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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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District K Post- Harvey Community Town Hall Meeting
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 In the wake of Hurricane Harvey and havoc the storm brought to Houston, Council Member Green hosted a District K-wide community town hall meeting last month at The Power Center, 12401 South Post Oak Rd. @ South Main St.
"It was paramount that I connected our District K constituents to the various resources who can better provide recovery following this storm," stated Council Member Green. Invited participants included 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
In addition to these participants, informational tables were arranged outside the meeting room to handle one-on-one questions among the attendees.
"Overall, the community meeting went well and the District K office has received a number of positive comments expressing their appreciation of the office for making the connection needed as constituents continue to go through this recovery process."
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Post-Harvey Updates
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Unusually High Water Bills Reported as a Result of Harvey Flooding
 Council Member Green takes seriously the fact that some properties in District K affected by flooding have received unusually high water bills. There are approximately 5,000 customer accounts that have water bills that are twice as much (or more) as the previous billing cycle.
Council Member Green is working with the Administration and Houston Public Works to better understand how this happened and how to correct it. For updates, and steps you can take if you have experienced a high water bill related to Harvey, visit
houstonrecovers.org/highbills.
Please call the Contact Customer Account Services at 713-371-1400. Eligible accounts will be placed on hold. Penalties will not accrue and accounts will not be disconnected.
Rental Assistance
If you need more rental assistance because you're still unable to return to your Harvey-damaged home, let FEMA know. FEMA grants do not have to be repaid. FEMA assistance is nontaxable and will not affect eligibility for Social Security, Medicaid or other federal benefits.
To be eligible for continued rental assistance, you must complete a form and mail it to FEMA. If you did not receive the form, visit any Disaster Recovery Center (DRC). For a list and interactive map of DRCs in the Houston area, visit
houstonrecovers.org/disaster-recovery-centers.
Report Your Debris
The District K office is coordinating with the Solid Waste Management Dept.to remove debris as quickly as possible throughout the council district. The Dept. has temporarily suspended all recycling and junk/tree waste service. Do NOT place your green bins and heavy trash/yard waste debris on the curb.
 The Solid Waste Management Dept. is asking residents to remove all parked vehicles from the streets when 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.
Be sure the City knows about your damage and debris by submitting a report on houston311.org or on the Houston 311 App for Smartphones. Please note that calling 311 repeatedly will not increase the speed by which your debris is collected. For information on debris management, visit
houstonrecovers.org.
Harvey by the Numbers
 The City announced the launch of the "Harvey By The Numbers" web site on Friday. The site provides visualized information about Houston's response to Harvey, as well as on storm debris collection. This site will be updated periodically as Houston's recovery from Harvey continues. To access the latest numbers, visit
houstonrecovers.org/numbers.
Governor Abbott and Mayor Turner Announced Funding For Houston
On September 29th, Mayor Turner and Governor Greg Abbott held a news conference at Houston City Hall to announce that the State of Texas will provide $50 million to the City of Houston to offset the cost associated with Houston's response to Harvey. This additional funding will mean that Houston will NOT need to raise property taxes slightly to cover the cost of response. Watch the press conference online at
twitter.com/houstontx.
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| Residential Repair Permitting Guidelines |
 As District K constituents continue to work through the recovery process, below is some important information regarding the City's permitting process. NOTE: all properties located in the floodplain must contact the Floodplain Management Office at 832-394-8854 or email [email protected] prior to making repairs.
Residential Repair Permit Guidelines
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The following is the procedure for repair of properties not in a floodplain:
APPLY FOR THE PERMIT
Step 2: Obtain a ticket by selecting Permits ---> Building Construction Permits ---> Project Number/Single Trade Permit from any of the four kiosks located by the entrance. A Customer Service Representative will assign a project number.
Step 3: Obtain a ticket by selecting Plan Review ---> Building Plan Review ---> Residential and/or One Stop Plan Review from the kiosk and proceed to the One Stop Section on the third floor.
Step 4: A Plan Analyst will review the Repairs Spec List to ensure repairs are for replacing like-for-like building elements and compliance with applicable codes.
Step 5: Once approved, the Plan Analyst or a Customer Service Representative will create a sales order.
Step 6: Proceed to the cashiers' booth on the first floor to pay the sales order and receive your permit.
Step 7: If the project involves plumbing, electrical, or HVAC work, each licensed contractor must purchase a separate permit for that portion.
SCHEDULE INSPECTIONS
Step 8: Inspections must be scheduled before any drywall is replaced. See the back of the permit for inspections schedule. (Note: If work within walls is covered without inspections, the drywall must be removed before the permit can be final).
NOTE: All permits must be final.
Electrical Repairs
All electrical work requires a permit and must be completed by a licensed electrical contractor. For questions, contact Electrical Inspections at (832) 394-8860. To verify Master Electricians and HVAC licensees, visit
Mechanical Repairs
Permits are not required for the installation or replacement of air outlet grills, thermostats, and return air filters or grills. Permits are required for replacing condensing units and evaporator coils, relocating a condensing unit from its original location, replacing a condensing unit with one of a
different tonnage rating, and installing or replacing ductwork or furnaces.
For questions, contact Mechanical Inspections at (832) 394-8850.
Plumbing Repairs
Permits are not required to replace lavatory or kitchen faucets, ballcocks or water control valves, garbage disposals, or water closets. Permits are required for reconnecting fixtures to the water/wastewater system. For questions, contact Plumbing Inspections at (832) 394-8870. To verify Master Plumbers, visit tsbpe.state.tx.us/consumerinformation.html
Structural Repairs
Permits are not required for:
- Tarping
- Repairing wooden and metal fences less than 8 feet in height
- Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, counter tops and similar finish work
- Repairing damaged gypsum board (a.k.a. sheetrock or drywall)
- Repairing exterior wood facia, trim and soffits
Permits are required for:
- Structural damage such as walls being moved or knocked down or a roof collapse
- Repairing siding that exceeds 128 square feet
- Roof covering that exceeds 100 square feet
- Replacing exterior doors and windows
For questions, contact Structural Inspections at (832) 394-8840.
Please note that in addition to the Houston Permitting Center at 1002 Washington Ave. (77002), flood repair permits may also be obtained at the temporary satellite office at the Southwest Multi-Service Center, 6400 High Star Dr. (77074) (both are open Monday-Friday from 7:30 A.M. to 6:30 P.M.) or at The Shops at Memorial City, 12311 Kingsride Dr. (77024) on Wednesday and Thursday only.
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Section
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Phone Number
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Structural
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832-394-8840
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Electrical
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832-394-8860
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Mechanical
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832-394-8850
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Plumbing
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832-394-8870
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Occupancy
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832-394-8880
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Multi-discipline
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832-394-8880
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Sign Administration
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832-394-8890
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| Braeswood: Linkwood Street Reconstruction and Woodshire Storm Drainage Projects Updates |
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The Linkwood Street Reconstruction and Woodshire Storm Drainage projects are scheduled to commence this Fall.
The Linkwood Street Reconstruction project is a
$9.4M infrastructure project that will provide for the design and construction for concrete paving with storm drainage, curbs, sidewalks, driveways, street lighting, and necessary underground utilities. The project is estimated to be under construction for 600 days.
 The District K office is hosting an informational meeting for the Linkwood community on November 2 at the Linkwood Park Community Center at 6:30 p.m. The informational meeting will further highlight the project scope and introduce the PWE and construction project manager assigned to this job.
The Woodshire Storm Drainage Project is a $16.4M infrastructure project that will provide for the design and construction of storm drainage improvements/
replacements, necessary concrete paving for all streets, curbs, sidewalks, driveways, necessary underground utilities to serve the D0149, D0151, D0152, D0153, D0154, D0159 CDP outfalls, adjacent drainage areas of the Brays Bayou Watershed. Also, this project will be split into two (2) subprojects.
The District K office is hosting an informational meeting for the Woodshire community on November 14 at the Linkwood Park Community Center at 6:30 p.m. The informational meeting will address Phase I of this overall project which will cover the northern portion of the Woodshire community. Like the Linkwood informational meeting, this forum will also highlight the project scope and introduce the PWE and construction project manager assigned to this job.
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| Hiram Clarke: Glen Iris Waterline Replacement Project Starts Soon |
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The southern portion of the Glen Iris subdivision will undergo a waterline replacement improvement project which will replace and enlarge the existing waterlines for the following streets:
3100-3499 Wuthering Heights Dr. (Townwood to Ambrose)
3100-3499 Tidewater Dr. (Townwood to Ambrose)
3100-3499 Knotty Oak Trail (Townwood to Ambrose)
3100-3499 Trail Lake Lane (Townwood to Ambrose) 
3100-3499 Ebbtide (Townwood to Ambrose)
13200-13499 Townwood Dr. (Dragonwick to Ebbtide)
13300-13499 Waterloo Dr. (Wuthering Heights to Beran)
13200-13499 Ambrose (Dragonwick to Ebbtide)
13400-13499 Woodring (Knotty Oaks Trail to Trail Lake)
13400-13499 Boonway (Knotty Oaks Trail to Trail Lake)
The waterline replacement project is expected to start October 16. The District K office is hosting an informational meeting on October 12 at 6:30 p.m. at the Hiram Clarke Multi-Service Center to further explain the project scope and introduce the PWE and assigned construction company.
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District K Initiates Fall Arbor Day Tree Planting Event
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SAVE THE DATE -- October 28
The District K office, in partnership with Trees for Houston, Centerpoint Energy, the Five Corners Management District, and the Parks and Recreation Dept., will host a Fall Arbor Day tree planting event along the West Orem Dr. corridor from Waterloo Dr. to Almeda Rd. This tree planting event is a continuation of the trees planted along the West Orem Dr. corridor from the Arbor Day event the District K office sponsored in 2014.
"I'm thrilled to have dynamic community partners like Trees for Houston and Centerpoint Energy that have repeatedly stepped-up regarding the tree canopy along our District K esplanades," states Council Member Green.
This tree planting event will involve the planting of over 100, 15-gallon trees which will consist of crepe myrtles and live oak trees. The staging location for this event will occur at The Community Crossing Church, 3225 West Orem Dr. where volunteers will register at 8:00 a.m. and the tree planting event will begin at 8:30 a.m. The Five Corners Management District will sponsor light breakfast for the volunteers.
For more information about volunteering for this upcoming tree planting event, contact the District K office at 832-393-3016.
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Westbury
2017 Westbury Fall White Elephant Sale
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The Westbury Civic Club provides fall and spring community garage sale events to their members. The Fall White Elephant Sale will be on Saturday, October 28, from 8:00 a.m. to 12 noon at the Westbury United Methodist Church, 5200 Willowbend Blvd. The rain date is November 4.
Booths are on sale at the civic club office.
Cash or check only. You must be a paid current member of the Westbury Civic Club to purchase a booth. This means you must have paid your 2017 Westbury Civic Club membership dues of $50. If you  have not paid your dues, you must do so at the same time that you purchase your booth space. The booth price for individual Westbury residents will be $20
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$25. The booth price for non
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residents and groups is $70
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75.
The Westbury White Elephant Sale allows residents the opportunity to sell unwanted household items at a highly visible central location with security provided. The Westbury Civic Club provides location, security, bathrooms and publicity for the sale; however, it does NOT provide tables, chairs, or shade.
Garage, estate, yard, moving sales, etc. are not permitted at Westbury residences.
Come out and shop over 50 garage sales in one location! PUCS coffee truck will be on site as well as Trick or Tree! This event is open to the community!
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Brays Oaks
Glenshire Park Parking Lot Upgrades
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Last month, City Council approved an appropriation of $592,962.50 to start the  construction project of the Glenshire Park parking lot. This project will consist of a new 16,000 square foot parking lot with 72 spaces including three handicapped spaces. The project will also include an underground gravel drainage and water detention system, new trail connections, trees, landscaping and irrigation. The duration for this project is 180 calendar days in which the project is expected to be complete by late Spring 2018.
"This is a popular passive park for the Brays Oaks community and the parking lot has been in a dismal condition for a number of years. Through the advocacy of the Brays Oaks SN Council, I'm happy to have added this park improvement as a CIP project," states Council Member Green.
During the construction phase of this parking lot, Glenshire Park will remain open to the public but the parking lot will be closed. The public can park along the shoulder of Riceville School Rd. and continue to access the walking trail and playground within the park.
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| West Airport Blvd. Waterline Project Delay |
It has come to the attention of the District K office last month from the City of Houston Public Works Dept. that this West Airport Blvd. waterline project has hit a few snags that took a significant amount of time to correct. The Public Works Dept. has assured the District K council office that the assigned contractor's issues have been resolved and the work is progressing. Regrettably, the original completion date was April 2017. The revised date has been pushed back to late this Fall and it will take a couple of months to fully complete this project.
The District K office sincerely apologizes for the inconveniences the residents along West Airport Blvd. are experiencing with this delayed project. "I'm committed to coordinate with the PWE Dept. to move this infrastructure rehabilitation job along with haste," states Council Member Green. The assigned contractor is responsible for maintaining the esplanades, sidewalks, curbs, and street back to its original state before the project began. Barbara Hite from the District K office will continue to monitor this waterline project to its completion.
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Fort Bend Houston
Fort Bend Houston SN Council Sponsored Scholarship Fundraiser
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Earlier this month, the Fort Bend Houston SN Council sponsored a Scholarship  Fundraiser Dance & Fish Fry at The Pinnacle Senior Center to benefit potential high school graduates within Fort Bend Houston.
"I want to acknowledge those donations received from supporters as of this date. Additionally, the Fort Bend Houston SN Council would like to thank supporters outside the Fort Bend Houston communities. All whom have made a donation, purchased tickets, posted the event on their subdivision marquee, and placed a flyer at their place of business. We appreciate all that participated in this endeavor", states Carl David Evans, Fort Bend Houston SN Council President.
"This is an example of all communities within a single geographical boundary coming together for a common cause," states Council Member Green.
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General District K News
National Night Out was a BIG Hit in District K
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 Across the nation, National Night Out was celebrated on the first Tuesday in August; except for the state of Texas. The Texas date is the first Tuesday in October (due to the heat). However, this didn't stop the District K civic associations from organizing and coordinating big and small National Night Out events earlier this month. Like the mission of National Night Out, the event encourages community involvement toward building a safer and better  neighborhood.
"One of my favorite events of the year is National Night Out" states Council Member Green. "Our District K neighborhoods are truly our greatest asset and I want to make sure we do all we can to preserve the quality of life for our residents.
I want to thank those District K neighborhoods that reached out to the council office to attend their block and neighborhood parties," states Council Member Green. This event offered neighbors an opportunity to meet the folks across the street, down the street, and next door as well as
celebrate the positive initiatives of your civic association and provide important information about public safety and security concerns
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"Thank you to each of the neighborhood civic clubs, HOAs, and CIAs that planned and executed events. Let's continue to show unity against criminal activity."
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| Brays Bayou Association Special Flood Forum -- October 16 |
The Brays Bayou Association is sponsoring a Special Flood Forum on Monday,
 October 16 at Willow Meadows Baptist Church, 4300 West Bellfort Ave. The meeting is scheduled to start at 7:00 p.m. The featured presenters will include Steve Costello, Chief Resilience Officer, sometimes referred to as the Flood Czar for the City of Houston, and Russ Poppe, Executive Director of the Harris County Flood Control District. Both gentlemen will highlight the collaborative working relationship with the City of Houston, Harris County, and other entities towards achieving the goal of reducing the risk of flooding within the Brays Bayou Watershed.
This forum will also highlight updates on Project Brays and possible future flood risk reduction opportunities for southwest Houston.If you have any concerns or doubts about flooding or drainage issues, this is the opportunity to have them addressed!
The community forum is open to public and all are invited.
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Council Member Green Neighborhood Sightings (mid-September - mid October)
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Council Member Green made his rounds to discuss District K initiatives. Listed below are community meetings Council Member Green and the District K staff have attended during mid-September through mid-October.
Sept. 18 -- Transportation, Technology, & Infrastructure meeting
Sept. 19 -- Stadium Park Management District Board meeting
Sept. 19 -- Hiram Clarke Civic Club meeting
Sept. 21 -- Southwest Houston 2000 Board meeting
Sept. 21 -- Harris County Improvement District #12 Board meeting
Sept. 21 -- South Houston Concerned Citizens Coalition meeting
Sept. 22-- Hiram Clarke Bridging the Community Divide meeting
Sept. 27 -- TIRZ #9 Board meeting
Sept. 27 -- Westbury Civic Club Annual meeting
Sept. 28 -- Braeswood SNC meeting
Sept. 29 -- District K Sponsored Voter Registration Training Workshop
October 2 -- Near Southwest SNC meeting
October 3 - National Night Out
October 5 - TIRZ #25 Board meeting
October 5 -- Stadium Park Redevelopment Authority Board meeting
October 6 -- Fort Bend Houston SNC Scholarship Dinner
October 9 -- Hiram Clarke/Fort Bend Houston PIP meeting
October 10 - Brays Oaks SNC meeting
October 12 -- Glen Iris Waterline Replacement Project Informational meeting
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| Houston Police Department Positive Interaction Program (PIP) Meetings |
District K has three (3) active PIP meetings administered by the Houston Police Department. All PIP meetings are open to the public; regardless of where you live.
Southwest PIP Meeting (every 4th Tuesday of the month)
Aramco Building
9009 South Loop West Fwy.
Houston, TX 77096
For more information, please contact the HPD Westbury Storefront at 713-726-7126. The Westbury HPD Storefront hours are 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Hiram Clarke/Fort Bend Houston PIP Meeting (every 2nd Monday of the month)
Hiram Clarke HPD Storefront
4363 West Fuqua St.
Houston, TX 77053
For more information, please contact the HPD Hiram Clarke Storefront at 713-433-2720. The Hiram Clarke HPD Storefront hours are 8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Braeburn PIP Meeting (every 3rd Tuesday of the month)
Braeburn HPD Storefront
7576 West Bellfort Ave.
Houston, TX 77071
For more information, please contact the HPD Braeburn Storefront at 713-773-7550. The Braeburn HPD Storefront hours are 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
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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
Get Ready to VOTE!
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Constituents within the city of Houston are gearing up for the upcoming November 8th elections. It is very important to know what's on the ballot and what is required to cast your vote. This election cycle, there are 2 important measures on the City of Houston ballot: pension obligation bonds and Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) bonds.
For District K residents, we have constituents that reside in either Harris County or Fort Bend County. Below is a list of polling places and contacts for both Harris County and Fort Bend County:
Harris County:
According to the Harris County Clerk's Office, the state of Texas requires voters to present an approved form of photo identification to vote at the polls. To facilitate the voter qualification process when YOU go to the poll, YOU should:
- Review the list of approved Photo IDs and make sure YOU have one;
- Make sure YOUR State Approved Photo ID is current; With the exception of the U.S. citizenship certificate, the Photo ID must be unexpired or expired less than 60 days;
- Verify that the name the Voter Registrar has on file for YOU matches the name on one of the State approved Photo IDs. YOU may visit http://txapps.texas.gov/tolapp/sos/SOSACManager to update YOUR 'Voter Name and Address'.
 Below are the early voting times within Harris County:
October 23 - October 27: 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
October 28: 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
October 29: 1:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
October 30 - November 3: 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
As a side note, constituents also have the option to vote by mail. In Texas, voters who are 65 years of age or older or are disabled may submit an annual ballot by mail application to the early voting clerk starting on the first day of a calendar year. Other qualified voters may submit a ballot by mail application for a specific election beginning the 60th day before Election Day. All applications must be received before the close of business on the 9th day before Election Day. If the 9th day is a weekend, the last day to submit an application is the preceding Friday. Click the link to access the "Ballot by Mail" application: http://www.harrisvotes.com/Docs/app4BallotByMail.pdf.
Fort Bend County:
The same information as in Harris County also applies to Fort Bend County residents. The state of Texas
requires voters to present an approved form of photo identification to vote at the polls.
"This upcoming election is very important. I cannot tell you who to vote for, but I want to strongly encourage you to VOTE," states Council Member Green.
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| Receive Plat and Permit Reports by E-Mail |
Keep up with development and construction projects in your neighborhood. Sign up for the City's E-Plat summary report and the E-Permit report to find out about plat and permit applications.
The Plat Summary E-Report contains information about the plats, replats, variances, and special exceptions to plats that will be considered at the upcoming Planning Commission meeting. The report provides locational, plat, and applicant information for each application in an Excel format that can be
easily scrolled through, or sorted, based on particular data, such as council district.
The Houston Planning Commission meets every other Thursday at 2:30 p.m. in City Hall Annex Chambers, 900 Bagby St. unless otherwise posted.
The Plat Summary E-Report is usually sent out approximately a week before Planning Commission meets, while the Planning Commission Agenda is posted three days in advance of Planning Commission meetings on the Planning & Development Department website (
www.houstonplanning.com
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The Permit E-Report provides information regarding any new construction, remodeling, or change-of-use permits by zip-code in an effort to inform citizens of activity in their neighborhoods. This E-Report is e-mailed every Monday.
To sign up, click here.
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| Students Ride METRO for FREE through October |
METRO is extending its free rides to all area students through October 31, 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 October 31, 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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