ORDINANCE finding and determining public convenience and necessity for the acquisition of real property interests in connection with the public improvement project known as the Hillcroft Avenue and Court Road Extension Project; authorizing the acquisition of fee simple title interest in or easement to thirteen parcels of land required for the Project and situated in the John Lafayette Survey, Abstract No. 280, the heirs of Edward Drew Survey, Abstract No. 163, and the H. Shropshire (heirs) Survey, Abstract 313, Fort Bend County, Texas, said parcels of land being located along the Fort Bend Parkway from Hillcroft/Fondren to FM 2234 and along Court Road from the SBFR to Quailynn Drive, in the City of Houston, Fort Bend County, Texas, by gift, dedication, purchase and the use of eminent domain and further authorizing payment of the costs of such purchases and/or eminent domain proceedings and associated costs for relocation assistance, appraisal fees, title policies/services, recording fees, court costs, and expert witness fees in connection with the acquisition of fee simple or easement interest to thirteen parcels of land required for the project - DISTRICT K - GREEN

SUBJECT: Recommendation that an ordinance for the HILLCROFT AVENUE AND COURT ROAD EXTENSION PROJECT be passed approving and authorizing the acquisition of parcels by dedication, purchase, or condemnation.
WBS N-000821-0002-2

RECOMMENDATION: (Summary)
An ordinance for the HILLCROFT AVENUE AND COURT ROAD EXTENSION PROJECT be passed approving and authorizing the acquisition of parcels by dedication, purchase, or condemnation.

SPECIFIC EXPLANATION:
The Department of Public Works and Engineering is requesting that an ordinance for the HILLCROFT AVENUE AND COURT ROAD EXTENSION PROJECT be passed approving and authorizing the acquisition of parcels by dedication, purchase, or condemnation.

The project consists of the construction of Fort Bend Parkway northbound and southbound frontage roads, and an extension of Court Road from Quailynn Road east to the proposed southbound Fort Bend Parkway frontage road. There will also be an extension of water lines and storm water drainage systems along each roadway corridor. These improvements will upgrade existing roadway to Major Thoroughfare and Freeway Plan (M.T.F.P.) standards and will improve traffic circulation, mobility and drainage in the service area.

This action authorizes payment for costs of land purchases/condemnations, relocation assistance expenses, appraisal fees, title policies/services, recording fees and other acquisition costs in connection with negotiations to settle purchases; finds a public necessity for the project; and approves and authorizes the condemnation of the land and improvements thereon. If negotiations to acquire the property cannot be concluded as a dedication or purchase or for any reason for which acquisition by condemnation is warranted, this action authorizes the City Attorney to file or cause Eminent Domain proceedings to be filed and acquire land, rights-of-way and/or easements for said purposes and authorizes payment for the Award of Special Commissioners and court costs associated with condemnation proceedings. Parcels with a consideration that exceeds the spending authority threshold set by State law will be submitted to City Council as they are finalized. This will expedite the process of acquiring land, rights-of-way and/or easements in support of the HILLCROFT AVENUE AND COURT ROAD EXTENSION PROJECT.

Darrin Ward
Acting Senior Assistant Director – Real Estate Services
(832)395-3154

_______________________________

Carol Ellinger Haddock, P.E.

Acting Director

Department of Public Works and Engineering

WBS N-000821-0002-2