Dr. Shannon Walker Library Grand Opening: June 1, 2024

The Dr. Shannon Walker Neighborhood Library is set to open its doors on June 1, 2024! Even better, Dr. Shannon Walker herself will be joining us for the grand opening celebration. Stay tuned for more details on the timing and program lineup—I’ll make sure to keep the community updated.

Who’s ready for the library’s debut? Get excited for all the fantastic amenities it’ll offer, from the 1st Library Cafe to the Passport Office, Recording Studio, Podcast Room, TechLink, and Meeting Rooms. Can’t wait to see you there!

#HPL #DistrictK #DrShannonWalkerNeighborhoodLibrary

 

Spring Village Apartments Demolition Update

The former Spring Village Apartments on Chimney Rock at Ludington are steps closer to being demolished. The city of Houston purchased the property for detention to help alleviate flooding. However, the abandoned state of the property has raised concerns among residents. With several units damaged by fire and a pervasive sense of decay, the site poses safety risks.

Recent incidents, including two fires in the past seven weeks, highlight the urgency of addressing the situation. The property is currently undergoing the demolition permitting process. I’m advocating for city officials to expedite this process to ensure swift action. If all goes according to plan, demolition could commence as early as this summer.

In the meantime, the property has been secured again in hopes that no one will enter the abandoned buildings. If you see something going on at the site please contact Barbara Hite in the District K office at 832-393-3016 or barbara.hite@houstontx.gov.

The good news is once this property is demolished, we will enjoy 6 acres of greenspace that will never be allowed to build on. We can’t have enough greenspace in our city. Thank you for your patience. I can’t wait for the bulldozers to arrive!

 

Special Election:
Early Voting Starts April 22nd!

Uniform and Special Elections: May 4

The Harris County Clerk’s Office Elections Department is gearing up for the May 4 Uniform and Special Elections. Harris County residents will have the opportunity to vote in the special election to fill the vacancy for State Senate District 15, Mayor John Whitmire’s previous Senate seat, and the Harris County Appraisal District Board Election, where three at-large positions are on the ballot. Part of District K is in Senate District 15.

Early Voting for these elections will occur from Monday, April 22, through Tuesday, April 30, with 24 early voting locations operating from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 12 noon to 7 p.m. on Sunday. On Election Day, Saturday, May 4, Vote Centers will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. to accept voters.

To learn more about the contests and candidates you are eligible to vote on, visit ourWhat’s on my Ballot?” page and enter your name or address. Remember, you can bring handwritten notes or printed sample ballots to the voting booth. The deadline toapply for a mail ballot is April 23. Please fill it out, print it, and mail it to our office before the deadline to ensure your application is received.

Primary Runoff Elections: May 28

Later in May, the Primary Runoff Elections are on May 28. A runoff election occurs when no candidate receives the majority of votes in the Primary Election. In this election, Harris County residents must vote in the same party’s contest that they voted in during the March 5 Primary Elections.

Early voting for the Primary Runoff Elections runs from Monday, May 20, to Friday, May 24, with hours from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. On Election Day, Tuesday, May 28, Vote Centers will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. The deadline to apply to vote by mail for the Primary Runoff Elections is May 17.

#DistrictKVotes #SpecialElection

 

Southwest Community PIP Meeting April 23

You’re invited to our monthly PIP meeting Tuesday, April 23rd, at 7:00 PM. This event is free and open to the public. Feel free to bring a friend or neighbor along—we’d love to see you there!

#DistrictKSafety #CommunityMatters #CommunityPolicing

 

Westbury High School’s First
Art Car Parade Entry

Way to go, Westbury High School students! Your debut in the Art Car Parade is something to celebrate! Kudos to art teacher Victoria Tarkington for making this dream a reality. With the theme of school spirit, you’ve showcased your pride and brought visibility to our area and school. Keep shining bright!

#WestburyHighSchool #ArtCarParade #DistrictKCreatives

 

Comcast Rise is Returning to Houston!

Comcast RISE is returning to Houston! 100 small businesses in the Greater Houston area will be named Comcast RISE recipients and awarded business support grants. The program will provide a total of $500,000 in grants plus technology make-overs, marketing support, consulting and education support. From May 1st – 31st, eligible small businesses in our area can apply for the Comcast RISE program at www.ComcastRISE.com.

#DistrictKDigitalAge #SmallBusinessSupport

 

Planning & Development Public Meetings Resume In Person Only

Starting in late April and May, the Planning & Development Department will shift all commission, board, and committee meetings back to in-person sessions only. This move aligns with our commitment to Texas Open Meetings Act compliance and mirrors current City Council meeting procedures.

Meetings will proceed as scheduled and at designated locations, with Microsoft Teams participation no longer available. However, individuals can still provide comments in person or through email, phone, or mail.

For those unable to attend in person, Houston’s municipal channel, HTV, will continue to broadcast meetings live and maintain a video archive on their website atwww.houstontx.gov/htv.

 

Deed Restriction Workshop

District F is hosting a Deed Restriction Workshop on Saturday, April 27, 2024. The event will be held 9:30am – 1pm at the Tracy Gee Community Center (3599 Westcenter Blvd, Houston, TX 77042). If you missed the event we hosted in District K or still have questions, our residents are welcome to attend this workshop.

Presenters include: Rice & Rice Law Firm, City of Houston Legal Department, Department of Neighborhoods – Legal Hub and Inspections & Public Services, Houston Housing Department and the Harris County Tax Assessor’s Office.

Please register in advance: https://bit.ly/DistrictFDRW2024

If you have any questions, please reach out to the District F office at (832) 393-3002 or DistrictF@houstontx.gov.

 

New Recycling Initiative

Have you heard about the new recycling initiative in town? It’s called the All-Plastic Recycling Program, and it’s making waves! Here’s the scoop: You can now drop off all your plastic recyclables in bags at SWD depositories. That’s right, no need to sort or separate anymore. Just bag ’em up and toss ’em in the containers at any of the depositories. Easy peasy, right? Let’s keep those plastics out of the landfill and give them a new life through recycling!

Don’t confuse this bagging with the curbside process. Solid Waste still wants all recycled items to be loose in your curbside green bins. The bagging is only for the items dropped off at the depositories.

#DistrictKRecycles #KeepDistrictKClean

 

HPARD Hiring Lifeguards

Ready to make a splash this summer? The Houston Parks and Recreation Department is on the lookout for lifeguards for the 2024 season, and they want to cast their net wide to find the best candidates available!

Check out all the details above, including the $500 cash incentive and how to apply. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to join the team and keep our community safe while having a blast by the pool. Dive in and apply today!

#SummerJobs #HPARD

 

HCDE Case for Kids Initiative RFP

CASE for Kids is pleased to announce an opportunity for experienced afterschool and youth services providers to offer in-person or virtual services to the afterschool community in Harris County and surrounding counties.

If you are interested in competing to become an afterschool and summer youth services provider for CASE for Kids, please go to the HCDE eBid System to register as a supplier. 

Respond to RFP #23/048IA-2 Addendum 1 (CASE for Kids Youth Services for Afterschool and Summer).

Deadline to register as a bidder and respond to Request for proposal (RFP):

Tuesday, June 4, 2024, at 2:00 p.m.

A committee selected by HCDE will review and evaluate all  proposals and make a recommendation to the HCDE Board of   Trustees. HCDE will base a recommendation for contract award on  the evaluation factors listed in accordance with Texas Education   Code § 44.031.

Any questions regarding this proposal should be directed in writing by May 27 to:

Inga Ash at iash@hcde-texas.org.

Nonprofits that want to lear more about funding opportunities should attend the HCDECASE for Kids Nonprofit Information Meeting to learn more about eligibility requirements for 501c3 nonprofit organizations.

This short online presentation provides an overview of what types of programs CASE for Kids has previously funded. Learn how your organization can prepare for potential funding opportunities.

Thursday, April 18 at 1 p.m.
Wednesday, May 15 at 12 p.m.

CASE for Kids Information Session – Nonprofit Funding
Join Zoom Meeting
https://hcde-texas-org.zoom.us/j/8121232067?omn=83002121229

 

Networking Reception for Developers

Calling all developers and entrepreneurs!

You’re invited you to a Developers Networking Reception. Get ready for an evening filled with valuable insights on accessing capital for real estate development and small businesses.

Meet the Board, mingle with industry pioneers, and discover why Hiram Clarke Fort Bend is the ultimate destination for your next development project.

Come join a dynamic group of change-makers and trailblazers as we work together to bring new life to Southwest Houston! See you there!

#DistrictKDevelopment #HiramClarkeFortBend