Primary Department: County Engineer
Primary Department Head/Elected Official: Milton Rahman, PhD, P.E., PMP, CFM, ENV SP, County Engineer
Secondary Department: N/A
Secondary Department Head/Elected Official: Not applicable
Regular or Supplemental RCA: Regular RCA
Type of Request: Public Necessity
Project ID (if applicable): 261029DZKC01
Vendor/Entity Legal Name (if applicable): Any applicable landowner and/or property interest holder
MWBE Contracted Goal (if applicable): Not applicable
MWBE Current Participation (if applicable): Not applicable
Justification for 0% MWBE Participation Goal: N/A - Goal not applicable to request
Grant Indirect Costs Rate (if applicable): Not applicable
Justification for 0% Grant Indirect Costs Rate (if applicable): N/A - Not a grant item
Request Summary (Agenda Caption):
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Request for approval of a certain project, decreeing the project to be a public necessity and convenience, and directing the Harris County Real Property Division to acquire, seven (7) fee simple tracts for the public project known as Park Improvements - James Bute Park - 2026, for the purpose of parks and recreation, UPIN 261029DZKC01, Precinct 2.
end
Background and Discussion:
Harris County intends to provide improvements to the existing 1.5-acre James Bute Park located near Downtown Houston. Currently, the undeveloped parcel of land lies just south of Buffalo Bayou, west of State Highway 59/69, and is surrounded by a network of streets with limited pedestrian access, which restricts its usability and potential as a community asset.
The James Bute Park project will be developed to improve access to the site and enhance connectivity to Downtown-Houston. Phase I of the project includes the development of a conceptual master plan designed to transform the site into a vibrant community hub. This plan will feature accessible, community-oriented recreational amenities that foster social connection and align with the goals of Precinct 2’s Revive2Thrive initiative strategy focused on equitable revitalization and public space activation.
Acquisition of the seven (7) fee simple tracts is necessary to support the revitalization and expansion of the existing James Bute Park allowing for the development of a master plan that provides safe and continuous pedestrian access between the two roadways that currently divide existing park.
Expected Impact:
The acquisition of these tracts will help fulfill the scope of the project which is to develop th 1.5 acre park by first providing the Precinct with a Master Plan that can be used for future improvements for the surrounding community. The masterplan will explore ways to enhance the sense of community, improve access tothe site, and transform the underdeveloped property into a community hub for social connection and interaction, all while adhering to the principles of the Revive2Thrive initiative established by Commissioner Pct 2.
Alternative Options:
The park will continue operating in an underdeveloped and underutilized manner and the precincts’ goals will not be met.
County Strategic Plan Goal: 2. Connect our community with safe, reliable, equitably distributed, and well-maintained infrastructure.
County Strategic Plan Objective: I: Increase access to safe, clean, and enjoyable green space.
Justice/Safety Initiative (Goal 1): N/A
Infrastructure Initiative (Goal 2): I1: Develop a countywide parks network and connectivity plan.
Economy Initiative (Goal 3): N/A
Health Initiative (Goal 4): N/A
Climate/Resilience Initiative (Goal 5): N/A
Housing Initiative (Goal 6): N/A
Additional notes related to the Strategic Plan:
Prior Court Action (if any): None
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Precinct(s): Precinct 2
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Anticipated Court Date: 10/15/2026
Anticipated Implementation Date (if different from Court date): Click or tap to enter a date.
Emergency/Disaster Recovery Note: Not an emergency, disaster, or COVID-19 related item
Contact(s) name, title, department: Dr. F. Mike Etienne, Chief of Planning and Development Services, Office of the County Engineer
Attachments (if applicable): Findings and Declarations; Metes and Bounds & Survey Maps