Happy February District K Friends!

Can you believe we’re already cruising through 2024?

As we embrace February, I want to take a moment to express my gratitude for each of you. Your resilience, your spirit, and your dedication to our community are what make District K truly special.

Let’s also take this moment to acknowledge and celebrate Black History Month and honor the contributions of African Americans throughout history.

Let’s keep spreading kindness, lifting each other up, and working together to make our neighborhoods even better. Whether it’s supporting local businesses, volunteering, or simply being there for a neighbor in need, every little bit counts.

Thank you for all that you do to make District K a wonderful place to live, work, and play. Here’s to a fantastic February filled with growth, opportunity, and community connections.

In service,
Martha
 

Fort Bend Parkway Toll Road Project
Shifts Gears for Safer Commutes
Starting this spring, a project will kick off near the Fort Bend Parkway Toll Road and Beltway 8 intersection to enhance safety for drivers and nearby residents.

Here’s the scoop: The entrance ramp, currently starting near Carey Chase Drive, will be moved north closer to the Beltway 8 and toll road intersection. Plus, a bridge over Carey Chase Drive will be constructed, providing a safe passage for drivers underneath the overpass, away from speeding traffic.

Mark your calendars: Construction begins in early March and is expected to wrap up in about 18 months, by September 2025. But wait, there’s more! In a future phase, a sound wall will be erected along the Southwest Crossing neighborhood, ensuring residents are shielded from any road noise caused by the entrance ramp’s new location. Thank you to Fort Bend County Commissioners for this project in District K.

#DistrictK #FortBendHouston #Infrastructure
 

District K Successful Shred Days
Thanks to everyone for helping us make District K Shred and E-Waste Collection Days a success! Huge thanks to our amazing team, City of Houston Solid Waste Management, University of Houston volunteers, and our fantastic community partners at New Faith Church and Westbury United Methodist Church.

And of course, a big round of applause to all the residents who joined us and got involved! Your support and participation truly make a difference. In just the first weekend, we collected 2,486 lbs. of electronics, assisted 133 citizens, and received invaluable support of 21 dedicated volunteers from the University of Houston.

Special thanks to Director Wilfalk, CM Edward Pollard, and CM Willie Davis for swinging by and showing your support. Together, we’re making a real impact in our community!

#DistrictK #ShredDay #EWasteRecycling
 

Early Voting Starts February 20th
It’s election season and the March primary is right around the corner. Early voting begins February 20th and runs through March 1st. Election Day is March 5th.

·  Early Vote Centers will be open from Tuesday, February 20, through Friday, March 1. (7 a.m. – 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday, 12 noon – 7 p.m. on Sunday).

·  Vote Centers will accept voters from 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. on Election Day, Tuesday, March 5.

For information about the 2024 Texans Primaries check out the Voter guide: https://www.houstonchronicle.com/projects/2024/texas-primary-voter-guide/

For Information on voting locations in Harris County go to www.harrisvotes.com and in Fort Bend County visit www.fortbendcountytx.gov
 

South Houston Concerned Citizens Coalition Awards Banquet
Hats off to the South Houston Concerned Citizens Coalition for hosting a fantastic 9th Annual Awards Banquet! A big round of applause to all the award winners and civic club presidents for their outstanding contributions. Your hard work and dedication have made a real difference in our community, and you deserve every bit of recognition!

A heartfelt thank you goes out to our sponsors, community members, HPD Storefront Association, and elected officials for joining us and showing your support. Your presence and commitment mean the world to us.

Together, we’re shining bright in District K, and with our collective presence and voices, we’ll continue to make positive waves in our community!  #DistrictK #SHCCC
 

Super Neighborhood Grants
  • The Super Neighborhood Grants Program or SNGP is the funding available to active Super Neighborhood – per the department of Neighborhoods for projects that improve, benefit, or beautify their neighborhoods.
  • The city, through the SNGP will fund a project with a cost between $500 and up to $7,000.

This is the first time since the creation of the SN Program, during the time of Mayor Lee Brown administration, that SN have had direct funding.

Super Neighborhood Alliance web page

2024 Super Neighborhoods Grant Program Guidelines

Super Neighborhoods Grants Program 2024 Workshop Presentation
 

Sonya Santee Retires from Pinnacle Center
Sonya Santee we celebrate you and your 22 years of exemplary service to the Pinnacle Senior Community Center in Fort Bend, Houston. Your commitment and contributions have played a vital role in the Center’s success. (She actually came up with the name we all love.)

Thank you for your hard work, dedication, and lasting impact. May your well-earned retirement bring you joy, fulfillment, and new adventures. Happy Retirement!

We look forward to working with Gwendolyn Tealer as she takes the helm at the Pinnacle Center next.

#DistrictK #FortBendHouston
 

National Night Out Registration Opens
National Night Out is an annual event that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie and it’s a lot of fun.

Well, guess what? NATW is here to help you plan your National Night Out this year! Just fill out the form, and you’ll receive a confirmation email with your Guide and coordinator toolkit.

It’s that easy! Registration is free and required and officially open. Visit this link for details:natw.org

Let’s make this year’s National Night Out the best one yet. Get started today! #CommunityStrong #NationalNightOut #DistrictK

Greater Houston Business Procurement Forum
What an incredible turnout at the Greater Houston Business Procurement Forum Breakfast! It was inspiring to see so many business owners eager to dive into the 2024 Economic Forecast, explore contracting opportunities, and connect with exhibitors. The energy and networking buzz in the innovation district were truly priceless. Check out The ION for more programming for business owners.

Free Pop-up Grocery Store
Second Harvest Pop-Up Grocery Store program is their solution to combat food insecurity and rising prices. With grocery prices up 3.3%, many Houston households are feeling the strain. That’s why we’re stepping in to provide a dignified shopping experience for those in need, especially seniors, the disabled, and veterans.

For more information visit: https://secondservingshouston.org/popup-grocery-stores
 

Positive Interaction Program
February’s HPD Southwest Command P.I.P. Meeting scheduled is for Tuesday, February 27, 2024, 7:00 p.m.   #CommunityFirst #DistrictK
 

Transfer on Death Deed Clinic
The Department of Neighborhoods is hosting a Transfer on Death Deed Clinic at Qual Run Community Center, Saturday, February 17, 2024 from 9:00 am thu 12:00 pm.
 

Dress for Success Is Asking for Assistance
Dress for Success® Houston is launching their annual Her Path Forward campaign on March 1, just in time for Women’s History Month.

When women have access to education and job resources, they empower communities, boost organizational effectiveness, and fuel economic growth. But gender inequity still looms in the workplace, holding women back from fulfilling careers and better lives for themselves and their families.

Her Path Forward provides women with career advancement opportunities, financial education, and a supportive community, we’re helping them thrive in every aspect of their lives. Join Dress for Success in celebrating female leaders and giving women the tools they need to succeed.

For more information visit: https://www.dfshouston.org/her-path-forward-2024

#WomenEmpowerment #HerPathForward
 

District K Improvement Projects
There are several ongoing projects in District K. We will do our best to keep you updated on progress and any extended delays. A lot of good things are happening throughout the District and of course infrastructure is a big part of that.

You can follow projects on engage houston: https://www.engagehouston.org/

#DistrictK #KeepDistrictKBeautiful #Transportation #Infrastructure
 

Fondren Concrete Panels
Work continues in and around our Fondren communities. Contractors are working to replace concrete panels along Fondren Rd. from US 90 to Sam Houston Parkway. Please slow down as you are traveling through this area. We are looking forward to the smoother streets.
 

Westridge & Braes Terrace Street Improvements
Phases 2 and 3 will see the removal and replacement of curbs, gutters, and driveway aprons. We’ll also update storm drainage pipes and inlets within the reconstructed street right-of-way. Enhancements include new sidewalks, a streetlight system with poles, and fresh concrete pavement to boost the area’s infrastructure. Plus, new waterlines will improve water delivery service.

#Transportation #Infrastructure #DistrictKImprovements
 

Trail Lake Dr. Storm Sewer Improvements
Work Authorization has been issued to perform storm sewer improvements starting along Trail Lake Dr intersection with Lawnhaven Dr. The work is slated to begin in February and should be finished this summer. If you experience any concerns during construction do not hesitate to contact our office. This project is another step in improving the water flow in and around Keswick Ramblewood.

#DistrictK #KeepDistrictKBeautiful #Transportation #Infrastructure
 

Willow Waterhole Greenway Street Improvements
Great news! The street overlay project near Willow Waterhole Greenway in District K is officially completed, bringing smoother and safer roads for us to travel. The completion of this project is another significant step toward enhancing mobility throughout the needs space. Check out the new roads at:

Gasmer Dr. (from S. Post Oak Rd. to S. Willow Dr.)

Ricecrest St. (from S. Willow Dr. to Gasmer Dr.)

Clematis Ln. (from S. Willow Dr. to Dead End)

Clematis Ln (from Gasmer Dr. to Dead End)

The completionon of this project is another significant step toward enhancing mobility throughout the community. Improved roads not only ensure smoother traffic flow but also contribute to overall safety, accessibility and the efficiency of daily commutes.

We will continue working to foster a more connected and vibrant community everyday. #DistrictK #KeepDistrictKBeautiful #Transportation #Infrastructure#Westbury
 

Briargate Neighborhood Street Improvements
Briargate residents, we’ve got some construction coming your way. Work Authorization has been issued to replace concrete panels on several streets in District K, including Baybriar, BazelBriar Dr, Homebriar Ct, and more. Construction is set to kick off this month, and will last around 32 weeks. Stay tuned for updates and plan accordingly!

#Transportation #Infrastructure #DistrictKImprovements
 

Murworth Street Improvements
Authorization has been issued to replace concrete panels on Murworth (Lantern Point-Kirby) and Kirby (Murworth-La Concha). Construction has begun and will take approximately 14 weeks to complete. 

#Transportation #Infrastructure #DistrictKImprovements
 

Apply for an Annual Mail-in-Ballot
Apply for an Annual Mail-in Ballot and you will automatically receive a ballot for all elections in 2024! This option is only available for voters 65 and older and voters with disabilities. The application can be found at the League of Women Voters website: https://www.lwvhouston.org.