TxDOT’s Historical Resources Report Omits Houston’s Independence Heights

Despite experts saying that the Houston’s Independence Heights “under-the radar” neighborhood “has it all”, TxDOT’s most recent impact report on the North Houston Highway Improvement Project (NHHIP);which has been being planned for over 14 years, has gaping omissions. TxDOT did not consider the impact it would have on tearing down 44 properties, including 31 residential homes, and an historic African American church which has been the cultural foundation of this community for over a century. Hundreds of residents are facing displacement. The survival of African American communities in Houston is in imminent danger not only because of eminent domain, but also due to the negative impact of flooding. The Greater Mount Olive Baptist Church was finally rebuilt in 2016 after being damaged during Hurricane Ike, and now the NHHIP is going to condemn it.

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https://www.houstonchronicle.com/business/real-estate/article/Nonprofit-raises-concerns-that-Independence-13965310.php?utm_campaign=CMS%20Sharing%20Tools%20(Premium)&utm_source=share-by-email&utm_medium=email

JUNE 7, 2019 REBECCA NOVAK ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE NEWS, NEWS, PRESS RELEASES