District K: December Newsletter

As we move through the final month of the year, I want to take a moment to reflect on all we’ve accomplished together in 2024 and share my gratitude for the incredible community we have here in District K.

December is a time for reflection, celebration, and connection. Whether you’re preparing for holiday gatherings, volunteering to spread joy, or simply taking time to rest and recharge, know that your efforts—big and small—make a difference. This is what makes District K such a special place.

This year, we’ve achieved so much together: enhanced community programs, improvements in infrastructure, and continued partnerships that uplift our neighborhoods. Your voices, ideas, and dedication drive this progress, and I am honored to serve as your Mayor Pro Tem and Councilmember.

As we look to 2025, I’m filled with hope and excitement for what’s ahead. Together, we will continue building a stronger, safer, and more vibrant District K—a place where families thrive, businesses grow, and every neighbor feels connected and supported.

Let’s close out this year with joy and gratitude, and as always, if there’s anything I or my office can do for you, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Wishing you and your loved ones a happy and peaceful holiday season and a wonderful New Year!

In Service

Martha

Holiday Joy: Turkey “Gift-Away” for Our Seniors!

📅 When: Thursday, December 12, 2024

📍 Where: The FountainLife Center, 14083 S. Main, Houston, TX 77035

🚗 Pick-Up Time: 10 AM – 12 PM

✨ Registration is required to secure your turkey! 💻

📧 Register by December 10 at [email protected].

Tag a senior who could use some holiday love! Let’s spread joy, one turkey at a time. 🧡 We can’t wait to see your friendly faces in the drive-thru lane! 🚙

#HolidayGiftAway #TurkeyTime #DistrictK #SeasonOfGiving

NLC Announcement

As Chair of ITC, I’m eager to lead conversations and champion innovative technology and communication strategies that positively impact cities like Houston and beyond.

This committee focuses on shaping policies and advocating for critical issues such as broadband access and affordability, net neutrality, cable and phone services, wireless infrastructure, smart cities, and cybersecurity. By working closely with our congressional delegation, I am committed to advancing policies that strengthen our communities, empower residents, and keep us on the cutting edge of progress.

Houston’s voice matters, and I’m proud to represent our great city as we collaborate with leaders across the country to shape the future of cities, towns, and villages. Together, we’ll create impactful solutions for the challenges ahead. Let’s do this!

Full press releases here: 

https://bit.ly/NLC2025BoardofDirectors

https://bit.ly/ITCLeadership2025

#NLC #Leadership #ITCChair #Advocacy #SmartCities #TechnologyLeadership #AIinCities

Celebrating Impact: The Fountain of Praise’s 20+ Years of Service with the VITA Program

Thanks to their dedication to financial empowerment and stability, TFOP’s VITA program has prepared more than 13,000 tax returns—for free! This life-changing support has been made possible by their amazing team of IRS-certified volunteers, CPAs, and private sector pros who show what real teamwork looks like.

Huge congratulations to The Fountain of Praise for reaching this milestone and for your commitment to lifting up Houston taxpayers. You’re making a real difference in people’s lives, and we’re so grateful for everything you do.

#HoustonStrong #CommunitySupport #VITAProgram #TFOP #DistrictK

Northfield National Night Out 2024

#DistrictK #NationalNightOut2024

Celebrating Our Amazing District K Interns

✨ Kaylee Gallardo, University of Houston CHIP Intern

✨ Bela Koshy, Rice University Public Service Practicum Intern

Both Kaylee and Bela have shown exceptional commitment while supporting our community efforts. Their passion for public service and collaboration has made a real difference, and we’re so grateful for their contributions.

Thank you, Kaylee and Bela, for your hard work and for making District K even stronger. We’re excited to see all the great things you’ll accomplish in the future!

#DistrictK #CommunityLeadership #FutureLeaders #InternSpotlight #PublicService

Dialogue Institute Houston – Peace and Unity Award

This award is a powerful reminder of how compassion, unity, and service can bring us together. It was inspiring to stand among so many individuals dedicated to fostering collaboration and harmony within our diverse communities.

As we embrace this season, let’s remember that Thanksgiving is more than just a holiday—it’s a way of living. May this time inspire us all to give generously, love wholeheartedly, and serve selflessly.

#PeaceAndUnity #Volunteerism #Gratitude #PublicService #Thanksgiving #CommunityLeadership #ServiceAboveSelf

📸Doug Sweet Jr.

Almeda SPARK Park: A Space for Play, Connection, and Community

This isn’t just a park for students at Almeda—it’s a space for families, neighbors, and friends to come together for play, laughter, and connection. It’s a place designed to foster joy, learning, and community for years to come.

A huge thank you to all the parents, teachers, sponsors, and the SPARK team who made this vision a reality. Your hard work and dedication have created a space that will bring happiness to so many.

I hope you’ll take pride in Almeda SPARK Park. Let’s continue to care for it, use it, and ensure it remains a place of joy and opportunity for every child and family.

Together, we’re building a stronger, more connected community—one space at a time. 💛

#AlmedaSparkPark #CommunityConnection #SharedSpaces #SPARKParks #PlayAndLearn #DistrictK #StrongerTogether

Spring Village Apartments Demolition Update

The demolition process is moving forward, at a much slower pace than we all would like. Here is the latest information I have received. 

• Asbestos Abatement: This critical step will begin December 16, 2024. The abatement team needs time to file the required paperwork with the state and complete a mandatory 10-day waiting period before work can begin. This ensures the safety of the community and workers.

• Demolition Start Date: Full demolition will commence on February 10, 2025, following clearance from the abatement team. While abatement is a tedious process, the actual demolition will proceed quickly once it begins.

The contractors are required to finish the abatement within 90 days, and demolition will be completed within 30 days after that. As a safety measure, demolition and abatement may happen simultaneously, but only after the necessary clearance is provided.

A Pre-Demolition meeting with all contractors is scheduled for December 10, 2024, to finalize details and ensure smooth coordination.

I appreciate your patience as we’ve worked through some administrative delays. I will continue to stress the urgency of this demolition and keep you updated as we progress. 

Please feel free to reach out with any questions or concerns. I’m still excited that on the other side of this eye sore will be 6 acres of land that will become a real community asset.

Westbury Drainage Project

So, what’s the plan? This project isn’t just about fixing things—it’s about elevating our neighborhood and ensuring a safer, more resilient future.

Here’s what’s coming your way:

• Storm Drainage Improvements: No more worrying every time it rains! The enhanced drainage system will better protect your homes and streets from flooding.

• Smooth Concrete Paving and Curbs: Get ready to say goodbye to bumpy rides and hello to sleek, smooth streets.

• New Sidewalks and Driveways: Perfect for morning jogs, evening strolls, and safer access for everyone.

• Upgraded Underground Utilities: Out of sight but not out of mind—these improvements will ensure a more reliable infrastructure for years to come.

This project isn’t just about construction; it’s about protecting the health and safety of our residents while upgrading a critical piece of Houston’s infrastructure. When the dust settles, Westbury will be stronger, safer, and even more beautiful.

We know that big projects like this can come with temporary inconveniences, but we’ll keep you informed every step of the way. Think of it as a short-term change for long-term gain—a brighter, safer, and more connected community for all of us.

Stay tuned for more updates as we get closer to breaking ground. In the meantime, get ready, Westbury—exciting things are ahead, and we can’t wait to take this journey with you!

Be Part of the Change: Cambridge Village Park/Ramblewood Project Virtual Meeting

Here’s what’s planned:

• Better storm drainage: Upgraded storm sewers on Lotus, Buxley, Woodmont, and Brookston Streets to tackle flooding and reduce ponding in the neighborhood.
• Stormwater detention: A multi-use facility in Cambridge Village Park, adding nearly 24 acre-feet of detention capacity to manage heavy rains.
• Park improvements: New and improved amenities, making the park even better for recreation while still serving as a key flood protection site.

Why is this important?

The neighborhood has faced serious flooding challenges, and this project is designed to make a real difference. It’s also an opportunity to enhance a beloved community space while solving critical issues.

Meeting Details:

📅 Date: Thursday, December 12, 2024

🕒 Time: 5:30 pm

💻 Where: Online Click Here to Join the Meeting

This is your park, your neighborhood, and your chance to help shape the future. Join the meeting, learn about the project, and share your thoughts. Together, we can build a safer and stronger community!

Visit Engage Houston for more information and to submit questions ahead of the meeting. Let’s make this happen!

Join the Conversation: Let’s Talk About the Spellman Detention Basin

Why should you join the meeting?

Your voice matters! This project will directly impact how we recover from disasters and build a stronger, more resilient Brays Oaks. From housing to economic development, your input helps ensure the basin meets the real needs of our community.

Meeting Details:

📅 Date: Thursday, December 12, 2024

🕒 Time: 5:30 pm

💻 Where: Online Click Here to Join the Meeting

Got questions? We’ve got answers. Let’s work together to create a safer, stronger Brays Oaks for everyone.

Visit Engage Houston for more information and to submit your questions ahead of the meeting. Don’t miss this opportunity to make a difference!

Reminder: Share Your Thoughts on the Proposed Northfield Estates Development

The developer, represented by BGE, Inc., is seeking a special exception to modify intersection spacing requirements, including a proposal not to extend Brookmead Haven Dr. Details about the variance request, site plan, and the proposed Northfield Estates plat are available for review.

Attached are details, including the variance request, site plan, and proposed Northfield Estates plat.

You’re invited to share your comments or concerns at a Public Hearing with the Planning Commission:

🗓 Thursday, December 19, at 2:30 PM

📍 City Hall Annex Building, 900 Bagby St., City Council Chamber, Houston, TX

How to participate:

• Attend in person and sign up at the entrance.
• Email comments to speakercomments.pc@houstontx.gov at least 24 hours before the meeting.
• Visit www.houstonplanning.com or call 832-393-6624 for more details 72 hours before the meeting.
• Read details here: Northfield Estates

Let your voice be heard!

Proposed Short-Term Rental Regulations: Share Your Feedback

An STR is a dwelling unit or any portion of a dwelling unit that is rented out or offered to be rented out for a period of less than 30 consecutive days (exceptions apply).

The proposed ordinance would require all short-term rental owners and operators to apply for a certificate of registration. This means providing some key information about the property, emergency contacts, insurance, and compliance with local rules. You’ll need to renew this registration annually.

Skipping registration or violating these proposed rules could result in fines ranging from $100 to $500 per day, and in some cases, your registration could be revoked. If revoked, you might have to wait a year to reapply for that property.

Platforms like Airbnb will also be involved—they would be required to remove listings without valid registration numbers when notified by the city.

This proposed ordinance is supposed to help maintain safety and accountability for short-term rental properties, ensuring a smoother experience for everyone.

Community members can provide feedback through December 13, 2024: Community Feedback

Protecting Our Communications Networks: A Growing Concern

You can watch the full story here: texas.comcast.com/2024/12/03/investigative-report-copper-theft-threatens-vital-communications-networks/.

In Houston, we’ve seen a 17% increase in incidents where cable lines are cut by thieves looking for copper. Even fiber-optic lines, which don’t contain copper, are being damaged during these crimes. The impact is widespread, from service disruptions to interruptions in emergency response systems. Both rural and urban communities are feeling the effects, putting access to critical services and safety resources at risk.

Stay Safe This Holiday Season

As we celebrate the holidays with friends and family, let’s work together to protect our vital networks. Share the KPRC story with others and encourage a “See Something, Say Something” mindset in your community. If you spot suspicious activity near communication lines, report it immediately to local authorities.

By staying alert and proactive, we can safeguard the essential services that keep our communities connected and safe.

Trevon Vann Legacy Prayer to End Gun Violence

Spearheaded by Beverly Vann Colter, this annual prayer event is a testament to a grandmother’s enduring love and resilience. In memory of her grandson, Trevon Vann, she has turned profound loss into a movement for unity, faith, and advocacy.

Through her tireless efforts, Beverly inspires hope and action, reminding us all that healing and change are possible when we stand together against gun violence.