The Houston Parks and Recreation Department recommends approval of an Ordinance related to the taking of approximately 67,080 square feet of land out of Herman Park for the Construction, Maintenance, Repair, Replacement, Removal and Operation of a Transmission Tower, and Underground Utility Lines that will connect to the planned substation at 1115 S. Braeswood (the “Project”); approving and authorizing an easement conveyance from the City to CenterPoint Energy Electric LLC for the project
CenterPoint has requested this new easement in Hermann Park in order to connect a new planned substation with its existing infrastructure. The planned substation will provide additional service to the Texas Medical Center.
Section 26.001 of the Texas Parks & Wildlife Code provides that a city may not approve any program or project for the use of land designated as park land unless, after a public hearing, its governing body determines that: (1) there is no feasible and prudent alternative to the use or taking of the park land, and (2) the program or project includes all reasonable planning to minimize harm to the park land. The public hearing was held on April 14, 2021.
The Administration and CenterPoint Energy have agreed that all transmission lines in the proposed easement will be underground. Should CenterPoint determine that underground placement is impossible within the approved easement due to soil/ground conditions, they will return to City Council for another public hearing and an amendment to this easement.
Director's Signature:
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Kenneth Allen, Interim Director
Houston Parks and Recreation Department