Second in a series on the Houston Planning Commission’s Livable Places Initiative “Livable Places” is a new initiative by the City of Houston Planning Commission designed to increase housing affordability and equity while increasing the walkability of neighborhoods. To achieve these goals, the Commission is recommending new rules that govern development, platting and parking. They […]
First in a series on the Houston Planning Commission’s Livable Places Initiative, and updated on 6/18/2023 On 6/8/23, the City of Houston Planning Commission approved an initiative called Livable Places that it has worked on since early 2020. Goals include creating a more affordable, walkable and equitable City. Planning Commission Website All laudable goals! However, […]
Since I last reported on damage to the Tree Lane Bridge over Ben’s Branch in January, the situation has worsened considerably. Pictures Taken on 6/12/23 Show Extent of Damage The bridge will probably not collapse in the next big rain. However, the cumulative damage to all these components underscores the need for urgent repair. It […]
Stormwater can cause more than flooding. For all those headed to the beach this summer, the Texas General Land Office (GLO) offers a useful website that monitors water quality and safety. It’s called Texas Beach Watch. About Beach Watch The program tests bacteria levels at beaches along the coast and Galveston Bay. It measures Enterococcus […]
The Kingwood Middle School reconstruction project is nearing completion. The new stormwater detention basins are complete, grassed in, and virtually fenced. The athletic fields have been laid out. And the track is under construction. The photos below show what the project looked like on 6/9/23. Humble ISD has created an architectural gem in the new […]
For a variety of reasons, many new developments seem to be “on pause” these days. Developers clear and grade land. Then it may sit undeveloped for months or even years. This leaves exposed soil unprotected by vegetation. That makes it more susceptible to erosion for longer periods. And the eroded soil can clog streams and […]
On June 6, 2023, Harris County Flood Control District (HCFCD) recommended to Commissioners Court a flood-mitigation and disaster-relief project list totaling $825 million. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) allocated the funds to Harris County via the Texas General Land Office (GLO). The projects will require another $145 million in local-match funds […]
Harris County Flood Control District’s (HCFCD) Woodridge Village Excavation and Removal contract for 500,000 cubic yards with Sprint Sand & Clay is almost one-quarter complete. Sprint excavated approximately another 9,000 cubic yards in May (5.8 acre feet). That’s almost double the monthly minimum and brings the total up to 123,882 cubic yards. Stormwater from Woodridge Village flooded […]
Harris County reports obtained by investigative journalist Wayne Dolcefino and shared with ReduceFlooding.com raise serious concerns about the integrity of the 2022 election. A video released by Dolcefino on 6/1/23 summarized some of the problems: “The release of these documents details a horrific story of incompetence,” said Dolcefino. And that was in an election where… […]
According to the National Hurricane Center, a tropical depression has formed in the northeast Gulf of Mexico on this, the first day or hurricane season. The NHC gave the storm only a 10% chance of formation just two days ago. They upped that to 50% this morning. This afternoon, it turned into a tropical depression […]