HOTC Looks at La Paloma
VISION FOR AREA:
Redevelopment and revitalization of housing single, townhouse and multilevel) plus neighborhood commercial that will serve as anchor to the downtown area on the north and the mall development on the south — brining back more people to the core of the city.
Description:
Residential area consists of seven small neighborhoods that border Main Street (14th) on the east, Bicentennial Boulevard (18th) on the west, Expressway 83 on the south and Jackson Avenue on the north. The neighborhoods are known as Monterrey, Cowley, La Paloma Addition, La Flor Addition, Booker T. Washington, Newport Subdivision, and Colonia Guadalupe.
The neighborhoods cater to low income Hispanics and the majority of its residents are elderly. Many of these homes have been passed down from one generation to the next. Most residents of this area have limited incomes and have been unable to maintain the homes according to current city codes. However, if you take a drive into the area it is evident that many homeowners do whatever repairs they can afford to do with their means. There have been a lot of new homes sprouting, which is a positive direction for this area.
This area is unique because of its location and the reach. It is centrally located for general shopping, groceries, work, medical facilities, airport, mall, civic center, hotels, etc…Most residents do not own a vehicle and walk or use the public transportation.
The area was formed as early as 1927. The locals build a church for worship in the area, which unfortunately was destroyed a few years back due to lack of funding and support to refurbish it. Booker T. Washington was the area where the locals resided.
Direction:
Apply for federal funding to improve housing and revitalize the older neighborhoods. Encourage Affordable Homes to continue building the area as it did back when it was first implemented in 1979, especially on the empty lots scattered throughout the neighborhoods. Also have mix-use by bringing back “mom and pop†type businesses and build town-homes or a high-rise on Sam Houston property plus create a small community center adjacent to it. Control the up-rise of apartment complex in the HOTC area, which causes lower property values, reduces the desire for home ownership and increases traffic congestion.
There is still in question the number of residents who would like to sell their properties vs. those that wish to say. Some residents want to convert their lots into commercial use, while others want to revitalize/rebuild. We are a WALKABLE community and the only thing affecting the area from improving the quality of life issues is the availability of funding and knowledge of the needs of its residents.
A committee has been formed within the neighborhood associations to investigate and document revitalization, historic value sites and passable area for commercialization.
