High rise plan not picture perfect with Museum District residents

(9/19/07 - KTRK/HOUSTON) (KTRK) -- A proposed high-rise development is coming to an area near the Museum District and some residents living next to it say they are concerned the growing pains will impact their quality of life.

According to the developer's web site, they plan to tear down Maryland Manor Apartments and replace them with a high rise. Many homeowners say this is not a neighborhood that would welcome that.

If you've driven down Bissonnet Street, you've probably driven right by the old apartments. In fact you might not have even noticed them tucked behind the trees.

But neighbors Jim Reeder and Ron Kahanek fear if this proposed hi rise is built that will all change.

"It just seems inconsistent with the scale and the nature of our neighborhood," Reeder said. "The second thing is an increase in density which means more cars."

"There is a legacy and a history and sense of community in this area very unique with respect to Houston and it's really threatened by a project like this," Kahanek said.

According to the company web site, the apartments will be redeveloped with a 23 story building that will provide a five level parking plaza including offices and specialty retail.

"If the developers want to sit down and talk to us and make sure this project is more consistent with the neighborhood, we are always willing to do that as well," Reeder said.

"Our hope is that we can change the use of this property to something that is much more compatible," Kahanek said.

The developer's web site also says the plan was without variance and did not require a hearing. Neighbors will hold a meeting Thursday night at Poe Elementary at 7pm. Some neighbors are scheduled to meet with the developers too. The developers were not able to meet with us and say they will talk to us during business hours.
(Copyright © 2007, KTRK-TV)

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