I believe that Stude Park is a diamond in the rough. It’s a great big green space along the south edge of the neighborhood. From the community center, playground, and pool to bike trail and ball fields, it has a lot to offer. On July 4th, the park will doubtless be full of festive families picnicking and enjoying a good view of the fireworks.
While all that is true, Stude Park could be a lot more. Recognizing this fact, the Memorial Heights Redevelopment Authority (TIRZ5) has started to work on plans for Stude Park. The process began with TIRZ5 engaging the SWA Group to study the park, its users, and their usage patterns, paving the way for crafting a design for its future.
Members of the WHCA board have participated in some initial meetings. The designers at SWA are starting by trying to understand who uses the park and learn how it might be improved to encourage greater use in the future. It has tremendous potential. While many things are being considered, one of the first changes will likely be improvements to the playground near the community center.
Unlike some other parks, there is no formal “Friends of…” group for Stude Park. Normally, a “friends” group would partner with the TIRZ5 and the designers to help gather public input. WHCA intends to fill that gap. We are seeking to ensure that the neighborhood is well and truly engaged in this effort to revitalize the park.
These are early days in what will surely be a lengthy process, but it seems apparent that the future of Stude Park will be bright. We expect to eventually seek your help to make that happen.
Infrastructure
Sidewalk Repairs /
Who’s Responsible for Sidewalks in Houston?
Recently we received an email from a neighbor regarding sidewalk repairs. As a neighborhood over 100 years old, we face sidewalks being in major disrepair or missing altogether. Well-maintained sidewalks improve safety for kids walking to school, enhance accessibility for residents with disabilities, and boost our neighborhood’s charm and property values.
When a sidewalk needs repair, the question of who is responsible for that repair inevitably arises. In Houston, the adjacent property owner is responsible for installing, repairing, and maintaining sidewalks, not the City (Code of Ordinances Article III, Sections 40-83 & 84) This applies to both residential and commercial properties and includes addressing issues like broken or missing sidewalk segments. It can be frustrating when homeowners can’t or won’t repair sidewalks, but there is some hope.
New Sidewalks - When Updates Are Required
A sidewalk must be installed or brought up to standard when
A new home is built.
A major addition or substantial improvement is made to an existing home.
If you observe new construction or significant renovations without installing a sidewalk, it may be out of compliance. Such instances can be reported to the City’s Permitting Enforcement Team via 311 online or through the 311 app. One way Woodland Heights can see improved sidewalks is by ensuring that these sidewalk ordinances are enforced, especially as the neighborhood continues to experience rapid redevelopment.
Other Options?
While the WHCA does not have the funds or resources to repair neighbors' sidewalks, we are exploring ways to help neighbors tackle sidewalk repairs. We've discovered the following information after speaking with contractors who are experienced with the permitting process.
Each repair must have its own permit
Concrete costs can be expensive, even for small jobs
While this may not sound promising, we will contact our Council Member to see if he can assist with other options. One idea we came up with was potentially pooling multiple resident requests to create a larger, more cost-effective project. We cannot guarantee that this is possible, but we will explore the idea with our Council Member and see if he has any thoughts.
In the meantime, if you know of a contractor who might do small jobs or if you have other ideas on how we can approach this as a community, we'd love to hear from you! Email us at infrastructure@woodland-heights.org.
Solid Waste Management - Heavy Trash /
The City of Houston Solid Waste Management Department announced two service changes that took effect on March 9 and 10, 2025, regarding Heavy Trash Pickup and Neighborhood Depository Hours. (Read COH SWMD's press release)
Heavy Trash Removal Change
The all-inclusive heavy trash removal has been changed to a tree waste only collection. Residents will need to take any waste outside of this guideline to one of the City's 6 Neighborhood Depositories.
Neighborhood Depository Hours and Requirements
All six City Neighborhood Depositories will operate under new hours: Tuesday through Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. (closed Mondays). When dropping off heavy trash at a depository, each user must provide proof of residency, including a valid Texas Driver's License or other ID, along with a current utility bill or city property tax receipt. Citizens may use the depositories four times per month and are encouraged to arrive at least 30 minutes before closing time to allow adequate unloading time.
Note that some items are accepted at neighborhood depositories, and some are not. Download a copy of SWMD Neighborhood Depository & Recycling Centers Standard Operating Rules and Regulations before your visit to be sure you have all the items required to use the depository sites and that your items will be accepted at the sites.
Neighborhood Depository Locations - Open Tuesday - Sunday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. (Closed Mondays)
North - 9003 N Main, 77022
Northeast - 5565 Kirkpatrick, 77028
Northwest - 14400 Sommermeyer, 77041
South - 5100 Sunbeam, 77033
Southeast - 2240 Central Street, 77017
Southwest - 10785 SW Freeway, 77074
In Answer to Your Questions /
We have a few updates to pass on to questions we've received from neighbors. They are regarding a water leak near the Norhill Esplanade, the repair of the sign and retaining wall at the corner of a greenspace at Houston Avenue and White Oak Drive, and the status of repairs to the bollards and large rocks at the entrance to our neighborhood at the corner of Watson and Usener Streets. Also, you might see new signage around the neighborhood courtesy of Harris County Constable Alan Rosen, Precinct 1 office.
The Water Leak near the Norhill Esplanade - the leak was identified by WHCA board members on February 20, 2025. The board checked the leak that day to see if it was coming from the irrigation system on the Norhill Esplanade. WHCA maintains the esplanade through an adoption agreement with the Houston Parks & Recreation Department. Upon investigation, it was determined the leak was on the City's side of the water meter. That makes it the responsibility of the City of Houston Public Works and Engineering Department. A Service Request was submitted through the COH 3-1-1 system. Additionally, the WHCA board has informed both Council Member Mario Castillo's Office, District H, and the Houston Parks and Recreation Department of the leak and of the filing of the 3-1-1. Both offices have replied that they will keep the repair on their radar and have asked us to keep them informed so they can assist in repairing the leak. We will get back to you on any update we receive.
The Retaining Wall Repair at Houston Avenue and White Oak Drive - The Greater Northside Management District holds the contract to maintain the parkette and the signage at this site. The last information we received regarding the repair status indicated that yes, indeed, the GNMD is in the process of getting the signage repaired. The date for this repair has not been released to us at this time; however, we are inquiring again as to a timeline and will advise everyone when we receive that information. Thank you for your patience.
The Watson Street Esplanade - On February 13, a two-car collision damaged the bollards and broke the boulders at the entrance sign to our neighborhood at the corner of Watson and Usner Streets. Ryan Taylor, WHCA Director of Beautification, and his team of volunteers are reinstalling the bollards and replacing the boulders in front of the sign. We thank the Beautification team for their quick action and dedication to keeping that esplanade in shape on a regular basis and for their rapid response to deal with the damage from the accident. Just an FYI - they can always use more volunteers and are ready to welcome you to their ranks if you're interested; email beautification@woodland-heights.org.
New Signage Comes to Woodland Heights—In response to a request from Beth Sorensen, WHCA Director of Security, the county will install 8 to 10 new signs around the neighborhood. These new signs point out that the area is patrolled by Harris County Precinct 1 Constables. The signage and proposed locations can be found by clicking on the following links: Sample Signage and Proposed Sign Locations.
Major Infrastructure Projects Impact Woodland Heights /
Our historic neighborhood, nestled in the crook of I-10 and I-45 at the first freeway exit from downtown Houston, is entering another transformation chapter. Over recent decades, Woodland Heights has experienced dramatic changes through rapid redevelopment and a flourishing local business scene. Major infrastructure projects will reshape our transportation boundaries over the next decade.
TxDot Map of Katy Corridor Construction Project.
White Oak Bayou I-10 Elevation Project.
Construction has begun on the $400 million I-10 White Oak Bayou elevation project along our southern boundary. Phase one started this month by reducing westbound I-10 from five lanes to three between I-45 and Studemont. The Taylor Street exit and entrance ramps are now closed, with detours via Sawyer Street and Washington Avenue.
A significant highlight of this project is the reconstruction of the Houston Avenue bridge, a longtime pain point for our community. Long-term residents will recall the frequent bridge strikes by oversized vehicles, each incident requiring emergency repairs and causing major traffic disruptions. The new design will position Houston Avenue beneath the I-10 main lanes, the goal is to eliminate these bridge strikes and their associated delays.
For trail users, portions of the MKT Trail and White Oak Bayou Greenway under I-10 are temporarily closed. TxDOT has established marked detour routes and added new infrastructure, including a switchback trail at Studemont and a wider sidewalk along the eastbound feeder road south of I-10. While periodic trail closures may occur during construction, both trails will remain accessible throughout the project.
Key Impacts and Timeline
I-10 White Oak Bayou Project: Now through late 2028
Lane reductions and intermittent closures: Through late 2027
Houston Avenue bridge reconstruction: Mid-2025 through late 2027
New trail features: Studemont switchback trail and wider sidewalks along I-10
I-45 NHHIP: Construction reaching our western boundary in 2028, continuing through 2033
As a neighborhood that has successfully navigated significant changes over the past decades, we will adapt to these infrastructure improvements while maintaining our strong community bonds. The Woodland Heights Civic Association will continue to advocate for our neighborhood's interests throughout these projects.
Courtesy TxDOT website https://its.txdot.gov/its/District/HOU/lane-closures
Did you know you can check traffic conditions or lane closures among other options in your area you can visit TXDot's Advanced Traffic Management System (ITS - intelligent transportation system) page on their website. Here you can zoom in on the map to see specific areas close to your neighborhood or in other areas across the state where TxDot cameras or located.
Brian Edmondson
New York Times Opinion-Mr. Biden, Tear Down This Highway /
Mr. Biden, Tear Down This Highway
Sept. 8, 2022
By Adam Paul Susaneck
Graphics by Jeremy Ashkenas, Quoctrung Bui and Sara Chodosh
Adam Paul Susaneck is an architectural designer and the founder of Segregation by Design. He uses historical data and archival photography to document the consequences of redlining, urban renewal and urban highway planning.
Houston Chron: Texas freeway foes band together against TxDOT, calling plans to widen highways 'insane' /
Houston Chronicle publishes: “Texas freeway foes band together against TxDOT, calling plans to widen highways 'insane'“ - https://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston-texas/transportation/article/Freeway-foes-across-the-state-band-together-17416345.php
“Among the projects drawing alarm:
Houston’s $9.7 billion-plus project to widen I-45 from downtown Houston north to Beltway 8, which will add two managed lanes in each direction and rebuild the downtown freeway system and the obsolete interchange with Loop 610.
Austin’s $4.9 billion rebuild of I-35 through the heart of the capital, which would replace the clogged two-tier freeway with a single buried road that adds two carpool lanes in each direction. Opponents have said this will divide the city further.
El Paso’s planned widening of I-10 through the downtown area, which would build on overall widening of the freeway to the New Mexico border meant to facilitate border trade and ease traffic.
Dallas’ proposed I-345 redesign to bury the freeway between downtown and Deep Ellum, which opponents have called unnecessary. They have advocated for removing the freeway entirely.”
Sample Comment for TXDOT I-10 Elevation /
Below is a sample comment submitted by Woodland Heights neighbor:
The project as proposed isn’t needed because in the last 20 years the referenced section of I-10 has only
been impassable due to flood waters on three occasions lasting for no more than 24 hours each.
Raising this roadbed as proposed will not allow traffic to flow unimpeded because a mile of so west
there is the same rare flooding issue on the I-10 roadway between Washington Ave. and TC Jester.
Traffic can easily be routed around these rare hazards via I-610 as it has before.
The more pressing problem is improperly permitted tractor trailer haulers who collide with and damage
the Houston Ave. bridge over I-10. This hazard closes the highway multiple time during the year for
extended periods of time. The much more cost effective solution is to simply rebuild the Houston Ave.
bridge over I-10 (one direction at a time so it remains passable). It would cost less than 10% of what the
current proposal costs. As a taxpayer who funds these projects, I want my tax dollars to be spent wisely.
Or perhaps for even less cost a height monitoring and warning system could be built along I-10 to
directly notify truckers that their load is too tall and that they will cause a bridge collision if they do not
exit and re-route.
I can’t help wondering if the public isn’t being fully informed as to the true nature of the proposed
project. Since the proposed “improvement” doesn’t actually allow for traffic to flow unimpeded
because of simultaneous roadway flooding less than two miles west of the location. There must be
some other unmentioned purpose or benefit to TXDOT for the proposed project. Could it actually be
related to the long delayed and strongly objected to I-45 project? It isn’t helpful to your cause to not be
fully forthcoming about goals and motivations.
Currently there exists a natural sound barrier and air quality provider in the form of a stand of native
trees and shrubs between White Oak Bayou and I-10 just east of Taylor St. That native forest and animal
habitat needs to remain no matter what. So if we cannot stop this wasteful project from occurring I
strongly recommend that all the needed detention for 500 year flooding events be constructed under
the new proposed roadway. You already plan to use this area for detention. Why not simply excavate
deeper and provide all the necessary detention there and not remove our neighborhood’s highway
sound and pollution barrier?
If indeed we cannot stop this wasteful project, then I insist that you provide the neighboring
communities (on both sides of the highway) a third party water engineering study proving that in the
event of a flooding event like occurred in 2017 (Hurricane Harvey) that the planned detention built
under the proposed elevated roadway will hold the same amount or more acre feet of water that rose
on I-10 during that flooding event.
If indeed we cannot stop this wasteful project, and TXDOT by agreement builds all the requested
detention under the elevated roadway, it will do so in such a way that the public can use it as an
amenity; specifically like the one previously built west of Yale St. along White Oak Bayou near Rutland
St. and 5 th and 6 th Streets.
If indeed we cannot stop this wasteful project, TXDOT will use all known noise deadening designs and
materials on the proposed roadway to reduce noise in the adjoining communities and erect sound walls
covered by vegetation if the roadway exceeds the height of the existing forests along the highway.
White Oak Bayou Association Comment to TXDOT in I-10 Elevation /
TxDOT announced a plan to raise the rarely flooding I-10 through the Heights at a staggering cost of $347 million /
TXDOT IS SPENDING $347 ON 1.8 MILES AND DEFORESTING THE LARGEST RIPARIAN AREA ADJACENT TO WHITE OAK BAYOU INSIDE THE 610 LOOP. SUBMIT YOUR COMMENTS TO PROTECT OUR CITY. - A Tale of Two Bridges Blog
11th Street Safety Improvements /
August 17, 2022 - upcoming virtual public meeting
The project has moved into 100% design. On August 17, 2022 the City of Houston will host a virtual public meeting to share project updates. This will include an exciting opportunity to repave portions of 11th Street, how the repaving (street rehabilitation) will be phased, and phasing construction of the bikeway.
Virtual Meeting Details - https://www.letstalkhouston.org/11th-street-bikeway
When: Wednesday, August 17th at 6:00PM - 7:00PM
Where: Microsoft Teams Live event - https://bit.ly/3P2McBy(External link)
Purpose: share information about 11th Street including upcoming repaving and bikeway construction, timeline and phasing, and answer questions from the community related to these topics.
I-10 Elevation/Expansion Works Against Resilient Houston and Climate Action Plan Update /
City of Houston Joint Committee Meeting on
Transportation, Technology, and Infrastructure (TTI) & Public Safety and Homeland Security (PSHS)
Committee Agenda - https://www.houstontx.gov/council/committees/tti.html
Reference the following project numbers: CSJ 0271-07-326
TxDOT Houston District
Public Information Office
P.O. Box 1386
Houston, Texas 77251
713-802-5076
“I attended and spoke at the Thursday, August 8, 2022, City of Houston Joint Council Committee on Transportation, Technology, and Infrastructure & Homeland Security. I was pleased to hear the focus on Flood and Extreme Heat and Cold resilience prioritized natural restoration as mitigation.
The TXDoT proposed I-10 from Heights to I-45 expansion does the opposite of all the recommendations and efforts by Chief Zachariah. The expansion would replace trees, greenspace, and natural features for hot concrete.
I can hear I-10 from Bayland and Beauchamp St at night and it sounds like a speedway.
The additional concrete, loss of sound dampening natural features, and increased elevation will amplify the sound far into neighborhoods.
This is a quality of life issue for 1,000s of residents and our critical natural resources. Please speak out during the comment period through August 26, 2022.”
https://www.woodland-heights.org/events-1/2022/8/4/city-council-meeting-tti
WHCA Challenges TXDOT's Plans to Expand and elevate I-10 /
Read & Listen to WHCA Director of Infrastructure, Brad Snead’s interviews on the concerns about environmental and sound impacts to our neighborhoods and bayous.
Read Plan to elevate I-10 raises concerns among Heights-area residents, by Dug Begley, Staff Writer, Houston Chronicle
Listen to Houston Matters Episode - Plans to raise part of I-10, and Houston's stress level (July 29, 2022)
TxDOT has announced plans to raise a portion of I-10 near White Oak Bayou, but local residents are skeptical of the project. Will TxDOT move forward with the project despite their concerns? We discuss. MORE: TxDOT is seeking public input on the proposed project.
How can You get involved?
Review the TXDOT I-10 Expansion from Heights to I-45 Proposal
Submit Public Comment Form - Reference the following project numbers: CSJ 0271-07-326
TxDOT Houston District
Public Information Office
P.O. Box 1386
Houston, Texas 77251
713-802-5076
Public Comments are due by Friday, August 26th, 2022
Public Comment Needed for 2023 Unified Transportation Program by Aug 8 /
WHAT: This is TxDOT's 10-year plan and budget. It is based on information and requests from regional planning bodies like the Houston-Galveston Area Council in Houston. The Texas Transportation Commission (TTC) approves the plan, and TxDOT carries it out.
The 2023 UTP public comment period is July 8, 2022, through 4:00 p.m. CST on Aug. 8, 2022. You may submit comments using the following methods:
Fill out a comment form online.
The online comment form can be switched between several of the most spoken languages in Texas, including English, Spanish, Vietnamese, Hindi, Arabic, Chinese Mandarin, and Cantonese.
You may also print a comment form or request a printed comment form at your local TxDOT district or area office and mail it to:
Texas Department of Transportation
Attention: TPP-UTP
125 E 11th Street
Austin, Texas 78701
You may e-mail your public comments to UTP-PublicComments@txdot.gov. Additionally, you may leave a voicemail comment by calling 833-933-0446.
Please be prepared to state your city, state, and zip code. Your name and address are optional. Please speak as clearly as possible, comments are transcribed and added to the official record.
In order to be considered, comments must be received by 4:00 p.m. on Aug. 8, 2022.
Talking points to consider:
Remove the I-45 & I-10 Expansion from the UTP to allow for a new project based on a true community engagement process. In the meantime, for communities that were harmed by the initial construction of I-45, their concerns should be addressed and mitigated immediately. These reparations should not be held hostage to a plan that will sacrifice more Houstonians to flooding, pollution, and traffic violence.
No more added lanes for cars for any projects through urban centers
Prioritize safety of all road users and Vision Zero
All projects should prioritize sustainability and aim to reduce vehicle miles traveled (VMTs)
All projects should center and aim for race and class equity for all road users
All projects should reduce flooding and prioritize flood mitigation
We want a UTP that increases multi-modal transportation options throughout the state
Updates to the TxDOT ADA Transition Plan have included work to identify the specific need and cost of bringing all TxDOT on-system facilities up to inclusive ADA standards. This TxDOT assessment estimated that adding or fixing all on-system missing and broken sidewalks, ramps and safe crossings across the state would cost $1.56 billion. We request that you increase the funding for the ADA Transition Plan from the proposed $5 million to $25 million a year in the FY2023 Unified Transportation Program.
2023 Unified Transportation Program
UTP Presentation - https://ftp.txdot.gov/pub/txdot/tpp/utp/2023-utp-public-meeting-with-speaker-notes.pdf
Virtual Public Hearing, July 26 at 2pm. Link is HERE.
Segmented Interstate Expansion Skirts Federal Environmental Law /
Texas is skirting federal environmental law to push for highway expansion - Megan Kimble, Grist, Jul 27, 2022
This timely article comes just as TXDOT has announced plans to expand I-10 from Heights to I-45 a sub-set of overall planned interstate expansion. The article explains that the I-45 expansion was put on hold so that the full impact could be studied in aggregate which will show more accurate an significant impacts than when segmented.
Overall, between 2015 and 2022, Moritz discovered that 130 TxDOT projects were found to have no significant impact after an initial review, while only six received full environmental analyses detailing their impacts. Cumulatively, those 130 projects will consume nearly 12,000 acres of land, add more than 3,000 new lane miles to the state highway system, and displace 477 homes and 376 businesses. The total projected costs of those projects was nearly $24 billion, almost half of what TxDOT spent on transportation projects during that time and twice as much as the amount spent on projects that received full environmental reviews.
How can You get involved?
Review the TXDOT I-10 Expansion from Heights to I-45 Proposal
Submit Public Comment Form - Reference the following project numbers: CSJ 0271-07-326
TxDOT Houston District
Public Information Office
P.O. Box 1386
Houston, Texas 77251
713-802-5076
Public Comments are due by Friday, August 26th, 2022
Public Comment needed for TXDOT I-10 Expansion and elevation from Heights to I-45 by August 26 /
Video of Proposal Presentation
www.txdot.gov/inside-txdot/get-involved/about/hearings-meetings/houston/072622.html
Link to Downloadable Schematic
Texas Parks & Wildlife - Bayou City Episode /
Take a tour of the last preserved bayou in the Bayou City with Mark Kramer from the Armand Bayou Nature Center and learn of the importance the habitat plays in flood control.
Houston Parks & Recreation Department (HPARD) has begun restoring riparian habitat along the bayous. HPARD's Kelli Ondracek discusses the restoration project at Milby Park.
Little White Oak Bayou in Woodland Park is among the unique riparian habitats slated for restoration by HPARD.
“Meet some of Houston’s most dedicated bayou conservationists, learn about issues the bayou ecosystem has faced over the past century, and see some hope for keeping an urban area and its watery wilderness in balance.”
Greater Heights Super Neighborhood 15 Council Supports 11th Street Project /
After reviewing the matter at the May 17, 2022 meeting, the GHSNC voted unanimously, with one abstention, to issue this letter and formally support the 11th Street Project.
Water Works Festival on Saturday /
Houston Public Works is celebrating the 27th Annual Water Works Festival this Saturday. The free festival is a celebration of all the ways water impacts our lives. There will be family-friendly activities, raffles, giveaways and more! Details here.
When: Sat, May 7th, 10am-2pm
Where: Houston Botanic Garden, 1 Botanic Ln
Houston Welcomes 10 New Historic Landmarks /
In advance of Historic Preservation Month in May, Houston welcomed 10 new historic landmarks spanning the city in five different City Council Districts. Houston City Council approved the new landmarks on April 20. There are two landmarks and eight protected landmarks including Third Ward's Eldorado Ballroom built in 1939 and located at 2310 Elgin St. in Council District D.
Learn more about historic landmark designations. View this presentation to see photos of all the new landmarks.
Read this Texas State Historical Association article about the Eldorado's rich history in Houston.
