By Charlotte Aguilar Sidewalks — whether they’re needed, where to put them, how wide they should, be, if they should be networked, if they exacerbate flooding, how to fund them — have been a matter of debate for decades in Bellaire. The result is evident in a short drive through the city’s neighborhoods — a crazy-quilt of randomly poured concrete that will create a smooth … [Read more...] about Bellaire voters to decide decades-old debate over sidewalks with 3 ballot measures
Andrew Friedberg
Behind the badges: The Essentials guide to West University’s and Bellaire’s police departments
By Charlotte Aguilar Policing West University and Bellaire requires a unique understanding of those cities and the demands of the job — part small-town Mayberry, part urban mayhem. In addition to stopping and investigating burglaries, thefts and an occasional robbery or assault, officers are expected to wrangle stray children, lost pets and an occasional displaced senior … [Read more...] about Behind the badges: The Essentials guide to West University’s and Bellaire’s police departments
Bellaire city manager leaving; mayor sees chance ‘to restore our focus on the issues’
By Charlotte Aguilar City Manager Paul Hofmann will be leaving Bellaire after six increasingly controversial years at the helm, with the Bastrop City Council voting Tuesday night to hire him to run that Austin-area city of about 9,500 residents. His last day on the job in Bellaire will be Aug. 2. Most notably during his tenure, Hofmann led Bellaire through recovery from … [Read more...] about Bellaire city manager leaving; mayor sees chance ‘to restore our focus on the issues’
‘Bad news on top of bad news:’ Bellaire must return $694K in sales taxes to state
By Charlotte Aguilar As it copes with the growing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the city of Bellaire has been socked with what amounts to a $694,000 bill from the state, to return sales taxes the city was overpaid over a period of years. In a notice to City Council in his weekly report, City Manager Paul Hofmann called the notice “bad news on top of bad news.” “Of … [Read more...] about ‘Bad news on top of bad news:’ Bellaire must return $694K in sales taxes to state
Bellaire mayor: Coming together as a community while keeping our social distance
By Andrew Friedberg This temporary “new normal,” in which not only the adults are working from home but the kids are, too, is positively surreal. We never imagined, for example, having to remind our young children of their scheduled videoconferences throughout the workday. For a bit of exercise and fresh air, and to keep from climbing the walls, we’re getting outside more … [Read more...] about Bellaire mayor: Coming together as a community while keeping our social distance