Proposal for Third Ward to be part of historic district pulled by Mayor Turner

Thursday, June 9, 2022
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- The proposal to name part of the Third Ward a historic district has been sent back to committee by Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner. He says this would essentially kill the proposal after a majority of Third Ward residents expressed their outrage.

Riverside Terrace in Third Ward was being considered to potentially become a historic district, but some residents did not want the added property rules that come along with the title.
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The proposal was made through the City of Houston Archaeological and Historical Commission. The documents submitted to the city show the applicant, Asif Mahmood, and a percentage of residents believe Riverside Terrace deserves recognition for its role in the last decades to integrate people of all colors and religions.

SEE PREVIOUS STORY: Some neighbors pushing back on Third Ward Historic District designation proposal

Third Ward residents were worried that the historic designation would force them into a cycle of upkeep and repairs they couldn't afford.

A group of longstanding homeowners of Riverside Terrace in Third Ward previously told ABC13 they did not want the proposal to be approved and held a community meeting shortly after to express their discontent.
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"From our perspective, if you want that, pursue for your home! But don't force people who don't want to be in a historic district to be in it," said Riverside Civic Association Vice President Sharon Evans-Brooks.



While they agree the Riverside Terrace community is rich in history and helped shape Houston, they said this proposal would be a financial burden for many who have lived there for decades.

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