Originally proposed in 2019, the Buffalo Park East Master Plan, which would extend Buffalo Bayou Park to the East End and Fifth Ward neighborhoods, is suddenly in high gear.
The Kinder Foundation this week announced a $100 million gift to launch a plan to expand Buffalo Bayou Park in Houston to the east to the East End and Fifth Ward neighborhoods.
“This visionary plan integrates new bayou parks, trails, housing, cultural destinations, and infrastructure improvements into the Greater East End and Fifth Ward neighborhoods,” according to a September 26 press release from the Buffalo Bayou Partnership. The Kinder Foundation gift represents a down payment on the $310 million total investment planned in the first ten years of the Buffalo Bayou East Master Plan, first announced in 2019. The Buffalo Bayou East Master Plan envisions parks and destinations that reflect the cultural and industrial legacies of Buffalo Bayou East for a four-mile stretch of the bayou from US 59 to the Port of Houston Turning Basin.
The announcement comes with an acknowledgement of the housing pressures in the two neighborhoods—the Fifth Ward in particular has been identified as one of the hot beds of gentrification in Houston. To address community needs for affordable housing, the proposal includes 13 acres of mixed-income development, funded with $24 million in 9% federal tax credits and Housing and Urban Development Community Development Block Grant financing.
Both the City Council and Harris County Commissioners Court are expected to sign off on final documents this week, according to a paywalled article published by the Houston Chronicle. Additional coverage of the gift and the Buffalo Bayou East Master Plan is available from Chron and Houston Public Media. More details on Buffalo Park East are also available on the Kinder Foundation website.
Criticism for Army Corps' Houston Flood Protection Plans
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has revised a plan to protect the Houston region from flooding by tossing out a proposed tunnel and opting instead to dig Buffalo Bayou wider and deeper.
Houston's Latest Stormwater Project: 'Massive, Underground Tunnels'
The most recent post-Harvey proposal would mean the city could endure enormous rain events, but so far it's not clear who would pay for it.
Houston's Historic Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern Opens to the Public
Houston's Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern, commissioned in 1926 and decommissioned in 2007, is now the city's hottest attraction.
Study: Maui’s Plan to Convert Vacation Rentals to Long-Term Housing Could Cause Nearly $1 Billion Economic Loss
The plan would reduce visitor accommodation by 25,% resulting in 1,900 jobs lost.
North Texas Transit Leaders Tout Benefits of TOD for Growing Region
At a summit focused on transit-oriented development, policymakers discussed how North Texas’ expanded light rail system can serve as a tool for economic growth.
Why Should We Subsidize Public Transportation?
Many public transit agencies face financial stress due to rising costs, declining fare revenue, and declining subsidies. Transit advocates must provide a strong business case for increasing public transit funding.
How to Make US Trains Faster
Changes to boarding platforms and a switch to electric trains could improve U.S. passenger rail service without the added cost of high-speed rail.
Columbia’s Revitalized ‘Loop’ Is a Hub for Local Entrepreneurs
A focus on small businesses is helping a commercial corridor in Columbia, Missouri thrive.
Invasive Insect Threatens Minnesota’s Ash Forests
The Emerald Ash Borer is a rapidly spreading invasive pest threatening Minnesota’s ash trees, and homeowners are encouraged to plant diverse replacement species, avoid moving ash firewood, and monitor for signs of infestation.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
City of Santa Clarita
Ascent Environmental
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service