Thanksgiving 2013

Thankful for those who are working today. Who will be protecting our freedom. Who will be caring for the sick. Who will be feeding those in need. Those who will be sacrificing part, if not all, of their day away from loved ones. Thank you!

November 27, 2013

One of many vacant houses in town and let's face it an eye sore...

November 26, 2013

Driving around Commerce, it is not hard to believe that according to the 2010 Census: 17.3% of the Housing Units in Commerce are vacant. 

State of Texas Average: 10.6%

November 25, 2013

I said this blog would also have the strange, odd and unusual.  THE UNUSUAL...

I have tried to pay attention to the things that go on in our City government for the past 15 years. Something I've never seen:

A City Council Workshop held at a private residence.

It was held on November 15, 2013 (a Friday evening at 5:30) and was to discuss tourism and city events. Click Here for the Notice.

How many people knew of the workshop? Never in paper; never to my knowledge promoted by the Commerce Tourism Director even though when hired by the City of Commerce she said: “I’m here to bring new excitement and new events for Commerce. I want to have more involvement from citizens and seniors to help make the city a place where people want to live and play.”

If the majority of Commerce doesn't know of the meeting, how can you have “more involvement?”

November 22, 2013

I believe as a real estate agent I should advocate for property rights.

One of those rights, I believe, is for the value of property to be protected.

I believe governments feel the same way. This is part of the reason why they adopt building codes, zoning ordinances and various other rules and regulations.  But what can happen when those codes and ordinances are not followed or routinely enforced? Houses get run down. Neighborhoods run down. Property values decrease.  

And to off set the decrease in property tax revenue due to the declining values, we see increases the property tax rate in an effort to make up the difference. 

Case in point, the property tax rate in Commerce has gone up almost 40% in 10 years.

November 21, 2013

Unfortunately, for everyone who has to attend a funeral service at Rosemound Cemetery or go for a visit, they have to pass this property.

November 20, 2013

Commerce Journal from July 2013: "In an effort to make Commerce more presentable, a new ordinance will prohibit residents from parking in their front lawns".

I guess these folks missed that edition of the paper.

November 19, 2013

Now I may get in trouble with higher powers to point out an abandoned church building but it is what it is...

To see it in person really makes one wonder how it is allowed to still be there.

Oops, but then again the City took ownership through a Constable's Deed in March 2013.

November 18, 2013

Commerce City Manager Marc Clayton "Our stance on code enforcement is that we enforce all the codes in Commerce."

Code of Ordinances City of Commerce, Texas

Sec. 38-101. - Attributes of dangerous buildings.

Any building or structure which has any or all of the conditions or defects described in this section shall be deemed to be a dangerous building, provided that such conditions or defects exist to the extent that the life, health, property, welfare, or safety of the public or its occupants are endangered or adversely affected:

(15) Whenever a building or structure, used or intended to be used for dwelling purposes, because of inadequate maintenance, dilapidation, decay, damage, faulty construction or arrangement, inadequate light, air or sanitation facilities, or otherwise, is determined to be unsanitary, unfit for human habitation or in such a condition that is likely to cause sickness or disease.

QUESTION: WOULD YOU LIKE TO GUESS WHO OWNS THIS PROPERTY?

ANSWER: THE CITY OF COMMERCE

CLICK FOR: Ownership Record

Of course the City has only been the owner of record for 13+ years. Busted out windows; Home not secure;Dilapidated; Etc.