Latest on Norhill’s design guidelines, and the Trader Joe’s rumor? Plus some silly Halloween decor around the Heights🎃

Howdy! Anyone else SO excited for this cold front coming through at the end of the week? Our meteorologists are tracking the temps, and I am so excited. As always, we’ve got your weather coverage, here.

Meanwhile in the Heights, I’ve got a mix of updates for you this week, from a new development in the Norhill historic district guidelines to a local Halloween display supporting a great cause. I’m also looking into a couple of neighborhood issues after hearing from residents.

Here’s what’s on my radar!

🏛️ Norhill: What do the city’s latest design guidelines say?

If you’ve been following the debate over Norhill’s updated historic district design guidelines, there was a new draft to look at late last week, and some of the proposed changes could make a real difference for homeowners planning renovations or additions.

A quick refresher: In August, the Houston Archaeological and Historical Commission (HAHC) rescinded its earlier approval of the guidelines and sent them back for more work by members of a two person committee. The City now released a revised draft covering everything from garages and backyard structures to two-story additions and roof designs.

So what changed? Well, in the latest draft, the basic limit on how much you can build hasn’t changed, but what counts toward that limit could. Plus, two-story additions could also have more flexibility. And at the center of the debate is a balancing act: How much freedom should homeowners have to expand or update their houses while preserving Norhill’s historic character? More details here.

There are also questions about the process used to revise the guidelines, including whether residents should have been allowed to observe meetings of the two-member committee working on the changes.

That’s why last week, HAHC commission member Josh Brodbeck filed a complaint with the OIG and the City Controller about those concerns.

And what happened at Thursday’s meeting?

At the meeting on Thursday, the commission got an update on the draft but didn’t vote on anything, and the guidelines are still not final. The two commissioners said the document is a work in progress and that parts of the current draft won’t make it into the final version. The biggest sticking point was garage space. Some commissioners worry that exempting a garage and any space above it from the 2,300-square-foot limit would let houses end up much bigger than the cap suggests, while others read the June approval as exempting the whole garage. Most residents who spoke asked the commission to go back to the June version, saying the new draft goes beyond cleanup. The committee plans to bring its recommendations back as a package in November, along with new survey results and public comments, and individual items would be voted on after that……… so… we forge on.

🏀 Should the basketball hoops at Proctor Park come back?

I’ve heard from the gal running the “Norhill Nets & Neighbors” Instagram account, who is working to restore the basketball hoops at Proctor Park. She is gathering petition signatures and has spoken with Council Member Mario Castillo’s office. I’m still learning more about what happened, why they were taken down, and what it would take to bring the hoops back. Is this something you’d like me to dig into? If you use the park, remember the hoops or know more about the situation, send me a message. I’d love to hear from you.

🌳 What happened at Harvard Elementary?

I also heard from someone over the weekend about a landscaping project funded by the Harvard Elementary PTA.

According to the information shared with me, equipment worth more than $2,000 was stolen from the crew while the project was underway.

I’m working to learn more, including what happened and how the project may be affected. If you’re a Harvard parent or involved with the PTA and know more, I’d love to hear from you— more to come on this.

Some fun Halloween themed mentions…

🎃 A spooky twist on a familiar sight in the Heights

Someone on W. 16th Street understood the assignment. 😂

With CenterPoint crews working on gas lines around the Heights, one resident decided to lean into spooky season and give the neighborhood a Halloween-themed take on a sight many of us have gotten used to seeing.

Because apparently, nothing says Halloween quite like a gas line project in your front yard. 💀

In all seriousness, gas line inspections and upgrades are part of the work happening around the neighborhood. But at least someone found a way to make the construction a little more entertaining! Just fun.

🏡 Norhill’s Bungalow & Garden Tour is coming up

If you’re looking for something to do this month, the Norhill Bungalow & Garden Tour is scheduled for October 17 and 18, from noon to 6 p.m.

The tour features six historic homes and two gardens, with proceeds benefiting the Norhill Neighborhood Association. Pretty unique way to be able to familiarize yourself with the unique history of the homes in the area.

You can find details and tickets through the Norhill Neighborhood Association’s website.

👀 Still wondering about Trader Joe’s in the Heights?

If you watched my reel, you know a map showing Trader Joe’s at the former Kroger site on W. 20th Street sparked plenty of questions. If you saw the image, then you know. Here’s the important distinction: Radom Capital, which shared the map, does not own Heights Plaza. That property belongs to Kimco Realty.

I reached out to Trader Joe’s, which told me:

“We are actively reviewing hundreds of neighborhoods across the country as potential locations for future stores. We only share information about locations where a Trader Joe’s store will open.”

The company hasn’t confirmed a Heights location.

Meanwhile, Kimco says it’s evaluating redevelopment opportunities at Heights Plaza, but it has no specific plans to share yet. Its financial materials list a proposed mixed-use development with 400 residential units and retail space, with more information expected in 2027.

So, is Trader Joe’s coming? We still don’t know. Redevelopment is being explored, but there’s no confirmed tenant announcement. For now, it’s a rumor, not a done deal.

Read my full breakdown here.

As always, if there’s something happening in your neighborhood that you think I should know about, reply to this email! These stories start with a message from one of you, and I’m grateful you keep sharing what you’re seeing.

Lastly, check out our Heights Hub for the very latest in ALL your Heights news.

Talk soon! ❤️