Overview
- Commissioners voted unanimously to proceed with condemnation for the Ben Taub project, with County Judge Lina Hidalgo absent.
- Harris Health says the expansion targets the Warneke tract to relieve chronic overcrowding at the 402-bed hospital, citing hours-long ER waits and hallway care.
- Next steps include a final Harris Health vote to trigger proceedings and Chapter 21 notices to landowners and other interested parties.
- Real estate experts told ABC13 compensation to Warneke heirs could exceed $100 million, a potential cost separate from the $410 million project estimate.
- Protect Hermann Park continues to oppose taking parkland, while the Hermann Park Conservancy’s president said Thursday the group sees no viable alternative, and any use must minimize harm under state parkland rules.