SPOTLIGHT: Priority Meetings and Announcements
SPRUCE/FIFTH AREA: 12/2/2019: Enlarge the photo.
This is the access to the Assisted Living facility in the 5200 block of Spruce. It has been like this for months. Part of the Spruce & Fifth Street ‘streetscapes’. Six members of City Council are responsible for the destruction of one of the most functional areas of our central downtown. Businesses are already in trouble.Bellaire City Council – Special Session for a Workshop regarding the process for the Comprehensive Plan Review – Agenda for January 21, 2020
Public Hearing for AT&T/6500 West Loop@Bissonnet – Amend PD-9 and 10 – changing the zoning to allow the 2 acre corner parcel to be developed. The current PD requires a minimum of 4 acres. Have the original Prudential documents regarding the parkland on that parcel been found? Considering our flood history, can we continue to pave over our remaining open land?
- Over the past five years our property tax rate has risen from $.3805 in 2015-2016 to $.4473 for 2019-2020, an 18% increase.
- 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. Anticipated revenue in 2020 is $21.9 million.
- But no Capital Improvement Cash funds are scheduled to be paid from the General Fund in year 2020. Nothing for Parks or the Library. Why?
- Over those same 5 years our bonded debt increased almost $50 million dollars, to $123.3 million by 9/30/2019.
Are You Covered? Information On Flood Insurance In Bellaire’s Flood Zones.
FEMA – New Flood Maps Due in August
New Medical Building At 4460 Bissonnet @ Fournace
Medical offices are under construction.6400 West Loop South
Proposed Development – New Construction Southwest corner of W Loop & BissonnetOur Environment
Recycling, organic gardening, less pesticides – all win/wins for our kids and our community. So are reusable bags!
Find informative articles here.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.
HOUSTON A YEAR AFTER HARVEY: WHERE WE ARE AND WHERE WE NEED TO BE
Jim Blackburn, J.D. Professor in the Practice of Environmental Law, Rice University; Philip B. Bedient, Ph.D. Herman Brown Professor of Engineering, Rice University © 2018 by the James A. Baker III Institute for Public Policy of Rice University Read more here.Bellaire Flood Plain Elevation Map
Link to Harris County Flood Map (include your zip code)
Using a Flood Insurance Rate Map
FEMA Flood Map Service Center
How Base Flood Elevation is Determined
Find information on Flood Insurance here: https://www.bellairecivicclub.com/are-you-covered-up-to-date-on-your-flood-insurance/
FEMA: Substantial Damage/Substantial Improvement
HCFCD – Brays Bayou Updates & New Flood Maps
Click for Updates
Find Updates on the actions of the Harris County Flood Control District actions that affect Bellaire and Southwest Houston – the Brays Bayou Watershed.
Find your address on the FEMA Flood Map Residents are encouraged to examine the maps to determine their location and risk in the flood zone.
Do You Know Of Any Leaks At Or Near Water Meters?
Leaks
at or near water meters have been reported around town. City crews make repairs for some residents, but others are advised to call a plumber. Check with the City, ask if Siemens is responsible for the repair.New Bellaire High – Expected Completion in 2022
Construction on the new Bellaire High school began in 2018.The ne
w school was financed by the 2012 HISD bond election and completion is expected in 2022.Little FREE Libraries
You’ll find Little Free Libraries popping up throughout Bellaire. Loftin Park, Evelyn’s Park, Ware Family Park, plus private LFLs. “A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies . . . The man who never reads lives only one.” – George R.R. Martin
100 Years of Bellaire History!
Click on the Trolley to view the Table of Contents for Lynn McBee’s history of Bellaire.And for a terrific photo history check this out:
FEMA imposes requirements for new structures and limits on existing structures in flood zones. Check with Development Services for more information,
