Preserving Our WeHo: A Long-Time Resident's Perspective on the Martin+Merritt Development
Submitted by Shirlitha Stanley, Wedgewood Houston
Martin & Merritt Community Meetings = 0/10
As someone who has called Merritt and Pillow streets home for three decades, I've witnessed the evolution of Wedgewood Houston from a quiet residential area to the increasingly dense urban neighborhood it is becoming today. While change is inevitable, I feel compelled to share my concerns about the proposed Martin+Merritt development, particularly the hotel component that many longtime residents find troubling.
The Character of Our Neighborhood
For thirty years, I've valued the residential character of WeHo. Our neighborhood has traditionally been a place where neighbors know each other, where families put down roots, and where community connections matter. While I appreciate the recent growth and new amenities, I believe we must carefully consider what types of development truly belong here.
Hotels Don't Belong in Residential Areas
The proposed hotel at the Martin+Merritt development raises serious concerns for many of us who have lived here for decades:
Inappropriate Zoning: Hotels belong in commercial areas with appropriate infrastructure and space. WeHo is primarily residential with some mixed-use elements, but lacks the commercial infrastructure needed for hotel operations.
Traffic Congestion: Our streets already serve as thoroughfares for commuters traveling to and from work. Adding a hotel would significantly increase traffic volume on streets that weren't designed for such capacity.
Community Safety Concerns: A constant flow of strangers coming and going changes the fabric of a neighborhood where residents currently recognize and look out for one another.
We're Already Carrying Our Share of Density
Wedgewood Houston has already absorbed significant density increases in recent years:
● Multiple apartment complexes have been built
● Single-family homes have been replaced with duplexes and triplexes
● The overall population density has increased dramatically
While some development is understandable, our neighborhood has already taken on considerable density. At what point do we acknowledge that we've reached our capacity?
What WeHo Really Needs
Instead of another development that increases density and traffic, what our neighborhood truly needs is:
Green Space: We desperately need more grass, trees, and natural areas where residents can gather, children can play, and everyone can enjoy fresh air.
Better Infrastructure: Our existing sidewalks are insufficient for the current population. We need more pedestrian-friendly infrastructure, safe bike paths, and playgrounds for families.
Community-Centered Development: Any new development should prioritize the needs of existing residents first, with thoughtful consideration of how it will impact those who have invested their lives in this community.
Finding a Middle Ground
I understand that the current site needs improvement. The former trailer park with its barbed wire fence is not what anyone wants to see in our neighborhood. However, we shouldn't feel pressured to accept any development proposal just because it's better than what currently exists.
I urge Council Member Vo, Metro Planning, and my fellow neighbors to consider:
● Requiring developers to include substantial green space in any proposal
● Prioritizing infrastructure improvements that benefit existing residents
● Reconsidering the hotel element in favor of something that better serves the neighborhood's needs
● Listening carefully to those who have invested decades in this community
A Voice for Long-Term Residents
As WeHo continues to evolve, longtime residents need to be heard. Our institutional knowledge of the neighborhood, our understanding of its traffic patterns, drainage issues, and community needs should carry significant weight in these discussions.
Development doesn't have to be adversarial. With thoughtful planning that respects both the neighborhood's history and its future, we can find solutions that truly enhance WeHo rather than fundamentally altering its character.
Profile: Shirlitha S. has been a proud resident of the Wedgewood Houston District for over 30 years. Throughout her time in the community, she has passionately advocated for responsible development initiatives that not only honor and preserve the unique character of the neighborhood but also address the crucial infrastructure needs of its residents.
