Museum Park Neighborhood Association News

Spring Break 2026 Traffic Update

Mon, 02 Mar 2026 02:02:12 GMT

Spring Break kicks off on March 7th and runs through March 14th. As you know, hundreds of thousands of visitors will be touring the Houston Zoo, our world class museums, and enjoying Houston's beautiful Hermann Park every day.

Please expect road closures and traffic changes throughout the next couple of weeks. There will be posted/electronic signs and heightened police presence, assisting in traffic control.

Thank you!

A Successful National Night Out

Fri, 06 Oct 2023 18:18:23 GMT

Thanks to all who braved inclement weather to participate in Tuesday evening's Museum Park National Night Out. Thanks also to our partners at The Health Museum for opening their doors to the fascinating exhibits and informative presentations inside the museum.

James Coney Island offered free hot dogs while neighbors had the opportunity to meet Khambrel Marshall, chat with HPD officers, and get to know their neighbors. As the weather cleared Wednesday evening, Museum Park neighbors got the chance to offer carrots to HPD's beautiful mounts, and create enormous bubbles with the Texas Bubbler.

All in all, a great way to spend a rainy evening!

To Keep You Informed: North Houston Freeway Improvement Project

Thu, 06 Apr 2023 18:38:55 GMT

TXDoT's Deputy District Engineer, Varuna Singh, spoke to Museum Park neighbors at the Wednesday, April 5th meeting regarding the North Houston Highway Improvement Project. He addressed specific topics respecting Segment 3A, which includes I69 between Spur 527 and SH288 including the depression of I69/SH59 on the north side of Museum Park.

Mr. Singh's presentation gives details of the upcoming project, and TXDoT's website including this video explains the scope of the project.

To Keep You Informed

Wed, 15 Jun 2022 21:13:50 GMT

City Council Redistricting

The City of Houston is assessing population growth within the eleven City Council Districts to make adjustments to Council boundaries based on the 2020 Census. Public input is an important part of the process. According to https://www.letstalkhouston.org/redistricting, the redrawn districts will aim to:

Maintain relatively equal population numbers
Be composed of whole county voting precincts
Have easily identifiable geographic boundaries
Maintain communities of interest/neighborhoods
Be compact and contiguous
Avoid packing (diminishing voting power by calculated demographic concentration) or cracking (diminishing voting power by calculated demographic dilution)

MPNA encourages you to learn what is taking place regarding redistricting. You may submit your own redistricting plan, or you may propose that certain voting precincts, neighborhoods, or locations be included in a specific district by July 20.

To provide your comments, opinions, and/or redistricting plan, email Rupesh.koshy@houstontx.gov (through July 20), or attend one of the three public hearings that will be held in City Council Chambers:

Wednesday, July 13, 9:00 am or 7:00 pm
Wednesday, July 20, 9:00 am

For more information see Frequently Asked Questions and go to Let’s Talk Houston.

Safe Streets and Roads for All Program

The Midtown Redevelopment Authority and the Goodman Corporation are currently taking public input to identify dangerous pedestrian/mobility locations. The map below shows the Midtown TIRZ (gray area) that extends into Museum Park at several critical locations including near Hermann Park and at US 59, where construction to suppress the highway will likely begin in 2023. Please use the survey tool to give your input.

The linked presentation briefly describes the Safe Streets and Roads for All Program, project boundaries, methods, and goals.

Use the survey tool to help identify dangerous pedestrian/mobility locations.

Keep the survey handy, comment often!

Houston Veterans Seeking Musical Instruments

Do you have any musical instruments that your kids have outgrown or left behind? Is your clarinet gathering dust? Maybe your daughter has moved on from keyboard to flute?

You can help our U.S. Vets by donating your unused musical instruments and band equipment so they can learn an instrument and even start their own band! Or maybe you have a musical gift and would like to donate your spare time to teach a local vet how to play an instrument?

Instruments needed include (but not exclusive to this list): Keyboards, Guitars, Drum sets, Flutes, Clarinets, Saxophones, Banjos, Trumpets, Ukuleles, Oboes. Also Equipment such as: Amplifiers, Microphones, PA Systems, Speakers, and Guitar picks.

Please drop off your instruments and/or equipment at the U.S. Vets building at 4640 Main Street in Midtown. There is a secure location for donations. Ask for Keith Mixson and he’ll make sure the donations are distributed to the vets who can play or want to learn.

Don’t have an instrument to donate? Check with your office/corporation and start a drive! If you’re willing to donate your time to teach a vet how to play an instrument, please contact Keith Mixson at keithmixson73@gmail.com.

Let’s honor and celebrate our vets and donate by this Independence Day, July 4, 2022!

To Keep You Informed, March 8, 2022

Tue, 08 Mar 2022 23:13:52 GMT

Solid Waste Management

Community Outreach Manager, Alyce Coffey, spoke at the most recent MPNA meeting on March 2 to address the specific concerns of neighborhood residents regarding trash pick-up, recycling, and heavy trash/tree waste pick-up. Important points include:

Trash Pick-up: The priority of the Solid Waste Department is to collect the trash bins (black) in a timely fashion. Other services, such as recycle (green bins) pick-up, yard waste pick-up (placed in City of Houston-approved compostable bags) are at times delayed as personnel are reassigned to ensure that trash bins are emptied. Old equipment and personnel shortages contribute to delayed pick-up.

Trash Bins: Trash bins must be placed with the handle toward the residential property and with three-feet of clearance on either side of the bin to ensure that the collection truck’s automated pick-up arm can access and empty the bin. Cars parked too near the bins (less than three feet) will prevent trash from being collected.

Citizen Responsibilities regarding trash bins: Remove bins from the street by the end of the pick-up day. Store bins so that they cannot be seen from the street.

Recycling: Download HTX Collects (Solid Waste Management’s mobile app) for the latest list of recyclable items. Support recycling efforts:

Do not place plastic bags into the recycle bin. Items placed inside plastic bags will be discarded as trash. Recycle plastic bags (including dry cleaner bags) at grocery stores.
Loose paper is preferred (no shredded paper) or paper placed in paper bags.
Styrofoam or batteries cannot be recycled, nor can hoses, wires, clothing, wood, or scrap metal (no helium tanks).

Download a Solid Waste App on Google Play or the App Store: City of Houston’s HTX Collects or Rollout! Houston.

Watch the Mail: Keep Museum Park Esplanades Clean

MPNA will be distributing a postcard with the Heavy Trash/Heavy Tree Waste schedule. Attach the postcard to your fridge or kitchen bulletin board. Tree Waste is picked up the third Thursday of odd numbered months. Heavy Trash including furniture, appliances, and mattresses is picked up the third Thursday of even numbered months.

Supporting HPD’s South Central Division

MPNA continues their support of South Central’s community outreach program with a $100 donation for their Easter event.

Blodgett/Cleburne Bike Lane Proposal

The City of Houston in conjunction with Harris County Precinct 1 is developing east-west bike lanes along Blodgett/Cleburne to connect with exiting north/south bikeways and in turn complete a network across Third Ward. Give your input HERE for the final design of the project.

MPSN Report

The Super Neighborhood is working with Public Works to identify priority intersections based on crash data and anecdotal evidence. Council Member Caroline Evans-Shabazz has earmarked $86,000 toward traffic calming interventions in the neighborhood, which along with Southeast Management District’s matching funds, will provide the funding necessary for the solutions currently being developed by Public Works and Planning. Museum Park stakeholders will have the opportunity to provide input in the near future, likely during the second quarter 2022.

Find more detail on this and other Super Neighborhood initiatives HERE.

In and around Museum Park

March 11, Asia Society’s Tiger Ball
March 12-20, Spring Break
March 27, Kite Festival, Hermann Park
March 27, TLH Block Party
April 16, Easter Egg Hunt, Covenant Church grounds
May 1, Miller Outdoor Theatre, Cinco de Mayo festivities

Updated Link to November 3 Dr. Klineberg Presentation

Thu, 18 Nov 2021 18:14:37 GMT

Please use this LINK to access the Dr. Klineberg presentation.

To Keep You Informed: November 11, 2021

Thu, 18 Nov 2021 17:06:16 GMT

Special Guest Dr. Stephen Klineberg

Dr. Stephen Klineberg, Rice University professor, nationally known demographics expert, sociologist, and Museum Park neighbor, was the special guest of the Museum Park Neighborhood Association at the November 3 meeting.

View Presentation of Special Guest, Dr. Stephen KlinebergDr. Klineberg has been shaping local thought on the ongoing changes in the Houston metropolitan region for almost 40 years. Through his work on the “Kinder Houston Area Survey,” he has tracked the economic outlooks, demographic patterns, experiences and beliefs of local Houston residents for 40 years. His widely acclaimed book “Prophetic City: Houston on the Cusp of a Changing America” was published in 2020.

If you were unable to attend the meeting, you can view his presentation HERE.

Neighborhood Traffic Management Program

Museum Park Residents within a ½ mile radius of proposed speed cushions designed to improve traffic safety recently received a written notice from the Transportation and Drainage Office regarding these installations. You will find a copy of the letter, response form, and corrected map of proposed speed cushions HERE. The initial notice indicated speed cushions would be placed on San Jacinto. However, the corrected map indicates they will instead be placed on Caroline. This correction may impact your comments.

You can submit written comments to Public Works till November 19 by returning the form received in the notice or by using the link HERE. Please note that the phone number in the Public Notice does not work. However, questions may be directed to Valerie Luna, CPM, Outreach Coordinator, Transportation and Drainage Operations, valerie.luna@houstontx.gov, 832-395-2948.

Crime Concerns in Museum Park

At the recent Museum Park Super Neighborhood meeting, Commander Caroleta Johnson reported crime statistics for Beat 10H70, which includes Museum Park. The report shows a spike of 31% in Burglary of Motor Vehicles over October 2020. Please follow the recommendations of HPD to protect yourself as much as possible from being the victim of a BMV.

MPNA Officers Elected at November 3 Meeting

The 2021 Officers and Standing Committee Chairs for MPNA were elected at the November meeting. They include: Sandy Stevens, President; Pam Campbell, Vice-President; Greg Quintero, Secretary; Cynthia Tang, Treasurer; Bill Powell, Parliamentarian; Louis Selig, Membership; Cindy Woods, Community Engagement; Kim Mickelson, Infrastructure and Quality of Life; Joselyn Thomas, Safety and Security. Three Museum Park residents, Kathleen O’Reilly, Sandy Stevens, and Bill Powell were elected to serve as representatives to the Museum Park Super Neighborhood Council.

Additionally, President Sandy Stevens has appointed Cynthia Tang to serve as Website Administration Chair. Cynthia maintains our website keeping it updated and functioning smoothly. Cynthia will also continue to serve along with Jill Miller as co-chair of the Green Team Special Committee. Additional appointments include Cathy Ehlinger to work with Cindy Woods on Community Engagement and Lynn Dahlberg to assist with Membership Committee responsibilities.

One Committee Chair position, Preservation, remains unfilled. Please send an email to info@museumparkna.org if you have interest in serving in this position or simply want to obtain additional information.

Zoom Link for MPNA August 4 Meeting

Wed, 04 Aug 2021 13:07:10 GMT

Join us for our Virtual Meeting at 6:00 p.m., Wednesday, August 4

https://zoom.us/j/92914168286?pwd=VFRRYWFGTCtUQ2xYbGR0Y1NTNlV4dz09

Meeting ID: 929 1416 8286

Passcode: 105308

One tap mobile
+13126266799,,92914168286#,,,,*105308# US (Chicago)

To Keep You Informed: June 10, 2021

Thu, 10 Jun 2021 12:48:11 GMT

Almeda Corridor Community Parking Plan (June 15 Meeting)
Parking Management is hosting a meeting June 15 to update residents in the Almeda Corridor area, Southmore (s), Chenevert (w), Wentworth (n), 288 (e), regarding plans to improve parking issues for the residents. Restrictions including no parking after certain hours, timed limited parking, etc. are under consideration.

Streets that currently have Residential Permit Parking during certain hours of the day may retain their status or opt into the new CPP.

If your street is impacted by the changes, you will be able to secure annual parking passes to use when friends or service providers are parking in front of your home. Those impacted by the Almeda Corridor CPP that have provided their email address to ParkHouston have received an invitation to the meeting.

Those impacted by the parking plan that have provided their email address to ParkHouston have received an invitation to the meeting.

If you would like to attend this public meeting, please email your request to parking@houstontx.gov

Museum Park Community Parking Plan Update
Parking Management will be adding parking restrictions (parking meters or time-limited parking regulations) on Museum Park streets primarily near the Boone Manor/Museo Plaza projects. If parking changes are proposed for your street, letters from ParkHouston will be going out sometime in June indicating the slated changes.

If your street is impacted by the changes, you will be able to secure annual parking passes to use when friends or service providers are parking in front of your home.

The proposed changes cover multiple blocks primarily in and around the Boone Manor/Museo Plaza projects. If you receive a letter, please carefully evaluate and discuss the changes with your neighbors as those changes are designed to make the quality of life of all residents better.

Noise Update from At-Large 5 Council Member Sallie Alcorn
CM Alcorn was unable to attend the MPNA June meeting but sent the following report:

Council Member Alcorn continues to meet with Administration and Regulatory Affairs department (ARA) Director Tina Paez and ARA staff as well as staff from the city's legal department to collaborate and narrow in on proposed changes to Chapter 30 of the city's code of ordinances related to noise and sound level regulation. Such revisions to Chapter 30 include changing the location of the sound measurement from the property line of the complainant to the property line of the person/business emitting the sound. As I have also mentioned before, we have been looking closely at how to strengthen the annual permit process. Things are not yet set in stone, but ARA and the legal department are working to come up with a proposed annual permit program/process to possibly be required for certain businesses/establishments that amplify sound outdoors. This includes those with speakers outside as well as those businesses whose indoor music and bass levels can be heard outside. After a certain number of verified complaints, they may be subject to an administrative hearing. As the hospitality industry has been hit hard this last year with COVID-19, I am working with the departments to make sure we get that definition/classification of those who shall be required to purchase a permit as narrowed in as possible to limit the negative impact on these businesses, especially the good-actors.

Now that all parties from the city (ARA, legal and our office) have agreed upon such proposed changes/direction, the next step is to schedule stakeholder meetings. In partnership with affected district council members, I have provided a list of potential stakeholders to be included in those meetings. These individuals represent super neighborhoods, community groups as well as industry, from small business bar and restaurant owners to the Greater Houston Restaurant Association. Staff and I are checking in nearly daily with the ARA and legal departments to keep this ball rolling and hope to see the first stakeholder meeting scheduled by the end of June. After a couple rounds of stakeholder meetings, the proposed changes will be solidified and brought before the Regulatory and Neighborhood Affairs (RNA) council committee before moving forward to the council agenda.

HPD Report
Commander Caroleta Johnson and Sgt. Chris Weiche attended the June 2 MPNA meeting to update the neighborhood regarding the Crime Statistics in the 10H70 Beat which includes Museum Park. Overall crime is down May 2021 vs. May 2020 by 29%. Commander Johnson is working collaboratively with CM Evans-Shabazz, the Houston Southeast Management District and area businesses to address nuisance issues, including bar noise, traffic, parking, and drunken behavior.

Livable Places Action Committee
The City of Houston's Livable Places Action Committee continues meeting monthly. The next meeting is scheduled for June 15, 3:00 p.m. You can find the link to the upcoming virtual meeting, read articles regarding topics the committee is addressing, and give input here.

At the June meeting the committee will be addressing ADU’s (Accessory Dwelling Units). If you have questions or wish to make a comment, go to: https://www.letstalkhouston.org.

Moonshot Composting
Moonshot Composting has partnered with Covenant Church to provide a means of turning your food scraps into compost that will enhance the beautiful plantings at Covenant Church. You can subscribe to Moonshot’s services here https://www.moonshotcompost.com/
Mark Your Calendar
June 11: Asia Society Tiger Ball (No Neighborhood Street Closures)
July: No MPNA meeting.
October 5: National Night Out
December: MPNA Members Holiday Dinner (Be sure to join/renew your membership) to receive an invitation to this popular event.

To Keep You Informed, May 10, 2021

Thu, 03 Jun 2021 19:56:38 GMT

Interactive Kiosks Approved by City Council

On Wednesday, May 5, City Council approved (10-7) the installation of 75 interactive digital kiosks on City of Houston sidewalks over the next 3 years. The kiosks will display advertisements, direct people to restaurants, businesses, transit options, and other amenities. They will provide free Wi-Fi and 911 access, and will include air quality monitors and security cameras. The Houston Chronicle gives detailed information regarding the kiosks and the Council vote.

Dr. Carolyn Evans-Shabazz, who voted in favor of the kiosk installations attended the May 5 meeting of MPNA to speak directly to residents, many of whom opposed the installation of the kiosks. CM Evans-Shabazz pledged that residents will not have kiosks located near their homes.

Moonshot Composting

Founders Chris Wood and Joe Villa spoke at the MPNA General Meeting Wednesday, May 5, regarding food waste and composting options through Moonshot Composting. Moonshot is currently in talks with Covenant Church to establish a composting drop-off site on the church property. Watch for details regarding a possible subscription service with drop-off at the Covenant site.

Livable Places Action Committee-Buffering Ordinance Amendments

The LPAC continues to move forward on amendments to current buffering ordinances. The proposals under consideration will require more robust buffering for future mid-rise (65-75’ from grade to top of building) development, including distance separation standards, dumpster screening, garage screening, and outdoor lighting fixtures. An unofficial breakdown of the draft proposals (authored by Sandy Stevens) is available here.

To make your voice heard on these important changes, go to LetsTalkHouston.org.

Almeda Corridor Community Parking Program: Comments through May 28

Parking Management will implement a Community Parking Program for the Almeda Corridor beginning June, 2021. Boundaries for the proposed CPP are Wentworth (N), Hwy 288 (E), Southmore (S), and Chenevert (W).

Included in the proposed CPP are 2-hour time limits, Monday-Sunday, 9 am-10 pm (permits available to exempt employees and residents with corridor addresses from time limit restrictions).
No parking on residential streets after 10:00 pm with permits available for resident vehicles registered to the address in the corridor with a limit of 3 visitor permits per household.

Give your input regarding the proposed Parking Program here.

Clayton Library reopening May 11, 10:00 a.m.

Open Tuesday - Saturday 10am - 4pm for browsing the collection.
The initial browsing stage is primarily for customers who have an idea of what they need on the shelves.
Because of currently limited capacity (50%), seating is reserved for researchers.
For those that need direction or suggestions, the library's reference service will at first be "lite" consultations with staff who will guide customers to resources.
Library staff are doing in-depth phone consultations, or for deeper consultations in-person meetings by appointment. Please call 832-393-2600 for an appointment.
This limited-opening phase will likely last a few months. The next phase will probably include a return to pre-pandemic hours and capacity.
Meeting rooms are not currently available.

The staff at Clayton is very happy to be operating again within the Museum Park Neighborhood and looks forward to helping our neighbors find their ancestors.

Crime Report

Officer Collin Rapp attended MPNA May 5 meeting to report that crime in the 10H70 beat including Museum Park is down from April of 2020. Details of neighborhood crime are located here.

He also shared that South Central’s community team spearheaded by Commander Caroleta Johnson to address negative impacts from bars and restaurants across the district held its first meeting May 6.

Bellville Turnverein

If you are getting out of Houston to enjoy the bluebonnets before they are gone, take a drive through Bellville, Texas where you can spot a Turnverein, one of several scattered across the state. You may recall that Lynn Dahlberg did a fascinating presentation on Turnvereins at the March MPNA meeting including the one that sat on the corner of Almeda and Southmore where Walgreens is currently located.

To Keep You Informed: April 19, 2021

Tue, 27 Apr 2021 13:45:34 GMT

Greentown Labs

Juliana Garaizar, Launch Director for Greentown Labs, the climatetech startup incubator, discussed their plans for expanding to Houston's Innovation District and accelerating the clean energy transition, at MPNA's virtual general meeting on April 7. Their grand opening is scheduled for Earth Day, April 22, 2:00 pm. You can join Mayor Sylvester Turner, Rice University President David Leebron, and Greentown CEO Emily Reichert among others for this live-stream event by registering here.

Council Member Carolyn Evans-Shabazz

CM Shabazz along with HPD South Central’s Commander Johnson and her officers, Precinct 7 Constables, and the Houston Southeast Management District Enhanced Public Safety Committee, are working collaboratively with Almeda businesses to address residents’ concerns regarding noise, traffic, and parking. If you have specific concerns, please email the Councilmember’s office, districtd@houstontx.gov

Council Member Sallie Alcorn

CM Alcorn is working with city departments to strengthen current noise ordinance standards and their enforcement. Her goal is to improve the quality of life for residents impacted by noise primarily coming from restaurants and bars. If you have specific concerns, email the Councilmember's office, atlarge5@houstontx.gov.

MPNA Green Team

To kick off Spring, the live oak trees on Southmore Boulevard were pruned and deep fertilized by ArborTrue Tree Service which created a beautiful canopy on the two esplanades. The Green Team's next project will be tending to the esplanade endcap gardens which were damaged by the deep freeze. Put on your gloves and join the Green Team on Saturday April 24 from 8:30 am to 10:30 am to weed, prune, and plant the Crawford and Caroline endcap gardens.

HPD South Central

MPNA’s April 7 meeting included crime statistics from Sgt. Weiche showing the 10h70 Beat’s crime statistics, which includes Museum Park, down 35% from the same period in 2020. The only increase was in aggravated assaults, up from 5 in 2020 to 8 this year.

HPD’s South Central Command Station will host its next PIP Meeting, April 20, 7:00PM. You now have the option of participating online, or in person at 2202 St. Emanuel St. If you attend in person, please wear a mask, and wait to be greeted at the back door for temperature checks.

Livable Places Action Committee

The next meeting of the LPAC is slated for Tuesday, April 20, at 3:00 p.m. The committee is currently focusing on development ordinance changes regarding buffering. The proposed changes including garage screening standards, lighting fixture standards, dumpster screening, and buffering space will be presented to the committee at that meeting. You can join the meeting here.

Almeda Corridor Community Parking Program: Comments through May 28

Parking Management will be implementing a Community Parking Program for the Almeda Corridor beginning June, 2021. Boundaries for the proposed CPP are Wentworth (N), Hwy 288 (E), Southmore (S), and Chenevert (W).

Included in the proposed CPP are 2-hour time limits, Monday-Sunday, 9 am-10 pm (permits available to exempt employees and residents with corridor addresses from time limit restrictions).
No parking on residential streets after 10:00 pm with permits available for resident vehicles registered to the address in the corridor with a limit of 3 visitor permits per household.

Give your input regarding the proposed Parking Program here.

Miller Outdoor Theatre

Miller performances start May 1, 2021. For details about upcoming performances, go here.

To Keep You Informed: March 10, 2021

Tue, 09 Mar 2021 22:42:26 GMT

Parking Survey

ParkHouston is reaching out to Museum Park stakeholders for their feedback in the annual review of the Community Parking Program, implemented a year ago. Stakeholder feedback has been vital from the inception of this program. Now, ParkHouston wants to know how the implementation has impacted Museum Park. Use this link to complete a short survey. ParkHouston will provide the results in April.

One More Important Survey-Use of Public Sidewalks

The City of Houston is accepting public comments concerning the use of the public sidewalks by private vendors for the rental or sale of goods. The comment period will end on March 15 at 5 PM. Give your input at
https://www.houstontx.gov/parking/ordinance-amendments-comments.html

Please complete both these important surveys that impact our Quality of Life in Museum Park.

HPD South Central Report

MPNA’s March 3 meeting offered robust discussion with HPD officers, Commander Carolita Johnson and Sgt. Christopher Weiche, including a report showing overall crime statistics in Museum Park down 32% from the same period in 2020. Of particular interest are Theft, down 15%, and Burglary of Motor Vehicles down 52%.

Record of Decision

TxDOT has issued the Record of Decision (ROD) for the North Houston Highway Improvement Project. More information is available at http://www.ih45northandmore.com. This project includes the suppression of 59. Slated for a late 2021 start.

To Keep You Informed, February 22, 2021

Wed, 24 Feb 2021 18:59:19 GMT

TxDOT Issues A Record of Decision for the North Houston Highway Improvement Project

TxDOT has taken the next step in the implementation of the North Houston Highway Improvement Project by issuing the Record of Decision.

The portion of the project, labeled Segment 3, directly impacts the north end of Museum Park, depressing US59/I-69 between I-10 and Spur 527 south of Downtown. Segment 3 is slated to begin in late 2021. You can view the details of this project at http://www.ih45northandmore.com/

Dr. Luis Ostrosky

At the February 3 MPNA meeting, Dr. Luis Ostrosky, Memorial Hermann TMC and the McGovern Medical School, Infectious Diseases spoke and answered questions regarding COVID-19 and the efforts to distribute vaccine in the Houston area. You can watch the video of his presentation here.

HPD South Central Report

Sgt. Brian Alms, Community DRT (Differential Response Team) Officer reported crime statistics comparing January 2020 to January 2021. Overall crime for the area (which includes the Texas Medical Center) is down overall 34%. Commander Johnson and her team continue to focus on clubs and violations.

Livable Places Action Committee

The LPAC continues monthly meetings where the focus for the last three meetings has been buffering. Current buffering ordinances were implemented in 2011 to provide some protection to single-family residences from high-rise, high density abutting developments. With input from the committee, the Planning Department is developing new ordinances to strengthen those currently in place. Garage screening, outdoor lighting, and noise issues were the topic of discussion at the February 9 LPAC meeting. You can view that meeting and supporting documents at https://houstontx.gov/planning/meeting_documents.html.

The next meeting of the LPAC is slated for March 9 at 3:00 p.m. A link to the meeting will be posted on the Planning Department Website, https://houstontx.gov/planning/meetings.html. If you have questions or suggestions, please email committee member Sandy Stevens at info@museumpark.org.

Green Team

The MPNA Board approved expenditures of $6000 for professional pruning and fertilization of trees located on the 1700-1800 block of Southmore. As reported earlier, the Green Team is coordinating with the City of Houston Parks Department for removal of a dead palm tree. They also have plans to amend the soil and install three end caps.

To Keep You Informed: January 18, 2021

Sat, 30 Jan 2021 21:04:40 GMT

Livable Places Action Committee

The COH Planning Department's Livable Places Action Committee held it’s fifth meeting on Tuesday, January 12 to continue discussion of buffering ordinances and options to address concerns expressed by residents throughout the city of Houston. Thanks goes to Museum Park neighbors who dropped a pin in the interactive map tool to identify dense developments with good/bad buffering standards. You can access the summary of the map sites here.

Planning Department staff have identified four separate topics including Physical Separation Standards, Garage Sheathing Standards, Lighting Fixture Standards, and Noise Control Standards to address through the committee’s work. For further details or to view the presentation, go here.

If you have comments or questions regarding the ongoing discussion of the Committee, please join the next meeting of the LPAC slated for February 9. A link to the meeting will be posted on the Livable Places Action Committee website. You can also reach out to Sandy Stevens who serves on the committee.

HPD South Central Report

Many thanks to HPD’s South Central Commander Caroleta Johnson and Sgt. Christopher Weiche who attended the January MPNA meeting to report the most recent crime statistics and update residents regarding HPD’s interaction with Almeda bars. Overall crime is down 35% in Museum Park (10H70 Beat that includes the Medical Center), December 2019 to December 2020. The largest drops appear to be in Burglary of Motor Vehicles, down 50%, and Auto Theft, down 70%.

South Central Officers are having ongoing conversations with Bar 5015 owner regarding ways to be a good neighbor including monitoring noise levels to stay within permitted levels. HPD will be working with Precinct 7 Constables and Parking Management to address the multiple issues occurring at peak times.

MPNA Green Team

The Green Team is focusing on the Southmore esplanades between Jackson and Almeda through the spring. Fifteen live oak trees will be professionally pruned followed by fertilization of the small oaks, the dead palm tree will be removed, the soil will be amended, and three end caps will be installed.

Security Survey

Safety & Security Chair Deirdre Barrett is preparing a security survey to disseminate to the neighborhood. Watch for it.

To Keep You Informed: December 16, 2020

Sat, 19 Dec 2020 22:17:12 GMT

Make Your Voice Heard: City of Houston Buffering Ordinances

The COH Planning Department's Livable Places Action Committee is considering improvements to current buffering ordinances implemented in 2011 to protect single-family residences from the impact of high-rise development that either directly abuts or is within 30 feet of a single family residence.

As Museum Park has already experienced high-rise construction within the neighborhood and anticipates additional development, please take this opportunity to give input as it considers changes by participating in the Planning Department’s interactive mapping tool by December 31.

On the Let's Talk Houston website, scroll down to the MAP IT tab, click on the map and follow the directions:

Place a pin on the map showing the location of a tall structure adjacent to single-family residence
Answer 3 quick questions
Upload a photo (optional but encouraged)
Leave comments or suggestions.

To view a video of the Livable Places Action Committee's December 8 meeting as well as meeting notes and other documents, visit the Livable Places Initiative.

Bar Noise Issues

Council Member Sallie Alcorn’s Regulatory and Neighborhood Affairs Committee is formulating recommendations to address noise issues associated with bars located near residential areas.

CM Alcorn is talking with the mayor regarding next steps, which may include strengthening the current ordinance. Look for an upcoming opinion piece from CM Alcorn in the Houston Chronicle.

Holiday Donation to HPD’s South Central Command Station

The MPNA contributed $100, matched by an MPNA member, for a total $200 donation to Share the Joy, the pet food distribution event hosted at the South Central Command Station on December 5.

By supporting this outreach, Museum Park offers our thanks to the officers of South Central while supporting those who are struggling with the Covid economic downturn.

Happy Holidays

MPNA Board Members—Sandy Stevens, Pam Campbell, Deirdre Barrett, Lynn Dahlberg, Cathy Ehlinger, Kim Mickelson, Bill Powell, Greg Quintero, Louis Selig, Cynthia Tang, Joselyn Thomas, and Cindy Woods—wish you Happy Holidays!

Though we are unable to celebrate with our usual holiday gathering, we look forward to a New Year of hope and good health.

To Keep You Informed: November 13

Tue, 17 Nov 2020 00:33:29 GMT

2021 MPNA Officers

At the November 4 meeting of the Museum Park Neighborhood Association, the slate of officers submitted by the nominating committee of Sandy Stevens, Greg Quintero, and Cynthia Tang was approved by acclamation.

Regulatory and Neighborhood Affairs Committee

The RNA Committee headed by CM Sallie Alcorn met November 2 to discuss the issue of noise, mostly associated with loud music emanating from bars, restaurants, and party houses near residential properties. View meeting here.

Livable Places Action Committee

The LPAC Committee including MPNA President Sandy Stevens met October 20 to review several technical changes to existing ordinances. Committee members agreed to the changes primarily designed to bring them into line with current practices. View the meeting here.
____________________________________________________________________

Holiday Dinner Cancelled

Plans for the MPNA Holiday Dinner at Lucille’s have been cancelled for 2020 due to Covid 19 restrictions. Tentative plans for a spring backyard event at Lucille’s are underway. Check out the Houston Chronicle for feature stories about Chris and Ben Williams and their non-profit, Lucille’s 1913.

In and Around the Neighborhood

Java Lava has reopened. Stop by and welcome the coffee shop/restaurant back to the neighborhood.

Also try out the new Hermann Park Restaurant, Ginger Kale, located between the mini-train station and McGovern Lake.

Happy birthday to May! May Hill, a long term resident of Museum Park, turned 98 on November 10. May served as Parliamentarian of MPNA for many years.

___________________________________________________________________

Myhomeishere.org

Please take a moment to complete the survey being conducted by Harris County and the Kinder Institute at Rice University. The “My Home is Here" housing study will inform recommendations for safe, affordable and inclusive homes for the Houston region through 2030. Your participation is a part of the work that Harris County is conducting to ensure safe homes are available to residents of all ages, incomes and backgrounds.

Caroline Promenade

Next step on the Caroline Promenade includes pruning of trees along Caroline. Funding for the removal of dead and unhealthy branches was provided through former CM Dwight Boykins' office and Southeast Management District, as part of the Caroline Promenade pre-design grant. Keep an eye out for the improvements. Get a copy of the Caroline Promenade pre-design here.

Our Resilient City: The Joy of the Journey

Check out the panel discussion hosted by Museum Park Super Neighborhood on October 14. Panelists, Marissa Aho, Chief Resilience Officer, City of Houston; David Fields, Chief Transportation Planner, City of Houston; Jaime Gonzalez, Resilient Cities Director, The Nature Conservancy- Houston; and Jay Maddock, PhD, Co-Director, Center for Health and Nature, Professor of Environmental Health, Texas A & M University.

A recording of the meeting is found on the MPSN website.

To Keep You Informed: September 8, 2020

Mon, 14 Sep 2020 16:08:56 GMT

Rice Management District Update on the Ion

Ryan LeVasseur and Sam Dike, members of the Rice Management team, appeared virtually at MPNA virtual meeting on September 2 to update Museum Park stakeholders regarding progress on the Ion.

Scheduled for opening in early 2021, the Ion, formerly the Main Street Sears building, will include event and programming spaces, office spaces, academic uses, flex workspaces, and small cafes. To watch the replay and learn the details, go to: https://www.crowdcast.io/e/fqkw1aa9.

National Night Out 2020 Plans

In keeping with City of Houston and Harris County guidelines, Museum Park Neighborhood Association is encouraging small, socially distanced, outdoor neighbor gatherings in place of our traditional large neighborhood National Night Out. Mark your calendars for Tuesday, October 6 and watch for an upcoming email outlining suggestions for the evening.

Get details and information on how to host one of the neighbor gatherings by contacting info@museumparkna.org.

Notes from the Super Neighborhood

Pre-design for the Caroline Promenade was completed earlier this year. Next step includes pruning to improve the health of the heritage oaks located in the esplanades along Caroline. SN is acquiring wood chips to spread on the Caroline esplanades as well as a few additional MP esplanades to enhance the soil.

The Planning Department will be hosting a virtual Transit Oriented Development meeting for properties located within 1/2 mile walk of transit stations September 17, 2:30 p.m. Details and access to the meeting are here.

The Super Neighborhood's next meeting is slated for September 9, 5:30 p.m. Guests include Dr. Kyle Shelton discussing the Kinder Institute's 2020 State of Housing Report and Lena Sweeny, Houston Recovery Center. Details and log-in information can be accessed by emailing Info@museumparksn.org.

HPD PIP Meetings (September 8 and September 15)

The City-Wide PIP (Positive Interaction Program) virtual meeting is slated for Tuesday, September 8 at 6:00 pm. Join the live streamed meeting here to hear Lt. John Coburn, HPD's Internet Crimes Against Children Unit to learn how to protect your children against online predators.

South Central Command Station will host the Local PIP meeting, Tuesday, September 15, 6:00 p.m. Sgt. Evans with the Special Victims division will present the evening’s program.

In Other News

The City of Houston Planning Department has formed a new committee to address current development codes. The Livable Places Initiative will address among other issues improved buffering for existing neighborhoods. Sandy Stevens will serve on the committee.

The next MPNA meeting, which will include election of officers for 2021, is slated for Wednesday, November 4. If you are interested in serving on the MPNA Board, please contact us at info@museumparkna.org. More information coming in October.

To Keep You Informed: August 17, 2020

Fri, 21 Aug 2020 14:09:48 GMT

Buffalo Soldiers Museum

MPNA held its second virtual meeting August 5, 2020 hosting Desmond Bertrand-Pitts, grandson of the museum’s founder, who shared a bit of history of the museum, which opened in 2001, and moved to its current building in 2012. The museum has been closed for the last four months due to Covid-19 with plans to reopen in September.

Check out their website to find out ways you can help the museum as it celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2021.

TOD & Walkable Places Ordinances Approved by City Council

Houston City Council unanimously approved the Transit Oriented Development and Walkable Places ordinances Wednesday, August 5. The ordinances will go into effect on October 1 after finalizing the TOD map. For further information, check the City of Houston’s Planning Department website.

Prior to ordinance approval the Museum Park Super Neighborhood hosted a walk along Caroline and San Jacinto streets Monday, July 27, to discuss anticipated ordinance outcomes in MP with Council Member Carolyn Evans-Shabazz and others. In addition to the District D Council Member, CM’s David Robinson and Amy Peck were in attendance along with several from the Planning Commission, Planning Department, Museum Park neighbors, and others.

HPD South Central Command Station

The pictured banner, provided by Buffalo Specialties, was displayed on August 14 when South Central hosts their “Back to School Drive-Through” in support of the children living in the precinct. MPNA donated $100 toward the support of this annual Back to School program.

In September South Central HPD will be offering free virtual CPR classes with follow-up to complete certification. Details to follow.

OTHER NEWS

Private Security Study: Security Chair Deirdre Barrett is heading a group of interested residents wishing to establish a private security group for Museum Park. If you have interest in such a group and/or you are willing to serve in such an effort, please email Deirdre at info@museumparkna.org.

Southmore Bridge: According to TXDoT, Southmore Bridge will open later this month. The MPNA Green Team's next beautification project is planned for the nearby Southmore esplanade.

Museum Park Treasure Hunt Continues…The Community Engagement Team will continue the Museum Park Neighborhood Treasure Hunt for three more weeks. Each weekly clue will be published leading to a hidden token in the neighborhood. The lucky winner will exchange the token for a $10 gift certificate to a local business. Continue to look for email announcements and clues on the MPNA website and MP Facebook page.

To Keep You Informed: July 9, 2020

Thu, 09 Jul 2020 13:22:07 GMT

Guest: County Clerk Christopher Hollins
MPNA held its first virtual meeting July 1, 2020 to host County Clerk Christopher Hollins, who discussed voting protocols put in place for the July 14 primaries and the November 3 election

Safety protocols are in place at all voting sites for poll workers and voters: social distancing, hand sanitizing stations, face masks available, curbside voting. Finger protectors are available to use when voting, and a no touch identification process is in place.
If you choose not to wear a mask you may vote curbside or if you choose to go in, at booths provided for non-mask wearers.
Qualifications for vote by mail: 65 or older, away from county, imprisoned, disabled. Covid can be considered a disability factor but not the only factor.
Currently very short wait times for early voting (early voting for primaries through July 10).
800 plus locations in Harris County anticipated for the November elections.
Still accepting volunteers to assist with November elections.
For detailed information and FAQ’s, go to https://www.harrisvotes.com.

TOD & Walkable Places Updates
City Council’s Quality of Life Committee heard the Planning Department presentation regarding the proposed Transit Oriented Development and Walkable Places ordinances June 24. Present at the virtual public meeting were MPNA President Sandy Stevens and MPSN President Kathleen O’Reilly along with other Museum Park Residents. Several residents spoke to the committee regarding the impact of the proposed TOD ordinances on the neighborhood. Check out City of Houston Planning department website to review ordinances. To see the recorded meeting, go here. TOD and Walkable Places Ordinances are expected to be on the City Council agenda later this summer.

Reporting Litter on TXDoT Property

If you are a twitter user, you can report litter on TxDoT property through their account at http://twitter.com/txdothouston.
Thanks to CoH Solid Waste Management Department, litter at 59 and Main was recently cleaned up. According to Director Harry Hayes, “This is part of the Mayor's Covid care strategy to mitigate any issues which could arise surrounding public health. The crew will be on a schedule for the duration.”

Department of Neighborhoods Grant

Green Team Chair Cynthia Tang confirmed the receipt of the Department of Neighborhood’s matching grant dollars of $2,445 for the installation of seven end caps and a small Texas Natives Garden in the Crawford esplanades from Wentworth to Wheeler. Thanks to Cynthia and team for their hard work while practicing social distancing in their efforts to connect and beautify Museum Park.

Private Security Study
Security Chair Deirdre Barrett is heading a group of interested residents wishing to establish a private security group for Museum Park. If you have interest in such a group and/or you are willing to serve in such an effort, please email Deirdre at info@museumparkna.org

Museum Park Treasure Hunt
The Community Engagement Team is sponsoring a Museum Park Neighborhood Treasure Hunt beginning July 11. Each week over the following four weeks, clues will be published leading to a hidden token in the neighborhood. The lucky winner will exchange the token for a $10 gift certificate to a local business. Look for email announcements and clues on the MPNA website and MP Facebook page.

To Keep You Informed, June 5, 2020

Fri, 05 Jun 2020 15:56:57 GMT

Walkable Places/Transit Oriented Development ordinances advance to City Council

The Planning Commission met Thursday, May 28, with the consideration of Walkable Places and Transit Oriented Development ordinances at the top of the agenda. TOD streets are determined by proximity to rail stations along with other criteria, and will include nearly half of streets in Museum Park as either primary TOD streets (mandatory) or secondary TOD streets (opt-in). See map here.

Designed to promote denser housing near transit stations, TOD ordinances ease certain developer requirements including parking requirements. The ordinances also provide reduced setbacks that give developers more buildable area allowing larger buildings closer to the street. Developers will be required to provide among other benefits wider sidewalks, a safety buffer (area between street and sidewalk), and landscaping along the streets. Several MP streets are lined with heritage trees, which give Museum Park its distinctive character and which may well be impacted by the reduced setbacks. For detailed description of TOD, see here.

Because of the complexity of the ordinances and the difficulty in parsing the impact on Museum Park, several residents, including Museum Park Super Neighborhood President and MPNA President, attended the virtual meeting with specific requests:

Hold additional public meeting(s) to better assist residents in understanding the complexities of the ordinances.
The existing buffering ordinances are not part of the WP/TOD ordinances and as currently written do not require noise, light, garage, or wind shielding for residential properties on transit corridors. Prior to enacting WP/TOD these ordinances must be updated and strengthened in collaboration with potentially impacted property owners.
Recognize the unique qualities of the neighborhood, a destination for 12 million visitors a year to the cultural institutions, museums and Hermann Park.

Additionally, District D CM Carolyn Evans Shabazz, At-large Council Members, David Robinson and Sallie Alcorn spoke at the Planning Commission on behalf of the requests sought by the residents. CM Letitia Plummer provided a letter of support.

Despite the requests to defer action on Museum Park, the Planning Commission voted unanimously to advance the Transit-Oriented-Development and the Walkable Places ordinances to City Council.

MPNA will continue to work in concert with Museum Park Super Neighborhood to secure additional public engagement with the Planning Department so that all Museum Park neighbors can understand the changes that will impact the neighborhood. At the same time we will continue to seek changes in the buffering ordinances that will protect our neighborhood as development continues.

Thanks to HPD's South Central Station

MPNA VP Pam Campbell along with HPD Officers Thomas and Gentry.

On behalf of the entire neighborhood, MPNA purchased and delivered 50 rotisserie chickens (per HPD menu request) to officers of South Central Command Station, Thursday, June 4. Our neighborhood is thankful for the service of these officers and during these stressful times, it is especially appropriate to show Museum Park’s gratitude.

Miller Outdoor Theatre Performances Cancelled Through July 30

In accordance with the CDC’s most recent guidelines, the Miller Theatre Advisory Board is cancelling all performances through the end of July 2020.

“Regretfully the fireworks will not take place this year. Hoping that we will be able to have fireworks for July 4, 2021,” Cissy Segall Davis, Director, Miller Outdoor Theatre.

MPNA Community Engagement team still hopes to schedule our annual Miller Outdoor Theatre social in the fall.

Museum Park residents and stakeholders are encouraged to post notices regarding the cultural institutions in Museum Park on the MPNA Facebook page.

Click Here for More information

Transit Oriented Development: It's not too late to make your voice heard.

Fri, 22 May 2020 21:54:41 GMT

The Planning Commission will be voting on proposed Walkable Places (WP) and Transit Oriented Development (TOD) ordinances at the upcoming Planning Commission Meeting (online access to meeting is here) on Thursday, May 28. Museum Park will be significantly impacted by the proposed TOD rules since the designation for primary and secondary TOD streets includes many streets in our neighborhood (See map here).

A separate grass roots effort has established a website to gather signatures requesting that Museum Park be omitted from the TOD until concerns are addressed. You can access/sign the petition here.

The ordinances are aimed at increasing residential density along transit corridors, reducing automobile traffic, and creating more pedestrian friendly areas. However several concerns regarding the impact of TOD on Museum Park have been raised (see below)

MPNA, in collaboration with Museum Park Super Neighborhood had earlier requested to be omitted from the initial TOD implementation until further review of the impact of this ordinance on our neighborhood, and to better tailor ordinance that fits Museum Park. However, despite this request, Museum Park is slated for inclusion.

Concerns regarding TOD impact on MP:

Residential Buffering (including light-reduction from parking garages, sheathed lighting, and noise baffling) is essential to the quality of life of our residents and visitors. Current protections afforded residents under residential buffering ordinances are removed for developments locating along TOD streets. Allowing developers to forgo these standards in a TOD is unacceptable to those who already live in the impacted areas.
TOD developments will qualify for reduced parking requirements—market-based parking along primary TOD streets, and 50% reduction along secondary streets. As a destination district (14 museums and cultural institutions) MP regularly experiences parking stress. The newly activated (February 11) Community Parking Plan (CPP) prohibits residential parking permits for developments of 125 units or more. Museum Park stands firmly behind this component of the CPP.
With its backdrop of Museums and Cultural Institutions, MP seeks to partner with Planning to recognize this unique neighborhood as a Design District. Such recognition will better address one of the Design Principles set out in the TOD Users’ Guide to be sensitive to local context.

Walkable Places ordinances will include an application/approval process for property owners to request block(s) to be so designated and will allow for public comment and objection. WP is currently being piloted on the Near Northside & in Midtown.

Links

To Keep You Informed: May 6, 2020

Wed, 06 May 2020 16:09:03 GMT

Hope all are well during this unsettling time in our community and in the world. Many of us are sheltering in place/working from home/balancing home schooling. Please use practices that will keep you and others safe. And reach out to info@museumparkna.org if you have needs that we might assist you with, suggestions, or questions we can answer.

While MPNA General Meetings are cancelled until further notice, the MPNA Board continues to hold monthly virtual meetings to discuss issues impacting the neighborhood and to plan/implement activities that can be accomplished while social distancing. Below are updates to keep you informed.

End Cap Installations
Green Team members (just a few, in order to observe social distancing) have been planting the north Crawford Street (between Wentworth and Wheeler) end caps over the last month. Thanks goes to Cynthia Tang, Jill Miller, Cathy Ehlinger, Bobby Davis, and life-long Museum Park resident, Victor Blanchard for installing the new end caps. It has long been a Museum Park goal to connect the neighborhood through the end cap plantings and with Green Team efforts and the support of the Department of Neighborhoods Grant, Museum Park end caps now extend Crawford Street from Binz to Wheeler.

An additional improvement is the restoration of an art piece first installed years ago on the Crawford/Ruth esplanade. With painstaking work by long-time MPNA supporter, Bobby Davis, the piece has taken on a new life.

City Council to Vote on Bin Leases
City Council is scheduled to vote on a proposed lease fee for garbage and recycling containers, Wednesday, May 6. The proposed per-bin lease is $1.14 per household will appear on monthly water bills. The Solid Waste Management Department proposed the lease fee to remove delays in ordering replacement containers for customers, provide enough staff and maintenance equipment to meet the demand for service, as well as address the backlog of customer service requests created by under-funding of supplies and staff. Although Houston is the only major city that does not currently charge a garbage fee, this proposed lease charge is not a garbage fee--it will only go to cover the costs of carts, spare parts, and cart support personnel and equipment. Town homes, condos, etc. with private agreements with the city will not have to pay the fee for bins.

HPD—South Central Division
Captain Caroleta Johnson, South Central Division Commander, invites community members to nominate Officers for recognition in the Officer of the Month program. Supervisors will also be recognized quarterly. If you have interacted with a South Central officer or supervisor, who deserves recognition, please email Captain Johnson with your nomination. Please include the officer’s name and reasons for your nomination.

Sargent Weiche of South Central Division provided a summary of crime statistics for Museum Park comparing the March 2019 figures to March 2020. Overall there has been a slight uptick in crime. Most areas, including murder, sexual assault, robbery, and auto theft remain unchanged from a year ago. Burglary has decreased. Areas experiencing an increase are theft and aggravated assault.

Traffic Interruptions/No Parking along 5300 Crawford

Construction of a new storm water collection system associated with the Boone Manor project begins this week along 5300 Crawford. The construction work will require temporary No Parking signs to go up along Crawford in front of the Boone Manor site and possible closures of the street will occur at times during this phase. Please be especially attentive as you drive or park in this area.

Transit Oriented Development and Walkable Places
The Planning Department is currently revising the ordinances that will establish TOD and Walkable Places. Ordinances will likely not come before city council until mid to late summer.

Face Masks
Need: If you or a neighbor needs masks, please contact us at info@museumparkna.org. Commissioner Rodney Ellis will provide masks to those who need them.
Donate: Several Museum Park residents are providing hand-made masks to emergency rooms in the Texas Medical Center and surrounding area hospitals. If you are using your skills to make masks and would like to donate them to emergency workers for additional protection over their surgical masks, please contact us. Several patterns to make masks are available online including this one from the CDC.

Precinct 1
Precinct 1 Commissioner Rodney Ellis is offering a COVID Resource Guide. Check it out along with additional information located on the Precinct 1 Website.

District D
To keep abreast of what’s happening in District D, sign up for Dr. Carolyn Evans-Shabazz’s monthly newsletter.

Transit Oriented Development: Send Your Comments by Thursday, Feb. 20

Tue, 18 Feb 2020 03:28:35 GMT

The City of Houston Planning Department is proposing Transit Oriented Development (TOD) and Walkable Places (WP) ordinances aimed at increasing residential density along transit corridors, reducing automobile traffic on Houston streets, and creating more pedestrian friendly areas. WP ordinances will include an application/approval process for property owners to request block(s) to be so designated and will allow for public comment and objection. WP is currently being piloted on the Near Northside & in Midtown.

Museum Park will be significantly impacted by the proposed TOD changes since the designation for primary and secondary TOD streets includes many streets in our neighborhood (See map here).

Please review the attached draft copy of the Users’ Guide regarding the TOD and send your comments to the Planning Department here. The comment period closes February 20.

Among the issues impacting Museum Park (MP):

Residential Buffering (including light-reduction from parking garages, sheathed lighting, and noise baffling) is essential to the quality of life of our residents and visitors. Current protections afforded residents under residential buffering ordinances are removed for developments locating along TOD streets. Allowing developers to forgo these standards in a TOD is unacceptable to those who already live in the impacted areas.
TOD developments will qualify for reduced parking requirements—market-based parking along primary TOD streets, and 50% reduction along secondary streets. As a destination district (14 museums and cultural institutions) MP regularly experiences parking stress. The newly activated (February 11) Community Parking Plan (CPP) prohibits residential parking permits for developments of 125 units or more. Museum Park stands firmly behind this component of the CPP.
With its backdrop of Museums and Cultural Institutions, MP seeks to partner with Planning to recognize this unique neighborhood as a Design District, in alignment with already being a State designated Cultural District https://www.arts.texas.gov/initiatives/cultural-districts/. Such recognition will better address one of the Design Prinaciples set out in the TOD Users’ Guide to be sensitive to local context, set forth in the H-GAC Museum Park Livable Center Study, crafted as a guiding document for Museum Park.

MPNA, in collaboration with Museum Park Super Neighborhood earlier requested to be omitted from the initial TOD implementation until further review of the impact of this ordinance on our neighborhood, and to better tailor ordinance that fits Museum Park realities of real estate proximal to light rail. Please take time to send your comments to the Planning Department by the February 20 deadline. Together our voices make a difference.

To Keep You Informed, January 8 Meeting, 2020

Sat, 18 Jan 2020 00:26:35 GMT

Welcome Dr. Carolyn Evans-Shabazz
Museum Park residents welcomed District D’s new Council Member, Dr. Carolyn Evans-Shabazz, who stopped by the January 8 meeting to introduce herself. Dr. Evans-Shabazz expressed her eagerness to hear the concerns of Museum-Park, while at the same time asking for a bit of patience during this start-up period. She acknowledged the diversity of District D and the range of issues within the district. If you have questions or concerns for our new CM, please contact her at carolyn.evans-shabazz@houstontx.gov

Community Parking Program
Museum Park residents recently received a letter from Parking Management regarding the rollout of the new Community Parking Plan, which will take effect February 11. Attached you will find an amended copy of the original letter which clarifies the CPP boundaries and updates the list of affected streets. You can find a map of the affected streets (including both metered and timed parking) on page 3 of the Community Parking Plan Presentation. Page 11 of the CPP Presentation also includes a timeline showing the rollout of the plan. As a resident within the CPP boundaries, you may purchase parking permits to exempt your vehicles or those of your guests from the meters/timed parking areas. An application for the permits was included in the initial letter mailed to residents. Permit applications will be mailed to residents again in March per the presentation. The CPP Presentation and additional information is available at https://www.houstontx.gov/parking/museum-park.html

Museum Park Super Neighborhood TOD Letter to Planning
     The City of Houston Planning Department hosted a November 6 meeting at Covenant Church to introduce the proposed Transit Oriented Development Ordinance and the Walkable Places Ordinance, both of which will impact future development in Museum Park. Additional details can be found at
https://www.houstontx.gov/planning/Commissions/committee_walkable-places.html
     Based on the goals of the Museum Park Livable Centers Study and the concerns expressed at the meeting, the MPSN Council unanimously approved a letter to the Planning Department requesting that Museum Park not initially be included in the ordinances.
     Museum Park Super Neighborhood Council members from the Museum District Assn., Hermann Park Conservancy, the High Rises, and MPNA followed up at the January 9 Planning Commission meeting (II). Focusing on the goals of the Livable Centers Study to realize multi-modal, transit oriented development as demonstrated by the Caroline Promenade Design, the speakers referenced several concerns including a reduction of green space, a lack of residential buffering, the impact of reduced parking in a destination district, and the goal of fulfilling the state-designated cultural district that encompasses Museum Park as a design district attracting 9-12 million visitors a year.

Security Patrol
Bob Cavnar, who headed an effort to establish an independent organization providing security patrol for Museum Park several years ago, has agreed to update his research and report his findings at the February 4 MPNA meeting. Based on his 2017 research, Bob found that contracting with Harris County Constables is likely the most effective and cost-efficient option. Bob estimates that 500 households paying $500/year is necessary to start up the patrol in 2020. Several individuals offered to assist in this effort and their contact info will be passed onto Bob. If you would like to volunteer, please email info@museumparkna.org.

TXDoT Cleanup under US 59
TXDoT will begin providing weekly cleanups under US 59. Thanks goes to HPD’s DRT team headed by Sgt. Chris Weiche who worked with TXDoT to arrange the cleanups. Please report trash issues with photos directly to TxDot’s Twitter account as 311 reporting may not be routed to TXDoT. Complaints/trash photos can also be submitted on the TXDoT website, https://www.txdot.gov/contact-us/form.html?id=

MPNA Green Team Receives Department of Neighborhoods Grant
MPNA has been awarded a Department of Neighborhoods matching grant of $4000, matching dollars will be provided through MPNA funds. The $8000 total will be applied toward six proposed end caps on the north end of the neighborhood and a pilot wildflower installation on the 4600 Crawford esplanade. Look for updates as this project moves ahead.

To Keep You Informed: Turkey Leg Hut

Mon, 25 Nov 2019 22:15:50 GMT

The Museum Park Neighborhood Association is committed to maintaining the goals of our Mission Statement including the Promotion of safety, security, and well being of residents and property within our neighborhood. With this goal in mind, we have sought to work with area agencies and businesses to ensure the safety of all residents within the neighborhood.

MPNA reached out to the owners of the Turkey Leg Hut to engage in a neighbor-to-neighbor discussion regarding the impacts of this very successful business on the surrounding neighbors. In preceding months we have sought a meeting with the owners through direct contact, with the assistance of HPD officers, through our District D Council Member Dwight Boykins, and through the Houston Southeast Management District Public Safety Committee. The owners have not been available to meet, but we are aware they are taking steps to address some of the concerns.

Successful businesses are crucial to the vitality of this neighborhood, but not to the detriment of the health of residents. We urge the Turkey Leg Hut to immediately fix the problem of unfiltered smoke negatively impacting the health and safety of nearby residents as well as TLH employees.

Museum Park is a mixed-use neighborhood that includes a diverse group of residents, as well as numerous restaurants and businesses, museums, churches, healthcare providers, and other public spaces. Being a good neighbor is essential to everyone’s quality of life. We seek only that.

For details, see:
Turkey Leg Hut Press Conference
Plaintiffs' Original Petition

To Keep You Informed: September 25 District D Candidate Forum

Fri, 27 Sep 2019 22:03:00 GMT

Candidates for District D Council Member participated in a Forum, September 25, to introduce themselves and discuss issues. Sponsored by the Museum Park Super Neighborhood and the Midtown Super Neighborhood with meeting space provided by Asia Society, the candidates had the opportunity to focus on issues specific to Museum Park and Midtown.

A video of the Forum is available here.

To Keep You Informed, June 5, 2019 Meeting

Mon, 17 Jun 2019 15:10:05 GMT

To Keep You Informed, June 5, 2019 Meeting

Welcome to Officers Collin Rapp and Stephen Dominguez

Museum Park welcomes Officers Collin Rapp (L) and Stephen Dominguez to South Central’s Differential Response Team, a group specially trained to holistically address specific problems. They join Sgt. Eric Flores’ team, which has worked closely with Museum Park to make our neighborhood a safer place to live.

Officer Rapp reported that crime in our area is down 9% overall, May 2018 to May 2019.
Announced Coffee With A Cop event to be held June 21, 9:00-11:00 a.m. at McDonalds, 4005 Elgin. Stop by for coffee and a chat with the officers from South Central Command Station.
Reminded everyone to attend PIP (Positive Interaction Program) the second Tuesday of the month at the South Central Command Station, 2202 St. Emanuel. The meetings provide an opportunity to hear from different divisions within the department (burglary, theft, etc.) as well as giving citizens a chance to express their own concerns regarding safety in our neighborhood.

MPNA Green Team: Esplanade Enhancement

Green Team Member Andrew Gladden presented plans for new end cap plantings along with a pilot pocket prairie project based on the Museum Park Livable Centers Study. See Green Team presentation here.
The Green Team is consulting with Hermann Park Conservancy and Katy Prairie Conservancy to ensure the best possible outcomes for the pilot project.
Green Team will apply for a Department of Neighborhoods Grant that should be available after July 1. Overall cost of the project is approximately $7,700, 50% of which could be funded by the DON grant. Also offsetting the cost of the project is the $1,200 raised at the Green Team Garage Sale held last March as well as the savings to MPNA afforded by volunteers, who maintain our current end caps.
Look for your opportunity to give input in upcoming electronic poll.

Council Member Dwight Boykins

CM Boykins expressed his support of neighbors dealing with the negative impacts of the overwhelming success of The Turkey Leg Hut. He is working with the owners and residents to craft solutions.
Encouraged residents to note that the walls of the new MacGregor HEB are going up.
Encouraged continued patience with homeless issues in our area as HPD and the Mayor’s Office on Homeless Initiatives continue to work toward solutions.

Caroline Promenade

Sandy Stevens reported that Museum Park Super Neighborhood continues to work with Houston Southeast Management District toward a design for the Caroline Promenade, first envisioned in the MP Livable Centers Study. SWA, responsible for the LCS, heads up the Caroline Promenade design team. Funded through a District D Grant matched by the Management District, the design will give Museum Park a plan necessary to seek additional grants for implementation.

VP Pam Campbell

Reminder: Trespass Affidavits must be filed annually with HPD. Copies are available here.
Recent census of Houston homeless is approximately 4,000.
Neighborhood Task Force, including MPNA representatives Pam Campbell & Barbara McGuffey, is slated to meet with Coalition for the Homeless Interim President Mike Nichols, June 18.
Turkey Leg Hut owners are scheduled to meet with neighborhood representatives in June.
MPNA is reaching out to Fiesta management regarding continued feeding of homeless in their parking lot. Fiesta policy does not allow for such activity.

Treasurer’s Report

Members can access Treasurer’s Report on MPNA Member’s Page.

Green Team Update

End cap clean-up was held June 2. Nine volunteers weeded and trimmed end caps throughout the neighborhood.
The Little Library, recently purchased with Constellation Grant money secured by Jill Miller, will be installed soon at Rosedale near Austin on Covenant Church grounds. Thanks again to Covenant for continuing to support MPNA.

Community Engagement

Meet and Greet after the meeting at Spanish Village
National Night Out scheduled for October 1. Volunteers are needed to make this annual event a success. Please email info@museumparkna.org to offer your time for this import outreach.
July 3 meeting will include our annual ice cream social. Enjoy a cool treat after the meeting.

Announcements

Holocaust Grand Opening is slated for June 22; Black Tie event scheduled for June 15. Increased traffic in the area is likely on those dates.
AsiaFest: Saturday, June 29, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm, Asia Society Texas Center. Enjoy free gallery access. Eat, shop, and play at Asia Society’s annual festival. Find additional details here.

To Keep You Informed, May 1 Meeting, 2019

Sat, 25 May 2019 17:42:14 GMT

To Keep You Informed - May 1, 2019 Meeting

Sgt. Eric Flores, South Central Division HPD

Introduced two new DRT officers (Differential Response Team*), Officer LeeVan Lewis and Officer Andrew Valadez. An additional DRT officer will join the team next week, bringing the total number of DRT officers working out of the South Central Substation to seven, up from the previous four.
Officer Lewis, responding to a report of illegal dumping from Pam Campbell (MPNA VP), contacted the owner of the property at Caroline @ Barbee. Within a week the property was cleaned-up and the owner will be installing fencing in the near future.
Members of the DRT team were working a 2:00 p.m.-2:00 a. m. shift on Wednesday (May 1) evening specifically to conduct inspections in EADO (East of Downtown) and address parking issues in Museum Park.

Sgt. Flores reported overall crime in Museum Park was down 48% over the same period in 2018.

Important to report package theft through HPD’s non-emergency number, 713-884-3131 or file an online police report. Include complete information in the summary report with ‘ring’ doorbell video if possible.
Safety brochures were made available including one regarding Nuisance Bars.

Quality of Life

Kim Mickelson, MPNA Quality of Life Chair and City of Houston Attorney, spoke regarding Community Character Standards, a part of the Museum Park Livable Centers Study.

Although the City of Houston has No Zoning, that does not mean No Planning. Planning can be achieved by working with management districts and the Houston-Galveston Area Council's Livable Centers Studies.
Multiple topics to address neighborhood development were discussed.
*Possible City Council Adoption of the Museum Park Livable Centers Study.
*Minimum Lot Size designations.
*Response to posted variance requests.
*Monitor links on the City of Houston Planning Department website. Check out City of Houston's Walkable Places Committee, where Kim serves as a member.
*Review City of Houston Chpt. 42 Ordinances, which address Subdivisions, Developments, and Platting, and promote adoption of ordinances that empower neighborhood involvement in development.
Kim invited those interested in serving on the Quality of Life Committee to give their contact information as they leave the meeting. The Quality of Life Committee will be meeting in the next few weeks to look at priorities established in the Livable Centers Study and ways to move forward. If you are interested in joining the QoL Committee, please email info@museumparkna.org.

Update: Museum Park Community Parking Program and Parking Benefit District Ordinances ON HOLD.

Sandy Stevens reported that the parking ordinances proposed for Museum Park and the Museum Area Municipal Association (MAMA) are currently on hold.

Parking Management received public comments on the proposed ordinances from MAMA constituents with concerns about the proposed limitation on permits available to residents of high-density residential properties.
In discussions with Museum Park Super Neighborhood, Parking Management indicated that ordinances might be modified to exceed the permit quantity allowance limits discussed in public meetings.
MPNA supported an MPSN request to delay moving the ordinances forward (applicable to MPSN and MAMA) to CoH Quality of Life Committee and City Council approval process at this time. Parking Management agreed and will be determining next steps forward.

Parking Management is currently in discussion with Houston Southeast Management District (HouSE) to establish an Almeda Corridor Parking District. See details of the Parking Management Proposal

MPNA Donations
MPNA Board has authorized two recent donations. Pam Campbell purchased and delivered candy to South Central Substation to support one of HPD's community outreach programs. The Board recently provided Covenant Church a new lectern as a thank-you for their continued hospitality in hosting MPNA monthly meetings.

Green Team
Andrew Gladden reported:

The recent Constellation Energy Grant has been used to purchase A Little Library for the neighborhood. The GT is finalizing details for the installation with a neighborhood property owner.
Members of the Green Team cleaned four storm drains April 19, allowing streets to drain more quickly during the heavy downpours Houston is likely to experience in the coming months.
The May Green Team project is to mulch several esplanade trees.
GT is finalizing the application for Houston's Department of Neighborhoods Grant. This $5,000 matching grant would allow for installation of six additional end-cap plantings and a pilot Pocket Prairie. The GT will present details of this plan at the June MPNA meeting.

Treasurer's Report

Members can access the Treasurer's Report on the Members Page located under the three-bar icon on the MPNA home page.

Community Engagement

April 20, MPNA partnered with Covenant Church to host a successful Easter Egg Hunt on the church grounds. Joining in the excitement were children from the church as well as the neighborhood.
Planning has already begun for National Night Out, October 1. To volunteer for this neighbor-wide event, email info@museumparkna.org.

To Keep You Informed, Joint MPNA/MPSN Meeting, April 3, 2019

Sat, 06 Apr 2019 14:00:34 GMT

Rice Management Company's Ceci Arreola presented current plans for the Ion, formerly the Sears Building. She also outlined possible future development on the remaining Rice acreage to become part of the Innovation District. See presentation here.

Marie Hoke, Central Houston, presented plans for TXDoT’s North Highway Improvement Project including bridges and cap parks for streets connecting Museum Park with Midtown. Caps included in the project are the Fannin Cap, Caroline/Wheeler Cap, and Almeda Cap. See presentation here.

MPNA Committee Reports were not presented at the April meeting because of time constraints. Below are a few updates:

Vice President's Report:
Neighborhood Task Force, including Museum Park representatives Pam Campbell and Barbara McGuffey along with representatives from Midtown Super Neighborhood and EADO, met March 21 with Mike Nichols, Interim President/CEO at Coalition for the Homeless. While the Wheeler Encampment has been closed, the NTF will continue to engage and assist where possible in the ongoing process to address homeless issues. See notes from that meeting.

Treasurer’s Report: Current Balance, $25,280.

Green Team Report:

            Green Team Garage Sale on March 23 was a success and netted $1067.
            Proceeds will be used to offset costs of enhancing neighborhood green space.

            Greeen Team was recently awarded a $485 grant from Constellation Energy's
            Community Champions program to install a Little Library in the neighborhood.
            Look for details in the near future.

Community Engagement: MPNA in partnership with Covenant Church will host an Easter Egg Hunt on the lawn of the church, 4949 Caroline, Saturday, April 20, 10:00 a.m. Bring your children, your grandchildren, or just stop by to have a cup of coffee and watch the fun.
Quality of Life & Infrastructure. QoL Committee needs volunteers to help plan community meetings to identify top priorities and progress following guidelines of the Livable Centers Study. If you are interested, contact Kim Mickelson at info@museumpark.org.
Preservation Committee continues their work developing Main Street Memories, a retrospective exhibit opening at the Lawndale Art Center this fall. Volunteers are still needed. Contact Lynn Dahlberg to express your interest.

Announcements:

288 Sound Barrier Meeting, Thursday, April 11, 2019, Energy Institute High School, 3501 Southmore.

Hermann Park will host a meeting for public input on the development of the upcoming Dog Park on Tuesday, April 9, 6:00 p.m. at the Cherie Flores Pavilion at Centennial Gardens.

To Keep You Informed, March 6 Meeting update located here.

To Keep You Informed, March 6, 2019

Mon, 01 Apr 2019 21:10:22 GMT

TO KEEP YOU INFORMED - MARCH 6, 2019 MPNA Meeting

Sgt. Flores, South Central Division HPD DRT*

HPD is selecting a special focus each month:

February was the Bars Education Initiative - HPD initiated visits with bars to educate the owners on over-serving alcoholic beverages to patrons, noise ordinance, and the After Hours Task Force.
March is designated MARCH ON CRIME and all convenience stores will be inspected for compliance with Robbery Ordinance Enforcement that requires public safety items, e.g., drop safe, digital cameras, panic alarms, height strip (to help assess height of robbery suspects) etc.
Each inspection takes 1-2 hours and can be a tool for monitoring and closing down problem stores. Please email Sgt. Flores (eric.flores@houstonpolice.org) with concerns about any specific convenience stores.

Sgt. Flores encouraged all to attend the March 19 PIP meeting at 7pm at HPD Station, 2202 St. Emanuel, 77003. Guest speaker is Harris County District Attorney Investigator, Chuck Cornelius, with the After-Hours Task Force who will be discussing the topic of bars/clubs over-serving alcoholic beverages to their patrons. Museum Park Crime Statistics – Overall crime is up 2%: The biggest increase is in Auto Theft, up from 3 in Feb 2018 to 13 in Feb 2019.

*DRT: Differential Response Team members receive specialized training using non-traditional methods of police work.

METRO NEXT: Moving Forward

Metro’s Chena Karega detailed expansion plans to be funded by $7.5 Billion Bond Issue, which will appear on the November 2019 Ballot. These meetings are held to give the public an opportunity for input before plans are finalized.

Introduction of Justice of the Peace (JP), Judge Jeremy Brown

Judge Jeremy L. Brown was sworn in as Presiding Judge of Harris County Justice of the Peace Court (Precinct 7-1) on November 16, 2018. Judge Brown encouraged all to utilize the Justice of the Peace Court. For more information about Judge Brown, visit http://www.jp.hctx.net/7-1/judge.htm or to learn more about JP Court, visit http://www.jp.hctx.ne/info/TEXAS%20RULES%20OF%20CIVIL%20PROCEDURE.pdf

Museum Park Community Parking Ordinance and Parking Benefit District Ordinance Update

Attached is MPNA letter of support to MPSN comments for proposed ordinances. To review the current proposed ordinances along with public comments/responses from Parking Management, see PM website.

Welcome Brittani Flowers as new MPNA Safety and Security Chair

Sandy Stevens announced that Brittani Flowers has volunteered to serve as MPNA Safety and Security Chair. The MPNA Board has unanimously approved Brittani to fill the unexpired term of this open position. Brittani has a Masters degree in Urban Planning from Texas State University (TSU) and we are fortunate to have her expertise on our MPNA Board.

Brittani will initially focus on Almeda Corridor issues, as she lives adjacent to Almeda; while VP Pam Campbell will continue her focus on the Coalition for the Homeless, Neighborhood Task Force, and other Wheeler Corridor and Museum Park issues.

Caroline Promenade

Pre-design for the Caroline Promenade, a project outlined in Museum Park's Livable Centers Study, is currently underway. SWA, landscape architects for the project, will hold public meetings in the spring to gather input. Although the Caroline Promenade project did not receive implementation funding in the 2018 H-GAC grant awards, completion of the design will better position the project for future grants.

Variance Request – Calumet @ Chenevert

Kim Mickelson (QoL Chair) recently reviewed variance request on the south side of Calumet@Chenevert with input from neighboring MPNA member. Because the variance request aligned with the goals of the Livable Centers Study and supported preservation efforts, MPNA did not protest the request, which was subsequently approved by the Planning Commission.

Please email info@museumparkna.org if you see any variance signs in Museum Park, so that we can assist in getting information and evaluating for possible further action. Also, please email if you see development in the neighborhood and have other concerns

April 3, MPNA Meeting

Rice Management Team will present plans for the ION (former Sears Building) & the Innovation District.

To Keep You Informed, February 6, 2019

Thu, 07 Mar 2019 21:13:20 GMT

TO KEEP YOU INFORMED – FEB 6, 2019 MPNA MEETING

HPD Community Service Award Presented to MPNA

Captain Salim Zia, Sgt. Eric Flores, Sgt. Johnnie McGee, and Officer Nicole Simmons Tosh acknowledged MPNA’s support for the HPD South Central Division Community Service programs during 2018. MPNA Safety and Security Chair, Pam Campbell, accepted HPD’s plaque honoring MPNA.

City of Houston Homeless Initiative Update - Marc Eichenbaum

Marc Eichenbaum opened his comments by stating the reality that “homelessness, as an issue, is not going anywhere, but the City of Houston wants to reduce it”. The City has set a realistic goal to reduce homelessness as much as possible, even as more are falling into homelessness every day. Read more about Marc’s discussion here including:

· Housing Statistics for the Wheeler Encampment closed on Nov 2, 2018
· Plans for a Navigation Center to serve as a low barrier shelter/bridge to housing
· ACLU Lawsuit Status
· Mental Health Challenges
· Interim Incremental Steps

President’s Report - Sandy Stevens

Our thanks and congratulations to Greg Quintero (MPNA Past President 2016) for volunteering to serve on the 2019 MPNA Board in the open position of Immediate Past President. Per the bylaws, MPNA members at the meeting unanimously elected Greg.
MPNA participated in a Feb 4, 2019 meeting, organized by the Riverside Civic Association, to reopen the discussion with TXDOT regarding 288 Sound Barrier placement on both the east and west sides of the freeway. MPNA will continue to participate as these discussions move forward and the MPNA Board may be asked to evaluate, propose, and support new solutions requested.
Update, Austin/LaBranch/Crawford Bikeway Project: Bikeways will slow traffic on affected Museum Park streets according to Geoff Carlton of Traffic Engineers Inc. Plans for safe crossing measures at Hermann Dr./Crawford are under discussion. Parking in Museum Park will not be impacted. Bicycles and vehicles will share the road using signage to indicate a bikeway. Details here.
Update, Museum Park Community Parking Plan and Parking Benefit District ordinances will open for public comment on Feb 11 for a 30 Day period. For more details and to add your input, see ParkHouston.

Safety and Security – Pam Campbell

Pam Campbell and Barbara McGuffey, will continue to participate as MPNA representatives on the Neighborhood Task Force (NTF) with the Coalition for the Homeless. While the Wheeler Encampment has been closed, the NTF will engage and assist where possible in the ongoing process to address homeless issues. Although Marilyn Brown is no longer with the Coalition, the NTF has been invited to meet with the newly announced Coalition Interim President/CEO, Mike Nichols.

MPNA receives honor from HPD

Thu, 07 Feb 2019 23:37:02 GMT

Museum Park Neighborhood Association was honored by the Houston Police Department's South Central Division at the February 6 meeting. South Central recognized MPNA for their support of HPD outreach programs including their Easter, Back-to-School, Halloween, and Christmas programs throughout 2019.

Pictured are Sgt. Johnnie McGee, Sgt. Nicole Tosh, MPNA Safety & Security Chair Pam Campbell, Captain Salam Zia, and Sgt. Eric Flores.

HPD and Coalition Efforts Post Encampment

Sat, 17 Nov 2018 14:21:20 GMT

Your Help Needed:

Since the closure of the Wheeler encampment on November 2, HPD and the Coalition for the Homeless continue their outreach efforts to offer social services and housing to the homeless in our area. They have requested our help in finding those individuals who are now living in scattered pockets throughout the area.

If you see individuals who appear to be living on the street and may benefit from this outreach effort, please email the location and a photo if possible to healthandsafety@museumparkna.org. We will forward the information you provide to HPD and the Coalition for the Homeless.

Errata: In the November 13 At Work on Your Behalf, the Houston Chronicle article was incorrectly linked to November 2 article rather than the November 5 article regarding neighborhood reaction to closure.

At Work on Your Behalf: Wheeler Encampment Closure

Tue, 13 Nov 2018 16:42:23 GMT

Closure of the Wheeler Encampment

As you know the Wheeler Encampment was closed and fenced Friday, November 2. This closure came after MPNA advocated for more than two years with city officials, the Houston Police Department, the Coalition for the Homeless, and other agencies; work that resulted in a compassionate solution for a complex issue.

Achieving this solution has not just been the work of one organization, one agency, or one city department. Many of you in the neighborhood spoke up, met with officials, sent emails, attended meetings; thank you for your activism, patience, compassion, perseverance, and support of MPNA as together we worked for solutions.

MPNA has sent a letter of thanks to Mayor Turner citing individuals who supported our neighborhood unfailingly: CM Dwight Boykins, Marc Eichenbaum of the Office on Homeless Initiatives, HPD Sergeants Eric Flores and Shannon Farquhar, and Marilyn Brown, President of the Coalition for the Homeless. Thanks also to the Museum Park Super Neighborhood, Houston Southeast Management District, Midtown Management District, and too many more to name.

Special Thanks

MPNA extends a special thank-you to the Coalition for the Homeless who worked with the Neighborhood Task Force including MPNA Board members, Barbara McGuffey and Pam Campbell to find solutions. Marilyn Brown acted on the Task Force’s request to identify the Wheeler Encampment as the initial pilot project in the Coalition’s goal to develop a plan to resolve issues of encampments throughout Houston. The Coalition believes that the success of this initiative can now be modified and replicated throughout Houston.

How We Can Continue To Help

The Coalition for the Homeless knows that after the re-purposing of the Wheeler encampment for bus parking, former encampment residents may move to other areas of the neighborhood. You can help by noting the location of someone experiencing homelessness, and e-mailing that information to healthandsafety@museumparkna.org.

That information will be forwarded to the Coalition in order that Navigators can assist those individuals in finding bridge or even permanent housing. For additional details, please see the Coalition’s November 8 report.

Update from HPD’s Sergeant Flores (reported by Barbara McGuffey November 7)

Sgt. Flores is communicating with the Coalition Navigators in efforts to locate and offer assistance to those who chose not to accept bridge housing November 2.
TXDOT is expected to complete fencing under US59/I69 to Almeda. HPD had anticipated it to be completed by November 2 and is following up to get an update.
Sgt. Flores met Wed, November 7 with the owner of the vacant lot(s) at the corner of Caroline/Wheeler to address the accumulation of property and individuals on those properties since the Wheeler Encampment closure. The owner has now filed Trespass Affidavits and will be taking other measures within the next two weeks to secure the property.

Trespassing Affidavits

If you are concerned about trespassers on your property during your absence, please go by the HPD South Central Station, 2202 St. Emmanuel, to discuss your concerns. If you decide to give HPD the authority to remove trespassers in your absence, you must have an affidavit on file and post No Trespassing signage on your property. Attached are forms for residential and business properties. Both pages of the affidavit must be completed. HPD will assist you and notarize the document. Please note: you can call HPD at any time to report trespassers on your property and file a complaint to have them removed.

In the News

If you didn’t catch the Chronicle’s report on the closure of the Wheeler encampment, be sure to see what they learned when they reached out to get the neighborhood perspective from MPNA VP Barbara McGuffey. The article also includes input from Marc Eichenbaum and Eva Thibaudeau of the Coalition for the Homeless.

At Work on Your Behalf: Update November 7 General Meeting, Holocaust Museum

Thu, 08 Nov 2018 16:52:20 GMT

Holocaust Museum Houston (HMH) 2008 Purchase of 1300 Block of Calumet from Caroline to Austin

MPNA has had ongoing concerns regarding the $572,115 repayment plan for the December 30, 2008 Holocaust Museum of Houston (HMH) purchase of Calumet Right of Way (ROW), abandoning one block of Calumet from Caroline to Austin.

The MPNA Board has continued to engage with the City and HMH to address our concerns and the City agreed in January 2018 to abandon their initial plans to close the north two lanes of Calumet from Caroline to San Jacinto.

However, current plans for repayment of $572,115 allow HMH to invest $300,000 within the enclosure of the Museum and use approximately $200,000 to enhance the Clayton Library grounds. (The original amount of $272,115 has been reduced by costs incurred for the initial design plans that will not be utilized.)

Both MPSN and MPNA continue to ask that the City and HMH revisit current plans in order to provide more investment in the public realm to further the goals of the Livable Centers Study (LCS); however, neither the City of Houston nor HMH have indicated a willingness to pursue any further changes.

The MPNA Board initially believed these matters could be mutually resolved as we discussed our concerns with CM Boykins, issued a Resolution sent along with a letter to Mayor Turner on December 18, 2017 (see attachments), and continued conversations with the City and HMH to address these issues on behalf of the neighborhood.

The City has not agreed to our request contained in the Resolution that Council direct a new Ordinance be prepared for funding and development in the public realm of the Museum Park neighborhood, in consultation with the Museum Park Super Neighborhood (MPSN), MPNA board, and Museum Park residents.

BACKGROUND SUMMARY:

Below are further details regarding the history of this sale of public right of way by the City to HMH, the actions taken by MPSN/MPNA, and the current status of the repayment plan.

Sale of this public right of way by the City of Houston in Dec 2008 to the Holocaust Museum Houston (HMH) was valued at $572,115; providing in lieu of immediate payment, that HMH commit to seek federal funding and such funds be deposited within five years into a special City account for the benefit of the Museum and Management District area. (The original plan proposed that the $572,115 would leverage matching federal funds to provide a total of $2 million.)

At the five-year deadline, when HMH had not acquired the matching grant funds, City Council granted a three-year extension of payment.

When payment again became due in 2016, City Council approved a very different repayment agreement. Neither MPSN nor MPNA were notified of the modified repayment agreement at the time, but coincidentally became aware when HMH made a public announcement of its expansion project in June 2017.

MPNA began to voice objections to the City of Houston regarding the terms of the revised repayment plan, particularly pertaining to funds no longer being required to be deposited in cash into a special City account.

The revised repayment terms (per 2016 agreement) allowed the original $572,115 to be repaid by:

HMH investing $300,000 into its expansion plans to improve the interior landscape by creating the Garden of the Righteous, which is open to HMH members/ticket holders only during the Museum’s hours of operation.
Abandoning more public ROW (the two north lanes of Calumet west of Caroline) to extend the grounds of the Clayton Library and make improvements totaling the remaining $272,115, without any compensation to the public for the additional abandoned public right of way.

REFERENCE ATTACHMENTS:

Letter to Mayor Turner, December 18, 2017

MPNA Board Resolution, December 12, 2017

Timeline of Actions: City Council & MPSN/MPNA regarding HMH purchase 1300 Calumet.

MPNA 9.11.17 At Work on Your Behalf regarding HMH with supporting documents

At Work on Your Behalf: Updates June 6 - July 4

Thu, 05 Jul 2018 17:39:46 GMT

Wheeler Encampment: Marilyn Brown, President and CEO of Coalition for the Homeless Houston, www.homelesshouston.org, has provided a recent update regarding Coalition efforts to secure permanent supportive housing for those living in the Wheeler Encampment. Please see here for full report and go to www.thewayhomehouston.org for additional information on best ways to donate/help the homeless in our community. Follow The Way Home Houston FaceBook page for more updates.

Second Cap Park Public Meeting: July 17, 6:00 - 7:30pm, Midtown Offices, 410 Pierce Street. Please attend this very important meeting regarding changes that significantly impact Museum Park Neighborhood. This is your opportunity to learn more about the plans for the Cap Parks, which will be installed across US59/I69 as part of the North Houston Highway Improvement Project. You will see the latest design plans and have an opportunity to share your own ideas. Please attend…this is our future.

Proposed Community Parking Plan: Additional meetings to discuss the proposed Community Parking Plan have been scheduled for August. MPNA will provide meeting details as information become available. Please continue to submit any questions, comments, concerns, requests, etc. via email to parking@houstontx.gov.

Hermann Drive Pedestrian Safety Concerns: A growing sense of concern for the safety of residents and visitors crossing Hermann Drive has arisen in recent conversations among neighbors, at the spring Quality of Life Committee meeting, and at MPNA Board meetings. As residents of Museum Park, we frequently see/experience incidents along Hermann Drive that should be reported to the City of Houston. If you want to share your concerns with specific stories, pictures, and street intersections, please do so with a note to city officials, jeffrey.weatherford@houstontx.gov and ian.hlavacek@houstontx.gov.

Noise issues: If you or a neighbor have concerns regarding noise coming from bars near you, please send an email noting your concerns along with your contact information to info@museumparkna.org. Other Neighborhood Associations from this area have formed a group to address these concerns. Please let us know if you want to get more involved in working with them to find solutions.

Save the Date: Watch for more details to follow on these events:

August 2: HPD’s Back to School Bash

August 26: Boone’s Cycles 50th Year Celebration

September 28: Museum Park Night at Miller Outdoor Theatre

October 2: Museum Park National Night Out

At Work On Your Behalf: Updates from the June 6 MPNA Meeting

Fri, 15 Jun 2018 17:45:23 GMT

Important Updates from the June 6 MPNA Meeting:

Wheeler Encampment. Marilyn Brown, President and CEO of Coalition for the Homeless Houston (www.homelesshouston.org), presented an update about the Coalition efforts to secure permanent supportive housing for those living in the Wheeler Encampment. Please see link here for full report and go to www.thewayhomehouston.org for additional information on best ways to donate/help the homeless in our community. Follow The Way Home Houston FaceBook page for more updates.

311 Presentation. Isaiah Monroe and Pamela Scott from 311 gave a presentation about the 311 system for reporting and resolving problems noted in our neighborhood. They emphasized that 311 can be used to report almost anything or to simply get information.

There are four ways to report a problem to 311:

Website www.houston311.org where you can submit a problem or check to see what problems have already been reported. Hover over the red dot on the map to see details or status.
311 App: Download the 311 app for iphone or android and use the app to submit a problem.
Call 311 and talk to a 311 operator. Problems can be reported anonymously or you can provide your email address to have the case #/report emailed to you, which will allow you to follow the progress/completion. If you have a question, just call 311 to get an answer!
Email 311 with a problem to: 311@houstontx.gov

Hermann Drive Pedestrian Safety Concerns. A growing sense of concern for the safety of residents and visitors crossing Hermann Drive has arisen in recent conversations among neighbors, at the spring Quality of Life Committee meeting, and at MPNA Board meetings. As residents of Museum Park, we frequently see/experience incidents along Hermann Drive that should be reported to the City of Houston. If you want to share your concerns with specific stories, pictures, and any specific street intersection, please do so with a note to city officials listed here.

Noise issues. If you or a neighbor have concerns regarding noise coming from bars near you, please send an email noting your concerns along with your contact information to info@museumparkna.org. Other Neighborhood Associations from this area have formed a group to address these concerns. Please let us know if you want to get more involved in working with them to find solutions.

Save the Date. More details to follow on these upcoming events:

July 10 Cap Park Design, Public Input meeting
August 2 HPD Back to School Bash
August 26 Boone’s Cycles 50^th Year Celebration
Sept 28 Museum Park Night at Miller Outdoor Theatre
Oct 2 Museum Park National Ni

Give Your Input at Upcoming Cap Park Meeting, Wednesday, May 30

Wed, 30 May 2018 23:00:00 GMT

City of Houston’s Planning and Development Department is leading a planning effort focusing on the opportunity to create one or more “cap parks” that support surrounding development in lower Midtown in conjunction with TxDOT’s planned reconstruction of I-69.

We are pleased to invite you (see invitation here) to participate in the first public programming workshop for the proposed new cap park. See the plans give your input at this meeting.

To see 3D visualization of cap park and North 45 Freeway Improvement Project, see here.

At Work on Your Behalf: Encampment Update, Green Team, Community Parking Program

Mon, 07 May 2018 22:31:30 GMT

The following information was presented at the May 2 MPNA Meeting.

Mayor Turner responded to MPNA’s April letter requesting that the city continue to enforce the March, 2017 ordinances, which address the issues at the Wheeler encampment. Please see the Mayor's response.

Marilyn Brown, President and CEO of the Coalition for the Homeless, provided an update on their efforts at the Wheeler encampment. These efforts include on-site placement of personnel to assist eligible clients to transition into permanent supportive housing; convening an advocacy workgroup of 20+ agencies involved in The Way Home; and creating a public education campaign to provide progress updates for our neighborhood and to educate individuals and groups who think they are helping but whose charitable actions actually do more harm than good. See her complete report here.

The Green Team is a new MPNA initiative to engage the community through volunteer efforts that will make for a cleaner, neater, more beautiful neighborhood. Led by Cynthia Tang and Jill Miller the Green Team will take on a variety of projects detailed here.

Parking Management will host two additional meetings this month to present the Community Parking Program scheduled to begin in Museum Park later this year.

May 15, 6:00 p.m., Judson Robinson Jr. Community Center, 2020 Hermann Drive, and
May 16, 11:00 a.m., Clayton Library Carriage House, 5300 Caroline Street.

At these meetings you will have the opportunity to see the proposed Community Parking Program for Museum Park, ask questions, and make comments.

Parking Management's April 18 meeting presentation is available here. In summary, current Community Parking Plan (CPP) includes:

Phase 1 of the CPP calls for new meters to be installed along Jackson Street, south of Binz; streets around Asia Society and its parking lot; and around the Surgical Center on La Branch. (Please view map on above website for complete locations).
In Phase 2, Time Limited Parking areas will be identified based on parking patterns emerging after stallation of meters. (Please view map to potential Time Limited Parking areas).
Residents will be able to purchase 3 annual parking permits at $28.50/hang tag to exempt either the meters or time-limited areas.
Phase 3 will address parking issues on residential streets just east and just west of Almeda at a date not yet determined.

Among Possible Impacts:

Installation of new meters may result in additional parking pressure on un-metered streets.
New signage will be installed throughout the neighborhood: additional meters, ‘no parking’ signs, ‘time-limited’ signs.
Narrower streets without curbing may be labeled with ‘No Parking’ signs rather than the continued use of rocks to block parking.
If parking pressure increases over time other streets may be subject to meters or time-limited parking at a later date.
Increased parking pressure throughout the neighborhood may create conflicts with residential trash days.

Revenue Possibility:

The community can request an ordinance establishing a Museum Park Parking Benefit District, although there is no assurance such a district will be implemented. Such a district could eventually result in funds coming back to Museum Park.

Detailed Questions with Answers from parking Management are available for your review.

Wheeler Encampment Update

Tue, 10 Apr 2018 15:09:07 GMT

at work on your behalf

The following information was presented at the April 4 MPNA Meeting.

In our continuing efforts to keep neighborhood concerns regarding the Wheeler encampment before the Mayor and his staff, MPNA submitted a letter to Mayor Turner, with a copy to our CM Dwight Boykins, Tuesday, April 3 thanking the city for their clean up and enforcement efforts. Please see the attached letter.

MPNA contacted Marc Eichenbaum, in the Mayor’s Office on Homeless Initiatives, for information regarding current efforts by the city. He shared the following:

Mayor Turner and his staff continue to work toward opening additional lower barrier shelters.
The Mayor's Office on Homeless Initiatives is seeking funds to open a lower barrier shelter as soon as possible.
Mayor Turner plans to re-purpose the area beneath SH 59.
HPD will continue to enforce removal of excess property under 59 on a regular basis. Police officers will enforce, but additional city staff and vehicles are required to bag and tag goods that will be removed to storage for individuals to claim at a later time.
During the most recent clean up (March 23) and excess property enforcement (March 30), 80 bags of belongings were put into storage and nine tons of debris were removed from the area.

MPNA also requested an update and perspective on the Wheeler Encampment from Marilyn L. Brown, President and CEO of the Coalition for the Homeless of Houston/Harris County, homelesshouston.org. She provided this overview:

The Coalition for the Homeless knows that permanent housing programs combined with supportive services is the answer to homelessness. The Way Home has housed more than 12,000 homeless individuals since 2012 with incredibly high rates of retention. The Coalition for the Homeless agrees that encampments are NOT acceptable, suitable living environments for the safety and health of homeless individuals NOR for those living in the neighborhoods near them.

In conjunction with the City of Houston's most recent cleanup, partners of The Way Home provided outreach and engagement to those living at the Wheeler encampment. Here's what we found: 60% of the individuals living in the encampment were found to be chronically homeless and qualify for The Way Home's Permanent Supportive Housing programs. Most of these have had more than one housing assessment. This is why:

The process from assessment to move-in involves several steps including obtaining identification, completing paperwork, verifying eligibility for Permanent Supportive Housing, finding a safe, affordable unit, and being accepted by the property.
This process is time consuming and can be overwhelming to the homeless individual. This means we often lose them in the middle of the process and have to start over.
Background checks are also barriers to housing for chronically homeless individuals, leading to longer amounts of time and multiple attempts between applying and moving into housing. This speaks to the complexities of working with this population.

We know the solution is Permanent Supportive Housing but we acknowledge that the path to get there can take time. We don't want people to languish in an encampment while they are working to get into Housing. The Coalition supports the creation of some type of "bridge" shelter that would be appealing to homeless clients living in encampments, and give them a safe place to stay that is not an encampment while they work through the housing process.

Consider making a difference by contributing to www.meaningfulchange.org where your dollars will go toward providing permanent housing programs with supportive services.

at a

Contact email: info@museumparkna.org

Southmore Bridge/SH 288 Closures beginning April 20

Tue, 03 Apr 2018 17:55:36 GMT

For the latest information regarding the closure of the Southmore Bridge at SH 288, see below or check out TXDoT's Drive 288 website here. For a map of detours see the attached document.

Continuously, from 4/20/18 at 9pm – 2/8/19 at 5am
All Eastbound and Westbound lanes of Southmore Blvd will be closed at SH 288.

Detour for Eastbound traffic: Take SH 288 Southbound Frontage Road to Calumet St. U-Turn at Calumet St to SH 288 Northbound Frontage Road.

Detour for Westbound traffic: Take SH 288 Northbound Frontage Road to Blodgett St. U-Turn at Blodgett St to SH 288 Southbound Frontage Road.

Continuously, from 4/20/18 at 9pm – 4/23/18 at 5am

All Northbound and Southbound lanes of SH 288 will be closed at Southmore Blvd.

Detour for Northbound traffic: Take Southmore Blvd exit, continue towards Blodgett St. U-Turn at Blodgett St to SH 288 Northbound Frontage Road.

Detour for Southbound traffic: Take Southmore Blvd exit, continue towards Binz St. U-Turn at Binz St to SH 288 Southbound Frontage Road.

US 59 Encampment Update

Sat, 31 Mar 2018 00:46:04 GMT

The Houston Police Department is today, March 30, beginning strategic implementation of ordinances passed by City Council in 2017 to address camping on public property.

The first step of implementation includes removing excess property beneath US59. Those living under US59 can keep with them one tent, one working bicycle, any necessary medical equipment, and personal items that can be stored in a 3x3x3 container. Uncontaminated personal belongings (contamination must be documented by the Health Department) can be stored in lockers provided by the City of Houston.

According to Marc Eichenbaum of the Mayor's Homeless Initiative Office, today's effort is led by HPD and includes various city departments: HPD's Differential Response Team, HPD's Homeless Outreach Team, and officers from the South Central Division, all of whom have been working under US59 for many months. Also assisting in this enforcement step are the City of Houston's Health Department, General Service's Department, Parks Department, and Midtown Management District.

Mayor's Press Release re: Homeless Encampment

Fri, 02 Mar 2018 19:55:27 GMT

A Houstonian who lives near downtown recently wrote a public letter to Mayor Sylvester Turner about an encampment of homeless people near his residence. The mayor responded with a letter whose entire contents can be viewed by clicking here.

Southmore Bridge Closure - March/April 2018

Tue, 06 Feb 2018 22:29:19 GMT

The Southmore Bridge demolition has been postponed. The Southmore bridge across Highway 288 will be undergoing construction and will be closed for 12 to 18 months starting March/April 2018.

Access detours are shown on the attached document.

Look for an update soon on this link.

Take the Parks & Trails Survey!

Wed, 24 Jan 2018 23:31:09 GMT

Take the Precinct One Parks & Trails Survey!

Provide your feedback on how Precinct One parks and trails can be improved. This survey will help them find out more about what is working well, and what they need to improve.

Security Update from Museum Park Super Neighborhood Meeting, November 8

Mon, 13 Nov 2017 15:11:58 GMT

Security efforts launched in July 2017 by Museum Park Super Neighborhood are yielding results. Steps towards the comprehensive solution that we’re all working towards were discussed at the Nov. 8 meeting.

HPD has provided continuous coverage in the area beginning October 23^rd including patrol cars and mounted police. Our thanks to Cpt. Salam Zia, Lt. Shamara Garner, and Sgt. Eric Flores, our South Central HPD officers, who coordinate HPD’s Homeless Outreach Team, Narcotics, Homicide, and various social service providers. TXDoT has requested that HPD notify them of any fires adjacent to TXDoT structures.
City of Houston Solid Waste Management continues to conduct bi-weekly Solid Waste clean up.
HouSE (Southeast Management District) has contracted HPD motorcycle officers who make two checks in the area near the encampment Monday-Wednesday during their three-hour shifts. Sgt. Frank Gans, who leads the HouSE contract-team, is conducting 4-6 checks of the area near the encampment during six-hour shifts Thursdays and Fridays. These checks are part of the normal HouSE patrol route that takes the patrols south to Griggs Road and Palm Center.
Midtown Management District is currently providing dumpsters for solid waste management. Precinct 7 Constable Patrols pass through the encampments generally twice a day at varying times, among their other duties for Midtown. S.E.A.L. security also provides patrols in Midtown including the area near the encampment regularly.
Chris Erickson was recognized as the incoming Safety and Security Committee Chair. Chris will steer the Museum Park Security Alliance effort that includes Management Districts, businesses, institutions, churches, schools, residents, and all who have an interest in enhancing a thriving Museum Park environment.

MPSN Council will continue to work in collaboration with the Houston Police Dept., Houston Southeast Management District, Midtown Management District, and METRO to as effectively as possible manage safety, security, environmental, health, and solid waste issues surrounding the US 59 encampment within Museum Park. HPD, the City of Houston, social service and health agencies continue to offer outreach services to those living in the encampment.

November 1 Meeting Follow-up

Tue, 07 Nov 2017 22:02:00 GMT

The November 1st MPNA meeting included discussion regarding how best to make our voices heard by Kenneth Hoyt, Judge for the Southern District of Texas, where the ACLU suit challenging the City of Houston's no-camping ordinance is being heard. One MPNA member at the meeting reported that she had sent a letter to the Judge recounting the impact of the encampment on her as a Museum Park resident. Discussion followed regarding a possible letter writing campaign from the neighborhood.

After the meeting, Kathleen O'Reilly and I reached out to two attorneys--one working in another federal court of the Southern District (not Judge Hoyt's) and to our very own board member and municipal attorney, Kim Mickelson requesting their input. Here is a summary of their thoughts:

1.      Letters, photos, etc from the neighborhood are not helpful, and are not entered as evidence. The MPNA member's letter was stamped as filed with the Court to acknowledge that it was received and is part of the record to avoid improper unilateral communications (ex parte communications).   It isn’t considered evidence or material to the matter at hand, which is limited solely to the constitutionality of the ordinance and unfortunately doesn’t include or consider impacts to adjacent properties, property owners, or the neighborhood.

Appearing at hearings, etc., doesn’t influence the judge’s thinking. It shows community interest, but Judge is, or should be, indifferent to presence; he is evaluating merits of the case based on the law, not how many people are in the courtroom.

2.   It is possible, but unlikely, that individuals in the neighborhood could be called as witnesses. However, the case is about the constitutionality of the ordinances and enforcement, not criminal activity or any impact on the neighborhood. Criminal activity can be addressed by other ordinances, not those that are being challenged.

3.     An attorney can be hired to file an amicus brief if the neighborhood would like to be involved.   However, the case is about constitutionality of the ordinances, rather than neighborhood impact. The legal costs of that approach may outweigh the benefits involved as well as having the potential to further delay the resolution of the case.

Based on the professional advice of these two attorneys, the Board does not believe spearheading a letter-writing campaign is way forward at this time.

Individuals, of course, should pursue whatever course they feel appropriate.

I have asked the ad hoc committee to continue their evaluation in determining an effective path forward. Please contact me at president@museumparkna.org if you have questions.

Sandy Stevens, President

US 59 Encampment

Fri, 27 Oct 2017 16:44:24 GMT

at work on your behalf...

Museum Park Neighborhood Association (MPNA), in conjunction with Museum Park Super Neighborhood (MPSN), continues to seek resolution of the issues in our neighborhood arising from the health and safety concerns in the Encampment under US 59 from Caroline to Almeda.

October 24, 2017 – MPNA adopted a Resolution (Click on “Resolution” to download a copy) Requesting Relief, followed by MPNA presentation to City Council.

Here is the link (Select 'Public speakers” on right hand side, and go to time of 11:00 to 36.40 on the video) to view the presentations, as well as to hear the informative responses by the Mayor and several Council Members,

SUMMARY:

MPNA Resolution seeks immediate relief in the form of additional patrols and lighting, in and around the Encampment area.
CM BOYKINS gave enthusiastic support for our Resolution and offered the Mayor $30,000 of his CM District budget to provide overtime for bicycle patrols to frequently ride through the Encampment.
Mayor Turner explained:

1.     Federal Hearing on the TEMPORARY RESTRAINING ORDER (TRO) is scheduled for Tuesday, October 31, 2017. The TRO was issued to restrain the City from implementing the Ordinances adopted on 4.12.17 regarding No Camping and Panhandling

2.     The Mayor continues to be optimistic that the City will prevail in getting the TRO lifted. Evidence to be presented by the City, at the hearing may include information on the increased number of tents, crime reports, and health violations since the TRO was ordered. The City Health director has made a recent visit to the Encampment and declared the area a public health hazard.

3.     In the meantime, the City does not want to do anything that might be perceived by the Judge as violating the TRO or risk any charges of harassment. HPD has and will continue to respond to reports of crime, investigate, and make arrests, as determined appropriate.

4.     It is important for the City to prevail in this hearing to have the TRO lifted. Consequences of having an INJUNCTION issued instead would result in an appeal process while leaving the Encampment in place; in any event the lawsuit is likely to continue and will be ongoing.

Please review the entire video

THANKS to all who participated in initiating, drafting, and finalizing the Resolution:

Kathleen O’Reilly, Museum Park Super Neighborhood (MPSN) President and MPNA Board member and Quality of Life/Infrastructure Committee Chair, for initiating MPNA presentation at City Council and for her actionable items to the MPNA resolution, among her many other efforts for this neighborhood.

Lindsay Williams, for drafting the initial resolution and submitting it to the MPNA Ad Hoc Committee for further review.

Louis Selig, Chair, Gene Voss, Matt Shafley, Chris Ericksen, Christine West, and Kristy Bridges, as members of the Ad Hoc Committee, along with MPNA Board members Sandy Stevens and Greg Quintero, for reviewing, making revisions to the draft resolution, and submitting it to the MPNA Board, with a request for adoption.

MPNA Board members, particularly Kathleen O’Reilly and Kim Mickelson, for reviewing and making revisions to strengthen the wording of the Resolution prior to adoption by the MPNA Board.

Sandy Stevens, Barbara McGuffey, and Cindy Woods, MPNA Board members, for presenting the Resolution at the 10.24.17 City Council session. (See link above to view the presentations)

History

April, 2017 – City of Houston adopts No Camping and Pan Handling Ordinances

Kathleen O’Reilly worked closely with the Mayor’s Office, and others, to draft and finalize the Ordinance wording.

Kathleen O’Reilly and Sandy Stevens met individually with District D CM Boykins and At Large CM’s to seek support for the passage of the ordinance.

Kathleen O’Reilly, Sandy Stevens, and Barbara McGuffey spoke on behalf of MPNA Residents at the 4.11.17 Council meeting to ask for Council to vote in favor of the Ordinances. To see those presentations, please use this link. (See Public Speakers, Part 1 of 3 and go to time of 60:15 to 69:37 in the video.)

For More Information:

NEWS updates posted on our website during the past year include information regarding this issue and other MPNA Board efforts.

If you have questions or want to get more involved, please send us an email at info@museumparkna.org.

MPNA Resolution

Wed, 25 Oct 2017 20:26:03 GMT

Museum Park Neighborhood Association

Resolution Requesting Relief

A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE MUSEUM PARK NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION, OBJECTING TO THE CONDITIONS UNDER HIGHWAY 59/INTERSTATE 69, BETWEEN CAROLINE STREET AND ALMEDA ROAD, AND REQUESTING RELIEF BY THE CITY OF HOUSTON

WHEREAS, the Museum Park Neighborhood Association (“MPNA”) is one of the oldest civic organizations in the City of Houston; and

WHEREAS, the Museum Park Neighborhood, bordered by West Alabama Street, Main Street, State Highway 288, and Hermann Drive, is a cluster of cultural, educational, and faith institutions, businesses, varied residential properties, as well as commercial establishments and health care providers; and

WHEREAS, an increasing number of individuals began erecting tents and placing cooking equipment, furniture, electronics, bicycles, and other items on the property underneath the Highway 59/Interstate 69 overpass within neighborhood boundaries (“Encampment”); and

WHEREAS, the Encampment is leading to a proliferation of illegal activity and public health and safety violations that threaten the health and wellbeing of MPNA residents; nearby businesses and institutions; and the individuals in the Encampment.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF THE MUSEUM PARK NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION:

Section 1: That the above recitals are hereby found to be true and correct, and are incorporated as if fully set out here.

Section 2: That the MPNA finds that effective regulatory and ordinance enforcement is lacking regarding violations of criminal, environmental, public health, and safety regulations; including public defecation, public urination, and littering, leading to potential viral disease transmission; and bacteria, plastics, and other debris entering the surface waters of the United States through the immediately adjacent storm drains; violent assaults involving lethal weapons (with two fatalities); illegal activities of prostitution, lewd activity, public nudity, illicit drug use, illicit drug sales, and littering are occurring in and around the Encampment while law enforcement is seemingly hindered.

Section 3: That the MPNA finds it in the best interests of the residents of Museum Park and other nearby neighborhoods, as well as the individuals living in and around the Encampment, and the cultural institutions, businesses, that the City of Houston must, in the interest of public health, safety and order, offer more frequent and enhanced enforcement and protections against the criminal activity and public health concerns occurring with great frequency at the Encampment.

Section 4: That there be continued coordination efforts between Houston Police Department, Houston Solid Waste Division, Houston Health Dept., Midtown Management District, Houston Southeast Management District, TXDoT, and METRO to provide an increased frequency and level of security, regulatory enforcement, and waste management necessary and commensurate to the issues at hand to maintain a secure, well-lighted (with a high level of downward facing, shielded, night-time illumination), clean, and healthy public environment until the Mayor’s six-point, holistic solution announced in March, 2017 (The Way Home, Shelter System, Encampment, Panhandling, Charitable Feeding, and Mental Health and Substance Abuse) has been implemented in full and the Encampment removed.

BE IT RESOLVED THIS 24 DAY OF OCTOBER 2017.

MUSEUM PARK NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION, INC.

Sandra Stevens, President

ATTEST:

Sara Gladden, Secretary

Update

Mon, 11 Sep 2017 19:23:53 GMT

at work on your behalf

Museum Park Board Members have been working to address neighborhood concerns including the US 59 encampment health and safety issues, transmission line relocations, and Holocaust Museum's construction and repayment arrangements for 1300 Calumet. In other news, Houston Southeast has approved funding for SWA (original design team for the Livable Centers Study) to provide a conceptual design for a pedestrian corridor as part of Our Museum Park LCS. Details of all these efforts and upcoming events are below.

Please note: MPNA members, including Sandy Stevens, Kim Mickelson, Kathleen O'Reilly, Greg Quintero, and Ruth Ann Skaff, hold seats on the Museum Park Super Neighborhood Council to represent residents while working cooperatively with all stakeholders including the Museum District, Hermann Park Conservancy, Miller Outdoor Theatre, businesses, and health and faith institutions. In this way we give residents a stronger voice with which to speak to the city.

July 13, 2017: Museum Park Super Neighborhood met with representatives of Houston Southeast, Midtown Management District, HPD, Precinct 7 Constables, and others to discuss health and safety concerns stemming from US 59 encampment. The focus of the meeting was to explore ways to coordinate efforts among the various law enforcement organizations to provide 24/7 patrols around the encampment. Please see notes from that meeting for additional details, HouSE.MPSN Meeting Notes. MPNA has worked closely with MPSN to achieve around-the- clock patrols near US 59, MPNA Request.

July 21, 2017: MPSN notified by the Planning Department of variance request being made by Holocaust Museum Houston. MPSN requested that Planning Commission hearing be postponed as required signage had not been posted, and requested meeting with HMH, Clayton Library, and CoH leadership to understand variance and other issues (see August 1). The variance hearing was deferred to August 24.

July 24, 2017: Health and Safety Ad Hoc Committee met to discuss ways to address encampment issues under US 59. Several action items emerged from the meeting: making independent petition available for signatures at the August MPNA meeting; setting dates to call council members and later appear before city council as a block of concerned citizens. Specific requests to the city including additional patrols, enforcement of drug laws, fencing of area beneath US 59, and additional lighting were proposed. Committee will reconvene to finalize plans and set timeline post Harvey.

July 25, 2017: MPNA was contacted by a concerned resident regarding relocation of Center Point high voltage transmission lines from current location behind homes to visible street location along Blodgett. MPNA negotiated a different, and less expensive option with CP, so lines will be raised, but remain in their currently less intrusive locations.

Please contact us if you see a sign, an activity, a development, or receive a notice that you are concerned about....neighborhoods have a say in how they develop. Together we can make a difference!

August 1, 2017: MPSN met with Holocaust Museum Houston design team to discuss construction and expansion of the Holocaust Museum and its interaction with the neighborhood. Please see notes, MPSN.HMH Meeting Notes, for details.

Of particular concern is the HMH agreement with the City of Houston regarding the abandonment of Calumet in 2009 and the payment terms approved by city council in 2016. MPSN/MPNA are asking the city to reconsider this agreement in order to align with Your Museum Park Livable Centers Study. Please see documents regarding these changes including MPNA letter of support.

HMH Campus6.21.17.jpg,

HPL_Holocaust_Museum_-_Clayton_Museum_RCA.pdf,

August 16, 2017: MPSN representatives met with HouSE Management District Transportation committee to request funding for a conceptual design to be implemented by SWA for pedestrian corridor along Caroline and adjacent to Holocaust Museum Houston. HouSE and MPSN are working to propose alternatives to the current compensation effort approved by the City of Houston for the purchase of the 1300 block of Calumet. Transportation Committee and subsequently HouSE Board approved the request.

August 22, 2017: US District Court issued a temporary restraining order prohibiting the enforcement of City of Houston 'no camping' ordinance, in response to complaint filed by ACLU in May. Courts were closed by Harvey; we will continue to monitor and post updates. TRO

August 24: Planning Commission approved Holocaust Museum variance request with several changes to accommodate most of Museum Park concerns. The HMH repayment for Calumet, a different issue, is still under discussion.

September 10: Membership Committee will hold a meeting to make plans for member outreach. To join the committee email Barbara McGuffey at membership@museumparkna.org

October 3: National Night Out will be held 6:00-800 p.m. at Southmore@Crawford. This annual event will give you the opportunity to not only get to know your neighbors better, but also to thank Houston's first responders who have worked so tirelessly since the catastrophic flooding of Hurricane Harvey. Volunteers are needed to make this event a success. Please contact Cindy Woods at community@museumparkna.org

October 4: Next General Meeting MPNA. Details to follow.

ACLU Lawsuit

Wed, 23 Aug 2017 18:07:17 GMT

Temporary Restraining Order issued by U.S. District Court, August 22, regarding encampment ordinance is attached below.

tro1.pdf

Hermann Park 20-Year Draft Master Plan Released Today

Wed, 23 Aug 2017 00:49:35 GMT

Take a peek at the new draft Master Plan summary for the strategic direction of Hermann Park for the next 20 years! The details will be developed for the individual projects over time – so the visuals included in the plan are to indicate the goals for certain areas – and is not a literal design at this point. The specific details of how each area will look will develop over time.

Clean-up Scheduled for US 59 Encampment Area

Tue, 08 Aug 2017 15:57:07 GMT

The City of Houston Health Department has ordered a cleaning of the area under US 59 between Caroline and Almeda on August 10. According to the post, the clean-up aims to abate conditions that contribute to disease, including human waste, mosquitoes, flies, and trash.

Thanks goes to everyone: city officials, including the Mayor and the Office for Homeless Initiatives; Midtown Management District, who will spearhead the effort; HPD and the Homeless Outreach Team; the Coalition for the Homeless; and most importantly the residents of Museum Park, who continue to lobby for measures to address the untenable conditions of the encampment and the accompanying issues within the neighborhood.

MPNA and MPSN have worked to give a unified voice to our common concerns before city council, in countless meetings, emails, and phone conversations, and by hosting public meetings with city officials, and will continue to do so.

Thanks to all for your efforts to make Museum Park a healthy neighborhood.

MPNA August 2 Meeting: US 59 Encampment

Fri, 04 Aug 2017 18:52:18 GMT

The August MPNA meeting featured a panel discussion/presentation related to Houston’s efforts to address homelessness, the current encampment under US-59. A list of questions was circulated to the panelists in advance of the meeting (see attached).

President Sandy Stevens called the meeting to order at 6:01 PM. Following a general overview, she turned the meeting over to Greg Quintero, Chair of the Safety & Security committee. Greg provided an overview of format, recognized the newly formed ad hoc committee tasked with formulating suggestions related to the current encampment situation, and asked the panel to introduce themselves.

Kim Mickelson, MPNA Vice President, consulting city attorney

After thanking everyone for coming, Kim provided a general overview of the current state of affairs in Houston, some history about how the courts have viewed other municipalities’ ordinances aimed at reducing encampments, and the importance of respecting and balancing the Constitutional rights of all citizens. Key points: it is not illegal to be homeless, sleeping on public land is not a crime, and personal possessions must be protected.

Marc Eichenbaum, Special Assistant to the Mayor for Homeless Initiatives

The encampment under US-59 is the top priority for the City with regard to homelessness. Mayor Turner & Marc visited the encampment Aug 1. However, there is a lawsuit and care must and will be taken to ensure that future endeavors are not jeopardized by rash decision making. The Mayor views the ordinances pertaining to encampments and panhandling to be necessary, valid & constitutional.

· Other Texas cities have anti-encampment ordinances that have not been legally challenged; however, their ordinances are much older than Houston’s.

· The City has secured storage space for personal possessions that exceed the size limits specified by the anti-encampment ordinance, and this program is up and running. There are twice weekly trash clean-ups by the Dept of Solid Waste at the Wheeler encampment.

· The Health Dept is in the process of assessing and preparing a report about the Wheeler encampment. Should they find that the area is a public health nuisance in need of full cleaning, there will be swift action to clear the area while respecting the rights and needs of those residing in the encampment. Enforcement of the ordinances would be the next step after the clean-up. No firm dates are available at this time.

· The City is focusing on providing housing to the homeless population. Houston, however, has fewer financial resources for this endeavor in comparison to other major cities. Federal funding for HUD vouchers has been reduced; the City is unable to issue any new vouchers. Two weeks ago, Mayor Turner proposed & Council approved redirecting $2.4 million of other funds for housing. People living in the encampment have been assessed for housing. At this time, the major need is to identify landlords willing to rent out appropriate units.

· In the near future, the area beneath US 59 between Austin and La Branch will be fenced in and used as a private parking lot for a local nonprofit organization.

· Report any illegal activity you observe to HPD. The City is working on a solution to allow HPD to address concerns related to small fires.

Lt. Shamara Garner & Officer Nick Vogelsang (Homeless Outreach Team), HPD

· Call 911 for immediate threats (eg, break-in in progress, life-threatening situations).

· Call HPD non-emergency [713-884-3131] for other matters, including crimes that have already taken place.

· HPD has identified and entered into a database the individuals currently residing under US-59. The new city ordinances have been explained to everyone in the encampment and efforts are underway to provide help and resources to those who want it.

· Regarding drug use: Kush is the #1 drug issue in the encampment. Due to the nature of this drug, immediate arrests are not possible as testing is required to identify the substances in the drug. Sales, possession, and use of illegal narcotics will be enforced, but such activity is nearly impossible for uniformed officers to observe.

· The Sobering Center Team is working in conjunction with the Recovery Center to address public intoxication.

Frank Carmody, Houston 311

· Do not contact 311 for crimes (eg, drug activity, theft, assault): these issues should be reported to HPD.

· Do contact 311 for non-police issues such as illegal dumping/accumulation of garbage.

· If you call 311, they can help to direct you to the appropriate person or city department. Clear descriptions of offenses will help to ensure that issues are routed properly.

· Sandy noted that the online 311 pulldown menu allows the reporting of human waste on public property.

Marilyn Brown, Houston Coalition for the Homeless

The Coalition for the Homeless (‘Coalition’) is a private, nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide leadership in the development, advocacy, and coordination of community strategies to prevent and end homelessness. The Coalition is tasked with bringing together all local organizations dealing with various aspects of homelessness in the collaborative effort, The Way Home Houston (http://www.thewayhomehouston.org/). Their goal is to prevent and end homelessness by providing housing and the necessary wraparound services (eg, health care, job training, counseling, child care). Over 11,000 people have been placed in housing, with 95% still in housing at the 2-yr mark.

· Outreach requires federal (housing) and state (mental health & substance abuse treatment) funds. These budgets often change (and often decrease) creating gaps in funding, and consequentially difficulties in long-term planning. A lack of dependable funds also harms the credibility of homeless advocates whose promises of help/resources sometimes are unable to be honored. Local companies and philanthropic organizations are key partners, with federal dollars providing a match for private donations.

· Approximately 150 individuals are residing at the Wheeler/Chartres encampments.

· ~2/3 of those living in Houston encampments self-identify as having mental health issues. Mental health problems can quickly lead to substance abuse issues through a cycle of self-medication.

· Texas lacks long-term mental health care; the maximum length of a mental health ‘hold’ is 11 days—rarely sufficient time to make a meaningful difference.

· Shelters are not a long-term solution; the solution to homelessness is homes.

· In addition to the need for housing units for those transitioning from the street or shelters, there is also a need for affordable housing that is accessible to public transportation and support services.

· Public awareness campaigns (radio, billboards, meetings with faith leaders) are underway for the Meaningful Change, not Spare Change initiative (http://meaningfulchange.org/). Rather than giving money or food/supplies directly to people who are in need, residents who would like to help can direct funds to agencies capable of assisting the homeless (and former homeless) with long-term help & support. Note: donations are placed in a general fund so that they may be directed to helping those most in need.

Bayou Trails Requests for Proposals - August 3 Deadline

Mon, 10 Jul 2017 19:00:40 GMT

Bayou Trails is excited to announce that the Requests for Proposals (RFPs) for Hermann, MacGregor and Mason Parks have been finalized, published, and are now open to submissions from artists, arts professionals and/or organizations living in Houston! Deadline for submissions is August 3, 2017.

As Bayou Trails enters this new phase, we encourage you to spread the word about the RFP process and to engage those around you in conversation about the community-driven vision alive in your park as well as the collective, connective goals that span the Bayou Trails footprint.

You can read the three Bayou Trails RFPs on https://ourbayoutrails.com/. If you have questions about them, the submission protocol, or the project at large, please contact: https://ourbayoutrails.com/contact/.

Thank you for your dedication to this important initiative!

Reporting Health and Safety Concerns

Thu, 06 Jul 2017 21:43:42 GMT

Please use the attached guide to report health and safety issues impacting you and/or Museum Park. Copy or email your reports to the Museum Park Neighborhood Association at healthandsafety@museumparkna.org. We will forward the collected reports to city officials as we work on behalf of the neighborhood to ensure our health and safety.

Museum District Experience: Zone 3, July 29

Fri, 30 Jun 2017 18:20:56 GMT

Houston Museum District

Museum Experience Zone 3 Saturday, July 29, 2017

Summer’s Museum Experience, returns July 29, showcasing a trio of district museums within an easily walkable three-block footprint. The featured museums of Zone 3; Contemporary Arts Museum Houston (CAMH), The Jung Center, and The Museum of Fine Arts Houston (MFAH) invite guests to view masterworks, make personalized art, and interact with site-specific installations.

In addition to free general admission in Zone 3 all day, families may participate in a variety of art making activities for all ages, practice Laughter Yoga, and plan for lunch with food trucks stationed at CAMH and the MFAH South Lawn. Relax in the Cullen Sculpture Garden and seek cool sanctuary at community partner site, St. Paul’s United Methodist Church.

All district museums are open during regular hours with Museum Experience programs from 10 am to 4 pm. METRO light rail has several dedicated stops in the district; park once and ride, walk or use b-cycle stations located throughout the district and Hermann Park. Go to www.mfah.org/parking for parking and transportation options.

Post event photos through Houston Museum District’s FaceBook, Twitter and Instagram social media feeds using #houmuse and #museumexperience.

ZONE 3 Programming – Saturday, July 29, 2017

CONTEMPORARY ARTS MUSEUM HOUSTON #CAMH and @camhouston

5216 Montrose Boulevard, Houston, Texas

10:00 am – 6:00 pm: Cool off at CAMH by experiencing two immersive exhibitions: Atlas, Plural, Monumental, featuring interactive artworks and the colorful, imaginative A Better Yesterday.

11:00 am – 3:00 pm: Contribute to a collaborative paper and tape environment inspired by the imaginative worlds and alternate realities created in A Better Yesterday.

Experience Typewriter Rodeo, a quartet of poem-makers from Austin who create custom, on-the-spot poems on any topic you choose using vintage manual typewriters. Carry away a one-of-a-kind typed memento of your day at the museum! The Moon Rooster taco truck and Froeschl’s Ice Cream will be on site to satisfy lunchtime cravings.

1:00 pm - 5:00 pm: Pick up an Art Guide, take a FAQ Team-led tour, make an original work of art using whatever is in your pocket, and contribute a poster, love note, or want ad to the public monument The Commons! Engage with Public Trust, a participatory artwork by artist Paul Ramírez Jonas that asks visitors to examine the value of their word by declaring a promise.

THE JUNG CENTER OF HOUSTON #JungHouston

5200 Montrose Boulevard, Houston, Texas

10:00 am – 2:00 pm: Come to The Jung Center and find out how creating art can bring calm and focus to everyday life. Explore the abstract art of Zentangle® at an ongoing mini-workshop.

10:00 am – 4:00 pm: Sift through hundreds of images to create a keepsake collage the reflects your unique personality.

12:30 pm - 1 pm: Learn to use journaling as a tool for insight and clarity.

2:00 pm – 2:30 pm: Outwit stress with Laughter Yoga.

THE MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS, HOUSTON #MFAH

1001 Bissonnet Street, Houston, TX

10:00 am – 7:00 pm: Visitors enjoy free general admission as well as the opportunity to see three ticketed exhibitions currently on view. Go to mfah.org/tickets/ for advance tickets to Ron Mueck, Pipilotti Rist: Pixel Forest and Worry Will Vanish, and Paint the Revolution: Mexican Modernism, 1910-1950.

11:00 am – 4:00 pm, Law Building: Families can plan their visit to the MFAH in the Kinder Foundation Education Center, a staffed library with books suitable for all ages.

2:00 pm, Beck Building: Take a free guided tour that highlights the diverse array of art in the museum’s permanent collection.

3:00 pm, Beck Building: Join a free tour of award-winning photographs by Fazel Sheikh, whose work focuses on communities in Africa, South Asia, and the Middle East.

ST. PAUL’S UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

5501 Main Street, Houston, Texas

Open House, 10 am to 4 pm: Docent-led and self-guided tours of this historical sanctuary; named one of the ’50 Best – or Iconic – Buildings’ in Houston by the Houston Chronicle. Visit the green at any time to walk the Bankston Green Labyrinth, featured in Houstonia magazine as one of the ’50 best ways to stay calm and cool’ in Houston.

Java Lava - Opening Soon in Museum Park

Tue, 27 Jun 2017 13:17:35 GMT

Java Lava is a new coffee shop and restaurant opening in Museum Park at 1201 Southmore Boulevard at the corner of San Jacinto.

Java Lava’s coffee is sourced from their own organic farm, grown in the rich volcanic soils of Hawaii’s cloud forests. The building design itself is intended to fit elegantly and serenely into the fabric of the neighborhood, in the lovely shade of stately and fragrant crepe myrtles.

Java Lava has already agreed with Houston BCycle to host a much needed, centrally located BCycle station in Museum Park. Their ready and generous willingness to host this important bike connection is a benefit to all who live, work, or play in Museum Park.

Museum Park Livable Centers Study Receives Award

Tue, 20 Jun 2017 13:01:24 GMT

The Texas Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects recently awarded Museum Park: Planning for a Model Urban District, Honorable Mention for the Livable Centers Study completed last year. Thanks to SWA, the Museum Park Super Neighborhood, Southeast Management District, the City of Houston, the Houston-Galveston Area Council, and our Museum Park partners in this remarkable achievement. We look forward as the concept designs included in the LCS are implemented.

MFAH Expansion update

Fri, 19 May 2017 02:06:42 GMT

From our neighbors at MFAH:

First, I would like to thank you for your ongoing patience as the MFAH moves ahead with the expansion and transformation of our main campus through the addition of three new buildings, underground parking garages and a new public plaza. I am writing with an update and information about the next step in this process: a shift in parking locations and procedures.

Beginning next, Monday, May 22, the newly constructed Montrose Parking Garage opens to the public. On this same day, the outdoor South Lot, across Bissonnet from the Law Building, permanently closes to allow excavation and construction to begin on the Nancy and Rich Kinder Building, scheduled to open in late 2019. As a result, on-campus parking for the MFAH and the Glassell School of Art shifts to garage-only paid parking at the Museum’s two garages: the existing Fannin Parking Garage on Binz Street, and the new Montrose Parking Garage on Montrose Street.

For details about rates, hours, procedures, and limited-mobility access for both the Fannin and Montrose garages, visit mfah.org/parking to see the latest information.

If you have questions about parking, or if you need any help understanding the new procedures, please contact Andrew Spies, who has been designated as the parking manager at 713-639-7821.

If you have any questions or concerns about the expansion project, please call 713-830-5280.

Willard Holmes

Chief Operating Officer

Museum of Fine Arts, Houston

Houston Southeast Community Meetings

Thu, 30 Mar 2017 17:34:53 GMT

Houston Chronicle: Council members seek further restrictions on panhandling and the homeless

Thu, 30 Mar 2017 17:30:46 GMT

This article from the Chronicle provides an update on the proposed ordinances related to panhandling & encampments. You can read the article here

Museum District Experience: Zone 2, April 29

Wed, 29 Mar 2017 14:51:28 GMT

Museum Experience Zone 2 returns on Saturday, April 29, 2017
Journey around the world by exploring six museums filled with history, heritage and humanity, then come back later to see contemporary art works at 2 additional Zone 2 locations.

MUSEUM EXPERIENCE ZONE 2 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS – Saturday, April 29, 2017

10am-6pm Enjoy FREE gallery admission to Asia Society Texas Center's Modern Twist: Contemporary Japanese Bamboo Art and explode the notion of what a basket can be. Stay for an Asian-inspired lunch in the Jade Café.

11am-4pm Step into America’s only museum that chronicles the African American military experience from the Revolutionary War to present. The Buffalo Soldiers Museum will catch the interest of all ages and provide you with a personal insight into the Buffalo Soldiers contribution to history. Experience live, historical re-enactments at 11 am, 12 pm, 1 pm and 2 pm. Bring the entire family to experience this captivating and engaging history! $5 admission, $3 for students with ID.

10am-4pm Paint! Learn the traditional craft of egg painting at Czech Center Houston and hear children’s stories from the Czech Republic (the first animated children’s book was published there). Take advantage of a 10% discount in the Prague International Shop. Admission: $5 for adults and $3 for children 10 and under.

11am-3pm Bring the whole family to Houston Center for Contemporary Craft to learn about current exhibitions with guided tours on the hour, every hour. Exhibitions pay tribute to U.S. veterans, the art of traditional Navajo weaving, and resident artists working in various craft mediums will have their studios open to the public. Explore the Craft Garden to sketch and make your own polymer clay sculpture inspired by plants used in textile and fiber arts. FREE

10am-5pm At Holocaust Museum Houston, interact with the artificial-intelligence avatar of Holocaust survivor Pinchas Gunter, and receive real-time responses to your questions from this hologram in the Celebration of Survival exhibit by Barbara Himes. At 12:30pm, 1:30pm, 2:30pm, and 3:30pm enjoy guided tours of the core exhibition, WWII rail car and Danish fishing boat. Also on view, Bittersweet Harvest: The Bracero Program, 1942-1964, a Spanish/English bilingual exhibit about the largest guest labor program in U.S. history. Adults $12, Seniors $8, Members and students with ID Free. #StandWithHope.

11am-6pm Houston Museum of African American Culture presents 2 exhibitions: Africa on my mind: The art of Malick Sidibe and Leslie Wayne. View a photographic history of the country of Mali in the 1950s, ‘60s, and 70’s and see how oil paint becomes three dimensional, resembling textiles. FREE

DiverseWorks is closed for installation on April 29, please visit the exhibition In media res: Regina Agu, ruby onyinyechi amanze, and Wura-Natasha Ogunji on view from May 13 to July 29, 2017. FREE

Lawndale Art Center is closed for installation. The opening reception for May exhibitions is Friday, May 5^th from 6 to 8pm. FREE

Hermann Park Public Meeting

Wed, 29 Mar 2017 14:49:03 GMT

Tuesday, April 4, 2017
6 pm - 8 pm
Cherie Flores Garden Pavilion

From the Hermann Park Conservancy:

Join us for a final public meeting as the Conservancy unveils its strategic plans for the next 20 years of Park improvements.

Since October 2015, Hermann Park’s master plan team including landscape architects Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates (MVVA), mobility and transportation consultants Nelson\Nygaard, and Sherwood Design Engineers have studied Hermann Park, analyzed data, meet with community members, and gathered public feedback to develop preliminary concepts to envision the next 20 years of improvements and projects to Hermann Park.

Join us for our final public meeting where we’ll share the team’s full recommendations for Hermann Park’s master plan, which will guide the next 20 year's of Park improvement projects.

Can’t make our open house but still want your thoughts and ideas heard? Send us an email at ideas@hermannpark.org.

To learn more about our master plan update project, click here.

Bayou Trails Hermann Park Comunity Meeting

Tue, 07 Mar 2017 22:20:22 GMT

The Houston Arts Alliance and the City of Houston Parks & Recreation Department invite you to come out this Saturday, March 11, to help plan a major NEA-funded arts project in Hermann Park!

The meeting will take place at the Holocaust Museum, in the Avrohm Wisenberg Classroom, from 10:30am-noon.

For more information, please see ourbayoutrails.com

Bayou Trails.pdf

Update on Mayor Turner's Homelessness Plan

Sun, 05 Mar 2017 17:29:49 GMT

As you know, Mayor Turner released the City’s plan to further address homelessness in Houston, The Way Home. As you also know, in our ongoing work on the homeless issue, we recently visited personally with each At-Large Council Member and the Mayor Pro Tem to ensure that they will support the imminent No Camping ordinance. We’ve sent follow-up notes to each At-Large Council Member and to the Mayor’s Office, including his Chief of Staff, Marc Eichenbaum, and Sean Quitzau, and of course to CM Boykins and his staff, thanking them for their ongoing efforts on this issue. CM Boykins, and the City, are committed to eliminating camping on public property.

Please refer to the actual press release and to the video for accuracy; the Chronicle article is somewhat confusing: http://houstontx.swagit.com/play/0302201...

To confirm support, we’ll follow up again with each At-Large Council Member after they’ve had a chance to review the Draft Ordinance. To date, support from Council is unanimous for the Mayor’s actions.
We’ll continue to follow up with the Mayor, his office, and the Office of Homeless Initiatives on this issue.

We expect the ordinance to be voted on after spring break, with enforcement starting after a 30 –day grace period, around the end of April. At that time, people will no longer be allowed to camp and will have the opportunity to move to transitional, managed, low level, capped-number shelters on private property or to locations suggested by District Council Members. Mayor Turner specifically said that he had heard the pleas of those living near the US-59 encampment and their concerns must be answered.

Thank you to the Quality of Life and Safety and Security Committee members for their input on this strategy. Please contact president@museumparkna.org if you have any thoughts or concerns.

____________________

The Plan includes six components:

The Way Home. The Mayor's Office on the Homeless Initiative will aggressively seek additional housing over the next six months. As part of that effort, Star of Hope will be opening a 215 bed facility off Reed Road for women and children.
The city is also pursuing opening one or more covered outdoor spaces where up to 75 individuals can stay temporarily. When individuals are told they can no longer stay in one place, they will be offered another place to go to.
The Mayor will introduce a new ordinance (prohibiting camping on public property) to city council with the goal of voting on the ordinance in the week after spring break. Enforcement will begin 30 days after passage of the ordinance. The city will develop parking and economic development spaces where encampments are currently located.
Panhandling will be addressed through a Public Service Announcement Campaign (funded by the management districts-thank you HouSE and Midtown). Campaign slogan-"Meaningful Change--Not Spare Change." The city also will implement a pilot program to send vans out to common panhandling sites to connect panhandlers to the Texas Workforce Commission in order to bring these individuals to a workplace.
The city will continue to collaborate with charitable organizations who feed the hungry to ensure these organizations are working in tandem with social service organizations that offer additional services. Feeding alone does not work.
Mental Health and Substance Abuse issues require increased funding. The city's governmental team will continue to work at the state and federal level to secure additional funding for those dealing with these issues. The city is working with Harris County to develop more resources to address mental health and substance abuse including additional detox facilities.

Homeless Initiatives: Museum Park Super Neighborhood & City of Houston

Mon, 02 Jan 2017 22:01:34 GMT

The Museum Park Super Neighborhood (along with MPNA as a stakeholder) has interacted with the City of Houston and other agencies to address the issue of homelessness. Below is a summary of MPSN meeting interactions with city representatives as well as a highlight of city initiatives during the previous six months.

MPSN, June 8 – Topic of homelessness and associated issues were discussed at the meeting.

MPSN, July 13 - Mayor’s Office of Homeless Initiatives, City of Houston representatives, HPD, METRO, TXDoT, and others working on these issues attended the MPSN meeting, listened to concerns, updated the Council, and described the initial strategy.

MPSN, August 10 – Mayor’s Office for Homeless Initiatives and other CoH representatives attended MPSN meeting, listened to concerns, and updated Council on strategy, clean- up efforts, collaboration between TXDoT, City Of Houston, etc.

MPSN, September 14 - Council continued discussion of ways to address homeless encampment under US59 listening to business owner report the impact of the issue on small businesses along Main Street.

October – No meeting.

MPSN, November 9 - Mayor’s Office for Homeless Initiatives and other CoH representatives working on these issues attended meeting, listened to concerns and updated Council on December approach.

Early December – Mayor’s team visited San Antonio to understand the approach to homeless issues used at the Haven for Hope.

December 8 - Mayor’s Office held organizational meeting led by the Mayor's Office for Homeless Initiatives, in conjunction with CM Boykins and over 40 professionals from 11 different support agencies, HPD, METRO, etc.

December 12 - an integrated outreach to the homeless population in the vicinity of San Jacinto and Wheeler Avenue areas was conducted to gather data and assess needs of those living there, to determine what they need to get into housing and stay. Mental health and substance abuse, primary health, housing, employment, an array of services and resources are being delivered as part of a strategic six-week outreach plan to assess and help individuals get off the streets, while reducing litter and improving the quality of life for all Houstonians.

These data are currently being assessed and used to update the strategy to address the issues surrounding homelessness, using data-driven and deliberately crafted long-term, sustainable solutions rather than moving the problem around, something which happens with fencing, etc.

December 20 - Mayor's Homeless team including governmental and non-profit providers and social services discussed data collected during December 12 outreach effort and associated metrics to design next steps. Strategy update reflecting resulting analysis and defining ongoing and future steps will be publicized by the Mayor's Office later in January.

Proposed HEB Grocery Store Public Hearing on Sept 7

Tue, 30 Aug 2016 01:03:59 GMT

Picnic in the Park while Practicing Spanish! Starts Sept. 9

Mon, 29 Aug 2016 21:54:46 GMT

Starting September 9, Hermann Park Conservancy will be hosting a free Spanish conversation group in the Park from 12 to 1 p.m.

This group will meet every other week (no obligation to attend every time) and attendees can bring a sack lunch to eat while they practice.

All levels are welcome. If you’re interested, sign up HERE.

Please pass along to your coworkers and friends if you think they may be interested in attending.

June Meeting Follow-up Questions

Sun, 31 Jul 2016 20:44:00 GMT

MPNA residents submitted questions and comments during the June 1 presentation of the proposed Museo Park Development. Below are Trammell Crow's responses to those questions which were not addressed during the meeting for lack of time.

6.1.16 Q&A

Museo Plaza Preliminary Concept

Sat, 23 Jul 2016 19:02:40 GMT

Below are images provided by Trammell Crow of Palm Street design, one depicting the closure of Palm Street and one showing a view with Palm Street remaining open.

Preliminary Concept Museo Plaza.pdf

Palm Street Abandonment Update

Tue, 07 Jun 2016 21:45:02 GMT

The MPNA Board provided the attached summary at the June 1, 2016 MPNA monthly meeting regarding the Palm Street development.

Palm Street Update

Fri, 15 Apr 2016 16:34:34 GMT

The MPNA Board recently submitted a Resolution in Opposition to the abandonment of the 1100 block of Palm Street to CM Dwight Boykins' office. CM Boykins forwarded the resolution onto Public Works Deputy Director Mark Loethen, who heads the city's Joint Referral Committee, where requests for abandonment are reviewed. CM Boykins has pledged his support of the resolution, and expects that the abandonment application will not go forward.

Please see resolution below.

MPNA Palm Street Resolution.pdf

Your Chance to Review Livable Centers Study Exhibits

Wed, 13 Apr 2016 21:10:19 GMT

The attached SWA exhibits were presented at last week's Museum Park Livable Center Study stakeholder meeting held at the Buffalo Soldiers Museum.

If you were unable to be at the meeting or did not have sufficient time to comment on the progress of the study, please review the attached documents and send your comments to nbeard@swagroup.com

LCS - Public Meeting2 Exhibits_reduced.pdf

Additional Information Regarding Palm Street Abandonment

Wed, 03 Feb 2016 21:22:59 GMT

Please reference the article below regarding MPNA's position on the abandonment of the 1100 block of Palm Street. Please see below additional documents for your reference:

Map showing the proposed abandonment. Palm Closure map.JPG

2007 City of Houston Revised policy regarding abandonment of public right of way. COH Abandonment Revised policy.pdf

Suggested letter template to communicate with city council members in opposing the abandonment. Palm_Street Abandon Template Feb.docx

Contact information for current city council members. Council Office Contact List.pdf

Palm Street Abandonment

Fri, 22 Jan 2016 16:17:59 GMT

A number of Museum Park residents made calls to the City of Houston Real Estate department to register their opposition to the abandonment of the 1100 block of Palm between Main and Fannin. Below you will find a copy of the official log of those calls obtained from the Real Estate Department.

Also below is a copy of the application for abandonment.

Palm Street Call Log

Palm Street Abandonment Application

In Memoriam: Dr. J.S. Stone

Fri, 08 Jan 2016 14:17:22 GMT

Dr. J.S. Stone was a longtime resident of Museum Park and served previously as President of the Midtown Museum District Civic Club, now known as the Museum Park Neighborhood Association. Our condolences go out to Mrs. Stone and his family.

A memorial service celebrating the life of Dr. Stone will be held January 17, 2016 at 2 pm at St. Mary of the Purification Catholic Church, 3006 Rosedale, Houston, Texas 77004.

For more information and the legacy of Dr. Stone, click here.

City of Houston Adopts 'No Idling Ordinance'

Thu, 05 Nov 2015 14:48:16 GMT

Houston City Council voted unanimously on November 4 to adopt an anti-idling ordinance, which prohibits vehicles with a gross weight rating of more than 14,000 pounds from being allowed to idle for more than five minutes when not in motion.

The ordinance excludes military, law enforcement, and METRO vehicles used for public health and safety purposes, as well as those being actively loaded or unloaded.

Many thanks to City of Houston Sustainability Director Laura Spanjian, Council Member Dwight Boykins, Museum Park Super Neighborhood, Air Alliance Houston and all who helped made this landmark City Council action a reality.

It’s a good day for clean air in Houston Texas!

MP Livable Center Study

Sun, 06 Sep 2015 22:32:46 GMT

Check out the article at Houston Southeast.

Houston Southeast (formerly Greater Southeast Management District) is the sponsoring team member for the Museum Park Livable Center Study. This in-depth article sums up the goals of the study currently in the design phase by SWA.

MPNA/ Developer Letter

Wed, 02 Sep 2015 19:42:33 GMT

MPNA Officers recently approved a letter for residents to use when interacting with developers or contractors working in our neighborhood. Museum Park has been the site of active development recently which has at times inconvenienced those who live here. The attached letter lists a few simple requests and asks that developers and contractors respect the neighborhood and its residents.

If you wish to approach a developer or contractor to discuss issues that impact you and the neighborhood, you may print a copy of this letter to give to the company representative. As a courtesy to President Sean Murphy, please email him at president@museumparkna.org to let him know who you have approached.

MPNA_Developer Letter .pdf

MP Livable Center Study reported in Chronicle

Thu, 16 Jul 2015 01:22:45 GMT

Check out the Houston Chronicle article below regarding our Livable Centers Study:

Chronicle Article

Houston Bike Plan

Tue, 14 Jul 2015 23:39:34 GMT

It's not too late to make your voice heard as the Houston Bike Plan moves forward. With your help, we will make Houston a safer, healthier, more bike-friendly city. Read below for details on our community events and online activities. Your voice can make a difference!

There are several ways you can participate online:

1. Survey

Take the survey and tell us about your preferences for biking in Houston. Click to take the English or Spanish survey.

2. Mapping Activity

What would make Houston's bike network better? Click here to make a comment on the map.

3. Discussion Forum

Click here to tell us about your vision for biking. Post a comment or "like" other people's comments.

Tell your friends and neighbors to visit HoustonBikePlan.org to participate in the Houston Bike Plan.

SWA Group Selected for Livable Centers Study

Mon, 11 May 2015 21:47:43 GMT

The SWA Group, a leading international landscape architecture, planning and urban design firm was selected to create the master plan for the Museum Park Livable Centers Study.

The goal of the study is to address Museum Park challenges that have developed with the success of our area including the need for better transit, bike lanes, parking, sidewalks, sustainable streetscapes, bus management, signage, and complete lack of sense of place.

The study is expected to be underway by summer 2015 and completed by year end.

For more information, go to our Livable Centers Study webpage, or download SWA Group's Brochure.

Hermann Park Centennial Gardens - Request for Volunteers

Fri, 16 Jan 2015 22:30:57 GMT

Hermann Park Conservancy's new McGovern Centennial Gardens are OPEN! We're very fortunate to have this enchanting, whimsical, and refreshing enhancement with such easy access for us all! A good volunteer corp from right here in our neighborhood will help maintain this sparkler to the highest standard.

The Conservancy's needs include Centennial Garden Greeters and Family Vegetable Garden volunteers.

Please contact the volunteer coordinator at volunteer@hermannpark.org to request an application and indicate which volunteer position interests you.

Metro Transportation Survey - Share your Input!

Wed, 12 Nov 2014 20:30:22 GMT

Help Metro keep the greater Houston Region moving! Share your input by taking Metro's 2014 Commuter & Employer Transportation Survey.

Take the SURVEY and be entered for the chance to win one of several prizes from Metro!

Please share this important survey notice with your employer, employees, or any distribution lists. A broad canvas is essential for meaningful results. Results from this survey will help improve travel demand-management strategies.

Museum Park and GSMD Receive 'Keep Houston Beautiful' Award

Tue, 04 Nov 2014 23:45:47 GMT

Congratulations go out to Museum Park Neighborhood Association and the Greater Southeast Management District on being recognized as a Mayor’s Proud Partner from Keep Houston Beautiful!

Thanks to the collaborative effort between MPNA and GSMD, and the ongoing support of the GSMD. The roses on Main Street give thousands of people a reason to smile every day.

Click here for further details or see the attached letter. Keep Houston Beautiful 2014.pdf

Public meeting for Texas high-speed rail line - October 29

Wed, 29 Oct 2014 21:00:00 GMT

Texas Central Railway, the private company leading the construction of a high-speed rail line connecting Houston and Dallas, will begin public outreach later this month to get input from citizens on the project and allow citizens to ask questions about the rail line proposal. Six public meetings will be held in cities and towns that are likely to be along the route connecting the two terminal cities, according to Texas Rail Advocates.

The Houston public meeting will be the final of the six meetings and will be held on Wednesday, October 29 at NRG Center. The schedule for the Houston public meeting is as follows:

Open house: 4:30-6:30pm
Presentation: 6:30-7pm
Public comment session: 7-8pm

For more information, visit Houston Tomorrow

City of Houston Parking Management Survey - We need your input!

Mon, 01 Sep 2014 21:41:09 GMT

This is your opportunity to say what you want in Museum Park with respect to parking strategies. This is a neighborhood specific parking study and survey, focused only on Museum Park and the Museum District and conducted by the City of Houston Parking Management Division.

Parking Survey for Museum Park

Museum District Parking Management Presentation

Please take advantage of this survey since this is a very important topic for our neighborhood. To get the results you want, your opinion is essential. Please complete by Sept. 15, 2014!

Complete Streets Workshop Recap

Sun, 24 Aug 2014 18:42:38 GMT

Follow the link below to Smart Growth America's current article focusing on Houston's strides since the Complete Streets Workshop held at Clayton Library in April 2013. Mentioned in the article is Museum Park and comments from MPSN Vice-President Kathleen O'Reilly.

http://www.smartgrowthamerica.org/2014/08/07/since-the-workshop-houston-tx-continues-to-improve-streets-for-all-users/

MPNA Requests to Hines

Wed, 02 Jul 2014 22:07:08 GMT

Requests from Museum Park Super Neighborhood regarding construction of high-rise apartment building to be constructed at Caroline and Oakdale:

Provide glass reflectivity numbers.
Provide written assurance that the park will be open to the public.
Confirm if materials from existing structures being demolished will be recycled and/or reused per the project's pursuit of LEED certification.
Provide a letter of commitment and parking plan for construction period that stipulates all construction workers will be restricted to off-site parking and that Hines will work with the community to restrict street parking. Failure to do so will result in significant congestion within the neighborhood.
Construction traffic ingress and egress should be routed along major thoroughfares. All effort should be made to route traffic via Fannin and San Jacinto and avoid use of the heavily residential portion of Southmore from Caroline to Highway 288.
Confirm that this project falls within the guidelines of the Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan. In addition to complying with all SWPPP standards, we request that the project:
- Establish reasonable construction hours (please let us know in advance what is anticipated.)
- Establish a reasonable construction workweek (please let us know in advance what is anticipated).
- Avoid allowing construction trucks to idle while waiting to load and unload.
- Avoid allowing construction trucks to block drives and streets for any length of time.
- Provide waste receptacles for workers to avoid trash blowing through the neighborhood.
- Establish and enforce a construction worker code of ethics to avoid 'cat calling," smoking, drinking alcohol, and to require proper attire outside the site yet within the immediate neighborhood.
- Communicate in a timely manner with surrounding buildings and neighbors should utility service be interrupted temporarily or street access be interrupted temporarily so preparations can be made.
- Perform frequent cleanup of streets to remove mud and construction debris.
- Repair any street damage that might occur as a result of additional wear to streets not designed to handle vehicle loads required for large construction projects.

Coordinate with other neighborhood stakeholders who will have constructions projects occurring simultaneously, particularly Museum of Fine Arts Project slated for 2015.

Work with Museum Park Neighborhood to support their ongoing efforts to improve the Museum Park medians. During construction protect the Caroline median across from the ‘Southmore,’ and in consultation with MPNA provide improvements to the median, post-construction.

Hines Meets With Neighborhood Stakeholders

Wed, 02 Jul 2014 19:16:50 GMT

Representatives from Hines met with neighborhood stakeholders May 28 to present current plans for the construction of their 25 story highrise apartment building slated for opening in 2016.

For details of the meeting please follow the link below:

Hines presentation of _The Southmore’.pdf

HGAC's Regional Plan and Open House

Fri, 08 Nov 2013 15:28:40 GMT

Houston Galveston Area Council's Regional Plan is open for public comment. Information regarding the Plan is located at:
http://www.ourregion.org/OurRegion2040Supporting_Documents/OurGreatRegionSummaryEnglish.pdf

http://www.ourregion.org/index.html

All are welcome to comment and/or attend HGAC's Open House, which will be held:
Saturday, November 9.
                                      10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
                                      3555 Timmons Lane
                                      Houston, TX 77027

MPNA Seeks Support for Livable Centers Grant

Sun, 27 Oct 2013 19:48:16 GMT

MPNA in conjunction with Museum Park Super Neighborhood is seeking a $250,000 Grant for a Livable Centers Study available through the Houston-Galveston Area Council, a voluntary association of local governments within thirteen counties of the Texas Gulf Coast. H-GAC’s mission is to serve as the instrument of local government cooperation, promoting the region’s orderly development and the safety and welfare of its citizens. Museum Park is responsible for raising a 23% local funding match, or $57,000 for a total project investment of $307,000 by October 31.

The goal of the study is to address Museum Park challenges that have developed with the success of the area, including the need for better transit, bike lanes, parking, sidewalks, crosswalks, sustainable streetscapes, bus management, way-finding signage, and the complete lack of a sense of place. The best destinations in Houston are right here, but they’re among the most difficult in the City to access. A Museum Park Livable Center study will result in a master plan that, when implemented, will offer safer transit and pedestrian-friendly access to our 12 million annual visitors. Currently the whole is less than the sum of its parts; the goal is to create a destination that is greater than the sum of its parts. Please see the Livable Centers Brochure below for more information regarding Livable Centers in general.

Most importantly, winning this grant opens doors to opportunities for implementation money. Of the recently completed Livable Centers studies, resulting construction dollars have ranged from $10-$25 million. The Completed Livable Centers spreadsheet (attached) shows the Return on Investment for these studies.

Our accomplishments to date in meeting our matching goals include:

We have the support of the City of Houston, which is critical to our winning this very competitive grant. Please see the attached presentation to the city to further your understanding of why we seek a Livable Centers Grant.

Greater Southeast Management District has committed to sponsoring this effort, a requirement to receive the grant. They have also committed $5000 toward the local match.

To date, we have commitments from the Museum of Fine Arts, Hines Development, Z Resorts (Hotel ZaZa), Holocaust Museum, TEMA, Museum Park Modern, and others.

Several requests for support are still pending.

We are not there yet! We need your support to make our matching goal of $57,000. Please choose the donation tab to help us make our goal.

MPNA Statement - Potential Hines Development

Tue, 23 Jul 2013 22:32:29 GMT

A joint meeting of the MPNA (residents) and the Museum Park Super Neighborhood (businesses, cultural institutions, churches) was held July 17, 2013 to discuss the potential development by the Hines Corporation in our neighborhood.

Please see statement below listing concerns and recommendations.

Read full MPNA Position Statement.

Notice of Prohibited Yard Parking Requirement Area Application

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 18:04:58 GMT

NOTICE OF PROHIBITED YARD PARKING REQUIREMENT AREA APPLICATION:

The Museum Park Neighborhood Association has submitted an application for the

establishment of a Prohibited Yard Parking Requirement Area

(Section 28-303 of the Code of Ordinances) for the general area

north of Binz, south of US 59,

west of Almeda, east of San Jacinto (north and south sides)

with the Houston Planning and Development Department.

Once established, violating the Prohibited Yard Parking Requirement Area will be a misdemeanor and violators may receive

a fine not to exceed $150 a day.

For information, contact the applicant at (713) 447-9179

or the Houston Planning and Development Department at (713) 837-7880.

A copy of the Prohibited Yard Parking Public Notice sent to affected properties by the City of Houston Planning and Development Department along with this notice has been posted on the Museum Park Neighborhood Association website www.museumparkna.org

Please note that comments must be received by 5 pm, Monday, May 6, 2013.

PYPPublic notice attachment 001.jpg

P130202_AV.pdf

MPNA Celebrates Spring at Pinewood Cafe

Tue, 02 Apr 2013 21:02:46 GMT

Pinewood Cafe hosted MPNA's second annual Burger Night/Happy Hour on Friday, March 22. The weather was lovely, the food was great, the company (our neighbors) couldn't be beat. This year's attendance at the event was approximately 60 people--effectively doubling last year's attendance.

Social events give us the opportunity to know our neighbors better. Please join us for next event where you will not only have a good time, but also become a part of your neighborhood.

MPNA Celebrates Arbor Day January 26

Sat, 26 Jan 2013 19:57:46 GMT

Arbor Day in Museum Park…Celebrating 100 Trees planted by
Museum Park Neighborhood Association!

35 trees – 2013 65 trees – 2010 175 trees – 2011, Hermann Park

Our neighbors make this an incredible place to call home. Thank you to the Arbor Day Planters!

And thank you Trees for Houston!

MPNA Celebrates the Holidays at Lucille's

Sat, 12 Jan 2013 16:49:29 GMT

Past President Cindy Jackson with Lee Brown

A capacity crowd of MPNA members and friends ushered in the holiday season on December 2, at Lucille's, one of the neighborhood's newest additions. The dinner, which included everything from shrimp and grits to bread pudding, was the centerpiece of an evening designed for better knowing your neighbors.

Membership Chair Cynthia Tang with Armin Porter and Darryl Herzik

Bobby and Faith Davis

MPNA National Night Out Enjoys Its Largest Turn-out

Thu, 25 Oct 2012 23:17:48 GMT

Well over one hundred of our neighbors turned out October 2, a lovely fall evening, to enjoy good food and get to know one another. By all measures the evening was a success.

Great food was provided by three of our Neighborhood Restaurants, Bodega's Taco Shop, Luigi's Pizzeria, and Spanish Village. The food quickly disappeared, but the fun continued. Thirty five--forty neighborhood children bounced in the Moonwalk until they reluctantly headed for home and bedtime.

Neighbors had the opportunity to visit with members of the Houston Police Department, Houston Fire Department, representatives from Council Member Wanda Adams staff, and representatives from Metro.

Community Input Sought on Ideas from Museum District

Tue, 25 Sep 2012 18:57:25 GMT

The following is from the September 18 issue of Houston Chronicle.

Armed with a wealth of ideas for creating a more walkable, campus-like environment, the Museum Park Super Neighborhood is asking community members which options they like best.

Ideas include widening and beautifying north/south streets in the neighborhood, placing art in street medians, installing roundabouts centered by fountains, creating pocket parks and using benches for street signs.

The design ideas can be found by going to htttp://ricedesignalliance.org and clicking "Charrette Brings Museum Park Neighborhood to Life." Suggestions may be sent to beautification@museumparkna.org.

The suggestions are the result of the Rice Design Alliance's 2012 charrette, an intensive design competition that challenged participants - mostly architects - to create a master plan for the super neighborhood's community, which encompasses much of the Houston Museum District and Hermann Park.

The charrette, hosted by RDA's young professionals group rdAGENTS, addresses a different project or community need every year.

Ten teams participated in the 2012 event, "People, Places, Promenades: Unifying Museum Park Super Neighborhood," held Aug. 4 at Rice University's School of Architecture.

"We were absolutely thrilled with how many people decided to attend," said Kathleen O'Reilly, vice president of the super neighborhood, which is bounded by Hermann Park, Main Street, Texas 288 and U.S. 59.

The entity turned to the RDA to help it develop a strategy to create a more cohesive setting with safe, easy access for pedestrians, signage to guide people to destinations and a decrease in traffic congestion.

"There were so many ideas to extend the Hermann Park campus throughout the neighborhood, unifying the residential areas, the 17 museums and cultural centers, as well as the churches, schools and health-care facilities," O'Reilly said. "There were some incredible ideas on those design boards."

The winning team selected by the RDA, Team No. 8, included Neda Izadi of Milton Architects; Laura Beth Mertz, Intexure Architects; Ray Mora, Energy Architecture; Bayardo Selva, cre8 Architects; and Will Denman, who has since moved out of state. But ideas from all the groups are on the table for consideration.

Team 8's plan

Team No. 8's plan, "EnLIVEn," suggests widening the north/south streets in the neighborhood and enhancing them with green spaces, bike lanes, bright intersections, boutique eateries and public parking.

"Our proposal is to use the north/south axis streets that connect the neighborhood to (Hermann Park) as ways to make the area aLIVE to the city," the plan reads. "The east/west axis streets will focus on the people that LIVE in the neighborhood."

The east/west streets would feature community gardens, green spaces, small eateries, meeting places and access to everyday amenities. The plan recommends more retail development on Almeda Road - where a grocery store is suggested - and Fannin Street.

The plan also calls for wheelchair-accessible sidewalks on all of the streets.

To further enhance pedestrian safety, the team suggested more streetlights and a color-coded signage system that identifies residential, transportation and commercial areas for drivers.

Another possibility would be raised road surfaces at four-way stops, similar to speed bumps, to protect pedestrians by slowing traffic.

To improve parking, the plan calls for eliminating traffic lanes on some streets and replacing them with on-street parking.

Receiving the judges' vote for the best team plan was a pleasant surprise, Mertz said.

"It was completely unexpected," she said. "There were so many great submissions. It was very close.

"We're just hoping these ideas will be taken to heart by the city and the neighborhood."

Market under U.S. 59?

O'Reilly said she's pleased with Team No. 8's proposals, and many of the other teams' suggestions, including the creation of a marketplace under U.S. 59 at Caroline.

"As it is now, it's a dead zone, and it could be so lively," O'Reilly said.

Additional suggestions from the charrette teams included using roundabouts with center fountains to calm traffic; offering street signs in the form of benches and providing architectural plazas with landscaping and shaded seating and community gardens that use captured rainwater.

Also proposed was creation of pocket parks and water parks at the dead ends created where streets meet the Metropolitan Transit Authority light rail line. Other ideas: placing art in the medians of the widened roadways, burying utilities to minimize clutter and allow architectural lighting to stand out and adding a uniquely designed parking garage that would become a neighborhood landmark.

"The ideas for art in the median are really fun and whimsical," O'Reilly said. "It would make people happy just to walk by them."

Like 'Project Runway'

The competition was intense, Mertz said.

The members had eight hours to get their ideas together.

"It was like being on 'Project Runway' and trying to make a design in one day," Mertz said. "Trying to develop a plan for the city neighborhood in eight hours can be a little intimidating."

The super neighborhood hosted a public meeting Sept. 19 to show community members the charrette design boards and get their comments. On Sept. 24, the group will host an invitation-only reception at the Asia Society Texas Center, where community members and leaders will have another opportunity to review charrette proposals and weigh in on the super neighborhood's future.

The super neighborhood would present the master plan to the city for proposed funding.

"The events this month are preliminary efforts to get opinions and ideas from the community so we can refine our focus as we actually head into the (master plan) design," O'Reilly said. "The more feedback we have, the better the outcome."

Flori Meeks is a freelance writer and can be reached at flori@swbell.net.

Charrette Brings Museum Park Neighborhood to Life

Tue, 14 Aug 2012 18:39:30 GMT

Katie Plocheck, Rice Design Alliance

Winning team members Laura Beth Mertz, Ray Mora, Neda Izadi, and Will Denman pose with Russell Hruska and Kathleen O'Reilly of Museum Park Super Neighborhood. Not pictured is team member Bayardo Selva.

An enthusiastic group of 33 designers came out on Saturday, August 4, for an intensive day of unifying, beautifying, and clarifying Houston’s iconic Museum Park Super Neighborhood – home to over 16 cultural centers, Hermann Park and hundreds of residences. According to Kathleen O’Reilly, the museum’s vice president, “The site is a top destination for Houston visitors, but not necessarily easy to navigate for pedestrians.”

Many of the teams participated in a site visit to the neighborhood a week earlier where they could see first-hand the challenges that the area faced, including broken sidewalks, a lack of a cohesive campus, overgrown medians, and poor pedestrian signage. These concerns were outlined in a comprehensive program, which was given to participants as they arrived to the charrette at the Rice School of Architecture. The programs also included background information, maps and judging criteria.

On Monday, August 6, an all-star jury consisting of Buffalo Bayou Partnership Project Manager Guy Hagstette, City Council member Ellen Cohen, Associate Director of Administration at The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston Willard Holmes, and Museum Park Super Neighborhood Vice President Kathleen O’Reilly deliberated among nine stellar entries. They assessed the designs based on which solution addressed as many of the program elements as possible in a manner that was at once creative and realistic.

Bayardo Selva, Neda Izadi, Laura Beth Mertz, Will Denman, and Ray Mora took home the “Best Overall” prize for their design called “EnLIVEn,” which plays on both meanings of the word “Live.” The judges deemed this entry the most nuanced scheme that addressed both cultural and residential elements. According to team member Laura Beth Mertz, “Enliven means to brighten or energize, to make vivacious, and that’s the character we think this neighborhood can have. Our North/South streets are meant to make the neighborhood LIVE to the city so that other people will want to visit and see the area as a hotspot. Our East/West streets are meant to address the people that LIVE in the neighborhood, building a sense of community.”

The Gensler team of Meredith Epley, Suvama Gupta, Al Deliallisi, Marissa Campos, and Ashley Griffin were awarded “Honorable Mention” for the simplicity and practicality of their design, and its focus on an armature. Paul Weathers, David Farber, Merileigh Williamson, Tyler Swanner, and Beth Clark of Clark Condon won for “Best Presentation” based on the beauty and clarity in the drawings. Asakura Robinson’s team, including Keiji Asakura, Margaret Robinson, Zakcq Lockrem, Kareeshma Ali, and Tara Mather, was awarded the “Best Design Idea” award for the bold aesthetics of their street-signage solution.

Moving forward, the Museum Park Super Neighborhood plans to hold a community meeting and begin fundraising in hopes of implementing these incredible design solutions.

For photos of all the entries:

http://ricedesignalliance.org/2012/charrette-brings-museum-park-neighborhood-to-life#comment-990

Views of RDA's Winning Charrette Entry

Museum District Charrette Featured in Chronicle

Tue, 31 Jul 2012 22:51:53 GMT

The upcoming Rice Design Alliance Charrette: 'People, Places, and Promonades,' focusing on a plan for the Museum Park Neighborhood, is the subject of a July 30 Houston Chronicle article. Please follow the link below to the article featuring quotes from Rusty Hruska and Kathleen O'Reilly.

http://www.chron.com/news/article/Wanted-Plan-to-improve-museum-district-3747730.php

Beautification Award Announced

Tue, 31 Jul 2012 21:28:17 GMT

1402 Blodgett, home of Helen and Mariusz Rajszewski, is the winner of MPNA's first Beautification Award. As the collage of photos below demonstrates, many pieces combine to make a beautiful impact. Walk, bike, or drive by to enjoy the complete picture. If you have spotted another beautiful space in the neighborhood, send your nomination to beautification@museumparkna.org. for the September selection.

Rice Design Alliance Invites Charrette Participants

Wed, 11 Jul 2012 01:52:08 GMT

Rice Design Alliance 2012 Charrette

This year's Rice Design Alliance's design charrette, "People, Places and Promenades," will focus on creating a master plan for the Museum Park Super Neighborhood. Our Neighborhood is home to eighteen museums, including The MFA,H and Houston Museum of Natural Science, five churches, several preschools, MacGregor Elementary School, Park Plaza Hospital, Baylor Outpatient, Hermann Park, the little train, Hermann Park Golf Course, and the Houston Zoo.

Thanks to the hard work of Kathleen O'Reilly and the Beautification Committee talented teams of designers from Houston and the nation will spend August 4 designing solutions for the continuing growth in our neighborhood, including ways to help ease vehicle and pedestrian traffic. Winning entries will be announced August 6.

Please see the complete invitation from RDA below along with the application for those talented designers among the ranks of the MPNA who might wish to participate.

RDACharretteinvite.pdf

Charrette2012_ApplicationFORM.pdf

Recipe for Success: Ice Cream and Pedal Boats

Mon, 28 May 2012 14:32:57 GMT

Rusty and Tad board a Pedal Boat for a

spin on Lake McGovern.

Members and their guests enjoyed lovely weather, fellowship,and yummy ice cream at the Hermann Park Pedal Boat Launch, where MPNA held its traditional Ice Cream Supper on Sunday, May 20. Approximately 40 adults and children gathered to enjoy a good time. Don't miss the next MPNA Social event, National Night Out, coming in October.

Keep Houston Beautiful Day

Wed, 02 May 2012 14:25:53 GMT

More than 60 volunteers from across the city joined MPNA volunteers on Saturday, April 28 to spread 300 yards of mulch on twelve medians in the Museum Park Neighborhood. Fourteen medians were cleaned up and the Mexican Consulate block is pristine thanks to Penny. Tammy and Marie Francoise did yeoman’s work on 5500 Caroline. Bobby and Gene trimmed everything in their way. A FULL DUMP TRUCK of trimmings were collected from our work. Rusty provided a bobcat, which was a BIG help! Thanks to all who came out to join the effort in Neighborhood Beautification.

Drug Take-Back Day

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 18:56:08 GMT

April 28, 2012
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has scheduled a National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day which will take place on Saturday, April 28, 2012, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. This is a great opportunity to safely dispose of unwanted/unused medications.

Stop by the HPD South Central Station at 2202 St. Emanuel or use the following link to find the disposal site nearest you.

https://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/NTBI/NTBI-PUB.pub?_flowExecutionKey=_cAB8293B8-148A-EB15-DFD0-A2095282D142_kB3AF7F47-1278-5194-6025-5CD783C4E7B6

MPNA Members Enjoy Burger Night

Wed, 04 Apr 2012 21:05:54 GMT

Museum Park Neighbors attended the first MPNA Happy Hour and Burger Night at Hermann Park's Pinewood Cafe, Thursday, March 29. The rainy skies let up in time for about 25 folks to enjoy Burgers and Wraps, Beer and Wine, New Friends and Old. Attendees suggested a repeat of the evening, so look for an upcoming announcement.

Asia Society Texas Center Celebrates Opening With Two-day Festival

Fri, 16 Mar 2012 02:13:32 GMT

Asia Society Texas Center will welcome the Houston community to its new home with an Open House and First Look Festival on Saturday, April 14, and Sunday, April 15.

Music, dance, and acrobatics, art exhibitions, storytelling, and tours of the building will be among the offerings during the two-day celebration. Admission is free, and all are welcome.

The festival kicks off at noon Saturday on the Texas Center’s Festival Lawn with the first U.S.performance by Osaka-based Hikeshi Naniwa Tobi, a 14-member troupe that demonstrates traditional fire-fighting techniques of the Edo period (1600-1868). Performing acrobatics atop a 22-foot-tall bamboo ladder, Hikeshi Naniwa Tobi pay homage to thosewho battled blazes in Japan at a time when wood and paper houses made fires a constant threat.

The troupe also will perform dezomeshiki, a chant-filled Japanese New Year’s ceremony to ensure fire safety in the coming year.

Visitors are invited to enjoy more entertainment in the Texas Center’s block-sized Festival Pavilion. Highlights include:

· A performance by Cameron McCarthy, an Aboriginal Australian artist and public speaker who incorporates the evocative sounds of the didgeridoo into his traditional tales.

· A concert by The Mountain Music Project, featuring Nepalese folk musicians and Appalachian bluegrass performers sharing the stage.

· An excerpt by Houston Grand Opera To Go of The Clever Wife, a popular Chinese folktale about a young wife who must rescue her foolish husband from a magistrate’s impossible tasks.

· Texas-based Riyaaz Qawwali performing the ecstatic devotional music of the Sufi tradition.

· Indian classical dance by Shipra Mehrotra, a Houston-based Odissi dancer and teacher who has performed internationally.

The First Look Festival also marks the opening of Treasures of Asian Art: A Rockefeller Legacy, a not-to-be-missed exhibition of more than 60 masterpieces from the Mr. and Mrs. John D. Rockefeller 3^rdCollection at the Asia Society Museum in New York. Visitors are encouraged to transform their cell phones into audio guides for a richer experience of the exhibit, which continues through September 16 in the Louisa Stude Sarofim Gallery.

In the Allen Sculpture Garden artist Lee Ufan’s Relatum– signal, a 2011 work commissioned especially for the space, will be unveiled in the Allen Sculpture Garden. The Art of Emptiness, an exhibition of Lee’s watercolors, will be on display in the Sarofim Gallery.

Contemporary Asian Art: Texas Connections, an exhibition featuring works by pan-Asian artists, borrowed from private and public collections throughout Texas, will be on display in the Fayez Sarofim Grand Hall and the North Gallery.

Food trucks and The Stone Café at Asia Society will offer refreshments for purchase.

A full schedule of the festivities will be posted on the Texas Center’s website http://www.asiasociety.org/texas in coming weeks.

MPNA Seeks 'Love Your Block' Grant

Fri, 16 Mar 2012 01:29:05 GMT

MPNA is hoping to secure a grant through the 'Love Your Block' Grant program sponsored by the City of Houston Volunteers Initiative Program. If our application is chosen as one of twenty possible awards, the Neighborhood Association will receive a $500 grant through the Home Depot Foundation. The MPNA grant application targets two esplanades at the corner of Southmore and Caroline for improvement. Winners will be announced during the city's Arbor Day of Service, April 27, 2012. Thanks to Kathleen O'Reilly and her assistants in completing the grant application.

Holocaust Museum Enlarges Parking Area

Wed, 07 Mar 2012 19:38:34 GMT

Big Changes are underway for the Holocaust Museum's parking options. The museum has purchased the block between Austin and Caroline on the south side of the museum building where construction of a new parking lot is in progress. Removal of the esplanade has been completed to make way for a parking facility that will more than double the current area. All Holocaust Museum parking will be accessed through the new entry off Caroline Street.

Museum Park Neighborhood Street Repair

Wed, 29 Feb 2012 15:36:07 GMT

Our street corners in our neighborhood are being repaired by the City of Houston.

Thank you to the hard work of the Beautification Committee for making this happen!

Arbor Day Tree Planting in Hermann Park

Sun, 22 Jan 2012 03:55:35 GMT

The Museum Park Neighborhood Association members joined in planting over 300 trees on Saturday to replenish the trees lost during the drought.

Thank you to all who helped!

Museum Park Neighborhood Association News

Spring Break 2026 Traffic Update

A Successful National Night Out

To Keep You Informed: North Houston Freeway Improvement Project

To Keep You Informed

To Keep You Informed, March 8, 2022

Updated Link to November 3 Dr. Klineberg Presentation

To Keep You Informed: November 11, 2021

Crime Concerns in Museum Park

MPNA Officers Elected at November 3 Meeting

Zoom Link for MPNA August 4 Meeting

To Keep You Informed: June 10, 2021

To Keep You Informed, May 10, 2021

To Keep You Informed: April 19, 2021

To Keep You Informed: March 10, 2021

To Keep You Informed, February 22, 2021

To Keep You Informed: January 18, 2021

To Keep You Informed: December 16, 2020

To Keep You Informed: November 13

To Keep You Informed: September 8, 2020

To Keep You Informed: August 17, 2020

To Keep You Informed: July 9, 2020

To Keep You Informed, June 5, 2020

Walkable Places/Transit Oriented Development ordinances advance to City Council

Miller Outdoor Theatre Performances Cancelled Through July 30

Transit Oriented Development: It's not too late to make your voice heard.

To Keep You Informed: May 6, 2020

Transit Oriented Development: Send Your Comments by Thursday, Feb. 20

To Keep You Informed, January 8 Meeting, 2020

To Keep You Informed: Turkey Leg Hut

Successful businesses are crucial to the vitality of this neighborhood, but not to the detriment of the health of residents. We urge the Turkey Leg Hut to immediately fix the problem of unfiltered smoke negatively impacting the health and safety of nearby residents as well as TLH employees.

Museum Park is a mixed-use neighborhood that includes a diverse group of residents, as well as numerous restaurants and businesses, museums, churches, healthcare providers, and other public spaces. Being a good neighbor is essential to everyone’s quality of life. We seek only that.

For details, see: Turkey Leg Hut Press Conference Plaintiffs' Original Petition

To Keep You Informed: September 25 District D Candidate Forum

To Keep You Informed, June 5, 2019 Meeting

To Keep You Informed, May 1 Meeting, 2019

To Keep You Informed, Joint MPNA/MPSN Meeting, April 3, 2019

To Keep You Informed, March 6, 2019

To Keep You Informed, February 6, 2019

MPNA receives honor from HPD

HPD and Coalition Efforts Post Encampment

At Work on Your Behalf: Wheeler Encampment Closure

At Work on Your Behalf: Update November 7 General Meeting, Holocaust Museum

At Work on Your Behalf: Updates June 6 - July 4

At Work On Your Behalf: Updates from the June 6 MPNA Meeting

Give Your Input at Upcoming Cap Park Meeting, Wednesday, May 30

At Work on Your Behalf: Encampment Update, Green Team, Community Parking Program

Wheeler Encampment Update

Southmore Bridge/SH 288 Closures beginning April 20

US 59 Encampment Update

Mayor's Press Release re: Homeless Encampment

Southmore Bridge Closure - March/April 2018

Take the Parks & Trails Survey!

Security Update from Museum Park Super Neighborhood Meeting, November 8

November 1 Meeting Follow-up

US 59 Encampment

MPNA Resolution

Update

ACLU Lawsuit

Hermann Park 20-Year Draft Master Plan Released Today

Clean-up Scheduled for US 59 Encampment Area

MPNA August 2 Meeting: US 59 Encampment

Bayou Trails Requests for Proposals - August 3 Deadline

Reporting Health and Safety Concerns

Museum District Experience: Zone 3, July 29

Java Lava - Opening Soon in Museum Park

Museum Park Livable Centers Study Receives Award

MFAH Expansion update

Houston Southeast Community Meetings

Houston Chronicle: Council members seek further restrictions on panhandling and the homeless

Museum District Experience: Zone 2, April 29

Hermann Park Public Meeting

Bayou Trails Hermann Park Comunity Meeting

Update on Mayor Turner's Homelessness Plan

Homeless Initiatives: Museum Park Super Neighborhood & City of Houston

Proposed HEB Grocery Store Public Hearing on Sept 7

Picnic in the Park while Practicing Spanish! Starts Sept. 9

June Meeting Follow-up Questions

Museo Plaza Preliminary Concept

Palm Street Abandonment Update

For details, see:
Turkey Leg Hut Press Conference
Plaintiffs' Original Petition

April 28, 2012
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM