This Week: Election Day is TOMORROW: Flood Project Bond Vote; Memorial Park construction; Historic Bethel Park Temporarily Closed; Deadline Approaching: Amateur Comic Creation Contest.
Election Day is TOMORROW: Flood Project Bond Vote
Tomorrow, Saturday, August 25th is the One Year Anniversary of Hurricane Harvey and is Election Day for the Harris County flood project bond proposal. This $2.5 billion bond proposal’s project list currently includes 237 projects throughout the county, with dozens of projects to improve District C’s portions of White Oak Bayou, Buffalo Bayou, and Brays Bayou. Of the $2.5 billion, allocations include:
- $1.2 billion for channel improvements
- $401 million for detention basins
- $242 million for floodplain land acquisition
- $184 million for “buy-outs” (to be coupled with over $500 million in outside funding
- $12.5 million for new floodplain mappin
- $1.25 million for an updated early flood warning system.
$500 million is left intentionally un-allocated to ensure Harris County Flood Control Districtis able to add additional projects as needed over the 10-15 year lifespan of the bond. If approved, the federal government will likely provide approximately $700 – $900 million in matching funds for more projects.
Polls will be open from 7AM – 7PM and voters must use their designated Precinct Voting Location.
Please note that identification required to vote has changed in recent years. Voters who do not have an approved photo ID (driver license, passport, etc) MAY STILL VOTE if they present an approved supporting document, such as:
- Voter Registration Card (current)
- Birth Certificate (original)
- Bank Statement (original or copy)
- Utility Bill (current)
Voters who are unable to provide an approved photo ID or supporting document MAY STILL VOTE provisionally. For further information, please visit the Harris County Clerk’sIdentification Required for Voting site (supporting document and provisional voting information are at the bottom of the page).
What’s Happening in the Annex
Mayor Pro Tem Cohen met with Shellye Arnold, Executive Director of the Memorial Park Conservancy, to receive updates on the park’s recent construction progress. Phase 1 of their Eastern Glades project is nearing completion in partnership with the Houston Parks and Recreation Department and the Uptown Development Authority. The project will provide new parking, lighting, and restrooms, as well as a full 3-mile Seymour Lieberman Trail. Phase 2 is anticipated to break ground this fall and will open nearly 100 acres of existing parkland, including picnic pavilions, trails, boardwalks, areas for food trucks, and a 5-acre lake for stormwater management and a wildlife habitat.
Historic Bethel Park Temporarily Closed
District C’s Bethel Park, located in historic Freedmen’s Town, is temporarily closed and locked for landscape renovations. A perimeter fence was recently installed to enclose the site following severe damage to the landscape sustained by excessive dog waste and foot traffic. For years, individuals with strong ties to the rich history of Bethel Baptist Church struggled to preserve the deteriorating building. The success of their efforts is this beautiful monument that pays homage to the resiliency of former slaves that founded the original Bethel Baptist Church. After the grounds restorations are complete, the site will be re-opened. An attendant will monitor the site so individuals may come in and enjoy the park according to its intended use. More specific information regarding opening times and hours will follow once renovations are completed.
Deadline Approaching: Amateur Comic Creation Contest
The Houston Public Library is hosting theGet Graphic: Teen Comic Creation Contest for Houstonian student artists. Teens aged 11-18, grades 6-12, are invited to submit their original, unpublished comic book-style artwork and prizes will be awarded for the first, second, and third place winners. Those interested may fill out the Get Graphic Content Form and submit it with their entry to their local library by no later than Friday, August 31st.