Flooded homes could become useful public space.

Tropical Storm Allison may leave a legacy of more than just soggy drywall and toxic mold. Two programs coordinated by the Harris County Flood Control District (HCFCD) plan to turn flooded property into badly needed open space.

“Our hope is to start making a substantial reduction in the greenspace deficits in Harris County,” explains Pat Hallisey, who works in HCFCD’s Environmental Services Department.

HCFCD, in conjunction with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), may purchase up to 2,000 properties that flooded during Allison, according to Hallisey. Through the Tropical Storm Allison Home Buy-Out Post Acquisition Program, individuals, civic clubs, nonprofit organizations, and governmental agencies agree to manage the bought-out lands. In exchange, they are allowed to develop and use the properties for parks, ball fields, playground equipment, picnic shelters, trails, gardens, wildlife habitat – anything that doesn’t involve constructing permanent walled structures beyond restrooms.

The Multi-Use of Harris County Flood Control Properties program offers similar opportunities, but involves the many large tracts of HCFCD land that are not related to the Allison buyout.

Some properties are as small as a single home lot, and would be appropriate for pocket parks or community gardens. Others, alone or in combination, are much larger. Hallisey is hopeful that the strings of properties available along the bayous can be used to meet Houston’s vision of a linear system of open space, with hike and bike trails that join the city’s waterways.

An organization or individual interested in acquiring a particular property simply writes a letter of intent to HCFCD, explaining how the land is to be used. If approved, a management contract is signed. The agency takes responsibility for clearing any structures away, while the land users must pay all subsequent costs. HCFCD maintains ownership of the property, but the contracting party has control over its use as long as the development guidelines are followed.

Hallisey stresses that HCFCD is willing to work with any individual or organization. “We would like as many people in this community to get the benefit of this land as possible,” he emphasizes.

Hallisey already has a list of ways environmental nonprofit organizations might choose to use the land. Beyond parks, some spaces might be used for community gardens, release of rehabilitated wildlife, plant and tree nurseries, research projects, outdoor learning centers, field trip destinations, and wildlife watching. “The opportunities are just unlimited,” he notes.

For more information on acquiring a piece of land, call HCFCD at 713-684-4000 and ask for the Environmental Service Department. Speakers are also available to present options to neighborhood associations or civic groups.