Only in Houston could this not occur to Planners

[jtothemak]

I don't get the big deal, lots of cities have poles on the sidewalk from utility to light poles.

[rynetwo]

Could it have to do with the lack of right of way? Some of those pictures seemed like the sidewalk met the building.

[OducksFTW!]

You mean when the city of Houston realized that being pedestrian friendly has some benefits and finally put something in place to build that, they screwed up? Thats incomprehensible!

We should cut the city some slack, this is something very new for them building pedestrian, "walkable' corridors and accessible areas without automobiles, and they are going to go through some growing pains. Houston has been driving cars up until the last decade, when they awakened from the ignorance and realized they should put something in, so there will be problems and things to work out.

This is on the east part of downtown which is a new neighborhood and I feel bad for the residents who have to live with the pain. But that's a risk of buying into a gentrified area, and now they have to fight city hall to have this issue addressed.

[Truth713]

Originally Posted by jtothemak

I don't get the big deal, lots of cities have poles on the sidewalk from utility to light poles.

yes but most cities have the poles near the curb or on the side of the side walk...few place the poles right in the middle of said side walk..which acually ends up making it wheel chair impaired,

[bluelion_ms3]

I have a strong feeling the poles were already there and the sidewalks were built around them. If they widened the streets cause of the rail then they would of have to push the sidewalks outward also, resulting in shairing the right of way with sidewalks...

[houstonfan]

I'm guessing the poles were there first. I see this type of situation in many older urban areas where space is scarce. I'm more concerned by the lack of access for the handicapped, I don't think this will pass inspection unless it's grandfathered in since the poles were already in existence. Also, those trees will probably be problematic as they get bigger and hit the utility poles.

[stoneclaw]

Another case of... BAD City planning in Houston..... It must be in the air!!!