On the Agenda
Council is considering a proposal to extend the boundaries of the Uptown Tax Incremental Reinvestment Zone (TIRZ) #16 to include Memorial Park. The partnership will provide funding for the creation and implementation of an updated master plan, though the City of Houston will retain control of the park. The plan also provides for transit improvements throughout the Uptown zone.
This proposal was on the City Council Agenda this week, but was delayed for two weeks to provide for additional discussion. Council will host a public hearing at a special-called Budget & Fiscal Affairs Committee meeting to further consider this matter.
Public Hearing: Special-Called Budget & Fiscal Affairs Committee meeting
TIRZ 16 / Memorial Park Partnership
Tuesday, May 7, 2013
Council Chambers at City Hall
10 AM
Washington Ave. Parking Benefit District Takes Effect
On May 1st, 2013, the Washington Parking Benefit District pilot program became fully operational along the Washington Avenue Corridor. Parking meters will now be in use Monday through Sunday, 7AM – 2AM. The rate is $1 per hour from 9AM to 3PM. After 6PM, customers may select a flat rate of $7 for the entire night or an hourly rate of $2. Sixty percent of the revenue from these meters will be dedicated funding for neighborhood projects such as sidewalks, improved lighting, and better security. Please remember to download the Parkmobile App to pay for parking from your mobile device!
Rice Kennel Club Presents to Quality of Life Committee
Students from Rice University’s Kennel Club gave a presentation to the Quality of Life Committee on the feasibility of implementing a no-kill policy at BARC, the City-owned animal shelter. Their assessment showed that the best way to increase BARC’s live pet release rate is to expand spaying and neutering programs. They emphasized the importance of increasing mobile clinic services such as those offered by Barrio Dogs, a Houston-based non-profit focused on reducing the overpopulation and neglect of animals in low-income neighborhoods.
What’s Happening in the Annex
About half of Midtown – one of Houston’s most rapidly-developing neighborhoods – is in District C and is the site of Midtown’s latest proposed creative destination, the MATCH (the Midtown Arts and Theater Center Houston). Council Member Cohen met with Jill Jewett, the MATCH Interim Executive Director, to discuss how MATCH seeks to provide a home for a broad spectrum of Houston’s arts organizations, and offer a variety of visual and performance spaces, rehearsal and workshop areas, classrooms, and offices for the creative community. Council approved the development and leasing agreement for the MATCH, and the project is expected to begin construction in early 2014.