This Week: Market-Based Parking Expanded in Midtown, EaDo; Houston Celebrates 50th Anniversary of Moon Landing; Public Meeting: 2019 Major Thoroughfare and Freeway Plan
Market-Based Parking Expanded in Midtown, EaDo
Mayor Pro Tem Cohen and her colleagues approved an extention of market-based parking, which currently governs downtown and in Midtown south to McGowen St, to further portions of Midtown (in Districts C and D) and EaDo (Districts H and I). Removing department-mandated parking requirements encourages multi-modal transportation, creates a more walkable environment, allows for high-density mixed-use development, and enables the market to dictate parking needs. The program is a recognition of the differing parking needs in central walkable neighborhoods and in more spread out, suburban neighborhoods. The Council Committee on Quality of Life received apresentation on market-based parking in March.
Houston Celebrates 50th Anniversary of Moon Landing
In July of 1969, the first lunar mission was launched and man walked on the moon for the first time. One of the first comments made by Neil Armstrong was, “Houston, Tranquility Base here. The Eagle has landed,” and we are proud of our city’s historic role in developing human spaceflight and our significant ties to the mission launch.
On Saturday, July 20th, Discovery Green will host a free event: A Giant Leap – Houston Celebrates the 50th Anniversary of the Moon Landing. Events will begin at 6pm and will include a paratrooper landing by the Golden Knights (the US Army’s official aerial parachute demonstration team); exhibitions from the Johnson Space Center; star-gazing with telescopes from the Houston Astronomical Society (weather-permitting); and a screening of Apollo 11 (2019, Rated G).
Public Meeting: 2019 Major Thoroughfare and Freeway Plan
On Thursday, August 1st, the Houston Planning Commission will host a public hearing to review proposed amendments to the 2019 Major Thoroughfare and Freeway Plan. This annually-reviewed document identifies the widths, speed limits, and building setbacks of Houston’s streets. The meeting will begin at 2:30PM in City Hall Annex Chambers (900 Bagby St, Public Level, 77002).
After the public hearing, the Planning and Development Department will prepare final recommendations for presentation at the August 29th Planning Commission meeting, during which Commissioners will vote on each amendment. The 2019 MTFP will then move to City Council for a vote in September. All Planning Commission meetings are open to the public, include the opportunity for public comment, and are streamed and archived online via HTV.