Harris County Delays Decision on Hermann Park Land Condemnation

Harris County commissioners are seeking public input regarding the proposed condemnation of **9 acres** of Hermann Park. This plan, initiated by **Harris Health** for the expansion of **Ben Taub Hospital**, has raised concerns about transparency and public engagement.

Efforts to acquire the land, known as the Warneke track, have been ongoing since **2024**. The land was donated to the City of Houston by the **Warneke family** over a century ago, specifically for park use. Real estate experts estimate that compensation to the Warneke heirs could exceed **$100 million**. Many heirs have publicly opposed the condemnation, intensifying the debate.

During a recent meeting, **Dr. Esmaeli Porsa**, President of Harris Health, defended the necessity of the expansion, citing an urgent public health emergency. He stated, “The facts are this expansion is needed to address an urgent public health emergency to increase additional capacity for Ben Taub Hospital.” Despite this, several commissioners expressed dissatisfaction with the level of transparency in the process.

In questioning Dr. Porsa, Commissioner **Tom Ramsey** asked about the frequency of meetings with the **Hermann Park Conservancy (HPC)** Board, which oversees park usage. Dr. Porsa admitted to having met only with the executive director of the conservancy.

The HPC is also voicing its concerns. Executive Director **Cara Lambright** remarked, “For too long, pieces of parkland have been ceded to the Medical Center because it’s the path of least resistance.” The chair of the HPC board, **Roslyn Bazzelle Mitchell**, added that the county should consider alternatives before resorting to using park land. “Taking park land must be the absolute last resort,” she emphasized.

Commissioner **Adrian Garcia** revealed that he was not informed of Harris Health’s eminent domain plans until recently, expressing concern that Dr. Porsa had avoided mentioning the term in their discussions. He introduced a motion, which passed unanimously, mandating that Harris Health enhance its transparency moving forward.

The new requirements include hosting **four public hearings** across the county to discuss the eminent domain process and ensuring that meeting notices clearly state the purpose of discussing the condemnation.

Commissioners also expressed reluctance to vote on the condemnation by **December 11, 2023**, citing the timing as problematic due to the holiday season. Commissioner **Rodney Ellis** remarked, “I normally don’t schedule my town hall meetings right before Christmas,” suggesting that the proposed timeline could limit public participation.

Ellis raised concerns about the financial implications of the plan, stating, “Most of the money will go to the family!” Echoing this sentiment, long-time civic leader **Katheryn McNeil** appreciated the commissioners’ commitment to gathering more information before any crucial vote.

As the situation develops, the call for transparency and community engagement remains paramount in the ongoing discussions surrounding the future of Hermann Park.