Opponents speak out against HISD bond proposal

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- For the first time we're hearing from community leaders who do not approve of HISD's nearly $2 billion bond proposal to rebuild or renovate dozens of schools. Taxpayers are set to vote on the proposal next month, but up until now we've really only heard support for the measure.

Even as Lamar High School's principal and HISD's superintendent led a tour through the crowded school, pointing out such deficiencies as a single physics lab for 3,000 students, across town a separate group of people gathered for the first time showing organized support opposing HISD's $1.9 billion bond proposal.

Bond opponent Dave Wilson said, "There hasn't been transparency. There is no accountability. So with this present bond election, there's no way anyone can vote for it."

Wilson, a frequent opponent to many of the city's politicians and their initiatives, brought together a group of concerned citizens. All said they think the bond is just a way to spend money with no proof it will improve education.

Bond opponent Charles White asked, "What's the priority? Is it good education or new buildings? Good education and accountability is what we're talking about."

HISD Superintendent Dr. Terry Grier bristled at the criticism, pointing out that, for example, Lamar High School just wasn't built for today's demanding educational requirements.

He said, "The facility built in 1936 cannot prepare kids for the 21st century."

The district says basic power supply is Even an issue at Lamar.

"There's not enough electricity in these rooms to support what's needed for giving our kids what they need to be to be competitive in the science world and colleges and universities," explained Lamar Principal Dr. James McSwain.

But Wilson's group says it's heard all those complaints before. They just don't trust HISD with any more of taxpayers' money.

"We're talking about whether we're getting our dollar's worth and whether we're getting accountability," Wilson said.

Dr. Grier says he doesn't have time to worry about the critics. He says he's focused on the best plan to educate the district's kids.

Both sides will be working hard to get their messages out before Election Day.

(Copyright ©2012 KTRK-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.) Get more Local »

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New strip club tax proposal aimed to help reduce rape kit backlog

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- It is budget day at City Hall. Today is when council members begin hammering out the Houston city budget.

It doesn't appear that the city is facing a repeat of the shortfall and layoffs from last year, but there are some amendments that may stir up some controversy.

Having no layoffs on the table is certainly better news this year over last. As for the most controversial topic, the pole tax was separated from the rest of the city council budget because it is such a big issue.

Council Member Ellen Cohen is proposing a fee of about $5 for every patron who walks through the door of a Houston strip club. The money would then be used to pay for testing of the thousands of backlogged rape kits.

Council Member Cohen passed a similar bill when she served in the state legislature, and now she wants the city to do the same, and she is imploring her colleagues to do their jobs.

"While I can't promise when the first dollar would come in, and I can't promise that there won't be litigation, I can promise you that if we do nothing, nothing will get done," Cohen said.

The proposal seemed to have broad support throughout the council, but they did delay the vote for a week amid such questions as how will it will be determined the number of patrons who visit a strip club and how the tax will be enforced.

(Copyright ©2012 KTRK-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.)
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Tax increase proposal for HISD?

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Students may be out for the summer, but the Houston Independent School District is already doing its homework to build bigger and better schools at billion dollar prices.

So who will foot the bill for these new buildings? A tax increase proposal could be on the ballot as soon as November.

How's this for summer math? Five years ago HISD asked you for $800 million for new schools. It barely passed with 51 percent of the vote.

Now the district is contemplating doubling the number for a vote later this year. The district needs new schools and the starting number is $1 billion.

School may be out for summer.

"Today is real exciting for me," said student Willie Williams.

But the business of HISD doesn't stop. And while the kids are gone, the adults who run the place are getting ready to ask you for more of your cash.

"We know there's a lot of unaddressed facilities needs at the high school level," said HISD Spokesperson Jason Spencer.

It's no secret HISD schools are getting older. High schools especially. A needs assessment is nearly finished and once it's done, sources familiar with the plan suggest it will recommend substantial renovation, if not outright replacement of several HISD high schools.

"It's in fair condition. Some of the AC's are leaking and some of the AC's don't work," said student Dakota Garcia.

She knows Madison High School needs it and her mom isn't opposed to paying for it.

"If I know it's going for schools, then I don't have a problem with that," said parent Frances Zimmer. "You're not going to pay attention if you're hot or uncomfortable."

But the HISD board knows not everyone will be as enthusiastic and is gearing up for what could be a tough fight. The package is likely to focus on Houston's aging high schools -- Jack Yates High School opened in 1958, Sterling High School in 1965, the same year as Madison High School.

The board hasn't picked a final number for the deal, but look at the figure we've been told HISD is considering. It could be as high as $1.8 billion. The eight zeroes keep coming. And once you do the math for an average HISD area home, that's $91 in extra school taxes every year for decades.

"An investment in the schools is an investment in Houston's future," said Spencer.

When we asked him even it means higher property taxes on every homeowner in the district, Spencer replied, "That's a decision every voter will have to make for themselves."

The district will find out just how bad the need is later this month. The school board will decide in August about putting it on the ballot. It could be a crowded spot -- remember the county may ask voters for cash to renovate the Astrodome as well.

(Copyright ©2012 KTRK-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.)
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Rezoning proposal sparks concerns in Pearland

PEARLAND, TX (KTRK) -- A group of Pearland residents are worried about the future of their neighborhood.

A proposal is in the works that would rezone a residential area along Pearland Parkway to make way for a medical complex. But a lot of people who live nearby are not buying into the idea.

Many of those neighbors will be gathering here at Pearland City Hall over that controversial zoning plan. So far, city staff supports the hospital idea. But some homeowners we talked to are saying, not in my neighborhood.

Howard Carter says his home at the Lake of Highland Glen in Pearland has been his piece of paradise -- until now. Carter says he's concerned a proposed zoning change could soon move a medical complex to this lot behind his house on Brighton Brook Lane.

"We're worried about possibly reduction of property values," he said.

And Carter's not the only neighbor worried about University General Health System's request to change 31 acres here from residential to commercial zoning.

"I'm concerned about the noise and light pollution that may affect us," homeowner Louis Caltzontzint said.

The president of University General Health System tells Eyewitness News a zoning change would allow it to build a small hospital and an Alzheimer's center among other offices on 17 acres of usable land close to the water treatment plant.

"Biggest concern is just the back side of a hospital that we really don't want to see what goes on back there," homeowner Ben Kasper said.

University General Health System says it's been listening to neighbor's concerns. And so has city staff.

"Some of the noise concerns can be mitigated through additional adding of shrubbery, and the developer has agreed to move the property a further distance back away from the residential homes in that area," said Sparkle Anderson with the city of Pearland.

Still some neighbors unhappy with the hospital idea plan to present a petition to council members.

The council meeting begins at 7:30pm. The council will read that zoning request for the second time. And up to this point, a majority of its members support the zoning change.

(Copyright ©2012 KTRK-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.)
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Another group backs Hobby expansion proposal

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- There's new and significant support for expanding Hobby Airport and adding international flights.

For weeks now, one of the hottest topics around Houston has been the future of Hobby Airport. Southwest Airlines wants to fly international flights out of Hobby, and now the Greater Houston Partnership is the latest business group to push its support for the idea.

In a statement released to Eyewitness News, GHP Chairman Tony Chase says:

"This is a critically important issue for Houston. We want two vibrant airports and the benefits that go along with it: more jobs, more travelers, and a competitive advantage for our city."

However, critics like United Airlines and others have gone on record against the idea, saying expansion at Hobby will hurt activities at the other airport and potentially cost jobs at Bush Intercontinental.

Meantime, Texas Organizing Project is working hard to make sure the community's concerns over the controversial issues are heard.

Members of the advocacy group are meetings and canvassing the southeast side talking to neighbors. Durrell Douglas tells us about some of the issue neighbors are bringing up.

"Who is going to make sure that those streets, like Mykawa and Bellfort, that flood every time we get a heavy rain are going to be taken care of? If this is going to bring 10,000 jobs, like the study stated, are those jobs going to be given to people here in Houston, and more specifically to the people that live and work around Hobby Airport?" Douglas said.

Some community members are pointing out they thinks it's rather interesting the Greater Houston Partnership would announce its support for the airport expansion on the same day City Council approved its $360,000 consulting bid for the Houston Airport System.

(Copyright ©2012 KTRK-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.) Get more Local »

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Local soldier surprises girlfriend with proposal at airport

A Houston soldier had a big idea when he popped the big question to his girlfriend.

  HOUSTON (KTRK) -- A local soldier made sure his proposal was one to remember -- even getting the help of other passengers on his flight home.

Each of his fellow travelers gave a rose to Army Lieutenant George Dalton's girlfriend, Lauren Raabe before Dalton came in to ask the big question.

"Will you marry me," he asked.

She replied, "yes."

Dalton worked with his parents back here in Houston to get permission from American Airlines to have the roses at the gate when the flight arrived at Bush Intercontinental Airport. Dalton says all the planning kept him on edge.

"I've been nervous for the past couple of hours," said Dalton. "I haven't been able to eat or think about anything else."

Dalton is home from a tour in Iraq for two weeks. The couple says they will get married when his tour is complete in a few months.

(Copyright ©2011 KTRK-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.) Get more Local »

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Chinese company withdraws proposal to run Galveston port

  GALVESTON, TX (KTRK) -- A Chinese company has withdrawn its proposal to run operations at the port of Galveston.

Hutchinson Port Holdings of Hong Kong has not given the port a reason for the withdrawal. Port officials were hoping leasing out operations would bring in money to expand and enhance the port. (Copyright ©2011 KTRK-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.) Get more

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