Dear Supporters,
We have incredible news to share! Thanks to your advocacy, the Montrose TIRZ has revised its project plan and will now save almost all of the mature live oaks along Montrose Boulevard! At their January meeting, the TIRZ board voted in favor of the new 100% plan, which prioritizes tree preservation while still delivering much-needed infrastructure improvements. The revised plan is now awaiting final approval from the city, which we expect very soon.
What’s in the New Plan?
The updated Montrose Boulevard redesign will now include:
- All the drainage upgrades originally proposed, plus new sewer openings to reduce street flooding.
- New and improved sidewalks and street pavement.
- Accessible corner ramps for better mobility.
- A light-protected pedestrian crossing at W Clay.
- A bridge over Allen Parkway to improve access to Buffalo Bayou parks and trails.
- Improved street lighting for enhanced safety.
- ·New tree plantings where possible—without removing mature trees!
Most importantly, this victory sets a precedent for future Montrose development. Had the original plan moved forward, hundreds of mature trees down the rest of the boulevard would have been at risk. Instead, this success helps to ensure that future designs will respect Montrose’s green canopy.
A New Urgent Threat to Montrose Trees
Unfortunately, we now face a new fight. Skanska, an international real estate development company, plans to cut down 6 of the 7 mature trees (mostly live oaks) at the corner of Montrose and Westheimer (where Half Price Books, Spec’s, and 369 Chinese food used to be). They recently received city approval for a variance for just a 5-foot setback from the curb (instead of the 25’ normally required) to build their retail/residential high-rise, leaving no room for these historic and climate-mitigating trees.
Montrose has already lost over one-third of its tree canopy from 2011-2021 (source: April 2024 Kinder Institute study). We cannot allow developers to replace our shaded streets with endless concrete!
Join Us the Weekend to Honor Our Trees!
One year ago, we wrapped many of our beloved Montrose trees in colorful yarn as a form of protest against their imminent removal. This weekend, we’re doing it again—but this time, to show our gratitude and celebrate their beauty! Join us as we raise awareness about the importance of protecting Montrose’s trees. We’ll also be handing out flyers to inform the community about the new threat posed by the Skanska development.
Meet us this Saturday at noon at the corner of Montrose and Westheimer to help spread the word!
Other Actions to Take NOW
- Sign our new petition to oppose the removal of these trees! www.change.org/KeepMontroseGreen
- Write to the City of Houston’s Planning and Parks Departments / Urban Forestry — tell them Montrose values its trees! PRAskForestry@houstontx.gov, 832-395-8450. And cc savemontroseliveoaks@gmail.com when you do!
- Contact Skanska and let them know Montrose values its trees and demands better design choices. They are on social media @SkanskaUSA or call their Houston office at 713-401-5200.
Together, we have already proven that our voices make a difference. Let’s keep the momentum going to ensure that Montrose remains a green, vibrant, and livable neighborhood.
Thank you for your continued support!
Save Montrose Live Oaks