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 5/13/04 - The opposition effort was NOT SUCCESSFUL!
The vote occurred today and the Pinnacle Project was unanimously approved by the Board.
Our Texas State Representative Corbin Van Arsdale and Lewis Hill of Ravensway spoke in opposition.
The developer brought 10 people to speak in favor of the project.
Click here to submit your comments 
Click here to see our comments

5/10/04 - See the complete TDHCA Board Book (493 pg., 3.4MB PDF)
This book summarizes all of the current projects up for vote Thursday May 13th
For the voting Board to review. WOL's part begins on page 210.
5/2/04 - See Steve Ford's (the developer) response to our request
4/30 - See the White Oak Landing Final Input to theTDHCA 
 3/11  cSee the March 10 Transcript
See the Developers Market Survey

THE PETITIONS COLLECTION PERIOD IS OVER!

If you left your eyeglasses on the sign-in table at the March 10th meeting, we took them to the Millsap office.

1/25/04 - PROPOSED MULTIFAMILY DEVELOPMENT  
There's a new sign on Huffmeister Road, just south of the bayou, indicating plans for development of a new apartment complex in association with the TDHCA.

 The new sign reads:

Note: The email address on the sign is wrong. The correct address is robbye.meyer@tdhca.state.tx.us.

Related Links:
Website of TDHCA  Latest TDHCA Newsletter  Governing Board   2004 Low Income Housing Plan (PDF - 3.01MB)

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Check back in this area for Updates.

01-26-04 - The public hearing noted above is not listed on the TDHCA website calendar of public meetings. Perhaps they haven't posted the full notice there yet.

01-26-04 - Notice: The residents of the Ravensway Community have formed a group of neighbors interested in this new development and are hosting an informational meeting.  All are invited to attend the meeting to be held on Wednesday, February 11th at 7pm the Ravensway Community Center at 12716 Jarvis Road, Cypress, TX 77429.  Directions: From Hwy. 290 go north on Huffmeister Rd. crossing over Fleur-de-Lis Drive.  Turn right on Cypress N. Houston.  Turn left on Timberlake Dr.  Turn left on Jarvis Rd.  Turn right by the basketball courts.

1-28-04 - The WOL Board of Directors discussed this matter at their Board meeting Tuesday 1/27. Our representative at AMI is looking into this matter with other neighborhoods who have been near these developments in the past for guidance on how to address this.

02-01-04 - Here is a developers description letter (130 KB PDF) of the proposed property, received by WOL HOA..

02-09-04 - The developer builds it and then it's managed by Orion Real Estate Services Inc..  They have similar affordable housing developments existing all over town. The nearest is Sugar Creek near Sam's on West Road (if you want to see what one looks like). Or visit http://www.ores.com and see # 34 under Property Tour - Texas.

02-12-04 - The February 11 meeting was attended by nearly 200 residents. Meeting notes will be posted here soon.  At the meeting Mr. Lewis Hill announced the creation of a web domain named WWW.CYFAIR.INFO and an email address INFO@CYFAIR.INFO to use as the focal point for the research and committees.

02-13-04 - The public meeting is now listed on the TDHCA website calendar. So, here is the official notice of the Public Meeting.  A description of these bonds and related meetings is here.

02-13-04 - Here are some 2-11-04 Meeting Notes PDF | DOC compiled by Pete Tevlin, please email any corrections noticed, I can update it.

02-13-04 Here is the opposition petition sheet PDF | DOC.  Here is an additional Handout PDF | DOC sheet (and a small version PDF | DOC to save paper ) to give to those who sign the petition with a reminder of the March 10th meeting and asking them to contact their public officials with their opinion.

02-15-04 - Area Neighborhood HOA Board members - take note... For your HOA to be recognized as a valid entity to make presentations at the public meeting, register with the City of Houston in the next week or so! Here's the form: A side benefit to filling out this form is you will receive monthly update emails listing all business licenses and building permits issued.

2-25-04 - Pete received an email from Robbye Meyer containing clarification and corrections to my notes from of the February 11th meeting, as follows:

From: Robbye Meyer [robbye.meyer at tdhca.state.tx.us]
Sent: Wednesday, February 25, 2004 3:00 PM
To: 'whiteoaklanding at yahoo.com'
Cc: 'Brooke Boston'; 'Robert Onion'
Subject: Clarifications

 Mr. Tevlin,

 I was reading some of the notes on your neighborhood website and I would like to clarify a few mis-statements and answer a couple of unanswered questions. 

Question: What is the radius for notification of area homeowners?  The radius is whatever the local zoning notification states.  If local zoning notification is 500 feet then it is 500 feet.  If there is not a local zoning notification then it is 1000 feet.  

Statement: Texas has put in protections to prevent detrimental projects from being built without notice.  The notification process was not put into to place to notify the public of "detrimental projects" being built.  The notification process was created to solicit public input from the community.   

Statement: SB 264 gives valid voice to organizations registered with the Secretary of State and the City of Houston.  SB 264 states the organization must be registered with the County or State.  The Department requested developers be more due diligent and request organizations that are listed with city clerks.

Statement:  The Texas Bond Review Bond makes the final decision to approve this project.  This is not necessarily a true statement.  Under the TBRB rules for 2004, TDHCA is an "Exempt" issuer in Tax Exempt Mortgage Revenue Bond issuance.  The TDHCA Board is responsible for financial feasibility, housing policies/issues and community input and the TBRB is responsible for the financial feasibility of the bonds.  Some transactions do not have to be approved by TBRB. 

There will be a transcript recorded at the public hearing on March 10, 2004 and a copy of that transcript will be given to the TDHCA Board for their review in making their decision. 

Robbye G. Meyer
Multifamily Bond Administrator
(512) 475-2213 (voice)
(512)00 475-0764 (fax)

2-25-04 - See a summary of what we’ve learned and advice we’ve received PDF | DOC - Pete

3-4-04 - Updates: Many petitions sheets are coming in. Thanks to all getting out there and involving the people!

The status web site about these projects in the area that Bob Kendrick mentioned Feb. 11 is online now. 

We've received more good advice from a knowledgeable source, click on and read this DOC.

3-5-04 - I spoke to Colleen Gilbert at Corbin Van Arsdale's office today. I told her I opposed the project and would be getting the petitions to her for review. She said Corbin is presently out of the country and she'd attend the Wednesday meeting. Look for her and let her know how you feel about this project!

3-8-04 -- I received a letter overnight from Pinnacle Apartments L.P.:
RE: Proposed 248-unit apartment community for the elderly...  See my notes below regarding this.  Kim

3-10-04 - As is noted in the letter, here is the newspaper posting (from 3-8-04) containing income levels:
NOTICE TO PUBLIC Pinnacle Apartments, L.P. is making an application for Housing Tax Credits with the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs for the Pinnacle Apartments, 10500 block of Huffmeister Road, Harris County. This new development is an apartment community comprised of 248 units of which 100% of total will be for tenants with incomes less than 60% of the area's median income. For a family of 1 those income levels are $25,620. For a family of 2 those income levels are $29,280. For a family of 3 those income levels are $32,940. For a family of 4 those income levels are $36,600. The total restricted income percentage of the Development is 100% of total. The number of units and proposed rents (less utility allowances) for the subject property's tax credit units are: 56 1 Bedroom Units for $604 104 2 Bedroom Units for $721 88 2 Bedroom Units for $828 If awarded credits, this development would be ready for occupancy by approximately August 2005. For more information on this notice, please contact Pinnacle Apartments, L.P., c/o Dwayne Henson, 1800 Bering Drive, Suite 501, Houston, Texas 77057, at (713) 334-5808. For information, see www.tdhca.state.tx.us .
Legal Notices          Location: TX         Date: 3/8/2004             Source: Houston Chronicle

3-10-04 - I received a revised letter overnight from Pinnacle Apartments L.P.:  It's rates seemed to go up but actually the utility allowance amount went down so the net increased! See table and see full letter attached PDF

3-10-04 - Pete's Letter for the meeting  Blank Letters to Representatives.doc Blank Envelopes.doc

3-11-04 - Last night's TDHCA held Public Meeting was eventful.  Between 300-400 residents attended.  A testament to the concern this issue has caused and the peoples determination to disallow this project to alter the area's housing situation.
                                              
Ms. Robbye Meyer began the meeting and explained about the TDHCA and then detailed the Pinnacle proposal line by line. See these handout sheets from TDHCA: Handout1.pdf Handout2.pdf  The meeting was recorded and is to be transcribed. [Pete asked Robbye for a copy of it when it's completed, she estimated 2 weeks. I'll post it here when received.] The main information points received at this meeting is that the Public Comment Deadline is 5:00pm on April 30th, 2004 and the TDHCA Board meeting (the vote) is scheduled for May 13, 2004.

Many (about 25) residents spoke during the comments section of the meeting with a multitude of reasons against these apartments voiced: Schools crowded already, buses are crowded too. The lack of need for affordable housing here and many, many other informed and passionate statements were presented. No one spoke for the project during the comments period.

Kim Tevlin spoke for the White Oak Landing Community with this statement:
   I’m President of the Home Owners Association in White Oak Landing. I have spoken to and received petition signatures from a very significant majority of the residents of my community. We strongly oppose awarding the Private Activity Exempt Bonds and Tax Credits for the development of Pinnacle Apartments. I present 921 petition signatures and there will be more to come!

Citing the fact that we're a community off homes, Pete Tevlin asked if this project was a legitimate use of public funds. He mentioned a letter he had handed out detailing his opinions about the project and the meeting. He also mentioned this web site and the need for anyone opposed to the project to contact their elected officials and and others in positions of authority to ask for their stated opposition also.                                                              

After the comments period ended, Sally Gaskin from the project developer spoke saying a number of positive things about the project. She said they, the developer, prefers to speak to smaller groups and to reply to email, letters or fax so they can clearly answer all questions they receive. Their contact info is on: Pinnacle-Handout-3-10-04.pdf

Later, when some folks wanted to ask them a question, they deferred to Ms. Gaskin's statement and did not respond. A bunch of people decided to leave right then.

3-10-04 - If you left your eyeglasses on the sign-in table at the March 10 meeting, we have them. Click here or call us at 2819557345.

3-11-04 - Colleen Gilbert from REPRESENTATIVE CORBIN VAN ARSDALE's office called Kim Tevlin to say that Mr. Van Arsdale recognizes our concerns with this project and is going to write a letter of opposition in our behalf!

3-12-04 - Our efforts are working! Our closest and first public official has joined us in opposition of the apartment project ! Our many thanks to Rep. Corbin Van Arsdale for his support in writing this letter!  Neighbors are encouraged to call (281) 469-9130 and let him know you appreciate his support!

3-13-04 - Kim received a response letter from Pinnacle (to the questions she sent them on the 10th). Steve Ford explains their reluctance to speak at the public meeting. Click here to read it.

 3-15-04 - Kim received an invitation letter for everyone in the area from Pinnacle to visit an open house at Sugar Creek apts. Tuesday evening:

From: J Daniel
Sent: Sunday, March 14, 2004 7:51 PM
To: whiteoaklanding at yahoo.com
Subject: Open House Invitation - Pinnacle Apartment
We would like for the community to visit our neighboring community to see first hand the type of property, amenities and community services our properties offer to the community. Would you please circulate the attached invitation on your website.
Thank you,
Jana Daniel Asset Manager H.F.I. Management 713-334-5514 713-334-5614   EMAIL: jana at rresford.com

Read the invitation here: PDF | DOC

Notes: I've been kind of lax updating things during spring "broke" - I'll try to catch up...  Pete
              Thanks for all of the messages of support and appreciation!!!

3-26-04 - On 3-17-04 I accepted the invitation and visited the Sugar Creek Apartments on West Road to look at what the development would be like. Jana Daniel who invited us, and Tammy Fair who works at the complex for Orion Real Estate Services showed me around.

I have to admit I was truly impressed with the complex. It is one year old and it looks it, new. I was shown a unit that had been rented out and re-prepared for occupancy and it was clean and the units contained some extras like fans, washer/dryer hookups and the kitchens had many cabinets and a pantry. Each unit had a one-car garage.  We walked around the place and the grounds were well kept, mowed and landscaped and had both a large playground and pool. The office area had a laundry and small exercise room a computer room with a dozen PC's and a little library type of room for doing homework. There is an instructor there on a regular schedule.  They related many positive points about the complex, (some of which I've covered below in notes of a March 8th conversation with Jana) and, in their favor and in all fairness, these are not unlivable places at all. In short, the developer expressed their interest in seeing this complex kept up and occupied long term for the benefit of both themselves, the lessees and the community.  Pete Tevlin

Pinnacle will gladly make arrangements to meet with anyone interested or concerned about this project.
Just ask Jana or anyone @ 713-334-5514.

3-26-04 On 3-22-04 Kim got a call from Phil Owens with House District 135, Representative Gary Elkins office and he mentioned some very negative and threatening letters he has received. Mr. Owens read some of the letters and they sounded pretty heavy-handed. He said threats and negativity are not as effective as reasoned and researched requests.

He said Mr. Elkins will oppose the project but he is not the rep. for the people he has received letters from.
Click on his district number below to see his representative area, (it's south of FM1960).

The main point here regarding public representatives (not the TDHCA Board members, go ahead and write all of them): Find who your representative is by one of the methods below and only write him (or her), not other people's representatives.

3-24-04 - We received a call today from Colleen Gilbert that Rep. Van Arsdale will attend the May 13th hearing in Austin! Wow! 

3-26-04 - We received this letter yesterday from the Lieutenant Govenor of Texas,David Dewhurst

This letter raises two new items: Another Public Meeting regarding these projects (not necessarily Pinnacle) is scheduled downtown April 21st @ 6pm and a different TDHCA contact person is listed.

3-26-04 - We received this letter today from the Attorney General of Texas, Greg Abbot.

Many thanks to Mr. Abbot and Mr. Dewhurst for their response and support!!!

3-26-04 - We received this email today from Robbye Meyer in response to our email requests after the March 10th Meeting:

I have attached the transcript in the email and a copy of the expenses for the market study. Once I receive payment for the market study I will mail it to you. Please provide your physical mailing address so I can get it to you and send a copy of the expense sheet with you payment so accounting will notify me when the payment is received.

Here is that Transcript:  As received (hard to read): DOC & here it is reformatted for easier reading PDF

Anyone want to volunteer to extract all of the public "questions" from the meeting transcript and put them into one document for sending to the developer "in written form" as they desire? Email us

4-12-04 - WOL Newsletter article submitted: APARTMENT PROJECT STATUS By: Pete Tevlin  A good bit of effort spent on opposition to this project resulted some positive advancement. Our petition currently has over 1686 signatures. The section of the WOL web site devoted to this project information has received over 1700 hits. We have the support of our Texas State Representative Cobin Van Arsdale to this cause. He has written a letter to the TDHCA Board and is going to attend and speak on our behalf at the May 13th meeting in Austin, before the approval decision vote. Neighbors are encouraged to call (281) 469-9130 and let him know you appreciate his support! If you wrote letters to your public officials and representatives, thank you. If you didn't write letters then perhaps you were to busy or this issue didn't concern you. If the proposal is rejected, you can be thankful to your neighbors who did take action. If it's approved, we can only resolve to use what we've learned to better oppose the next nearby proposal which will probably follow soon after. On May 13th we'll see if the voice of the people was strong enough to be effective. A response we've received from Rep. Van Arsdale indicates that our appearance in Austin to make statements at the TDHCA meeting are significantly more effective than letters alone. If you feel strongly about this issue, please make plans to go to Austin on May 13th. The quantity of voices against the issue is what matters most and even if you don't want to speak, by being signed in there, you can defer your two-minute time slot to one of our other speakers, allowing them more time to make opposition points. See the WOL web site for much information on this issue.

4-15-04 - We received the copy we requested of the Developers Market Survey. This is the document that the developer presents as their basis for requesting approval. If you want to download and view this document, it will take a while, I scanned all 220 pages and the PDF file is 36MB. Anyone who wants to go through this document and pick out the discrepancies, please email your findings to whiteoaklanding@yahoo.com by the 10th of May. Thanks for your help.

4-20-04 - In case anyone is interested in the "rules governing this issue", the Full 2004 QAP is here, and a FAQ is here and the condensed version is here.

4-26-04 - No one volunteered to do what we requested above and Pinnacle hadn't taken any action so we excerpted the questions and sent this letter (49KB PDF) to Pinnacle.

4-30-04 - Well, we completed our WOL input letter to the TDHCA (580KB PDF) and turned it in before today's deadline. It may not be enough to do any good but at least the voice of the people will be heard and may do some good.

5-1-04 - Steve Ford (one of the developers) has written a response (84KB PDF) to our request to answer the questions posed at the March 10th meeting.

Check above for latest News and Happenings.
 

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Check below for latest Comments & Actions taken/reported.

Here are ways to contact your public officials:

It is essential that these officials are contacted with your viewpoint!
Blank Letters to Representatives.doc revised 3-17-04
Blank Envelopes.doc revised 3-17-04
A sample letter from the Goss's: DOC
A sample letter from Kim (as HOA President): DOC
A sample letter from the Osburn's: DOC

Want to add your letter to the samples? Click here to email it!

Texas State Representatives for only part of 77065:  
Click on the District Number for a map (to see who your rep is) you do not need to address all of them!

HOUSE DISTRICT 130  -  REPRESENTATIVE CORBIN VAN ARSDALE
   District Address: 12777 Jones Road - Suite 175
   Houston, TX 77070
   District Phone: (281) 469-9130

HOUSE DISTRICT 135  -  REPRESENTATIVE GARY ELKINS
   District Address: 9601 Jones Road,
   Houston, TX 77065
   District Phone: (832) 912-8380

U.S. Districts governing both of this area's zip codes: 77429 & 77065:

Texas U.S. Representative:

CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT 8 - CONGRESSMAN KEVIN BRADY  
State District Offices

  

CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT 31 - CONGRESSMAN JOHN R. CARTER   
State District Offices
 

Texas State Senator:

SENATE DISTRICT 7  -  SENATOR JON LINDSAY
   District Address: 15531 Kuykendahl Suite 251
   Houston, TX 77090
   District Phone: (281) 583-1011
   Fax: (281) 444-0189
   Email: pat.wisnjewski@senate.state.tx.us

The Texas Bond Review Board makes the final decision to approve this project.
per Robbye Meyer: This is not necessarily a true statement.  Under the TBRB rules for 2004, TDHCA is an "Exempt" issuer in Tax Exempt Mortgage Revenue Bond issuance.  The TDHCA Board is responsible for financial feasibility, housing policies/issues and community input and the TBRB is responsible for the financial feasibility of the bonds.  Some transactions do not have to be approved by TBRB.

The Texas Bond Review Board
P.O. Box 13292, Austin, Tx 78711-3292
(Phone) 512-463-1741 (Toll Free Within Texas) 1-800-732-6637 (Fax) 512-475-4802

It is essential that these members of the Board or their alternates are contacted with your viewpoint:

Board Members and Alternates    http://www.brb.state.tx.us/brbpages/agency/alternate.html

Governor
Rick Perry, Chair (512) 463-2000 P.O. Box 12428 Austin, TX 78711-2428
Alternate: Ed Robertson (512) 463-2000

Lieutenant Governor
David Dewhurst (512) 463-0001 P.O. Box 12068 Austin, TX 78711-2068
Alternate: Blaine Brunson (512) 463-0001

Comptroller of Public Accounts
Carole Keeton Strayhorn (512) 463-4000 P.O. Box 13528 Austin, TX 78711-3528
Alternates: Lita Gonzalez (512) 475-1125
Debbie Cartwright (512) 463-3106

Speaker of the House of Representatives
Tom Craddick (512) 463-1000 P.O. Box 2910 Austin, TX 78768-2910
Alternate: Don Green (512) 463-1000

Board Counsel
Lynn Stuck (512) 475-2929
Office of the Attorney General Public Finance Division P.O. Box 12548 Austin, TX 78711-2548

Finally, these are the Members of the TDHCA Board http://tdhca.state.tx.us/au_board.htm
  They may make the final decision to approve this project.

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Comments that have been entered on the web form above:

Name: Karl Volkmann
Neighborhood: White Oak Landing
Email:
Opinion: Oppose
Date: Tuesday, January 27, 2004
Time: 09:25:56 AM
Comments:
Great, more urban sprawl. Maybe we can get another car dealership, fast food joint, or possibly even another dry cleaners shoehorned in on Huffmeister. What's next a Metro bus route?

Name: Franz Acosta
Email: franzacosta at yahoo.com
Subject: PROPOSED MULTIFAMILY DEVELOPMENT
Neighborhood: White Oak Landing
Opinion: I'm just seeking information
Date: Tuesday, January 27, 2004
Time: 12:52 PM
Comments:
Would it not be a hazzard to those who would occupy the apartment buildings that the nearby airport appears to have airplanes using that path upon takeoff and landing? It is only my perception that the airplanes seem to follow that path and then turn towards the bayou behind WOL until they are at a safe altitude. This avoid having to fly directly over a residential area upon takeoff and landing. How would these apartments also affect the property value of those who live in WOL? Thank you, in advance.

Name: Pete Tevlin
Email: whiteoaklanding at yahoo.com
Subject: Development location, Metro route?
Neighborhood: White Oak Landing
Opinion: I'm adding new information
Date: Tuesday, January 27, 2004
Time: 02:19 PM
Comments:
Hello, The sign is located south of the bayou nearest 290, across from the Oak Cliff subdivision; not by the bayou near the doughnut shop. Regarding Metro expansion, page 12 of their pre-election flyer boasts "Over 1,000 New Route Miles". I'm not sure of the authenticity, but I was told some time ago that Metro's future expansion plan includes extending Fallbrook alongside our neighborhood and through the airport area to 290 to allow more auto routes and providing bus service to this area. Maybe someone reading this would know whom to contact to check the validity of this.

Name: Kim Tevlin
Email: whiteoaklanding at yahoo.com
Subject: Letter to Board
Neighborhood: White Oak Landing
Opinion: I'm adding new information
Date: Sunday, February 01, 2004
Time: 11:25 PM
Comments:
If you want to see the developers description of the proposed property, see this letter (130 KB PDF) I received from the Texas Dept. of Housing and Community Affairs.

Name:
Email:
Subject:
Neighborhood: White Oak Landing
Opinion: I do not favor it
Date: Tuesday, February 03, 2004
Time: 07:58 AM
Comments:

Name: Lewis Hill
Email: lhill100 at hotmail.com
Subject: developement
Neighborhood: Ravensway
Opinion: I'm adding new information
Date: Tuesday, February 03, 2004
Time: 08:15 AM
Comments:
If I were you I would be a lot more concerned than the airport being too close to the proposed apartments. First the Texas Department of Housing works with low to very low income families. There are issues of another several hundred cars on 290 each morning. the drainage of the property in to the white oak bayou will increase.  How about Millsap if your kids go there it is over crowded now with the apartments they build across from Millsap and these how many more kids will it bring. While most people in this income bracket are just trying to make a living and provide for their family, it does bring with it an undesirable element. I live a couple miles from the proposed site and I am worried, If I lived almost across the street I would be frantic. Call the number in the article for the housing Dept. Tell them you are opposed to this project, go to the meeting in Ravensway on Wednesday the Feb 11th, learn more and go to Millsap on March 10th and tell you don't want this. But remember low income people do need a place to live you can't just oppose low income housing, you will be seen in the wrong light. All you have to say is you opposed the project period.

Name: Nathan Gaskill
Email: gaskin.1 at earthlink.net
Subject: Apartment Development
Neighborhood: White Oak Landing
Opinion: I do not favor it
Date: Tuesday, February 03, 2004
Time: 05:47 PM
Comments:
Today, I talked to Robert Pendergraft, a lawyer that has dealt with prior unwanted developments. I faxed him the info I had on the 10500 Huffmeister plan as well as told him our wishes not to have the project go forward. He said the public meeting scheduled for March 10, 2004, 6pm-9pm, at Millsap Elementary, 12424 Huffmeister was very important for as many interested parties as possible to attend and let them know every aspect of our concerns about the project.

To attend, you need to call Robbye Meyer at the Texas Department of Public Housing and Community Affairs, 507 Sabine, Suite #700, Austin, TX 78701 at (512) 475-2213 or email at rmeyer@tdhca.state.tx.us. If you are not able to attend, you can write or fax (512) 475-0764 and express your views.

I also faxed a request to receive copies of all plans and info concerning the development to the developer, William Henson. When I talked to him he asked me to fax him a written request and he would be more than happy to comply by personally bringing the package to me. I will keep you informed of any further information I receive concerning this project.

Name:
Email:
Subject:
Neighborhood: White Oak Landing
Opinion: I'm just seeking information
Date: Wednesday, February 04, 2004
Time: 06:29PM
Comments:
In reference to the Ravensway Group meeting, Feb. 11th is Wednesday..not Sunday.

Is the meeting Sunday the 15th or Wednesday the 11th?

Thank you.

Name: Pete Tevlin
Email: whiteoaklanding at yahoo.com
Subject: Date of Ravensway meeting
Neighborhood: White Oak Landing
Opinion: I'm adding new information
Date: Wednesday, February 04, 2004
Time: 08:44 PM
Comments:
Thanks for pointing out the day error. The Ravensway meeting is on a Wedesday night, February 11th. See you there!

Name: joe beshara
Email: jebeshara at hotmail.com
Subject: Re:NOTICE TO PUBLIC
Neighborhood: White Oak Landing
Opinion: I'm adding new information
Date: Monday, February 09, 2004
Time: 12:05 AM
Comments:
I found some more information on other similar developments. Click on the links: http://www.tdhca.state.tx.us/pdf/hf/uwrep/03449.pdf
http://www.tdhca.state.tx.us/pdf/hf/uwrep/03466.pdf

Name: Estella Cavazos
Email: ecavazos at reliant.com
Subject: New Devewlopment
Neighborhood: White Oak Landing
Opinion: I do not favor it
Date: Monday, February 09, 2004
Time: 08:19 AM
Comments:
I totally oppose this development..Where exactly is 10500 Huffmeister ?

Name: Mark
Email:
Subject: Multifamily Development. - Public Notice
Neighborhood: White Oak Area
Opinion: I do not favor it
Date: Monday, February 09, 2004
Time: 11:47 PM
Comments:
FYI - While surfing the web - Protest information and outcome related to a similar project involving State issued Private Activity Bonds and Tax Credits for LOW INCOME HOUSING in the Katy Area for the proposed project Greenland Apts. by Trammell Crow can be found on
http://www.houstonarchitecture.info/haif/index.php?showtopic=259 http://www.barkersridge.org/News/02news.htm#Greenland
http://www.barkersridge.org/News/03news.htm
As presented on the above website an excerpt is as follows: "During the October 3 meeting, speakers from the Mayde Creek community clearly made the case that there was no need for the Greenland Housing Project, and that the community's infrastructure (transportation, employment, medical) was clearly absent to support the needs of low-income residents. Without a market driver for the housing project, and with no infrastructure to support its residents, there is no compelling reason "why" such a project represents the best use of public funds - especially if this project has any potential for threatening the quality-of-life attained by the community's residents. Saturday's Houston Chronicle report attempts to skirt this key issue of "why" the project is being planned, to one of placing our community in a defensive position. The arguments as to "why not" are not valid because the social/economic drivers behind the project do not exist. This is not a debate as to whether property values will go up or down. This is an issue of the misuse of public funds for private gain, all at the risk to the community that exists"

Name: Pete Tevlin
Email: whiteoaklanding at yahoo.com
Subject: Letter to another neighborhood in prior similar situation
Neighborhood: White Oak Landing
Opinion: I do not favor it
Date: Tuesday, February 10, 2004
Time: 01:58 AM
Comments:
Thanks Mark. I sent an email tonight to some involved members of the Barkers Ridge neighborhood listed above to ask for their experienced assistance. Any advice received will be useful and appreciated. 10500 Huffmeister is just south of the bayou that's near the auto repair place. The proposed development would be across from Oak Cliff Place. Tell your neighbors to get involved and attend Wednesday night!!!

Name: Domingo Villarreal
Email: mingo146 at yahoo.com
Subject: PROPOSED MULTIFAMILY DEVELOPMENT
Neighborhood: White Oak Landing
Opinion: I do not favor it
Date: Tuesday, February 10, 2004
Time: 01:45 PM
Comments
The values of our homes and our family lifestyles have been sadly jeopordized since homeowners have opted to RENT their homes, more evident in the last few years. Having a LOW INCOME HOUSING Project come into the area, will definitely bring our values right down a spiral... We must do what we can to stop this project from moving forward or just throw our hands up and let them destroy our neighborhood! See y'all at the meeting Wednesday the 11th.

Name: Walle Engedayehu
Email: walle_engedayehu at pvamu.edu
Subject: propsed multyfamily housing
Neighborhood: White Oak Landing
Opinion: I do not favor it
Date: Tuesday, February 10, 2004
Time: 09:22 PM
Comments
It is in deed very alarming to learn of the possibility of an apartment complex being built in a nearby lot where our homes are located. Certainly, the value of our homes will drastically be affected, possibly making our neigbohood unattractive to used home buyers in the future. We all envisage a future that will bring better returns from our investments, and our homes are our investments. It is a proven fact that any time you have an apartment complex coming to a residential neighborhood like ours, the value and quality of the latter suffer to the extent that homeowners may sell their property ahead of time to avoid future losses on their investments. It in light of this possibility that I am opposed to the proposed multyfamily apartment residence that is being planned just across from our subdivision. I encourage everybody to voice your concern immediately, and we must collectively take the action necessary to prevent it. Thank you.

Name: Daniel Lacayo
Email: daniellacayo at sbcglobal.net
Subject: imformation
Neighborhood: White Oak Landing
Opinion: I do not favor it
Date: Tuesday, February 10, 2004
Time: 09:39 PM
Comments
Please keep me inform about the apartment project and meetings thank you.

Name: jamal nasir
Email: jnasir at houston.rr.com
Subject:
Neighborhood: White Oak Landing
Opinion: I do not favor it
Date: Wednesday, February 11, 2004
Time: 08:58 AM
Comments

Name: Patrick
Email: pandrews at houston.rr.com
Subject: No Apartments!
Neighborhood: White Oak Landing
Opinion: I do not favor it
Date: Wednesday, February 11, 2004
Time: 10:51 AM
Comments
What is the position taken by the Oak Cliff residents? I believe the argument that the existing infrastructure may not support low-income housing residents is valid in our case. Of course, this may be a prelude to public transportation project of which we are not aware. How can we rally Stone Gate, Cole Crossing, and the other subdivisions to our cause? Even the Cy-Fair Chamber should be involved in this matter.

Name: Marvin Johnson
Email: daphaney52
Subject:
Neighborhood: White Oak Landing
Opinion: I do not favor it
Date: Wednesday, February 11, 2004
Time: 01:56 PM
Comments

Name: Fritz Lang
Email: fritz at langgang.com
Subject: Multifamily residential rental community
Neighborhood: White Oak Landing
Opinion: I do not favor it
Date: Wednesday, February 11, 2004
Time: 06:37 PM
Comments
They should just call them what they are, apartments. I lived close to apartments before I moved here. My children had their bicycles stolen and we found the thieves in the nearby "multifamily residential rental community". Everyone put locks on your back yard gates and floodlights in your yards.

Name: Darin Carlson
Email: carpoole at academicplanet.com
Subject: Home Owners Associations need your help!
Neighborhood: Ravensway
Opinion: I do not favor it
Date: Thursday, February 12, 2004
Time: 12:02 AM
Comments
First off, thank everyone who showed up at the meeting in the Ravensway Community Center. MORE PEOPLE NEED TO GET ACTIVELY INVOLVED IN OPPOSING THIS DEVELOPMENT!!!!!!!!
All citizens of our community of homeowners have plenty to lose and therefore need to actively seek quantifyable evidence to back up their opinions against this development from being allowed to progress any further than the posted notice to the public. It needs to be presented quickly because 6:00 p.m March 10th is now only a month away!!!
We need everyone to search for information concerning how this proposed construction will disrupt property values at the present time and into the future, impact jobs in the area, lead to need for additional public works and services improvements ($$$taxes$$$???), affect quality of life in the community, impact of flood control measures, loss of land that could be utilized for more appropriate development or preservation, impact on schools, impact on road congestion, do we really need this multifamily dwelling project?, etc... The more information the better. Massive amounts of accurate data and opposing opinions can be mailed to TDHCA, Senator John Lindsay, State Rep Corbin Van Arsdale, etc. When it comes time for presentation of opinions at the public hearing scheduled for 6:00 p.m. March 10th, it'll have to brief and to the point. We need everyone's help for organizing and procuring research data, procuring opposition petition signatures, providing legal council where logical, etc. I strongly oppose this development project and any like it in this local community.
Again, we need more help to better procure data to support arguments against this development. It would be in conflict and incompatible with the local community at large. Perhaps the developer is promising to produce management for 30 years for this project, but what if they go under (Enron ring a bell?). Who steps in to cover a low revenue generating housing complex. I'm quite sure most intelligent investors wouldn't, and who can trust the Texas legislature to fill in the required help. The same ones that aren't concerned with your home resale value on the open market, right?
The logical conclusion is that hopefully the local taxpayers have to be legally able to step in and clean up a potentially abandoned housing complex in the future. Easier said than done. Remember, low income generates low revenue. Low revenue is bad for business function, budget capability, and survival. Once the structure is complete and/or circumstances change (such as laws, business capabilities, etc) the local homeowners will have to deal with whatever is built on the surrounding lands, and become frustrated with having had more to lose. Can you imagine how difficult it'd be for Paul Bettencourt or his successors to collect back taxes on 15.1841 acres of potentially lost cause property in the future, even if it's 30 years away (or sooner). Too many if(s). Would the inhabitants of this development be as inclined to preserve, maintain, and improve (yeah, right!) this property with the same conviction that homeowner taxpayers do with their own, hard earned property? NOT!
This development is presumed to introduce an increase in demand on public works and services such as additional ($$$) law enforcement officers, fire fighters, EMS personnel, school district teachers and support staff, social services workers, medical facilities (within walking distance), flood control structures, street and sewage maintainance, libraries, sidewalks, etc. What about a present lack of affordable, efficient public transportation services and infrastructure to support pedestrian inhabitants who cannot afford or operate automobile transportation? Is that to be a concern?... Who's going to pay for all this? Do you think the low revenue generated from the development is going to be capable to do these tasks? What about market value of your home located nearby this development? Will it rise in a manner comparable to that if there were no development like this in the area? Probably not! Community perceptions will change with the completion of such a development I'm sure. Keep in mind that market values of neighboring properties (home, land, commercial) tend to strive for equalibrium over time as this is the desired tendency of most home appraisers, even those that work with HCAD. Do you think that housing developments like this will actually lead to improved property values in this area? Probably not!

Name:
Email:
Subject:
Neighborhood: White Oak Landing
Opinion: I do not favor it
Date: Thursday, February 12, 2004
Time: 02:15 PM
Comments

Name:
Email:
Subject:
Neighborhood: White Oak Landing
Opinion: I do not favor it
Date: Thursday, February 12, 2004
Time: 02:58 PM
Comments

Name: Pete Tevlin
Email: whiteoaklanding at yahoo.com
Subject: Ravensway meeting summary
Neighborhood: White Oak Landing
Opinion: I'm adding new information
Date: Friday, February 13, 2004
Time: 01:00 AM
Comments:
I've added a summary of the Feb 11th meeting at Ravensway. I also placed the petition forms and a handout there.
 

Name:
Email:
Subject:
Neighborhood: White Oak Landing
Opinion: I do not favor it
Date: Friday, February 13, 2004
Time: 06:57 PM
Comments

Name: Charla Lucky
Email: charlal at ev1.net
Subject: Apartment
Neighborhood: White Oak Springs
Opinion: I do not favor it
Date: Friday, February 13, 2004
Time: 06:53 PM
Comments

Name: Darin Carlson
Email: carpoole at academicplanet.com
Subject: additional recommended focus
Neighborhood: Ravensway
Opinion: I'm adding new information
Date: Friday, February 13, 2004
Time: 09:51 PM
Comments
I received an email from a good friend whose had a lot of experience covering many similar housing project matters. Here is an excerpt of some of his recommendations.

<<< You'll have a hard time winning with arguments affecting your property values or 'better use for that land.' Don't focus on that (so much), and don't focus on how low income is bad for the area. Having covered many of these battles (very, very few of them ending with residents winning out), you have to stay focused on a few key points.

1. INFRASTRUCTURE - Roads unable to handle it, bridges, ditches, water/sewer.
2. POLICE - Contract deputies needed for your neighborhood and very few patrols designated at this point.
3. FIRE - Enough fire equipment nearby to handle emergency of that large scale of more than 250 units.
4. FLOODING - Runoff, runoff and runoff pouring into your area.
5. Stores, businesses to support such an influx of low income.

When you're addressing lawmakers or the state agency, you need to stay focused on why this project is doomed to fail, and is a bad investment of public bond money. Anything you can cite about high vacancy rates in other apartments near you, or any other reason you can give about why it's a bad investment for the state is very, very important. People (tend to) lose these battles because they don't talk the right language to these people. They focus all their energy on 'here's why this project is bad for ME.' You have to tell the public officials and this project developer why it's a poor choice for a location and a bad investment. Talk about how they'll be putting unwitting tenants in harms way in some fashion (any of the above ideas).

I THINK THE BEST ARGUMENT IS MADE WHEN YOU SHOW THAT THESE HUNDREDS OF NEW TENANTS ARE BEING PUT IN DANGER AND SO ARE EXISTING NEIGHBORS LIKE YOURSELF BECAUSE OF (AT LEAST) ALL OF THE 5 ABOVE FACTORS.

You have to use key buzz words that get politicians uptight. Remember, the goal here is to make them want to chose somewhere else where there are less problems and less resistance. They need to go where it's easy. The best evidence I've seen presented at these things deals with comparable projects. I've seen people do really well picking apart specific plans and why it won't work in this particular case. In other words, something like "Look at Diagram X here, an even smaller project, that had failures as you can see here. Obviously, this project is larger so we could expect failures on a larger scale."

>>> Now I know that we have many points to focus on in terms of research and organization, but time is of the essence and it is rapidly running out. At the very least, we need to consider that if we don't try aggressively hard to win this battle, it'll be much more likely that they'll try again just a mile down the road, making the situation even worse. Perhaps it'd be wise to invest in legal counsel to assist us in preparing useful information relevant to defeating this proposed housing project...

Name:
Email:
Subject:
Neighborhood: White Oak Landing
Opinion: I do not favor it
Date: Saturday, February 14, 2004
Time: 12:14:02 PM
Comments

Name: shari strange
Email:
Subject: petition
Neighborhood: White Oak Landing
Opinion: I'm just seeking information
Date: Sunday, February 15, 2004
Time: 01:23:53 PM
Comments
How is the petition being collected? Should we download the page from the internet? Is this one any different than the one at the meeting? Do we need to circulate the petition in our subdivision? If time in running out- as it was said many times throughout the comments on the website- I think we should hurry up and get the petition going by going door to door. Perhaps we could assign someone per street- how are we going to get the entire neighborhood to sign this petition? Is there a central point/location where we can sign or where we can deliver a signed petition? In additon- I was wondering if it is possible to use our home owners association money to provide legal counsel for us in this manner? I am not happy about this proposed development.

Name: Judy Norrholm
Email: rnorrholm at houston.rr.com
Subject: Planned Development at 10500 Huffmeister
Neighborhood: Oak Cliff Place
Opinion: I do not favor it
Date: Sunday, February 15, 2004
Time: 08:59:53 PM
Comments
I don't believe our school, who are currently sending our children out to portable buildings, can handle any more students. I am not in favor of paying more taxes for additional schools. There are already new apartments down Huffmeister by Millsap. They are putting more up down Huffmeister by CVS. And then there are more going up behind the new Eckerds on 1960. Enough already! Judy

Name: hwilke at ev1.net
Email: Harold Wilke
Subject: proposed apartments on Huffmeister
Neighborhood: White Oak Springs
Opinion: I do not favor it
Date: Monday, February 16, 2004
Time: 11:11:37 AM
Comments
I am very concerned as to what affect these apartments would have on the value of existing property and on the quality of life. We have put out a great deal of money to move out here because it seemed to be a quiet and safe place to be. These apartments could change all that. Thank you, Harold and Carolyn Wilke 10818 White Oak Creek Ct. Cypress, TX 77429

Name:
Email:
Subject:
Neighborhood: White Oak Landing
Opinion: I do not favor it
Date: Monday, February 16, 2004
Time: 04:24:08 PM
Comments
 

Name: Brian & Valle Wilson
Email:
Subject: Proposed Low Income Apartment Building
Neighborhood: White Oak Landing
Opinion: I do not favor it
Date: Tuesday, February 24, 2004
Time: 09:48:14 AM
Comments
Another apartment building???? We moved to this area to escape the issues you have living in urban areas. The effects of another apartment building would be detriment to our neighborhoods. They drive property values down and typically come with elements that most are trying to avoid. We do not want this in our area.......

Name: Pete Tevlin
Email: whiteoaklanding at yahoo.com
Subject: Clarifications I received from TDHCA
Neighborhood: White Oak Landing
Opinion: I'm adding new information
Date: Thursday, February 26, 2004
Time: 07:47:17 AM
Comments
 I received an email from Robbye Meyer with the TDHCA detailing corrections to this web site.

Name: Pete Tevlin
Email: whiteoaklanding at yahoo.com
Subject: Summary of important points
Neighborhood: White Oak Landing
Opinion: I'm adding new information
Date: Thursday, February 26, 2004
Time: 08:04:46 AM
Comments
 I've put together a summary of what we’ve learned and advice we’ve received. See above.

Name:
Email: samnpatti at houston.rr.com
Subject: More Apartments
Neighborhood: Enchanted Valley Estates
Opinion: I do not favor it
Date: Tuesday, March 02, 2004
Time: 04:26:13 PM
Comments
Increased traffic, and reduction of property values are not a good sign. I was not happy to see the apartments and new housing developement rise around Millsap. I hope they had planned for this growth when they did the work on flood prevention on Cypress Creek.

Name: Pete Tevlin
Email: whiteoaklanding at yahoo.com
Subject: Summary of important points
Neighborhood: White Oak Landing
Opinion: I'm adding new information
Date: Thursday, March 4, 2004
Time: 11:54:46 PM
Comments
I've added more news and an advice letter we've received. Good points! See above.

Name: misty scalise
Email: misty.scalise at cfisd.net
Subject: multi-family housing project
Neighborhood: cypress mill park
Opinion: I do not favor it
Date: Friday, March 05, 2004
Time: 11:59:36 AM
Comments
 

Name: Pete Tevlin
Email: whiteoaklanding at yahoo.com
Subject: Action needed!!
Neighborhood: White Oak Landing
Opinion: I do not favor it
Date: Friday, March 05, 2004
Time: 09:10:17 PM
Comments
Has anyone gotten letters of opposition from the elected officials on record at the property? This is the most pivotal piece. If we can get them to write letters of opposition (and speak against it) and we have a large turnout Wednesday (which it is pretty obvious that we will) we may be able to get the developer to recognize that this is not beneficial to this community or potential residents of the project.

Do you want to have an impact in repelling this project or just sign a sheet of paper and let someone else do everything (maybe nothing)? Take action NOW, take on one or some of the action items mentioned above, call or write and ask your elected officials if they'll write an opposition letter TODAY. Express your viewpoint on any or many of the good reasons for this not being built noted on this page and in the attachments. If one proposal is denied then the odds of others being proposed and passing are reduced. .

Thanks!  Pete

Name: Kim Tevlin
Email: whiteoaklanding at yahoo.com
Subject: Letter from Pinnacle Apartments L.P.
Neighborhood: White Oak Landing
Opinion: I'm adding new information
Date: Monday, March 08, 2004
Time: 10:09:04 AM
Comments
I received an overnight letter from Pinnacle Apartments L.P.:
RE: Proposed 248-unit apartment community for the elderly...

Name: Kim Tevlin
Email: whiteoaklanding at yahoo.com
Subject: Pinnacle Conversation notes
Neighborhood: White Oak Landing
Opinion: I'm adding new information
Date: Monday, March 08, 2004
Time: 01:35:00 PM
Comments
I called Robbye Meyer at TDHCA to ask about this letter. She said that she hasn't received a revised application from Pinnacle. They are free to change their application before the March 15th deadline. I asked if she does receive one to please bring it to the meeting Wednesday night. She said she would.

I called the Pinnacle Apartments L.P. office (who sent me this letter) asking for J. Steve Ford, who was busy, so I asked for Robert Henson who was in a meeting. I finally spoke to Jana Daniel and she looked it up and said the "for the elderly" text was an error. It came from the text on a previous letter she was writing that was regarding a different development. She'll send me a corrected letter; I'll post it when it arrives.

We discussed these other differences between the original Bond application and the letters we received 3-8 & 3-10:

Jana explained that the difference in rent amounts is because new figures for median income for the area are released every March calling for revision. These amounts are not set by Pinnacle, but buy the HUD published median income rent restrictions.

The differences in number of unit ratio is because in doing their studies the saturation of 1 & 2 bedrooms is greater than the 3 bedroom so it was changed based on the needs of the area.

Kim: I stated our opposition because of the schools being filled, there is no public transportation to Huffmeister and there are many apartments being built in this area already.

Jana: The schools generally do not experience a great increase because of these properties because people move from the area homes into the apartments so the numbers may shift but won't necessarily increase.

I (Kim) didn't have the presence of mind to challenge this statement, perhaps we can ask at the public meeting.

Jana: Many of our properties are on bus lines but the prospective residents will have vehicles. There are many restaurants and a mall in the area - there's much retail that can hire the residents. They are trying to provide good quality housing for people who don't make as money as more fortunate people.

Kim: I asked how long they will maintain the property, can we expect junk cars and the like?

Jana said they are long term holds - 30 years - the developer is in there for the long haul. They have never sold one of their communities, we cannot even sell the property until 20 years pass. We maintain the same standards as conventional housing. Look at our properties, Quail Chase is 5 years old. We oversee the management companies we use to manage the properties and have contracts with towing companies who sticker, for example if there are abandoned cars. We get right on it. Conventional properties may also have a car on jacks but the question is how quickly do we respond. We respond just as quickly if not more quickly that others do. We maintain our properties and keep them from becoming unsightly. We don't build a product like that or manage that type of community.

We take care of these communities as if we are going to live there. I am in charge of maintaining the asset and I monitor drive them day and night, I walk the properties and see that they are kept up.

These are not like conventional where they build it quick and poorly then turn them - only in it for the money. We hold them so we build a good product.

Go visit any of our communities and see a unit that has been vacated and is open for rent. It is fully cleaned and prepared like new condition for the next resident. We are there to maintain the asset.

Kim: I asked what the value of the property is expected to be when it is complete (the bond request is for 15 million dollars).

Jana: I do not have this information, but it will be available at the meeting.

People are afraid of the "affordable" word but it's not necessarily a negative thing. Just because someone makes $25-35K doesn't mean they won't make a good neighbor. They have to follow strict guidelines and if they don't we ask them to move.  We are not there to ignore things. Drive our properties, they are in good condition and well maintained.

I apologize for the error in the letter. I'll send a correction. I'll be at the meeting Wednesday. I invite anyone concerned with this property to please call me and discuss it. 713-334-5514.

Kim: I thanked her for the information.

Name: Kim Tevlin
Email: whiteoaklanding at yahoo.com
Subject: New Letter from Pinnacle Apartments L.P.
Neighborhood: White Oak Landing
Opinion: I'm adding new information
Date: Wednesday, March 10, 2004
Time: 02:04:54 AM
Comments:
I received a revised letter from Pinnacle. It's rates seemed to go up but actually the utility allowance amount went down so the net increased! See table above and see full letter attached PDF

Name: Kim Tevlin
Email: whiteoaklanding at yahoo.com
Subject: New Letter from Pinnacle Apartments L.P.
Neighborhood: White Oak Landing
Opinion: I'm adding new information
Date: Thursday, March 11, 2004
Time: 011:14:24 AM
Comments: I sent an email to Pinnacle/Sally Gaskin at the address on their meeting handout. It bounced so I dug up a different email address that worked, She replied with two emails and neither answered the questions I had asked but promised to do so soon:

Date: 3/11/2004 11:12:12 -0600
From: "Sally Gaskin" 
CC: pinnacle@rresford.com
Subject: RE: Pinnacle Apartment Public Meeting Feedback & Questions

Kim,

I don’t understand why your email to pinnacle at rresford.com bounced back last night. That is a new email address that we recently set up for this project. However, we have tested it and have had no problems receiving emails. Please try it again and let me know if you are still experiencing problems.

I am preparing a response to the questions you have posed which should be coming to you soon. However, I wanted to respond to the issue of the email address immediately. Also, I want to thank you and Pete for staying after the meeting last night to talk with us. We sincerely want the opportunity to work with the community to provide a more indepth look at our commitment to quality developments and long-term community partnership. We feel the best way to do that is not to "tell" about that commitment, but to show you what we have done and let you make your own conclusions. We may not have handled the situation last night in the best possible way, we are learning through this process as well. However, we are sincerely interested in providing you and the community with as much information as you desire. In addition, we will meet with you individually or in groups at your convenience.

As I mentioned in our recent telephone conversation, I am working on a more detailed response to the questions you posed in your email, however, I wanted to get this brief response out. Please do not hesitate to contact me.

Thank you,
Sally Gaskin
Office: 713-334-5514
Cell: 713-882-3233

Date: 3/11/2004 18:33:39 -0600
From: "Sally Gaskin"
To: "Kim"
Subject: List of affordable apartment complexes developed by Dwayne Henson & Steve Ford: The list

Name: Chris Edwards
Email: cnedwards56 at hotmail.com
Subject: I oppose it!!!
Neighborhood: Tower Oaks Meadows
Opinion: I do not favor it
Date: Friday, March 12, 2004
Time: 02:20:46 PM
Comments
Just wanted to show my opposition to the plan. I have written my representatives. Let me know if there is anything else I can do.

Name: Kim Tevlin
Email: whiteoaklanding at yahoo.com
Subject: A New Letter from Pinnacle Apartments L.P.
Neighborhood: White Oak Landing
Opinion: I'm adding new information
Date: Saturday, March 13, 2004
Time: 02:04:54 AM
Comments: I received a response letter from Pinnacle (to the questions I sent them on the 10th). In addition to answering the questions I posed i.e. Steve Ford explains their reluctance to speak at the public meeting.
Click here to read it.

Name: Kim Tevlin
Email: whiteoaklanding at yahoo.com
Subject: A invitation from Pinnacle Apartments L.P.
Neighborhood: White Oak Landing
Opinion: I'm adding new information
Date: Monday, March 15, 2004
Time: 09:02:14 AM
Comments: I received an invitation letter for everyone in the area from Pinnacle to visit an open house at Sugar Creek apts. Tuesday evening:

From: J Daniel
Sent: Sunday, March 14, 2004 7:51 PM
To: whiteoaklanding at yahoo.com
Subject: Open House Invitation - Pinnacle Apartment

We would like for the community to visit our neighboring community to see first hand the type of property, amenities and community services our properties offer to the community. Would you please circulate the attached invitation on your website.

Thank you,

Jana Daniel Asset Manager H.F.I. Management 713-334-5514 713-334-5614   EMAIL: jana at rresford.com

Read the invitation here: PDF | DOC

Name: Bryan Nickel
Email: accordtdn at excite.com
Subject: Oppose Community Apartment
Neighborhood: White Oak Landing
Opinion: I do not favor it
Date: Tuesday, March 23, 2004
Time: 06:17:49 PM

Comments

I have read all the comments posted by each individuals and the opinions on pinnacle developments. I truly appreciate all of those who are taking the time and effort to fight against the community apartment development. Your work does not go unseen or unheard. Continue your fight for what is right, both for our neigborhoods and our residents. I support you guys all the way.

Name: Shawn & Christina Osburn
Email: christinaosburn at yahoo.com
Subject: Pinnacle Proposal Opposition
Neighborhood: White Oak Springs
Opinion: I do not favor it
Date: Thursday, March 25, 2004
Time: 01:55:40 PM

Comments

My husband and I both attended the meeting and mailed letters to all representatives on March 16th. I have not heard anything back yet but urge each of you to tell your neighors to write their letters. Thanks to the Tevlin's for putting the wealth of information together for us. The templates really helped. I have also emailed my sample letter. Thanks! Christina Osburn 14011 White Oak Gardens Drive Cypress, TX 77429 832-237-4661 (home) 713-297-7085 (work)

Name: Chuck and Amy Ridley
Email: aehastings at yahoo.com
Subject: Housing Project
Neighborhood: White Oak Landing
Opinion: I do not favor it
Date: Sunday, March 28, 2004
Time: 06:58:05 PM

Comments

Name: Lewis Hill
Email: lewis.hill at sbcglobal.net
Subject: Pinnacle Apartments
Neighborhood: Ravensway
Opinion: I do not favor it
Date: Saturday, May 15, 2004
Time: 01:10:08 AM

Comments

I am the president of the Ravensway Saracen Park Home Association and happy to say through the boy scouts have become friends with Pete and Kim Tevlin. I went to Austin to comment to the TDHCA board partly due to our neighborhood concerns and partly becasue I knew Pete was obligated elsewhere and could not go. If you don't know how much Pete and Kim have done to keep this developement out you should know it has been a ton of work. I commend them. I am going to post here part of my article for our community newsletter On the 13th of May I went to the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs board meeting in Austin. One purpose of the meeting was to decide the fate of the low-income apartments on Huffmeister. Our state representative Corbin Van Arsdale appeared in person to voice his opposition. After 2 hours of other business they got to the section where they would go over the different Apartments they were going to approve. The first two complexes one in Houston and one in Plano were passed after about two minutes of discussion. Neither of these had any opposition, both had letters of support from different state representatives. Next was the Pinnacle apartment group. When I signed up for my turn to speak the secretary told me there were 12 other people signed up to speak. I was fired up for surely these would mostly be opposing speakers. So you can imagine my extreme disappointment to find it was 12 for the project and myself the lonely opposition. The women from the board described the property and listed the numerous letters of opposition and made reference to Mr. Van Arsdales comments of the morning. I was allowed to speak, I made a point to mention all the different concerns. The one main point I made was that on Huffmeister within a 1 ½ mile radius of the proposed site there are 900+ apartment units in 4 different complexes. Of these 3 take the section 8 program which is for low income subsidies. And only about 250 to 300 of these apartments are occupied leaving 600 to 650 vacant. In the board action request the TDHCA staff said that there are within walking distance of the site major shopping and employment opportunities. I pointed out to the board that this was not true and as I had previously stated there is no public transportation or even sidewalks on Huffmeister. Further more the closest grocery store was over a mile and this same grocery store was the biggest employer in the immediate area. In addition there are no medical facilities or clothing type of stores any where on Huffmeister. I also told them that young adults who have grown up in the area are currently holding the service level jobs the residents of the Pinnacle would work at. After I spoke the Developer was up next he told them that the meeting at Millsap had turned in to a lynch mob and it had to be shut down. This was not the case a total lie the meeting ended normally. He told them that although the Cy- Fair School Board had been neutral until last week when they signed a contract to provide programs at Pinnacle so they now supported the project. If this is true we need to elect new School board members. As a matter of fact we have a School board member who lives in Ravensway, be sure to thank that member when you see them. The developer brought in finance people and engineers and even a tenant of one of their developments. The tenant was a real tear jerker he told how he and his wife and two kids one of whom had cerebral palsy had been given the opportunity for a decent place to live due to the developer. Any way long story short on of the members of the THDCA board a Shadrick Bognay who supposedly lives in Missouri City. Started spouting off about how he had personally walked to property and it was a wonderful site and how dare the opposition to say that the residents who not have cars. That the opposition was trying to keep lower income people from having a reasonable place to live and there were tons of jobs in the area. Then the board voted and it was 7 to none to approve the project. I was so mad I couldn’t see straight. These people who are appointed by the governor had the audacity to sit there and tell us how to run our community. The more I thought about it the madder I got, but not at the TDHCA because you can’t get mad at ignorance. But mad at our elected officials who turned a deaf ear to the constitutes who voted them in office. There were literally thousands of petition signature and a bunch of letters and emails and faxes and Corbin Van Arsdale a state representative who came and spoke against it. Where was Steve Raddick? Where was Jon Lindsey? Where was the Cyfair School Board? They could care less! I say vote them out of office! America is a great place to live, these elected officials are there to serve us. When they forget how they got there it is time for them to go away.

Name: Danny R. Wesolick
Email: dlcmwes at  yahoo.com
Subject: Developers Comments....
Neighborhood: Ravensway
Opinion: I do not favor it
Date: Tuesday, May 18, 2004
Time: 10:54:32 AM

Comments

Regarding the Developers comments:( i.e school over crowding) and the comment made by the developer "Steve whats his name". It is easy for you to have the answers and you have done this many many times before. I am very surprised that the voices heard by the people in the meeting from our community at Millsap on 3-10 and in this community were not considered. No doubt in my mind exists that there was overwhelming opposition to this project from the second the sign was put up on Huffmeister.

I found it strange that during this meeting, an open forum, the developer did not speak to the people to answer the questions presented. Only a clerical person I believe from the developer spoke very very briefly at this meeting. In hindsite, I believe the forum was a waste of time with no response to questions from the developer. The conclusion was that he would answer questions only in writing from the forum. Our voice was not heard and I strongly criticize those who voted for this development.

It's easy to cast a vote when it's not your neighborhood. In conclusion, why was the Pinnacle plan passed when so many strongly opposed it ? My conclusion is that it is not possible that this communities voice was considered.

Name: Christina & Shawn Osburn
Email: christinaosburn at yahoo.com
Subject: One last chance
Neighborhood: White Oak Springs
Opinion: I do not favor it
Date: Tuesday, May 18, 2004
Time: 10:16:01 PM

Comments

I want to first of all thank the Tevlin's for their tireless efforts to stop the Pinnacle apartments. I benefited from their time well spent and used the letter templates. I finally received about 6 response letters out of 26 mailed. Most were responses stating that they could do noting for me and pointed me to TDHCA for assistance. I was so releived when Mr. Van Arsdale said he was on our side! The last response received was on May 17th from the Cy Fair ISD who claimed a nuetral position but thanked me for my input. Their letter was received 2 days AFTER the proposal was approved. My letters were mailed in March! How long does it take to respond to a letter? How many letters of opposition were responded to AFTER the approval? I also received a letter from Governor Rick Perry who acknowledged my concerns and CC'd TDHCA requesting them to investigate my concerns and respond back to me and Mr. Perry. I never received a response from TDHCA. Regarding the meeting held downtown on April 21st - I emailed a letter to the person in charge at the TDHCA and indicated that I wanted my opposition noted at the meeting. I stressed that a 6:30pm meeting downtown for someone who works 8:30am to 5:30pm off the Beltway & Briar Forest with daycare closing at 6:30pm in Cypress was difficult to attend on those of us who work hard to pay for our current homes. I never received a response to my email. I had Lasic surgery on May 7th and was not able to attend the meeting in Austin. Thank you Mr. Hill for going to bat for everyone. After reading your letter, I can not wait to vote. The one thing that I have a question about and what might be our last chance is - has anyone brought up wildlife issues to save the land? There are deer, birds and other animals on the land who will be forced out. I have seen deer that have been hit at the entrace of White Oak Springs so I know they are in there. I read that there is an appeals process so maybe this could be our last chance. I am willing to help out in any way possible.

Name:
Email:
Subject:
Neighborhood: White Oak Landing
Opinion: I favor it
Date: Monday, October 18, 2004
Time: 09:06:50 AM

Comments

Name: teresa
Email: babysavannag18@yahoo.com
Subject: section 8 housing
Neighborhood: White Oak Landing
Opinion: I'm just seeking information
Date: Thursday, February 17, 2005
Time: 03:46:58 PM

Comments

My name is Teresa Escobar and I am looking for information about section 8.Would you please contact me at my email sight and tell me about any information you in oak cliff.If there is a number I can call.

Name: Pete Tevlin
Email:
Subject: Here's a link to the new 5/05 QCP guidelines
Neighborhood: White Oak Landing
Opinion: I'm adding new information
Date: Tuesday, June 07, 2005
Time: 02:36:18 PM

Comments

http://www.tdhca.state.tx.us/pdf/lihtc/04-QCPPacket.pdf

Name: KenS
Email: ksr49@sbcglobal.net
Subject: TDHCA problems
Neighborhood: Westbourne, Caynon Gate & Northpoint east
Opinion: I'm adding new information
Date: Wednesday, August 10, 2005
Time: 02:50:18 PM

Comments

You are not alone folks, we are also fighting a TDHCA project in Van Arsdales district, a project we call the WCA or Willow Creek Apartments. We beat the TDHCA board and the developer on the notification issue once just to have him reapply again May the 4th of this year. Many of us believe that the timing of the reapplication was due in large part to the TDHCA board’s cozy board/developer relationship! Regardless of the cause, we will continue the current fight until we beat them a second, third and fourth time if necessary! Remember this: Conmen and shysters always profit, when honest people of good faith do nothing! Please check our webpage www.oppose-wca.com for a heads up on our past activities.

YOU should add your own thoughts, actions and comments to this page!

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5-13-04 - Are you looking down here for the writings of others who share your upset over approval of the project? You should realize that the time for you to have taken action was previous to today, not just browsing to see what everyone else (very few) were doing!

Kim and I personally put in a ton of time and effort on this issue, but we apparently couldn't do enough to overcome the enormous bureaucracy of this department of our government and the developers who know and operate the system. We sincerely appreciate the voices and offers of support and appreciation by a few folks and learned a lot in the process!

If you really cared about this issue and took the time to write your elected officials, write them again and express your disappointment with their inaction (except Corbin; do write to thank him!). If you didn't act or only signed a petition then sat back to watch, give yourself partial credit for the project's approval and look forward to approval of the other five or six  proposed projects along the Huffmeister corridor.

There may still be something you can do in the future; the TDHCA has an appeals process to protest the vote and we welcome anyone to take it on. You could also express your dissatisfaction at the polls!

Well, on with our lives again!

Pete & Kim Tevlin

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