Breeding and the association recently have been focusing ontransportation issues, putting a variety of proposals on the table.He reminds Houstonians that the Uptown Galleria area is Houston'ssecond downtown, with about 23 million sf of office space. It isthe 15th largest "downtown" in the United States.

The Uptown group has changed the look of the area, giving it adistinctive appearance marked by soaring arches, futuristic trafficlights and lighting fixtures. Now the group wants to make theprivately owned "Water Wall" and its surrounding section of greenspace near the Transco Tower part of the public domain.

But the area's pristine property values - and its appeal toretail and office lessees and buyers - could be seriouslydiminished if people can't get to, from and around the area.Traffic congestion is the major impediment to further development,according to Breeding. He should know. He had been head ofHouston's Metropolitan Transit Authority from 1976 to 1985, leavingto take over the Uptown Association.