January/February 2017
District K
Contact Information
____________________
  

 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:

DistrictK@houstontx.gov

 

Website:

Click here

  

Archived Newsletters:

Click here

 

Facebook:

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Hiram Clarke
 
District K Valentine's Day Senior Luncheon
Thank you to each of you for attending the "We Love District K" Seniors Valentine's Day Luncheon.  Over 300 seniors from District K joined us for lunch, line dancing and a wonderful afternoon of fellowship.  Special thanks to Mr. Alam of The Red Rooster for providing the location and the food and KROGER for the beautiful roses!
  
 District K Celebrates Arbor Day along Sims Bayou
On Saturday, January 21, 2017, District K celebrated Arbor Day with an annual tree planting event. Council Member Larry Green partnered with Trees for Houston and the Houston Parks Board to plant 100, 15 gallon trees along the Sims Bayou corridor.
 
Arbor Day is a holiday in which individuals and groups are encouraged to plant and care for trees. By the 1920s, each state in the United States had passed public laws that stipulated a certain day to be Arbor Day. On the first Arbor Day, April 10, 1872, an estimated one million trees were planted.
 
"Trees are essential to life. They are an important part of every community, and I am elated when we can add more trees throughout the district." states Council Member Green. Thank you to all of the environmentalists who came out to support this worthwhile event. We will enjoy watching the trees grow over the years to come.
 
 
South Houston Concerned Citizens Coalition Hosts Its 4th Appreciation Awards Banquet
The South Houston Concerned Citizens Coalition ("Coalition") held their 4th annual awards banquet on January 21st at The Fountain Life Center. The semi-formal gala entitled Community of One highlighted the contributions and supporters of the Coalition during the 2016 calendar year. Council Member Green, along with other notable community leaders, were acknowledged and recognized for their continued service to the greater Hiram Clarke community.
 
"As a past recipient of one of their distributed awards, I continue to applaud and acknowledge the good works and stewardship of the Coalition," states Council Member Green. As an added bonus to the event, other noted elected officials were on-hand to offer kind words and support the Coalition as they celebrate their annual yearly event. Congratulations to all of our 2016 awardees.
  
HISD Hosts Madison High School Community Meeting  
 
Last month, HISD hosted the 3rd and final Madison High School Community Bond meeting to review designs and reveal an overview of construction plans for the school's new $82.7 million building. HISD anticipates the construction to start this calendar year with a target completion date of late 2018.
 
Community stakeholders throughout the Hiram Clarke area turned out to hear from the project manager, architect, and the contractor, and to ask them questions.
 
"We're excited about the new building," Reyna said. "I get calls every day asking when we're going to start seeing some bulldozers and (construction) activity on the campus. We can't wait to get started." The new two-story building, which is part of HISD's $1.89 billion bond program, will be built facing West Orem Dr. on the school's existing athletic fields. Once the building is complete, the current school will be demolished and new athletic fields will be developed. A two-story foyer will double as a dining commons and large gathering space, while providing plenty of natural light throughout.
 
"Since voters approved this 2012 bond for a new Madison High School, the Hiram Clarke community is happy to see HISD move forward on this construction project," states Council Member Green.
 
The new facility's academic wing will showcase the school's career & technical education programs, including metal working, automotive and agriculture. Academic neighborhoods will be connected by learning commons, giving students a place to study and collaborate. Other features of the new school include main and auxiliary gymnasiums and a 25 meter lap pool.
 
"We are trying to make sure the students understand that this is for them," Reyna said, noting that community centers were part of the plans for the new campus. "This is going to be a place where they can come and learn, and where they can spend their time when they're not in school."
 
For more information on HISD building programs, visit www.BuildHISD.org.
 
 SuperBUILD at Townwood Park

  On Saturday, January 7th District K volunteers joined with Houston Habitat for Humanity to build the walls that will be used for Habitat homes throughout Houston. It was 24 degrees outside but the die-hard volunteers did not let that stop them from helping make Houston a great place to live.
 
In honor of Super Bowl LI, Super BUILD LI is an exciting opportunity to leave a lasting legacy by building affordable homes for low to moderate income Houstonians during the period leading up to the big game. The homes will be located in 5 neighborhoods-5th ward, Sunnyside, Acres Homes, East End and Central Southwest area. Special thanks to all of our volunteers who came out to help build the walls and continue to help us build strong communities.

Westbury

Westbury High School Celebrates Groundbreaking Ceremony
 
This month, Westbury High School held a celebratory groundbreaking ceremony to mark the start of construction as part of the voter-approved 2012 Bond Program. Westbury High School is programmed for a new two-story addition and renovations to the existing building to accommodate 2,300 to 2,500 students. The new $40 million facility will feature 26 new classrooms that will replace current portable buildings, flexible learning centers, a commons area designed to serve a dual purpose as both a dining and gathering space, and two gymnasiums. Last month, Council Member Green participated in the grand opening of Westbury High School's new baseball and softball fields. These were included in an early phase of the overall school renovation project.

Earlier this month, HISD sponsored a community meeting to address final design plans and provide an overview of what students, staff, and constituents can expect during the construction phase of this project. "This renovation project is what constituents voted for during the 2012 HISD bond election. I'm glad to see that HISD is finally moving forward on the groundbreaking construction phase of this project," states Council Member Green.
 
The construction plans call for the front entrance to be redesigned and relocated to the atrium area to create an easily identifiable and prominent main entry. Two sets of doors will create a secure vestibule. Visitors may enter the foyer, but must get authorization to go further into the school. The site plan also features a one-way student drop-off and pick-up area in front of the school, as well as bus pick-up and drop-off at the back, which will relieve traffic congestion.
 
Westbury is among 40 schools, including 29 high schools, being renovated or rebuilt as part of the 2012 Bond program. Active construction is currently underway on roughly three dozen projects - more activity than at any other time in district history. For more information on HISD building programs, visit www.BuildHISD.org.
 
Stadium Park
  
Council Member Green Celebrated Landscape Improvements along South Main St.
Prior to the start of the Houston Super Bowl, Council Member Green partnered with Keep Houston Beautiful and the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) to celebrate the enhanced aesthetics surrounding the NRG Park complex along the South Main St. corridor. These landscape enhancements were funded through a $310,000 Governor's Community Achievement Award presented to Keep Houston Beautiful for its 2015 program year for outstanding community improvement.  The award is one of the most coveted annual environmental and community improvement honors in Texas. It is sponsored by Keep Texas Beautiful and underwritten by the TxDOT for a landscape project along a state right-of-way. "I am so glad that US 90A, better known to most as South Main St., was chosen for this grant award," states Council Member Green.
 
Because of the increased funding by TxDOT for the South Main St. landscape improvements that included sidewalks improvements, two additional Metro bus shelter pads, and other enhancements, these additions will go a long way after the Super Bowl events have left Houston. TxDOT's overall investment with these NRG Park improvements exceeds $940,000.00. "The landscape enhancements along South Main St. are a gift to the City of Houston from Keep Houston B eautiful and the volunteers who work year round to keep Houston clean and green," states Council Member Green.
 
Willow Meadows/Willowbend/Westwood
  
Greater South Post Oak/West Bellfort Coalition Advocates for Civility Ordinance
Over the course of the 2016 Fall season, the Greater South Post Oak/West Bellfort Coalition, which consist of businesses, churches, and residents of Willow Meadows, Willowbend, Westwood, Westbury, and Meyerland, collectively coordinated a petition drive regarding the City of Houston ordinance amendment of Chapter 40. This amendment would extend provisions of the existing civility ordinance to include the area defined by the Greater South Post Oak/West Bellfort Coalition.
 
The City of Houston civility ordinance prohibits certain conduct on sidewalks (lying, sitting or deposing personal possessions) during most daylight hours.  It is currently applicable to the Central Business District, Midtown, Old Sixth Ward, Avondale, Hyde Park, East Downtown Management District and the Historic Near Northside.  The ordinance contains provisions for a citizen petition procedure to extend the restrictions to other areas of the City.
 
Prior to holidays, the group submitted their petition to the City Secretary to extend the civility ordinance within their defined boundary.  In compliance with the procedures set forth in Section 40-353 of the Code of Ordinances, the Legal and Planning and Development Depts. have certified that the petition met required criteria.  Further, the Houston Police Dept. prepared a report indicating the existence of the kind of conduct that is prohibited under the civility ordinance and incidents of criminal misconduct in the Greater South Post Oak/West Bellfort area. Thus, a public hearing was established on January 25 before City Council.
 
"I want to thank the members of the Greater South Post Oak/West Bellfort Coalition for taking time out of their busy schedule to come down to City Council and speak in favor of a civility that will cover their respective area," states Council Member Green. Members of the Coalition that spoke at the Public Hearing stayed on the topic discussion and eloquently spoke on the purpose of the civility ordinance - to minimize loitering or obstruction of the public sidewalk/right-of-way and the public "pedestrian paths" (sidewalks) underneath the underpasses during the 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. timeframe.  
 
"Since the January 25th Public Hearing, we all are currently waiting for Mayor Turner to place the civility ordinance on Council agenda for passage," states Council Member Green. "I will continue to monitor the Mayor's intent with moving this item forward and keep the Coalition members informed." 
 
 
Below is the collective message these civic associations are expressing among their residents and the surrounding business community:

What You Can Do to Help Combat Aggressive Panhandling
  
Do not give money directly to those panhandling on the street .
Give to organizations like SEARCH (http://www.searchhomeless.org) or (http://www.homelesshouston.org), to ensure your money goes to those that need help and not to professional panhandlers.
Report aggressive behavior and drug use to the Houston Police Department non-emergency line at 713-884-3131
Report loitering, littering, drug use and aggressive behavior at Metro stops to the Metro Police line at 713-224-2677
Contact 311 to report littering and damage to city property
Join your local civic association to help in their efforts to beautify the esplanades and make them locations that are not conducive to aggressive panhandling.
Willow Meadows/Westwood Area Working through the Super Neighborhood Council Formation Process
Last year, the District K was approached about forming a Super Neighborhood Council (SNC) within the Willow Meadows/Westwood area. From that interest, Council Member Green tasked Donald Perkins to initiate an informational meeting to fully explain the Super Neighborhood Program (SN). In September 2016, the District K office facilitated an informational meeting among the area's community stakeholders to seek their interest in pursuing this program and joining the other five (5) active District K SNCs - Braeswood, Westbury, Brays Oaks, Central Southwest, and Fort Bend Houston.
 
The first Willow Meadows/Willowbend/Westwood Area SN formation meeting occurred in November 2016, followed with a subsequent formation meeting earlier this month. "I'm glad to see this SN area is collectively engaging each other to forming a collaborative organization that will holistically address community issues and concerns as a unified voice," states Council Member Green.
 
As of date, the Willow Meadows/Willowbend/Westwood Area SN group is still in the infancy stage of drafting their SN bylaws and reaching out to other interested community stakeholders. Their next SN formation meeting is scheduled for March 2 at 6:30 p.m. at Willow Meadows Baptist Church.
 
South Braeswood

Bethany Senior Living Center 
Prior to the holidays and following the holiday season, the District K council office received numerous e-mails and phone calls from residents of the South Braeswood community requesting Council Member Green to vote for and against a Resolution for No Objection. To calm the rumor mill, there is NO Resolution for No Objection. All these rumors seem to be floating around Nextdoor.com . This Resolution for No Objection would have to come from the City of Houston by way of the Texas Dept. of Housing and Community Affairs.
 
The District K office has NOT received any notification from the Texas Dept. of Housing and Community Affairs pertaining to any tax-credit applications regarding Bethany Senior Living. This state agency is required to submit a notification to all Council offices regardless if it falls within that respective council district or within the City's ETJ. "To be on the safe side, I contacted the TDHCA in Austin (via the Deputy Executive Director) to confirm if this proposed development actually submitted an application. I was confirmed that it did NOT," states Council Member Green. The deadline date for ALL tax-credit applications was Jan. 17, 2017 and the Bethany Senior Living facility was NOT listed.
 
As for the proposed Bethany Senior Living facility development, the District K office can only assume that the church is seeking private financing for this private development on their private property or it's off the table altogether. "If the community desires additional information as to where it stands today, I can only defer you to contact Pastor Dan Jones at Bethany United Methodist Church and/or view the Bethany website," states Council Member Green.

Fort Bend Houston
 
Fort Bend Houston Bridging the Community Divide Meetings Continue to Grow
The District K office continues to identify community stakeholders within the Fort Bend Houston community to participate in our monthly meetings. As part of this initiative, the Fort Bend Houston Bridging the Community Divide meetings continue to grow. This community forum meets on the 3rd Friday of each month at 9:30 a.m. at the Briargate Community Clubhouse (7002 Laughlin Ln., 77489).
 
The purpose of this collaborative community meeting is to reach out to various organizations, churches, neighborhoods, schools, businesses and agencies within the Fort Bend Houston community, to bridge the community information divide and discuss how each entity can contribute to the area and meet the needs of our residents. 
 
If any school, church, or business within the Fort Bend Houston community is interested in attending this monthly forum, please contact Martha Castex-Tatum at 832-393-3016 or martha.castex-tatum@houstontx.gov .

General District K News
 
Council Member Green Neighborhood Sightings (late January - mid February)

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 January through mid-February:
 
January 3 - Brays Oaks SNC meeting
January 9 - Transportation, Technology, & Infrastructure Committee meeting
January 9 -- Hiram Clarke/Fort Bend Houston HPD PIP meeting
January 10 -- Southwest Houston 2000 Breakfast Meeting
January 10 -- Central Southwest SNC Meeting
January 12 - Fort Bend Houston SNC Meeting
January 17 - Ethics, Elections & Council Governance Committee Meeting
January 17 -- Braeburn HPD PIP Meeting
January 19 - Madison High School Community Bond Meeting
January 19 - South Houston Concerned Citizens Coalition Meeting
January 20 - Fort Bend Houston Bridging the Community Divide Meeting
January 20 - Five Corners District Board Meeting
January 21 - District K Arbor Day
January 21 - Westbury High School Baseball/Softball Athletic Complex Grand Opening
January 21 - Houston Health Department & CCM Foundation Awards Day Brunch
January 23 - Northfield 1 & 2 HOA Annual Meeting
January 24 - Braeswood SNC Meeting
January 25 -- Friends of Linkwood Park Community Meeting
January 26 -- Knollwood Village Civic Club Annual Meeting
January 26 - Townhouse Manor HOA Annual Meeting
January 27 -- Hiram Clarke Bridging the Community Divide Meeting
January 27 - TxDOT & Keep Houston Beautiful South Main St. Corridor Landscaping Dedication
January 28 - Westbury Community Arbor Day
January 28 - Briargate CIA Annual Meeting
January 31 -- Westridge Civic Association Meeting
February 2 - TIRZ #25 Board Meeting
February 2 - Willow Meadows/Willowbend/Westwood Area SN Formation Meeting
February 7 -- Brays Oaks SNC Meeting
February 8 -- Westbury HS Community Bond Meeting
February 9 - Fort Bend Houston SNC Meeting
February 11 - District K Neighborhood 101 Workshop - Prohibited Yard Parking Ordinance Program
February 11 - Dumbarton Oaks Civic Club Meeting
February 13 -- Transportation, Technology, & Infrastructure Committee meeting
February 14 - Windsor Village Civic Club Meeting
February 15 - Westbury Civic Club Meeting
February 16 - Braeswood SNC Meeting
February 17 -- Fort Bend Houston Bridging the Community Divide Meeting
February 17 - Five Corners District Board Meeting

District K Hosted Neighborhood 101 Symposium - Prohibited Yard Parking Ordinance Program
Earlier this month, the District K office facilitated a Neighborhood 101 symposium on February 11 at the South Gessner HPD Substation that addressed the Prohibited Yard Parking (PYP) Ordinance Program. This informative workshop provided attendees with the information about a protected ordinance to discourage parking on front yards. In addition, ParkHouston (formerly Parking Management) highlighted their role with parking enforcement as well as the Houston Police Dept. DRT officers.
 
Currently, there are 25 District K neighborhoods participating in the PYP program. "I strongly encourage these PYP participants to continue to monitor their respective community and report violations to 311 and their respective HPD storefront," states Council Member Green.

For those District K communities not participating in the PYP program, contact the Abraham Zorrilla with the Planning Dept. at 832-393-6634 to schedule an appointment. If your neighborhood is interested in applying for the PYP program, you can download the application from the Houston Planning Dept. website: www.houstonplanning.com.


SAVE THE DATE! - District K Announces the 2017 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) Meeting
Council Member Green is scheduled to host the annual District K CIP meeting on Thursday, March 9, 2017. This year's CIP meeting will occur at Hiram Clarke Multi-Service Center, 3810 West Fuqua St., 77045 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
 
The CIP meetings are held every year to inform citizens of upcoming projects scheduled in their respective communities.  The meetings afford citizens an opportunity to learn, voice their concerns and address City of Houston officials regarding project planning & delivery. An update on the city's implementation of Rebuild Houston will be provided as well. 
 
An Interactive Map and documents for ReBuild Houston's Draft "5+5" ten-year plan (FY 2018 - 2022) can be viewed at www.rebuildhouston.org. To view the current FY 2017-2021 Adopted Capital Improvement Plan (or any of the CIPs from the last 5 years), visit www.houstontx.gov/cip    
 
The 12th Annual Tour de Houston Rolls through the District K
The annual Tour de Houston bike ride, presented by the Apache Corporation, will take place Sunday, March 19, 2017. The annual fundraising bike ride will consist of a 20, 45, and 60 mile route. Now in its 12th year, the annual bike ride offers Houstonians and visitors a unique way to view the city with routes winding through Houston's neighborhoods, scenic districts and parks while raising funds for the City's Reforest Houston program. 
 
This year, the proposed route will wind from City Hall (downtown) through District K - hitting the South Braeswood, Brays Oaks, and Fort Bend Houston communities. The turnaround point will be Blue Ridge Park located in Fort Bend Houston.
 
While Tour de Houston Presented by Apache Corporation is a fundraising ride, it also serves as a recommended ride for the BP MS 150. We encourage BP MS 150 participants to participate in the many recommended rides offered throughout the Houston area. Riders will start and end at City Hall located at 901 Bagby. The Mayor's Office of Special Events is planning for an estimated 5,000+ riders. Along the route, riders will find fully-stocked rest stops, mechanical support, along with police and medical support. The ride will conclude with a post-ride party at City Hall for participants and volunteers with live music and lunch.
 
Registration is now open!
Pre-Registration  - February 7 - February 21 -- $35; $20 kids (12 yrs. and under)
Registration  - February 22 - March 18 -- $40; $20 kids (12 yrs. and under)
Onsite event registration - March 19 -- $45 - CASH OR CHECK ONLY
Ages 12 and under is $20.00 for the duration
 
More details including packet pick-up and schedules for pre-registered riders can be found at www.tourdehouston.org.
SAVE THE DATE! - District K Annual Keep District K Beautiful Day is Scheduled for Saturday, April 8

It's that time of year again. This is an early heads-up. Council Member Green is calling all District K civic associations to participate with the annual
Keep District K Beautiful Day event scheduled for Saturday, April 8. Generally, the District K event coincides with the Keep Houston Beautiful Day festivities across the city.
 
Last year, Council Member revised the Keep District K Beautiful Day event into a Keep District K Beautiful Month event. We had 10 District K communities participated with beautification and de-litter clean-up initiatives. "We are encouraging the same enthusiasm as last year. I'm asking District K communities to step-up and partner with the council office to aesthetically enhance your respective community. This initiative will go a long way to not only beautify your neighborhood but also foster positive community engagement," said Council Member Green
 
If your community is planning a clean-up or beautification event as part of the Keep District K Beautiful Day initiative, it is strongly recommended that your community group contact Keep Houston Beautiful to secure your supplies. Also, contact the District K office so Council Member Green can make his rounds during this day-long event. 

The Houston Parks and Recreation Department Announces After-School Program with HISD
City Council approved four (4) schools that were selected as part of a contract with the Houston Independent School District for the operation of the After-School Achievement Program (ASAP). This program is being administrated by the Parks and Recreation Dept. This year, only one (1) of the four selected schools are located in District K -- Hobby Elementary School.
 
A request for proposal was posted on the Parks Dept. website and mailed to area schools, non-profit organizations and past program applicants. Interested applicants were required to attend at least one of seven application workshops to be eligible for funding. The Parks Dept. received a total of 21 applications in which four schools were selected. All the selected schools were required to commit minimum matching funds of $10,000 cash and $10,000 in-kind.
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.  
 
Westbury PIP Meeting (every 4th Tuesday of the month at 7:00 p.m.)  
Aramco Building
9009 West Loop South Freeway
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 at 7:00 p.m.)
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.
 
Brays Oaks PIP Meeting (every 3rd Tuesday of the month at 7:00 p.m.)
Braeburn HPD Storefront
7576 West Bellfort Ave.
Houston, TX 77071
 
For more information, please contact the HPD Braeburn Storefront at 832-394-7555. The Braeburn HPD Storefront hours are 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
 
Any Annual Civic Association Meetings Planned on the Horizon?
 
The Spring and Fall season is the time of year a significant number of civic associations host their annual civic association meetings. Since coming into office, Council Member Green has continued to make a commitment to visit every civic association within the District. If you are receiving this e-newsletter and Council Member Green has yet to attend your annual civic association meeting, please contact the District K office at 832-393-3016 or districtK@hosutontx.gov to schedule an appointment.
 
Has Your Civic Association Been Updated with the District K Council Office?
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.
General City of Houston News
 
Applications Now Open for City of Houston Summer Jobs
jobs_and_careers.jpg The City of Houston has just announced that it has more than 450 summer jobs available for students between the ages of 16 and 21 years of age. It's is a great opportunity to "learn and earn" while making $8 or more an hour. Students can start applying today, and the final deadline is March 20. The positions offer at least 32 hours a week from June 12 to Aug. 3.

City departments now hiring include:
  • Library Operations
  • Houston Police Department
  • Park Maintenance
  • Parks Community Centers
  • Houston Fire Department
  • Information Technology
  • Houston Health Department
For a complete list of departments and to apply, visit www.houstontx.gov/summerjobs. Questions? Email SummerJobs@serhouston.org or call 713-773-6004 or 832-393-6148.
 
Receive Plat and Permit Reports by E-Mail
The City of Houston economy is picking up steam. With this increase is a number of development activities within the District. 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 ).
 
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.
  
Express Toll Lanes Underway for SH 288
SH 288 has begun construction on an express toll lane that will involve the construction of four new tolled lanes within the existing median, eight new tolled direct connectors providing connectivity with the Sam Houston Tollway, new tolled direct connectors connecting SH 288 to Holcombe Blvd. near the Texas Medical Center and the reconstruction of eight direct connectors at I-610.
  
When this $815 million construction project is complete, motorists will have the option to use the Express Toll Lanes for a faster, more reliable commute, or the free general purpose lanes along 10.3 miles between US 59 and Harris/Brazoria county line at Clear Creek. The SH 288 expansion will include three major interchanges:
  • Beltway 8, which will include (8) direct connector/ramp bridges
  • Loop 610, which will include (8) direct connector/ramp bridges
  • The Texas Medical Center, which will include (2) direct connector/ramp bridges
The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), with SH 288 Express Toll Lane Project team developer Blueridge Transportation Group (BTG) and project contractor team Almeda-Genoa Constructors (A-GC), will oversee the construction of this highway project. The project is expected to be complete in mid/late 2019.
  
For more information about this highway project, contact Raynese Edwards at raynese@btg288.com.
 
United Way Community Building Grants Program
Last year, the District K office facilitated a Neighborhood 101 symposium that addressed the United Way Community Building Grants Program. The United Way of Greater Houston created a fund that focuses on community-building initiatives. This program provides grants from $1,000 to $10,000 for short term projects or one-time expenses that will have a positive impact in the community.
 
A strong candidate for a Community Building Grant award:
1) serves a health, community, and/or human service purpose;
2) is a one-time purchase or short-term project;
3) generates community interest and volunteer participation;
4) leaves a lasting, positive impact on the community.
 
Examples of projects may include: refurbishing a playground, cleaning up a dilapidated lot, painting a community center, constructing a ramp to allow wheelchair accessibility, or creating a public art project. More details will be provided at the mandatory Funding Conference (please see dates on the next page).
 
Eligible groups must be nonprofit organizations that have been in existence for at least two years and provide services in Harris, Fort Bend, Montgomery, or Waller Counties. This may include: neighborhood organizations, civic groups, environmental groups, scouting troops, schools, churches, fraternal organizations, arts groups, clubs, volunteer initiatives, membership organizations, and other similar groups. All applicants must provide the most recently completed and filed IRS Form 990 Income Tax Return indicating that the organization named on the Community Building Grant application is a nonprofit entity. The 990 must have been filed within the last three years.
 
The next funding cycle for the United Way Community Building Grants Program is April 3, 2017. The Funding Conference is an opportunity to learn about and ask questions regarding the grant process. Sessions are held from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the United Way, 50 Waugh Drive @ Feagan. The application deadline for the next funding cycle is April 10.
 
For questions or to have your organization added to the United Way of Greater Houston database for updates on funding opportunities, please email the name of your nonprofit organization, complete mailing address, phone number and name and title of the primary contact person to Shauna Pittman at SPittman@unitedwayhouston.org or by calling (713) 685-2711. For more information about the United Way Community Building Grants Program, please visit https://www.unitedwayhouston.org/nonprofit-connection/grant-opportunities to download the application and brochure .
  
Keep District K Clean - Klean it Up Green it Up