City of Houston Mayor Pro Tem Dave Martin will hold a farewell town hall meeting for District E residents.
Date: Tuesday, October 17th, 2023
Time: 6:30 p.m.
At: Kingwood Community Center
Address: 4102 Rustic Woods Dr. Kingwood, TX 77345
The Houston Police Department (HPD) Kingwood Division will start the program with a brief demonstration of new virtual reality training software, purchased with District E Service Funds. The Police will also provide a brief summary of local crime statistics. Later, HPD Lake Patrol will provide safety tips for Lake Houston.
Other Speakers
Recovery Efforts
Stephen Costello, Chief Resiliency Officer for the City of Houston, will give a comprehensive overview of the recovery efforts undertaken after Hurricane Harvey. This will include updates on the Lake Houston Dam Spillway Improvement Project (floodgates), dredging operations, and the desilting of bridges.
Solid Waste/Recycling
Mark Wilfalk, Director of the Solid Waste Department, will address any concerns regarding trash and recycling collections.
Northpark Overpass Project
Jeff Nielsen, President of the Lake Houston Redevelopment Board/TIRZ 10 board, will share information on the Northpark Drive Overpass Project, and various TIRZ 10 projects.
Dave Martin on His Years of Service
Mayor Pro Tem Dave Martin will provide a wrap up of his years of service and commitment to the residents of District E.
Information Tables for Early Arrivals
There will also be information tables hosted by City of Houston Departments, available for those who arrive early, beginning at 5:30 p.m.
For More Information
For more information, please contact Mayor Pro Tem Martin’s office at (832) 393-3008 or via email at districte@houstontx.gov.
Posted by Bob Rehak on 10/13/23
2236 Days since Hurricane Harvey
https://i0.wp.com/reduceflooding.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/2023-TOWN-HALL-_7_.png?fit=1200%2C1200&ssl=112001200adminadmin2023-10-13 06:24:332023-10-13 06:27:21Save the Date: Dave Martin’s Farewell Town Hall Meeting Next Tuesday
October 12, 2023 – This morning, contractors transplanted the first tree in the Northpark Drive expansion project. The Lake Houston Redevelopment Authority has budgeted $700,000 for the transplantation project in response to public concerns about saving as many trees as possible.
Plan for Tree Transplantation
Trees from the Northpark entry areas at US59 will be transplanted to the perimeters to make room for stormwater retention basins totaling 22 acre feet. Additional trees in the way of utility work farther east on Northpark will also be transplanted to the entries.
Houston Mayor Pro Tem Dave Martin attended the press event this morning and emphasized that the transplantation effort was the fulfillment of a commitment made to the public. Here is a summary of the final transplantation plans.
Why Northpark Must Be Widened
The widening of Northpark, including a bridge over the UnionPacific Railroad tracks, will create an all-weather evacuation route for more than 70,000 people in case of a natural disaster, such as Hurricane Harvey. Engineers need the retention-basin capacity to control runoff from the additional lanes of traffic near the entry at US59.
The ponds will do double duty as decorative lakes that welcome residents and visitors in normal times. And the transplanted trees will form a ring of green behind the entry ponds.
How They Will Transplant Giant Trees Weighing Tons
It’s not everyday that you get to see such massive machinery at work. The tree moved this morning was estimated at 15-20 feet tall. With its root ball, the tree weighed thousands of pounds.
The truck used for moving the trees has massive blades that circle a tree and scoop it out of the ground. It then moves the tree and its intact root ball to a new location where a matching hole has been pre-scooped. The pictures below show the tree being lowered into the hole, and then the blades being lifted out and retracted.
Houston Mayor Pro Tem Dave Martin (left) supervises transplantation of first tree as it moves toward its new home.Truck moves into position near the pre-dug hole adjacent to Northpark Drive (upper left).Truck lowers stabilizing legs and begins to lower tree into hole.Almost there!Tree nestles into place. Driver begins to retract blades.Driver lifts blades and retracts them so they no longer encircle tree.Driver begins closing the blade assembly so he can move away and begin work on the next tree.Looking SW across Northpark. All of the trees you see in the old entry will be transplanted in a similar fashion.Looking NE toward utility work now under way along the north side of Northpark. Trees from both sides of road will eventually be moved to make way for upgraded utilities, a bridge, and improved drainage.
Your kids or grandkids may find this process fascinating. So please share this post with them.
Change is always difficult. But it’s important to remember that human lives will someday depend on this project and that efforts are being made to protect the lives of as many trees as possible.
For More Information
For previous posts about Northpark construction, see the following:
Also visit the Lake Houston Redevelopment Authority/TIRZ 10 Project pages at https://lakehoustonra.com.
Posted by Bob Rehak on 10/12/23
2235 Days since Hurricane Harvey
https://i0.wp.com/reduceflooding.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/20231012-DJI_0595.jpg?fit=1100%2C733&ssl=17331100adminadmin2023-10-12 11:17:472023-10-12 14:04:19First Tree Transplanted in Northpark Expansion Project
As the state legislature takes up what to do about Colony Ridge, Harris County Commissioner Tom Ramsey, PE, brought the issue up in the 10/10/23 session of Commissioners Court.
Screen capture of Ramsey starting discussion.
Ramsey Leads Off Discussion with Photos of Dramatic Erosion, Impacts
Costs of building a new purification plant to remove sediment and pollution from the water.
Ramsey also reminded everyone that Lake Houston supplies drinking water to roughly 2.2 million people, about half the population of Harris County.
Next, Ramsey introduced a motion to determine how much a study would cost to learn how Colony Ridge drainage has impacted Harris County. Ramsey, an engineer by trade, limited his remarks to drainage and infrastructure issues, even though the state legislature is examining a much broader range of issues.
Ramsey asked Harris County Flood Control District (HCFCD) to come back to the next Commissioners Court meeting with an outline and cost for a study that would determine the downstream impacts from Colony Ridge.
Dr. Tina Petersen, HCFCD executive director, said they hadn’t studied Colony Ridge but would do everything she could to come back to the next Commissioners Court meeting with a proposal for a study.
Then the scope of the task started expanding. Other commissioners, including Rodney Ellis, pointed out that Liberty County wasn’t the only upstream county impacting Harris County.
Commissioner Adrian Garcia asked whether Director Petersen could expand the scope to consider impacts from other counties. But Petersen said that would be impossible by the next meeting.
Because other upstream areas have similar issues, commissioners felt a regional approach might make more sense and funding might be available from the Texas Water Development Board to study the problem.
So, Commissioner Ellis suggested having Intergovernmental Affairs look into what other counties, including Liberty, are doing.
Judge Hidalgo called the other Colony Ridge issues being investigated by the legislature and Attorney General Ken Paxton “conspiracy theories.”
No Action Taken in Meeting, but Unanimous Agreement to Revisit Issue
In the end, the Commissioners voted to take “no action” on Ramsey’s motion in yesterday’s meeting. However, they also agreed to reconsider it at a future date when Commissioners have more information about the scope and costs of a study.
In the meantime, I’m not sure how much cooperation Harris County will get from upstream counties. In my opinion, other counties sometimes see lax enforcement of regulations as tools to attract development.
See the entire discussion. It lasted about 18.5 minutes from 5:04:25 to 5:23, and ended with unanimous agreement to revisit the issue at an unspecified future date.
If nothing else, this raises the profile of Colony Ridge issues in the state legislature. The bi-partisan nature of the meeting’s outcome and the focus on infrastructure issues may make Colony Ridge’s charges of racism much more difficult for the legislature to ignore.
Posted by Bob Rehak on 10/11/2023
2234 Days since Hurricane Harvey
The thoughts expressed in this post represent opinions on matters of public concern and safety. They are protected by the First Amendment of the US Constitution and the Anti-SLAPP Statute of the Great State of Texas.
https://i0.wp.com/reduceflooding.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Screenshot-2023-10-11-at-6.17.27%E2%80%AFPM.png?fit=1556%2C856&ssl=18561556adminadmin2023-10-11 18:49:142023-10-11 19:02:18Commissioners Discuss Colony Ridge, But Take No Position Yet
Save the Date: Dave Martin’s Farewell Town Hall Meeting Next Tuesday
City of Houston Mayor Pro Tem Dave Martin will hold a farewell town hall meeting for District E residents.
Date: Tuesday, October 17th, 2023
Time: 6:30 p.m.
At: Kingwood Community Center
Address: 4102 Rustic Woods Dr. Kingwood, TX 77345
The Houston Police Department (HPD) Kingwood Division will start the program with a brief demonstration of new virtual reality training software, purchased with District E Service Funds. The Police will also provide a brief summary of local crime statistics. Later, HPD Lake Patrol will provide safety tips for Lake Houston.
Other Speakers
Recovery Efforts
Stephen Costello, Chief Resiliency Officer for the City of Houston, will give a comprehensive overview of the recovery efforts undertaken after Hurricane Harvey. This will include updates on the Lake Houston Dam Spillway Improvement Project (floodgates), dredging operations, and the desilting of bridges.
Solid Waste/Recycling
Mark Wilfalk, Director of the Solid Waste Department, will address any concerns regarding trash and recycling collections.
Northpark Overpass Project
Jeff Nielsen, President of the Lake Houston Redevelopment Board/TIRZ 10 board, will share information on the Northpark Drive Overpass Project, and various TIRZ 10 projects.
Dave Martin on His Years of Service
Mayor Pro Tem Dave Martin will provide a wrap up of his years of service and commitment to the residents of District E.
Information Tables for Early Arrivals
There will also be information tables hosted by City of Houston Departments, available for those who arrive early, beginning at 5:30 p.m.
For More Information
For more information, please contact Mayor Pro Tem Martin’s office at (832) 393-3008 or via email at districte@houstontx.gov.
Posted by Bob Rehak on 10/13/23
2236 Days since Hurricane Harvey
First Tree Transplanted in Northpark Expansion Project
October 12, 2023 – This morning, contractors transplanted the first tree in the Northpark Drive expansion project. The Lake Houston Redevelopment Authority has budgeted $700,000 for the transplantation project in response to public concerns about saving as many trees as possible.
Plan for Tree Transplantation
Trees from the Northpark entry areas at US59 will be transplanted to the perimeters to make room for stormwater retention basins totaling 22 acre feet. Additional trees in the way of utility work farther east on Northpark will also be transplanted to the entries.
Houston Mayor Pro Tem Dave Martin attended the press event this morning and emphasized that the transplantation effort was the fulfillment of a commitment made to the public. Here is a summary of the final transplantation plans.
Why Northpark Must Be Widened
The widening of Northpark, including a bridge over the UnionPacific Railroad tracks, will create an all-weather evacuation route for more than 70,000 people in case of a natural disaster, such as Hurricane Harvey. Engineers need the retention-basin capacity to control runoff from the additional lanes of traffic near the entry at US59.
The ponds will do double duty as decorative lakes that welcome residents and visitors in normal times. And the transplanted trees will form a ring of green behind the entry ponds.
How They Will Transplant Giant Trees Weighing Tons
It’s not everyday that you get to see such massive machinery at work. The tree moved this morning was estimated at 15-20 feet tall. With its root ball, the tree weighed thousands of pounds.
The truck used for moving the trees has massive blades that circle a tree and scoop it out of the ground. It then moves the tree and its intact root ball to a new location where a matching hole has been pre-scooped. The pictures below show the tree being lowered into the hole, and then the blades being lifted out and retracted.
Your kids or grandkids may find this process fascinating. So please share this post with them.
Change is always difficult. But it’s important to remember that human lives will someday depend on this project and that efforts are being made to protect the lives of as many trees as possible.
For More Information
For previous posts about Northpark construction, see the following:
Also visit the Lake Houston Redevelopment Authority/TIRZ 10 Project pages at https://lakehoustonra.com.
Posted by Bob Rehak on 10/12/23
2235 Days since Hurricane Harvey
Commissioners Discuss Colony Ridge, But Take No Position Yet
As the state legislature takes up what to do about Colony Ridge, Harris County Commissioner Tom Ramsey, PE, brought the issue up in the 10/10/23 session of Commissioners Court.
Ramsey Leads Off Discussion with Photos of Dramatic Erosion, Impacts
Ramsey presented dramatic photos of erosion coming from Colony Ridge. He also discussed how rampant erosion impacts areas downstream. He referred to:
Ramsey also reminded everyone that Lake Houston supplies drinking water to roughly 2.2 million people, about half the population of Harris County.
Next, Ramsey introduced a motion to determine how much a study would cost to learn how Colony Ridge drainage has impacted Harris County. Ramsey, an engineer by trade, limited his remarks to drainage and infrastructure issues, even though the state legislature is examining a much broader range of issues.
You can see slides from Ramsey’s presentation here.
Commissioners and HCFCD Director React to Ramsey
Ramsey asked Harris County Flood Control District (HCFCD) to come back to the next Commissioners Court meeting with an outline and cost for a study that would determine the downstream impacts from Colony Ridge.
Dr. Tina Petersen, HCFCD executive director, said they hadn’t studied Colony Ridge but would do everything she could to come back to the next Commissioners Court meeting with a proposal for a study.
Then the scope of the task started expanding. Other commissioners, including Rodney Ellis, pointed out that Liberty County wasn’t the only upstream county impacting Harris County.
Commissioner Adrian Garcia asked whether Director Petersen could expand the scope to consider impacts from other counties. But Petersen said that would be impossible by the next meeting.
Because other upstream areas have similar issues, commissioners felt a regional approach might make more sense and funding might be available from the Texas Water Development Board to study the problem.
So, Commissioner Ellis suggested having Intergovernmental Affairs look into what other counties, including Liberty, are doing.
Judge Hidalgo called the other Colony Ridge issues being investigated by the legislature and Attorney General Ken Paxton “conspiracy theories.”
No Action Taken in Meeting, but Unanimous Agreement to Revisit Issue
In the end, the Commissioners voted to take “no action” on Ramsey’s motion in yesterday’s meeting. However, they also agreed to reconsider it at a future date when Commissioners have more information about the scope and costs of a study.
In the meantime, I’m not sure how much cooperation Harris County will get from upstream counties. In my opinion, other counties sometimes see lax enforcement of regulations as tools to attract development.
See the entire discussion. It lasted about 18.5 minutes from 5:04:25 to 5:23, and ended with unanimous agreement to revisit the issue at an unspecified future date.
If nothing else, this raises the profile of Colony Ridge issues in the state legislature. The bi-partisan nature of the meeting’s outcome and the focus on infrastructure issues may make Colony Ridge’s charges of racism much more difficult for the legislature to ignore.
Posted by Bob Rehak on 10/11/2023
2234 Days since Hurricane Harvey
The thoughts expressed in this post represent opinions on matters of public concern and safety. They are protected by the First Amendment of the US Constitution and the Anti-SLAPP Statute of the Great State of Texas.