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District K
Contact Information
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| 900 Bagby, First Floor Houston, TX 77002 Main Office: 832-393-3016 Office 832-395-9410 Fax Satellite Office: 832-393-4203 Office 832-395-9410 Fax District Email: [email protected] Website: Click here Archived Newsletters: Click here Facebook: Click here |
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| Post-Harvey Recovery Efforts
SAVE THE DATE -- Thursday, Sept. 14 Post-Harvey Recovery Community Town Hall Meeting |
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In the wake of Hurricane Harvey and havoc the storm brought to Houston, Council Member Green is hosting a District K-wide community town hall meeting on Thursday, September 14th at The Power Center, 12401 South Post Oak Rd. @ South Main St. (adjacent to the Fiesta Shopping Center complex). The meeting will start at 6:30 p.m.
"It is paramount that I connect our District K constituents to the various resources who can better provide recovery following this storm," states Council Member Green. Invited participants will include the following:
- FEMA
- Solid Waste Dept.
- Public Works & Engineering Dept. (Code Enforcement/Floodplain Management Team)
- Housing & Community Development Dept.
- Dept. of Neighborhoods
- HPD
- Health Dept.
- Mayor's Office
- Harris County Flood Control District
- Harris County Appraisal District
- Texas Health & Human Services Commission
In addition to these participants, each will have informational tables arranged outside the meeting room to handle one-on-one questions with attendees.
Please spread the word about this District-wide community town hall meeting.
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Ways to Help Houston Recover from Harvey
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Hurricane Harvey proved to be one of the strongest weather events in U.S. history affecting thousands of people in Texas, specifically Houston. Several neighborhoods in District K were severely affected and we want you all to know we are here to support you during the recovery and rebuilding phase.
- Individuals. Call 211 (713-685-2300 if out of area). They are coordinating volunteers.
- Groups or Individuals. Register at www.volunteerhouston.org (likely the most comprehensive and easiest to use).
- Corporations wanting to donate supplies or money (for example, XYZ Corp has truckloads of supplies they want to contribute):
Please send an email to [email protected] and [email protected] with the following information:
- Name of organization
- Name of person to call regarding the donation
- Email of Point of Contact
- Service provided
- Individuals wanting to donate. Harris County & COH JOINT Donations Hotline. 1-800-SAL-ARMY (1-800-725-2769)
Medical volunteers. SETRAC website for medical volunteers to register for disaster volunteer ops:https://texasdisastervolunteerregistry.org/
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Solid Waste Management Department Debris Collection
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The City of Houston Solid Waste Management Department is asking residents to remove all parked vehicles from the streets whe n debris crews are working in your neighborhood.
Debris should be placed close to the side of the road away from mailboxes, trees, meters, fire hydrants and other structures. Please do not place debris in the roadway.
If debris crews are unable to pass safely along the streets, they will not be able to remove your debris.
For more information about the City of Houston Solid Waste Management Department and its services, residents may check online at www.houstonsolidwaste.org, like us on facebook at http://www.facebook.com/houstonsolidwaste, follow us on twitter @houstontrash or call 3-1-1, the City of Houston's Customer Service Hotline.
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| Near Southwest:
District K Poised to Recognize the Near Southwest Super Neighborhood Council
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 Over the course of one year, the District K office has coordinated with the area stakeholders within the Willow Meadows, Willowbend, and Westwood community to establish a super neighborhood council. As part of the SN formation process, the participating stakeholders agreed to rebrand this super neighborhood as Near Southwest.
"This is a great accomplishment for this area and I commend and welcome the Near Southwest SN Council to join the other five (5) active SN Councils within the District," states Council Member Green.
The Near Southwest SN Council is scheduled to be officially recognized by Mayor Turner before City Council on September 12th. As part of the recognition presentation, the Near Southwest SN Council will be presented with a mayoral proclamation and assigned their official SN Liaison.
"I want to thank those community stakeholders of the Near Southwest SN Council that agreed to work collaboratively and holistically on common, broader concerns that positively impact the community as whole."
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Hiram Clarke:
Sims Bayou Hike & Bike Trail Ribbon Cutting Celebration
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On June 8, 2017, Council Member Larry Green, District K, Houston Parks Board, Mayor Sylvester Turner, the Houston Parks and Recreation Department, Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis and the Harris County Flood Control District celebrated the completion of the newest Bayou Greenways 2020 segment along Sims Bayou Greenway. The new 1.8-mile hike-and-bike trail extends from Heatherbrook Drive to Hillcroft Avenue, and features a new 10-foot wide concrete hike-and bike trail. (See a
map of Sims Bayou Greenway
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Bayou Greenways 2020 project
will transform 3,000 acres of underutilized land along nine major waterways into a 150-mile linear park system that crisscrosses the city, giving the public unprecedented access to one of Houston's best natural amenities: its bayous.
The greenway also includes replacement of an existing asphalt trail. The expanded greenspace within the county park is surrounded by 1,000 new tree plantings from Trees for Houston and freshly planted, native wildflowers.
"We are thrilled to celebrate the opening of the first Bayou Greenways 2020 project along Sims Bayou Greenway," said Council Member Green. "It is exciting to be able to celebrate new opportunities for recreation, transportation and connectivity in our district."
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| District K Celebrates Back to School Events |
Back to School time is busy for everyone involved. School administrators are busy preparing for students and parents are busy gathering supplies and uniforms to make sure students are ready to return to school. There were several outstanding Back to School events throughout District K this summer.
The PACE Moms held their 6th Annual Back to School Bash at Marian Park on August 12th from 11:00am to 3:00pm. The students received back packs filled with supplies and snacks and also enjoyed a fun filled day. Andre Johnson and a few other NFL players also stopped in to take pictures with the students as well. Thank you Karen Johnson for always hosting a great Back to School event.
HPD Southwest Division and the Hiram Clarke Storefront Association held their Back to School Carnival and Health Fair on Saturday, August 19th at Hobby Elementary from 9:00am to 1:00pm. The students also received back packs and needed school supplies. They enjoyed performances by Fort Bend Dance Academy, horseback riding, snow cones and day filled with fun and excitement. The students enjoyed meeting and getting to know their new principal, Mr. Isaac Daniels.
On Sunday, August 20th, Council Member Green joined the Diamonds and Pearls Mothers at their Back to School Hair Cut and School Supply Benefit at the Kut-N-Zone. The school children were able to receive complimentary hair cuts, back packs, supplies and an afternoon of rock climbing and fun.
Thank you to all of our community partners, churches and residents who contributed, hosted events and cared enough to make sure our students had the needed supplies to start the 2017-2018 school year. Your generosity is appreciated.
  
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Madison High School Groundbreaking Ceremony
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Thursday, August 24, 2017 was a great day in Hiram Clarke. Madison High School celebrated their highly anticipated ground breaking ceremony. Madison is among 40 schools, including 29 high schools, across HISD that are being renovated or rebuilt as part of the 2012 Bond Program. The $94 million project calls for a two-story school that will span 265,000 square feet and accommodate up to 2,100 students.
The school will be built facing West Orem Drive and will feature a two-story foyer that will double as a dining commons and large gathering space while also providing plenty of natural light. The school entrance will be flanked by three, two-story academic wings to the east and performing arts and community spaces to the west. A new gym and athletics area, and competition swimming pool will be located to the northeast.
 Madison HS Principal Orlando Reyna smiled as he addressed the large crowd of community members gathered before him, reminding them of the important role they play in the success of Madison High School. HISD Superintendent Richard Carranza thanked Houston voters for making the 2012 Bond possible, but also emphasized the importance of what the new building will symbolize for the community.
"I am thrilled to finally stand in front of this tremendous construction site,"said Council Member Larry Green. Our students deserve to attend school in a state of the art facility such as this."
Also joining in the celebration were U.S. Congressman Al Greene, State Rep. Alma Allen, and former NFL player and Madison alumnus Moran Norris. Also on display during the event was a time capsule, which will be packed with items from various school departments and buried near the front entrance of the new school. The time capsule is expected to be unearthed in 50 years.
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Buffalo Speedway At-Grade Separation Construction Project Starts
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This past year, the District K community celebrated the completion of the Buffalo Speedway major thoroughfare extension project from West Airport Blvd. to Holmes Rd. As of date, the final leg of this roadway project has begun with the at-grade separation over Holmes Rd. and the Union Pacific Railroad to connect with the remaining segment of Buffalo Speedway.
"This short but final segment of Buffalo Speedway has been a long-time coming. Once this at-grade separation project is complete, I will host a ribbon cutting ceremony to mark this mobility project from I-610 to West Fuqua St.," states Council Member Green.
This at-grade separation roadway project is programmed to be complete by July 2018. This is a $7.7M project that is being funded by TxDOT. The project scope involves the construction of a four-lane divided concrete roadway with storm
drainage, curbs, sidewalks, and street lighting t
hat will improve traffic circulation and mobility for this area.
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Westbury
Westbury High School Construction is Moving Forward
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The Westbury High School Huskies are seeing significant changes on their campus as construction on their two story addition is nearly halfway complete. The $40 million dollar project, which is a part of HISD's voter-approved 2012 Bond, calls for general renovations to the current building, as well as a new addition with 26 classrooms, flexible learning centers, two new gyms, and a dual purpose commons serving as both a dining area and space for students to gather.
"We are pleased with the progress thus far. The students deserve these improvements and the community is happy to see the construction moving so fast," Council Member Larry Green said.
Renovation plans for the existing building also call for the front entrance to be redesigned and relocated to the atrium, creating a prominent, easily identifiable and secure main entry. With two sets of doors, visitors will be able to enter the secure foyer, but must get administrative authorization before going further into the school. Demolition of the existing temporary buildings will begin sometime after construction of the new addition is completed, making room for new tennis courts and a detention pond. To alleviate traffic congestion, student drop-off and pick-up will be located in front of the school, while bus pick-up and drop-off is located at the back. Bond surplus funds also will be used to supplement the school's fine arts department. The project is slated for completion during the fourth quarter of 2018.
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Hillcroft Avenue Reclassification
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Earlier this year, the District K office submitted an amendment to the 2017 Major Thoroughfare & Freeway Plan (MTFP) to reclassify Hillcroft Ave. from Willowbend Blvd. to South Main St. as from an existing P-6, 150-ft width thoroughfare to a P-4, 150-ft width thoroughfare.
This segment of Hillcroft Ave. meanders through the single family residential neighborhood of Westbury which
consist of 5,000+ single family residential homes. The Westbury Civic Club approached the District K council office about advocating for Hillcroft Ave., between Willowbend Blvd. to South Main St., to remain a 4-lane major thoroughfare. Upon the request of the civic club, the council office sponsored the MTFP amendment before the Houston Planning Commission.
"The objective is to reclassify this segment of Hillcroft Ave., relative to the 2017 MTFP as an amendment from a P-6, 150-ft width major thoroughfare to a P-4, 150-ft width major thoroughfare," states Council Member Green.
This amendment had the full support of the Westbury community and was approved by the Houston Planning Commission.
The 2017 Major Thoroughfare & Freeway Plan is expected to go before City Council for approval later this month.
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Brays Oaks
Brays Oaks District Approves Seal Security
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This past summer, I advocated and the Brays Oaks District approved a contract to provide SEAL Security. The mission is to improve both personal and financial security within the Brays Oaks District by creating and maintaining a safe environment in both perception and reality with focused public safety programs.
"I'm happy the Brays Oaks District has coordinated to provide a contract with SEAL Security. Their service and presence will continue to minimize the level of criminal activity within the District," states Council Member Green.
The District focuses on improving communication and cooperation with property owners, tenants, and public safety departments in an effort to maintain and enhance the District's level of public safety. This provides an improved sense of personal security and ensures that the residential and business areas grow and become more vibrant places for employers, employees, and residents alike.
With the assistance of SEAL Security, the District continues to market public safety initiatives such as providing mobile surveillance cameras, HPD partnerships, crime mapping/analytics, Harris County Attorney Community Protection Program, Apartment Life Committee meetings, neighborhood cleanups and 3-1-1 issue policing, as well as graffiti abatement and street light surveys.
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Fort Bend Houston
Council Member Green Hosts Teacher Supply Drive for Willowridge High School
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 On August 11, 2017 Council Member Green along with State Representative Ron Reynolds, Fort Bend Super Neighborhood 41, Julia F. Thompson, Inc., Xi Kappa Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha, Mu Kappa Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha, Constable Gary Majors and other members of our community came together to support the teachers of Willowridge High School with supplies to start the 2017-2018 School year. The unexpected mold infestation on the campus of Willowridge High School unfortunately resulted in many teachers losing most of their supplies that have been accumulated over the years. Although FBISD will replace the classroom supplies the personal items that the teachers had in their classrooms cannot be replaced. The community has come together to provide the teachers with over $12,000 in monetary funds to help replace those personal instructional items.
Principal Graham wanted to gift each teacher at Willowridge with a first day of school tote filled with supplies and the community made that possible. Thank you to all of the organizations that donated money and supplies to make the gift bags a reality. The teachers were so appreciative and ready to educate our students. We are looking forward to the mold being remediated at Willowridge High School and having the school remodeled soon.
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General District K News
Council Member Green Unveils Two (2) Speed Trailers in District K
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 On Thursday, August 17, 2017 at the South Gessner HPD Substation, Council Member Green unveiled two new speed trailers to be used throughout District K. One speed trailer will be assigned to the South Gessner HPD Patrol Division and the other will be assigned to the Southwest Patrol Division.
Police officers spend an average of 72 minutes at a crash scene caused by speeding motorists.
"Public safety is a top priority for me and the constituents of District K. Due to the large number of calls to our office and excessive speeding on our local streets, I knew it was important to allocate funds from my council service budget for these trailers" states Council Member Green. It is our hope that these speed trailers will aid in altering the behavior of speeding motorists.
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SAVE THE DATE -- October 3, 2017 for National Night Out
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Tuesday, October 3, 2017 is National Night Out. National Night Out is a unique crime/drug prevention event sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch. NNO is designed to heighten crime and drug prevention awareness; generate support for and participation in local anti-crime programs; strengthen neighborhood spirit and police/community partnerships; and send a message to criminals letting them know that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.
The District K office hopes you will lock your doors, turn on porch lights, gather with neighbors and friends to show unity against criminal activity. If your neighborhood is hosting an event please let us know. Send an email with location, time and contact person name and phone number to Joe Gatson at [email protected].
Once again, the 5 Corners District and YMCA will host the "Start Here First" event to kick off the evening. Meet us at 5801 West Orem Drive for food and fun starting at 4:30 p.m. Come out and get to know your neighbors and the people who keep our community safe.
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Has Your Civic Association Been Updated with the District K Council Office?
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 Update your civic association contacts with the District K council office. If your civic association has recently elected new officers, changed the primary contact person, new e-mail address, new contact number and/or new or changed meeting location, time, and date, please take a moment to update your contact info with the District K council office.
Periodically, the District K office sends pertinent information about District K news and City of Houston topics of information relating to your neighborhood and neighborhood association. To ensure you and your civic association receives this information, we need you to update your contact info. Thank you for your help and your interest in District K.
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General City of Houston News
Be Prepared for Hurricane Season; It's Not Over Yet!
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Be Prepared for Hurricane Season 
Hurricane Season is here and runs from June 1 to November 30. The City of Houston Office of Emergency Management urges Houstonians to prepare for hurricanes, tropical storms and other emergencies by following a few key steps.
Build a Kit - Have a disaster supply kit with enough supplies to last you and your family for 5-7 days; the kit should include food, medications, water and other basic necessities
Make a Plan - Have an emergency plan for your family and check to make sure that your workplace, children's school and other places you frequent have emergency plans in place; be sure to practice your family's emergency plan before disasters happen
Be Informed - Remember, during and after a hurricane, electricity and internet connections may be unavailable, so have a way to stay informed, including access to a NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) Weather Alert radio or a hand-crank or battery-powered radio
Know Your Neighbor - Neighbors can be a great source of help before and after a disaster, so get to know your neighbors, particularly those who are elderly or who may not be able to prepare for disasters by themselves; Houstonians know how to work together to be ready for disasters
For more information, visit
www.houstonoem.net
. To learn more visit
www.hurricaneworkshop.com
. If an evacuation is necessary, it is key to have a plan for how to get out of harm's way. If you are unable to evacuate by yourself or with the help of family and friends, register for the Transportation Assistance Registry by calling 2-1-1 from any phone in Texas or by visiting
www.houstonoem.net
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| Students Ride METRO for FREE through September |
METRO is offering free rides to all area students through Sept. 30, 2017. Many families are left with limited transportation options and disrupted schedules since the storm. Parents accompanying students to school may also ride for free.
Harvey Recovery Free Ride Facts
- Free rides for all students K- College
- Free rides for parents escorting students
- High school and college students must present student ID before boarding
- Offer through Sept. 30, 2017
"The road to recovery is a long one for so many people in our community. We hope the free riders will remove some stress for parents and students as they return to school," said METRO Chair Carrin Patman.
METRO staff worked around the clock to get nearly all of the routes running again. A handful are detoured, abbreviated or combined due to high water. More buses are being used to meet higher ridership demands.
"We're going to be very flexible and adapt services to meet the needs of our community," said METRO President & CEO Tom Lambert.
Information about METRO's routes and schedules can be found at RIDEMETRO.org
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Keep District K Clean - Klean it Up Green it Up
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