SUBJECT PROPERTY: AMENDING Ordinance Number 2015-227 which passed on March 25, 2015 to include the acquisition of Parcels AY16-088 and AY16-092 for the GREENS ROAD PAVING AND DRAINAGE PROJECT (from Aldine Westfield to John F. Kennedy Boulevard) by dedication, purchase, or condemnation.
WBS N-000686-0002-2-01
RECOMMENDATION: (Summary)
It is recommended City Council Amend Ordinance Number 2015-227 which passed on March 25, 2015, to authorize and approve the acquisition of Parcels AY16-088 and AY16-092 for the GREENS ROAD PAVING AND DRAINAGE PROJECT (from Aldine Westfield to John F. Kennedy Boulevard) by dedication, purchase, or condemnation.
SPECIFIC EXPLANATION:
This project is designed to improve traffic flow/circulation, reduce congestion and eliminate potential hazards on Greens Road, a designated major thoroughfare. This joint project with TxDOT consists of the removal of the original 2-lane asphalt roadway and replacement with a 4-lane concrete divided boulevard with curbs, sidewalks and street lighting, an underground storm sewer system, off-site storm sewer detention facilities, and replacement of sanitary sewer and water lines. No funding is required for this action. On March 26, 2014, City Council approved Ordiance 2014-240 which appropriated the necessary funding to approve and authorize payments for land acquisition cost, appraisal fees, title services, relocation expenses, and or other services in connection with negotiation to settle purchases.
City Council approved Ordinance 2015-227, on March 25, 2015, approving and authorizing the acquisition of parcels by dedication, purchase or condemnation for the Greens Road Paving and Drainage Project from (Aldine Westfield to John F. Kennedy Boulevard). On April 6, 2016, council passed Ordinance 2016-265 to amend Ordinance 2015-227 to include an additional four parcels to continue with the project. Since that ordinance was passed Parcels AY16-088 and AY16-092 were added to provide access to Harris County Flood Control drainage channels from the Greens Road right-of-way.
Therefore, it is recommended that Council Ordinance Number 2015-227 be amended to include Parcels AY16-088, and AY16-092.
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 GREENS ROAD PAVING AND DRAINAGE PROJECT (from Aldine Westfield to John F. Kennedy Boulevard).