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 T.C. Jester Boulevard Paving and Drainage Project from Washington Avenue to IH-10; authorizing the acquisition of fee simple or easement interest to five parcels of land required for the project and situated in the John Reinerman Survey, Abstract No. 642, in Harris County, Texas, said parcels of land being located along the east and west lines of T.C. Jester Boulevard between Washington Avenue and IH-10, 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 five parcels of land required for the project - DISTRICT C - COHEN

SUBJECT: Recommendation that an ordinance for the T.C. JESTER ROAD PAVING AND DRAINAGE PROJECT (from Washington to IH-10) be passed approving and authorizing the acquisition of parcels by dedication, purchase, or condemnation.

WBS  N-100002-0001-2-01

RECOMMENDATION:  (Summary)

An ordinance for the T.C. JESTER ROAD PAVING AND DRAINAGE PROJECT (from Washington to IH-10) 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 T.C. JESTER ROAD PAVING AND DRAINAGE PROJECT (from Washington to IH-10) 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 circulation, mobility and drainage in the service area.  It provides for design of approximately 2,400 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 a four lane concrete roadway with curbs, an underground storm sewer system, new inlets, sidewalks, street lights and necessary underground 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 T.C. JESTER ROAD PAVING AND DRAINAGE PROJECT (from Washington to IH-10).

Ordinance 2016-757, passed October 5, 2016

Nancy P. Collins               

Senior Assistant Director – Real Estate

Phone: (832) 395-3130

_______________________________

Dale A. Rudick, P.E., Director

Department of Public Works and Engineering