Bright Spot in My Day: From the Planning Director |
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Every office has unsung heroes. I’ve written before about one of ours - the front desk team, and how they serve all of our teams. Today, I want to tell you about the people in the Director's Office who contribute vital communication services on behalf of the Department.
The Planning and Development Department touches the lives of Houstonians in a myriad of ways, and these team members keep the public informed and turn the spotlight on the important work this Department does every day.
- They maintain our websites, write and illustrate our publications and social media to share the most current initiatives and engagement opportunities.
- They fine tune our team’s presentations to structure complex information in a clear, concise and accessible way.
- They coordinate with the media, brief City Council, public commissions and other officials to answer questions and resolve issues.
- They manage public information requests, maintain our records, and research and respond to public inquiries.
And they all provide excellent customer service.
Margaret Wallace Brown, A.I.C.P.
Director, Planning & Development Department
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Livable Places Citywide Public Meetings Begin April 3 |
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These meetings will provide detailed information on the proposed housing recommendations, which if approved, will require amendments to Chapter 42 of the Code of Ordinances. A public comment period is open until April 27. This is your chance to ask questions and share your feedback.
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Ways to share your feedback:
- Attend a public meeting listed above
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Next time you are out at a community event, don't be surprised if you see Planning Department staff spreading the word about Livable Places. The team was out and about this month at a number of events including the Post Houston dance competition and yoga class, Emancipation Park Jazzy Sundays, Doshi House, Columbia Tap - Trill Edition ride, Bayou City Arts Festival, and several Super Neighborhood and civic association meetings. We are sharing Livable Places general information and encouraging folks to take this quick housing recommendation survey.
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Third Ward on Tap Trill Edition Bike Ride |
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More Space: Main Street is Here to Stay |
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City Council approved the permanent establishment of the popular More Space: Main Street program, which closes portions of Main Street to vehicular traffic, creating safe, walkable space for pedestrians and room for Main street-facing bars/restaurants to expand outdoor serving space. The Planning Department will continue to coordinate with a wide range of city departments, as well as external partners that include Houston Downtown Management District
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and METRO to provide a program that supports businesses while providing safe access and use. |
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City Hosts Bigger, Greener Earth Day HTX Celebration |
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Earth Day HTX is coming to downtown Houston April 17-19. Kicking off the big bash will be a vibrant speaker series featuring prominent environmental experts from April 17-19. Join Mayor Turner, city departments, and other city-partnered organizations in front of City Hall from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. on April 19 for hands-on activities, displays, food, information, and interactive booths showcasing city initiatives highlighting a cleaner, greener Houston. Demonstrations will feature a mini-forest and ecosystem, advances in recycling, air quality enhancements, tree giveaways, microgrid technology, student art contests, a fashion show, wastewater purification, electric vehicles, solar solutions, and much more. The Planning Department will showcase a tiny house.
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Vision Zero: April is Distracted Driving Month |
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The NCAA Men's Final Four and multiple concurrent sporting and entertainment events kick off this weekend, and are expected to draw more than 100,000 visitors. Distracted driving is one of the top contributing factors on crash fatalities and serious injuries in Houston. Keep our streets safe by keeping your eyes on the road. Checking the scores can wait. Put down the phone and watch for pedestrians, cyclists and drivers as they navigate downtown streets and the surrounding areas.
Vision Zero Houston will be spreading the message of road safety while participating in Distracted Driving Month events throughout April. Follow our social media channels to watch a AAA press conference on April 6. Catch us in person at the Acres Home and Alief Super Neighborhood meetings on April 20 and April 25 respectively.
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Visit letstalkhouston.org/vision-zero for more road safety tips every month. Together we can eliminate traffic deaths and serious injuries because zero loss of life is acceptable
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Map of the Month: Sidewalk Service Area |
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The Sidewalk Service Area map was created by our Geographic Information Systems team. This map divides the city geographically into Sidewalk Service Areas and prioritizes investment of sidewalk fund moneys within the general area where the Fee in Lieu of Sidewalk Construction was collected. The Sidewalk Service Areas were developed as part of the amendments to the Sidewalk Network Ordinance.
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Historic Firehouse No. 7 Approved for Renovations |
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The Romanesque building, designed by architect Olle J. Lorehn, opened in 1899 and remained an active fire station until its replacement was built in 1969. “Old 7’s,” as it is fondly called, is the oldest firehouse in Houston still standing. The firehouse is the home of the Houston Fire Museum, and is a City of Houston Protected Landmark, a Texas Historic Landmark and listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
The project includes an addition to expand the museum’s ability to display exhibits within the historic building, host events, parties, and to meet the minimum requirements for Houston Independent School District field trips. The scope also includes systems, life safety, and ADA upgrades.
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611 Walker Street, 6th Floor,
Houston, TX 77002
832-393-6600
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