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 acquisition of right of way for Hirsch Road Paving and Drainage Project: Laura Koppe to Crosstimbers Street; authorizing the acquisition of fee simple or easement interest to thirty-three parcels of land required for the project which include twenty parcels situated in the William P. Harris & Robert Wilson Survey, Abstract No. 32, in Harris County, Texas, and thirteen parcels situated in the Josiah T. Harrell Survey, Abstract No. 329, in Harris County, Texas, said parcels of land being located along Hirsch Road from Laura Koppe to Crosstimbers Street, 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 thirty-three parcels of land required for the project - DISTRICTS B - DAVIS and H - CISNEROS

Recommendation that an ordinance for the HIRSCH ROAD PAVING AND DRAINAGE PROJECT: LAURA KOPPE TO CROSSTIMBERS STREET be passed approving and authorizing the acquisition of parcels by dedication, purchase, or condemnation.

WBS N-100024-0001-2

RECOMMENDATION:  (Summary)

An ordinance for the HIRSCH ROAD PAVING AND DRAINAGE PROJECT: LAURA KOPPE TO CROSSTIMBERS STREET 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 HIRSCH ROAD PAVING AND DRAINAGE PROJECT: LAURA KOPPE TO CROSSTIMBERS STREET be passed approving and authorizing the acquisition of parcels by dedication, purchase or condemnation.

The project is needed to replace segments of Hirsch Road that have deteriorated beyond economical repair and normal maintenance.  The project provides for the construction of a two-lane, half boulevard, with curb and gutters. Also, upgrades to storm water drainage and wastewater lines will be made as needed.  This project will improve traffic circulation, drainage, and safety 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 HIRSCH ROAD PAVING AND DRAINAGE PROJECT: LAURA KOPPE TO CROSSTIMBERS STREET.

Ordinance 2017-373, passed May 24, 2017

No additional funding required.

Darrin Ward

Acting Senior Assistant Director- Real Estate Services

Phone: (832) 395-3154

__________________________

Carol E. Haddock, P.E.

Acting Director

Department of Public Works and Engineering

WBS N-100024-0001-2