HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — The plan to take a portion of Hermann Park donated to Houstonians 111 years ago and pave it over to build a new Ben Taub hospital is one step closer to reality.
On Tuesday morning, the Harris Health board approved a plan to condemn 8.9 acres of parkland through eminent domain, allowing the agency to build a new hospital and a parking garage.
“All in favor say Aye. Any opposed?”
The vote was quick, and inside the bowels of the Harris Health administration building. There was no obvious opposition to such a significant step in paving over a historic piece of Houston greenspace.
“I don’t know if I was surprised because I feel like they’ve been planning this for a long time,” said Dorsey Parker, whose great-great-great-grandfather donated the land to Houston. “Disappointed, yes.”
ABC13 first broke the story in late July that Harris Health was sent to condemn the land donated by August Warneke more than 100 years ago. The deed of the land clearly states that it would revert back to decedents if the City of Houston ever decided it would not need the space for a park.
Kathryn McNeil lives nearby and is active in City of Houston issues. She was shocked that none of her elected officials or the Hermann Park Conservancy told residents the condemnation vote was happening.
“I use this park weekly. I’m a donor to this park, why have I not heard from (Hermann) Park that this is up for discussion?” McNeil said. “Why didn’t I hear months ago?”
ABC13 has been asking the same questions. Eyewitness News requested emails from both the City of Houston and Harris Health to determine how long officials have been working on the condemnation without informing the public.
Among the limited emails released to ABC13, Harris Health told Commissioner Adrian Garcia that they had planned a July news conference on the condemnation, but it was canceled. The Agency did, however, ask commissioners to support the effort in the condemnation.
Both Harris Health and the City of Houston declined to release other, more detailed emails related to the Herman Park condemnation, kicking that can to the Texas Attorney General’s Office for an opinion. That opinion is still pending
“It just feels like they’re taking a portion of the park in the middle of the night, without telling any of us, and the park’s going to be gone,” said McNeil.
To be sure, there are people who support the efforts to expand Ben Taub. Before the vote, members of the Metropolitan Organization (TMO) submitted a letter in support. Also on the record as supporting the expansion at that exact location are the Baylor College of Medicine, the Texas Medical Center, and various other medical facilities in the area.
The Hermann Park Conservancy Board, which has previously been demure about speaking publicly on the issue, attempted to be more forceful in voicing its concerns today.
“We recognize the hospital has raised the idea of replacement acreage,” said Roslyn Bazzelle Mitchell, Chair of the Hermann Park Conservancy Board. “Without greater clarity, it’s very difficult for us to respond to the many questions that we received and we’re hearing from the public. Hermann Park is not for sale. It is invaluable.”
Numerous board members with HPC have told ABC 13 privately that they worry about repercussions from Houston’s power players and are reluctant to speak out on the park condemnation.
In the end, it would be Harris Health CEO Dr. Esmaeil Porsa’s words that carried the day.
“This is a desperately needed additional capacity that will allow it to deliver timely life-saving care that Houston has come to depend on,” he said from prepared remarks. “There is no space to build on existing Ben Taub. Building on top is also fiscally irresponsible and operationally impossible.”
Even as those who support a hospital over a park won this vote, Dorsey Parker says, the fight isn’t over.
“My family is one of the original found families of this city. I’m not scared of these people,” he said.
Parker says while he can’t speak for every descendant, he is not looking for a windfall from Harris Health. He wants the park to stay a park.
The plan still has to be approved by the Harris County Commissioners. None of the commissioners contacted by ABC 13 wanted to comment on the record about the process of condemnation. It’s unclear what exactly the next steps will be for supporters or opponents. At least one County Commissioner promised a full public hearing. Time will tell if that occurs before the final vote.
For news updates, follow Miya Shay on Facebook, X and Instagram.
RELATED STORIES:
Documents show power players pushed for Hermann Park condemnation without telling public
Plan to use Hermann Park land for Ben Taub Hospital expansion is against donor’s wishes, family says
Descendants of Hermann Park donor speak to Harris Health, demanding a pause on condemnation
Copyright © 2025 KTRK-TV. All Rights Reserved.
Niko Travis is a dedicated health writer with a passion for providing clear, reliable, and research-backed information about medications and mental health. As the author behind TrazodoneSUC, Niko simplifies complex medical topics to help readers understand the benefits, uses, and potential risks of Trazodone. With a commitment to accuracy and well-being, Niko ensures that every article empowers readers to make informed decisions about their health.
