Comments on: Not on the Ballot

By: Keep Houston Houston

Keep Houston Houston — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 12:04:58 +0000

Read the articles that Texas Monthly did on the “Texas Residential Construction Commission” and you’ll soon understand the epic shoddiness of recent stickbuilt multifamily…

By: Darby Mom

Darby Mom — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 18:20:06 +0000

Agree there is probably not the depth of support that the Chronicle survey might indicate. However, even older and recent neighbors in my area are stirring around, alarmed by density–i.e. 3 kitchens where there was 1 and 9 commodes where there were 2 on one lot on our street. We’re also concerned by shoddy high density construction that has been open to the weather for almost 4 years, still undergoing intermittent attention from the owner/builder. I guess the more people who have negative experiences with problems engendered by the lack of regulation, then the more support there will be for increased oversight.

By: Keep Houston Houston

Keep Houston Houston — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 04:16:06 +0000

I have a landline, it came with the apartment. I also have an ancient portable phone I used back in ‘03 or so. In two months I have yet to hook it up, mainly for want of a $5 radioshack phone cord.
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These polls are useful to the extent they convince the pro-zoning forces (Crossley and others) that there is now “widespread support” for something that’s been voted down four or five times now.
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It makes it easier to defeat in the event if actually comes up for election again.

By: GoogleMaster

GoogleMaster — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 04:05:59 +0000

Don’t forget that this was a phone poll, which I believe is only allowed to contact responders on their landlines, not on cell phones. So everyone who has gone cell-only is not represented.

By: Keep Houston Houston

Keep Houston Houston — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 01:13:50 +0000

Ditto kjb. Is this in the city limits, or the Metro? Do these people live in a master-planned, deed-restricted subdivision? Or in one of the truly “unzoned” patches, i.e. older neighborhoods with expired deed restrictions.

By: kjb434

kjb434 — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 21:32:52 +0000

What’s the breakdown of the survey?

Where were the general location of the responders polled living?

How many responders were single? family?

What age breakdown?

A lot of missing information in the Chron story (which doesn’t surprise me).

The questions I read aren’t really specific enough to give a good read on the answer.

Polls are good if they internals are of quality. Just calling 601 people and taking their answers aren’t helpful.

By: Matt

Matt — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 21:32:31 +0000

I doubt seriously you would see 71% approving zoning if it were put on the ballot but no doubt it will be brought up at a city council meeting soon in another atttempt to “Stop Ashby” which may stop itself if the developers decide rather than build what was approved to see if they can get the original plans approved. They may end up with no foundation permit, no lawsuit and a mayor who may indeed be able to stop it if city council passes something finally.

By: movocelot

movocelot — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 21:23:33 +0000

71% doesn’t feel like such a ground-swell of enthusiasm, yet, it’s evolution.

When population increases, and we’re living on top of each other & still have to get along, we bring on the rules and regulations!
Go Citizens.