|
|
|
|
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: [email protected] Website: Click here Archived Newsletters: Click here Facebook: Click here |
|
|
|
Hiram Clarke
Sims Bayou Trail Ribbon Cutting Celebration
|
 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
.)
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."
|
|
|
|
| Windsor Village Community Center Gets a Computer Lab |
 The students at Windsor Village Community Center were all smiles when Council Member Green came by to see them in action in the newly installed computer lab. Utilizing the Case for Kids City Connections Grant, Bridging the Digital Divide installed 11 computers and began providing after school literacy training for middle and high school students. Students learned how to transform videos into short movies by learning to upload, download and edit the videos via the computers in the lab. Special thanks to "Computer Johnny" for all the hard work he put in with the students at Windsor Village Community Center. More computer opportunities coming soon.
|
| Angel Lane Community Garden Ribbon Cutting Ceremony |
On Saturday, June 3, 2017, the residents of Angel Lane joined Cheniere Energy, Madison High School IMPACT students, Houston Area Urban League and Council Member Larry Green to cut the ribbon to the newly imagined Angel Lane Community Garden. Located on the grounds of the Angel Lane Community Center, this new space includes an herb garden, vegetable garden, shrub garden, patio furniture, complete with a barbeque pit and smoker.
Special thanks to everyone who worked together to make this project a huge success. The IMPACT students from Madison High School along with their teacher, Dr. Jamie Renfro did an outstanding job developing this garden. We look forward to making many District K memories at Angel Lane Community Center Garden.
|
|
Cambridge Village Applies for Prohibited Yard Parking Ordinance
|
Earlier this year, the District K office hosted a Neighborhood 101 workshop to address the Prohibited Yard Parking (PYP) ordinance. The Prohibited Yard Parking Program is intended to protect neighborhood property values, prevent damage to the City of Houston's underground infrastructure, and to stop the degradation of the aesthetic appearance of single-family residential areas. Parking of vehicles on any unimproved surface in the front or side yard within single-family residential areas will be prohibited where a Prohibited Yard Parking Requirement Area has been established.
"Cambridge Village is a well-established residential neighborhood. The residents of Cambridge Village view this ordinance as another tool to further protect their neighborhood's character," states Council Member Green.
A number of District K neighborhoods have already been approved by City Council for this PYP ordinance. The approved District K neighborhoods are:
|
Participating PYP District K Neighborhood
|
Date Approved by City Council
|
|
Westbury Civic Club, Inc.
|
11/4/2009
|
|
Westwood Civic Club
|
12/9/2009
|
|
Dumbarton Village Civic Club
|
2/10/2010
|
|
Westbury Village Homeowners Association
|
2/10/2010
|
|
Willow Park II Community Improvement Association
|
2/10/2010
|
|
Fondren Civic Club
|
3/10/2010
|
|
Ridgemont Community Improvement Association
|
3/10/2010
|
|
Southmeadow Property Owners Association, Inc.
|
4/7/2010
|
|
Windsor Village Civic Club, Inc.
|
4/7/2010
|
|
Keswick Place - Ramblewood Park Civic Club, Inc.
|
5/19/2010
|
|
Westbrook Civic Club, Inc.
|
10/6/2010
|
|
Northbrook Property Owners Association
|
12/8/2010
|
|
Dumbarton Oaks Civic Club
|
1/19/2011
|
|
Glenshire Community Association
|
3/2/2011
|
|
Braeswood Place Homeowner's Association
|
5/4/2011
|
|
Briargate Community Improvement Association
|
2/1/2012
|
|
Gessport Patio Homes of Fondren Southwest HOA
|
3/7/2012
|
|
Heathercrest / Post Oak Village Civic Association
|
4/18/2012
|
|
Northfield I & II Homeowners Association
|
12/12/2012
|
|
Almeda Plaza Civic Club
|
5/8/2013
|
|
Braeburn Valley Homeowners Association
|
5/8/2013
|
|
Briar Villa Community Improvement Association
|
6/26/2013
|
|
Meredith Manor Civic Club, Inc.
|
8/14/2013
|
|
Southwest Manor Civic Club
|
12/10/2014
|
|
Briarwick Homes Association, Inc.
|
2/25/2015
|
|
| District K Seniors Enjoy the Texas Black Expo |
|
|
|
Sims Bayou Watershed Open House
|
For those Hiram Clarke residents that live near Sims Bayou, the Harris County Flood Control District (HCFCD) and FEMA hosted a public open house forum last month at the HCC - Central South Campus located along West Airport at SH 288. These agencies are sharing revised preliminary floodplain maps in the Sims Bayou Watershed in order to help officials and residents identify their flood risks and use that information to make decisions about buying flood insurance and any future development. These Flood Insurance Rate Maps include the map revisions that became effective in May 2016.
Additional information is available, including links to the interactive mapping website on www.riskmap6.com. Residents can also contact the floodplain administrator in each community in the Sims Bayou Watershed area for more details. For additional questions regarding last month's open house, please contact the HCFCD floodplain information line at 713-684-4150 or online at www.hcfcd.org/contact-us/
|
|
Brays Oaks
Cigna Sunday Streets in District K
|
 On Saturday, May 21, 2017 Cigna Sunday Streets came to District K. During Cigna Sunday Streets, Fondren Road was closed to motorized traffic to allow participants to enjoy walking, running, dancing and cycling and socializing with friends and family. Cigna Sunday Streets promotes being physically active, meeting your neighbors and exploring your community.
Thanks to all of the residents who came out to participate and enjoy the event. We are committed to programs and initiatives that enhance the health and well being of our families and businesses.
|
Fort Bend Houston
Congratulations to FBISD Principal of the Year
|
 Veteran educator Stephanie Houston was named Fort Bend ISD's 2017 Principal of the Year. Houston is the principal at Ridgemont Elementary School and was awarded the Elementary Principal of the Year. She was selected by her peers for the honor, based on her outstanding leadership, service and dedication to her students and staff.
Council Member Green recognized Principal Houston at the May monthly Bridging the Divide meeting for her outstanding accomplishment. Congratulations Principal Houston!
|
|
Stimley-Blue Ridge Neighborhood Library Re-Opening
|
 The Stimley-Blue Ridge Neighborhood Library is open for your enjoyment, once again. On Saturday, May 13, 2017, the ribbon was cut to commemorate the redesigned library.
The library has partnered with the City's Health Department, to add a fully operational mini-WIC (Women, Infants and Children) center located inside. The library's new family friendly design includes a large youth collection, a children's nook, an early learning center and a living room style lobby. Training and meeting spaces, including the computer lab, conference room and large meeting room will be constant programming spaces where both the library and WIC will provide targeted family programming that promotes family engagement and learning for all ages, in addition to nutrition classes for pregnant women and workshops and classes for new parents.
|
General District K News
Council Member Green Neighborhood Sightings (late April - mid June)
|
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:
- April 17 - Transportation, Technology, & Infrastructure Committee Meeting
- April 18 - Braeburn HPD Storefront PIP
- April 18 - Madison HS Parking Variance Community Meeting
- April 19 - Braeswood Place HOA Annual Meeting
- April 20 - Braeswood SNC Meeting
- April 20 -- South Houston Concerned Citizens Coalition Meeting
- April 23 - Willow Waterhole MusicFest
- April 25 - Townhouse Manor HOA Meeting
- April 28 -- Hiram Clarke Bridging the Community Divide Meeting
- April 29 - Friends of Westbury High School Foundation Gala
- May 2 -- Brays Oaks SNC Meeting
- May 4 - Near Southwest SNC Formation Meeting
- May 6 -- Linkwood Civic Club Annual Meeting
- May 8 -- Transportation, Technology, & Infrastructure Committee Meeting
- May 8 - Hiram Clarke/Fort Bend Houston PIP Meeting
- May 9 -- Madison High School Project Advisory Team (PAT) Meeting
- May 11 - Major Thoroughfare & Freeway Plan/Houston Planning Commission Workshop
- May 11 -- Fort Bend Houston SNC Meeting
- May 13 -- Stimley-Blue Ridge Neighborhood Library/WIC Office Grand Opening
- May 16 - Sims Bayou Watershed Open House
- May 16 - Braeburn HPD Storefront PIP meeting
- May 17 -- Stadium Park Redevelopment Authority Board Meeting
- May 18 -- South Houston Concerned Citizens Coalition Meeting
- May 18 -- Braeswood SNC Meeting
- May 18 -- Naomi Place HOA Annual Meeting
- May 19 -- Fort Bend Houston Bridging Community Divide Meeting
- May 21 - District K Cigna Sunday Streets
- May 22 -- Neighborhood 101 Workshop -- Historic Preservation
- May 24 - TIRZ #24 Board Meeting
- June 3 -- Cheniere Energy, Madison High School, & Houston Area Urban League Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
- June 3 - Westbury Community Garden Tomato Tasting
- June 5 -- Transportation, Technology, & Infrastructure Committee Meeting
- June 6 - Brays Oaks SNC Meeting
- June 8 -- Sims Bayou Greenway Segment Ribbon Cutting Celebration
- June 8 - Fort Bend Houston SNC Meeting
- June 10 - Texas Black Expo - District K Seniors Excursion
- June 12 - Hiram Clarke/Fort Bend Houston PIP Meeting
- June 14 -- 2016 Major Thoroughfare and Freeway Plan (MTFP) Open House
- June 15 - Southwest Houston 2000 Board Meeting
- June 15 -- South Houston Concerned Citizens Coalition Meeting
|
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.
|
Council Member Green Recognizes Top Students from District K Area High Schools
|
Council Member Green recognized and acknowledged the following District K 2017 graduating seniors named Valedictorian and Salutatorian from their respective high schools. The recipients recognized were:
Westbury High School
- Monica Anahi Garay - Valedictorian
- Vanessa Cantoran - Salutatorian
Madison High School
- Enrique Arancibia - Valedictorian
- Christina Hillard - Salutatorian
Willowridge High School
- Pablo E. Robles - Valedictorian
- America C. Ibarra - Salutatorian
Victory Prep
- John Dockery - Valedictorian
- Jarred Vanderbilt - Salutatorian
Congratulations to all of our District K graduating students!
|
District K Neighborhood 101 Symposium: Houston Historic Preservation Program
|
 Last month, the District K office hosted a Neighborhood 101 workshop that addressed the Houston Historic Preservation ordinance. This 101 workshop was an informational meeting facilitated by the Planning Dept. to highlight development tools and techniques to protect neighborhoods that have unique "mid-century" residential character.
"There are a number of residential communities throughout the District that are 50+ years old that still maintain their unique neighborhood character from the 1950s and 1960s," states Council Member Green. The workshop targeted those few residential communities that still have an overwhelming concentration of mid-century ranch-style homes. The workshop was to provide best practices for continuing preserving the mod-architecture "bedroom-suburban" character of these District K communities. "I want to make sure these neighborhoods have the option of using the City of Houston's historic preservation ordinances that may be beneficial to continually preserving their original residential aesthetics." The residential communities within District K do not resemble the older residential communities of the greater Heights, so the workshop focused on using Glenbrook Valley Historic District as a best practice case study (
http://www.glenbrookvalley.org/Glenbrook_Valley/Home.html
).
|
District K Super Neighborhood Councils' Summer Meeting Schedule
|
.
 The Central Southwest/Fondren Gardens SNC will meet on July 11th at 6:45 p.m. at the Hiram Clarke Multi-Service Center, 3810 West Fuqua St., 77045. The SNC meets quarterly on the 2nd Tuesday during January, April, July, and October (same time and location).
The Fort Bend Houston SNC will not meet during the month of July for the summer season. However, the Council will reconvene on August 10th. The SNC meets on the 2nd Thursday of the month at 7:00 p.m. at the Ridgemont Community Center, 5599 Ridgecreek Circle, 77053.
The Braeswood SNC will not meet during the months of June and July for the summer season. The SNC will reconvene on August 17th . The Council meets on the 3rd Thursday of the month at 6:30 p.m. at the Linkwood Park Community Center.
The Westbury SNC will meet on June 15th at 8:30 a.m. at the Salem Evangelical Lutheran Church, 4930 West Bellfort Ave., 77035. The SNC generally meets on the 3rd Wednesday of the month (same time and location). The Westbury SNC will not meet in July.
The Brays Oaks SNC will not meet during the month of July for the summer season. However, the Council will reconvene on August 1st. The SNC meets on the 1st Tuesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. at Braeswood Assembly of God Church, 10611 Fondren Rd., 77096.
|
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
City of Houston Launches Park Houston Mobile App
|
 The City of Houston and Parkmobile, LLC have partnered to launch a custom parking app for mobile payments called ParkHouston. The application allows parkers to use their mobile devices to pay for parking at the 9,200 metered, on-street parking spaces throughout the city. Customers using the ParkHouston app can pay for parking with their smartphones using a free mobile application available for iPhone and Android.
Parkmobile is offering a resident discount program for ParkHouston customers. Beginning May 29, 2017, Houstonians will be eligible to use the ParkHouston or Parkmobile app with no convenience fee-a savings of about 35 cents per parking session. To enjoy the app for free, Houstonians will need to submit proof of residency. For more information please visit www.parkhoustontx.org.
By simplifying the public parking experience, drivers no longer need to search their car for loose change or check their watch to see when the meter expires. The app allows customers to effortlessly input payment information, while also sending a 15-minute reminder before the meter expires. To add more time, customers don't even need to walk back to the car - it's as easy as pushing a button. Compliance Officers will be able to see that a motorist has paid with the ParkHouston app using their wireless handheld devices.
Parkmobile has operated in Houston since 2011. Current Parkmobile customers can still pay for parking in Houston using their Parkmobile app or upgrade to the new ParkHouston app. To set up an account, customers download the mobile app from the Apple or Google Play store and sign up using their mobile number, or by calling. Once registered, parkers can immediately begin using the app with their registered mobile device or call the toll-free number to pay for parking. A toll-free number is posted on signage near the meters for those without a smartphone to make on-street payments.
|
Kids Ride Free on Metro Summer Pass
|
 School's out and METRO wants to give your children FREE RIDES to where the fun is all summer long. The new Metro Student Summer Pass offers K-12 students the opportunity to travel anywhere METRO goes...any time...any day...for FREE.
Plus, students can keep the card and use it like a Student METRO Q Fare Card once school starts. To apply for a card, simply or call 713-635-4000 to request a mail-in application, or visit a METRO RideStore (located at 1900 Main Street or 1001 Travis Street) to apply. Cards must be registered for activation.
|
Harris County Property Tax Exemptions for Disabled Seniors
|
 Harris County Commissioners Court unanimously approved a set of property tax exemptions this morning that will virtually eliminate county property tax bills for thousands of older or disabled homeowners here and greatly reduce tax bills for nearly everyone else.
Court members approved an annual extension of the 20 percent exemption for all Harris County homesteads, as well as the $160,000 exemption for homesteads belonging to disabled owners or those 65 years of age or older. When combined, those exemptions guarantee that disabled and senior homeowners pay no Harris County taxes on homesteads assessed at $200,000 or less and greatly discounted tax bills on more expensive homes.
The court's decision again places Harris County among the state's most generous counties in granting property tax exemptions, especially those for seniors and disabled homeowners. No other surrounding county offers a senior or disabled exemption higher than $100,000, with most at or around $25,000.
Harris County first approved its $160,000 exemption in 2008, the year after Commissioners Court also approved the county's largest-ever property tax rate cut.
"Increases in property value have us all concerned and talking about property tax bills," said Harris County Judge Ed Emmett. "But Harris County goes much further than other counties in Texas when it comes to protecting homeowners - especially older and disabled homeowners - from ballooning tax bills."
The exemption applies to taxes levied by Harris County, the Harris County Hospital District, Harris County Flood Control District and Port of Houston Authority tax bills.
|
Be Prepared for Hurricane Season
|
.
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
.
|
Mayor Turner Announces Meaningful Change for Veterans
|
 Mayor Sylvester Turner announces a $2.3 million mental health grant for local veterans has been secured by the Mayor's Office of Veterans Affairs. The Texas Veterans + Family Alliance Grant was awarded by the State of Texas Health and Human Services Commission and will fund valuable new programs and services for a community with one of the highest veteran populations in the U.S. The substantial grant also highlights the city's initiatives which target veterans and the Meaningful Change campaign which aims to end chronic homelessness.
"Wanting to help our veterans is one thing, but actually securing the financial resources to help our veterans is rewarding and impactful," said Mayor Turner. "City of Houston Office of Veterans Affairs Director Carl Salazar has a commitment for veterans that is incomparable. Our work together will make a significant difference in the lives of people who have sacrificed so much on our behalf."
The goal of this project is to enhance the quality of life of veterans and their families by providing and coordinating mental health treatment and support services. The collaborative is composed of public and private organizations that will expand and enhance the availability and access to services. While enhancing coordination, and improving services is the main task of this collaborative, this project will also help develop a comprehensive regional system to better align public and private services and address gaps in this region.
The City of Houston will facilitate the grant and oversee the collaboration of providers offering mental health services to veterans and their family members. These partners include traditional mental health providers and other nonprofits offering wellness programs and other services. They include:
- Combined Arms
- Gulf Coast Center
- Grace After Fire
- Interface Samaritan Counseling Centers
- Mental Health America of Greater Houston
- NextOp
- Spindletop Center
- Tri-County Behavioral Healthcare
- UT Health - STARS Clinic
The reach of our partners extends far outside the City of Houston, allowing us to reach veterans and family members throughout Harris, Fort Bend, Brazoria, Galveston, Montgomery, Chambers, Walker, Waller, Jefferson, Hardin and Orange counties. A collaboration of this scope is extremely rare, and the city is grateful for the support of the Texas Health and Human Services Commission for the opportunity to better serve our large community with improved mental health support for veterans and their family members.
|
|
|
|
|
Keep District K Clean - Klean it Up Green it Up
|
|
| |
|
