Department: Toll Road Authority
Department Head/Elected Official: Roberto Treviño, P.E., Executive Director
Regular or Supplemental RCA: Regular RCA
Type of Request: Proposals/Bids
Project ID (if applicable): N/A
Vendor/Entity Legal Name (if applicable): N/A
MWDBE Contracted Goal (if applicable): 35%
MWDBE Current Participation (if applicable): N/A
Justification for 0% MWDBE Participation Goal: N/A - Goal is not 0% and is listed above
Request Summary (Agenda Caption):
title
Request for approval of the Visioning Hardy Downtown Connector Study Report and to move forward with the next steps of the project including request for qualifications solicitation of program management, design, and other professional services necessary to implement the project (Precincts 1 and 2). MWDBE Contracted Goal: 35%.
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Background and Discussion:
On January 4, 2022, Commissioners Court authorized the solicitation of professional architectural and/or engineering services for the planning and conceptual design process for Phase II of the Hardy Toll Road Downtown Connector Project (the 3.6-mile north-south connection from IH 610 into downtown through Houston’s historic Northside Village and Ryon neighborhoods). The selected firm reviewed Phase II of the project, conducted stakeholder and public engagement, and provided conceptual ideas to better integrate a north-south connection into the surrounding neighborhoods.
The visioning study began in November 2022 and examines the relationship between the Hardy Downtown Connector and the community. Visioning a roadway that embodies the larger, surrounding community has been an ongoing and collaborative effort between multiple stakeholders including community members, neighborhood associations, county and city officials, and several related non-profit associations. The final vision is the result of synthesizing past roadway design concepts, studies, and plans with updated existing conditions, community values, and ecologically oriented technologies that affect the larger corridor. The study gives the Hardy Downtown Connector the potential to act as a transformational project that improves quality of life, promotes investment, and enhances mobility to strengthen and connect surrounding communities.
This action is to request Commissioners Court to accept the Visioning Hardy Downtown Connector Study Report and to authorize HCTRA to move forward with the implementation of the Hardy Downtown Connector project to include elements identified in the report such as Neighborhood Connections, Vibrant Placemaking, Public Space Activation and Regenerative Ecology. The Neighborhood Connections establish a multi-modal system to ensure seamless, interconnected, and safe experiences for individuals navigating diverse modes and conditions - this includes enhancing street crossings, overall pedestrian/bicycle safety, and transit improvements. Vibrant Placemaking creates spaces that encourage social interactions and infuse vibrancy into communities - this includes engaging public art, neighborhood/community branding, and integration of nature-themed murals. Public Space Activation recognizes opportunities within the public space areas and initiates efforts to create an appealing and attractive public realm - this includes activating currently underutilized parcels along the corridor to create community resources such as parks to provide social, environmental, and recreational opportunities. Regenerative Ecology initiatives will help to restore, renew, and revitalize ecosystems, aiming to enhance and improve environmental conditions - including air and sound quality (noise/sound barriers, vertical green walls, air monitoring, and strategic use of quiet pavement).
Additionally, as part of the next steps, HCTRA will evaluate options to support affordable housing on top of acquisition/relocation compensation (funding commitment to be determined) through partnership(s) with Harris County Housing Finance Corporation or a similar organization.
The aspirational 35% MWDBE goal for professional services will be finalized before issuance if solicitation as part of DEEO’s review of the associated scopes of work.
Expected Impact:
Funding for this request will come from the Toll Road Authority.
Alternative Options:
No other recommended solution for this identified need.
Alignment with Goal(s):
_ Justice and Safety
_ Economic Opportunity
_ Housing
_ Public Health
X Transportation
_ Flooding
_ Environment
_ Governance and Customer Service
Prior Court Action (if any):
|
Date |
Agenda Item # |
Action Taken |
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05/19/2020 |
I.3.d |
Court authorization to suspend and reevaluate development activities for Phase II of the Hardy Toll Road downtown connector project |
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12/01/2020 |
I.3.b |
Court authorization to advertise for firms to conduct and fulfill a planning and conceptual design process for Phase II of the Hardy Toll Road downtown connector project |
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1/04/2022 |
163 |
Court approval to reject proposals and readvertise for statement of qualifications |
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5/24/2022 |
126 |
Court approval to negotiate Agreement with Asakura Robinson Company LLC |
|
9/27/2022 |
159 |
Court approval of Agreement with Asakura Robinson Company |
|
5/16/2023 |
370 |
Court approval of First Amendment with Asakura Robinson Company |
Location:
Address (if applicable): N/A
Precinct(s): Precincts 1 & 2
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Fiscal and Personnel Summary |
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Anticipated Court Date: March 26, 2024
Anticipated Implementation Date (if different from Court date): N/A
Emergency/Disaster Recovery Note: Not an emergency, disaster, or COVID-19 related item
Contact(s) name, title, department: Nicole Stuttz, Chief of Staff, Harris County Toll Road Authority
Attachments (if applicable): Visioning Hardy Downtown Connector Final Report and Visioning Brochure