The Houston City Council approved an ordinance authorizing the use of 0.0390 acre (1,701 square feet) of Wagner Park for the installation and maintenance of a 24-inch storm pipe and related storm sewer infrastructure. This project is part of the Houston Heights, John Brashear, and Memorial Heights Paving and Drainage Project aimed at mitigating flooding and ponding issues in the Houston Heights neighborhood. The storm sewer will connect Honsinger Street to Wagner Street, enhancing the drainage system by linking to the East Street trunk line. The project meets the requirements of Texas Parks and Wildlife Code Chapter 26, with published notices and a public hearing held on March 5, 2025. Any surface disturbances to the park will be restored to their original or improved condition. This use of parkland was deemed necessary due to the lack of a feasible or prudent alternative and includes all reasonable planning to minimize harm to the park.
This ordinance enables critical drainage improvements in a flood-prone neighborhood while ensuring minimal impact to park land. It balances infrastructure upgrades with environmental stewardship by restoring affected park areas post-construction.