Black St, Gulfgate / Pine Valley

Black Street is a small offshoot of Highway 90. It is crowded, densely populated and there isn't enough space for all the cars. Seeing a car parked in a front yard is not uncommon. There are a lot of trees on the street, but it doesn't serve well for the space needed. Though, it does provide a much needed face lift for the neighborhood. Without the trees, the area would appear as a rundown slum or more like the fabled Third or Ninth Ward of Houston. Neighbors are friendly, but there is a general sense of discontent on the street. Like many other areas around it, this portion of the city backs up to one of the nicer areas of Houston and has been neglected by the city. The schools are in poor shape as well, and an education is not assured without some type of motivation. Traffic in the area is not a huge factor, as there are 4 major roads that cut through the neighborhood, but with Highway 90 and I-45 so close, this can change at any given time. As for recreation, Brookline Park sits at the south side of the neighborhood and is great for activities, family outings or just general leisure. The Gulfgate Shopping Center is a few minutes southeast and provides ample restaurant, shopping and entertainment options for the whole family. There is also a hospital close by, but it is a specialty hospital so their services are somewhat limited in scope. And, like the area, it needs a little work in updating its facilities.