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TIRZ Financial Policies Adopted;
TIRZ 25 Exemplifies TIRZ Purpose
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As Chair of the Economic Development Committee, Vice Mayor Pro Tem Castex-Tatum's committee reviews matters related to Economic Development, Domestic and International Trade, Business and Job Creation, and Aviation. May 31, 2023, the committee was presented a proposed recommendation for Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone (TIRZ) financial policies: TIRZ Policy Recommendations Presentation by the Mayor's Office of Economic Development (MOED).
On August 30, 2023, City Council approved an amended ordinance updating the TIRZ Financial Policies which will govern creation, growth, termination, boundary adjustments, budget and capital improvement plan, and debt authorization and issuance.
The purpose of a TIRZ is to promote economic development in an unproductive, underdeveloped, or blighted areas, by developing and diversifying the economy, reducing or eliminating unemployment, and developing or expanding transportation, business, and commercial activity.
TIRZ 25's recent purchase of the old MADCO property at 4900 W. Fuqua is a great example of the need for TIRZ in our communities. The old property had been a nuisance in the community for decades and when it was finally closed due to efforts from community advocates it became blight. TIRZ 25 Board members agreed to purchase the property for future economic development.
Thank you, TIRZ 25, we can't wait to see what's in store!
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District K Welcomes Samanda Rubin, the New Commander of the HPD South Gessner Division | |
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Vice Mayor Pro Tem Martha Castex-Tatum joins in welcoming to District K, Samanda Rubin, the newly appointed Commander at the Houston Police Department (HPD) South Gessner Division located at 8605 Westplace Drive, Houston, TX 77071. Commander Rubin is the first female commander assigned to the South Gessner Station and worked in the City Legal Department as an attorney prior to her joining HPD.
We welcome you, Commander Rubin, and look forward to working with you to ensure we have One Safe Houston!
You can reach the HPD South Gessner Command Station at 832-394-4700.
Read more about Commander Rubin here: Meet Commander Samanda Rubin
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Demolition Day - Edison Cultural Arts Center! | |
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It was an exciting day to celebrate progress! Community members gathered to see the walls come down at the old shopping center at 7100 W. Fuqua to make way for the new Edison Arts Cultural Center in Fort Bend Houston! The Demolition Ceremony sparked to the transformation of the blighted property that has been vacant for over 20 years. The new space will include a theater, after school program, clinic, constable office, festival plaza, restaurants, and retail opportunities.
You can view the full demolition ceremony here: Edison Cultural Arts Center Demolition Ceremony
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District K, Brays Oaks - Rich in Diverse Cultures | |
Sidewalk Repairs in Briargate | |
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Residents in the Briargate community in Fort Bend Houston should be enjoying the improved sidewalks along 6815 Krause Dr. Construction began September 11, 2023, and will be completed this month.
We are happy about these safety improvements!
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PLANNING COMMISSION PUBLIC HEARINGS | |
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Southwest Manor Subdivision - Noel Place Plat
September 21, 2023
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Residents of Southwest Manor Subdivision,
The Notice of a Public Hearing was sent to residents whose property is adjacent to the proposed development, Noel Place, plat application 2023-1793, by the Planning and Development Department [click on image on the right]. The applicant, Michael Haworth, with The Pinnell Group, LLC, on behalf of Continental Builders & Developers, Inc., has filed the development plat to create two residential lots. The Notice of a Public Hearing is sent to determine if the proposed plat 2023-1793 will not violate deed restrictions; see the maps below.
Members of the public are invited to make comments and or express concerns regarding this plat to the Planning Commission, Thursday, September 21, 2023, 2:30 PM.
Submit written comments or sign up to speak at: [email protected] or phone 832-393-6624 24 hours in advance.
The Planning Commission meeting is hybrid, in person at City Hall Annex Building, 900 Bagby Street, City Council Chamber, Public Level, Houston, Texas, or virtual via Microsoft Teams. To join the virtual meeting use this link: bit.ly/44HVXwX or call +1 936-755-1521.
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Click on images to see enlarged view | |
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Quail Bridge Subdivision - Fort Bend County Sportsplex Plat
September 21, 2023
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Residents of Quail Bridge Subdivision,
Attached is the Notice of Variance [click on image on the right] that the Planning and Development Department sent to residents whose property is adjacent to the proposed development, Fort Bend County Sportsplex, plat application 2023-1640.
The applicant, Pedraza Surveying, LLC, on behalf of the developer, is requesting a variance to exceed intersection spacing requirements by not extending nor terminating in a cul-de-sac Benchmark Drive. The Notice of Variance maps and site plan are below.
Members of the public are invited to make comments and or express concerns regarding this plat to the Planning Commission, Thursday, September 21, 2023, 2:30 PM.
Submit written comments or sign up to speak at: [email protected] or phone 832-393-6624 24 hours in advance.
If residents do not want to see any changes to their street, they would be in support of the variance. If this is the will of the community, Vice Mayor Pro Tem Castex-Tatum will also send her support of the variance to the Planning Commission.
The Planning Commission meeting is hybrid, in person at City Hall Annex Building, 900 Bagby Street, City Council Chamber, Public Level, Houston, Texas, or virtual via Microsoft Teams. To join the virtual meeting use this link: bit.ly/44HVXwX or call +1 936-755-1521.
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Click on images to see enlarged view | |
Westwood Subdivision - Albion Townhomes October 5, 2023 | |
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Residents of Westwood Subdivision:
JUST RECEIVED - Attached is the Notice of Variance [click on image on the right] that the Planning and Development Department sent to residents whose property is adjacent to the proposed development, Albion Townhomes replat application 2023-1884. The purpose of the replat is to create 37 single-family residential lots and 6 parking reserves.
The applicant, Steven Henderson, with Windrose, on behalf of the developer, is requesting the variance. The variance is being sought and extent of variance:
- Reduced building line of 15'
- To not dedicate an additional 10' of right-of-way
- Reduced lot size
- Reduced lot width
The Notice of Variance map is below.
Members of the public are invited to make comments and or express concerns regarding this plat to the Planning Commission, Thursday, October 5, 2023, 2:30 PM.
Submit written comments or sign up to speak at: [email protected] or phone 832-393-6624 24 hours in advance.
The Planning Commission meeting is hybrid, in person at City Hall Annex Building, 900 Bagby Street, City Council Chamber, Public Level, Houston, Texas, or virtual via Microsoft Teams. To join the virtual meeting visit www.houstonplanning.com for joining information that will be posted October 2, 2023.
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Harris County Flood Control District Hosts Virtual Community Engagement Meeting | |
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The Harris County Flood Control District will hold virtual community meeting on the Tributary C143-00-00 Drainage Improvements Project in the Sims Bayou Watershed, Tuesday, September 26th, 6:30 PM. Residents can join and get a status of the project, project information, and give input during a Q&A session.
This project is to reduce flood risks in the watershed; culvert improvements, channel conveyance improvements, and the creation of stormwater detention basins. For more information and details on how to join visit www.hcfcd.org/F-94.
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Westridge and Braes Terrace Area Drainage Improvements Virtual Community Meeting | |
Westridge and Braes Terrace Residents:
Vice Mayor Pro Tem Martha Castex-Tatum has met with Houston Public Works (HPW) Transportation and Drainage Operations (TDO) and Public Engagement teams and discussed the changes and concerns on the Westridge and Braes Terrace Area Improvement Project M-410016-0001-4.
She felt it was important for a community meeting be held to discuss changes and answer questions on the project. There will be a virtual community meeting Wednesday, September 27, 2023, 5:30 PM, via Microsoft Teams; join the meeting by clicking HERE.
Residents can engage in the project at the Project Page www.engagehouston.org/westridge-brae-terrace. There you can get information on the project and ask questions.
Prior to the meeting, the HPW Engagement Team requests that residents submit your questions by email to [email protected].
We look forward to you attending!
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TCEQ Holds Public Hearing on Renewal Air of Quality Permit | |
Westbury Residents,
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) will hold a Public Meeting on the Air Quality Permit Renewal Number 50114, for a concrete crushing plant for Martin Marietta Materials Southwest, LLC. The plant is located at 5001 Gasmer Dr., Houston, TX 77035.
[Click the image for an enlarged view].
The Public Meeting will be held:
Thursday, September 28, 2023, 7:00 PM,
at the Community Collective for Houston,
12401 S. Post Oak Rd.
Houston, TX 77045.
Vice Mayor Pro Tem Castex-Tatum recently met with the representatives of Martin Marietta Materials Southwest, LLC and discussed concerns the community might have, so residents are encouraged to attend the public meeting to express any concerns and or get answers to questions.
Written comments can be submitted anytime during the meeting, or electronically at https://www14.tceq.texas.gov/epic/eComment/, or by mail before September 28, 2023; mail to:
Office of the Chief Clerk, TCEQ, Mail Code MC-105
P. O. Box 13087
Austin, TX 78711-3087
For more information visit TCEQ Pending Permits Application Information web page.
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Townwood Park After School Programs
and Park Activities
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Now through May 2024 Townwood Park is offering an after school enrichment program for youth between the ages of 6 to 13 years of age. Monday - Friday, 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM.
Also, youth ages18 years and under can enjoy after school meals. Monday - Friday, - snacks are served 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM, and supper is served 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM.
Register your child for fun, enrichment, games, special events, meals, and more at hpard/ParksActiveNet or houstonparks.org.
Townwood Park also offers activities and programs for adults:
- Senior Card Games/Social Gathering
- Monday, Wednesday, Friday; 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
- Adult Step Aerobics
- Tuesday, Thursday; 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
- Morning Stretch and Exercise Class
- Monday, Wednesday; 10:00 AM - 11:05 AM
- Adult Falconize Workout
- Monday, Thursday; 6:50 PM - 8:00 PM
- Line Dancing
- Tuesday; 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
- Senior Pickleball -
- Monday; 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM; More details to be announced
- Adult Freeplay Basketball*
- Monday - Friday; 6:00 PM - 7:50 PM
- Saturday; 10:00 M - 2:00 PM
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*Adult Freeplay basketball is available daily after 6:00 PM if no scheduled game or activity
For more information visit Townwood Park at 3403 Simsbrook Dr., Houston, TX or phone 832-395-7565.
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Join the Department of Neighborhoods for Coffee and Conversation, either in person or virtually, Tuesday, September 26, 2023, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM.
Attend in person at the Hiram Clarke Multi-Service Center, 3810 W. Fuqua St., Houston, TX 77045.
To attend in person, register at https://bit.ly/3EdTOOg
Attend virtually by registering at www.nrcdc.org.
For questions email [email protected]
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National Night Out is Tuesday, October 3, 2023. This community-building event helps build partnerships with our law enforcement personnel and community members.
If you are planning an event we would love to come out and engage with your neighborhood.
Contact the Joe Gatson at the District K office at [email protected] and let us know the location and time of your National Night Out event.
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Bee Busy Wellness Center Events | |
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Visit the Bee Busy Wellness Center at The India Houston Houston, 8888 W. Bellfort Blvd., Houston, TX 77031, September 20, 2023,10:00 AM - 2:00 PM, for a FREE Testing event.
Residents can get free HIV/STI testing, free blood pressure testing, and get free healthcare resources.
For more information phone:
713-771-2292 or visit www.mybbwc.org
Let's take care of our bodies and stay healthy!
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The Bee Busy Wellness Center offers free health insurance information sessions every Tuesday and Friday at 12660 Sandpiper Dr., Houston, TX 77035.
For more information phone:
713-771-2292 or visit www.mybbwc.org
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Houston Public Works Address Water Leaks | |
You may have noticed an increased number of water leaks across the city. Because of the number of leaks, Houston Public Works (HPW) presented an update during last week's city council meeting:
Leaks
- The drought has impacted the number of leaks HPW has addressed. To compare, during normal temperature conditions, HPW addresses, investigates, and repairs 100 - 200 leaks weekly.
- Due to the current drought conditions, 500 leaks per week are occurring. HPW explained one reason is due to the shifting and breaking of shallow, buried sewer and water lines in homes constructed in the 1940s - 1960s. Current pipe installations are buried deeper thus less impacted.
- HPW crews are working diligently to repair water leaks, averaging 200 per week, and aim to increase those repairs to 300 - 400 per week.
- Overall, since June 1, 2023, 3,000 leaks have been repaired, 2,000 of those by HPW crews.
- The timeline to complete the repair of leaks is 2 - 3 weeks. HPW crews are working to shorten this timeline by increasing their workload and by hiring contract work.
- The drought conditions are also impacting some sewer lines. Residents are asked to report to 311 if you experience slower draining in sinks and showers and you know the cause is not by household pipes. The change in draining could indicate a sewer leak.
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Additional Drought Information:
- Stage Two drought contingency plan is still in effect:
- Sundays, Thursdays -- even-numbered street addresses of single-family residential customers
- Saturdays, Wednesdays -- odd-numbered street addresses of single-family residential customers
- Tuesdays, Fridays -- others (non-residential and multi-family addresses)
For more information visit: Drought Contingency Plan
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Houston Public Works Upcoming Water Programs and Events | |
Water is a valuable resource especially during the drought season we ar experiencing. Residents are encouraged to engage in the Houston Water programs and events being offered by Houston Public Works:
- Give Water A Break- Drought Outreach and Education - Ongoing
- Low Flow Showerhead Program - Ongoing
- Imagine a Day Without Water Photo and Video
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Contest with up to $500 prize – October 9, 2023
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Rain Barrel & Compost Bin Sale – Sale open until October 8, 2023, pick up event on October 21, 2023
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Walk for Water - October 14, 2023
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Winter Sprinkler Shutoff - November 1, 2023 – February 28, 2024
Click the image for an enlarged view
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Maternal Outcomes Matter Shower (M.O.M.S.) | | |
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Expecting moms, dads, and families be sure to attend the Maternal Outcomes Matter Shower (M.O.M.S.) Sunday, October 1, 2023, 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM.
Come to The Community Collective for Houston at 12401 S. Post Oak Rd., Houston, TX 77045, and get showered with essentials such as diapers, wipes, car seats, strollers, information, and more!
Visit www.themomstour.info for additional information.
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State Highway 288 Lane Closures for
Sims Bayou Project
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Residents who travel along State Highway 288 be advised of construction, to be done in five phases, to repair the Sims Bridge Abutment wall, that began September 16, 2023, and is expected to last four months.
The first phase of the project requires the closure of the two right northbound lanes and the closure of the West Orem Dr. northbound entrance ramp. Also, during the morning peak times, the closure of the Almeda-Genoa northbound entrance ramp and the Beltway 8 entrance ramp into the Express Toll Lanes.
For detailed information visit: www.drive288.com/sims-bayou-project.
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Voting Information
November 7, 2023 Election
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Are you ready for the November 7, 2023 Election? Here is some information to reference so that you are an informed voter.
2023 Constitutional Amendment Election: There will be 14 Texas Constitutional Amendments on the ballot.
October 10, 2023: The last day to register to vote or to update your address
October 23 - November 3, 2023: Early Voting for the November 7, 2023 Election
October 27, 2023: The last day to apply for a vote-by-mail ballot
November 7, 2023: Election Day and vote-by-mail ballot receipt deadline
For additional voting information visit:
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Comcast Affordable Connectivity Program | |
Be Prepared for the Hurricane Season | |
Be prepared for the hurricane season! Vice Mayor Pro Tem Castex-Tatum encourages residents to use The Official Southeast Texas Hurricane & Severe Weather Guide 2023 so that you and your family are ready for inclement weather.
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Watch Public Session and weekly City Council Sessions here
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