One last step for Ashby Highrise

I've long thought that the Ashby highrise would eventually get built, on the grounds that there really isn't anything the city can do to stop it. Via Swamplot, I see that the developers are now almost through the permitting process.

Having cleared six of seven departmental reviews, dating back [to] July 30, the project only lacks clearance from Public Works and Engineering's traffic section.

Developer Matthew Morgan, of Buckhead Investment Partners, said Thursday the four remaining traffic-related concerns will be addressed, and plans will likely be sent back to the city within a week to 10 days.

At which point, the only unresolved issue would be whether or not someone files a lawsuit to stop the project. Which I believe they'd lose, but it could certainly drag things out for a few years.

Morgan said the acceptance of the structural plans meant, in part, "The city is holding true to its promise that it's not going to regulate building height."

And I continue to believe that the city needs to address this issue for the future. Whether you believe the Ashby development is a good one or an abomination, a comprehensive review of the city's form-based codes is long overdue.

Posted by Charles Kuffner on July 07, 2008 to Elsewhere in Houston