Northeast Redevelopment District vetoed by Governor

STATE SENATOR BORRIS MILES
STATE SENATOR BORRIS MILES

By Gilbert Hoffman

Community leaders and residents of Northeast Houston, including North Forest and some areas in Sheldon and Old Beaumont Gardens, were disappointed to learn that Governor Abbott had vetoed SB390, which would have created a Redevelopment District for their area.

It was expected that the new district would have been a boost to economic development in the area, and also bring other quality of life improvements such as increased police patrols, water and sewer improvements, and more educational opportunities, similar to other Management Districts.

State Senator Borris Miles, who represents the area and was the major sponsor of the bill, issued the following statement: “I am very disappointed and shocked with the Governor’s veto of SB 390, which would create the Northeast Houston Redevelopment District. The governor’s office did not indicate any problem with this bill until late in the session but worked with my staff on changes to eliminate concerns and even helped clear procedural hurdles to get the bill passed. This part of Senate District 13 has been in desperate need of economic development for years and was one of the areas hit the hardest by Hurricane Harvey.

“While this veto eliminates a tool to help revitalize the area, it will not stop my efforts to continue working with the community to bring more new businesses and jobs for the people in these neighborhoods.”

The area that would have been included in the Northeast Houston Redevelopment District is east of US59, and north of Liberty Road, including land in Harris County and the City of Houston.