District K April 2023 Newsletter

Thank you to the Texas Municipal League staff and our COH Government Relations Team for assisting with our City Council legislative day. We met with several legislators to discuss the bills that will affect our city and our ability to advocate on behalf of Houstonians. We also thanked the legislators that are helping to get our COH priority bills to the governor’s desk. We are hopeful for positive outcomes!

Vice Mayor Pro Tem Martha Castex Tatum and City Council have approved agreements between the City of Houston and Houston Parks Board (HPARD) that underscore the commitment to this public/private partnership by appropriating $8.6 million from the City of Houston’s Parks and Recreation Dedication Fund and General Fund. In addition to this public funding commitment, HPARD has reviewed and approved the plans, and is providing ongoing operation and maintenance of City of Houston parks. Houston Parks Board is serving as the project manager and overseeing the private fundraising for the 50/50 Park Partners initiative in coordination with Greater Houston Partnership.

 

The improvements at Simon Minchen Park will include adding site lighting, adding a new playground, improving the baseball field, creating a multi-purpose athletic field, adding a walking trail around the park, creating a new park entrance, reorienting and upgrading the parking lot, upgrading the basketball court, and adding site detention. Construction is expected to be complete towards the end of 2023.

 

Special thanks to South Post Oak Redevelopment Authority/TIRZ 9 for their generous contribution of $500,000 towards the cost of these improvements. 

The Westbury community will soon have street infrastructure improvements along Gasmer Drive and Clematis Lane. Construction for asphalt overlay is scheduled to begin April 13, 2023, and is expected to be completed June 27, 2023. The project contractor is Durwood Greene Construction Co.

Residents in Southwest Crossing will soon see improved sidewalks and driveways on South Glen Willow Lane. The construction for sidewalk and driveways replacement is scheduled to begin April 24, 2023, and is expected to be completed May 4, 2023. The Project contractor is Grava, LLC.

Work is currently being performed by our City of Houston maintenance crews which includes de-silting the channel and removing all the trash/debris within the flowline. Please encourage your neighbors not to put their heavy trash in the ditch as we plan to close the ditch and install underground, improved drainage for this community. Help us keep improving your neighborhood for all residents to enjoy their homes.

One Clean Houston launched March 29, 2023, to address illegal dumping and clean neighborhoods throughout the city. Community members, business owners, and organizations are encouraged to work collaboratively to keep Houston beautiful and clean.

 

Visit One Clean Houston to learn more

 

 

 

Click image to view the full One Clean Houston plan

Please join the Super Neighborhood 41 Council for an Informal Meet and Greet. The meet and greet will include refreshments from 6:30 pm to 7 pm and the Informal Candidate Forum and discussion will be from 7 pm to 8 pm.

The Planning Department has been working with the Livable Places Action Committeeover the last two years to update portions of the development code create more opportunities for walkability, affordability and equity. The housing recommendations is the final set of recommendations culminating from these efforts with the goal of creating a greater variety of housing options at more attainable price points for Houstonians. Staff presented the proposed Chapter 42 amendments for the overall housing recommendations to Planning Commission on March 16 that included a public hearing. The public comment period is open through April 27, 2023.

 

In addition, the Planning & Development Department will hold four neighborhood public meetings (noted above) to discuss the Livable Places Action Committee’s housing recommendations.

“The Houston Mayor’s Office of Education and Youth Engagement is excited to announce the launch of its newest initiative, the Houston Children’s Outdoor Bill of Rights(COBOR)! The bill includes 12 rights that illustrate what equitable nature accessibility looks like in Houston and will be formally recognized by Mayor Turner through a mayoral proclamation on April 18, 2023.

 

If you agree that all Houston children should have equitable access to nature, show your support by signing the online pledge today. Individuals who sign the pledge will receive a personalized digital certificate, and organizations will be featured as allies on the COBOR webpage.”

The 2023 Provider Fair will be on April 21, 2023. This is a great opportunity for organizations and educators who work with youth and are looking to network and build community partnerships. This is also a great opportunity for any of those new organizations that would like to connect with CASE. Registration is required but the event is free. Please scan the QR code to register or use this link:  HCDE CASE Workshop Registration

 

This application is NOT a funding opportunity; however, it is the prerequisite for all non-profits who are interested in future funding opportunities. The application is currently open and closes promptly at 2PM on May 9, 2023.

 

You must complete the RFP/bid application by the deadline as the application for the 2023-2024 RFP won’t open until after the grant application.

Please join District K, Vice Mayor Pro Tem Martha Castex, Council Member at Large 5 – Sallie Alcorn, Trees for Houston and the Houston Humane Society for free trees and pet food.

 

The event will be held Thursday, April 27, 2023, 9:00 am to 11:00 am in Fort Bend Houston at the Ridgemont Community Center, 5107 Ridgecreek Circle, Houston, Texas 77053

The Houston Public Works Department encourages water conservation. Visit the “Give Water a Break” campaign web page to find out more on how how can you help conserve water.

Watch Public Session and weekly City Council Sessions here