The Houston Chronicle put out a list of what we should all be looking for in 2010.  Some things hit home a little more than others, but it is definitely worth knowing if you live or plan to live Neartown.

1.       New Mayor – New Vision:  Annise Parker hits the ground running with some agendas that hit close to home.  She wants to preserve more historic neighborhoods – her own being one of them – by protecting the deed restrictions set years ago.  Mostly, she wants to push the boundaries of high rises closer to neighborhood borders instead of smack dab in the middle.

2.       Washington Corridor Concerns: The nightlife boom on Washington Boulevard has totally changed the dynamic and demographic of this area.  The twenty and thirty-somethings are seeing the potential of this area which is great, but there are also some drawbacks.  The nighttime crowd is great, but a concern for those whose neighborhoods are right behind all of these bars and restaurants, where they might filter through the areas at 2 a.m.; this was the same concern for Montrose residents. 

The parking is a major concern, particularly during happy hour, which is also rush hour.  Back-ups because of people parking right on Washington cause major headaches.  Not to mention those trying to get home, but can barely squeeze past cars parked along the already narrow neighborhood streets.  New Mayor, Annise Parker plans on dealing with parking development for this rapidly growing area.

3.       Make-Over for the Houston Police Department: The HPD is experiencing a major change with a new police chief and aging police force.  Plus, they are dealing with a major investigation concerning thousands of questionable fingerprint cases…WOW!  Mayor Parker realizes that we need a fresh police staff – unfortunately, there’s no quick or cheap way around that.

4.       Investigating Arson:  The Heights is haunted with the ruins of 23 buildings set ablaze by an arsonist.  A trial is set for a man charged with responsibility with one fire, and another man is sought for questioning in others.  But it isn’t over.  Houston Heights Association President Chris Silkwood urges his neighbors to be vigilant by constantly watching your surroundings.

5.       Heights Boulevard Playing Host to Art:  James Surls, noted Texas Sculptor will feature three of his pieces, two of which were displayed on Park Avenue in New York and one being made specifically for Heights Boulevard.  The installation is expected to start within the next few months.

6.       Dynamo’s New Digs: A deal is expected to be final between the City of Houston, Harris County and the Houston Dynamo for their new field just east of Downtown.

7.       University Light Rail Project: METRO is planning to buy property and hardware for their next 11 Mile Light Rail Project connecting 3 major universities – University of Houston, Texas Southern University and the University of St. Thomas.  This expansion of the Light Rail will further improve the walkability that makes Montrose one of the 10 Best Neighborhoods in the Nation – or so officials hope it will.

8.       Upgrades in the Heights: Road repairs on Yale and 11^th street, major Heights arteries, are scheduled to take place this year, but improvements don’t stop there.  Some Houston Independent School District facilities are planning on some renovations too – Barrick, Crockett, Field, Helms, Love and Martinez elementary schools, Marshall Middle School and Davis high school will all be getting a face-lift.  Sherman and Crawford elementary schools will be consolidated into one school.

9.       Larger Lock Up Facility? Harris County Sheriff Adrian Garcia wants to put the county to a vote for a larger jail.  Decisions need to be made quickly, Mayor Parker states, as there is a need to either build a larger prison or put some money into it to raise the conditions.

10.   Champions Yet Again! Be on the lookout for Yates High School basketball team, as they are in the running to repeat as Class 4A State Champions.  Not only are they slotted as the No. 1 pick in Texas, but show they may be the team to beat in the Nation as they took down some of the top ranked teams at the Iolani Classic in Honolulu, Hawaii, and the T-Mobile Invitational in Homewood, Alabama over the holiday break.  Go LIONS!!

The Heights, Midtown, Rice Military and Montrose are booming!  These areas, collectively known as Neartown, are bustling with new prospects in the Houston Real Estate Market.  We are experts in these areas (and many more), and if you are interested in moving intown or of putting your home on the market, we are here for you!  Contact us for information pertaining to selling your home or buying, possibly with the expanded government tax credit.  We will be happy to break down the buying or selling process for you!