SUBJECT: Motion approving the naming of the Homestead Grade Separation Bridge as the Lester Howard Bridge.
RECOMMENDATION: (Summary) Adopt a Motion approving the naming of the Homestead Grade Separation Bridge as the Lester Howard Bridge.
SPECIFIC EXPLANATION:
The Department of Public Works & Engineering received a request to name the Homestead Grade Separation Bridge as the Lester Howard Bridge. The bridge, which provides an uninterrupted crossing over the Union Pacific Railroad line near the intersection of Homestead and Laura Koppe, is owned and maintained by the Department of Public Works & Engineering. Under Motion 2004-0881, the Department is charged with processing the request.
Mr. Howard is a 54 year resident of Houston and a 45 year resident of the Rosewood neighborhood in Northeast Houston. Throughout those 54 years in Houston, Mr. Howard has exemplified the true meaning of civic leadership. He has raised a family, built a career, participated in local and national community programs and is a faithful member of his church. As a founding member of Rosewood Civic Club and co-founder and second President of the Trinity Gardens Super Neighborhood #48, Mr. Howard has been an advocate for improving the quality of life for Northeast Houston residents. Mr. Howard concluded his robust 34 year career retiring as a Deputy Assistant Director in the City of Houston with the Department of Public Works and Engineering. Mr. Howard used his knowledge of how the City of Houston operates to empower his neighborhood and the community at large, helping them to achieve great things for their community. He served as a leading advocate for better streets and drainage for Northeast Houston, the Ley Road Grade Separation, 610 Loop/Homestead Grade Separation, and the newly constructed Homestead Grade Separation. Mr. Howard has faithfully served the community as the Chairman of the Deacon Board at Bethany Baptist Church, as an advocate for quality education for children who attended North Forest ISD schools, as a member of the Northeast Justice Association, Greater Houston Development, Inc., and as a representative on the Halls Bayou Federal Feasibility Study establishing flood control measures in Northeast Houston.
As Mr. Howard is a person who throughout his life has demonstrated exceptional service to the City, the Director of the Department of Public Works & Engineering recommends City Council adopt a Motion naming the Homestead Grade Separation Bridge as the Lester Howard Bridge. By approving this Motion, City Council is waiving the requirement stated in Motion 2004-0081(4) that proper names may only be used to honor deceased persons.