As much as Houston has tried to eradicate them, pockets of history still survive. The Sixth Ward claims to be the city's oldest continually inhabited neighborhood and showcases a large number of older homes, some in good condition, some not. The area has a character unique in the city and some of its residents have organized to preserve that character.
But it's proximity to downtown has made it attractive to newer residents who would rather tear the older structures down--or remove them elsewhere--and build from scratch. These individuals have also organized to fight for their freedom to do with their property as they see fit. The character of the community is less important than their individual freedom.
The groups in question are The Old Sixth Ward Neighborhood Association and the Sixth Ward Property Owners Association. The former is fighting to preserve the older homes in the neighborhood while the other opposes it.
It's a classic confrontation, and one that has played itself out in Houston--a free enterprise city--for decades, if not since its inception.
Some related items:
- Ban on demolition in Old Sixth Ward could be permanent.
- The Sixth Ward and the Planning Commission.
- Preservation Sanity
- Houston, Yes!
