East End residents upset over utility poles in middle of sidewalks

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- A lot of residents in Houston's East End are upset right now. Millions of dollars were spent to improve sidewalks but now neighbors say they can't walk on one without running right into a utility pole.

The community improved the sidewalks while trying to make the most out of light rail construction, but then came the utility poles. Now the complaints are coming in from folks who live and work along Harrisburg Boulevard and the new East End light rail line.

The sidewalk in front of her family business is almost useful, Sandra Mayorquin says, except for the utility pole right in the middle.

"I don't like it. It's in the middle of the street, especially for people who are handicapped. How are thing going to go through the street," said Mayorquin.

It's a problem up and down Harrisburg Blvd. as poles are popping up like weeds in the middle of new sidewalks.

"We got 24 percent of our people handicapped, so we regularly see people in wheelchairs and scooters," said Diane Schenke, who runs the Greater East End Management District.

The district built the new sidewalks when METRO began constructing a new light rail line. Everyone was supposed to work together so the new Harrisburg can be a gateway to Houston's East End.

"We worked very closely with the Greater East End Management District and the community through our community advisory board, all the neighborhood folks, so a lot of the things you see out there are the product of that collaboration. But when it comes to the location of those poles, you've got to talk to CenterPoint about why they're there," said METRO CEO George Greanias.

We contacted CenterPoint Energy about the wayward poles. Late Wednesday afternoon, CenterPoint released a statement saying, "As developments take place, adjustments need to be made."

Schenke says CenterPoint told her the poles are legal because they give at least 32 inches of clearance on one side. But she points out just because it's legal, doesn't mean it makes sense.

"There may be a 32-inch clearance, but literally it's in the middle of the sidewalk," said

Even if the poles are in compliance, the people who live and work in this neighborhood say it's not making the area walkable and they would like more cooperation with those involved.

(Copyright ©2012 KTRK-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.) Get more Local »

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Fake utility worker shoots homeowner during robbery

  LEAGUE CITY, TX (KTRK) -- Police say a man impersonating a utility worker shot a homeowner during an aggravated robbery in an upscale League City neighborhood.

It happened Saturday morning at a home in the 2800 Block of Carrera Court in the Tuscan Lakes neighborhood.

According to officials, a man came to the home dressed as a construction worker, telling the homeowners he needed to come inside to check on the water pressure.

The homeowners allowed the man inside, but then they became suspicious and told him to leave.

A struggle ensued between the male homeowner and the suspect and the suspect shot the man in the leg, police said.

Officials said the suspect then fled the home and ran to a waiting vehicle. The getaway driver drove them away via Porta Rosa Lane.

The male victim was transported by Life Flight to Memorial Herman Hospital. Police said the gunshot wound appears to be non-life-threatening.

It was unclear if the gunman stole anything from the home.

The gunman is described as a white or light-skinned Latino male in his early 20s with a slender build and medium length dark hair. He was wearing a utility jacket, blue hat and a utility belt.

The getaway driver is also described as a white or light-skinned Latino male. He was driving a grey coupe with a trunk (not a hatchback), with lightly tinted windows, similar to a Honda Civic or Honda Accord. The car was also described as being about four to five years old.

Police are urging anyone who might have information about this case to contact Detective Hammann at 281-554-1819. League City police are also asking for anyone who lives in the area that has video surveillance that may have captured the incident to call the same number.

Police are reminding residents to check credentials and obtain verification from the employee's business office of any worker who shows up for an unscheduled appointment prior to allowing them inside the home. If residents have suspicions about whether or not a person has legitimate business at their home, they should immediately contact the police department.

According to Michael Huynh, City of League City Water Production Superintendent, water department employees will only be sent to a home to check on water pressure at the request of the homeowner. The city employee will then check the water pressure from the outside of the home. All city employees will be dressed in a city uniform to include a city logo and name on the shirt and will be driving a city vehicle with a city logo on the vehicle.

(Copyright ©2011 KTRK-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.) Get more Local »

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