Wealthy Developer Finds Money to Fund Freeway Project, Despite Opposition

Houston's third outerbelt, the Grand Parkway, continues to move forward despite an outpouring of opposition, highlighting the special, institutionalized role real estate developers play in transportation decisions in Texas, writes Angie Schmitt.

1 minute read

November 11, 2011, 10:00 AM PST

By Tim Halbur

Schmitt explains how a man named Ned Holmes, who claims to be a developer but has no website or known developments, stepped forward to fund an unpopular freeway project:

"A real estate developer, Texas DOT commissioner and prominent businessman, Holmes "found" the $350 million in unbudgeted money needed to move the project forward another 15 miles in its relentless, multi-decade march into the Houston region's last natural grasslands.

In many ways Ned Holmes fits the profile of the government officials that have pushed this project forward in the past: He's a real estate developer occupying a public office that gives him enormous power to shape the built environment."

Thanks to Angie Schmitt

FULL STORY: TxDOTs Close Connections to the Real Estate Industry Raise Conflict of Interest Questions

Thursday, November 10, 2011 in Streetsblog Capitol Hill

Land Use Texas

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Start Learning

Advertise with us

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.