Home Care In Center Point, TX

In the middle of Kerr County there is a quaint Texas town with a very appropriate name: Center Point, Texas. Primarily known as a getaway retreat and a hub for small manufacturing, the community has a colorful history to go along with its breathtaking scenery. Here are a few more things you might not know.

1. It Was Originally Named Zanzenburg

Photo: Flickr/Charlie McRae

When Dr. Charles Ganahl founded the town by opening and operating the post office out of his home, he thought of paying homage to his ancestral homeland and thus named the town Zanzenburg. As the area grew, with many residents migrating in from Tennessee, the post office was moved to a more central location and a community building was built. Because of the central location, the name was changed.

2. It Is Located Between Two Major Centers of Trade

Photo: Flickr/Bob Nelson

Another reason the community retained its name was also due to its location between two major centers of trade: Comfort and Kerrville. While Comfort and Kerrville were both bigger trade centers, Zanzenburg/Center Point established itself as a middle man between the two communities, providing essential trade necessities to both operations, and providing a good stopping point for businessmen travelling between the two.

3. Is One of the Largest Unincorporated Communities in Texas

Photo: Flickr/Richard Childress

As the community grew, citizens attempted to incorporate the town and become an official municipality. It seemed the only logical move. The first attempt was in 1913. Citizens voted. A mayor, city clerk, and health commissioner were appointed. Later that year, citizens voted to dissolve the incorporation. However, it’s said that the results of the referendum were not officially recorded and so the city continued to exist with the commission seats vacant. Fast forward to the mid-1990s: the people of Center Point successfully petitioned to hold an election to fill three seats on the city commission that the county attorney had deemed vacant, and they so reactivated the commission and the city. This hardy and welcoming Hill Country community is active today.

It’s a typical Sunday afternoon at a most atypical Texas Hill Country haunt—Dave’s Place in Center Point. An eclectic clientele of bikers, couples, tourists, and families has gathered to watch sports on TV, chow down on burgers and barbecue, sip cold beer, and wander through this funky hangout overlooking the Guadalupe River. Out front, rabbits scamper through the grass and a lone peacock struts about, preening its rainbow plumage before fluttering onto the metal roof.

Proprietor David John eyes the unfolding scene from a high-backed bar stool in the corner, exhorting new arrivals to “come on in, get a beer, and look around.” With thinning white hair and full beard framing a weathered, tanned visage, David looks like a wayward seafarer on shore leave.

The scent of oak-and-mesquite-smoked ribs, chicken, and brisket wafts in from the blackened smoker in the nearby courtyard. Back in the kitchen, David’s wife, Shelley, flips burgers and keeps the fryer busy with onion rings, sweet-potato fries, catfish, frog legs and shrimp, and an array of veggies.

A small sign in front of Dave’s Place advertises not only David’s Backdoor Pottery shop and Shelley’s catering business, but also “beer and ice, food, live bait, tube rentals, a bird aviary, a botanical garden, and wheel-thrown pottery and casting classes.” But that only skims the surface of what you’ll find here. What started as a modest, wood-frame studio and greenhouse has morphed into a rambling retreat.

Today’s visitor can wander from the front patio and restaurant area into the enclosed botanical gardens, peruse a row of outdoor cages populated by more than 100 different kinds of birds, including colorful macaws, chickens, and pigeons, and continue out back to the jukebox/pool-table room, shaded hillside decks, and stairs leading to the riverbank.

When Shelley began cooking at Dave’s Place, she expanded the menu and added daily specials like grilled rib eye, shrimp, English-style fish and chips, and pizzas featuring fresh ingredients.

What butters my bun at Dave’s is the chance to build my own burger. Choosing from a sideboard of fixin’s—ripe tomatoes, crisp lettuce, thinly-sliced sweet onions, and assorted condiments—I build my personal, all-star burger atop a lightly seasoned, griddle-cooked patty. The fries prove crisp and non-greasy, just as I like ’em.

On Sundays—barbecue time at Dave’s—I opt for a plate of succulent brisket and fall-off-the-bone baby back ribs served with well-prepared, not-overly-doctored potato salad and pinto beans.

Another visit finds me pigging out on a bison burger accompanied by sweet-potato fries. While the burger proves satisfying, it’s the semisweet, pumpkin-colored fries that carry the day.

“My intent was to have a little place where I could throw my pottery and sell a few beers because you can’t be artistic without people,” David confides. “If you don’t interact with people, you lose focus!”

In the past year, John has expanded his offerings to include a hot tub room with a deck overlooking the river, and bed & breakfast accommodations for those who wish to extend their stay. Occasionally on a Saturday night, Dave’s Place features live music. Stairs lead to the riverbank below, and a multilevel deck offers a fine sunset view.

Dave’s Place rents tubes for $8 a day, but it’s free to go swimming or fishing on the property, tour the botanical hothouse and grounds, or watch the sun set over the Guadalupe.

As the evening winds down, a group from Boerne who had spent the afternoon floating the Guadalupe, strolls through, all smiles.

”We drank some cold beer, floated for four hours, and ended up here for dinner;’ says one of the group, with a wide grin. ”What better day can you have than that?”

From the August 2009 issue

Electricity customers in Houston are about to see their bills increase after the state Public Utility Commission gave a green light for CenterPoint to increase its rates.

The increase comes as CenterPoint seeks to recoup $200 million in costs it incurred to to lease mobile generators which could produce 500 megawatts of emergency power during peak periods of demand. It was allowed to seek the rate increase in part because it backed a change in state law after the deadly blackouts in February 2021, and the prospect of the increase has raised hackles among consumer advocates.

Prior to the winter freeze in 2021, regulated transmission and distribution companies like CenterPoint were barred by Texas law from owning any power generation in the state. After the event, CenterPoint was among those that lobbied the legislature to pass a bill allowing transmission and distribution companies to lease and operate emergency power generation equipment. That law went into effect in September 2021.

RELATED: What to know about CenterPoint’s coming rate increase

With the law in place, CenterPoint asked the state’s Public Utility Commission to approve an increase to allow it to recover a number of costs, including those for the mobile generators.

It’s among the first cases in which the PUC has considered emergency generation in a transmission and distribution company’s rate base, the fixed monthly fee passed onto customers, and it gave the verbal OK in an open meeting on March 9. Commissioners are expected to sign the final order in the coming weeks.

Sandra Haverlah, president of the nonprofit advocacy group Texas Consumer Alliance, said every time a utility adds a cost to the rate base, there should be robust public engagement and significant analysis of alternatives, and CenterPoint’s lease of emergency mobile generators didn’t meet those standards.

RELATED: CenterPoint Energy to spend $200M to boost electricity infrastructure in Texas Medical Center

“This is a very questionable purchase by CenterPoint,” Haverlah said, “And to load it onto the consumers in their territory without a process where people could have feedback about the necessity of the item is pretty bold on the part of CenterPoint – and disappointing that the PUC has agreed to it.”

Under the law, CenterPoint is able to recover the cost of leasing and operating the emergency generation units, as well as 6.5 percent return on every dollar it spends on leasing, operating and maintaining the units.

Jason Ryan, the company’s executive vice president of regulatory services and government affairs, said the company worked with PUC staff to spread out the cost of the mobile generators over time so it would represent less than a $1 dollar increase of the rate base on monthly bills.

But consumer advocates said Texas utilities have been layering on costs gradually that add up to significant increases in bills for customers.

In September, CenterPoint began charging residential ratepayers on average an additional $11.45 per month for transmission and distribution costs. The fixed portion of the bill, which is separate from the per-kilowatt rate chosen through a retail electricity plan, now makes up around 40 percent of a customer's bill – a 10 percent jump from when the state’s electricity market design went into effect in 2002, according to state data.

Concerns were raised about the CenterPoint deal as soon as the company included it in the cost recovery request to the PUC in April of last year, but mostly through filings from trade groups and others who watch the electricity market closely. Haverlah said there’s a very slim window for the public to make comments, and it’s challenging for consumers to learn how that process even works.

Shortly after receiving the request, the PUC sent the case for review by an administrative hearing judge, who said the mobile generation units should not be included among costs that go into ratepayer bills. But the PUC is not bound to accept the judge’s opinion, and when the case was returned to it in January and discussed at its March meeting, commissioners voted to amend the judge's order and include the units.

RELATED: CenterPoint natural gas bills doubled since last year. Here's why.

Of the five PUC members, who are appointed by the governor, Commissioner James Glotfelty voted against the order.

“I think it was an easy way to put a couple hundred million dollars in the rate base and get recovery for it,” Glotfelty said. “And I think that's not in the best interest of consumers in the long run.”

The mobile units are meant to be used in emergencies, when customers are in jeopardy of going days without power because of an intense weather event, CenterPoint’s Ryan said.

Haverlah, with the Texas Consumer Association, said most Texans support increasing electricity reliability in the face of storms, but that CenterPoint rushed to purchase these units instead of engaging customers in the process. Now consumers will be paying for the units for years.

Ryan said he advocated for the law to allow companies like CenterPoint to own emergency mobile generation because it gives utilities another tool to guard against deadly power outages.

The company leased the units immediately after the law was signed, he said. “Nobody would have been impressed if that law had passed and we didn't have the assets, and a major event happened and we weren't ready.”

[email protected]

March 17, 2023

Former Energy Reporter

Kyra Buckley was an energy reporter for the Houston Chronicle.

Before joining the Chronicle’s business desk in April 2022, Kyra covered energy at Houston Public Media for two years. She previously worked at NPR member stations in Colorado and Oregon, and is a 2015 graduate from the University of Oregon in journalism and political science.

Montrose neighbors turn to ABC13 after a massive utility pole was installed by CenterPoint Energy in front of a home on Fairview and Park Street.

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- After months of searching for the perfect home, a homeowner in Montrose was excited to finally move into her first home with her husband -- that is, until a massive utility pole was placed almost directly in front of their house just two weeks after closing.

The massive pole is part of an ongoing project to upgrade transmission structures and enhance resiliency in the Montrose area, according to CenterPoint Energy.

However, residents do not understand why the giant poles have to be placed so close to their homes.

SEE ALSO: 5G towers appearing around Houston area has residents asking questions

"We saved a lot for this house and put a lot into this. It's upsetting they can do this," the homeowner said. "When they first poured the base, I said it's the size of a trampoline. It's huge. It clearly belongs on the side of a highway, not a neighborhood."

The homeowner, who wants to stay anonymous, said it has become an attraction in all the wrong ways.

"If I am inside, I can see them kind of stop if they are on a walk and take a look up and down," the homeowner said. "If I am outside, they will be, like, 'Do you own this house? I am so sorry.' Every single person apologizes, and I am like, I don't know what else to say at this point."

Her frustrations are shared with neighbors, who all worry about what this will do to property values in the neighborhood.

"They are a utility company, so they can do whatever they want, but what's it doing to the property values? This can't be good," Steve Wiese, a neighbor, said.

ABC13 got to the bottom of why this is allowed.

A spokesperson for CenterPoint said it is "conducting an electric system enhancement project in Montrose, which includes upgrading our transmission structures to enhance resiliency."

The structures are located in the City of Houston's road right-of-way, according to CenterPoint Energy.

SEE ALSO: CenterPoint Energy accreditation revoked after consumer complaints, Better Business Bureau says

This particular pole, at the intersection of Fairview and Park Street, is a self-supporting 90-degree structure that provides for the removal of five other electric poles and numerous guy wires, according to CenterPoint.

ABC13 also contacted the City of Houston to see whether the city could step in. A spokesperson also pointed to the fact that the State of Texas gives public utilities the right to construct equipment on public rights-of-way within neighborhoods (Sec. 181.042).

A spokesperson did acknowledge the City of Houston is aware of the pole and its impact on the community.

"We are investigating any enforcement actions that may be available to us, up to and including legal action against CenterPoint if we find a violation of any kind," a spokesperson for the Department of Administration and Regulatory Affairs said.

When asked why CenterPoint did not contact residents beforehand, a spokesperson said they are not required to.

In the statement, a spokesperson said, "The Public Utility Commission of Texas does not require utilities to file a certificate of convenience and necessity (CCN) for routine activities associated with transmission facilities such as upgrading to a higher voltage not greater than 230 kV, as was performed for this project (from 69kV to 138kV)."

However, the spokesperson did acknowledge the company should have, even if it were not required.

"We acknowledge that we should have engaged our neighbors about this pole. We will strive to ensure that such communications occur in the future," the spokesperson said.

SEE ALSO: CenterPoint fixes leaning power pole in southwest Houston neighborhood after Action 13 intervenes

Andy Abercrombie has lived on the same street since the early '80s. Abercrombie said he understands why the utility poles are important, especially with the February freeze still fresh on his mind.

"We made it through OK. Much better than other people had in the city, so to have someone like that in the city is helpful," Abercrombie said.

However, many residents still don't understand the reasoning for the utility poles having to be placed so close to their homes.

"I think that is everyone's question. Why does it have to be in front of a house?" the anonymous homeowner said. "Why can't it be outside the neighborhood? On the street. Not in front of all these houses? It clearly doesn't belong here."

The giant pole is not only an eyesore, but a safety hazard, some neighbors voiced.

"Anyone trying to cross Fairview, the problem is you just can't see to your left-hand side," Abercrombie said. "I think the solution would be to put one of those half-round mirrors, the ones that give you a 180-degree view, and then you would always be able to tell what is coming in that lane."

Amid the frustrations, construction continues, while some neighbors wonder if their homes will be next, fearing they clearly have no say in the matter.

"I just think this is a very important neighborhood in Houston," the anonymous homeowner said. "It's right in the heart of Houston. All these houses are historic for the most part if not very nice, newly built houses. It's just ruining the neighborhood."

Houston's Excessive Heat Watch comes as thousands of power outages have people without air conditioning searching for cooling centers this weekend.

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- Cooling centers are open for the public this weekend to beat the soaring temperatures as thousands of CenterPoint Energy customers are reported without power.

The City of Houston activated its Public Health Heat Emergency Plan on June 14 as the area began experiencing intense heat. But after severe wind storms hit Houston on Wednesday, some residents have been without power for three days now.

The National Weather Service predicts that weekend heat index values will even reach as high as 111. CenterPoint Energy reported 17,000 customers to be without air conditioning Saturday morning.

The cooling centers will be located in Houston libraries on Saturday and community centers, and multi-service centers on Sunday.

HOUSTON FORECAST: Rain chances moves out, intense heat moves in

Houstonians should also prepare for the heat by increasing water consumption, conducting outdoor work or exercise in the early morning or evening when temperatures aren't as high, and wearing light-colored, loose-fitting clothing that permits the evaporation of sweat. If you're attending Pride Houston events, The Houston Health Department urges you to take enough water.

On Saturday, Precinct 3 is opening the George H.W. Bush Community Center from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. with water and WiFi available.

Harris County and BakerRipley has partnered with American Red Cross to open an emergency shelter in northeast Harris County. The shelter located at BakerRipley, 3000 Aldine Mail Route Road will open at 2 p.m. Saturday, June 24. Red Cross workers are prepared to provide meals, a place to cool off and safe place to sleep.

Libraries available this weekend are listed below:

Acres Homes Library

8501 West Montgomery, Houston, TX 77088

Alief Regional Library

11903 Bellaire Blvd., Houston, TX 77072

Blue Ridge Library

7007 West Fugua, Houston, TX 77489

Carnegie Library

1050 Quitman, Houston, TX 77009

Central Library

500 McKinney, Houston, TX 77002

Clayton Library

5300 Caroline, Houston, TX 77004

Collier Regional Library

6200 Pinemont, Houston, TX 77092

Flores Library

110 North Milby, Houston, TX 77003

Frank Express Library

10103 Fondren, Houston, TX 77096 (inside Brays Oaks Towers)

Gregory Library

1300 Victor, Houston, TX 77019

Heights Library

1302 Heights Blvd., Houston, TX 77008

Hillendahl Library

2436 Gessner, Houston, TX 77080

HMRC Library

550 McKinney, Houston, TX 77002

Johnson Library

3517 Reed Rd, Houston, TX 77051

Jungman Library

5830 Westheimer, Houston, TX 77057

Kashmere Gardens Library

5411 Pardee, Houston, TX 77026

Looscan Library

2510 Willowick, Houston, TX 77028

Mancuso Library

6767 Bellfort, Houston, TX 77087

Melcher Library

7200 Keller, Houston, TX 77012

Montrose Library

4100 Montrose, Houston, TX 77006

Moody Library

9525 Irvington, Houston, TX 77076

Oak Forest Library

1349 West 43rd, Houston, TX 77018

Park Place Regional Library

8145 Park Place, Houston, TX 77017

Ring Library

8835 Long Point, Houston, TX 77055

Robinson-Westchase Library

3223 Wilcrest, Houston, TX 77042

Scenic Woods Regional Library

10677 Homestead Rd., Houston, TX 77016

Smith Library

3624 Scott, Houston, TX 77004

Southwest Express Library

6400 High Star, Houston, TX 77074

Stanaker Library

611 S. Sgt Macario Garcia, Houston, TX 77011

Stella Link Regional Library

7405 Stella Link, Houston, TX 77025

TECHLink Dixon Library

8002 Hirsch, Houston, TX 77016

Tuttle Library

702 Kress, Houston, TX 77020

Vinson Library

3810 West Fuqua, Houston, TX 77045

Walter Library

7660 Clarewood, Houston, TX 77036

Young Library

5107 Griggs Rd, Houston, TX 77021

The following city multi-service centers are designated as cooling locations on Sunday from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.:

Acres Home Multi Service Center

6719 W. Montgomery Road

Houston, Texas 77091

Sunnyside Health and Multi-Service Center

4410 Reed Road

Houston, Texas 77051

Acres Home Multi Service Center

6719 W. Montgomery Road

Houston, Texas 77091

To find the nearest cooling center location or an air-conditioned city facility, people can call 3-1-1 for more.

RELATED: