HOUSTON — A plan to improve drainage along Montrose Boulevard was placed on hold as city leaders figure out how to proceed.
The plan aims to improve drainage along the busy street as well as make it friendlier for pedestrians, cyclists and public transportation.
The Montrose Boulevard Improvement Project was fully designed and funded when it reached City Hall but Mayor John Whitmire's administration paused the project, signaling he wants changes.
His decision led to mixed reactions with supporters of the project disappointed and others who are concerned about the project's impact on old oak trees along the boulevard applauding the decision.
Councilmember Abbie Kamin represents the Montrose area. At Wednesday's meeting, she said the city needs to work with urgency on these types of projects as climate scientists predict increasingly severe weather.
"I will continue to support what the neighborhood is asking for it. The overwhelming majority, by all accounts, continues to say we want flood mitigation. We want this protection and we want beautification as well. Today, I talked to council about the impacts of extreme weather. We need more tree canopies. This project helps with that, but again, at the heart of this is a flood mitigation project," Kamin said.
They said the potential for flooding and severe weather as we approach hurricane season highlights the need for the project to get started as soon as posible.
Whitmire's office issued a statement saying that all infrastructure projects were on hold and under review and he's committed to protecting the trees.
It's not clear what will happen next or when anything will happen at all.