27
Aug
Opinion: Good Streets Make Good Neighbors
I recently heard from a couple of sources that some people in our city are angry that Alamo Heights is paving N. New Braunfels south of Austin Hwy. What’s their beef? They want Terrell Hills to pay for part of it. Now that may sound reasonable to some but that portion of the street is in Alamo Heights and it is our responsibility. As an inner city, we border streets owned by other cities like San Antonio and Terrell Hill.
We take care of ours and they pave theirs. The anger got so extreme that suggestions were made to “let the street get pot-holed until they pay”, or “block off their streets from access to N. New Braunfels”. Besides being illegal it is down-right foolish. We ARE part of a greater community, folks. We depend on those around us for jobs, shopping, customers for our businesses, help with fire protection when we need it, and community. If you stuck Alamo Heights out in the middle of nowhere it wouldn’t be such a nice place to live. So before we become isolationists and start picking fights with our neighbors, think about the consequences. By the way, VIA actually contributed over $700,000 to pave the street.
Bill Kiel
Bill Kiel
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written by PL , September 09, 2010
written by PL , September 09, 2010
Mr. Kiel and KJ excellent point. $700,000.00 is from VIA money I don't see the porblem. Sounds like a win win to me.
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written by KJ , September 08, 2010
written by KJ , September 08, 2010
One point I think is being over looked is what Mr. Kiel pointed out was most of the NNB project is being paid with VIA money....700,000.00 as a tax payer I appreciate this.
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written by BUD , September 07, 2010
written by BUD , September 07, 2010
This is what happens when some people don't travel out of the city limits. Small minds think small thoughts. I'm drinking the water here and I'm fine - although some think I'm a loose cannon.
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written by Frank W , September 07, 2010
written by Frank W , September 07, 2010
I have heard it all! Since AH residents use Olmos Drive a lot, I would like to offer a suggestion. When it comes time to repave Olmos Drive, would the residents of AH help us repave Olmos Drive? What an attitude, with this kind of attitude maybe that is why AH as become so stagnate. Is there something in the water in AH, just sounds very silly and childish to me. Excellent commentary.
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written by Paul C , September 02, 2010
written by Paul C , September 02, 2010
Mr. Kiel thank you for writing this commentary. isolationists and this exclusive attitude hurts our community and business. I feel one of the problems is some people in AH think of AH as an exclusive neighborhood, and not a city. WE need to have an inclusive attitude. We need to maintain what is ours. I do not believe in passing the buck.
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written by Patriot , September 02, 2010
written by Patriot , September 02, 2010
Bungalow Betty, I believe at a Council meeting in the late spring they said Oct/Nov. time frame. C
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written by Helen K , September 01, 2010
written by Helen K , September 01, 2010
Mr. Kiel great commentary. It is surprising that people think so small, it is silly and embarrassing. You are so right, we are part of a greater community and we need to think, act and behave accordingly. I miss you on Council!
RJ Thomas. I really enjoyed your post, well said! I look at Sunset Ridge shopping Center, it is plain vanilla architecturally but it is inviting, has a variety of and unique shops and is easily accessible. It is well maintain, landscaped and lots of parking. You can walk from one end to the other in the shade. Two good restaurants. Eat and shop - Something for everyone. It works and is successful. We should be able to do the same. You are right, Pearl, La Cantera and the Quarry is something we can learn from, even Olmos Park.
RJ Thomas. I really enjoyed your post, well said! I look at Sunset Ridge shopping Center, it is plain vanilla architecturally but it is inviting, has a variety of and unique shops and is easily accessible. It is well maintain, landscaped and lots of parking. You can walk from one end to the other in the shade. Two good restaurants. Eat and shop - Something for everyone. It works and is successful. We should be able to do the same. You are right, Pearl, La Cantera and the Quarry is something we can learn from, even Olmos Park.
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written by Betty Bungalow , August 31, 2010
written by Betty Bungalow , August 31, 2010
When are they going to start paving N New Braunfels? How long will it take?
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written by Sally G , August 31, 2010
written by Sally G , August 31, 2010
Mr. Kiel thank you for your commentary, I find it pretty frightening and sad that there are folks that want to shrug responsibility. RJ Thomas' response is on point. Oh, by the way parents and children appreciate the Castano project, it is much SAFER for children.
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written by JAK44 , August 30, 2010
written by JAK44 , August 30, 2010
Maxwell, I was out of the country and had little internet available. I've had a lot to catch up with here.
As for cleaning up the sidewalks, what happened to personal responsibility of the property owners? I don't own the burm between my sidewalk and the street but I mow, fertilize and trim it because it makes my home look better. I doubt that we should now make that the responsibility of the city. How lazy have we become?
As for cleaning up the sidewalks, what happened to personal responsibility of the property owners? I don't own the burm between my sidewalk and the street but I mow, fertilize and trim it because it makes my home look better. I doubt that we should now make that the responsibility of the city. How lazy have we become?
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written by EKS , August 30, 2010
written by EKS , August 30, 2010
I agree with Mr. Kiel, Mr. Dewitt and RJ Thomas all have made very good points. One thing I hope the city will do, is keep all the new sidewalks clear of weeds. There is a section on Broadway and Castano that someone needs to take a weed eater to. Sidewalks if left over grown with grass and weeds are of no help to anyone. Plus it says we don't care about our streets.
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written by JAK44 , August 30, 2010
written by JAK44 , August 30, 2010
RJ really gets it. Shame the voters didn't when they had a chance to make a choice. How much do we owe the business community when they are unwilling to invest in their own future? They keep subdividing their square footage to the point that only small, quick in and out businesses can survive.
Once the City of SA closes down the Broadway/ Hildebrand intersection, we will all be grateful that NNB is open and in good repair.
Some people cannot see the forest for the trees in their own front yard.
Once the City of SA closes down the Broadway/ Hildebrand intersection, we will all be grateful that NNB is open and in good repair.
Some people cannot see the forest for the trees in their own front yard.
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written by Sarah Reveley , August 29, 2010
written by Sarah Reveley , August 29, 2010
Well stated RJ! Perhaps the easiest thing to do would be to go take pictures of all the businesses and post them in a row so everyone could really take a good long look. I'll do it next week. Suzy can drive. ;-)
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written by RJ Thomas , August 29, 2010
written by RJ Thomas , August 29, 2010
Streets and streetscape is a defining characteristic of any City. Your streets and streetscape speak volumes of what type of city you are. It is all all about appearance and making that first good impression. Look at the improvements that have been made in Southtown and Houston Street in San Antonio - or what the City of Shertz has done to their main boulevards in recent years. There is a stark difference. They are clean, and have neatly manicure landscaping and trees, well designed signage - bottom line you can see all the business in these areas and they are inviting and pleasant. The appearance of the streetscape is defined by the pride of both the city and the business owners. Broadway South although nice, has a lot of clutter, poorly maintain landscaping and trees that are over grown (look trashy) and they block the view of businesses. Trees if properly trimmed and can still maintain their canopy thus their shade. Also some of the planters on Broadway act as a barrier, instead of an invitation to "please come in" - they scream "stop".
The businesses have not been improved in many years and don't have an attractive appeal - compared competitively to Pearl or La Canterra - or perhaps even the Quarry. The business district has to be competitive with these other venues. Just because they are in Alamo Heights does not insure their success - even with Alamo Heights residents. Look at the very successful business that at one time were located in Alamo Heights - but have moved to more successful locations - Bric Brac Brass, the Twig and Morretti's Jewelry. There is no strategic retail planning relative to larger tenants, quality of shopping experience, attractive variety of tenants, etc. The reality is - Alamo Heights is not an island when it comes to retail businesses - they have to compete on "San Antonio" - wide basis. Statistics will show that there are not enough roof-tops in Alamo Heights alone to support these businesses.
The business can't look to our Alamo Heights City Government to guarantee their success - it is their responsibility to have a strong regional marketing plan to be competitive on a San Antonio-wide basis. Look what Pearl has done in a very short time.
I shop at Hanley-Woods, eat at Paloma Blanca and just bought paint at Sherwin Williams - all because they are inviting and are unique and easily accessible.
The businesses have not been improved in many years and don't have an attractive appeal - compared competitively to Pearl or La Canterra - or perhaps even the Quarry. The business district has to be competitive with these other venues. Just because they are in Alamo Heights does not insure their success - even with Alamo Heights residents. Look at the very successful business that at one time were located in Alamo Heights - but have moved to more successful locations - Bric Brac Brass, the Twig and Morretti's Jewelry. There is no strategic retail planning relative to larger tenants, quality of shopping experience, attractive variety of tenants, etc. The reality is - Alamo Heights is not an island when it comes to retail businesses - they have to compete on "San Antonio" - wide basis. Statistics will show that there are not enough roof-tops in Alamo Heights alone to support these businesses.
The business can't look to our Alamo Heights City Government to guarantee their success - it is their responsibility to have a strong regional marketing plan to be competitive on a San Antonio-wide basis. Look what Pearl has done in a very short time.
I shop at Hanley-Woods, eat at Paloma Blanca and just bought paint at Sherwin Williams - all because they are inviting and are unique and easily accessible.
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written by Will on Grant in AH , August 29, 2010
written by Will on Grant in AH , August 29, 2010
Mr. Kiel thank you for writing this piece. This is a very important issue and needed to be said. North New Braunfels ( NNB) is one of our major streets . NNB for years has been long over due for repairs and repaving. I am glad to see the City finally working on NNB. I do not understand some people's mentality. Do they think we should push our responsibility of maintaining our streets unto another city, that is irresponsible. There are a lot of Alamo Heights residents that live bwtween Albany/ Burr and NNB/ Broadway and many use NNB daily. Other people from the Blue Bonnet and Sylvan HIlls area also use NNB plus all the folks going to and from the County Club. I am tired of just one section of AH getting all the attention. I was very glad to the city redo Castano it is beautiful and adds to our City's charm. I am also glad that they are working on Broadway by the HIgh School and NNB - it is about time.
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written by TJW , August 28, 2010
written by TJW , August 28, 2010
CC - TH, OP and AH do discuss, meet and work together on common issues. I was at Council meeting with a client once, I remember a presentation on agreements with TRI City (TH, OP and AH - I think that is what they refer to it as). It is agreement with Police, Fire, EMS and Dispatch. I am sure someone with the City could explain this better. Also, I think there was some kind of an update relating to the City Mangers and Mayors, of these three Cities meeting from time to time.
As far as working together on paving each others street I think that is crazy. I don't want our tax dollars going (out of our city) to pay for the paving of McCullough or Burr, Elizabeth Road. I use these roads but they are not our responsibility.
As far as working together on paving each others street I think that is crazy. I don't want our tax dollars going (out of our city) to pay for the paving of McCullough or Burr, Elizabeth Road. I use these roads but they are not our responsibility.
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written by JAK44 , August 28, 2010
written by JAK44 , August 28, 2010
I want to see quarterly neighborhood meetings - like mini town halls. We can bring up our neighborhood concerns and they can take the on to Council.
If they don't show up or address the concerns, we simply let their responsiveness or lack thereof be known during th next election.
If they don't show up or address the concerns, we simply let their responsiveness or lack thereof be known during th next election.
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written by Sarah , August 28, 2010
written by Sarah , August 28, 2010
CC, I don't think the City talks to our neighbors near enough. Maybe we could have a joint site on here to discuss neighbor issues?
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written by CC , August 27, 2010
written by CC , August 27, 2010
Just wondering if AH, TH and OP city leaders every discuss joint projects. It seems like they should for a better community as a whole.
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written by KJ , August 27, 2010
written by KJ , August 27, 2010
Sorry for the typos and omission. I was talking to the wife on the phone and typing at the same, does not pay to do two things at once.
Good point Mr. Kiel. I use the dam road and McCollough every day.
Should I pay the City of Olmos and San Antonio for the privilege of driving that route? Under this Logic we should start making our streets mini toll roads. Unbelievable!
Good point Mr. Kiel. I use the dam road and McCollough every day.
Should I pay the City of Olmos and San Antonio for the privilege of driving that route? Under this Logic we should start making our streets mini toll roads. Unbelievable!
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written by Peter DeWitt , August 27, 2010
written by Peter DeWitt , August 27, 2010
Bill,
I also agree with you. The streets at city edges are always owned by one city or the other and in this case we own it and need to repair it. They cannot be partially owned and split down the middle or management and maintenance is impossible. From what I remember San Antonio owns the portion of North New Braunfels north of Austin Hwy. Should they make us pay for it or close us off?
Pete
I also agree with you. The streets at city edges are always owned by one city or the other and in this case we own it and need to repair it. They cannot be partially owned and split down the middle or management and maintenance is impossible. From what I remember San Antonio owns the portion of North New Braunfels north of Austin Hwy. Should they make us pay for it or close us off?
Pete
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