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  • August 22, 2017 7:49 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    Take a peek at the new draft Master Plan summary for the strategic direction of Hermann Park for the next 20 years!  The details will be developed for the individual projects over time – so the visuals included in the plan are to indicate the goals for certain areas – and is not a literal design at this point.  The specific details of how each area will look will develop over time. 

  • August 08, 2017 10:57 AM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    The City of Houston Health Department has ordered a cleaning of the area under US 59 between Caroline and Almeda on August 10.  According to the post, the clean-up aims to abate conditions that contribute to disease, including human waste, mosquitoes, flies, and trash.

    Thanks goes to everyone: city officials, including the Mayor and the Office for Homeless Initiatives; Midtown Management District, who will spearhead the effort; HPD and the Homeless Outreach Team; the Coalition for the Homeless; and most importantly the residents of Museum Park, who continue to lobby for measures to address the untenable conditions of the encampment and the accompanying issues within the neighborhood.

    MPNA and MPSN have worked to give a unified voice to our common concerns before city council, in countless meetings, emails, and phone conversations, and by hosting public meetings with city officials, and will continue to do so. 

    Thanks to all for your efforts to make Museum Park a healthy neighborhood.

  • August 04, 2017 1:52 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    The August MPNA meeting featured a panel discussion/presentation related to Houston’s efforts to address homelessness, the current encampment under US-59.  A list of questions was circulated to the panelists in advance of the meeting (see attached).

     President Sandy Stevens called the meeting to order at 6:01 PM.  Following a general overview, she turned the meeting over to Greg Quintero, Chair of the Safety & Security committee. Greg provided an overview of format, recognized the newly formed ad hoc committee tasked with formulating suggestions related to the current encampment situation, and asked the panel to introduce themselves.

     Kim Mickelson, MPNA Vice President, consulting city attorney

    After thanking everyone for coming, Kim provided a general overview of the current state of affairs in Houston, some history about how the courts have viewed other municipalities’ ordinances aimed at reducing encampments, and the importance of respecting and balancing the Constitutional rights of all citizens.  Key points: it is not illegal to be homeless, sleeping on public land is not a crime, and personal possessions must be protected.

     Marc Eichenbaum,  Special Assistant to the Mayor for Homeless Initiatives

    The encampment under US-59 is the top priority for the City with regard to homelessness. Mayor Turner & Marc visited the encampment Aug 1. However, there is a lawsuit and care must and will be taken to ensure that future endeavors are not jeopardized by rash decision making.  The Mayor views the ordinances pertaining to encampments and panhandling to be necessary, valid & constitutional.

    ·       Other Texas cities have anti-encampment ordinances that have not been legally challenged; however, their ordinances are much older than Houston’s. 

    ·       The City has secured storage space for personal possessions that exceed the size limits specified by the anti-encampment ordinance, and this program is up and running.  There are twice weekly trash clean-ups by the Dept of Solid Waste at the Wheeler encampment.

    ·       The Health Dept is in the process of assessing and preparing a report about the Wheeler encampment.  Should they find that the area is a public health nuisance in need of full cleaning, there will be swift action to clear the area while respecting the rights and needs of those residing in the encampment. Enforcement of the ordinances would be the next step after the clean-up.  No firm dates are available at this time.

    ·        The City is focusing on providing housing to the homeless population. Houston, however, has fewer financial resources for this endeavor in comparison to other major cities. Federal funding for HUD vouchers has been reduced; the City is unable to issue any new vouchers. Two weeks ago, Mayor Turner proposed & Council approved redirecting $2.4 million of other funds for housing. People living in the encampment have been assessed for housing. At this time, the major need is to identify landlords willing to rent out appropriate units.

    ·       In the near future, the area beneath US 59 between Austin and La Branch will be fenced in and used as a private parking lot for a local nonprofit organization. 

    ·       Report any illegal activity you observe to HPD.  The City is working on a solution to allow HPD to address concerns related to small fires.

     Lt. Shamara Garner & Officer Nick Vogelsang (Homeless Outreach Team), HPD

    ·       Call 911 for immediate threats (eg, break-in in progress, life-threatening situations).

    ·       Call HPD non-emergency [713-884-3131] for other matters, including crimes that have already taken place.

    ·       HPD has identified and entered into a database the individuals currently residing under US-59.  The new city ordinances have been explained to everyone in the encampment and efforts are underway to provide help and resources to those who want it.

    ·       Regarding drug use: Kush is the #1 drug issue in the encampment.  Due to the nature of this drug, immediate arrests are not possible as testing is required to identify the substances in the drug.  Sales, possession, and use of illegal narcotics will be enforced, but such activity is nearly impossible for uniformed officers to observe.

    ·       The Sobering Center Team is working in conjunction with the Recovery Center to address public intoxication.

     Frank Carmody, Houston 311

    ·       Do not contact 311 for crimes (eg, drug activity, theft, assault): these issues should be reported to HPD. 

    ·       Do contact 311 for non-police issues such as illegal dumping/accumulation of garbage.

    ·       If you call 311, they can help to direct you to the appropriate person or city department.  Clear descriptions of offenses will help to ensure that issues are routed properly.

    ·       Sandy noted that the online 311 pulldown menu allows the reporting of human waste on public property.

     Marilyn Brown, Houston Coalition for the Homeless

    The Coalition for the Homeless (‘Coalition’) is a private, nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide leadership in the development, advocacy, and coordination of community strategies to prevent and end homelessness. The Coalition is tasked with bringing together all local organizations dealing with various aspects of homelessness in the collaborative effort, The Way Home Houston (http://www.thewayhomehouston.org/). Their goal is to prevent and end homelessness by providing housing and the necessary wraparound services (eg, health care, job training, counseling, child care). Over 11,000 people have been placed in housing, with 95% still in housing at the 2-yr mark.

    ·       Outreach requires federal (housing) and state (mental health & substance abuse treatment) funds. These budgets often change (and often decrease) creating gaps in funding, and consequentially difficulties in long-term planning.  A lack of dependable funds also harms the credibility of homeless advocates whose promises of help/resources sometimes are unable to be honored.  Local companies and philanthropic organizations are key partners, with federal dollars providing a match for private donations.

    ·       Approximately 150 individuals are residing at the Wheeler/Chartres encampments.

    ·       ~2/3 of those living in Houston encampments self-identify as having mental health issues.  Mental health problems can quickly lead to substance abuse issues through a cycle of self-medication.

    ·       Texas lacks long-term mental health care; the maximum length of a mental health ‘hold’ is 11 days—rarely sufficient time to make a meaningful difference.

    ·       Shelters are not a long-term solution; the solution to homelessness is homes.

    ·       In addition to the need for housing units for those transitioning from the street or shelters, there is also a need for affordable housing that is accessible to public transportation and support services.

    ·       Public awareness campaigns (radio, billboards, meetings with faith leaders) are underway for the Meaningful Change, not Spare Change initiative (http://meaningfulchange.org/). Rather than giving money or food/supplies directly to people who are in need, residents who would like to help can direct funds to agencies capable of assisting the homeless (and former homeless) with long-term help & support.  Note: donations are placed in a general fund so that they may be directed to helping those most in need.

     

     

  • July 10, 2017 2:00 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    Bayou Trails is excited to announce that the Requests for Proposals (RFPs) for Hermann, MacGregor and Mason Parks have been finalized, published, and are now open to submissions from artists, arts professionals and/or organizations living in Houston!  Deadline for submissions is August 3, 2017

    As Bayou Trails enters this new phase, we encourage you to spread the word about the RFP process and to engage those around you in conversation about the community-driven vision alive in your park as well as the collective, connective goals that span the Bayou Trails footprint.

    You can read the three Bayou Trails RFPs on https://ourbayoutrails.com/. If you have questions about them, the submission protocol, or the project at large, please contact:  https://ourbayoutrails.com/contact/.

    Thank you for your dedication to this important initiative! 

  • July 06, 2017 4:43 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    Please use the attached guide to report health and safety issues impacting you and/or Museum Park.  Copy or email your reports to the Museum Park Neighborhood Association at healthandsafety@museumparkna.org. We will forward the collected reports to city officials as we work on behalf of the neighborhood to ensure our health and safety. 



  • June 30, 2017 1:20 PM | Deleted user

    Houston Museum District

    Museum Experience Zone 3          Saturday, July 29, 2017

     

    Summer’s Museum Experience, returns July 29, showcasing a trio of district museums within an easily walkable three-block footprint. The featured museums of Zone 3; Contemporary Arts Museum Houston (CAMH), The Jung Center, and The Museum of Fine Arts Houston (MFAH) invite guests to view masterworks, make personalized art, and interact with site-specific installations.

     

    In addition to free general admission in Zone 3 all day, families may participate in a variety of art making activities for all ages, practice Laughter Yoga, and plan for lunch with food trucks stationed at CAMH and the MFAH South Lawn. Relax in the Cullen Sculpture Garden and seek cool sanctuary at community partner site, St. Paul’s United Methodist Church.

     

    All district museums are open during regular hours with Museum Experience programs from 10 am to 4 pm. METRO light rail has several dedicated stops in the district; park once and ride, walk or use b-cycle stations located throughout the district and Hermann Park. Go to www.mfah.org/parking for parking and transportation options.

     

    Post event photos through Houston Museum District’s FaceBook, Twitter and Instagram social media feeds using #houmuse and #museumexperience.

     

    ZONE 3 Programming – Saturday, July 29, 2017

     

    CONTEMPORARY ARTS MUSEUM HOUSTON #CAMH and @camhouston

    5216 Montrose Boulevard, Houston, Texas

     

    10:00 am – 6:00 pm: Cool off at CAMH by experiencing two immersive exhibitions: Atlas, Plural, Monumental, featuring interactive artworks and the colorful, imaginative A Better Yesterday.

    11:00 am – 3:00 pm:  Contribute to a collaborative paper and tape environment inspired by the imaginative worlds and alternate realities created in A Better Yesterday. 

    Experience Typewriter Rodeo, a quartet of poem-makers from Austin who create custom, on-the-spot poems on any topic you choose using vintage manual typewriters. Carry away a one-of-a-kind typed memento of your day at the museum! The Moon Rooster taco truck and Froeschl’s Ice Cream will be on site to satisfy lunchtime cravings.

    1:00 pm - 5:00 pm: Pick up an Art Guide, take a FAQ Team-led tour, make an original work of art using whatever is in your pocket, and contribute a poster, love note, or want ad to the public monument The Commons! Engage with Public Trust, a participatory artwork by artist Paul Ramírez Jonas that asks visitors to examine the value of their word by declaring a promise.

     

    THE JUNG CENTER OF HOUSTON #JungHouston

    5200 Montrose Boulevard, Houston, Texas

     

    10:00 am – 2:00 pm: Come to The Jung Center and find out how creating art can bring calm and focus to everyday life. Explore the abstract art of Zentangle® at an ongoing mini-workshop.

    10:00 am – 4:00 pm: Sift through hundreds of images to create a keepsake collage the reflects your unique personality.

    12:30 pm - 1 pm: Learn to use journaling as a tool for insight and clarity.

    2:00 pm – 2:30 pm: Outwit stress with Laughter Yoga.

     

     

    THE MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS, HOUSTON #MFAH

    1001 Bissonnet Street, Houston, TX

     

    10:00 am – 7:00 pm: Visitors enjoy free general admission as well as the opportunity to see three ticketed exhibitions currently on view. Go to mfah.org/tickets/ for advance tickets to Ron Mueck, Pipilotti Rist: Pixel Forest and Worry Will Vanish, and Paint the Revolution: Mexican Modernism, 1910-1950.

     

    11:00 am – 4:00 pm, Law Building: Families can plan their visit to the MFAH in the Kinder Foundation Education Center, a staffed library with books suitable for all ages.

     

    2:00 pm, Beck Building: Take a free guided tour that highlights the diverse array of art in the museum’s permanent collection.

     

    3:00 pm, Beck Building:  Join a free tour of award-winning photographs by Fazel Sheikh, whose work focuses on communities in Africa, South Asia, and the Middle East.

     

    ST. PAUL’S UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

    5501 Main Street, Houston, Texas

     

    Open House, 10 am to 4 pm: Docent-led and self-guided tours of this historical sanctuary; named one of the ’50 Best – or Iconic – Buildings’ in Houston by the Houston Chronicle. Visit the green at any time to walk the Bankston Green Labyrinth, featured in Houstonia magazine as one of the ’50 best ways to stay calm and cool’ in Houston.

     




  • June 27, 2017 8:17 AM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    Java Lava is a new coffee shop and restaurant opening in Museum Park at 1201 Southmore Boulevard at the corner of San Jacinto.

    Java Lava’s coffee is sourced from their own organic farm, grown in the rich volcanic soils of Hawaii’s cloud forests. The building design itself is intended to fit elegantly and serenely into the fabric of the neighborhood, in the lovely shade of stately and fragrant crepe myrtles. 

    Java Lava has already agreed with Houston BCycle to host a much needed, centrally located BCycle station in Museum Park.  Their ready and generous willingness to host this important bike connection is a benefit to all who live, work, or play in Museum Park.  

  • June 20, 2017 8:01 AM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    The Texas Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects recently awarded Museum Park: Planning for a Model Urban District, Honorable Mention for the Livable Centers Study completed last year.  Thanks to SWA, the Museum Park Super Neighborhood, Southeast Management District, the City of Houston, the Houston-Galveston Area Council, and our Museum Park partners in this remarkable achievement.  We look forward as the concept designs included in the LCS are implemented.


  • May 18, 2017 9:06 PM | Deleted user

    From our neighbors at MFAH:

     

    First, I would like to thank you for your ongoing patience as the MFAH moves ahead with the expansion and transformation of our main campus through the addition of three new buildings, underground parking garages and a new public plaza. I am writing with an update and information about the next step in this process: a shift in parking locations and procedures.

     

    Beginning next, Monday, May 22, the newly constructed Montrose Parking Garage opens to the public. On this same day, the outdoor South Lot, across Bissonnet from the Law Building, permanently closes to allow excavation and construction to begin on the Nancy and Rich Kinder Building, scheduled to open  in late 2019. As a result, on-campus parking for the MFAH and the Glassell School of Art shifts to garage-only paid parking at the Museum’s two garages: the existing Fannin Parking Garage on Binz Street, and the new Montrose Parking Garage on Montrose Street.

     

    For details about rates, hours, procedures, and limited-mobility access for both the Fannin and Montrose garages, visit mfah.org/parking to see the latest information.

     

    If you have questions about parking, or if you need any help understanding the new procedures, please contact Andrew Spies, who has been designated as the parking manager at 713-639-7821.

     

    If you have any questions or concerns about the expansion project, please call 713-830-5280.


    Willard Holmes

    Chief Operating Officer

    Museum of Fine Arts, Houston

  • March 30, 2017 12:34 PM | Deleted user


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The Museum Park Neighborhood Association is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization in Houston Texas.