SPOTLIGHT – – Important Meetings and Events
Randalls Store Is Closing – Last day is scheduled for the end of February 2021. No plans have been announced for the building or the 3-acre site, located in the UV-D District.Spruce and Fifth Streets –
Now the subject of a lawsuit, the $3.2 million in contracts for this project called for completion by February 15, 2020. A drive through the area feels as though you’re in a fun house. Here’s some background on this project.Bolivar – What has happened to this quiet tree-lined cul-de-sac?
At a cost of about $2 million in bond funds.Over the past five years our property tax rate has risen from $.3805 in 2015-2016 to $.4473 for 2019-2020, an 18% increase. But for the past 3 years, from 2018-2020, the property tax revenue has barely increased. - The City’s revenue from property taxes increased – from $15.42 million for 2015 to $20.53 million in 2019. A 33% increase. More than $5 million dollars in five years.
- However there has been little annual gain since 2018. Per the Harris County Tax Office, the annual increase in Bellaire’s property tax revenues over the past 3 years has flattened: $20,028,121 in 2018, 20,534,596 in 2019, and $20,658,141 for 2020.
- And no Capital Improvement Cash funds were scheduled to be paid from the General Fund in year 2020. Nothing for Parks or the Library. Where did that $5 million in addtional revenue go?
- Over those same 5 years our bonded debt increased almost $50 million dollars,
Our Environment
Recycling, organic gardening, less pesticides – all win/wins for our kids and our community. So are reusable bags!
Find informative articles here.100 Years of Bellaire History!
Click on the Trolley to view the Table of Contents for Lynn McBee’s history of Bellaire. Great information on your Home Town!And for a terrific photo history check this out:
No More City Of Homes?
According to the City manager and staff our longtime City logo, representing Bellaire as a City of Homes, will soon be gone, thanks to City Council and the $50,000 branding study. Read more here.
Author Archives: Lynn McBee
Chapter 14 – Controversy and Changes In The Last Decade Of The 20th Century!
It was the last decade of the twentieth century. There was much speculation and even foreboding by some that the century’s end might be doomsday… Bellaire in the 1990s was fraught with controversy, criminal charges, and a succession of mayors. … Continue reading
Bellaire History In Tangible Form – The Centennial Walk
Are you aware of Bellaire’s History Walk? Lynn’s latest chapter of Bellaire history, History In Tangible Form, explains the background of Bellaire’s History Walk and the various monuments around town. Part of the City’s centennial celebration. Find it here! All … Continue reading
Bellaire’s History: The 1980s – Bellaire Special TIFD District Formed to Rebuild Downtown
From boomtown to slowdown, in 1980 population in Bellaire dropped from a high of almost 20,000 to less than 15,000. President Ronald Reagan defeated Michael Dukakis and reigned for the decade until George H.W. Bush took over in 1989. There … Continue reading
Chapter 11: The 1970s – The Bellaire Recall of its Mayor and Council Members
It was 31 years ago, in 1977, that 4,619 Bellaire voters at a Special Recall Election called by a citizens’ initiative referendum succeeded in recalling from elected office the Mayor and three of the five City Council members. Bellaire citizens … Continue reading
Chapter 10 of Bellaire’s History – The Sixties – Momentous World Changes
When Time Magazine, Inc. published its, “Time 1968 40th Anniversary Special” (© 2008 Time, Inc.) in which it describes that year and the 1960s era as, “War abroad, Riots at Home, Fallen Leaders and Loner Dreams: The Year that Challenged … Continue reading
Chapter 9 of Bellaire’s History – The Fifties Boomtown
Chapter 9 of Lynn McBee’s Bellaire history is available here. Houston growth brings Loops and Freeways and a town divided. A time of growth, with more discussion on zoning and desegregation in our schools. All installments are are available on … Continue reading
Chapter 8 of Bellaire’s History – Turbulence After WW II – 1946-1949
Chapter 8 of Lynn McBee’s Bellaire history is available here. It wasn’t easy to agree on a path to arrive at the style of City government we have today. And we’re still working on it! All installments are are available … Continue reading
Randalls Store Is Closing – Last day is scheduled for the end of February 2021. No plans have been announced for the building or the 3-acre site, located in the 
FEMA imposes requirements for new structures and limits on existing structures in flood zones. Check with Development Services for more information,
