Houston city officials are proposing an $86 million underground stormwater detention basin beneath a grassy area behind Memorial Middle School in Spring Branch. City officials said the project is needed to reduce flooding in the neighborhood. The proposal says part of the middle school could be rebuilt on top of the structure in the future. The City of Houston, Harris County Flood Control, Precinct 3 and federal grant money would pay for the project.
Spring Branch ISD trustees were set to meet with residents Tuesday evening. If the project moves forward, the district would have to agree to give up some of its land. Construction would start next winter and last two to three years. Residents said they do not know enough about the proposal.
Some parents compared the plan to a flooding incident in the Memorial area about two years ago. Nobody was hurt in that event, but residents had to leave their homes. Parent Blake Kirshman said he is concerned about the long-term implications of the project. Another speaker raised concerns about the number of government entities involved.
City officials did not respond to questions on Tuesday but were expected to attend the evening meeting.