Aaron Layman's Katy Texas Real Estate Forum

Proposed Tolls on 1-10, Katy Freeway Add Costs For Katy, Houston Texas Drivers

Elected officials seem to be more and more adept at the policy of double taxation.  Now the Commissioners Court is looking at alternative toll schedules for the four center lanes of the newly expanded Katy Freeway (I-10)

One of the proposals calls for peak-hour, congestion pricing that would seek to keep the traffic flowing at reasonable levels.  Congestion pricing would be double the normal toll rate.  The court proposed a similar measure for the Westpark Tollway last June but withdrew the idea after negative public feedback.

Politicians' continued efforts to commercialize the morning commute have battered public trust.  What happened to plain old roads and highways that were built with taxpayer funds?  Why does our government continue to privatize, commercialize and obscure the process of building new infrastructure?  I'll tell you why...It allows politicians to hide the true costs of the projects they are endorsing.  The politicians can tout the lower up-front costs of the projects, without addressing the additional tolls and taxes placed on citizens down the road.  Politicians should be required to disclose all the anticipated tolls and taxes for their projects when they are discussing the true costs.

After the promises have been made and the roads are built, the powers that be can point to the loopholes in the contracts and start demanding additional money from the citizens who rely on the roads for their daily commutes.

Enough is enough!  Tell the Commissioners Court that you are fed up.  Tell them that the HOV system is fine and that additional tolls are just another form of double taxation.  While you are at it, give TXDot a call and let them know how you feel about the proposed Trans Texas Corridor. (See my earlier post)

Until we hold our elected officials responsible for the promises they make, this trend will only get worse.  Change does not happen without coordinated effort from the voting public.  I encourage you to become engaged and let your voice be heard.

For more information about the proposed I-10 tolls see the article in the Houston Chronicle:

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/front/5682404.html

You can aso visit the Texas Department of Transportation at this link:

www.dot.state.tx.us

For more information about real estate and mortgage issues in Katy or West Houston contact Aaron Layman.  He is a licensed real estate broker and mortgage broker.  You can contact him directly at 281-994-5190.  You can also visit him on the web at www.AaronLayman.com.

Methodist Hospital Breaking Ground in Katy, Texas

Methodist Hospital plans to begin construction later this month on the new $300 million, 192 bed facility.  The new hospital will be located just west of new facility for Texas Children's Hospital along I-10.  Both facilities are expected to be completed in 2010.

For more information you can visit www.methodisthealth.com.

For more information about real estate and mortgage issues in Katy or West Houston contact Aaron Layman.  He is a licensed real estate broker and mortgage broker.  You can contact him directly at 281-994-5190.  You can also visit him on the web at www.AaronLayman.com.

Timewise Market & Deli Opening At Cinco Ranch Blvd. And Gaston Road

Despite some controversy surrounding the project, Landmark Industries will open a new gas station/convenience store across from Kilpatrick Elementary.  Some area residents were worried about the increase in traffic congestion and potential for accidents with young children walking in the area.  Newland Communities and Landmark have tried to incorporate the project in the overall neighborhood by adding cosmetic upgrades such as a fuel canopy with a stucco fascia, brick columns and enhanced lighting.  The store will not sell alcohol and will not be a 24-hour facility according to Timewise.

For more information about real estate and mortgage issues in Katy or West Houston contact Aaron Layman.  He is a licensed real estate broker and mortgage broker.  You can contact him directly at 281-994-5190.  You can also visit him on the web at www.AaronLayman.com.

Aliana in Richmond, Houston Texas, Fort Bend County, Begins Homes Sales

Aliana, the master-planned community in Fort Bend County along Grand Parkway 99, is set to begin home sales this weekend.  A call to a local builder confirmed that home sales will start this weekend.  More lots should be available with other builders in the coming weeks.

The development has been somewhat delayed, and some of the original builders slated for the community dropped out prior to final negotiations.  Details are still being finalized regarding tax rates, HOA fees etc.  Revalen Development/Aliana Development is run by president Paul Cheng out of the Carrollton, Dallas area.

Aliana is promising an international caliber polo club at the heart of the community.  Aliana Polo LLC plans to build a facility of more than 50 acres in the community which will be one of the few polo fields in the world to allow night time play.  It is hoped that the facility will host various national and international polo events.

When completed, the Aliana community may include office space, restaurants, hotels, and even a power center.  The community should also house a new Fort Bend elementary school.  Amenities besides the polo club include a pool, clubhouse, hike and bike trails, and water views.

For more information about the community visit www.alianahouston.com

For more information about real estate and mortgage issues in Katy or West Houston contact Aaron Layman.  He is a licensed real estate broker and mortgage broker.  You can contact him directly at 281-994-5190.  You can also visit him on the web at www.AaronLayman.com.

Grand Parkway, 99 Loop Moving Slowly As Public Evaluates Tolls, Environmental Impact In Katy, Houston Texas

The Grand Parkway, 99 Loop continues to evolve as the second segment prepares to open for traffic in Baytown.  It was years ago that the first segment of the Grand Parkway opened in Katy connecting I-10 to 59 South in Sugar Land.  Since then TxDot altered the plan, opting instead to turn the Grand Parkway into another toll road.  Katy area residents and local officials were able to persuade TxDot to drop toll plans for the first section since taxpayer funds had already paid for most of the project at that time.

That didn't stop TxDot from turning future sections of the project into a toll roads. Segment E connecting I-10 to U.S. 290 has yet to break ground, and it appears that TxDot still has some explaining to do as to how the whole project is going to benefit taxpayers in the area.  The Trans Texas Corridor has sparked a renewed interest in just how these massive toll projects are being sold to taxpayers and what private interests are involved.  TxDot's plan to sell interest in the TTC to foreign investors has been a wake-up call for local officials and the Harris County Toll Road Authority.  Toll roads don't sit too well with most taxpayers when they are already shelling out $3 or more for a gallon of gasoline.  Foreign ownership of those roads is even less palatable.

Increased scrutiny has delayed the 99 loop for good reason.  The public deserves to know why TxDot can't seem to build roads with taxpayer funds anymore.  Just where is the money actually going?  Why can't TxDot provide a more creative plan to manage future transportation needs instead of shelling out billions of dollars for more concrete congestion?  Mass transit has long been an afterthought in the Houston transportation plan, and the consequences are more visible now than ever before.  Just look at the WestPark Tollway as an example.  Only a few years after opening the 1093 toll road connecting Katy to U.S. 59 is already clogged during morning and evening commutes.  The lack of a rail line or other mass transit alternative is an Achilles heel.  The situation will only get worse if/when the WestPark is extended beyond FM 1463.

If we want to end our dependence on foreign oil, we sure seem to have a strange way of going about it.  Houston area residents are long overdue for a viable mass transit plan to improve the city's image and reduce the environmental impact of additional passengers.

For more information about the Grand Parkway you can visit www.grandpky.com.

For more information about real estate and mortgage issues in Katy or West Houston contact Aaron Layman.  He is a licensed real estate broker and mortgage broker.  You can contact him directly at 281-994-5190.  You can also visit him on the web at www.AaronLayman.com.

TxDot Brings I-69 TTC (Trans Texas Corridor) Sales Pitch To Katy Texas

Katy residents are invited to a public hearing on February 26th at 6:30 PM to discuss the I-69 draft environmental impact statement.  The meeting will be held at the Katy High School Performing Arts Center.  An open house is scheduled at 5:00 PM prior to the public hearing.

I-69 is part of the state's proposed 4000 mile, multi-use future transportation system being touted by Governor Perry and TxDot.  The controversial and complex system would have numerous lanes for cars, trucks, and rail lines.  The mega project would take an estimated 50 years to develop but is supposed to meet our future needs according to Governor Perry.

The public private venture calls for investment by outside parties who would help pay for the infrastructure.  Those private sector investors would then recoup their investment by collecting revenues from tolls.  If you are wondering about the possibility of increased foreign ownership of American assets and double taxation, you are not alone!  It appears that TxDot has created yet another way to empty Texans pockets.  This time, however, the reach will extend much further.  The land grab that would be associated with the TTC monster would dwarf any previous eminent domain usage.

Since we as taxpayers are footing the bill for TxDot to come speak with us, I encourage you to take advantage of the opportunity to provide your input.  If you want to get a decent parking spot, I suggest you arrive early!

For more information about the TTC, I-69, and the issues surrounding the attempted TxDot land grab visit www.corridorwatch.org.

You can also visit the Texas Department of Transportation at: http://www.dot.state.tx.us/

For more information about real estate and mortgage issues in Katy or West Houston contact Aaron Layman.  He is a licensed real estate broker and mortgage broker.  You can contact him directly at 281-994-5190.  You can also visit him on the web at www.AaronLayman.com.

Metro Adds Park & Ride At 222 W. Grand Parkway In Katy Texas

The Metropolitan Transit Authority has expanded its service in Katy with the addition of a new Park & Ride.  Direct service between Grand Parkway and downtown will be offered for $3.50.  Buses will depart every 15 minutes between 5:30 and 8:15 AM and return every 15 minutes between 3:30 and 6:30 PM.  Parking is free when using a Metro Q card.

For more information visit www.ridemetro.org.

For more information about real estate and mortgage issues in Katy or West Houston contact Aaron Layman.  He is a licensed real estate broker and mortgage broker.  You can contact him directly at 281-994-5190.  You can also visit him on the web at www.AaronLayman.com.

Builders & Developers Organize PAC To Influence City Hall in Houston Texas

Houstonians For Responsible Growth is concerned with the changing regulatory climate at Houston's City Hall, and the group of builders and developers is willing to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars, maybe millions, in local or state campaigns to get what they want.  As Rick Casey pointed out in his Houston Chronicle column, this is good news because it means that the developers now have to deal with a system containing some checks and balances.

The group, backed by former mayor Bob Lanier, is concerned with a number of proposed ordinances that would alter Houston's historically hands-off approach to zoning.  The PAC is fighting the changing attitudes of more educated inner-loop residents.  This new generation of residents is younger and more sophisticated than the previous generation that was leaving the inner city.  These people want nice homes and nice views in a sensible urban environment.  They don't appreciate it when a developer erects a 23-story apartment tower like the one proposed at 1717 Bissonnet at Ashby.

As an active real estate broker I can appreciate the concerns of the builders and developers, but I can't ignore the progress that Mayor White has been able to achieve in helping to revitalize the City of Houston and bring about positive change for citizens and business alike.  I applaud the citizens of Houston who are willing to organize and stand up for what they feel is right.  Houston needs a sensible, forward-thinking plan for development and growth.  I think Mayor White is making great strides toward that goal.

When the money starts flowing into the campaign coffers, don't be fooled by the warm and fuzzy tag line "Houstonians For Responsible Growth".  Take minute to look beyond the name and see what corporate influences are behind this supposedly responsible growth.

To see Rick Casey's article visit www.chron.com

For more information about real estate and mortgage issues in Katy or West Houston contact Aaron Layman.  He is a licensed real estate broker and mortgage broker.  You can contact him directly at 281-994-5190.  You can also visit him on the web at www.AaronLayman.com.

Katy Pegged as "Hottest Area" for Houston Growth

As reported by Dustin Wenzel of the Houston Chronicle, Katy has experienced significant growth during the past several years.  Announcements of multiple hospital expansions in the Katy area even prompted the phrase of "Medical Center West" from Katy Chamber of Commerce president Ann Hodge.

No doubt the Katy area has seen its share of expansion in recent years.  It appears more expansion and development are in the cards.  Thousands of additional jobs and hundreds of millions of dollars in capital investment should spur more growth in the area.  The quality schools and convenient access to the Energy Corridor make Katy an attractive alternative for Houston area development.

For more Katy news visit http://www.chron.com/neighborhoods/katy/

For more information about real estate and mortgage issues in Katy or West Houston contact Aaron Layman.  He is a licensed real estate broker and mortgage broker.  You can contact him directly at 281-994-5190.  You can also visit him on the web at www.AaronLayman.com.

St Luke's Opening New Facility in Katy

The St Luke's Episcopal Health System will be opening a new facility in the Reserve at Grand Parkway.  St Lukes purchased 27 acres for the new site and is scheduled to break ground in 2008.  The announcement comes after Methodist Hospital and Texas Children's Hospital announced similar expansion plans in the Katy area.

For more information about St Luke's Episcopal Health System you can visit www.sleh.com

For more information about real estate and mortgage issues in Katy or West Houston contact Aaron Layman.  He is a licensed real estate broker and mortgage broker.  You can contact him directly at 281-994-5190.  You can also visit him on the web at www.AaronLayman.com.