Wow!  I moved to the Heights for its variety and style....lots of style.  I'm glad I got to see it when it was at the top of its game.  Gone are the days of building individualism and character.  According to the Historic Preservation Ordinance, Sec. 33-242, pg. 29, New construction in historic district:

The exterior features of new construction must be compatible with the exterior features of existing contributing structures in the historic district.

The proportions of the new construction, including width and roofline, must be compatible with the typical proportions of existing contributing structures and objects in the historic district.

The height of the eaves of a new construction intended for use for residential purposes must not be taller than the typical heights of the eaves of existing contributing structures used for residential purposes in the historic district.

Curious what these existing contributing structures look like which all new construction must be compatible with in regards to exterior features, width, roofline, and height of eaves? 

Take a tour at http://www.flickr.com/photos/55720575@N08/sets/72157625349355950/

I photographed every compatible structure in the Houston Heights Historic District East per the Historic District Designation Report HPO File No. 07HD11 dated October 26, 2007, as determined by the Houston Archaeological and Historical Commission (HAHC).

I feel like a square peg being pushed into a round hole.  I also feel nauseated, just like I do when I enter one of those big suburban subdivisions that have 4 or 5 floorplans and the same facade, just flipped, from one house to the next.  Oh, except now we don't even have that many choices! I look forward to someone enlightening me on the multiple choices we have to choose from now for new construction, because I can't see it.  I also look forward to pulling into a friend's driveway at night because I can't tell the  difference between their house and the one next door.

To take a photo tour of renovations you can no longer make in the Houston Heights Historic District East, visit http://goo.gl/UkBIl.  For renovations you can no longer make in the Houston Heights Historic District West, visit http://goo.gl/JohGO.  And because these structures were identified as noncontributing structures upon the designation of the historic district, they can obtain a COA to be demolished!  Not that it  makes economic sense now, but 50 years from now?

Only one chance to  opt out of the Historic District, many chances to opt in! http://goo.gl/lzT67

Check back for more updates regarding the HPO
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HISTORIC PRESERVATION ORDINANCE AS AMENDED 10/13/2010 http://goo.gl/Q1cP

Just want the petition? Print from http://goo.gl/1FYO .   Email signed petition to myself at cynthia@cynthiamullins.com or Bill Baldwin at Bill@yourblvd.com or fax to 866-552-6180, by November 17^th. 

We are trying to educate as many people as possible before this November 17th date so that when the ballot comes in the mail and you have 15 days to return it to the city, we can:

1) remind you it is coming
2) tell you what it looks like so you won't mistake if for junk mail

This exact ballot must be filled out within these 15 days (unknown exactly when as of now, but probably mid December).  If you lose or do not receive your ballot, you can't copy someone else's and turn it in.  AND remember, not returning a ballot means YES for the Historic Preservation Ordinance.
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