Heights condo development threatens character, wildlife

Heights residents near a small forested area named the Threlkeld Reserve (near Threlkeld and Reserve streets, no less) are worried that a new development is going to worsen the area's traffic, drainage, and uniqueness. The development in question is called ViewPoint at the Heights, and the architectural plans "...will integrate elements of Victorian style and architecture reminiscent of the Heights area, and the residences will offer all the great features similar to those of Piedmont at River Oaks and The Vistas at Midtown developments."

In response to concerns of what will be the condo's neighbors, project director Andre Julian responded with something along the lines of "tough shit":

Some would like to keep that property as a park," he said "The problem is when you live in the city and close to downtown, there's going to be development one day. That's the way it is, especially inside the city. Like we told them, we're going to try to do as little an impact as possible.

He also mentioned that a "traffic study" showed that there would be no impact on the area, but sometimes that seems a little silly when you're adding eighty units to an older neighborhood (reminiscent of Sonoma's study).

The Houston Audubon Society is standing behind the residents, saying that in addition to threatening a significant birding area, "... Allowing Inner Loop Condos to develop this natural green space will ultimately destroy an already existing wetland mitigation area of significant value and purpose to the surrounding area." The area is also to be a part of Houston Bikeway "Rails-to-Trails" program, on the old Missouri - Kansas - Texas (MKT) railroad line, which is visible up until about E 7th St. and Harvard St.

Photo: Flickr user alexschrab