[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-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",[32,75,87,99],{"_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",6534393,"mediaKeyId","3626068-f156e7bf1c19f69d30a512c77cd7e963","parentId",3626068,"title","Bellaire council adopts 40 mph limit for I‑610 frontage roads after heated debate over northern segment","audioSeconds",1408,"startMs",2423000,"endMs",3831000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3626068-f156e7bf1c19f69d30a512c77cd7e963&start=2423&end=3831","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3626068-f156e7bf1c19f69d30a512c77cd7e963/thumbnail_2423000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6534393/Bellaire/Harris-County/Texas/Bellaire-council-adopts-40-mph-limit-for-I610-frontage-roads-after-heated-debate-over-northern-segment","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6534393-a4aced42c561393560be1eda5ee29cc6/orig.mp4?Expires=1770418650&Signature=h~czhS1jVDnnWV9PuNcw8DFWGffCL1X0ECNTKDcJD1NgIEgTKoQSzY1gtlpWhF4NUu4YmSCXLOfvTHMuZ359P3TE2yEZaoKIjYYEaw53WmJK1I84aLBEWe44TdI2CT5zCa2EfikvkGuqlfvU3TSilfzR5~ngE0TwLfNvoKl3RDjfKI-1IG2nlCmaHLay7eUOGOTdhkeGfd6czy9zvEYi8yrfqk08vVPfqOzpDI8Nl~w3~kYQwxqXTmzyBPStzDznNaJhkLjoKpeAvjM1GYlhaKCVkHxMhVn2zavPx2u~RY3Hhqns61d~BBY60RvAL9WgrXUZkvl-s65GnYktKCTecQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Bellaire","date","2025-06-02T00:00:00Z","article","The Bellaire City Council voted on June 2 to amend the city code to set the speed limit on I‑610 (the Interstate 610) frontage roads within Bellaire at 40 miles per hour, adopting a recommendation from the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT).

The change matters because the frontage roads carry high‑speed traffic and because some residents and council members urged caution for a short northern segment—between Westpark and Fornace Place—where recent freeway reconstructions and new ramps create merging and lane‑change conflicts. Council Member Cindy (last name not specified) proposed an amendment to keep the 5200–5900 blocks of West Loop South (the northern feeder segment) at 35 mph; that amendment failed in a 3–3 tie. The council then approved the TxDOT recommendation by majority vote; the record shows the ordinance amendment passed with all voting members recorded as in favor when the final vote was taken.

Travis Tanner, the city’s director of development services, told the council TxDOT had completed a speed‑zone study and recommended a 40 mph limit in the frontage‑road areas. Tanner said the city’s code of ordinances still listed 35 mph in some places, while signage along most frontage‑road stretches already posted 40 mph; staff recommended amending the code to align with the posted signs and TxDOT’s engineering recommendation.

Several council members and residents pushed back. Council Member Cindy said she had driven the segment and found no 40 mph signs in that particular stretch; she also said the speed study TxDOT provided dated from 1997 and that the freeway and ramps had been reconstructed twice since then. She described a short distance with merging traffic and ramps that can produce fast, unpredictable lane changes, and she said she worried a higher posted limit would encourage faster driving where lane changes and merges increase crash risk.

Other council members urged deference to the engineering study, noting that speed limits typically follow formal traffic engineering recommendations. Councilman Gordon and other members said adopting a consistent posted speed along the frontage roads would reduce confusion and align the city code with engineered signage.

Council members discussed options: asking TxDOT to reexamine the specific northern segment, hiring a city traffic engineer for a focused study, or proceeding now with the TxDOT recommendation and revisiting the segment later. The motion to keep the 5200–5900 block at 35 mph failed by a 3–3 tie; the council then approved the ordinance amendment reflecting the 40 mph recommendation by the vote recorded at the meeting.

The council and staff noted that TxDOT controls highway and frontage‑road engineering and that city action that conflicts with TxDOT recommendations can create enforcement and jurisdictional complications. Several council members said they might pursue further engineering review focused on the northern segment before making any additional changes.

The ordinance amending the city code to reflect 40 mph on the I‑610 frontage roads was approved and will be reflected in the city’s code of ordinances; the transcript did not show an ordinance number in the record and did not list individual roll‑call votes by name.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Bellaire - City Council - Jun 02, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Bellaire City Council voted on June 2 to amend the city code to set the speed limit on I‑610 frontage roads within Bellaire at 40 mph, following a TxDOT speed‑zone recommendation, after debate over one short northern segment where council members and residents urged caution.","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},6534380,"City manager reports progress on hydrants, mosquito control, transit center closure and upcoming events",146,1059000,1205000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3626068-f156e7bf1c19f69d30a512c77cd7e963&start=1059&end=1205","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3626068-f156e7bf1c19f69d30a512c77cd7e963/thumbnail_1059000.jpg","/articles/6534380/Bellaire/Harris-County/Texas/City-manager-reports-progress-on-hydrants-mosquito-control-transit-center-closure-and-upcoming-events","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6534380-9da6de8fbd1ebae3ff5dd1c4cc876d54/orig.mp4?Expires=1770418650&Signature=iym~AZVBTqvTOs-dawZJHZ~Fkc~xFH~9giaehioL8V6FzKFE3xP0jpN8DqQJobRNWyHS5MGSvU8SdeY42f~k5KuHQf~~MLOEvQf0cJHQYeogut8FjuqNQ1IWp31UOlowXzDkQ01BTzAkzazUjJZaYy39jz5mHmn7PeLizLrZskvl~r6dUUMa3Peo60YdZIRoO1vjmmpik2oXOKL78n2cPlvEI~jTIAUCNB~lAvjlJXrbvwjUufBuJ9S9EL4~pEfmaQ-8e94zUw3k3w~tP34MGcDybZWeW3Is2mJSHkFtZPhZV8SkB35PLc-3BffNblIVYdEWU6ASCbWxAhucH2v76Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City Manager Sharon Satino delivered the city manager report at the June 2 meeting and provided multiple operational updates for Bellaire residents.

Hydrant maintenance and testing: Satino said the city has about 770 total fire hydrants; 55 had been bagged out of service. Through coordinated efforts between the fire department and public works using some overtime, staff returned about 85% of the previously bagged hydrants to service within a week. Satino said a small number of hydrants will require full replacement or contractor work beyond in‑house capabilities; staff will prioritize replacements as needed.

Mosquito control: Satino announced the city’s mosquito control program began on June 2. Residents may file an annual “no spray” request with the city; Satino also noted there is an opt‑out process through Harris County for county spraying and staff can post information directing residents to both options.

Metro transit center and temporary stops: Satino said Metro will close the transit center briefly for construction from Thursday, June 5 through Friday, June 13; temporary stops will be installed along Bellaire at South Rice during that period and no permanent traffic pattern changes were expected.

Community programs and events: Satino highlighted the recently graduated sixth Citizens Police Academy class (a 10‑week program) and several upcoming community events including a Pavilion concert on June 6, the Independence Day parade and festival on July 4 (parade begins at 9 a.m.), and a cardboard boat regatta on July 17 at the Family Aquatic Center. She reminded residents about Hurricane Season preparedness resources and the STEER program for residents with special needs in emergencies, both available on the city website.

Capital projects preview: Satino summarized items expected on upcoming agendas, including a presentation by Friese Nichols on a wastewater flow‑monitoring study and rehab plan, a proposed contract with HDR for EPA waterline project construction management, architect and budget amendments for a new public works facility, and a contract request related to rehabilitation of the REMIC water well under emergency purchase orders; staff expects to bring a full scope and cost for the REMIC project to council on July 7 for ratification.

Public works director Mark Velasquez joined the presentation to confirm the hydrant pressure had been stable in most parts of the city and offered to take pressure readings at residents’ houses on request.

","City Manager Sharon Satino told the council the city has restored 85% of previously bagged fire hydrants through in‑house work, launched mosquito control on June 2 with an opt‑out option, and notified residents of a temporary Metro transit center closure June 5–13 and several summer events.",{"_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},6534383,"Residents, Rotary raise homelessness and safety concerns near Bellaire Town Center; city outlines response options",977,686000,1663000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3626068-f156e7bf1c19f69d30a512c77cd7e963&start=686&end=1663","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3626068-f156e7bf1c19f69d30a512c77cd7e963/thumbnail_686000.jpg","/articles/6534383/Bellaire/Harris-County/Texas/Residents-Rotary-raise-homelessness-and-safety-concerns-near-Bellaire-Town-Center-city-outlines-response-options","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6534383-09396e9396fee8a7d5012fd960f97922/orig.mp4?Expires=1770418650&Signature=RqpJa4MF0OKlxjCn~PnKuoAezvEbXhh1MQ0OutnWLovKz0ERXrpqqOkrbscLI3rS~2sqyyLCKdLooC1Ydj8h54sM03B94f5iq-kZIABw3Pn4JGWWyS-nXNYSagFIl5jpd7VdgM9ZM-N22fVXM-RLyVYe-xDs0rjiP0sj6vxpg4KoSNJsmlTofX4ruMiukC96MP7m2Ri0rgW~4OaisGlmAGkd-lSF1RKATfSV3UdgFP8UeLMYACysepU7Lh4b6VQSxfSEA7rqZGk-2MifGfN99CVPnmEo2ObEPdFQ5l6bR8MJfcHSKZ6iIgKa7t~-kNX8ICGt3ObeUu5VecIrtIuBYw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","During public comment at the June 2 Bellaire City Council meeting, several speakers urged action on homelessness and encampments near transit stops and the Town Center, saying the issue is affecting businesses and pedestrian safety.

Tim Sullivan, a Rotary Club member, told the council he had raised the issue with the new Metro Police chief, described people living at bus stops he called “metro mini houses,” and said officers had been present recently. Sullivan urged the city to coordinate with regional providers and law enforcement and said he was trying to convene a local group of providers and stakeholders—“a homeless board”—to identify next steps. He said some individuals living in public spaces can be “fairly aggressive,” which concerns residents using nearby parks and businesses.

City Manager Sharon Satino responded that the city does not operate shelter beds but that the police department routinely interacts with people in need, offers rides to services, and has developed trust with some frequent‑contact individuals. Satino and other council members said the police department and the city’s crime victim specialist provide outreach and that when behavior becomes a public‑safety concern the department will respond. Council members said business owners who wish to enforce trespass should contact the non‑emergency police number and that 911 should be used for imminent danger.

Council members and residents expressed interest in greater coordination with regional homeless service providers and in proactive community responses that balance business vitality and compassion for people experiencing homelessness. No formal council action or funding commitment was made at the meeting; council members asked staff to continue outreach and use available tools to address immediate safety concerns while noting the city’s limited direct service capacity.

","Public commenters and council members discussed homelessness and encampments near transit stops and the Town Center. A Rotary member urged coordinated action and proposed a local homeless board; city staff said police will offer services and address problematic behavior but the city lacks shelter beds to relocate people locally.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6534387,"Votes at a glance: council approves EPA waterline grant, Braeburn speed humps, contracts and traffic‑signal grant",55,3858000,3913000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3626068-f156e7bf1c19f69d30a512c77cd7e963&start=3858&end=3913","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3626068-f156e7bf1c19f69d30a512c77cd7e963/thumbnail_3858000.jpg","/articles/6534387/Bellaire/Harris-County/Texas/Votes-at-a-glance-council-approves-EPA-waterline-grant-Braeburn-speed-humps-contracts-and-trafficsignal-grant","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6534387-e574ac8aace1aa02a5ca1f52b4a86c9b/orig.mp4?Expires=1770418650&Signature=gqlPBCYs7KcsvKzl~lKqVtNrnV0C5xs9WkeJyDb2dUFdtxTVX3ohCbM9L8gQolOpcMstnCBb~s9o6cnIN-ufG9S5YBv1E2wsttx-DDsqGqv2TmgLa6QAPxI2khHKLol1dFVqB~I0D-11Y~o2iztellXsLVH42XNNa4ZwzIKLZUnWxSAbouhR2GTEV5M3nAse5YdcNy4jgbzZkwCALMQryi~yU7h-bHmol44CCE02gThdTiixKmziDfAzu-vSxBtLvzTq3Sf5woefkbSsIgzUFDb-SKQ0aZilezYsKg9DkMVU2ugAlIcZpu~tIDf0vSvhXCzXwlDteTrE5AIvqMg8Xg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Bellaire’s City Council on June 2 approved multiple items on the agenda during a meeting that combined public comment, staff presentations and lengthy debate on a separate speed‑limit item.

Key council actions (motions adopted):

- EPA waterline grant acceptance and budget amendment: The council accepted a federal grant awarded from combined fiscal year 2022 and 2023 appropriations for leftover water‑line replacements from the Better Bellaire bond program. Maureen Campbell (capital projects and grants manager) said the combined award totaled about $3,100,000 with a local match already appropriated in the city’s CIP; staff secured a consultant to complete NEPA environmental clearance. Council approved the acceptance and the related budget amendment to appropriate the grant funds; votes were recorded as unanimous.

- Petition for speed humps on 5400 block of Braeburn Drive (Agenda Item 3A): Travis Tanner, director of development services, presented staff’s recommendation to install three bolt‑down rubber speed humps spaced roughly 325 feet apart. The block is approximately 1,300 linear feet long. Petitioners would pay the initial cost, estimated at $9,000 for the three units; staff will evaluate the installation for 180 days before making a permanent recommendation. The council voted to approve the petition; the record shows the vote was unanimous.

- Consent agenda contracts (items A–E): The council approved several consent items including two contracts that drew brief questions. One contract with RayTech Construction Resources was discussed; Council members asked about large annual amounts shown in the contract language ($450,000 per renewal year up to four years) and staff clarified the contract is for on‑call services and the city is not locked into spending that amount if it is not budgeted. Another consent item included a $150,000 annual authorization with the same budget caveat. Both contracts were approved, and the record shows unanimous votes.

- Reissuance of ordinance related to TxDOT/traffic‑signal timing grant: Staff asked the council to reissue ordinance No. 24068 (as required by TxDOT wording) for the Service Transportation Block Grant funding the traffic‑signal timing software and study. The project has a 10% local match through the regional match pool; staff said the city will manage the software/timing portion and will oversee costs to avoid overruns. The council approved the reissuance unanimously.

How the actions will be implemented:
- The Braeburn speed humps will be installed at the petitioners’ expense, evaluated over 180 days, and staff will report back with recommendations for permanence.
- The EPA grant funds will be booked into revenue and expense accounts in the CIP and staff will proceed with NEPA compliance and project procurement as required by federal grant rules.
- The on‑call street‑repair contract will be used for emergency/repair work as needed and can be canceled if the city does not budget the contract amounts in a given year.

Votes and formal identifiers: the meeting record did not specify ordinance numbers for all items at the mic, but the agenda identified Braeburn petition as Item 3A, the TxDOT traffic signal ordinance as an ordinance reissuance referencing No. 24068, and the EPA award as a federal grant acceptance tied to FY22/FY23 appropriations. Where the transcript did not list individual roll‑call names, the record reports the results as unanimous.","At its June 2, 2025 meeting the Bellaire City Council approved a series of ordinances, contracts and petitions including acceptance of a federal EPA waterline grant, a petition to install three bolt‑down rubber speed humps on Braeburn Drive, two consent contracts, and reissuance of a TxDOT‑required ordinance for a traffic‑signal timing grant.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Bellaire council adopts 40 mph limit for I‑610 frontage roads after heated debate over northern segment

City manager reports progress on hydrants, mosquito control, transit center closure and upcoming events

Residents, Rotary raise homelessness and safety concerns near Bellaire Town Center; city outlines response options

Votes at a glance: council approves EPA waterline grant, Braeburn speed humps, contracts and traffic‑signal grant