Chesapeake Continues “Improving Our Neighborhoods” for the TCU Gas Well Pipeline
by Steve Smith
Another day, another house.
This is another house along the route of the TCU pipeline. It’s at 3500 South Drive. When I drove by and took some pictures tonight, I wasn’t sure if this house was part of the pipeline “improvements” to the neighborhood, so I asked a neighbor. He told me that when he spoke to the fire marshal during the demolition, the fire marshal said that the house was being razed “because of extensive mold damage.” However, a search of the Tarrant Appraisal District website reveals that 3500 South Drive is owned by Texas Midstream Gas Services LLC, Chesapeake Energy’s pipeline company. I’m doubting the mold damage claim, but it sounds better than, “Chesapeake and TCU are tearing down houses in your neighborhood for their gas pipeline.”
Great. When you can’t trust a fireman to tell you the truth, isn’t that a sign of the apocalypse? And Wendy Davis isn’t allowed to comment.
Here’s what 3500 South looked like before.
So, I got to wondering … how much property does Texas Midstream own? I found a list of 30 properties in a TAD search, including single family addresses at 3500 South Drive, 213 E Northside Drive, 3725 Stanley Avenue and 3547 South Hills Drive (yesterday’s house). Of course, there’s also a property along 8th Avenue.
Here’s the full list:
In other pipeline news, I heard yesterday that Jerre Horton, the elderly woman who has been resisting Chesapeake and Midstream’s efforts to take her property for its gas pipeline, has been served with eminent domain notice on her property.
Tags: Barnett Shale, Chesapeake Energy, pipelines, TCU, Texas Midstream
7 Comments, Comments or Pings
John Huffman
Yes,
I’d seen the South Hills property on Monday morning; by noon a bulldozer had leveled it. I’d photoed the South Drive property yesterday morning (standing). I see know the same bulldozer has struck. Nothing else would bring a house down that fast and leave such a pile of rubble.
Tonight, the pipeline folks are spreading grass sod out on the South Hills lot, and laying out what looks like a perimeter underground watering system?
Jul 23rd, 2008
sirius_girl
wonder how the new “neighbors” investment will affect the value of homes next to and surrounding these holes in the neighborhood?
Any news on how homeowners insurance policies will be affected?
Jul 24th, 2008
chris
What you next need to focus your attention on is the word circulating among real estate circles that Chesapeake has bought several properties along the Trinity River – just north of the Homestead Village hotel, and behind Old South/Denny’s, and Macaroni Grill. If true, what could they POSSIBLY want that land for? A drill site? Hmmm – could they reach their leased property under Baylor All Saints from there, and not have to mess with the 8th Avenue property any more? Will trees once again have to be felled for their rigs – like across the river from Colonial? I wonder if Chesapeake will answer any of these questions. Nah
Jul 24th, 2008
Adam S.
It amazes me the ends the oil/gas companies go to get this gas that’s in the ground. They wouldn’t go through this if the payoff wasn’t go great. That’s what people and groups need to remember when/if they sign a lease.
Jul 24th, 2008
FrankX
I thought all the neighborhoods unanimously voted “NO!” before the big City Council showdown?
Are they now supposed to withdraw the vote & respond to threats & bribes?
Is this how the Ft Worth City Council operates?
Jul 25th, 2008
Suzette
Just a side note about the “No Trespassing” sign you see in the picture….doesn’t really mean much so feel free to cross the line if you feel the urge. FWPD must issue written warning and can only do that if they (the police officer) actually hear and personally witness the “OWNER” of the property ask that you (personally) not return to the property.
Jul 26th, 2008
Ben
It appears the neighborhood associations are the ones changing their votes not the City Council. I wonder if the reaction would be different if the landowners that were asked to sign waivers had been the ones that were bought off.
Jul 26th, 2008
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