The article titled "Opposition Mounts to Ashby High Rise Controversy" by Ana Campoy discusses the heated argument and legal battle over a proposed 21 story apartment tower known as the Ashby High Rise in Houston Texas. The legal battle and opposition over this high rise is ongoing in a 7 year suit filed against developers by Houston residents living near the proposed development who argue that the Ashby High Rise has decreased their property values, and are entitled to compensation.
Houston is known for being the 4th largest city in the United States, but also for its non-existent zoning regulations throughout the city. The most recent ruling in this case has declared that neighbors are entitled to settlements totaling 1.2 million dollars for the inconvenience of high rise developments near their homes. This has put a strain on developers making it more difficult and limit their ability to build high rise complexes in a city with a rapidly expanding population. A jury last year sided with the neighbors saying that "the project would damage homes' foundations, invade privacy and increase traffic".
The Ashby case itself has brought up the point that Houston should reconsider whether zoning is appropriate in order to deter inevitable development controversies in the future. The article states:
"As Houston's skyline grows taller, they say, they are establishing measures to protect existing neighborhoods. The Ashby controversy prompted them to require a buffer zone of at least 30 feet between new structures 75 feet or higher and the property line of single-family homes."
Even though this idea seems plausible and beneficial to many, the mayor of Houston believes that it is too late to implement zoning laws in the city of Houston.
Being a Houston resident, I have seen protests and signs against the Ashby High Rise and I feel that the ruling to pay compensation to the residents is just and fair. I don't agree with the proposed implementation of zoning laws in Houston however, because I believe this is what makes the city of Houston itself unique compared to other segregated US cities and has been more beneficial than harmful to the city.
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