Vice Mayor Pro Tem Castex-Tatum Appointed to Serve on the NLC Transportation and Infrastructure Services Committee
Congratulations VMPT Castex-Tatum for your appointment to the National League of Cities Transportation and Infrastructure Services Committe.

As a member of NLC's Transportation and Infrastructure Services Committee, Vice Mayor Pro Tem Castex-Tatum will play a key role in shaping NLC's policy positions and advocate on behalf of America's cities, towns and villages before members of Congress, with the President's administration, and at home.

To read the entire press release click here: National League of Cities Press Release
Houston Planning Commission Holds a Public Hearing on Replat in Chasewood Meadows
Fort Bend Houston property owners in the Chasewood Meadows should have received notice from the Houston Planning and Development Department of a Public Hearing at the Planning Commission meeting, Thursday, February 16, 2023, 2:30 PM.

The Planning Commission is considering the applicaiton of developer, Aimy Builders, for the replat to create 19 single-family lots and 2 landscape reserves at the southeast intersection of Chasewood Drive and Briarcraft Drive.

Property owners can attend in person at City Hall Annex Building, 900 Bagby St., Public Level or virtually via Microsoft Teams at https://bit.ly/3I1wC9n.

View the Planning Commision agenda item on the plat here: Briarcraft Meadows.

Visit the Planning Commission web page at: Planning Commission.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
TIRZ 20 Annexation
During the January 31, 2023, City Council meeting, Council approved an ordinance for the operating budget for the Southwest Houston Redevelopment Authority and the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) for the Tax Reinvestment Zone (TIRZ) 20, in Districts K, J, and F. The total 2023 Operating Budget is $28,826,261. The total budget for years 2023 - 2027 CIP projects is $49,508,000, which includes street reconstruction, drainage and detention improvements, utility system upgrades, pedestrian safety improvements, and parks, and the redevelopment of Sharpstown Mall.

The TIRZ 20 proposal was presented to the Economic Development Committee December 7, 2022. View the proposals here: Economic Development Committee TIRZ Proposals
Concrete Panel Replacement in Brays Oaks Super Neighborhood
The concrete panels within the Brays Oaks Super Neighborhood will soon be replaced! Construction work will begin February 6th, 2023 and is expected to be completed by April 17th, 2023. The construction contractor is Tikon Group Inc.
New Concrete Sidewalk on Villa Lea Lane
Residents in the Fondren SW Northfield area can expect a new sidewalk soon! The new concrete sidewalk will be replaced on the West Side of 10902 Villa Lea Lane. Construction will start on March 20, 2023, and is anticipated to end by March 27, 2023. The construction contractor is Grava, Inc.
New Concrete Sidewalks in Willowbend
New concrete sidewalks will be replaced, and new ADA ramps will be installed in the Willowbend Area. Residents can expect new sidewalk on the East Side of Cliffwood drive from Tonawanda Drive to Willow parking lot. Construction will begin on March 27th, 2023, and is anticipated to end by April 18, 2023. The construction contractor is Grava, Inc.
Council Approves Updates to Residential Buffering, Lighting, Garage and Dumpster Screening Standards
City Council approved amendments to the City Code of Ordinances and City of Houston Construction and Electrical Codes on January 25, 2023, to address the effects that may arise when newly constructed, mid-rise and high-rise structures abut single-family and small-scale multi-family residential structures.

The amendments address four main areas:
  • Residential buffering standards establish a buffer distance between all single-family residential or multi-unit residential properties and high-rise or mid-rise structures. The Livable Places Action Committee introduced a new category of mid-rise structures that must provide a buffer when located along only local streets and abut single-family residential or multi-unit residential properties (Chapter 42).
  • Garage screening and lighting standards prevent headlights from cars in parking garages from shining on adjacent residential properties. The amendment prevents garage ceiling lights from shining into adjacent residential properties or streets. The Livable Places Action Committee revised the exterior cover standards for parking garages and enhanced permitting requirements to prevent light trespass from garage ceiling lights on adjacent residential properties or streets (Construction and Electrical Codes).
  • Wall or pole mounted light fixtures standards prevent wall or pole lights on commercial properties from shining into residential properties or streets. The Committee revised the standards to require that all outdoor fixtures be fully enclosed in the fixture housing and shielded properly to make sure there is no light trespass (Electrical Code).
  • Dumpster screening standards require that commercial developments provide dumpster screening when they are located adjacent to streets or residential properties and include the dumpster location on site plans (Chapter 39).

To learn more about the amendments visit letstalkhouston.org/livable-places. 
District K 2022 Houston Public Works
311 Calls Performance
A breakdown of the 311 calls is below:
NCAA Men's Final Four Dribble
The 2023 Men's NCAA Final Four Dribble presented by Buick is a free event which gives thousands of children, up to age 18, the chance to dribble in a parade style format from the Houston City Hall to the Final Four Fan Fest presented by Capital One at George R. Brown Convention Center.


The Final Four Dribble event will be Sunday, April 2, 2023; sign-in begins at 11:00 AM; the dribble event starts at 1:00 PM.

The first 3200 participants will receive a basketball and event t-shirt (while supplies last), as well as complimentary access for each child and a parent or guardian to enjoy the entire Fan Fest experience following the Dribble. 

Children must be registered by a parent/guardian. The information inputted during registration must be the child's information. Children registration will allow entry to ONE adult. 

Hazard Mitigation Plan Survey is Open Now Thru February 20, 2023
Proposed Conservation Districts Public Hearing
The Houston Planning and Development Department will hold a public hearing, Wednesday, February 22, 2023, at 9:00 AM, on the proposed Conservation Districts ordinance. Conservation Districts are a part of the development code to create opportunities for walkability, affordability, and equity, by helping to preserve, maintain, and protect neighborhood characteristics.

Visit the Conservation Districts web page: Conservation District | Let's Talk Houston (letstalkhouston.org) to view a draft of the proposed ordinance and for additional information.

If you are not able to attend the public hearing, you can still submit public comments here:
National Night Out Registration
It's time to start National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that encourages police community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make our neighborhoods safer, more caring places to live.

Neighborhoods host block parties, festivals, parades, cookouts and various other community events with safety demonstrations, seminars, youth events, visits from emergency personnel, exhibits and much, much more.

Registration is free and required every year. Open now!
New Homes for Houston Virtual Homebuyer Fair
The City of Houston Housing and Community Development (HCD) Department hopes you will join as they co-host the Tejano Center for Community Concerns. HCD will discuss the New Homes for Houston initiative to create new affordable single-family homeownership opportunities throughout Houston and the homebuyer application process!
When
Saturday, February 25, 2023 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Where
This is an online event.
Contact
Jeremiah Rivera
City of Houston Housing and Community Development
832-394-6200
Houston Parks Board Newsletter
Check out the Houston Parks Board newsletter for information on activities, volunteer opportunities, and more!
Construction on Mayfair Park Beginning
This Month
Residents in Mayfair Park can expect construction to begin this month on projects that were identified by community input and balanced with available funding for 50/50 Park Partners Initiative!

The improvements at Mayfair Park will include adding a new two- to five-year-old playground unit and new swing sets, improving park lighting, replacing park benches and picnic tables, and existing trail improvements, totaling $375,000. Talley Landscape Architects, Inc. is the landscape architect, and the Houston Parks Board will manage the project. Construction is expected to conclude in Summer 2023.

Residents should be mindful of the active construction site and not enter areas surrounded by orange construction fencing. 

For more information on the 50/50 Park Partners Initiative visit: Houston Parks Board 50/50 Park Partners.
Houston First Celebrates Black History Month
Houston First Corporation is celebrating Black History month with programs and events featuring art, live music, outdoor markets, and activities for the family.

Take part in the celebration at Avenida Houston, 1001 Avenida de las Americas, Houston, TX 77001.
MOCA Opens 2023 Exhibition Series, Expressions! With a High-tech Exhibit to Honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Black History Month at the City Hall Rotunda
37th Annual Arbor Day Celebration
at Glenshire Park!
"The best time to plant a tree is 20 years ago." The second best time to plant a tree is National Arbor Day! That is just what hundreds of volunteers did at Glenshire Park February 4th -- 1,000 trees were planted!

Thanks to the Houston Parks and Recreation Department, Apache Corporation, and Accenture, and the National Arbor Day Foundation for celebrating with District K the 37th Annual Arbor Day!
Houston Parks and Recreation Department is Hiring Summer Lifeguards
City of Houston Internship Opportunity
District K Youth, ages 16-24 years old, are encouraged to apply for summer jobs through the Hire Houston Youth Program!

Apply today by visiting Hire Houston Youth 2023

Our goal is to hire 20,000 young people to gain employment in the Houston workforce.

Applications screening begin March 27, 2023. Apply today!
Scholarship Essay Contest for Public Service Recognition Week
Senior students can earn $2,000 for college and gain a better understanding of how local government works by entering the City of Houston Scholarship Essay Contest.

Choose and research a city career and write an essay on "How Would You Strengthen the City?" Submit your essay by March 10, 2023.

Check out winning essays of 2022 to see what it takes: 2022 Essay Contest Winners.


For more information contact Pete Mayes at 832-393-6132 or email Peter.Mayes@houstontx.gov.
Houston SWMD and HISD Partner in Artwork Competition to Promote Sustainability
The Houston Solid Waste Management Department (SWMD) and the Houston Independent School District (HISD) are partnering to promote sustainability through recycling with the first creative artwork competition.

HISD students grades K-12 can create and submit artwork to the theme, "I RECYCLE FOR HOUSTON" now through February 28, 2023.

Categories are:
  • Category 1: Grades K-5 (2 winners)
  • Category 2: Grades 6-8 (2 winners)
  • Category 3: Grades 9-12 (2 winners)
  • Category 4: Special Education (2 winners)


For competition details visit: www.swmdart.com.

Good luck to all Artists!
Westbury High School Alumnus Michael Strahan Honored
Westbury High School alumnus and media personality Michael Strahan was recently honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

View the full story here: Michael Strahan - Hollywood Walk of Fame

Congratulations, Michael Strahan!

We are District K Proud!
Watch Public Session and weekly City Council Sessions here