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 Gellhorn Drive Paving and Drainage Project (from IH-610 to Wallisville Road); authorizing the acquisition of fee simple title interest in or easement to four parcels of land required for the project and situated in the J. Brown Survey, Abstract No. 8, the Reels & Trobough Survey, Abstract 59 and the J.H. Magee Survey, Abstract No. 1571, in Harris County, Texas, said parcels of land being out of property located along the northerly and southerly lines of Gellhorn Drive between IH-610 Frontage Road and Wallisville Road 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 title interest in or easement to the four parcels of land required for the project - DISTRICT I - GALLEGOS

SUBJECT:  Recommendation that an ordinance for the GELLHORN DRIVE PAVING AND DRAINAGE PROJECT (from IH-610 to Wallisville Road) be passed approving and authorizing the acquisition of parcels by dedication, purchase, or condemnation, WBS  N-000623-0001-2-01.

RECOMMENDATION:  (Summary)  An ordinance for the GELLHORN DRIVE PAVING AND DRAINAGE PROJECT (from IH-610 to Wallisville Road) 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 GELLHORN DRIVE PAVING AND DRAINAGE PROJECT (from IH-610 to Wallisville Road) be passed approving and authorizing the acquisition of parcels by dedication, purchase, or condemnation.  This joint project with the City of Houston, Harris County and TxDOT is designed to improve and extend Gellhorn Drive between IH-610 and Wallisville Road.  The project improvement consists of the rehabilitation and extension of Gellhorn Drive through the construction of a four-lane, median divided roadway, along with the installation of sidewalks, curbs, an underground storm sewer system and an off-site stormwater detention facility.  Improvements will complete the connection between IH-610 and Wallisville Road, improving area traffic circulation and reducing traffic congestion.

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 GELLHORN DRIVE PAVING AND DRAINAGE PROJECT (from IH-610 to Wallisville Road).

Nancy P. Collins

(832) 395-3130

Senior Assistant Director - Real Estate