Harris County Commissioners Demand Transparency on Park Land Condemnation

Harris County commissioners are seeking public input regarding a controversial plan to condemn a portion of Hermann Park to facilitate the expansion of Ben Taub Hospital. The proposal, which involves the seizure of nine acres known as the Warneke track, has faced scrutiny from both officials and community members who express concerns over transparency and the use of public land.

The land in question was originally donated by the Warneke family to the City of Houston 114 years ago, with the stipulation that it be used solely for park purposes. According to real estate experts, compensating the Warneke heirs for this land could cost upwards of $100 million. Several family members have voiced their opposition to the proposed condemnation, further complicating the issue.

During a recent meeting, Dr. Esmaeli Porsa, President of Harris Health, defended the necessity of the land acquisition, citing a pressing public health emergency that requires increased capacity at Ben Taub Hospital. “The facts are this expansion is needed to address an urgent public health emergency,” Dr. Porsa told the commissioners.

Despite the urgency presented by Harris Health, some commissioners expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of transparency in the process. Commissioner Tom Ramsey inquired about the extent of discussions between Harris Health and the Hermann Park Conservancy Board, which oversees the park’s management. Dr. Porsa admitted he had only met with the executive director of the conservancy, raising concerns about insufficient engagement with key stakeholders.

The Hermann Park Conservancy’s Executive Director, Cara Lambright, emphasized the importance of preserving parkland. “For too long, pieces of parkland have been ceded to the Medical Center because it’s the path of least resistance,” she stated. Roslyn Bazzelle Mitchell, chair of the conservancy board, added that the Texas Medical Center spans more than 1,000 acres, questioning why park land has been presented as the only viable option. She urged the county to thoroughly evaluate the need for such a drastic measure, stating, “Taking park land must be the absolute last resort.”

Commissioner Adrian Garcia revealed he was unaware of the eminent domain plans until recently. He expressed concern that Dr. Porsa had avoided mentioning the term during earlier discussions. “The point of eminent domain came up real late in the conversation,” he noted. In response to growing concerns, Garcia proposed a motion that was unanimously approved, requiring Harris Health to increase transparency in its actions. The motion mandates that Harris Health hold four public hearings throughout the county, explicitly informing attendees that the meetings will address the condemnation.

Commissioners also resisted Harris Health’s request for a vote on the condemnation by December 11, 2023, arguing that the timing, right before the holiday season, would hinder public participation. Commissioner Rodney Ellis remarked, “I normally don’t schedule my town hall meetings right before Christmas,” indicating a belief that the agency is attempting to limit public input.

Ellis further criticized the financial implications of the proposal, highlighting that a significant portion of funds would go to the Warneke family. He questioned whether using taxpayer money for such a purpose was in line with community priorities.

Long-time civic leader Katheryn McNeil commended the commissioners for their commitment to gathering more information before making a significant decision. The push for a transparent dialogue emphasizes the need for community involvement in a plan that could significantly alter the landscape of Hermann Park.

As the situation develops, the Harris County Commissioners remain focused on ensuring that the community has a voice in the decision-making process regarding this vital public resource.