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 Arlington Heights Area Drainage Improvements (Sub Project 1); authorizing the acquisition of fee simple or easement interest to one parcel of land required for the project and situated in the F. Martin Survey, Abstract No. 551, in Harris County, Texas, said parcel of land being located along Coronation Drive between Parkcrest Drive and Arlington Square Drive, in Houston, Harris 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 one parcel of land required for the project - DISTRICT E - MARTIN

SUBJECT: Recommendation that an ordinance for the ARLINGTON HEIGHTS AREA DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENTS (SUB PROJECT 1) be passed approving and authorizing the acquisition of parcels by dedication, purchase, or condemnation.  

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RECOMMENDATION:  (Summary)

An ordinance for the ARLINGTON HEIGHTS AREA DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENTS (SUB PROJECT 1) 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 ARLINGTON HEIGHTS AREA DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENTS (SUB PROJECT 1) be passed approving and authorizing the acquisition of parcels by dedication, purchase, or condemnation. 

The project will be designed and constructed to improve storm drainage and reduce the risk of structural flooding. The project will also improve concrete paving, curbs, sidewalks, driveways, and utilities 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 ARLINGTON HEIGHTS AREA DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENTS (SUB PROJECT 1). 

Ordinance No. 2016-757, passed on October 5, 2016

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 M-410006-0001-2