[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6568725,"mediaKeyId","3193960-cd8a894617919c5eb27ce18aca271ca0","parentId",3193960,"title","Residents report three burglaries near Ponte Alba apartments and call for city inspections","audioSeconds",374,"startMs",3379000,"endMs",3753000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3193960-cd8a894617919c5eb27ce18aca271ca0&start=3379&end=3753","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3193960-cd8a894617919c5eb27ce18aca271ca0/thumbnail_3379000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6568725/Bellaire/Harris-County/Texas/Residents-report-three-burglaries-near-Ponte-Alba-apartments-and-call-for-city-inspections","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6568725-dbacf61ebee35ea4987c96f8550454b5/orig.mp4?Expires=1771090073&Signature=YTdfeIdqjQA3WisRPjUysqexxndLtUKZw7~G2n9Wr-XbDUl8DZcJ0VBJsP61NYtzRz-ejzTlbk2JYqrhG2AGyBknyF9ddsBFDmcy~qb3ffycYJUtBWByfe9h9QZfGMBhUr23dW9WbsCKw9xqsVQ8R8Joni034gC1twYqDhwkkv6cQN8NaWqS6Ji3e1qKf7Tp4TS5UhcuCOtLdDKdif-GZdJjJLLxyy1xTLf3s3KfZtUTM9yRAZQMvROrHnD-GoAkhgoQXtzcq2C5WF~UgUM78GjjVbJCV~MlI8vH5t9dwy9oH3DvxT3qXbWDla-A1jyb7ktKrZnJEJ0CHYgkwB1xRg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Bellaire","date","2025-05-05T00:00:00Z","article","Several Bellaire residents told the city council on May 5 that they had experienced or witnessed a string of residential burglaries near the Ponte Alba apartments and urged the city to inspect the complex and enforce housing and safety codes.

What residents said
Sherry Noblet, who organized a neighborhood meeting after the incidents, told council “a home burglary is very traumatizing” and that three break-ins occurred within an 11‑day span in a small area that includes Mulberry Lane and adjoining blocks. Several victims and neighbors described similar burglary patterns: glass broken or doors forced, intruders rifling through bedrooms and closets, and property taken. One account supplied in writing by John and Edi Stevanova described a rear-mudroom window and a divided light door kicked in and said the rapid police response likely prevented further loss.

Speakers and evidence presented
Residents described a set of chronic property problems at the Ponte Alba complex: collapsed or missing fencing and holes in fences, overflowing dumpsters and debris, rusted railings, temporary chilled-water units for HVAC, and unsecured easements at the rear of the complex that they said allow easy, unobserved access. Some neighbors said they have seen unfamiliar people loitering on lawns and peering through fences; others reported property-paraphernalia in yards. Several residents said they had cameras or photo evidence and requested the city examine the photos and inspect the property.

What staff told council
Sharon Satino, the city manager, told council that the city can observe conditions from the public right-of-way and that staff had already investigated some code complaints at the property; she said the city will review the residents’ photos. Travis Tanner, director of development services, said the city has previously addressed code issues visible from the exterior and that involuntary interior inspections or forcible entry require legal process (warrant) or resident consent; he said the city can pursue code-enforcement paths where statutes or codes are being violated and has used the Building and Standards Commission process for substandard properties in the past. The police chief urged residents to report suspicious activity and said officers respond as resources allow; he also said increased patrol presence helps but cannot guarantee incidents will not occur.

Neighbors’ requests and council response
Residents asked the council for an expedited property inspection program, daily enforcement, and stronger follow-up against property owners who fail to maintain safe conditions. Several requested that the city review whether Ponte Alba is complying with applicable rental and safety standards and consider civil penalties if violations are found. Staff said they would take the photographic and written evidence submitted by residents, review applicable code violations visible from the right-of-way and initiate enforcement action where appropriate; staff also described the procedural steps and timeline for cases that might proceed to the Building and Standards Commission or require further legal steps.

Clarifying details
- Residents said three burglaries occurred within an 11-day window in a small radius that includes Mulberry Lane, Bissonnet, and properties backing to Ponte Alba (resident statements).
- Reported exterior problems included broken fences, holes in the rear access, overflowing dumpsters, temporary chiller units, loose boards, and rusted railings; residents provided photos to staff (public comment and written submissions).
- Staff said the city has limited authority to enter private units without owner/tenant consent or a warrant; exterior and safety-code violations visible from the right-of-way can be enforced, and persistent substandard properties may be addressed through the Building and Standards Commission process (Travis Tanner).

Outcome and next steps
Council received the reports and directed staff to review the photographic and written evidence, inspect the property from public right-of-way, and pursue code-enforcement avenues as allowed by law. Staff said they will follow up with affected residents on enforcement options and any next steps that may require administrative or legal action.

Speakers (as recorded for this item)
- Sherry Noblet, Resident, organizer of Mulberry area meeting — citizen
- John and Danielle (Crockett), Residents (written comment and public comment) — citizens
- Margaret Olsson, Resident — citizen
- Laura (last name not specified in transcript), Resident — citizen
- Sharon Satino, City Manager — government
- Travis Tanner, Director of Development Services — government
- Police Chief, Bellaire Police Department — government

Authorities referenced
- Building and Standards Commission procedures (administrative/code enforcement) — referenced by: Travis Tanner (staff)

Topics
- Primary: housing-code-enforcement — justification: residents requested inspection and enforcement of housing and safety codes at a private multifamily complex; topic_relevance:0.95 depth_score:0.80 opinionatedness:0.05 controversy:0.60 civic_salience:0.75 impactfulness:0.70 geo_relevance:1.00

Provenance (selected excerpts from the meeting transcript)
- topicintro: {\"block_id\":\"s=5619.6797_e=5658.745\",\"local_start\":0,\"local_end\":220,\"evidence_excerpt\":\"Real quickly, we did talk to the officer... Sherry Noblet, 608 Mulberry Lane. And I wanna thank the mayor... for a 10 year Mulberry meeting about the issues, the 3 recent break ins...\"}
- topfinish: {\"block_id\":\"s=6115.99_e=6153.9697\",\"local_start\":0,\"local_end\":210,\"evidence_excerpt\":\"I would hope that urgency would be given to this matter because this is not the first time we've addressed this...\"}","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Bellaire - City Council - May 05, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Residents reported three burglaries in about 11 days near the Ponte Alba apartments and told council of deteriorating exterior conditions at the complex, asking the city to inspect and enforce housing and safety codes.","taxTitle","Bellaire, Harris County, Texas","taxId",69496,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6568721,"Resident alleges family member was improperly held at Houston Behavioral Health Hospital; asks council for transparency",254,2625000,2879000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3193960-cd8a894617919c5eb27ce18aca271ca0&start=2625&end=2879","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3193960-cd8a894617919c5eb27ce18aca271ca0/thumbnail_2625000.jpg","/articles/6568721/Bellaire/Harris-County/Texas/Resident-alleges-family-member-was-improperly-held-at-Houston-Behavioral-Health-Hospital-asks-council-for-transparency","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6568721-5e096a2860409df74250ec42126cea38/orig.mp4?Expires=1771090073&Signature=JKAMYDFCvkUauDWklXM08ognyhlv4fz84X1N4Yv1-lMCnj7lkw98cZGajgt-~hEYJ96k5avZBk-21ybCiPcIzAfCa9ipW5pL9G~rI-LuyGaBfQ2dPTUPwWoJAvrOOCnPnQJKIETkGqg0QrxSYZTfX3MenksMb8HuZz~CMG5SWLgPFj1vevKk8XjazxIQ1r3VVy~LmKf-pMMXIui2oZ-erYNRqk4KU8l4la~TxnHWMgKQ-5TV6R8NVkYA67nKMVlddwjTnDgHo5f76YEuQ8~mZKgmJRItfF2pdavwm8LrhN3EAkKnZQKiHUw~I2TIEef1DRta~kptJyAfDjDM2-q-Hw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Jason Cohen used the personal-and-audience-comments portion of the May 5 meeting to tell the council his family’s experience involving his sister and Houston Behavioral Health Hospital, and to ask city leaders for transparency about related police interactions.

What the resident alleged (attribution)
Cohen said the episode occurred a little over a year ago when his sister experienced a behavioral-health crisis. He told council Bellaire police were called by his parents and that his sister was taken to “Houston Behavioral Health Hospital” and, he said, held there for nearly a month. Cohen characterized the extended detention as inconsistent with a 48‑hour emergency hold framework he referred to as the “Baker Act” (a Florida statute he cited). He said hospital staff administered antipsychotic medications against his sister’s will and that the hospitalization left her in worse condition when she was released. Cohen described the hospitalization as “elder abuse” as he understood it and said his family later encountered what he described as rude or retaliatory behavior by some police officers when they attempted to follow up.

Requests and immediate response
Cohen requested transparency from city officials and said he had sought public records; he said the city asked him to pay thousands of dollars to obtain requested records under the Texas Public Information Act. He urged the mayor and council to investigate and promised to provide more documentation.

How the council and staff responded
Mayor Gussey Pappas and other council members did not take action at the meeting but offered to speak with Cohen after the session. City staff and council members noted the complaint raises serious issues and said it may require further factual review; council suggested follow-up conversations outside of the public meeting so staff can gather records and evaluate next steps. No formal investigation or staff action was announced on the record at the May 5 meeting.

Clarifying notes
- The statements in this report about the hospitalization, medication and alleged police conduct are presented as allegations by Jason Cohen to the Bellaire City Council. Council members and staff did not confirm those factual assertions during the public comment period on May 5.
- Cohen referenced the “Baker Act,” a Florida statute governing emergency detention in that state; he used it to describe a 48‑hour emergency-hold period in his remarks but did not claim a specific Texas statute required the same timeframe in Bellaire.
- Cohen said he spoke with police personnel he identified by name in his public comment; council did not respond with a public factual record or release at the meeting.

Speakers (as recorded for this item)
- Jason Cohen, Resident / public commenter — citizen
- Mayor Gussey Pappas, Mayor — government (offered to speak privately after the meeting)

Authorities referenced
- \"Baker Act\" (referenced by speaker as a 48-hour emergency-hold example; note: Baker Act is a Florida statute) — referenced_by: Jason Cohen

Topics
- Primary: police-conduct / public-records transparency — justification: the speaker alleged possible improper hospital detention and raised concerns about police interactions and the cost of public records requests; topic_relevance:0.88 depth_score:0.50 opinionatedness:0.30 controversy:0.70 civic_salience:0.60 impactfulness:0.40 geo_relevance:1.00

Provenance (selected excerpt from the meeting transcript)
- topicintro: {\"block_id\":\"s=4345.675_e=4376.0146\",\"local_start\":0,\"local_end\":200,\"evidence_excerpt\":\"I wanted to discuss something... my sister was taken prisoner... She was taken to this place and held against her will for almost a month.\"}
- topfinish: {\"block_id\":\"s=4771.5547_e=4779.31\",\"local_start\":0,\"local_end\":80,\"evidence_excerpt\":\"Mister Pappas, I'd like to speak to you more about it later... It sounds like this is far more complicated than something that you can convey in 5 minutes.\"}","A Bellaire resident told the city council during public comment that his sister had been detained at Houston Behavioral Health Hospital for about a month and urged officials to investigate alleged hospital and police conduct.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6568730,"Bellaire holds public hearing on petition for speed humps on Braeburn Drive",3044,1201000,4245000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3193960-cd8a894617919c5eb27ce18aca271ca0&start=1201&end=4245","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3193960-cd8a894617919c5eb27ce18aca271ca0/thumbnail_1201000.jpg","/articles/6568730/Bellaire/Harris-County/Texas/Bellaire-holds-public-hearing-on-petition-for-speed-humps-on-Braeburn-Drive","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6568730-ffaf4d9ded075c9a14f76c688f2363db/orig.mp4?Expires=1771090073&Signature=kknF3dpaa9QF3kGJ0RgK7Zs-98SLwZ~Ov8Otfttl3FpiU18yypnYJzOA1Onuuu~cElfMoI1W2sntoG0pMZJ8wWa7hplS7UiPE-bHhjd8WFRL8KMiIdwmp2uE6hz~EIMDvPeJ34X09mKtj9VHyTboHgQmVmApZZ9sL7oPQ-mczhhoLz~io5IvI69Z07ZI9XExY7KW64qzSoyQho-gx6tkMRrM02jbRc0Lj~sHdW6valESGJp7-gU8qv0xl~iS0I7f~CWV3q3Xc8KUaQJbLrcW3g-k5x3iR3KS7pBKv~ceg8kVbUXA~5uU-llFgGn6OY1itdDGiCLxrIhmgbk2CD6GaQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A public hearing at the May 5 Bellaire City Council meeting drew residents and city staff to discuss a petition from more than 80% of property owners on the 5400 block of Braeburn Drive asking the city to install speed humps on that block.

The petition presentation was led by petitioner Reagan Heiner and by Travis Tanner, the city’s director of development services. Tanner said the police placed a speed trailer on the block between April 2 and April 21. From that period the city’s data showed 71% of vehicles were within the posted 30 mph limit and 29% were speeding; 12.6% were classified as “excessive” (five or more mph over the limit), Tanner said. The city clerk read the public-notice details and identified the enabling ordinance as No. 25-029; 101 mailed notices were sent to properties in the 5300–5400 blocks, the clerk said.

Why it matters: residents described daily foot traffic, children and pets on Braeburn and said physical calming would be more effective than signage or sporadic enforcement. Petitioners must pay the installation cost if the council approves the traffic-calming devices, and the council did not vote at the May 5 hearing; final deliberation is anticipated on June 2, 2025.

What petitioners and neighbors told the council
Reagan Heiner, speaking for petitioners, described Braeburn as a mile-long cut-through with heavy pedestrian use and no sidewalks. Heiner said the petitioners initially requested three speed humps (to match a similar block on Valerie), but that some neighbors had suggested four; she told council she did not feel strongly about the exact count and asked neighbors to weigh in. Heiner also urged the city to consider whether the traffic study had been skewed by nearby construction at 5415 Braeburn and asked the city to extend the data-gathering period if needed.

Several residents backed Heiner’s request and recounted close calls and a reported collision. Elaine Frankel said she and family members witnessed a “very bad accident” in which a car struck another vehicle and ended up in a front yard; she said the event reinforced safety concerns on the block. Written comments submitted to the clerk — from homeowners including Jose Perez and Christina (5423 Braeburn), Brenda and Naveen Carrivi, Jill Wunsang and Richard Wagner, and others — expressed support for three speed humps and, in some cases, preference for concrete humps rather than rubber.

Opponents and alternatives
Not all speakers supported humps. Boris Jenkins (5404 Braeburn) said speed humps can cause vehicle wear and would push traffic onto alternative streets; he suggested better enforcement for the small share of drivers who travel at “criminal speeds.” Jason Cohen, who said family lives on Evergreen, urged the city to consider a speed camera program that could also generate revenue. Laney Gordon and others favored sidewalks as a long-term solution but acknowledged trees and right-of-way limits make sidewalk installation difficult.

Staff responses and safety concerns
Tanner told council the petition meets the technical threshold in the public notice and reiterated that petitioners would pay installation costs if the council approves the device. Council members and staff referenced prior debates on other streets, noting that emergency-response time was raised in a 2023 petition on Cedar; the fire chief and the police chief said the city regularly reviews response concerns. The police chief noted officers do patrol neighborhoods but said, as a practical matter, officers tend to avoid routes with speed humps when other patrol options exist; the fire chief said department vehicles have heavy-duty suspensions and would not be significantly hindered by properly designed humps.

Radar sign data and next steps
Staff explained radar trailer displays have two modes: “active” (displaying speed) and a stealth mode used to capture speed data without the display’s influence. Several speakers said the trailer’s placement near active construction and its facing direction (toward Renwick) may have biased the captured speeds; Heiner and others asked the city to consider extending the study after construction activity subsides. The clerk read the public-comment procedures and a deadline for written comments: written material for the council’s final deliberation must be submitted by noon on Thursday, May 9, 2025. The council closed the public hearing and signaled the item will return for action on June 2, 2025.

Clarifying details
- The public notice cited ordinance No. 25-029 and said the petitioners represent more than 80% of property owners abutting the 5400 block of Braeburn Drive. Notices were mailed to 101 addresses in the 5300–5400 blocks (Tracy Dutton, city clerk).
- The police speed trailer was deployed April 2–21; results reported by staff: 71% within limit, 29% speeding, 12.6% excessive (≥5 mph over the limit) (Travis Tanner, director of development services).
- Petitioners asked for three speed humps in the petition packet; some neighbors raised alternatives including sidewalks, closure of the west end, or speed cameras.
- If the council approves speed humps, petitioners are responsible for installation costs (staff presentation).

Outcome and next steps
The council held the public hearing, took public and written comments into the record and closed the hearing. No formal vote was taken; the council anticipates final deliberation and a possible decision on Monday, June 2, 2025. Staff said they will accept written comments through the clerk’s office for inclusion in the June record.

Speakers (as recorded for this item)
- Gussey Pappas, Mayor, City of Bellaire (presiding) — government
- Travis Tanner, Director of Development Services — government
- Tracy Dutton, City Clerk — government
- Sharon Satino, City Manager — government
- Reagan Heiner, Petitioner / Resident — citizen
- Jason Cohen, Resident / commenter — citizen
- Laney Gordon, Resident — citizen
- Elaine Frankel, Resident — citizen
- Boris Jenkins, Resident — citizen
- Resident (longtime resident at 5419 Braeburn; name not given in oral remarks) — citizen
- Police Chief (role as recorded) — government
- Fire Chief (role as recorded) — government

Authorities referenced
- Ordinance No. 25-029 (referenced in hearing notice) — referenced by: City Clerk (Tracy Dutton)

Topics
- Primary: traffic-safety — justification: central subject of hearing and city staff data; topic_relevance:0.95 depth_score:0.85 opinionatedness:0.05 controversy:0.50 civic_salience:0.70 impactfulness:0.65 geo_relevance:1.00

Provenance (selected excerpts from the meeting transcript)
- topicintro: {\"block_id\":\"s=1201.3_e=1236.245\",\"local_start\":0,\"local_end\":220,\"evidence_excerpt\":\"Notice is hereby given that the city council has called by ordinance number 25 dash 0 2 9, a public hearing... There were 101 notices mailed.\"}
- topfinish: {\"block_id\":\"s=4207.8945_e=4245.07\",\"local_start\":0,\"local_end\":210,\"evidence_excerpt\":\"It is anticipated that final deliberation will occur on Monday, 06/02/2025... Therefore, written comments should be submitted by noon on Thursday, 05/09/2025.\"}","City staff and residents debated a petition from more than 80% of property owners on the 5400 block of Braeburn Drive to install speed humps. Traffic data presented by staff showed about 29% of vehicles exceeded the limit and petitioners asked for three humps; the council closed the hearing and expects final deliberation June 2.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Residents report three burglaries near Ponte Alba apartments and call for city inspections

Resident alleges family member was improperly held at Houston Behavioral Health Hospital; asks council for transparency

Bellaire holds public hearing on petition for speed humps on Braeburn Drive