Association is exploring the NING website as a social platform to share the neighborhoods interests. Based in Palo Alto, Calif., Ning offers an easy-to-use service that allows people to join and create networks. If you have not already visited the site please sign up today!
Opened the floor up for discussion: General clarifying discussion, no issues raised
ADDITIONAL ITEM: Place of Business on 1700 Block of Norfolk:
City has been contacted about business with approximately 20 employees. Neighbors are encouraged to contact the city help line at if any disturbance by the amount of parking or noise is witnessed.
Discussion Item No. 03. – Neighborhood Watch Training
.(secretary note: publication of these meetings notes may occur after the training date, contact Larry Wood if you should have questions)
Larry Wood gave an update on the upcoming Neighborhood Watch Training. Those who are interested are encouraged to come to the training on September 29, 2009 at 7:00 p.m at Larry Wood’s home (1823 Portsmouth Street).
Treasury Report: As of September 28, 2009, RCPA had a total of $1834.35 in funds. Those neighbors who have not paid this year’s dues are encouraged to support your neighborhood!
Discussion Item No. 04. – National Night Out – October 6, 2009!!!!
Fire Trucks, Fun, and Food! We will once again hold the event in the middle of the 1800 Block of Norfolk! Contact Andy Stefaniak or Daniel Baker (on the NING site) for more information!
Motion to Adjourn at 8:10 p.m.
Number of neighbors attending: 30.
