A neighbor recently wondered what was going on with his water bill. I dug out a mailer that was included in our bill, which shows another increase.  We are now on what appears to be a plan for annual increases, mostly because of a cost increase for the water the City purchases from the City of Houston. 

In addition, revenue from our water bills is credited to the City Enterprise Fund, which normally produces a positive balance.  In turn, funds from the Enterprise Fund are transferred to the General Fund to help fund the costs of running the City.

Finally, there has been no report fron Siemens on purported savings generated by the installation of automatic water meters in 2018 at a cost of $4.5 million dollars.  As mentioned in that article, with constant rate increases how will we ever know if any savings have occurred.  Find more information on that Siemens contract, paid from the $54 million dollar bond issue in 2016, here: Siemens – Where Do We Stand On The $12.8 Million Siemens Contract?  See item vi, Increase In Water Revenue?.  Maybe one takeaway from this issue is to read the fine print in those bond issues, especially the cost of the annual debt service, currently about $9.5 million.

Find a portion of the FY2024 Budget introduction regarding the various revenue streams here.  Find the entire FY2024 Budget here.

Monday, December 4th, 2023 – A joint Public Hearing before Bellaire City Council and Bellaire Planning and Zoning Commission regarding mitigating problems with or moving dumpsters at Bellaire High School.

Monday, December 11, 2023 –  The decision to hold a joint Public Hearing before Bellaire City Council and Bellaire Planning and Zoning Commission regarding a revised application from Methodist Hospital for the site at 5130 Bellaire Blvd was postponed.  A new look at the traffic analysis and more details on the development of the project was mentioned, however there appears to be no basic change from the last application.  Look for this to go to P&Z at a later date. Continue reading →

Continue reading →

Click to enlarge, find all images in the Agenda Statement.

Update: Here is the full Agenda for September 28, 2023 @ 6:00 PM Joint Special Session City Council and Planning & Zoning.  Nothing new was discussed at this meeting, apparently it was misreported as a joint session.  Methodist may be back on the agenda in the near future.

The Bellaire City Council and Planning and Zoning Commission will meet in a Joint Special Session (Workshop) to discuss development alternatives for the Houston Methodist Hospital on Thursday, September 28, 2023, at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber. There are no appreciable changes in building size or the parking access off South Rice.  Find the updated plan here.

Find an earlier article here: Methodist Application Goes To City Council on July 17, 2023

Back on August 21, 2023, Bellaire City Council voted unanimously against a request from Harris Heatlth Care for an employee event to be held at the NBSDD location, the old Chevron property along Fournace between Loop 610 and Sourth Rice. The last employee event created numerous noise complaints from neighbors in the area.

However, with a second request for the event on September 18, 2023, City Council approved the event.  Per the agenda item, “From 9:00 a.m. until noon, the DJ will be available for announcements regarding the field day activities. No music will be played on Friday or Saturday other than from 12:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. on Saturday and will include intermissions.”  Essentially only the live music will be missing.  Only Council member Lewis voted against, the rest of Council jumped on board . 

Music will still be played though the City leaders assured us that the noise will be controlled.  Noise enforcement will be the duty of Bellaire PD if residents complain.  Listen to the meeting here.  My question is, how does a private event that runs from 8 am to 7 pm, attended by an estimated 4,000 employees and with a PA system and a DJ in attendance, benefit residents of the City of Bellaire?  What do Bellaire residents think about this reversal of votes?  Find the Agenda Item here.

Meanwhile, the Mayor is boosting the approval of a new noise ordinance.

And there will be a Public Hearing on October 2, 2023, for the proposed tax rate for 2023.  Council approved the City Budget FY2024 at the September 18, 2023, meeting.

Send comments or questions to the Mayor and members of City Council via our City Clerk, Tracy Dutton, tdutton@bellairetx.gov and request they be forwarded to the Mayor and Council.

Mayor Friedberg announces plans for a new, temporary office location for Public Works,  The new offices will  be in leased space in an office building located in the immediate area.  Follow the link above for more information.  The Public Works building was located on Edith St, and after a second flood in 2015 it was quietly demolished and offices are now in a temporary structure.  The list of proposed Capital Improvement Plans FY2024-2028  includes $547,000 for repairs and improvements to the Public Works campus, though no location is specified.   A new Public Works building is listed FY2026 at an estimated cost of $9.8 million.      Continue reading →

On Tuesday, August 15, 2023, a Special Session discussion with members of City Council and Planning & Zoning Commission will be held at 6:00 PM.  Find the full agenda here.

“Presentation and discussion of results from the Bellaire Today phase (May-July), and provide input and direction for the Bellaire Tomorrow phase (August-November), of the Comprehensive Plan review process – Facilitated by Gary Mitchell, President of Kendig Keast Collaborative.”     Continue reading →

Residents are once again complaining about the poor conditions along the Holly Street Trail.  That’s the esplanade portion of Holly that runs from the Loop to South Rice Avenue. The walking trail portion was developed many years ago. 

After complaints in 2014 from homeowners along Holly Street, the City began to make landscape improvements.  During the approximate 6-year period from March of 2014 through February of 2020 the City paid out over $270,000 for Trail improvements.  Find the list of expenditures here.  

In the near future I plan to submit another Public Information Request for a list of City expenditures for the Trail for the past 3+ years.  With our finances restrained due to $100 million in bonded debt, is it time to just pave it or plant grass?  Stay tuned.  

Bellaire City Council will hold a Public Hearing for the 2024 City Budget on Monday, August 7, 2023.  The bottom line for the budget is $60.8 million.  Find the PowerPoint presentation here. 

Find the proposed budget FY2024, presented to Council on July 17, 2023, here.   Find a link to the entire meeting here.

Highlights include holding to a nominal tax rate with anticipated increases in revenues from property taxes and sales taxes.  Medical and pension costs will increase and a COLA of 4% is proposed. Residents can expect increased rates for water, wastewater, and solid waste services.    Continue reading →

UPDATE 7/19/23: City Council chose to postpone a decision on the Methodist Hospital application.  Council member Lewis stated she had counted 175 resident comments opposing the development in that location, 16 in favor, including physicians and patients.    Continue reading →

See the Cost

Many years ago Bellaire solid waste collection was changed from containers to plastic bags. For decades bags have been distributed for free on a quarterly basis, delivered to each residence. Residents are indirectly paying for the bag expense through their water bills, at something like $6 per roll. The current annual cost for this service is over $138,000. But it turns out that up to 25% of residents may not even use the City bags and prefer to purchase other bags, while others double bag because they fear leaks.    Continue reading →

A unanimous decision by City Council at the July 10, 2023, Council meeting finally provided a solution for our dog pound problems.

Find a message from Mayor Friedberg here.  Problem Solved:  Not One Dog Pound but Two    Watch the meeting here, the pound discussion starts about 1:16 into the video.

The City of Bellaire is conducting a survey to learn more about your preferences and opinions about Bellaire’s future and the comprehensive plan.  Please take the time to read each question before responding.  What would you like to see in a future Bellaire?    Continue reading →

The June 9, 2023, Planning and Zoning meeting was short, but interesting.  It included a public hearing regarding proposed ordinance amendments and a presentation of the proposed 5-Year Capital Improvement Plan (CIP).  Find a link to the meeting here.

Public Hearing

Public comments were encouraged on changes to the following zoning ordinances:

• Through Lots Prohibited, to allow for the approval of through lots if a property meets certain zoning requirements.  No public comments.
• To increase the necessary documentation submittal requirements during city plan review related to environmental assessment reporting. No public comments.
• To increase the allowable scoreboard signage area and allow team accolades as apart of the scoreboard signage – to allow team accolades.  Two comments.

The Draft CIP FY2023-2027

Take a look!

Each year as Bellaire City Council begins budget discussions for the upcoming fiscal year 5-year Capital Improvement Program (CIP) may be updated.  A proposed 5-year CIP was presented to P&Z by Joshua Pascua, Capital Projects and Grants Manager in Public Works, on June 8, 2023.   Continue reading →

Enlarge the photo for a 1954 view of Weingartens Grocery, now the Randalls site, thanks to Mike McCorkle. Find his photo history of Bellaire at www.bellairebook.com.    Continue reading →

Bellaire City Council – Agenda for June 5, 2023 @ 6:00 PM – Public Hearing – Houston Methodist Hospital 
UPDATE: View the June 5th Public Hearing here  The application may be submitted to City Council for consideration and approval on July 17, 2023.    Continue reading →

There were three Public Hearings scheduled for Monday’s City Council meeting on May 15, 2023, at 6:00 PM.  However the Noise and Lighting hearing has been withdrawn.  The withdrawal notice mentions a possible Town Hall at a later date.  Regardless, if you have suffered from loud noise or bright lights, why not let Council know?  Public comments to the Mayor and Council are welcome in person or via email via tdutton@bellairetx.gov.

1. Public Hearing – Speed Bumps along 5200 Spruce
2. Community Block Grant – Cypress Slough Ditch
3. Noise and Lighting Ordinances – Withdrawn

Have you ever given any thought to running for Bellaire City Council?  Do you want to make a difference in our community?  

The City of Bellaire holds non-partisan city elections for Mayor and members of City Council in off years, and the next election will be in November of 2023. The current Mayor is term limited and cannot run again, and Council seats 2, 4, and 6 will also be on the ballot.  Find full information the Mayor and Council here.  No previous experience necessary, just common sense and a willingness to work to benefit your Bellaire neighbors and improve your community.

Below is an excerpt from the terms for office and below that you’ll find the information posted on the City website for the 2023 election.    Continue reading →

Regarding a proposed moratorium on applications for development in the commercial areas of Bellaire, our City Attorney advised City Council that such a moratorium would take many months to enact and involves specific limitations, including a demonstration that a current commercial ordinance proves to be inadequate to prevent new commercial developments from being detrimental to public health, safety, or welfare.  At that point the discussion just faded away.   

Now on to our current conundrum regarding a proposed Methodist development on the old Randalls site. Residents may find this to be the best choice in a district that allows tall mixed-use/multi family structures!   

Those Yellow Signs Along Bissonnet in the
Museum District Area Are Back!   

Continue reading →

Planning and Zoning ordinances are the result of decisions made by the Planning and Zoning Commission, comprised of Bellaire residents who volunteer to serve, and then with final approval of the ordinances by City Council.

P&Z Commissioners and members of City Council may be attorneys or artists, oil and gas executives or real estate agents, retired engineers or homemakers. They are seldom professional city planners or traffic flow analysts, and they rely on the advice of City staff, City management, and occasionally outside consultants.  

Bellaire has debated the question of protecting residential zoning versus encouraging commercial ventures for 50 years or more. Overreach by developers was a primary cause of the recall election in the 1970s.         Continue reading →

Speed Bumps Requested For The 5200 Block of Cedar

A public hearing before the City Council is scheduled for Monday, May 15, 2023, at 6:00 p.m., on a petition from 80% of the property owners along the 5200 block of Cedar Street for the installation of traffic control devices (speed humps) on said block.  Find the Notice here.

Workshop: Installation of  a Rooftop Solar Energy System on City Hall
Submitted by Sharon Citino, City Manager; presented by Rajiv Pandya, Environmental Sustainability Board Member.

Watch the Council Meeting here –The Workshop portion of the meeting begins about 1:11 into the video.     Find the PDF of the proposal here

Per this proposal the cost for solar panel installation on the roofs of City Hall and the adjoining Civic Center is approximately $250,000.  There are numerous charts and spreadsheets.    Continue reading →

At the P&Z meeting of April 13, 3023, the application by Methodist Hospital for the redevelopment of the old Randall’s site at 5130 Bellaire was approved by a by a vote of 3 to 2.  The application includes a 3-story, 55′ tall, 95,000 sq. ft. structure in the center of downtown Bellaire.  Find the full video of the meeting here, including comments by Bellaire residents. 

A clear majority of Bellaire residents who spoke at meetings or sent emails oppose the idea of large buildings on that site.  Most of those in favor were physicians associated with Methodist Hospital.  The representative for Methodist advised that all of the land and improvements would be subject to property taxes, and that seemed to sway some of the Commission members.  The application will now move on to Bellaire City Council for consideration and approval.

Please email comments, concerns, or questions to the Mayor and members of City Council via our City Clerk, Tracy Dutton, at tdutton@bellairetx.gov and request that your email be forwarded to the Mayor and Council.

Methodist Hospital P&Z Presentation Of March 9, 2023

A Public Hearing Before City Council For The Closure Of A Portion Of Mapleridge
Has Been Scheduled At City Hall on Monday, March 6, 2023 @ 6 PM

UPDATE 4/4/2023: The applicant requested a delay on their application and staff issued a new deadline. The deadline has passed and the application will no longer be considered by City Council.  That portion of Mapleridge will remain open.

Continue reading →

UPDATE 4/21/2023:  The application was approved by P&Z on a 3 to 2 vote at the April 13th meeting. 

UPDATE 3/23/2023: Until a hearing is scheduled before City Council residents may continue to send their comments on this application to zoning@bellairetx.gov

• Methodist is tax-exempt and the new Methodist buildings could be exempt from property taxes.  The land is owned by Weingartens; there is uncertainty about whether property taxes on the land could also be exempt.  UPDATE:  A Methodist representative stated that property taxes would be paid on the land and the improvements.
• Possible flooding in underground parking during flood events.
• Quite a bit of concern about traffic problems, especially off South Rice.
• Methodist does have an ‘out’ from the lease.
• Proposal needs to be consistent with the zoning ordinance and with the Comprehensive Plan.

Continue reading →

Council approved the updates.  Watch the full meeting here: https://bellairetx.new.swagit.com/videos/208623     Next up may be lighting and noise pollution.  Find more information in this post.   

Check out the new City of Bellaire website.  It’s bright and inviting, accessible and informative.  And it’s no longer grey!     Continue reading →

2023 has already required plenty of time and effort from the members of the Bellaire Planning and Zoning Commission.  

A Public Hearing Will Be Scheduled on a Proposal From
Methodist for the Randalls Site

During the January 23 meeting City staff liaison Monique Alejos reported on the receipt of a formal application to P&Z for the planned development of the Methodist medical office building at the former Randalls property on Bellaire Blvd. They are waiting on additional documentation before scheduling the public hearing.  Apparently Methodist has signed a 35-year ground lease for the property. Find a link to the January, 2023, meeting here.  Expect more information on the Methodist application on this site in a few weeks!

The February 9, 2023, of the P&Z meeting focused on discussion and final consideration on a new Noise and Lighting ordinance.        

The noise portion covers residential, commercial, and City activities.  What about weekend hours for construction work?  There’s a long list of noise complaints in the Agenda statement.  The research was impressive and the discussion was thoughtful and reasonable. Find a link to the February 6, 2023, P&Z meeting here and the Agenda statement here.  P&Z will send a letter of recommendation to City Council on the proposed updates.      Continue reading →

February 7, 2023

Dear Mayor and Members of Bellaire City Council,

After the Council meeting on January 23, 2023, I drove by the location of the West University dog pound. It is situated with the City’s wastewater plant at 2801 Braeswood, literally on the north bank of Brays Bayou. More information on the West University Kennel can be found here: https://www.westutx.gov/318/City-Kennel

The location of that pound led me to wonder if the Bellaire pound could remain on Edith St. It’s a quiet area for the dogs and our residents. Yes, it’s in a flood zone, so why not elevate the pound site and add detention if required?  

Please, drive by the site of the new O’Reilly’s Auto Parts. Due to the current zoning in the UV-D the side of the building now faces Spruce St. The foundation facing the street is elevated far above the original lot.      Continue reading →

February 7, 2023 – Please take the time to view Mayor Friedberg’s February 6, 2023, presentation on the State of the City. Thanks to no floods, a new City Manager, and some fiscally conservative decisions Bellaire is doing well. Bonded debt has fallen below the $100 million dollar mark, we have received millions in grant monies, to be used for parks and public works projects. This report provides an overview of City Departments and the state of the City’s finances.

On December 19, 2022, Bellaire City Council approved a work order contract with Ardurra Group Incorporated (Ardurra) to manage a regional drainage improvement program.  The twelve month contract cost is not to exceed $390,795.  Ardurra will produce monthly reports for City Council.  Find the full Agenda Statement for the January 23, 2023,meeting here.     Continue reading →

UPDATE 1/24/2023:  At last night’s meeting, Bellaire City Council members agreed to postpone a decision on the location of a new dog pound.  Instead they have requested that City staff provide more information on zoning issues for the 1311 N. First St in Bellaire location,  They also suggested that staff explore other possible locations, within the City or at least close to City limits.  Several residents either spoke or emailed to request that the pound be located within Bellaire. Most of the Council members seemed to agree. Find a link to the meeting here.  Stay tuned!

1/23/2023 – Monday night’s City Council meeting will include approval or rejection for grant applications and expenditures for various utility and equipment items.  

Agenda Statement Report Submitted by Chief of Police Onesimo Lopez

But the last item on the Agenda may generate a fair amount of discussion.  It’s the possible action to approve replacement of Bellaire’s dog pound.

The cost to the City if the pound is built on City land located in the UV-T, in the Westpark/610 area and originally estimated at $225,000, is now $403,120. Less a $100,000 donation from the Jerry and Maury Rubenstein Foundation the final cost would be around $300,000.

If the pound is moved to the Rubenstein property at 2328 W. Bellfort in Houston, with costs paid by the Rubenstein Foundation, the cost to the City would be about $35,000.  Quite a difference in price, but also quite a bit more travel time for Bellaire residents and Bellaire police officers.  The pound is checked at least twice daily, including weekends. Find a floor plan drawing below:    Continue reading →

Some great news!  Per the most recent Mayor’s Musings January 13, 2023:

Another $3.3 Million in Grant Funding Coming Our Way

A great way to start the new year, we’ve recently been informed that several of our federal and state grant applications have been approved.

With sincere appreciation to Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher for once again going to bat for us, Bellaire secured $3 million in the latest round of federal appropriations.

Find the entire report here    

The Environmental Sustainability Board will vote on submission of a resolution to City Council to install solar panels on the roof of City Hall at the January 4, 2023, meeting. 

Click on the image above to view an earlier ESB presentation prepared by ESB member Rajiv Pandya.  Mr. Pandya is a principal with SHINE Partners, which builds solar projects.

The estimated cost is $244,500.  Proposed financing includes Federal tax credits, a 5-year grant from Shell, and City of Bellaire funds.  

Please email comments, concerns, or questions to the Mayor and members of City Council via our City Clerk, Tracy Dutton, at tdutton@bellairetx.gov and request that your email be forwarded to the Mayor and Council.  

My sincere wishes to everyone for a happy and healthy holiday season and a wonderful start to 2023!  

Some quick updates:

The Dog Pound dilemma is scheduled to go to Council soon, probably in January.

The Board of Adjustment chose unanimously to approve additional signs at Bellaire High School, overruling our current zoning.  They would have done the same regarding the scoreboard on the new baseball fields, but two BOA members voted no.  Kind of makes one wonder how effective our zoning ordinances are, doesn’t it?  

Mayor Friedberg has posted information on Bellaire’s regional drainage program, Actionable Next Steps in Regional Drainage Improvement Program.  

Find more information on earlier City plans in this BCC.com article: Master Drainage Concept Plan for City of Bellaire – UPDATE – Preliminary Cost is $335 Million

The new bridges over Brays Bayou are almost complete, and hopefully will help to prevent future severe flooding in our area.  Find information from the Harris County Flood Control District here.

City Council held a workshop on Monday, November 21, 2022,  regarding the proposed new dog pound.  Find the meeting here.  Find the presentation for a new pound by Bellaire Chief of Police Lopez here. 

I encourage every Bellaire resident to view that meeting.  Let the Mayor and members of Council know what you think about the various plans and structures, and possible locations.  Should the facility remain in the City, or move to Houston?

The current shelter is located at 4300 Edith St and floodiing in that area has been a problem, thus the desire to move the facility to a new site.  Bellaire currently has an Animal Control officer, and BPD officers check on the shelter twice a day, including weekends.  Continue reading →

On August 20, 2020, Bellaire’s Board of Adjustment voted NO, 4 to 2, on a request from O’Reilly Auto Parts for a variance in the zoning of the UV-D to construct a new one-story building at their current location at 5134 Spruce. Find the original plans here.  A representative for O’Reilly Auto Enterprises explained that a 2-story structure for the store was unnecessary and financially unfeasible.

At the joint workshop for City Council and Planning and Zoning, Bellaire Development Services Interim-Assistant Director Christian Somers exlained that O’Reilly Auto Parts will have a new building in the same location on Spruce, described as a redevelopment project. 

Due to the current zoning, customer parking will be along one side, in front of what will now be the storefront.  In order to meet the setback and the 2-story zoning requirements the building will be one-story with a 2nd story mezzanine at the front property line.

O’Reilly Auto Parts has been a good neighbor in that location for years, and many residents still remember Charlie Fischer’s original Hi-Lo Auto Supply.  

UPDATE: The discussion at the October 11, 2022 joint workshop included a decision to hire a consultant and suggestions on seeking public input, What do residents want in their commercial areas, especially the UV-D and the UV-T.  

Buildings at 4460 Bissonnet @ Newcastle in the CMU. The rear and the side of the building face a main thoroughfare. The garage towers over residences to the north.  

Would they prefer the opportunity to pull in and park in front of a shop or store?  What do they think about multi-story parking lots adjacent to multi-story office buildings, nextdoor to homes, as built at 4460 Bissonnet?    

What about a similar design on the old Randalls site?  Are Bellaire residents okay with zero setback, up to 90% lot coverage, and possibly a couple of 5-story buildings?  Please, let City Council and P&Z know what you think,        Continue reading →

UPDATE 10/21/2022: Because a unanimous decision was required to approve the requests the appeal for the oversized scoreboard was voted down.  However, by unanimous vote the Board of Adjustment voted in favor of additional signage at Bellaire High School even though they violated our zoning ordinances.  Here’s a link to that meeting.

UPDATE: The September 15th meeting was cancelled and is now scheduled for October 20, 2022 

After the completion of the new Bellaire High School and the ball fields at Bissonnet and Avenue B, the Houston Independent School District is not happy with Bellaire’s sign ordinances.  An HISD representative is scheduled to appear before the Board of Adjustment on Thursday, September 15, 2022, October 20, 2022, due to the denial of sign permits per City Ordinances as follows:       Continue reading →

Bellaire City Council approved the final numbers for the 2023 City budget on September 19, 2022. First up was a vote to retain the current property tax rate of $ .4473, approved by 7-0.  A hearing on the tax rate is scheduled for October 3, 2022.  Find the complete FY2023 budget here.    Continue reading →

Options 1, 2 & 3

On September 8, 2022, members of the Planning and Zoning Commission were treated to a conceptual presentation for a Planned Development, a medical office building on the old Randalls grocery store site. 

At right are three options proposed by Page Architects.  If you think H-E-B is oppressive, how about a 5-story building and the adjacent 5-story garage, bordering Bellaire Blvd and Bissonnet per Option 1?   Continue reading →

Realty News Report’s Michelle Smith reports that the Randall’s space at 5130 Bellaire Blvd has been leased by a group associated with Houston Methodist Hospital. Find the article here.

A small town feel?

The old grocery store, erected in the 1950s, would be demolished to make room for a 4-story building full of medical facilities including a surgery center.  The site is in the UV-D, Urban-Village Downtown District, and if approved will certainly put an end to any small-town or ‘village’ feel in that area. 

In fact, when this area was rezoned in 2014 a “small-town” feel was part of the City’s promotion to rezone these areas.  Read the item at left.  Instead it’s zoned with zero setbacks and minimum 30-foot tall buildings.

It’s hard to imagine any other affluent community allowing these large developments in the center of town or directly adjacent to residences.  If they are permitted at all they are on the periphery, as in West University and Southside Place.  But the Mayor seems to feel a 4-story building will fulfill the plan for urban development in Bellaire’s original downtown.  No doubt it also will lead to an increase in traffic.  Continue reading →

An article in the Houston Chronicle reports that a re-design is planned for the Bellaire Triangle.  The center’s longtime owners, MC Management & Development, plan extensive renovations including the addition of an open-air space for outdoor events.  There’s no word yet on the future of the current tenants. 

The center is bounded by Bellaire Blvd, Mapleridge, Bissonnet, and Chimney Rock, located in the CMU zoning district, and the renovation plans apparently will reflect the current one-story design.          Continue reading →

• Presentation by City Manager at the August 15, 2022, Council meeting
• Video of the August 15, 2022,  Budget Public Hearing and Council meeting here
• Find video of the August 16, 2022, Budget Workshop #3 here – discussion of the 8/15/2022 presentation listed above from.  More Budget Workshops are planned.
• Workshop #4 August 23, 2022    
• Workshop #5 August 29, 2022

7/15/2022 – After a review of the 232 pages of the proposed FY2023 budget I was unable to find estimates for anticipated revenues.  Although there are totals for each sector of the City government, no grand total for the proposed expenditures is provided.  It’s clear that some of these items will change, but wouldn’t it be helpful to see some estimated totals? 

Find an example of consolidated revenue and expenditures for 2022 here.  Will there be $40 million available, or $60 million?  More?  Below is an example from page 3 of the proposed Budget for just the property tax revenue:

This budget will raise more revenue from property taxes than last year’s budget by an amount of $_______, which is a _____ percent increase from last year’s budget. The property tax revenue to be raised from new property added to the tax roll this year is $________.      Continue reading →

City Council – July 18 2022  Presentation of the proposed annual budget for the City of Bellaire, Texas, for the fiscal year commencing on October 1, 2022, and ending on September 30, 2023 – Submitted by Deacon Tittel, Interim City Manager.

A copy of the budget document can be accessed and downloaded through this link:
https://bellairetx.gov/DocumentCenter/View/29865/–FY-2023-Proposed-Budget-7-18-22          Continue reading →

Harris County Flood Control District is proposing a system of large diameter tunnels, 80 to100 feet underground and 30 to 45 feet in diameter, to carry flood waters to Buffalo Bayou and the Ship Channel.  The suggested location for these tunnels is below various bayous  and watersheds in the County, including Brays Bayou. Continue reading →

From the Mayor’s recent article, Council has hired a new City Manager:

“Following a nationwide search that attracted candidates from far and wide, we ended up finding our next City Manager just a few blocks away. A resident of Braeswood Place and a Bellaire High School parent, Sharon Citino is already very familiar with our community and jumped at the opportunity to serve in this role. She’s got a wealth of municipal experience spanning more than 20 years, with a strong track record of leadership and team building, and has demonstrated the skills and temperament the City Council was looking for.”       Continue reading →

FINAL UPDATE 7/12/2022:  At the third meeting before City Council to address the SUP application from Salad And Go the motion to approve the application was denied by a unanimous vote of 7-0. You can watch the meeting here.

UPDATE:  The July 11, 2022 Council meeting begins at 5:30 PM.  Find the Agenda here:  Agenda for July 11, 2022 @ 5:30 PM – Regular Session begins with a Closed Meeting re City Manager; then interviews for boards and commissions; finally on to usual Agenda items.  

Agenda item I addresses Unfinished Business regarding the Salad And Go (SAG) Special Use Permit application.  Included in the attachments is a Written Protest signed by neighbors within 200 feet of the property.  The Protest meets the Code of Ordinances requirement, therefore approval of the SAG will require six (6) votes on Council.      Continue reading →

With her children at her side, Kathleen Ballanfant, longtime resident and the publisher of the Southwest News and the Village News, passed away on Friday, June 24, 2022.  Kathy has been a a prominent member of the community and a fount of local lore for many years.  She reported on the ins and outs of city halls in Bellaire and West University, political campaigns, local events and local characters.  She was a friend to many and will be missed.

Budget talks have begun, the City’s fiscal year begins October 1st.  The City Manager position has been in play for some time, hopefully we’ll have a new, highly qualified City Manager soon.  Meanwhile Council is currently mulling over a number of projects, some funded, some not.

• A new bathroom for Mulberry Park was approved some time ago, to replace the use of porta-potties by the sports teams.  The last price I recall was around $150,000, to include a prefab unit, a foundation, new water line, new sewer line, and electrical.  It was initially listed in Capital Improvement Projects for $250,000, but that was when it was supposed to be funded by donations, which were never received.  It will require ongoing cleaning and maintenance.
• Designs for a stand-alone sidewalk are in the works along the 4700-5000 block of Maple St, to connect to Bellaire High School.  Some of the Maple St residents want 5-foot wide sidewalks along both sides of the street, however Council approved only the south side.  The initial estimated cost was around $200,000, but no firm price has been set.  Neighbors affected by the sidewalk need to review the installation plans for their property.
• A new dog pound has been discussed, but no location or costs have been provided.  In the past Bellaire averaged 3 to 4 stray dogs per month.  Update 6/14/22: This was just released by the City: Upping Our Game at the Bellaire Pound

There have been numerous complaints about lack of oversight and code enforcement on new home construction in the City.  Development Services is responsible for inspections and verification that the builder is adhering to the City codes.  Continue reading →

UPDATE: MAY 13, 2022: There is no application for a PD at this time.  Greg Thompson with Thompson+Hanson Landscape Company, located in Bellaire, spoke and his representatives made a conceptual presentation for one and two-story structures located in a garden-like area in the Urban-Village-Transit District, the UV-T.  Based on the drawings it would be a delightful pedestrian-friendly commercial area with space for gardens and open air events. Find a link to the video here. 

Sadly, there were several problems with the plans, due to the current zoning restrictions regarding zero setback and building height.

Continue reading →

UPDATE: Portions of recently completed 5100-5200 Spruce are once again being demolished and reconstructed due to improper installation of electrical conduit and irrigation lines.  Ponding and poor drainage are also problems.  The good news is that the cost is on the contractor, not the City. The question is, what do these patched areas mean for the future stability of the pavement?

This was part of a $5.2 million dollar contract to A Status Construction.  The streetscape design was opposed by residents and businesses but approved in 2017 by the Mayor and City Council.  The then city manager promoted this design as a pedestrian friendly area.  What do you think?  The article below from August, 2021, was initially inspired by my queries to the City concerning the “ornate” street lights along the 5100-5200 blocks of Spruce St and Fifth St along H-E-B. “What lights?”, you may ask. The ones purchased in 2018 but never installed.      Continue reading →

Apparently some of our zoning ordinances aren’t in line the the Comprehensive Plan, and the Planning and Zoning Commission is tasked with review of those “inconsistencies”.  Although the Comp Plan is just that, a plan, and one that is constantly changing depending on who’s in charge, some civic leaders insist that it should set the zoning plans for the City. 

P&Z held a Workshop on this subject on April 14, 2022.  Find a link to that meeting here.  It’s an important subject and the presentation was well-done.  Drop down the agenda below the video and click on Comprehensive Plan Update.  It’s about an hour into the meeting.  Continue reading →

Bellaire City Council held a workshop on Monday, April 18, to continue their discussion on flood risk management in Bellaire. You can watch the video or view the presentation online. The next workshop is on May 2 at 6 pm in Bellaire City Hall before the regular council meeting.   

April 18, 2022, Video Presentation on Flood Risk Management in Bellaire

Councilmember Gordon made a compelling presentation on flood mitigation in Bellaire at the recent Council meeting, which in turn sparked a lively and informative discussion on past floods and future possibilities.  Find the PowerPoint Presentation here and a link to the Council meeting here.      

Considering the projected cost of the Master Drainage Concept Plan for City of Bellaire, with a preliminary amount of $221 million for Bellaire’s portion, it’s time to examine the history of Bellaire’s recent floods and the best way to fund projects for our area.  Find updated information on the interlocal plans among Bellaire, TX-DOT, and the Harris County Flood Control District for drainage here.  There’s high hopes that Project Brays will ameliorate some of Bellaire’s flooding, but apparently much depends on our drainage capacity.  Flooded streets are acceptable, flooded homes are not.      Continue reading →

UPDATE 3/30/2022:  The last meeting on these PD applications, styled as Bellaire Place, was held on March 21, 2022, when a portion of the PDs was approved.  Here’s a link to that meeting.  After a Public Hearing in January and three successive Council meetings Council chose to approve approximately two of the Planned Developments for now, with an allowance to cover up to 70% of the area and some modifications to the buildings.  It’s up to the developer to choose which portions of the developments will be constructed first. Continue reading →

UPDATE 4/18/2022: The application was approved by a 5-0 vote from P&Z.  The application will now move to City Council.

Find a Summary below from the Agenda for a hearing for a new food establishment at 5201 Bellaire Blvd. Several residents living on Linden St spoke of problems with the alley that borders this block of homes and businesses.  It is in poor repair and is sometimes blocked by large trucks.    Continue reading →

The City Council meeting on March 7, 2022, once again ran almost 5 hours.  Members addressed City business and then, about an hour into the meeting, the three applications for Planned Developments in the new North Bellaire Special Development District NBSDD) were again discussed.     Continue reading →

The State Of Our City – February, 2022

On February 7, 2022, Mayor Friedberg delivered his State of the City Address. Prominent in the presentation was on the hiring of a City Manager, Council priorities, filling staff vacancies, and City finances. 

Property taxes and bonded debt were covered.  The Master Drainage Concept and the costly recommendations for flood mitigation will be discussed in greater detail in later meetings.  Find some background on that interlocal study here.  Updated information on the loss of our flood insurance discount was presented.  Almost last, but certainly not least, was discussion of zoning.  You can view the entire address here. 

UPDATE 12/28/2021: The City of Bellaire received a Public Information Request in November, 2021, from the office of a local attorney.  Find the detailed request here.  As of this date the Request is still open.  Are we going to see more lawsuits?        Continue reading →

In December of 2018 Bellaire City Council viewed a presentation for an interlocal agreement among Bellaire, TX-DOT, and the Harris County Flood Control District.  In July of 2019 the City signed an interlocal agreement with Harris County Flood Control committing $351,000 to the agreement.  A March, 2018 Flood Hazard Mitigation Report from ARKK Engineers is available here.    Continue reading →

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Update 11/24/2021:  P&Z essentially approved the three applications at the November 18th meeting, with an agreement to add some clarifications or conditions.  The Chairman will draft a written agreement for approval.  Once the P&Z process is complete the applications will go to City Council for final consideration.  Find the 11/18/21 meeting video here.

Planning and Zoning Commission –Agenda for November 18, 2021@ 6 PM  Discussion, consideration, and possible action on three (3) planned development applications filed by SLS West Loop, LP, consisting of 5901 S. Rice Avenue, Bellaire, TX 77401 and 4800 Fournace Place, Bellaire, TX 

Continue reading →

We hear a lot about Bellaire’s Comprehensive Plan, the one some Bellaire residents insist must govern our future zoning.  That it’s some sort of civic law or such. Well, for starters, what is a Comprehensive Plan?     Continue reading →

UPDATE: The City of Bellaire Budget FY2022 was adopted on September 20, 2021. Interpreting the budget doesn’t get any easier.  Please take some time to review these pertinent items.  Better yet, grab a cup of coffee and review the Adopted Budget:    Continue reading →

Update 11/24/2021:  P&Z essentially approved the three applications at the November 18th meeting, with an agreement to add some clarifications or conditions.  The Chairman will draft a written agreement for approval.  Once the P&Z process is complete the applications will go to City Council for final consideration.  Find the 11/18/21 meeting video here.  The new NBSDD was approved on a 4 to 3 vote by City Council on May 24, 2021.

Update 9/15/2021:  Find a link to the Public Hearing for this application here.

NOTICE OF A PUBLIC HEARING – Planning & Zoning
September 9, 2021 @ 6 PM in City Hall

SLS Properties’ application for development of the NBSDD, the old Chevron site, has been published by the City of Bellaire.  There will be a Public Hearing before the Planning and Zoning Commission on Thursday, September 9, 2021, at 6 PM in City Hall.  Find the full Agenda including detailed descriptions and renderings of the proposed development here, beginning on page 45 of the PDF.

The NBSDD ordinance was approved by City Council in a 4 to 3 vote on May 24, 2021, with some amendments. Voting in favor were Councilmembers Verma, Pappas, Fife and Mayor Friedberg.  Opposed were Councilmembers Lewis, Wesely, and Hotze. Continue reading →

FEMA letters in 2021 to the Mayor and to the Interim City Manager.

UPDATE: City Notice: Community Rating System Open House and Community Discussion – September 8, 2021.  

Bellaire residents were informed recently that as of October 1, 2021, they will not receive a 15% discount on flood insurance premiums. 

Thanks to an open records request some of the FEMA documents sent to representatives of the City of Bellaire have been made available, and they reveal a troubling timeline. You can read the FEMA letters by clicking on the image at left.

The letter of January 22, 2021, addressed to Mayor Andrew Friedberg, clearly states “In a CAC letter dated January 16, 2020, we requested copies of Bellaire’s floodplain development repair permits and other documents related to substantial damage determinations for 86 addresses. We had expected that a simple clerical operation to gather and forward the documents would have sufficed, and the CAC would have closed in a matter of weeks; unfortunately, we did not find comprehensive enforcement of substantial damage requirements.      Continue reading →

UPDATE 8/3/2021: A vote on the agenda item was postponed after it became apparent that only Councilmembers Lewis and Hotze felt the ordinance was justified at this time.  Towards the end of the meeting Bellaire’s City Attorney, Alan Petrov, confirmed that West University’s City Council had disallowed short term leases in West University residential neighborhoods over 3 years ago.
You can watch the 8/2/2021 Council meeting here.

Some Bellaire property owners offer properties as short term rentals, usually through the Airbnb or VRBO websites.  Other Bellaire property owners are concerned about this practice.  Back in May of 2021 Councilmembers Lewis and Hotze brought up the issue for discussion to City Council.
Continue reading →

UPDATE May 25, 2021: The new zoning ordinance was approved by a 4 to 3 vote on May 24, 2021.
The May 3, 2021, the City Council meeting ended after almost 5-1/2 hours.  The proposed language for the new zoning district along Fournace, the North Bellaire Special Development District (NBSDD) for the old Chevron tract that encompasses approximately 30 acres, covered the second half the evening.

Due to the length of the meeting there will be a Special Session, at a date to be decided, to continue Council consideration of the ordinance.  This tract is bordered by residential areas to the north and the south.  Although residents were not allowed to speak, an owner of the property, Danny Sheena, was allowed to do so towards the end of the meeting.    Continue reading →

UPDATE May 25, 2021: The new zoning ordinance was approved by City Council on a 4 to 3 vote on May 24, 2021.

UPDATE 5/5/2021: After another 5 hour marathon session on May 3rd, this matter has been postponed.  A date will be set for a Special Session for City Council to continue consideration on the proposed language for the the new NBSDD.

4/6/2021: Consideration by City Council on the proposed language for the NBSDD has been scheduled for Monday, May 3, 2021. 

On April 5, 2021, numerous speakers addressed Council at a Public Hearing on the proposed zoning, both in person and by phone.  A number of residents spoke in favor of ‘the development’, even though no development has been presented.  Others complained that they must leave the City to find decent places to eat.  Continue reading →

In May of 2021 the Bellaire City Library will celebrate 70 years of service to Bellaire residents.

In January of 1951 a committee was named from the Bellaire Women’s Civic Club for the formation of a Bellaire Library. The Friends of the Bellaire Library formally presented the Library to the City of Bellaire in May of 1951.     Continue reading →

The City of Bellaire has reached an agreement with the developers of Southside Commons regarding the parking lot illegally permitted and built on the CenterPoint property at the entrance to the City.  The lot will be removed by our Public Works Department. 

Terms of the agreement have not yet been released.  Congratulations to the many Bellaire residents who worked so hard to have this lot removed!

Find background on this project here:  No Logo, No Welcome Sign – Just A Parking Lot At The Main Entrance To The City Of Bellaire?

On February 11, 2021, the Bellaire Planning and Zoning Commission approved proposed language for a new zoning district, the NBSDD (24-544 North Bellaire Special Development District), to replace the existing TRPD (24-544 Technical Research Park District) zoning on the former Chevron property. 

New garage was built in 2020.

Find the new draft of the proposed NBSDD at the end of this article.  The proposal will move on to City Council.  Then what? Continue reading →

At the March 1, 2021, Council meeting Councilmember Wesely objected to an agenda item for a service agreement contract costing almost a half-million dollars.  A 95-page agenda item for $478,897.95, to be exact, for a 5-year contract for a Police CAD/RMS Upgrade.

Continue reading →

The City distributed this information on the lack of City water on February 17, 2021.  Frozen pipes were not the main problem, and this information was helpful:

We are aware that there has been a lot of confusion regarding the changes that have happened to the City’s drinking water service.  The City staff has created this timeline to explain further the sequence of events that have occurred over the past few days.  We hope this helps to clear up any confusion.

Timeline of Water Pressure and Service Updates

CenterPoint Energy has provided an update regarding power outages and restoration.  Please click on this link CenterPoint Energy Update Press Release 2/19/2021 to read the press release.

UPDATE May 25, 2021: The new NBSDD zoning ordinance was approved by City Council on a 4 to 3 vote on May 24, 2021. Watch the 5 hour meeting here.

Update: 2/12/2021: In a long and somewhat confusing meeting on February 11th the Planning and Zoning Commission essentially approved the proposed draft for the NBSDD with a few minor changes.  They will recommend consideration and approval of the new zoning district from members of Bellaire City Council, possibly as soon as the March 15, 2021, meeting. Listen to the meeting here. Continue reading →

For over 70 years the 30 acre Texaco/Chevron campus along Fournace between South Rice and what is now Loop 610 was a mix of offices and labs, running primarily on a 9 to 5 schedule five days a week. It had its own zoning district, the Technical Research Park District (TRPD), and operated quietly as a good neighbor.   Continue reading →

The item below is from the Mayor’s blog on 11/10/2020 explaining the City Council’s actions at the November 2, 2020, meeting for approval HISD’s application for construction of two baseball fields on the old Gordon Elementary property. 

A modified design and 20 conditions:  The shape of the outfield has been modified to save several more of the mature oak trees on the Avenue B side of the property, while also allowing for additional on-site parking.  To offset the loss of those trees that will need to be removed, HISD will be planting at least 34 new ones.  Should any of the trees to be preserved not survive construction, HISD will be required to replace them with trees of the same size and species if possible, and if not then with multiple smaller trees (each a minimum 8”) that collectively equal the same total caliper size.

Fencing around the entire perimeter of the property will further protect the neighbors by deterring on-street parking, an advantage over the 2017 approved plan.  Unlike some of the alternative options that were presented, ingress and egress on Bissonnet only has been restored, to reduce traffic impacts on residential streets.  Numerous other conditions attached to the permit are directly responsive to community concerns, including a net reduction in storm water runoff and more on-site detention than the status quo.

We recognize this new site plan may not be entirely perfect in all respects and to all people—no more than the 2017 approved plan was—but hopefully once it’s operational it’ll prove generally acceptable to most.  Council carefully considered the thoughtful public comment we received, all of which contributed to a better outcome than would have been achieved otherwise.  The conditions below are reflective of and effectuate that input, in attempting to strike the right balance between HISD’s use of the property and reasonable protections for the neighborhood:

(a) No field lights or public address system shall be installed on the property;

(b) The facilities shall be for the sole and exclusive use of Bellaire High School and not by other entities without prior consent from the City Council of the City of Bellaire, Texas (the “City Council”);

(c) The site shall be locked when not in use.  However, the City of Bellaire Police Department shall have access to the site at all times.  The access plan shall be approved by the Bellaire Police Department;

(d) The facilities shall be used for only the following uses and times listed below, and any other use or time shall require prior approval from the City Council:

Bellaire High School varsity and junior varsity baseball and softball practices – on weekdays until 7:30 p.m. and Saturdays until 5:30 pm;

Bellaire High School junior varsity baseball and softball games, excluding tournaments – on weekdays until 7:30 p.m. and Saturdays until 5:30 pm; or

Bellaire High School baseball and softball community events, not to exceed two events for baseball per year and two events for softball per year – until 7:30 p.m.  For such events access/parking management plan shall be submitted to the City of Bellaire Development Services Director for review and approval prior to the event and specifically detail overflow parking and access management considerations to minimize impacts to adjacent residential streets and to prevent excess traffic congestion on Bissonnet Street;

(e) Construction ingress/egress shall be limited to Bissonnet Street, specifically restricting construction access through Avenue B and/or Feld Park, except as required to close the existing driveway to Avenue B and to plant trees along Avenue B;

(f) There shall be no net fill nor significant impediment to sheet flow on the site;

(g) The lowest visual impact netting material shall be utilized for all nets on the perimeter of the site.  The netting on the third base line of the baseball field shall be extended to protect parked cars;

(h) HISD shall meet the lot coverage and setback requirements of the Code of Ordinances of the City (applying to schools in residential areas);

(i) As represented by HISD at the public hearing before City Council on September 21, 2020, the fields must be graded to avoid runoff and may only be compacted consistent with residential greenspace and solely for the purposes of creating a safe playing surface;

(j) All trees shall be preserved behind residences on the west side of the property, on the south side of the property adjacent to Feld Park, and along Avenue B, excepting one tree in right field, and HISD shall take all reasonable measures necessary for such tree preservation, including but not limited to following the direction of a professional arborist.  However, if any of the above referenced trees on HISD property do not survive construction, HISD shall make all reasonable efforts to replace their lost tree(s) with tree(s) of the same size and species, in approximately the same location.  In the event that similar caliper trees are not available, are prohibitively expensive, or cannot reasonably be placed in the same location, HISD may replace their lost tree(s) with multiple similar species trees of minimum 8” caliper to collectively equal the caliper dimension of the tree(s) that do not survive;

(k) No artificial or impermeable turf may be used for the fields.  No tarps may be used.  No solid (plastic or otherwise) horizontal ground weed barriers may be installed;

(l) No concrete on site except as may be necessary under the batting cages, bleachers, restrooms and storage, for the parking lot, and for sidewalks and pathways which are necessary to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act, as amended;

(m) As represented by HISD at the public hearing before City Council on September 21, 2020, the result of the drainage study and drainage plan (including the use of on-site detention) must reflect a net benefit in reduction of runoff and on site detention in comparison to the current condition, taking into account all changes;

(n) Upon the request of City staff (at the direction of Council or on its own accord), HISD must provide an officer to assist with traffic during any games or events;

(o) The pre-existing sidewalk on Avenue B and Bissonnet must be preserved;

(p) No video monitors;

(q) The only on-site lights on the property shall be low impact safety lights directed away from residences;

(r) Except for on the parking lot driveway, HISD shall construct a fence around the entire property inside of the existing sidewalk;

(s) Ingress/egress to the property shall be only on Bissonnet Street; and

(t) On-site parking shall include a minimum of 48 parking spaces.

Find an earlier article here:  51 Trees May Be Removed From The Gordon Elementary Campus