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There is still time to schedule your family photo today. We have a few slots left just for you. Call and get on the schedule. You will want this amazing holiday keepsake. We are looking forward to seeing everyone who has already signed up for their photo session. Happy Holidays!
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Serving as president of the Texas Municipal League is such an honor. The December edition of Texas Town & City is now online. I’m excited for you to visit the recap of the 2021 TML Annual Conference and Exhibition. There are some great celebratory photos of the conference that was held here in Houston in October.
In this issue, you’ll also:
- Meet your 2021-2022 TML Board of Directors
- Learn how TMRS is enhancing its services and support to Texas cities
- Celebrate the Texas Municipal Excellence Award Winners
I’m proud to lead such a stellar organization and I want Texans to know about the great work happening in cities all across our state. I hope you will take some time to learn more about TML and the elected leaders who work to ensure Texas cities continue to thrive. Enjoy!
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Congratulations
Willow Waterhole Greenspace Conservancy!
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Congratulations on the 2021 Mayor’s Outstanding Proud Partner/Keep Houston Beautiful Award; District K’s own Willow Waterhole Greenspace Conservancy. The award was given for the naturescapes carved by James Phillips that are located in the park.
Willow Waterhole Greenway is a 291 acre greenway that is combination of recreational greenspace and detention lakes. We encourage the community to come out and enjoy the marvels of the Willow Waterhole!
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More District K Improvements!
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A work order has been issued to remove and replace concrete sidewalk and ramps on Croquet Lane (West side) from Heatherbrook Dr. to Delbury St in Windsor Village neighborhood. Construction has been scheduled to commence on December 6, 2021 and is anticipated to end by mid January 2022.
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Omicron Variant Detected
in Houston’s Wastewater
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The Omicron (B.1.1.529) variant of the virus that causes COVID-19 is present in Houston’s wastewater, the Houston Health Department announced Monday night. The detection is the first indication the new variant is in Houston,
Wastewater samples collected on November 29-30 showed Omicron at eight of the city’s 39 wastewater treatment plants, including W.C.I.D. #111, Chocolate Bayou, Keegans Bayou, Metro Central, Northgate, Sims Bayou North, Turkey Creek, and West District. The genomic sequencing results confirming the variant were received Monday evening.
Federal health officials are conducting studies on whether Omicron is more transmissible, causes more serious illness, or evades vaccine protection compared to other variants of the virus. Results are expected in the next few weeks.
“Omicron in Houston is cause for concern but not panic,” said Dr. David Persse, chief medical officer for the City of Houston. “It’s important to remember that vaccination is our best tool to reduce cases, prevent serious illness and death, and slow the emergence of new variants.”
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City Council Sets Public Hearing for
Banner District
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Wednesday, December 8, 2021, City Council approved a motion to set a public hearing to designate a Banner District in the Five Corners Management District. The hearing is set for Wednesday, December 15, 2021, at 9:00 AM.
Background Information (Council Agenda Cover)
Houston Public Works (HPW) has received a request from Five Corners Management District (the District) for the designation of a Banner District as defined in Section 40-30 of the City of Houston Code of Ordinances. The boundaries of the proposed banner district exist within the City Limits of the area defined as the District. Placement of the banners will be on specific sections of rights-of way within the District as shown in the attached boundary exhibit. The Code of Ordinances defines that the City Council shall conduct a hearing to consider the merits of the request within 45 days of the date of request filing with the city secretary. HPW is requesting that a public hearing to be held on December 15th, 2021 to consider the designation of a Banner District in Five Corners Management District.
The District has demonstrated that they meet the criteria to become a banner district:
- The area has paved streets with rights-of-way not less than 60 feet wide;
- The land use in the proposed district is primarily nonresidential; and
- The designation of the proposed district would not endanger the health, safety, welfare and public convenience of the citizens of the city.
The locations of the Banner District designation for eleven (11) major corridors are reflected in the map below.
We are looking forward to adding these “Art Banners” to our community beautification efforts.
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Houston Parks Board Launches
New Agents of Discovery Virtual Game!
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Come out to visit Sims Bayou and engage in the exploration challenge while taking in the beautiful area at Sims Bayou! The “virtual game” is available through Friday, February 5, 2022.
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City of Houston Anti-Litter Initiative led by VMPT Castex-Tatum Featured in the International New York Times!
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EXTRA , EXTRA, READ ALL ABOUT IT! Vice Mayor Pro Tem Martha Castex-Tatum was featured in a recent International New York Times article highlighting her passion for the importance of a beautiful community. Jessica Leigh Hester, an environmental journalist penned a great article about how cities around the world are dealing with covid and covid pollution.
Click on the article to read in it’s entirety.
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EPA Report:
Five Corners District Healthy Transit Options for Southwest Houston
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The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recommends that Southwest Houston leaders improve environmentally friendly mobility options with money from federal, regional and local government as well as grants from non-profit groups. The “Emerging Mobility” plan is meant to provide residents of southwest Houston with other options for transportation besides their cars. It includes improved bike and pedestrian trails, such as the one along Sims Bayou, increased access to public transportation and a public signage to highlight alternatives to driving.
The Five Corners Improvement District was one of six community groups in the country to be awarded a technical assistance grant from the EPA to address mobility or cultural concerns this year. The organizations worked in tandem with other groups in southwest Houston to assess areas of need, hold community meetings and workshops, and put together an action plan.
With an eye on some of the $1 trillion in infrastructure funding approved recently by Congress, the EPA recommends that southwest Houston leaders improve environmentally friendly mobility options with money from federal, regional and local government as well as grants from non-profit groups.
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Harvey Homeowner Assistance Program Deadline Extended
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Houston Public Works Extends Survey for Free Lead & Copper Testing
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Be a Part of the Solution!
Winter Water Conservation
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Houston Public Works is encouraging the community and businesses to turn off automatic sprinklers to save water and save money this winter. Grass is dormant in the winter and does not need regular watering. Houston Public Works asks you to turn off your automatic sprinklers through February 28,2022. The community is also invited to participate in a short survey for the opportunity to win water-saving prizes.
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District K Pet Pantry Event!
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Come out and join Vice Mayor Pro Tem Martha Castex-Tatum and the Houston Humane Society for this FREE pet food giveaway for those needing assistance. We will serve individuals on a first come first serve basis. Let’s make sure we are taking care of our District K family pets.
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District K Holiday Meal
Drive Thru Event!
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Mark your calendars for December 17th @ 11am and come by to pick up a delicious holiday meal catered by Lemond Kitchen. Dj Tricky C Porter will keep things jolly as he spins all of our favorite holiday tunes as you drive thru!
Thank you to our sponsors and partners for making this event possible for District K residents. This is also an opportunity for high school and college students looking for those important service hours, too!
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Toy Drive Volunteers Needed!
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It’s the Most Wonderful
Time of the Year
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At the height of COVID we knew there would be challenges for folks attaining essential goods, especially for Houston’s 215,000 residents with disabilities. So we went to work and started a research pilot program partnered with Houston METRO and Kroger to offer free delivery of groceries to METROLift paratransit riders in designated service areas. You can read more about this research pilot on our blog.
understand how autonomous delivery of groceries could benefit paratransit
customers and how these customers would use the service. This pilot offers free
delivery of online Kroger grocery orders, powered by Nuro autonomous delivery
initial outreach, 40% of respondents expressed interest in participating in the
program as a way for customers to get fresh, healthy food options through a
convenient and affordable service.
As part of the research pilot, Nuro and Houston METRO are interested in the
potential user and cost savings benefits from the service, as well as key
improvements to ensure the delivery service meets the needs of people with
disabilities. The pilot stakeholders, along with the Houston Mayor’s Office,
are asking the greater Houston community to participate in a five-minute online
survey about their potential usage of a delivery service powered by autonomous
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The City of Houston and Harris County are working together to provide over $159 million in rental, utility and case management assistance to those facing housing insecurity.
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