ORDINANCE finding and determining the public convenience and necessity for the acquisition of real property interests in connection with the public improvement project known as the West Fuqua Intersection and Sidewalk Improvements: City Limits to Chimney Rock Project; authorizing the acquisition of fee simple or easement interest to fourteen parcels of land required for the project and situated in the J. Lafayett Survey, Abstract No. 280, in Fort Bend County, Texas, said parcels of land being located along West Fuqua Street between Fondren Road and Chimney Rock Road in 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 fourteen parcels of land required for the project - DISTRICT K - CASTEX-TATUM

SUBJECT: An ordinance for the WEST FUQUA INTERSECTION AND SIDEWALK IMPROVEMENTS: CITY LIMITS TO CHIMNEY ROCK be passed approving and authorizing the acquisition of parcels by dedication, purchase, or condemnation.

RECOMMENDATION: (Summary) An ordinance for the WEST FUQUA INTERSECTION AND SIDEWALK IMPROVEMENTS: CITY LIMITS TO CHIMNEY ROCK be passed approving and authorizing the acquisition of parcels by dedication, purchase, or condemnation.

SPECIFIC EXPLANATION: Houston Public Works is requesting that an ordinance for the WEST FUQUA INTERSECTION AND SIDEWALK IMPROVEMENTS: CITY LIMITS TO CHIMNEY ROCK be passed approving and authorizing the acquisition of parcels by dedication, purchase, or condemnation. 

The project consists of the design and construction of four signalized intersections, signals, curbs and ramps. In addition, the project includes sidewalk improvements and addresses previously identified mobility needs. The project will be designed and constructed to improve traffic circulation 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 WEST FUQUA INTERSECTION AND SIDEWALK IMPROVEMENTS: CITY LIMITS TO CHIMNEY ROCK.

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Carol Ellinger Haddock, P.E., Director

Houston Public Works

WBS N-100025-0001-2

Ordinance 2019-931, passed November 20, 2019

No additional funding required.

(Funds were appropriated under Ordinance 2019-931)

Marjorie L. Cox

Assistant Director – Real Estate Services

Phone: (832) 395-3130