Summary:
ORDINANCE finding and determining public convenience and necessity for the acquisition of real property interests through dedication, purchase or condemnation, in connection with the public improvement project known as Shepherd and Durham Paving and Drainage (from Washington Avenue to Dickson Street) Project; authorizing the acquisition of fee simple title interest in or easement purchase and the use of eminent domain and authorizing the payment of costs for parcel purchases/condemnations, relocation assistance expenses, appraisal fees, title policies/ services, recording fees, court costs, expert witness fees and other acquisition costs in connection with the project, located in the John Austin Survey, A-1, Houston, Harris County, Texas DISTRICT C - COHEN
Background:
SUBJECT: Recommendation that an ordinance for the SHEPHERD AND DURHAM PAVING AND DRAINAGE (FROM WASHINGTON AVENUE TO DICKSON STREET) PROJECT be passed approving and authorizing the acquisition of parcels by dedication, purchase, or condemnation.
WBS N-100003-0001-2
RECOMMENDATION: (Summary)
An ordinance for the SHEPHERD AND DURHAM PAVING AND DRAINAGE (FROM WASHINGTON AVENUE TO DICKSON STREET) PROJECT 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 SHEPHERD AND DURHAM PAVING AND DRAINAGE (FROM WASHINGTON AVENUE TO DICKSON STREET) PROJECT be passed approving and authorizing the acquisition of parcels by dedication, purchase, or condemnation.
This project is needed to replace segments of Shepherd Drive and Durham Drive that have deteriorated beyond economical repair and normal maintenance. This project provides for the design and construction of an eight lane (four lanes of Shepherd and Durham divided concrete roadway with curbs, sidewalks, driveways, street lighting, traffic control and necessary underground utilities. The project will improve traffic circulation, drainage, and safety in the service area.
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 SHEPHERD AND DURHAM PAVING AND DRAINAGE (FROM WASHINGTON AVENUE TO DICKSON STREET) PROJECT.
Contact Information:
Darrin Ward
Acting Senior Assistant Director-Real Estate Services
Phone: (832) 395-3154
_________________________________
Carol Ellinger Haddock, P.E.
Acting Director
Department of Public Works and Engineering
WBS N-100003-0001-2