ENGAGE HOUSTON
What is Engage Houston?
Engage Houston is a community engagement platform designed to empower individuals by giving them a voice on important and relevant issues. We provide opportunities for people to become more involved and actively contribute to their community.
With our Engage Us section on the project page, surveys, and various feedback tools, you can easily share your ideas, opinions, and comments on important issues related to capital projects.
Engage Houston serves as a central hub for community input, allowing you to provide feedback, participate in community meetings and review pertinent documents pertaining to each project.
How can I participate?
Each project on Engage Houston has its own unique engagement requirements. To participate:
- Visit the project page you’re interested in.
- Provide your feedback through online discussion forums, quick polls, forms, and surveys for the projects currently open for public comment.
While registration isn’t necessary to browse Engage Houston, it is required for more interactive engagement opportunities.
To get started:
- Click the “Sign In” or “Register” button at the top right of any page.
- Create a username and password.
- Answer a few quick questions about yourself.
- Validate your email address through the confirmation email you receive.
- Return to the website and click the “Sign In” button.
Ok, I'm registered, why do I need to subscribe?
Subscribing to the project page means that you are interested in being notified via email when updates are posted to the project page or when new information becomes available.
Ok, I've subscribed what should I expected from an update?
A project update includes the current phase or status of the project. If the project is in construction, we will update you of the percentage completed in place and construction photos will be added so you get a chance to see a visual representation of the project.
What happens to my feedback/questions?
All comments, ideas, and suggestions are collated and used by the relevant project teams to inform the development of strategies, programs, and activities, or to gain an insight into community views and opinions.
Often, feedback provided online is used in conjunction with other face-to-face consultation activities such as meetings, open houses or surveys.
When each consultation closes, all contributions are compiled into a report, which will be presented to the council when considering the particular matter.
All feedback provided during the consultation will be considered; however, this does not mean that every suggestion will affect the project or be adopted as proposed.
Note: All comments you make through this website will become public records for anyone to read
What are the project seasons on Engage Houston?
GENERAL PROJECT INFORMATION
What are construction workdays?
The Contractor will work Monday-Saturday from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM. However, extenuating circumstances may require limited work to take place outside of the standard hours.
What does Right of Way mean?
For most of the properties in the area, the City of Houston project right-of-way will extend about 2-feet into the property from the back of the curb. However, storm sewer and sanitary sewer line replacement will leave some residents with open excavations in their yards at times. As a result of this and related Capital Improvement Projects, the City and the contractors are granted full access to this right-of-way. Once complete, the Contractor is required to restore the impacted area of the grounds to the City of Houston standards.
Will updates be provided?
Property managers or representatives are invited to attend the monthly contractor status meetings that will allow them to provide periodic updates to the community. Register and subscribe to the project page to receive the latest and greatest updates!
At some point, will I have issues accessing my driveway?
Individual driveways may be impacted for several days during the construction process. Once construction begins on a street the Contractor will give notice 72 hours in advance if they need to work on a specific driveway.
What is being done to verify underground work is properly completed?
The City’s inspection team will ensure that the project is built to the design standards and meets all City codes and requirements.
What should I be prepared for if I have a sprinkler system?
We recommend that you take pictures of the sprinkler heads in the “on” position and be sure the pictures clearly show how many and the location of the sprinklers/heads that you have in the right-of-way area near the street/curb. The construction company will make the effort to cap off your sprinklers in the right-of-way that will be disturbed with the intent to keep your sprinklers working in the rest of the yard. The pictures should resolve any questions when it comes time for the construction company to repair them. It is entirely possible your system, or at least certain zones, may stop working once your yard is dug up as wires do occasionally get clipped. Be sure to have a garden hose and traditional sprinklers ready to use during this.
SIDEWALKS, TREES & LIGHTING
What trees are being removed?
Trees to be removed are identified on the Tree Preservation Plan. Diseased or dying trees will be removed. The City of Houston and the contractor will make an effort to identify trees that can be preserved during construction on a case-by-case basis.
Why have various markers and protective barriers been placed around trees, etc.?
Both the City of Houston and the contractor are taking precaution to protect existing trees and property as best as they can. Additional right-of-way markers may be placed along the curb and sidewalk/driveway area, and removal of these causes added delays and expense. Please do not remove these markers or any protective precautions that have been provided to the adjacent property.
How can the public feel comforted that all restoration will occur properly?
Restoration of adjacent property, sprinkler systems, etc. will occur once construction is complete. Additionally, the City will not approve final payment to the contractor until the City has completed their own assessment to ensure restoration is sufficient.
What about French drains?
We also recommend residents take pictures of any drains/PVC tubing going to the sidewalk or to the curb, so you have evidence for replacement. During restoration, the construction company will replace drains to the curb and if your drain only went to the sidewalk, they are likely to extend it to the curb/street.
What if my property has an improved, specialty driveway or walkway?
If this portion of your driveway or walkway is located in the right-of-way, the City is only required to return the driveway access points to City of Houston codes and standards. If warranted, special provisions will be considered, but all related costs of improvements over-and-above the City of Houston standards will be at the sole cost of the property owner, by a contractor of your choice. One example is a decorative or pebbled walkway or driveway; the contractor will be unable to replace with like product, and the City will not guarantee this work.
What about landscaping near streets, sidewalks and curbs?
If you have specific landscaping that you would like to be saved, we suggest that property owners relocate such plant materials now. Grass will be restored in areas upon completion of all construction.
ENGAGE HOUSTON
What is Engage Houston?
Engage Houston is a community engagement platform designed to empower individuals by giving them a voice on important and relevant issues. We provide opportunities for people to become more involved and actively contribute to their community.
With our Engage Us section on the project page, surveys, and various feedback tools, you can easily share your ideas, opinions, and comments on important issues related to capital projects.
Engage Houston serves as a central hub for community input, allowing you to provide feedback, participate in community meetings and review pertinent documents pertaining to each project.
How can I participate?
Each project on Engage Houston has its own unique engagement requirements. To participate:
- Visit the project page you’re interested in.
- Provide your feedback through online discussion forums, quick polls, forms, and surveys for the projects currently open for public comment.
While registration isn’t necessary to browse Engage Houston, it is required for more interactive engagement opportunities.
To get started:
- Click the “Sign In” or “Register” button at the top right of any page.
- Create a username and password.
- Answer a few quick questions about yourself.
- Validate your email address through the confirmation email you receive.
- Return to the website and click the “Sign In” button.
Ok, I'm registered, why do I need to subscribe?
Subscribing to the project page means that you are interested in being notified via email when updates are posted to the project page or when new information becomes available.
Ok, I've subscribed what should I expected from an update?
A project update includes the current phase or status of the project. If the project is in construction, we will update you of the percentage completed in place and construction photos will be added so you get a chance to see a visual representation of the project.
What happens to my feedback/questions?
All comments, ideas, and suggestions are collated and used by the relevant project teams to inform the development of strategies, programs, and activities, or to gain an insight into community views and opinions.
Often, feedback provided online is used in conjunction with other face-to-face consultation activities such as meetings, open houses or surveys.
When each consultation closes, all contributions are compiled into a report, which will be presented to the council when considering the particular matter.
All feedback provided during the consultation will be considered; however, this does not mean that every suggestion will affect the project or be adopted as proposed.
Note: All comments you make through this website will become public records for anyone to read
What are the project seasons on Engage Houston?
GENERAL PROJECT INFORMATION
What are construction workdays?
The Contractor will work Monday-Saturday from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM. However, extenuating circumstances may require limited work to take place outside of the standard hours.
What does Right of Way mean?
For most of the properties in the area, the City of Houston project right-of-way will extend about 2-feet into the property from the back of the curb. However, storm sewer and sanitary sewer line replacement will leave some residents with open excavations in their yards at times. As a result of this and related Capital Improvement Projects, the City and the contractors are granted full access to this right-of-way. Once complete, the Contractor is required to restore the impacted area of the grounds to the City of Houston standards.
Will updates be provided?
Property managers or representatives are invited to attend the monthly contractor status meetings that will allow them to provide periodic updates to the community. Register and subscribe to the project page to receive the latest and greatest updates!
At some point, will I have issues accessing my driveway?
Individual driveways may be impacted for several days during the construction process. Once construction begins on a street the Contractor will give notice 72 hours in advance if they need to work on a specific driveway.
What is being done to verify underground work is properly completed?
The City’s inspection team will ensure that the project is built to the design standards and meets all City codes and requirements.
What should I be prepared for if I have a sprinkler system?
We recommend that you take pictures of the sprinkler heads in the “on” position and be sure the pictures clearly show how many and the location of the sprinklers/heads that you have in the right-of-way area near the street/curb. The construction company will make the effort to cap off your sprinklers in the right-of-way that will be disturbed with the intent to keep your sprinklers working in the rest of the yard. The pictures should resolve any questions when it comes time for the construction company to repair them. It is entirely possible your system, or at least certain zones, may stop working once your yard is dug up as wires do occasionally get clipped. Be sure to have a garden hose and traditional sprinklers ready to use during this.
SIDEWALKS, TREES & LIGHTING
What trees are being removed?
Trees to be removed are identified on the Tree Preservation Plan. Diseased or dying trees will be removed. The City of Houston and the contractor will make an effort to identify trees that can be preserved during construction on a case-by-case basis.
Why have various markers and protective barriers been placed around trees, etc.?
Both the City of Houston and the contractor are taking precaution to protect existing trees and property as best as they can. Additional right-of-way markers may be placed along the curb and sidewalk/driveway area, and removal of these causes added delays and expense. Please do not remove these markers or any protective precautions that have been provided to the adjacent property.
How can the public feel comforted that all restoration will occur properly?
Restoration of adjacent property, sprinkler systems, etc. will occur once construction is complete. Additionally, the City will not approve final payment to the contractor until the City has completed their own assessment to ensure restoration is sufficient.
What about French drains?
We also recommend residents take pictures of any drains/PVC tubing going to the sidewalk or to the curb, so you have evidence for replacement. During restoration, the construction company will replace drains to the curb and if your drain only went to the sidewalk, they are likely to extend it to the curb/street.
What if my property has an improved, specialty driveway or walkway?
If this portion of your driveway or walkway is located in the right-of-way, the City is only required to return the driveway access points to City of Houston codes and standards. If warranted, special provisions will be considered, but all related costs of improvements over-and-above the City of Houston standards will be at the sole cost of the property owner, by a contractor of your choice. One example is a decorative or pebbled walkway or driveway; the contractor will be unable to replace with like product, and the City will not guarantee this work.
What about landscaping near streets, sidewalks and curbs?
If you have specific landscaping that you would like to be saved, we suggest that property owners relocate such plant materials now. Grass will be restored in areas upon completion of all construction.
