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 WATONGA DRIVE PAVING and DRAINAGE PROJECT from West 34th Street to West 43rd Street; authorizing the acquisition of fee simple or easement interest to ten parcels of land required for the project and situated in the John Flowers Survey, Abstract No. 269, the David Henson Survey, Abstract No. 328, and the W. P. Morton Survey, Abstract No. 539, in Harris County, Texas, said parcels of land being located at the northwest and southwest corners of Watonga Boulevard and Lamonte Drive; the northwest, southwest, northeast and southeast corners of Watonga Boulevard and West 43rd Street; and the northwest, southwest, northeast and southeast corners of Mangum Road and West 34th Street, 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 or easement interest to ten parcels of land required for the project - DISTRICT C - COHEN

SUBJECT: Recommendation that an ordinance for the WATONGA PAVING AND DRAINAGE PROJECT (from WEST 34^TH Street to WEST 43^rd Street) be passed approving and authorizing the acquisition of parcels by dedication, purchase, or condemnation.

WBS  N-000811-0001-2-01

RECOMMENDATION:  (Summary)

An ordinance for the WATONGA PAVING AND DRAINAGE PROJECT (from WEST 34^TH Street to WEST 43^rd Street) 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 WATONGA PAVING AND DRAINAGE PROJECT (from WEST 34^TH Street to WEST43^rd Street) be passed approving and authorizing the acquisition of parcels by dedication, purchase, or condemnation.

This project, a part of the City’s Street and Traffic Capital Improvement Plan (CIP), is required to meet City of Houston design and safety standards and improve traffic mobility circulation, mobility and drainage in the service area.  It provides for design of approximately 5,000 linear feet of roadway reconstruction to bring a street deteriorated beyond economical repair and normal maintenance to Major Thoroughfare and Freeway Plan (MTFP) standards.  The proposed project consists of four lane concrete roadway with curbs, an underground storm sewer system, sidewalks, street lights and necessary utilities.

 This action authorizes the 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 WATONGA PAVING AND DRAINAGE PROJECT (from WEST 34^TH Street to WEST 43^rd Street).

Ordinance 2016-757, passed October 5, 2016

No funding required.

Nancy P. Collins               

Senior Assistant Director – Real Estate

Phone: (832) 395-3130

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Dale A. Rudick, P.E., Director

Department of Public Works and Engineering