cj1 Posted June 16, 2008 Share Posted June 16, 2008 (edited) I love Shady Acres and my home here, but there are a few issues I would like to see addressed. One is littering. Improvements could be made using awareness campaigns on the proper way to dispose of refuse, more city-maintained waste cans at key locations, more careful collection practices on the part of the sanitation department, and more stringent rules on how builders must maintain building sites. A second issue is closing all the culverts and converting them to proper storm drains. I realize this goes hand in hand with a plan to control flooding, but we are missing a great opportunity now to require the builders to do it on each property where they build, thereby saving tax dollars down the road. At the very least, something should be done to prevent builders from converting rolling culverts into trenches with precipitous gaps. It's easy for a jogger or biker to get seriously hurt if they have to get out of the road quickly and fail to see them. A third issue is that we need a decent area grocery store. HEB Pantry is to small as is Kroger at 20th. Kroger at 11th is still on the small size but it would be ok if they didn't have so many other problems, like inventory mismanagement, broken freezers, rotten produce, poor customer service, filthy parking lot, putrid odors, and an employee smoking area outside the front door. I've complained to corporate many times. I was told a 50,000 sq ft expansion/repair project was planned this year, but I've seen no sign of it yet. Perhaps we could make some collective appeal to both companies to consider other store options for our area. On the subject of a dog park, I would love to see one north of I-10 inside the loop, and Shady Acres would be all that much better but where could it go ? I personally would like a dog park more along the lines of Danny Jackson (West Park) than Ervan Chew Park or God forbid, Discovery Green's dog run. I think we need to consider that it would be better to work for a park nearby than necessarily in Shady Acres. Memorial, Eleanor Tinsley or even White Oak Bayou parks certainly have enough space and could be considered close. Of course, Tinsley already has an unofficial dog park of sorts. Edited June 16, 2008 by cj1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
samiamj Posted June 17, 2008 Share Posted June 17, 2008 (edited) As of Monday, June 16, we have 12 individuals who have RSVP. Shady Acres residents, we encourage your ideas. If you are unable to attend, I will be printing this post and make sure your voice is heard.We welcome your comments and I totally agree with many of your viewpoints.At the last City of Houston Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) [where capital projects are proposed and budgeted] meeting, sidewalks are only constructed if it leads to a school or major thoroughfare. Since we don't have any local schools within the Shady Acres boundary, we may be out of luck with sidewalks. Hence, the patchwork will remain.Personally, I like the open ditches. This was a question asked to Adrian Garcia, our city council member at our last civic meeting.How come we don't have covered ditches and sewage? We want curbs and gutters.Neighborhoods must pull resources. There is a petition to get curbs and gutters. 75% of the property owners must support this petition. There will be a cost shared between the city and residents.Engineers say that ditches can actually hold more water than drain pipes. When streets are converted to curb and gutter, the street is designed to flood more often (to keep the water out of adjacent homes!) Underground drainage systems can create a worse mosquito breeding environment than open ditches or swales. Edited June 17, 2008 by samiamj Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HeightsGuy Posted June 17, 2008 Share Posted June 17, 2008 I share your concerns, especially where there are houses that sit behind other houses obscured from the road, as being a great design for a future slum. But to be fair though, this design is the only thing that keeps the area even moderately affordable, since we don't have public alleys through our blocks; and it has spurred massive new interest and invest in the neighborhood. And I think if the owners keep up with the maintenance then that issue could be mitigated pretty simply. Also, I personally think the level of density is fairly appropriate and will work as a buffer to the possible "slumming." Since the neighborhood is inside the loop it's still very close to downtown relatively speaking, and given the current trend, the interest in moving back to the city looks very likely continue... at least in the mid-range in my opinion. I think it's most important that the infrastructure keeps up with the level of growth/density for the survival of the neighborhood, ie improved streets, sidewalk, drainage etc. I can't image how much worse Beall street is going to become once some of the projects in development are finished, included one 100+ home development by itself. The way the city works they make the developer bring their land up to standards, but they don't address improvements that will be needed in the surrounding infrastructure as a whole (just look at our patchwork of sidewalks or flooding issues). In no way am I anti-growth, pretty much the opposite since I realize that I chose to live in an urban area, it's just that in my opinion updating the infrastructure for the needs of today and tomorrow is the most pressing issue we face by far as an overall community... along with the long range trend in home buying preferences, urban vs suburban, but there's not much we can do to combat that, except maybe for cutting crime and improving schools... but I'll leave that for another day. That 100+ development on Beall did replace a trailer park, so it's hard to argue that one, but I do share your concern about traffic. I'm partial to the ditches, but with the added traffic I would be more than happy to pay a little extra in taxes for sidewalks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
galahad1743 Posted June 17, 2008 Share Posted June 17, 2008 On the subject of a dog park, I would love to see one north of I-10 inside the loop, and Shady Acres would be all that much better but where could it go ? This is my vote for the location of the dog park that I have been pitching to neighbors for a while... don't know how to actually make it work though. Ready? Here it goes: There is an abandoned Eckerd's at the corner of 18th and E TC Jester that is in the floodway. Because it is in the floodway the land is basically worthless and the building is a total eyesore. That being the case, why couldn't the building be demolished and the area converted to a dog park? If the city isn't going to allow people to do anything else with the land then they should at least put it to public use. Just my (wonderful) opinion. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
samiamj Posted June 18, 2008 Share Posted June 18, 2008 Here gets me, are you aware that they are about to expand the Height Storage on W 18 and E TC Jester? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cottonmather0 Posted June 18, 2008 Share Posted June 18, 2008 A third issue is that we need a decent area grocery store. HEB Pantry is to small as is Kroger at 20th. Kroger at 11th is still on the small size but it would be ok if they didn't have so many other problems, like inventory mismanagement, broken freezers, rotten produce, poor customer service, filthy parking lot, putrid odors, and an employee smoking area outside the front door. I've complained to corporate many times. I was told a 50,000 sq ft expansion/repair project was planned this year, but I've seen no sign of it yet. Perhaps we could make some collective appeal to both companies to consider other store options for our area.I don't live in Shady Acres, proper, but I live right across the bayou and I agree with the need for a nicer big grocery store 100%. Unfortunately, I don't see that happening anytime soon. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
samiamj Posted June 21, 2008 Share Posted June 21, 2008 Over 35 Shady Acres residents showed up on a Saturday morning to create an outline of our "Vision" for Shady Acres.There will be two more meetings coming soon to accommodate neighbors on a different day and/or time.To see the outline,http://www.shadyacres.org/index.php?topic=85.0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
samiamj Posted July 8, 2008 Share Posted July 8, 2008 Join us at the third meeting of 2008: Tuesday, July 15th at 7 p.m., at the SPJST Lodge Annex 1435 Beall Street (At W. 15th Street ) City Council member Peter Brown will be the guest speaker. Read the Summer 2008 News Letter http://www.shadyacres.org/index.php?action=tpmod;dl=item60 To see the July 15 meeting agenda, clink the link http://www.shadyacres.org/index.php?topic=103.0 Map of Shady Acres http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii272/samjow/SACCareamap.jpg http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii272/samjow/SALogo-BlankConverted.jpg Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
samiamj Posted July 16, 2008 Share Posted July 16, 2008 Here are the minutes if you want to read it:http://www.shadyacres.org/index.php?topic=106.0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Panhandle78 Posted August 27, 2008 Share Posted August 27, 2008 is for sale. http://search.har.com/engine/dispSearch.cf...mp;backButton=YWhat would be more profitable and enjoyed by you all. Townhomes or a grocery store along the lines of Trader Joes.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
galahad1743 Posted August 27, 2008 Share Posted August 27, 2008 I think anything like a neighborhood coffee shop, boutique, day spa, specialty grocer, etc would be great but the location isn't really that convenient for a lot of the Heights area residents. A Trader Joes would be incredible but I won't hold my breath. Although, if Tycer can open up Textile on 22nd and Cedar Creek can open on 20th I guess anything is possible.I'd take anything other than: another tex-mex place, another used car lot, an empty abandoned "Shady" grocery. Townhomes wouldn't be my first pick, but better than what is there now.Does anyone else think the price is a little high? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
20thStDad Posted August 27, 2008 Share Posted August 27, 2008 Butcher shop!! With a deli or lunch type place. I want it now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crunchtastic Posted August 28, 2008 Share Posted August 28, 2008 Butcher shop!! With a deli or lunch type place. I want it now.mmmmm. meat market! Dad, you should check out Burts in the 5th ward. You will like it. It's like the old stylie east texas/louisiana meat markets, that do their own sausages. They'll cut whatever you want fresh off the hook, if they have it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
20thStDad Posted August 28, 2008 Share Posted August 28, 2008 Where? I am on my way there now. Tell my wife she can come see me there if she wants. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crunchtastic Posted August 28, 2008 Share Posted August 28, 2008 (edited) Where? I am on my way there now. Tell my wife she can come see me there if she wants.http://local.yahoo.com/info-19001107-burt-...n-foods-houston edit: I did not know they had a website! At least the visual of the building helps.http://www.burtsmeatmarket.com/ Edited August 28, 2008 by crunchtastic Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
20thStDad Posted August 28, 2008 Share Posted August 28, 2008 (edited) Why did I not know about this before? Seems like a perfect place to get lunch to go on my way to the tour at the new St Arnold brewery, whenever that is finished. I'm going to check it out this weekend, thanks for the tip!Not sure about their spelling of boudin (boudain on the website), whether that bodes well for their cajun-ness. I've never seen it that way anywhere in S LA, but then again I haven't seen everything everywhere.Anyway, to pretend I am on topic, something like that where Shady Grocery is would be awesome. Less than a mile away from me. Edited August 28, 2008 by 20thStDad Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
woodheightsguy Posted August 28, 2008 Share Posted August 28, 2008 Why did I not know about this before? Seems like a perfect place to get lunch to go on my way to the tour at the new St Arnold brewery, whenever that is finished. I'm going to check it out this weekend, thanks for the tip!Not sure about their spelling of boudin (boudain on the website), whether that bodes well for their cajun-ness. I've never seen it that way anywhere in S LA, but then again I haven't seen everything everywhere.Anyway, to pretend I am on topic, something like that where Shady Grocery is would be awesome. Less than a mile away from me.A great meat market a little north of the hood is B&W on about 43 and N Shephard, we've gotten brisket, ribs, and steaks from there. They also have a ton of sausage. Also, as a more local plug, McCains does do sandwiches for lunch and has some pretty good steaks they'll cut for you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
infinite_jim Posted August 28, 2008 Share Posted August 28, 2008 (edited) http://local.yahoo.com/info-19001107-burt-...n-foods-houston edit: I did not know they had a website! At least the visual of the building helps.http://www.burtsmeatmarket.com/As close to the best hamburger for lunch in Houston you can get. They only make 200 so it's 1st come 1st served.Edit:oops I'm thinkin of Guy's Meat Market, 3rd Ward Edited August 28, 2008 by infinite_jim Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crunchtastic Posted August 28, 2008 Share Posted August 28, 2008 (edited) Not sure about their spelling of boudin (boudain on the website), whether that bodes well for their cajun-ness. I've never seen it that way anywhere in S LA, but then again I haven't seen everything everywhere.That's funny. I did not notice. I was, however, hung up on their hypen fetish for hot-deli.I've had their boudin. While I'm not even close to an expert, I've eaten a lot from all over east TX and SW LA, and it's very good. I buy their smoked andouille for my beans. It's the best I've had in TX, easy. Edited August 28, 2008 by crunchtastic Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RedScare Posted August 28, 2008 Share Posted August 28, 2008 Does anyone else think the price is a little high?Lot value. 3/4 acre, $30 per square foot. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arivechi Posted August 28, 2008 Share Posted August 28, 2008 is for sale. http://search.har.com/engine/dispSearch.cf...mp;backButton=YWhat would be more profitable and enjoyed by you all. Townhomes or a grocery store along the lines of Trader Joes....Wish we could have a Trader Joe's but I don't think that this property is in the right sort of location. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
samiamj Posted October 18, 2008 Share Posted October 18, 2008 (edited) Join us at the fourth meeting of 2008: Tuesday, October 21st at 7 p.m.,at the SPJST Lodge Annex 1435 Beall Street (At W. 15th Street )To see the October 21 meeting agenda, clink the linkhttp://www.shadyacres.org/index.php?topic=122.msg232#msg232 Edited October 19, 2008 by samiamj Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
samiamj Posted October 25, 2008 Share Posted October 25, 2008 To see the minutes,http://www.shadyacres.org/index.php?topic=128.msg240#msg240 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
samiamj Posted October 27, 2008 Share Posted October 27, 2008 http://www.shadyacres.org/index.php?page=41Holiday Party and 2009 SACC Officer Election December 2, Tuesday From 6-6:30, SACC Officer electionWe are seeking 2009 officer nominations. If you are interested in running for office, please send an email to shadyacresnews@yahoo.com by November 24.A description of officer's duty is located here:http://www.shadyacres.org/index.php?page=20Afterwards, you are invited to stay and pay for the Holiday Buffet. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
samiamj Posted December 1, 2008 Share Posted December 1, 2008 (edited) Holiday Party and 2009 SACC Officer Election Corner of W 20 and Beall December 2, Tuesday From 6-6:30, SACC Officer election Afterwards, you are invited to stay and pay for the Holiday Buffet. Cash bar available. $12 per person for buffet Once again, SACC is collecting new book donations for Depelchin's Children's Center that evening. http://www.shadyacres.org Edited December 1, 2008 by samiamj Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
samiamj Posted December 3, 2008 Share Posted December 3, 2008 What a success!We had 44 paying neighbors who dined on chicken and spinach quesadilla, fried pickle and hot wings. The turnout exceeded expectation. We even had special guest of City Council member Toni Lawrence and City Council candidate for Adrian Garcia's old seat Karen Derr attending this event.Election of 2009 Officers is as follow:President: Jay GreenVice President: Birgit GreenVice President: Nancy WilcoxTreasurer: Pam BarbossaSecretary: Sam JowPictures are coming soon! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
samiamj Posted January 13, 2009 Share Posted January 13, 2009 (edited) http://www.shadyacres.orgShady Acres Visioning Meeting Priority List 2009This list will guide the officers for future Shady Acres development.Map of Shady Acres: http://www.shadyacres.org/index.php?page=12CIP:1. Maintain 19th and 20th street within Shady Acres as two lane streets2. Create a tree lined boulevards along 19th and 20th Street between Durham and Bevis3. Install a traffic light at 18th Street / East TC Jester4. Install a traffic light at Bevis / East TC Jester5. Widen side walks over the 18th Street bridge6. Fix traffic pattern where 18th/ 19th, and 20th Street meet7. Improve drainage throughout Shady Acres8. Petition CoH Parks and Rec to incorporate the dead end parcels at 22nd, 23rd, and 24th into Little Thicket Park 9. Replace picnic tables at Little Thicket Park 10. Upgrade play park at Little Thicket Park11. Create a Dog Park in the Shady Acres area12. Provide upgrades to the playground equipment at Little Thicket Park.13. Check on status on the Wright Bembrey Park plan.Thoroughfare Plan:1. Maintain 19th and 20th Street within Shady Acres as two lane streets2. Widen side walks over the 18th Street bridgeMayor's Assistance Program:1. Establish restrictions for commercial traffic through residential areas with signage and possibly blocking or "dead ending" certain streets. 2. No Parking Signs along streets that are too narrow to allow for safe parallel parking.3. Begin the process to establish a vibrant business district along 19th and 20th which could support a Trolley on weekends running along 19th Street in the Heights all the way into Shady Acres to Rainbow Lodge, Cavatores, Tony's and Tecates.Shady Acres Parks Committee Initiatives1. Follow-up for the Bright Bembry Park CIP Grant2. Plan and arrange for the twice yearly clean-up of Little Thicket Park, Wright Bembrey and the White Oak Bayou Trail, including the Trash Bash at Little Thicket.3. Petition CoH Parks and Rec to incorporate the dead end parcels at 22nd, 23rd, and 24th into Little Thicket Park. 4. Arrange for reforestation initiative to replace trees lost to Hurricane Ike at Little Thicket5. Hold plantings that provide food for the birds and other wildlife at Little Thicket, Wright Bembrey and WOB Trail6. Provide for trail maintenance at Little Thicket7. Provide for deck maintenance at Little Thicket8. Replace tree signage along the walkway as an educational component at Little ThicketParks Department:1. Dog waste bag stations along White Oak Bayou2. Additional trash cans along White Oak Bayou Trail3. Water fountains with dog water bowls along trail4. Assist with maintenance of medians along Ella Blvd. and E.T.C. Jester5. Replace picnic tables and acquire play park upgrades for Little Thicket Park Beautification Projects:1. Signage for Shady Acres in medians2. Adopt medians along Ella 3. Adopt medians along East TC Jester4. Assist with maintenance of medians along Ella Blvd. and E.T.C. Jester5. Spread wild flower seeds along the White Oak Bayou TrailBlock Captains:1. Report builders that do not keep their sites clean2. Contact 311 to enforce vacant lot upkeep (trash/ mowing)3. Report builders that abandon their projects (311)4. Report streetlights out5. Report potholes6. Report any signage that needs to be replaced. 7. Distribute information i.e. newsletter/ flyersSocial Events:The goal is to establish social activities that are re-occurring annually1. Monthly farmer's market with art sale at Cedar Creek2. Community Picnics at various locations to include as many members as possible. 3. Membership Drive (January)4. Crawfish Boil at Shady Tavern (Spring)5. Community Garage Sale (Spring / Fall)6. Pumpkin Patch in the fall at Cedar Creek (Fall)7. National Night Out (October)8. Election of Officers and Holiday Gathering (December) Edited January 14, 2009 by samiamj Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Porchman Posted January 13, 2009 Share Posted January 13, 2009 I personally disagree with installing an intersection light at Bevis and TC Jester. I never wait more than ten seconds to cross this rarely used street. I was confused by that recommendation. Thumbs up for putting a light in at W18/ETCJ, though. Thumbs up to fixing the 18th/19th/20th mess, too. Careful, though. COH might give you the SAC - Shady Acres Circle. I agree that 19th and 20th should remain two-lane streets, however good-sized turn lanes should be put in at Bevis and Beall. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
samiamj Posted January 14, 2009 Share Posted January 14, 2009 Join us at the first meeting of 2009: Tuesday, January 20th at 7 p.m., at the SPJST Lodge Annex 1435 Beall Street (At W. 15th Street )Feel free to comment. I personally disagree with installing an intersection light at Bevis and TC Jester. I never wait more than ten seconds to cross this rarely used street. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
20thStDad Posted January 14, 2009 Share Posted January 14, 2009 1. Maintain 19th and 20th street within Shady Acres as two lane streets2. Create a tree lined boulevards along 19th and 20th Street between Durham and BevisMost of that sounds great. For #2 above, has it been determined that there's sufficient ROW to do boulevards? It appears their would be but I haven't taken a close look at it. Anyway, I think it would be a tremendous improvement to the overall look of that (my) area. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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