Emancipation School_Health Fair For August 16, 2014
Category Archives: City
The Fight to Save Freedmen’s Town’s Brick Streets
This is a open manifesto to the Mayor of Houston and City Councilmembers that was presented by Dorris Ellis – Robinson on August 5, 2014.
SAVE OUR STREETS: FREEDMEN’S TOWN FIGHTS FOR BRICK STREETS
When you drive down Andrews Street in the historical Fourth Ward Freedmen’s Town you see an interesting looking street. On the right hand side you see red brick and then on the left hand side you see cement, pot holes and the remnants of what use to be a trolley train track.
The street seems unimpressive to the uneducated eye except for the killer view of Downtown as a back drop for the closely fit narrow houses and emerging condos. Yet, those dusty red, hundred year old bricks that line Wilson and Andrews Street for 7/10 a mile has become the next big fight for the people of Freedmen’s Town.
On June 11, 2014 City Council unanimously passed Item 51, an ordinance that awarded a $5,600,000.00 contract to CONRAD CONSTRUCTION CO., LTD. for the Freedman’s Town Brick Streets Restoration Project.
“The project will replace water and sanitary sewer lines, restoration of the brick streets and local street drainage on Andrews Street from Heiner Street to Wilson Street and on Wilson from Andrews to West Dallas Street in the Freedman’s Town Area. Contract duration for this project is 365 calendar days,” according to Request for Council Action document.
The intention of the City is welcomed. Who doesn’t want improved traffic circulation, mobility drainage and roadway upgrades? But then the realization sets in that by completing such a construction project in the manner the City has decided to go with it is a disruption of history and a legacy. This has prompted determined preservationist in Freedmen’s Town to fight harder to not let this project happen as is.
“This is our history,” said Lue Williams of the Freedmen’s Town Preservation Coalition. “The City didn’t even try to hear our side. We have been fighting to save our historical structures in Fourth Ward for years and they just don’t care.”
Williams along with long time activist and preservationist for Freedmen’s Town, Catherine Roberts gathered as many supporters together to try and protest the decision rendered by Council in June. The project is slated to begin in August, so these ladies knew their time is limited. They enlisted the help of Dorris Ellis, President, Friends of Emancipation Park and asked her for her knowledge on how to preserve a historical area.
Immediately the Rutherford B.H. Yates Museum and supporters began working to try and stop the removal of the bricks. Freedmen’s Town is under the National Historical Preservation and has a marker outside the Yates Museum. The area is a known historical setting which further troubles the FTPC.
History
The brick that pave Wilson and Andrews Street once lined several streets in the 80 blocks that use to be Fourth Ward Freedmen’s Town. Free men of African ancestry settled there following Emancipation, floating in on the banks of Buffalo Bayou. Those families faced racism even when it came to paving the streets.
According to Catherine Roberts of the RBHY Museum, after asking the City of Houston for six years for paved streets and being denied the residents paid for their own bricks and had them made in their own community and laid it themselves.
Those bricks have lasted a hundred years. Over time many bricks have crumbled under the pressure of modern vehicles and climate, while others have been covered by cement for the purpose of patching or what the City plans to do again which is update utilities under the streets.
Justification for the project is, “Replace a street that has been deteriorated beyond economical repair,” according to the Request Report by the City of Houston.
The Freedmen’s Town Preservation Coalition (FTPC) launched a SAVE OUR STREETS (S.O.S.) Campaign all over social media while holding town hall meetings, visiting City Hall during the public session to speak to Mayor Parker and Councilmembers about the historical bricks that make up Andrews and Wilson Street, classroom information sessions at Texas Southern University held by engineering consultant Craig Champ out of California to teach about the other options presented such as the underground micro tunneling that could be ran under the sidewalks.
In 2007, under Bill White’s Administration, the brick streets were spared from removal. With the work of Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, Gladys House and the RBHY Museum they were able to link up with an Engineering Consultant, Eric Skonberg who too believes micro tunneling under the sidewalks can be a surefire preservation method.
Communication between the City and the FTPC is scarce and un-resolving. Mayor Parker is adamant about the restoration of the streets.
“I have driven down Andrews Street and the potholes and humps and bumps. I want to be able to drive down those bricks in a smoothly,” said Mayor Parker. “We are going to put the bricks back.”
The argument over restoration and preservation is a view point type of rhetoric. Mayor Parker called herself a preservationist.
As of now the construction project is still underway, and the Council has until August to find a way to hear the cries of their constituents. Many invitations have been extended to Councilmembers and Mayor Parker to attend town hall gatherings and the engineering teach in, their presence and representation lacked, according to the FTPC.
The FTPC backed by Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee will continue to push for the alternative of restoration which is preservation through the use of micro tunneling underneath the sidewalks.
Video: Equal Rights Ordinance Live Coverage
Houstonians outside of Houston City Council protesting Equal Opportunity Ordinance.
Houstonians inside City Council Chambers that supports the Mayor’s ordinance.
The waving of hands is a way to show applause or favor inside Council Chambers.
Update: Houston at odds over non-discrimination equal opportunity ordinance
Wednesday, May 14th, the City Council body will vote on the non- discrimination equal opportunity ordinance, during their regular city council meeting at 9 am in council chambers.
The day before the Wednesday City Council meeting Councilmember Jerry Davis along with Mayor Parker decided to change the language of the ordinance in order to compromise with Houstonians who weren’t so receptive to the ordinance as is.
The section that states the businesses open to the public cannot deny a transgendered person entry to the restroom that is consistent with his or her gender identity caused controversial debates and even protest that had faith based leaders preaching on the steps of City Hall and community members singing Hallelujah loud enough outside to be heard inside on the second floor.
Taboo as the issue maybe it has brought out the worst fears in many who believe that the ordinance can be an opening for predators. Yet during Tuesday’s public session many Houstonians came up to support the ordinance saying it is not a safety issue but a safety issue.
“Have you ever heard of a man in a dress hurting anyone,” said Councilmember Ellen Cohen, who avidly supports the Mayor’s ordinance.
Laughter has been the tension breaker throughout many testimonials, pro and con. The ordinance has served many Houstonians already as it was a way for them to be vocal about the LGBT rights and a platform for those who were living in secrecy to come out and have support as Matthew Williams did during one public session.
Mayor Parker believes that the language has become a distraction from the essence of her ordinance which is to give civil rights protections to gender identities.
“People ought to have the right to have safe and public bathrooms… it is inhuman that someone who is transgender would have to search for a gender neutral bathroom. Who knew people would focus an issue on transgender use of bathroom,” said Mayor Parker.
Section A of the ordinance will be amended and will strike the paragraph of the ordinance that would allow transgendered persons entry into the restroom they identify with but the rest of the ordinance will stay the same.
They gender identity clause has overshadowed the other attributes of the ordinance for non- discrimination such as race and gender, which is a reason Councilmember Jerry Davis, District B, is such a strong advocate for the passing of the ordinance. His leadership and outspokenness is tied into his work towards bring contracts to minority business owners in the city. Even former Councilmember for District D, Jolanda Jones asked for the passing on the ordinance on the stance of racial and gender discrimination.
Councilmember at Large, C.O. Bradford tagged the item for it to revisited in two weeks so he and his colleagues examine the clauses A &B in the ordinance before voting. The language was changed just hours prior following the Tuesday session.
Councilmember Dwight Boykins host Capital Improvement Meeting
By: Myra Griffin
Recently elected District D Councilmember Dwight Boykins has hit the ground running and with speed as he hosted his first Capital Improvement Plan at Cullen Middle School, Thursday February 20, 2014.
Councilmember Boykins had representatives from the City’s Finance Department, Public Works and Engineering Department,and Parks and Recreations come out to address his constituents. Each department gave a brief overview and status update on the current issues they are working on such as streets, drainage, Emancipation and Hermann Park.
City officials explained about the cost, debts and bonds that go along with the repairs requested. The model showed the phase of Repair, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction.
After presentations the audience was allowed to ask questions and receive responses from the city departments that handle that specific issue.
At Large Councilmembers were present, C.O. Bradford, Michael Kubosh, David Robinson and Jack Christie.
-Full article in Houston Sun Newspaper
Mayor Parker visits South Africa for summit 2014
Mayor Annise Parker returned from a week- long visit to South Africa where she represented Houston at the C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group Mayor’s Summit.
“This will be the first visit of a Houston mayor to South Africa in more than a decade,” said Mayor Parker. “I look forward to meeting with my C40 colleagues from around the world to share knowledge and discuss ways to impact climate change. It’s also wonderful that the GHP was able to coordinate a trade mission at the same time. We will be pursuing opportunities to strengthen economic ties, promote the planned spaceport at Ellington Field and grow our international air service. It will be a very busy, but productive week.”
Mayor Parker’s cued time to speak to was February 5, 2014 and she spoke on “Measure to Manage: Measurement & Data in Advancing City Climate Agendas.” Parker highlighted the 26 percent greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction the City has achieved since 2007 and the City’s leadership in renewable energy, energy efficiency and alternative transportation. She also participated in the release of the Climate Action in Megacities 2.0 report, a quantitative study of efforts to reduce GHG emissions and improve urban resilience to climate change.
“Our economy is diverse and robust, and it matches up well with the types of industries that South African entrepreneurs and business people are pursuing,” said Greater Houston Partnership President and CEO Bob Harvey.”
Many other representatives came from Houston such as State Senator Rodney Ellis (D-Houston), Councilmember Jack Christie, as well as, city staff accompanying the mayor such as Sustainability Director Laura Spanjian, Aviation Director Mario Diaz, and Chief Development Officer Andy Icken.
More than 370 Houston companies report business or trade ties with South Africa. Of the 214 firms in the Houston region affiliated with subsidiaries in South Africa, 14 are headquartered in Houston, according to the Mayor’s office.
2014 Great Texas Warrant Round Up
Hundreds of Law Enforcement Agencies Across Texas Unite For the 2014 Warrant Round Up
HOUSTON, Texas – The City of Houston’s Municipal Courts Department and Houston Police Department (HPD) will be among 300 law enforcement jurisdictions across Texas that will participate in the 2014 Great Texas Warrant Round-Up. For the 3rd year in a row, HPD will be assisted by the Texas Attorney General’s Fugitive Apprehension Unit to search for individuals with outstanding warrants beginning Saturday, March 1, 2014. Neighboring jurisdictions joining this statewide initiative as regional participants include, Harris, Galveston, Fort Bend, and Waller Counties. A complete list of regional participants is listed below.
“This is by far the largest concerted law enforcement effort in Texas,” said Director and Presiding Judge Barbara E. Hartle. “We do this program simultaneously with other jurisdictions to bring about greater public awareness, which will hopefully encourage someone to resolve their case or cases before they are arrested,” said Judge Hartle.
Once the Warrant Round-up period begins March 1st, HPD and other law enforcement agencies will aggressively target those defendants on the warrant list. Authorities warn that arrests can take place at any location, including the defendant’s home, school or workplace. Additionally, a special task force will focus solely on locating defendants with outstanding warrants through a license plate recognition program and whose parked vehicle has been documented multiple times at specific locations.
“With the assistance of law enforcement, we fully intend to use the entire scope of our resources, and we want to make everyone aware that ignoring your court matter is not an acceptable practice,” stated Judge Hartle. “The License Plate Recognition program has been in force since September of 2011 and has been extremely helpful in allowing us to locate scofflaws,” she added.
As the regional coordinator of this effort for the past eight years, the City of Houston Municipal Courts Department has thousands of active warrants it is seeking to clear. Municipal Courts officials are encouraging defendants to take advantage of the options available to resolve outstanding warrants. There will be no amnesty offered during the Warrant Round-Up effort.
Notices are being mailed to all Houston Municipal Court defendants with active warrants. Citizens with warrants in jurisdictions other than the City of Houston should contact those jurisdictions for information about how to clear those warrants. A complete list of participating regional partners can be found at www.houstontx.gov/courts.
For more information about warrants or citations visit the website at www.houstontx.gov/courts or contact City’s Helpline at 3-1-1 or 713-837-0311, if outside the City of Houston.
2014 Great Warrant Round-Up FAQ’s
Why are you doing this?
To close cases for which all other means of resolution have been unsuccessful.
Why do this now?
Statewide cooperation with other entities provides broader public awareness. Tax refund season creates better opportunity for some defendants to have the ability to pay their fines.
How many warrants are outstanding?
This number is not constant and changes all the time. In the month of January, in the City of Houston alone, there was an average of about 300,000 active warrants in the court’s system. Some defendants have multiple warrants.
How can I find out if I have warrants?
For Houston Municipal Court warrants, dial Houston’s Helpline at 3-1-1, visit the website at www.houstontx.gov/courts or visit any City of Houston Municipal Court location (see chart below). For information about warrants issued out of the Harris County Justice Courts, visit the Justice Court’s website at www.jp.hctx.net. For warrants issued out of surrounding municipal and justice courts, contact the Court in that particular jurisdiction for further information.
What are my options if I find out I do have warrants?
You may pay the fine and court costs, or post a bond and have your case(s) reset for a new court date. You may also seek legal advice from an attorney.
If I come to court to pay, will I be arrested?
No, defendants are encouraged to come in voluntarily to resolve cases during the Warrant Round-Up.
Will there be an amnesty offered to reduce the cost of any of the fines or fees?
Not at this time.
If I want to pay for my warrants, what are my payment options?
Payment options for warrants issued by the City of Houston Municipal Courts are as follows:
•ONLINE – www.houstontx.gov/courts/OnlineTicketPayments.html
•BY PHONE – Call 713.221.0288 (24 hour payment line)
•BY MAIL – Municipal Courts, P.O. Box 4996, Houston, TX 77210-4996
•WESTERN UNION (use code: Ticket Texas)
•IN PERSON – at any of the six court locations listed:
COURT LOCATIONS
MAIN LOCATION
HOURS
PHONE
Herbert W. Gee
Municipal Courthouse
1400 Lubbock
Houston, TX 77002
Monday – Friday
8am to 10pm
Saturday
8am to 4pm
713.247.5479
ANNEX LOCATIONS
HOURS
PHONE
Acres Homes/North Command Station
9455 West Montgomery
Houston, TX 77088
Monday – Friday
8am to 5pm
281.405.5319
Clear Lake Sub-Station
2855 Bay Area Boulevard
Houston, TX 77058
Thursday
8am to 5pm
281.283.4946
281.283.4947
Kingwood (Municipal Court Annex)
3915 Rustic Woods
Kingwood, Texas 77339-5203
Wednesday
7:30am to 4:30pm
281.361.6574
Southeast Command Station
(Courts 13 & 14)
8300 Mykawa
Houston, TX 77048
Monday – Friday
8am to 5pm
713.731.5155
713.731.5156
Westside Command Station (Court 18)
3203 South Dairy Ashford
Houston, TX 77082-2320
NOTE: All courtrooms are closed Noon to 1 P.M.
Monday – Friday
8 am to 9pm
281.584.4889
Shape Up Houston challenges Houstonians to lose one million pounds in the Million Pound Challenge
Mayor Annise Parker joins Lan Bentsen, founder and chairman of Shape Up Houston-Million Pound Health Challenge and city employees such as Griselda Garza (far right) in the plight to reduce obesity in the city of Houston in 2014 with the million pound challenge.
By: Myra Griffin
The Houston Sun
The city of Houston will sponsor and participate in Shape Up Houston’s Million Pound Health Challenge that will launch in the month of January 2014. The challenge is for Houstonians to lose one million pounds collectively.
Shape Up Houston’s campaign will last a year and address an issue that is plaguing cities all around America, obesity.
“Two-thirds of our adults are overweight or obese, as well as a third of our children,” said Lan Bentsen, founder and chairman of Shape Up Houston- Million Pound Health Challenge.
They will tackle other health related issues such as diabetes, heart disease, stroke and cancer.
“The campaign will be voluntary, educational, fun and competitive,” said Parker. “Within the city we will see friendly competitions between HEB stores, YMCA branches, fitness centers and ideally, hospitals and corporations.”
Houstonian and city employee, Griselda Garza, modeled as she has lost 40 pounds over the past two years as she has helped fellow colleagues lose the weight and get in shape. She volunteers five days a week to teach a fitness class during the lunch hour.
“I just saw what a healthy lifestyle can do and now I want to share it,” said Garza.
Shape Up Houston’s approach has found success in other U.S. cities. They also have found a partner with HEB stores as a “Gold Sponsor” where they will engage in the challenge as well.
“I encourage companies across Houston to organize teams and participate. By challenging fellow employees, we will see real results as employees and our community join together to appreciate the benefits of good health,” said Mayor Parker.
Bentsen noted that State Comptroller, Susan Combs reports that the indirect and direct impact of obesity on the state economy was 5 million in 2000, it doubled to 10 billion in 2010 and it is projected to triple t0 32 billion by 2030 if it is unaddressed.
City of Houston to annex land
By: Myra Griffin
The Houston Sun
Within the next two years the city of Houston will annex land in two areas for general purposes. City Council voted unanimously to annex land east of the city limit line and west of the San Jacinto River and north of the Navigation District.
According to the Texas Local Government Code requires that the city identifies areas it intends to annex to be in compliance with the Annexation Plan.
“We annex on a routine basis and areas on the outside ask to be annexed,” said Mayor Parker.
Houston has a extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ) that is a five mile band around the city’s general- purpose boundaries.
“A general purpose annexation is most commonly used. The city must meet a public notification requirement. Upon annexation, all affected property becomes part of the general- purpose boundaries and is effectively subject to all regulations, taxes and services provided by the City. Residents within this property are residents of the City of Houston and have all the rights and responsibilities afforded thereby. Property considered for general – purpose annexation must be included in a City’s annexation plan at least three years prior to the annexation. One instance where the three- year requirement is waived is if the property owner requests annexation,” according to the City of Houston Annexation Plan 2014-2016.