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A Publication of Guidry News Service |
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A Publication of Guidry News Service |
The Houston
Downtown Management District Board of Directors today voted unanimously
to extend for another six months a $50,000 grant offer to help fund a
skate park on the western edge of downtown Houston. The grant offer was
extended for six months last September and is now valid until August,
2005 and matches a $66,000 offer from the Houston Convention and
Entertainment Facilities department toward a funding goal of $750,000.
The vote came after board members learned the park would not be built
under Interstate Highway 45, as originally proposed. "The city of
Houston began pursuing that project and TxDOT indicated that they were
very uncomfortable with a project that would attract a large number of
people to be underneath the freeway," said Guy Hagstette, district
staff member and special assistant to Houston Mayor Bill White for urban
design. Video
Download "The city of
Houston had to find an alternative site," Hagstette continued.
"They have done that. The alternative site is further west,
actually west of Sabine Street and west of the city water treatment
facility which is right off Memorial Drive as you approach downtown.
It’s about a one to two-acre tract of land." "In other
cities these (skate parks) have been very successful, with a very
diverse population attending, from seven-year old skaters to 55-year
olds," said Paul Layne, management district board chair. In other action,
the board approved a Cotswold Program budget increase of $4,900 for the
design of a sidewalk from Commerce Street to Buffalo Bayou that meets
Americans with Disabilities Act and State of Texas requirements for
pedestrian access. The board also
voted to authorize District Executive Director Robert Eury to execute a
contract not to exceed $115,000 with the Cultural Arts Council of
Houston/Harris County for the supply and installation of artwork for the
Cotswold's Bayou Pedestrian Connection project. The board approved
a $14, 000 change order to the contract with Jerdon Enterprises for
improvements to the McKee Street storage yard used for district
operations. Hyperlinks will work if this document is read Online
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publication of Guidry News Service, with offices at 1818
Church in Galveston, covering posted public meetings
in Galveston County, Jefferson County and Harris County. For additional information, or to order a
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