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Houston Area School District Halts Efforts to Take Residence for New Stadium Parking
In a 7-0 vote, Aldine Independent School District’s Board of Trustees unanimously decided to halt efforts to take neighboring
Travis Upchurch’s property for its new football stadium parking expansion after community pushback. Earlier this spring, the school board voted to pursue eminent domain to acquire Upchurch’s 1-acre property, which he has owned for nearly 50 years and has been in his family for over a century.
Travis Upchurch standing before Aldine ISD’s new stadium construction courtesy of Tara Upchurch
The district released a statement after the school board’s decision stating that Upchurch can maintain ownership of his property and negotiations have ceased. Still, Upchurch’s family remains skeptical of the deal’s conclusion until they receive formal documentation.
This is a rare example of an entity appeasing public opinion, as it is uncommon for entities to retract eminent domain pursuits once they have begun. The new stadium, slated to open in 2024, already has pre-existing parking available; however, the taking would have expanded parking to accommodate the larger stadium. This vote does not protect Upchurch’s property from future takings, but for now, he can stay in his home.
If an entity wants to acquire your property, contact an experienced eminent domain and condemnation attorney at Barron, Adler, Clough & Oddo, PLLC to understand your rights and what the next steps should be.
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