Roger Martin and Life in the Loop

 

Oct. 10, 2016

Safety in West University Place

Jewel ThiefIn June, the Wall Street Journal named West University Place as “the Richest Town in Texas”.  An upsurge in crime has since followed, including several aggravated assaults and an active shooter. Did this article make us a target?

Probably not. West U has long been known as well-heeled. I suspect that the increase in crime is more likely related to the softening of the Houston economy. In addition, more crimes tend to be committed as we head into the holiday season. 

But the real issue is not what happened, but what we intend to do about it.  Be honest, people.  We residents of West University Place have a tendency to get complacent.  There are times when we all need a wakeup call. 

  • Remember that vigilance and prevention are always our first line of defense.  Unlocked cars, flashy jewelry, and unsecured tech devices make easy targets.
  • Know your neighbors – and talk to them.  Let them know when you are out of town, etc.  The more eyes on you and yours, the better.
  • Be aware of your surroundings.  If a car is following you, head straight to the police station.  Forget embarrassment.  Better safe than sorry.
  • Trust your gut. If a situation just doesn’t feel right, call the police. They can’t protect or solve what hasn’t been reported.

At a recent West U Rotary Club meeting, HPD Officer Rick Retz showed a training video about how to react during an “active shooter” situation.  Taking a page from the old “Stop, Drop, and Roll” instructions, the new advice is “Run, Hide, and Fight”.  In other words, run away if you can; hide if you can’t; and turn and fight if there is no other option.  Recent research has shown that active shooters do not respond to negotiations, so expect first responders to concentrate solely on stopping the gunman. The second wave will deal with the wounded.  The irony is, the Rotary club booked this sobering speech long before Nathan Desai began his rampage.

Speaking of which, I was very proud of our local police response during that mass shooting. The West U officers were first on the scene. But the coordination among the West University Police Department, the Southside Police Department, the Bellaire Police Department and the Houston Police Department appeared seamless and effective, and served to minimize injuries. A big thank you to all our excellent officers.

And watch for upcoming reports from West U’s City Council meetings.  Along with a proposed tax increase, the hot topic is likely to be neighborhood security.  Will it involve more officers? Cameras? Our CodeRED service?  Stay tuned….

Oct. 10, 2016

2520 Robinhood #500 | LEASED in West University Place!

2520 Robinhood #500 is fabulous custom built condo located in Rice Village. This 3 bedroom, 3 full bath unit is located on the fifth floor of its building, giving it a great view of the surrounding area. Features include maple hardwood floors, a gourmet kitchen, a separate theater room with surround sound, a master suite with large walk-in closets, and more!

Property Information

  • House Size: 2,836 sq ft
  • Bedrooms: 3
  • Bathrooms: 3 Full
  • Listed by Roger Martin
  • MLS #73850395
  • Leased for: $3700.00/mo

Features

  • Great location in Rice Village puts the unit close to shopping and dining.
  • 24/7 concierge and open lobby. Complex includes an outdoor swimming pool and an exercise room.
  • Three assigned parking spaces for the unit.
  • Two large terraces.
  • Large open living room with floor-to-ceiling windows giving a view of the skyline.
  • High end kitchen with slab granite counters, stainless steel appliances, separate Subzero refrigerator and freezer, double ovens, ice maker, wine refrigerator, and a dishwasher. Large walk-in pantry and breakfast area.
  • Home theater wired for surround sound.
  • Large master bedroom suite with private balcony, high ceilings, recessed lights, and granite window sills. Master bath has granite counters and floors, double sinks, and an over-sized shower finished with marble. Large walk-in closet. Numerous build-in storage options.
  • Secondary bedroom with built-in bookshelf. Bookshelf also has granite counter. Great views and natural lighting. Bathroom has shower, granite and travertine counters, stained wood cabinets.
  • Bedroom three is spacious with great views, hardwood floors, and good closet space. 
  • Separate service door to hallway includes floor-to-ceiling shelving for even more storage.
  • Utility room has excellent storage and a separate sink. Washer & dryer can be provided by landlord if needed.

>More Great West U Homes for Sale

Oct. 9, 2016

Bonds for a Better Bellaire | Open House


Logo of the City of Bellaire, TXThere will be an Open House Thursday, October 13 from 5 to 6:30 p.m. in the Bellaire Civic Center. Bellaire City Staff will answer questions on the upcoming November 8 bond election to fund improvements in sewers, sidewalks and municipal buildings and infrastructure. 

Posted in Bellaire City News
Oct. 9, 2016

Bellaire Library | Celebrating 65 Years in Bellaire

Bellaire Library, Houston, TX. Photo by InstantNewsBellaire.com, 2011Please join Bellaire City Librarian Mary Alford Cohrs this Thursday, October 13 at 6:30 p.m. in Bellaire's CenterPoint Energy Community Center, 7001 Fifth Street, Bellaire, TX 77401.  The Bellaire Historical Society hosts a free presentation on the 65-year History of the Bellaire Library.  Cohrs highlights the recent digitization project and how the library plans to continue serving future generations. A special book-shaped anniversary cake will be served, compliments of The Sugar Shop Bakery & Gifts. Visitors and guests are always welcome. 

Posted in Bellaire City News
Oct. 6, 2016

5413 Braeburn Drive | SOLD in Braeburn Country Club Estates, Tx!

5413 Braeburn Drive is a fabulous Braeburn Country Estates home located on an expansive 18,525 square foot lot on a street lined with mature oaks! This stucco and stone home has great features such as three fireplaces, high ceilings, granite counters, front and back stairways, a chef's kitchen, a covered loggia with an outdoor summer kitchen, and more!

Property Information

  • House Size: 6,960 sq ft
  • Lot Size: 18,525 sq ft
  • Bedrooms: 6
  • Bathrooms: 6 Full, 2 Half
  • Listed by JoAnna Ide
  • MLS #68741276
  • Sold For: $2,213,000

Features

  • Home is located on an expansive 18,525 square foot lot.
  • Charming stucco & stone exterior, beveled glass doors, and gas lanterns.
  • Park-like front yard with mature oak trees.
  • Three car attached garage offers great protection from rain and weather for vehicles.
  • Stunning entryway with travertine floors and high ceilings. Flanked by the formal living and dining rooms.
  • Formal living room overlooks the front yard. Floor-to-ceiling arched windows and hardwood floors.
  • Formal dining room also has great natural lighting from floor-to-ceiling arched windows. Hardwood floors, butler's pantry, and wine grotto.
  • Spacious family room opens to kitchen and morning room. Built-in shelves, high ceilings, hardwood floors, floor-to-ceiling windows, sets of double doors leading into the backyard, and one of the home's three fireplaces. Very open floorplan!
  • Chef's kitchen with center island. Hardwood floors, stone accents, granite counter tops, an eat-in bar with marble countertops, two built-in refrigerators, high end appliances, and a pot filler. Serving station with wine fridge, glass front cabinets, and extra storage.
  • Sun-filled morning room is spacious, light, and bright. Located off of the kitchen and family room, curved entrance leads to the library.
  • Paneled library with walls of custom built-in bookcases, high ceilings, and hardwood floors.
  • Upstairs master bedroom suite features its own fireplace, high ceilings, hardwood floors, and double glass doors leading to a private upstairs covered patio. Patio has stone floors, ceiling fan, and iron surrounds.
  • Grand covered loggia is perfect for entertaining and outdoor living. Ceiling fans, a large summer kitchen, stone flooring, and a sitting area in front of the home's third fireplace. Additional seating area overlooks the scenic backyard.
  • Spacious fenced backyard. Plenty of room for a pool or spa. Enjoy your own private park in the middle of the city.

>More Great Bellaire Homes for Sale

 

Oct. 5, 2016

4110 Norfolk St | SOLD in Highland Village!

4110 Norfolk St - FOR SALE in Highland Village, Houston, TX 77027

4110 Norfolk is a three bedroom, two bath home with potential for remodeling but priced at lot value. The lot is 7,200 sq ft (60' x 120') and has a terrific location close to Highland Village, Edwards Cinema, and Costco. There is new construction in neighborhood. Structure has potential, but seller assumes the structure will be torn down and will make no repairs.

Property Information

  • House Size: 1,449 sq ft
  • Lot Size: 7,200 sq ft
  • Bedrooms: 3
  • Bathrooms: 2 Full, 1 Half
  • Carport: 2 cars
  • Listed by Roger Martin
  • MLS #36160648
  • Sold For: $485,000

Features

  • 7,200 square foot lot is priced at lot value.
  • Good remodelling potential.
  • Driveway with gate and carport. Carport also has an utility room.
  • Great location close to Edwards Cinema, Highland Village, and Costco. New construction in the neighborhood!
  • Private gated and fenced entry courtyard with live bamboo for additional privacy.
  • Good sized kitchen with great natural lighting. Window overlooks front courtyard.
  • Large combined living and dining area. Hardwood floors, large corner fireplace. Decent natural lighting and opens to the sun room.
  • Enclosed sun room with tile floor at rear of the house. Overlooks lush backyard with mature landscaping.
  • All three bedrooms have hardwood flooring and crown moldings.

>More Highland Village/Mid Lane Area Homes for Sale

Sept. 26, 2016

Little Free Library | West U Scout House

Twin children enjoy dedication of West U's most recent Little Free LibraryLess than a year after establishing a Little Free Library in West University's Colonial Park, local author Chris Cander launched another book exchange at the Scout House, in the 6100 block of Edloe across from Roger Martin Properties. Cander is a West U resident and award-winning children’s book author. She says there are thousands of Little Free Libraries worldwide, but this is the first city-wide project. 

In partnership with the City’s Parks and Recreation Department, Cander introduced the first Little Free Library in the West University Park system. That library, designed to look like West U Elementary School, was dedicated in October of 2015. Bright Sky Press contributed the foundation inventory and Roger Martin Properties underwrote the project.  There are plans for six libraries in all, in each of the city parks. Each of the libraries is designed to resemble a West U landmark. The newest library looks like the West University Scout House. In this photo, West U Parks Chair Kevin Boyle reads to Mayor Susan Sample's four-year old twins.  She reports that the twins, Caroline and Thomas Larsson, love the library and were very excited to be part of the ribbon cutting ceremony.

Each library's inventory is self sustaining, encouraging people to "take a book, return a book.”  There are selections for children, young adults and mature adults.  

Little Free Library founder Todd H. Bol describes their mission as "promoting literacy and the love of reading by building free book exchanges worldwide and building a sense of community as a way to share skills, creativity and wisdom across generations." There are nearly 40,000 Little Free Library book exchanges around the world, encouraging curbside literacy home and sharing millions of books annually.

West U's three Little Free Libraries are located at:

  • 6346 Mercer Street
  • 4130 Byron Street in West U's Colonial Park
  • 6108 Edloe Street at the West U Scout House

 

Sept. 26, 2016

CODERed - Emergencies in West University Place

Crime Scene processed, West U Shooting, 9-26-2016, Photo by Mark Mulligan / Houston ChronicleThis morning, West U had an active shooter at one of our local shopping centers. Thank goodness, those of us with the Code Red service received prompt warnings to shelter in place.

When danger threatens - whether it is a hurricane or another emergency - the residents of West University Place rely our CODERed service. This free service is arguably one of the BEST benefits of living in our great neighborhood. You can choose to be notified by text, email or phone.  There is also a mobile app that will use your GPS location to give you emergency information anywhere in the USA.

The CODERed system has been used to warn the citizens of West University Place to bring their children indoors while dangerous arrests are in progress.  It has also let us know how to dispose of tree litter after a hurricane, and whether the water was drinkable, and when and where ice was available.

Be safe! Every West U resident should  use this NEW LINK to register for West U's CODERed service.

Photo by Mark Mulligan, Houston Chronicle 
Sept. 22, 2016

Plant it Forward | A Sustainable Living Non-Profit

Fresh VegetablesTrade in your grocery cart for a reusable tote and treat your family to locally grown fresh vegetables!

Through Plant It Forward Farms, families may enjoy a weekly box of fresh, local produce through a Farm Share program which gives newly-arrived refugees access to the American dream. Environmentally-conscious consumers will be helping local refugee farmers and their families to earn a living wage on local urban farms.

What’s in season now?  Roselle pods, roselle greens, sweet potatoes, sweet potato greens, hot peppers, eggplant, long beans, French sorrel, arugula, jute leaves, okra, melons and cantaloupe, herbs like Mexican mint marigold, papalo, basil, mint, Malabar spinach, cucumber, and summer squash.

When the season changes in October, expect lettuce mix, kale, collard greens, radishes, beets, carrots, onion, endive, cilantro, parsley, turnips, and many other early-fall vegetables. “We are working with some local fruit growers to bring homegrown avocados, guava, figs, and papaya to several farm stands,” says Daniela Lewis, Farm Stand Manager.

“The new season begins October 8th!” says Lewis. “Joining our Farm Share is the best way to support your neighborhood farmer. Farm Shares come in two sizes - Petit and Grand. Farm Share members pick up 6-8 varieties of freshly-picked vegetables once-a-week at a convenient location. We have 18+ pick-up locations throughout Houston.”

You may sign up at any time for a pro-rated amount.  The contact information is as follows: Main Line: 713-432-0754 or Farm Share Line: 832-983-0405 or by email at info@plant-it-forward.org.

Created in 2012, Plant It Forward provides land and tools to refugees who have settled in Houston.  Many have spent years living in extreme conditions just waiting to live the American dream.

“After they receive training at a model farm and business assistance to help them sell their produce effectively, they are free to manage their own farms,” says Lewis. “They can then sell their fresh produce to farmers markets, farm stands, farm shares, and restaurant sales — making that American dream a reality for these refugees. A portion of each successful farm helps pave the way for others. Houston is settling a record number of new refugees every year. Most have spent years in refugee camps outside of their own countries living in extreme conditions while waiting to realize the American dream. Once here, they are faced with huge challenges assimilating into their new homeland as few have the language or job skills to find meaningful work. Some of these refugees come from agrarian backgrounds and they know how to raise quality food, but there is not a single classified job posting for an experienced farmer.”

Houston is a desert when it comes to fresh, locally grown food. “We import almost all of the food we consume, even though eight out of ten Houstonians say locally grown food is important to them,” says founder Teresa O’Donnell, a Westbury resident.  “Fresh produce is in such high demand and short supply in Houston, that even our most visionary grocery stores are labeling produce from El Paso – the equivalent distance as Nashville – as “local!” As a city overflowing with land, sun and water, we deserve the infrastructure to be able to grow and purchase healthy, fresh and local food.”

Plant It Forward Farms brings together the people and resources needed to make that vision a reality. We partner with social and religious groups to provide land and tools to refugees who settle in Houston with few other skills besides farming. Refugees receive training at a model farm, as well as additional business assistance to help sell their produce through farmers markets, farm stands, farm shares and restaurant sales. A portion of each success helps provide opportunities for future refugees. Through Plant It Forward Farms, refugees can become active and contributing citizens that help Houston realize its potential as a leader in sustainable living.

“Houston is in the process of reinventing itself, perhaps more than in any other major city in America. That change will be advanced only if we create access to healthy food, if we make the best use of the land and assets we have available, and if our neediest are given opportunities to support themselves. By fostering the sustainable growth of both the city and its individuals, Plant It Forward Farms can help lead Houston to a healthier, more prosperous future way for future refugees to replicate and create more farms all across this great city.

If you’d like to stop by and see one of the farms, come during Farm Stand hours and meet the farmers.

Choose from four Plant It Forward Farms, either at

  • St. Paul Presbyterian Church, 7200 Bellaire Blvd., Houston TX 77074;
  • Braeswood Church, 10595 Fondren Rd, Houston TX 77096. This is a three acre farm at the corner of Fondren and Willowbend. Plant It Forward farmers have been planting, growing and harvesting this land since summer 2012;
  • University of St Thomas, 1318 Sul Ross St, Houston TX 77006 on 1/2 acre at the corner of Yupon and Sul Ross. Plant It Forward Farms began building beds and planting in April 2013 and began harvesting produce in the summer of 2013.
  • Also, find a farm stand in the Westbury Community Garden, 12581 Dunlap St, Houston TX 77035.

Plant It Forward Farms is very excited to announce its newest farm located on one acre of land in Sharpstown at 7700 Bellaire Blvd. 77074. Watch www.plant-it-forward.org for updates.  Then enjoy your fresh produce in recipes like this one:

Okra and Tomatoes Recipe

Ingredients

8 ounces fresh okra

1 large shallot

3 tablespoons olive oil, divided

1 large green tomato, chopped

1 pt. grape tomatoes, halved

2 garlic cloves, minced

1/3 cup torn fresh basil

1/4 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Preparation

Thinly slice okra and shallot; sauté in 2 Tbsp. hot olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat 6 to 8 minutes or until okra is golden brown; transfer to a bowl. Heat 1 Tbsp. olive oil in skillet. Add green tomato, grape tomatoes, and garlic. Cook, stirring often, 2 minutes or until softened. Combine tomatoes and okra mixture. Stir in basil, parsley, salt, and freshly ground black pepper.

Sept. 12, 2016

ZIKA in Houston

Aedes Aegypti - the ZIKA mosquitoThe ZIKA virus – it’s on everyone’s mind these days.

Hallie Frazee, Harris County's Public Health Department's Communications Specialist, recently shared the latest updates on the Zika virus. She plans to speak to the West U Rotary later this fall.

There are three ways to be infected with the Zika virus:

You can be bitten by an infected mosquito, or

The virus can be passed via sexual transmission, or

The virus can be passed from mother to infant during pregnancy.

Currently, there are NO locally transmitted cases of Zika in Harris County. We’ve had several travelers return from other areas with Zika, and we’ve had cases of mother to infant transmission in pregnancy, BUT we have not found any traces of Zika in our local mosquitoes.

Harris County spent $4.5 million this year on mosquito control, with an additional $1.1 million specifically focusing on the Zika virus. The Aedes mosquitoes that carry Zika bite only humans, so you will not see the Zika virus amplify in animal populations. Unlike other mosquitoes, Aedes mosquitoes are active all day long. They tend to bite at ankle height, so cover up with long sleeves and pants. Use an EPA-registered insect repellent that contains either DEET, picaridin, IR3535 or oil of lemon or eucalyptus.

It only takes a tiny amount of standing water to breed mosquitoes. They can hatch in just a bottle cap of water. So here are some good precautions you can take at home:

Avoid over-watering plants and lawns.

Clear out rain gutters.

Keep tight fitting screens on doors and windows.

Properly maintain swimming pools and spas.

Eliminate standing water from tires, pet bowls and flower pot.

Repair leaking faucets.

Keep your storm drains flowing. Properly dispose of lawn clippings, leaves and tree limbs.

For more information, call Harris County Public Health Mosquito Control at (713) 440-4900 or visit www.hcphes.org/mc.