District K September 2023 Newsletter

TIRZ Financial Policies Adopted;
TIRZ 25 Exemplifies TIRZ Purpose

On August 30, 2023, City Council approved an amended ordinance updating the TIRZ Financial Policies which will govern creation, growth, termination, boundary adjustments, budget and capital improvement plan, and debt authorization and issuance.

The purpose of a TIRZ is to promote economic development in an unproductive, underdeveloped, or blighted areas, by developing and diversifying the economy, reducing or eliminating unemployment, and developing or expanding transportation, business, and commercial activity.

TIRZ 25’s recent purchase of the old MADCO property at 4900 W. Fuqua is a great example of the need for TIRZ in our communities. The old property had been a nuisance in the community for decades and when it was finally closed due to efforts from community advocates it became blight. TIRZ 25 Board members agreed to purchase the property for future economic development.

Thank you, TIRZ 25, we can’t wait to see what’s in store!

District K Welcomes Samanda Rubin, the New Commander of the HPD South Gessner Division

Vice Mayor Pro Tem Martha Castex-Tatum joins in welcoming to District K, Samanda Rubin, the newly appointed Commander at the Houston Police Department (HPD) South Gessner Division located at 8605 Westplace Drive, Houston, TX 77071. Commander Rubin is the first female commander assigned to the South Gessner Station and worked in the City Legal Department as an attorney prior to her joining HPD.

We welcome you, Commander Rubin, and look forward to working with you to ensure we have One Safe Houston!

You can reach the HPD South Gessner Command Station at 832-394-4700.

Read more about Commander Rubin here: Meet Commander Samanda Rubin

Demolition Day –
Edison Cultural Arts Center!

You can view the full demolition ceremony here: Edison Cultural Arts Center Demolition Ceremony

District K, Brays Oaks –
Rich in Diverse Cultures

Houston Landing media recently highlighted the diverse cultural centers in District K and Brays Oaks, such as the Zoroastrian Association of Houston, the India House, theGujarati Samaj of Houston, three Orthodox Jewish synagogues, and now the Eternal Gandhi Museum Houston. 

Click the image to view the Houston Landing story.

Sidewalk Repairs in Briargate

We are happy about these safety improvements!

PLANNING COMMISSION PUBLIC HEARINGS

Southwest Manor Subdivision – Noel Place Plat

September 21, 2023

Residents of Southwest Manor Subdivision,

The Notice of a Public Hearing was sent to residents whose property is adjacent to the proposed development, Noel Place, plat application 2023-1793, by the Planning and Development Department [click on image on the right]. The applicant, Michael Haworth, with The Pinnell Group, LLC, on behalf of Continental Builders & Developers, Inc., has filed the development plat to create two residential lots. The Notice of a Public Hearing is sent to determine if the proposed plat 2023-1793 will not violate deed restrictions; see the maps below.

Members of the public are invited to make comments and or express concerns regarding this plat to the Planning Commission, Thursday, September 21, 2023, 2:30 PM. 

Submit written comments or sign up to speak at: speakercomments.pc@houstontx.govor phone 832-393-6624 24 hours in advance.

The Planning Commission meeting is hybrid, in person at City Hall Annex Building, 900 Bagby Street, City Council Chamber, Public Level, Houston, Texas, or virtual via Microsoft Teams. To join the virtual meeting use this link: bit.ly/44HVXwX or call +1 936-755-1521.

Click on images to see enlarged view

Quail Bridge Subdivision – Fort Bend County Sportsplex Plat

September 21, 2023

Residents of Quail Bridge Subdivision,

Attached is the Notice of Variance [click on image on the right] that the Planning and Development Department sent to residents whose property is adjacent to the proposed development, Fort Bend County Sportsplex, plat application 2023-1640. 

The applicant, Pedraza Surveying, LLC, on behalf of the developer, is requesting a variance to exceed intersection spacing requirements by not extending nor terminating in a cul-de-sac Benchmark Drive. The Notice of Variance maps and site plan are below.

Members of the public are invited to make comments and or express concerns regarding this plat to the Planning Commission, Thursday, September 21, 2023, 2:30 PM. 

Submit written comments or sign up to speak at: speakercomments.pc@houstontx.govor phone 832-393-6624 24 hours in advance.

If residents do not want to see any changes to their street, they would be in support of the variance. If this is the will of the community, Vice Mayor Pro Tem Castex-Tatum will also send her support of the variance to the Planning Commission.

The Planning Commission meeting is hybrid, in person at City Hall Annex Building, 900 Bagby Street, City Council Chamber, Public Level, Houston, Texas, or virtual via Microsoft Teams. To join the virtual meeting use this link: bit.ly/44HVXwX or call +1 936-755-1521.

Click on images to see enlarged view

Westwood Subdivision – Albion Townhomes

October 5, 2023

Residents of Westwood Subdivision:

JUST RECEIVED – Attached is the Notice of Variance [click on image on the right] that the Planning and Development Department sent to residents whose property is adjacent to the proposed development, Albion Townhomes replat application 2023-1884. The purpose of the replat is to create 37 single-family residential lots and 6 parking reserves.

The applicant, Steven Henderson, with Windrose, on behalf of the developer, is requesting the variance. The variance is being sought and extent of variance:

1. Reduced building line of 15′
2. To not dedicate an additional 10′ of right-of-way
3. Reduced lot size
4. Reduced lot width

The Notice of Variance map is below.

Members of the public are invited to make comments and or express concerns regarding this plat to the Planning Commission, Thursday, October 5, 2023, 2:30 PM. 

Submit written comments or sign up to speak at: speakercomments.pc@houstontx.govor phone 832-393-6624 24 hours in advance.

The Planning Commission meeting is hybrid, in person at City Hall Annex Building, 900 Bagby Street, City Council Chamber, Public Level, Houston, Texas, or virtual via Microsoft Teams. To join the virtual meeting visit www.houstonplanning.com for joining information that will be posted October 2, 2023.

Harris County Flood Control District Hosts Virtual Community Engagement Meeting

This project is to reduce flood risks in the watershed; culvert improvements, channel conveyance improvements, and the creation of stormwater detention basins. For more information and details on how to join visit www.hcfcd.org/F-94.

Westridge and Braes Terrace Area Drainage Improvements Virtual Community Meeting

Vice Mayor Pro Tem Martha Castex-Tatum has met with Houston Public Works (HPW) Transportation and Drainage Operations (TDO) and Public Engagement teams and discussed the changes and concerns on the Westridge and Braes Terrace Area Improvement Project M-410016-0001-4.

She felt it was important for a community meeting be held to discuss changes and answer questions on the project. There will be a virtual community meeting Wednesday, September 27, 2023, 5:30 PM, via Microsoft Teams; join the meeting by clicking HERE.

Residents can engage in the project at the Project Page www.engagehouston.org/westridge-brae-terrace. There you can get information on the project and ask questions.

Prior to the meeting, the HPW Engagement Team requests that residents submit your questions by email to Engage@houstontx.gov.

We look forward to you attending!

TCEQ Holds Public Hearing on Renewal Air of Quality Permit

Westbury Residents,

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) will hold a Public Meeting on the Air Quality Permit Renewal Number 50114, for a concrete crushing plant for Martin Marietta Materials Southwest, LLC. The plant is located at 5001 Gasmer Dr., Houston, TX 77035.

[Click the image for an enlarged view].

The Public Meeting will be held:

Thursday, September 28, 2023, 7:00 PM,

at the Community Collective for Houston,

12401 S. Post Oak Rd.

Houston, TX 77045.

Vice Mayor Pro Tem Castex-Tatum recently met with the representatives of Martin Marietta Materials Southwest, LLC and discussed concerns the community might have, so residents are encouraged to attend the public meeting to express any concerns and or get answers to questions.

Written comments can be submitted anytime during the meeting, or electronically at https://www14.tceq.texas.gov/epic/eComment/, or by mail before September 28, 2023; mail to:

Office of the Chief Clerk, TCEQ, Mail Code MC-105

P. O. Box 13087

Austin, TX 78711-3087

For more information visit TCEQ Pending Permits Application Information web page.

Townwood Park After School Programs and Park Activities

Also, youth ages18 years and under can enjoy after school meals. Monday – Friday, – snacks are served 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM, and supper is served 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM.

Register your child for fun, enrichment, games, special events, meals, and more at hpard/ParksActiveNet or houstonparks.org.

Townwood Park also offers activities and programs for adults:

• Senior Card Games/Social Gathering
• Monday, Wednesday, Friday; 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
• Adult Step Aerobics
• Tuesday, Thursday; 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
• Morning Stretch and Exercise Class
• Monday, Wednesday; 10:00 AM – 11:05 AM
• Adult Falconize Workout
• Monday, Thursday; 6:50 PM – 8:00 PM
• Line Dancing
• Tuesday; 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
• Senior Pickleball –
• Monday; 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM; More details to be announced
• Adult Freeplay Basketball*
• Monday – Friday; 6:00 PM – 7:50 PM
• Saturday; 10:00 M – 2:00 PM
• *Adult Freeplay basketball is available daily after 6:00 PM if no scheduled game or activity

For more information visit Townwood Park at 3403 Simsbrook Dr., Houston, TX or phone 832-395-7565.

Coffee and Conversation

Join the Department of Neighborhoods for Coffee and Conversation, either in person or virtually, Tuesday, September 26, 2023, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM.

Attend in person at the Hiram Clarke Multi-Service Center, 3810 W. Fuqua St., Houston, TX 77045.

To attend in person, register at https://bit.ly/3EdTOOg

Attend virtually by registering at www.nrcdc.org.

For questions email mayra.hypolite@houstontx.gov

National Night Out

National Night Out is Tuesday, October 3, 2023. This community-building event helps build partnerships with our law enforcement personnel and community members.

If you are planning an event we would love to come out and engage with your neighborhood.

Contact the Joe Gatson at the District K office at Joe.Gatson@houstontx.govand let us know the location and time of your National Night Out event.

Bee Busy Wellness Center Events

Residents can get free HIV/STI testing, free blood pressure testing, and get free healthcare resources.

For more information phone:

713-771-2292 or visit www.mybbwc.org

Let’s take care of our bodies and stay healthy!

For more information phone:

713-771-2292 or visit www.mybbwc.org

Houston Public Works Address Water Leaks

Leaks

• The drought has impacted the number of leaks HPW has addressed. To compare, during normal temperature conditions, HPW addresses, investigates, and repairs 100 – 200 leaks weekly.
• Due to the current drought conditions, 500 leaks per week are occurring. HPW explained one reason is due to the shifting and breaking of shallow, buried sewer and water lines in homes constructed in the 1940s – 1960s. Current pipe installations are buried deeper thus less impacted.
• HPW crews are working diligently to repair water leaks, averaging 200 per week, and aim to increase those repairs to 300 – 400 per week.
• Overall, since June 1, 2023, 3,000 leaks have been repaired, 2,000 of those by HPW crews.
• The timeline to complete the repair of leaks is 2 – 3 weeks. HPW crews are working to shorten this timeline by increasing their workload and by hiring contract work.
• The drought conditions are also impacting some sewer lines. Residents are asked to report to 311 if you experience slower draining in sinks and showers and you know the cause is not by household pipes. The change in draining could indicate a sewer leak.

• Stage Two drought contingency plan is still in effect:
• Sundays, Thursdays — even-numbered street addresses of single-family residential customers
• Saturdays, Wednesdays — odd-numbered street addresses of single-family residential customers
• Tuesdays, Fridays — others (non-residential and multi-family addresses)

For more information visit: Drought Contingency Plan

Houston Public Works Upcoming Water Programs and Events

Water is a valuable resource especially during the drought season we ar experiencing. Residents are encouraged to engage in the Houston Water programs and events being offered by Houston Public Works:

• Give Water A Break- Drought Outreach and Education – Ongoing 
• Low Flow Showerhead Program – Ongoing 
• Imagine a Day Without Water Photo and Video
• Contest with up to $500 prize – October 9, 2023  
• Rain Barrel & Compost Bin Sale – Sale open untilOctober 8, 2023, pick up event on October 21, 2023   
• Walk for Water – October 14, 2023 
• Winter Sprinkler Shutoff – November 1, 2023 – February 28, 2024  

Click the image for an enlarged view

Maternal Outcomes Matter Shower (M.O.M.S.)

Come to The Community Collective for Houston at 12401 S. Post Oak Rd., Houston, TX 77045, and get showered with essentials such as diapers, wipes, car seats, strollers, information, and more!

Visit www.themomstour.info for additional information.

State Highway 288 Lane Closures for Sims Bayou Project

Residents who travel along State Highway 288 be advised of construction, to be done in five phases, to repair the Sims Bridge Abutment wall, that began September 16, 2023, and is expected tolast four months.

The first phase of the project requires the closure of the two right northbound lanes and the closure of the West Orem Dr. northbound entrance ramp. Also, during the morning peak times, the closure of the Almeda-Genoa northbound entrance ramp and the Beltway 8 entrance ramp into the Express Toll Lanes.

For detailed information visit: www.drive288.com/sims-bayou-project. 

Voting Information

November 7, 2023 Election

Are you ready for the November 7, 2023 Election? Here is some information to reference so that you are an informed voter.

2023 Constitutional Amendment Election: There will be 14 Texas Constitutional Amendments on the ballot.

October 10, 2023: The last day to register to vote or to update your address

October 23 – November 3, 2023: Early Voting for the November 7, 2023 Election

October 27, 2023: The last day to apply for a vote-by-mail ballot

November 7, 2023: Election Day and vote-by-mail ballot receipt deadline

For additional voting information visit:

• Harris County: www.harrisvotes.com
• Fort Bend County: www.fortbendvotes.org
• City of Houston November 7, 2023 General Election Candidate Information: www.houstontx.gov/2023-general-election

Comcast Affordable Connectivity Program

Through the Internet Essentials Affordable Connectivity Program you could be eligible for high-speed internet at no cost!

Find out how your household could qualify:

Visit Internet Essentials

or call 1-855-846-8376