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Residents of District E,
This week the District E office held two successful mask distribution events, one in Kingwood and one in Clear Lake, distributing over 2,500 masks. Mayor Pro Tem Martin has obtained more masks this afternoon, and will be holding additional distribution events next week.
To date the council member has delivered 5,000 masks to District E nonprofit organizations, churches, senior assisted living centers, senior apartment complexes, partnered with local school district food distribution events, and even delivered straight to residents homes.
By the end of next week, we will double that number and will have provided 10,000 masks to the District E community. Distribution events taking place next week will be:
Kingwood
Thursday, May 7
8:00 a.m.
Kingwood METRO Park & Ride
3210 Rustic Woods
Please enter on Rustic Woods by turning down Woodland Gardens Drive
Clear Lake
Friday, May 8
8:00 a.m.
Freeman Library
16616 Diana Lane
Please enter on Diana Lane
In addition to wearing facial coverings, daily precautions recommended to #SlowtheSpread are to:
- Wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use hand sanitizer when you can't wash your hands.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue and throw the tissue away. If you don't have a tissue, use the elbow of your sleeve. Don't use your hands to cover coughs and sneezes.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Stay home when you are sick and keep children home when they are sick.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
Any Houstonian, regardless of symptoms, may receive one FREE COVID-19 test at our drive-thru testing sites.
Call 832-393-4220 to be provided an access code and instructions on where to go.
Houstonians should visit
HoustonEmergency.org for updated information about local risk, routine protective actions, frequently asked questions, communication resources, rumor control, emergency preparedness tips and more.
Sincerely,
Dave Martin
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The District E Office
900 Bagby, First Floor
Houston, TX 77002
Contact Information
Phone: (832) 393-3008
Fax: (832) 393-3279
District E Team
Jessica Beemer
Chief of Staff
Katherine Cunningham
Deputy Chief of Staff
Clarissa Perez
South Sector Manager
Dustin Hodges
North Sector Manager
City of Houston Contacts
(713) 837-0311
Mayor's Citizens
Assistance Office
(832) 393-0955
Kingwood Community Center
(281) 348-2570
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Woodridge Village Update
Significant progress on flood mitigation efforts were made at the April 28 Harris County Commissioner's Court Meeting. Commissioner's Court unanimously approved the agreement to purchase the Woodridge Village Development land owned by Perry Homes. The agreement is contingent upon the City of Houston identifying land within city limits that can be used for further detention that has a value of $7 million.
Furthermore, transitioning the development into a drainage detention facility allows for the potential to divert storm water from Bens Branch, Taylors Gulley, etc.
This progress doesn't come without the dedication and hard work of County Commissioner Jack Cagle, State Representative Dan Huberty, Beth Guide and the many others who have had a hand in this outcome.
In the meantime, we continue to communicate on a regular basis with City of Houston Legal and Houston Public Works on the progress of Woodridge Village in compliance with the memo provided to the community on October 17.
To see the memo and all the action reports on Woodridge Village, visit Mayor Pro Tem Martin's website
here. All reports have action items and project photos which may be useful for the community.
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Ramada Drive Safe Sidewalk Project
Mayor Pro Tem Dave Martin recently allocated $66,000 from his Fiscal Year 2020 Council District Service Funds for sidewalk repairs in the Clear Lake area in an effort to provide increased pedestrian mobility as well as safety. The first portion of the project was completed along the northern side of Ramada Drive from El Camino Real to Diana Lane. The second portion of the project was completed along El Camino Real from Ramada Drive to 16457 El Camino Real.
Houston Public Works was able to begin and complete the work within the month of April. Thank you to Houston Public Works for working so quickly on this project.
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Sherwood Trails Sanitary Sewer Rehabilitation Project Update
Houston Public Works began a sanitary sewer rehabilitation project in Sherwood Trails on Monday, March 9. The purpose of the project is to improve flow and maintain community property. A trenchless method will be used to minimize excavation at the construction site.
The rehabilitation of the sanitary sewer lines will be done through Sliplining and Pipe Bursting Methods. Pipe bursting is a trenchless method of replacing buried pipelines (such as sewer, water, or natural gas pipes) without the need for a traditional construction trench. An expanding device called an expander head, which may be either pneumatic or hydraulic, is introduced into the defective pipeline through a launching pit. As it travels through the pipeline toward the receiving pit it breaks the pipe into many small pieces, pushing the pieces into the surrounding soil. New pipe is attached to the back of the expander head, replacing the line immediately.
So far, crews have completed 4,155 linear feet of 8" pipe and 3,025 linear feet of
CIPP on 21" pipe along Hermitage Hollow Lane, Tinechester Drive, Shadbury Court and Friarwood Trail. The project is anticipated to take 6-8 months to complete. Construction activities are expected to take place 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.; Monday-Thursday. The contractor will be placing door hangers on each door at least 48 hours prior to construction beginning on the respective street. These door hangers contain important information about what to expect when construction does take place on your street.
As a result of the construction activities, please be aware of flagmen and orange traffic cones that will be put in place on site to help with traffic flow through the construction zone as temporary lane closures are expected. Residents may experience an increase in noise levels due to trucks and equipment in the area.
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HPD CDSF Crime Initiative Update
Each year the council office reaches out to all police serving District E communities requesting a list of supplies needed to be approved by legal and the administration. Once our office receives approval from the Legal Department and the Administration, the District E office works to fund as many approved requests as possible.
Last year, Council Member Martin allocated $21,552.50 of his Council District Service Funds (CDSF) to successfully complete a pilot initiative to combat crime in the area with HPD Vice, Special Victims, Narcotics, Homeless and Differential Response Team Overtime Initiative to target crime along the Gulf Freeway between Edgebrook and South Shaver.
HPD has confirmed the benefit of this initiative and the positive impact it's had on the community. Therefore, Mayor Pro Tem Martin was glad to allocate an additional $40,000 of his CDSF dollars to continue the initiative this year. The target area will be along the Gulf Freeway, from Edgebrook down to El Dorado Boulevard, as well as the area around El Camino Real. This initiative began in January and will continue through June.
We will continue to work with HPD to increase patrols and monitor any areas that are brought to our attention. Please be sure and call dispatch at 713-884-3131 when you observe any suspicious activity so HPD can dispatch a unit to the location immediately.
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West Lake Houston Parkway Bridge Final Repairs Underway
Houston Public Works began a bridge repair project on the West Lake Houston Parkway Bridge on Monday, April 27. The project consists of replacing fourteen bearing pads. The cost of the project is $307,400 and will be funded through the Dedicated Drainage and Street Renewal Fund. The contractor for the project is ISI Contracting, Inc. The work is expected to be completed by Wednesday, May 20, weather permitting.
Throughout the project, two-way traffic will be redirected to the southbound lanes. Construction activities are expected to take place Monday through Saturday from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. In addition to the road closures, pedestrian sidewalks along the bridge will be barricaded and closed for safety.
Please be aware of flagmen and orange traffic cones in place on-site assisting with traffic flow through the construction zone. All lanes of the bridge and pedestrian sidewalks will reopen following the completion of the project on Wednesday, May 20, weather permitting.
This project follows the completion of temporary repairs done by Houston Public Works
last October after three bearing pads slipped from their concrete beams. The work completed this month is similar to
repairs completed in 2015, which included the replacement of deformed or slipped bearing pads.
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Hamblen Road and Sorters-McClellan Road Overlaw Project Update
Houston Public Works began the Hamblen Road and Sorters-McClellan Road Asphalt Overlay Rehabilitation Project on March 19, 2020. Houston Public Works notified the District E office that contractors were ahead of schedule and were able to start on March 19 rather than the original start date of March 24.
The scope of work includes milling off an approximate 2-inch layer of old asphalt, repairing the base as needed, spraying tack coat and overlaying 2 inches of new asphalt surface pavement. The project is expected to be completed by late June 2020, weather permitting.
Crews have completed the overlay on Sorters-McClellan Road and Hamblen Road in addition to completing the centerline striping. All that remains to be completed is some minor edge of pavement work and subsequent striping. Construction activities continue to take place between 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday.
Residents and business owners should be aware that individual driveways may be inaccessible for short periods of time at various times throughout the project, however, the Contractor will work with the owners to provide driveway ingress/egress as best possible. Once construction begins on the street, crews will notify residents and business owners 72 hours in advance to ensure they are aware of the changes.
As a result of the construction activities, please be aware of flagmen and orange traffic cones that will be put in place on site to help with traffic flow through the construction zone as temporary lane closures are expected. Residents may experience an increase in noise levels due to trucks and equipment in the area.
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Mouth-Bar Dredging Update
In January, the City of Houston issued a
Notice To Proceed (NTP)
for debris removal services, specifically large silt deposits, at the confluence of the West Fork of the San Jacinto River and Lake Houston, commonly referred to as the "mouth bar". The City of Houston, through its contractor DRC Emergency Services, LLC (DRC), began mechanical dredging of the mouth bar in January. The total cost for this project is $40 million dollars, which is funded through a combination of City of Houston Harvey Disaster dollars provided by Governor Greg Abbott, grant dollars from the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB), and funding from the Harris County Flood Control District (HCFCD) Bond Program.
DRC is invoicing the City of Houston in accordance with rates established and approved by the city to include final disposal. DRC must comply with all terms and provisions established by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) relative to disaster debris collections, temporary storage, and final disposal. The
grant application for this project
was submitted to the TWDB by Harris County Engineer, John Blount. Harris County is collaborating closely with HCFCD, the San Jacinto River Authority (SJRA), and the City of Houston on this crucial project.
DRC is completing the scope of work for dredging activities in two distinct phases. The first phase will remove accumulated materials near and at the mouth bar on the West Fork of the San Jacinto River, and the second phase will remove accumulated materials in the East Fork of the San Jacinto River and other locations in Lake Houston. During phase one of this project it is expected that a minimum of 400,000 cubic yards (CY) of material will be removed over twelve months.
To date, DRC has removed approximately 125,000 cubic yards of material.
Phase two of the project will consist of: 1) Harris County completing hydrographic surveys of the West Fork of the San Jacinto River, the East Fork of the San Jacinto River, and Lake Houston to determine dredge material volumes 2) the City of Houston advertising and awarding a dredging contract to the lowest responsive bidder 3) Harris County designating the City of Houston as a sub-recipient for the cost of the dredging contract. Phase two will run simultaneously with Phase One to expedite our activity.
Additionally, during phase two of the project City of Houston, Harris County, HCFCD, SJRA, and Coastal Water Authority (CWA) will develop and execute a plan for the City of Houston or CWA to assume long-term dredging operations on Lake Houston. This work effort will include determining funding for the dredging operations in perpetuity. This phased approach will obligate the full grant funding before the 87th legislative session in 2021. This grant funding was made possible thanks to State Representative Dan Huberty (District 127) through the passage of Senate Bill 500 .
Mayor Pro Tem Martin, again, would like to offer a very special "Thank You" to State Representative Dan Huberty for his commitment to seeing this project through and his dedication to the long-term maintenance activities on Lake Houston. Representative Huberty has been a champion for his residents and a great ally in seeing these additional dredging efforts come to fruition.
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Progress on the Lake Houston Spillway Dam Improvement Project (Flood Gates)
In August of 2019 the clock for Phase I of the Lake Houston Spillway Dam Improvement Project (Flood Gates) started with the award of a Hazard Mitigation Grant through the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) from the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) in the amount of $47,170,953 for the City of Houston Lake Houston Spillway Dam Improvement Project (Federal Share $35,378,214.75, Non-Federal Share $11,792,738.25). This award is pursuant to the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, Section 404, and 44 CFR Part 206.434.
The first phase of this project is currently underway. The design contract for Phase I was awarded during the Coastal Water Authority's April 8 meeting. The next step is moving forward with identifying the environmental process as well as to conduct the required environmental assessment and permitting. The first phase of this project is expected to be completed by Fall 2020 but extensions may be necessary depending on results of environmental assessment and impact studies. The City of Houston will front all costs for the Lake Houston Spillway Dam Improvement Project and submit reimbursement requests to the Texas Division of Emergency Management on a monthly basis.
Once Phase I of the project is complete the City of Houston will renew the cost benefit analysis and submit to FEMA for their review. Upon their review of the completed cost benefit analysis after Phase I completion, the additional funds provided to the state of Texas for this project will be made available for reimbursement to the City for completion of Phase II construction. The two phases of the Lake Houston Spillway Dam Improvement Project are expected to be completed within 36 months, with the possibility of an extension if needed.
As updates for this project become available the District E Office will notify residents utilizing the office newsletter and social media platforms. If you do not already, please follow
@cmdavemartin on Twitter and like
Mayor Pro Tem Martin's Facebook Page.
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Kingwood Drive Panel Replacements
Houston Public Works began a panel replacement project on Kingwood Drive on Thursday, April 16. Due to low traffic volumes, crews are working in one lane going both east and westbound on Kingwood Drive in an effort to finish the project sooner. The cost of the project is $172,030.65 and is funded through Mayor Pro Tem Martin's Council District Service Funds.
The scope of work includes replacing 17 concrete panels along Kingwood Drive from Loop 494 to Greek Oak Drive. To date, Public Works has completed 5 of the 17 panel replacements. The project is expected to be completed by May 28, weather permitting. Construction activities are expected to take place Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., and on Saturday's from 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
As a result of the construction activities, please be aware of flagmen and orange traffic cones that will be put in place on site to help with traffic flow through the construction zone as the project will require one lane closure. Two-way traffic will be maintained at all times. Businesses and residents will have access to driveways and sidewalks at all times, and may experience an increase in noise levels due to trucks and equipment in the area.
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Department of Neighborhoods Launches "Neighborhood Updates"
The Department of Neighborhoods has launched a new service consisting of automated voice and text messages in English and Spanish specifically directed to seniors who have no access or limited access to email and the internet by providing essential information about city services and resources. The Neighborhood Updates voice messages will also benefit people with vision impairments and texts will serve persons with hearing impairments.
To receive Neighborhood Updates, contact Houston 311 by calling 713-837-0311
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COVID-19 Registry
The COVID-19 Registry is a research study that provides real-time information on the spread of COVID-19, who is being affected, and how.
The COVID-19 Registry will help to:
- Track virus spread over time and across geography
- Measure economic and health impacts
- Anticipate healthcare needs as the pandemic unfolds
- Understand behavior in response to policy changes
- Identify popular and effective sources of information
Data from the registry will be stored in a highly secure system built by Rice University. Things that we learn from the registry will be published, but will not include any information that would identify you or any other participant.
Residents can take the survey
here.
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HCDE City Connections Resources
City Connections goes virtual! Grantee organizations from the City Connections project are making some of their lessons and activities accessible online. Benefit from a wide array of resources from lesson plans to online web courses to social media live sessions that can be accessed on behalf of the grantees. These resources provide activities and lessons that help keep students engaged and families connected. For questions regarding the City Connections program, please contact CASE for Kids Program Coordinator, Adrian Izaguirre at
aizaguirre@hcde-texas.org.
Click
here for CASE for Kids- City Connections activities and resources.
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Yes to Census!
Residents of District E don't forget to fill out your Census form before
August 14!
The Census is a population count required by the constitution that occurs every ten years to ensure that the government represents the people. It is crucial in determining how resources will be allocated to our communities. The Census Bureau will record every person's name, age, race, residential status and relationship between those living in the same household as of April 1
st.
This will determine how states will go about the redistricting process, ensuring that every district has an equal number of people and are reflective and representative of the electorate. Proper representation across all levels of government depends on filling out the Census.
Over the next decade billions of dollars will be distributed throughout the states to our communities to fund hundreds of federal spending programs these include transportation services, community development block grants, and healthcare services. Ensuring that our communities get their fair share is up to us!
Nearly every household will receive an invitation in the mail to fill out the Census which can be responded to by mail, phone, or online. This form is to be filled out by August 14
th. Starting May 13
th canvassers will visit households in places with dense student population and places at risk for an undercount. Households who do not respond to the census will be visited by canvassers starting May 28
th.
Having the Census online will make it easier and more comfortable for everyone to fill out. Make sure you are counted so that you and your community are properly represented and your needs are met!
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Umanity App - COVID-19 Resource
Umanity is a mobile app that is working with the office of Mayor Pro Tem Martin. The app is designed to connect community needs with community resources in real-time, to help communities and the City of Houston efficiently organize their response to the COVID-19 crisis. It enables a response while still maintaining social distancing and quarantine guidelines.
Umanity needs your help to populate what resources and needs exist in Houston during this crisis. Do you have extra toiletries, clothes, or food? Do you need anything? Are you able to volunteer? Getting started with Umanity costs nothing and only takes less than a minute. Sign up via
umanity.app or download the app for either iOS or Android today!
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2-1-1 Helpline
COVID-19 information and referrals for community resources like food, housing, utilities, workforce services, etc. are available for Texans in need by dialing 2-1-1 anytime, day or night.
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Minuteman Press Humble's Bounce Back USA Initiative
One day, the next generation will not only learn about the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020 in history class, but they will also learn about the great American recovery that followed. The only way that residents of Humble, and the Lake Houston Area, are going to help write that recovery chapter is by uniting as a community and helping all of our neighbors.
Minuteman Press Humble is doing their part to author America's recovery story by running the Bounce Back USA initiative. Bounce Back USA was created by Minuteman Press to offer two free services to help support all of our neighboring businesses as we find a way to work together through these trying times.
First, Minuteman Press Humble is distributing COVID-19 awareness and prevention posters at no charge to any business in our service area. Second, they are providing free local advertising on their
website to stimulate business and help all of our neighbors overcome the tremendous economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Minuteman Press Humble truly believe that a rising tide will lift all ships, and wants to make sure our communities stay afloat.
Please use the
form
on Minuteman's page to submit your company's special offer or supportive message for publishing on their site at no charge. Just upload your logo and the message or offer, and they will publish your message in the appropriate category.
Join the coalition now to show your support and solidarity with the business community in our neighborhood!
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District E Meal Programs
Many school districts in District E are offering food distribution programs to students and their families. More information on how each school district is operating their program can be found below.
Creek Creek ISD Meals for Students: CCISD is offering multiple day breakfast and lunch pick-up. Drive or walk up to the front entrance to receive a meal for each child that is present. This service is free to any child 18 years and younger. Onsite dining will not be available. To stay updated on the program, please visit their
Meals for Students page and follow their
Facebook.
Service Times:
Monday Pick-Up: 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Breakfast & Lunch through Thursday morning
Thursday Pick-Up: 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Breakfast & Lunch through Saturday morning
District E Service Location:
Whitcomb Elementary
900 Reseda
Houston, Texas 77062
Galena Park ISD: To provide additional support to GPISD families during this time, Student Nutrition staff will offer Grab-N-Go breakfast and lunch via curbside service; there will be no need to exit your vehicle. Students 18 and under must be present to receive meals. Note: All Student Nutrition Department Members will be screened by a GPISD nurse each morning prior to beginning food preparations. To stay updated on the program, please visit their
website and follow their
Facebook.
Service Times:
Breakfast: 7:30 a.m.-9:00 a.m. (Monday-Friday)
Lunch: 10:45 a.m.-12:15 p.m. (Monday-Friday)
District E Service Locations:
Green Valley Elementary School
13550 Woodforest Blvd
Houston, TX 77015
Woodland Acres Elementary School
12956 Sarahs Ln.
Houston, TX 77015
Huffman ISD: Starting Monday, March 30, grab-and-go breakfast and lunch meals will be served once per day to children between the ages of 2-18. Child must be present to pick up meals. To stay updated on the program, please visit their
website and follow their
Facebook.
Service Times:
Breakfast: 7:30 a.m.-8:30 a.m. (Monday-Friday)
Lunch: 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. (Monday-Friday)
Service Location:
Huffman Elementary School (Behind Copeland Cafeteria)
24403 E Lake Houston Pkwy
Huffman, TX 77336
Humble ISD: Humble ISD is updating their Curbside Grab-And-Go Program weekly. To stay updated on the program, please visit their
website and follow their
Facebook.
Pasadena ISD: Pasadena ISD is updating their Curbside Grab-And-Go Program weekly. To stay updated on the program, please visit their
website and follow their
Facebook .
Additionally, the
Houston Parks and Recreation Department is operating a curbside meal program at 50 community centers around the city, Monday through Friday from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. Free meals, including a lunch and a snack, are available for youth ages 1 to 18. Only children who come to the site for pickup can receive the meal. Parents are not allowed to take food for a child who is not present at the time of pickup. Families can also visit
HoustonFoodBank.org to see the 250 open partner sites that are located across greater Houston.
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Educational Resources and Updates
Governor Abbott recently announced that all schools will remain closed for the remainder of the school year. During this time, many Houston area museums are offering virtual tours and programs for our kiddos and families at home. Visit the links and pages below for more information!
On Friday May 8, the
Lone Star Flight Museum and its supporting partners will fly nearly 30 rare and historic warbirds over the City of Houston in an epic aviation event called the Fight to the Finish Flyover in honor of those that served and sacrificed during WWII, and to commemorate the 75th anniversary of VE Day. An event program will be available at
http://www.lonestarflight.orgthe week of the flight for download.
Children's Museum of Houston is extending learning at home with activities, experiments, stories, music, performances and more through their Daily Virtual Learning Broadcast! View their daily schedule by visiting their
website.
Houston Museum of Natural Science is offering digital museum experiences right in the comfort of your home. Dive into their online collection with video archives, virtual tours and dig even deeper with Beyond Bones. Visit their
website.
The Houston Zoo is bringing the zoo to you every Monday-Friday with a Facebook Live event at 11:00 a.m. They also have a collection of at-home learning activities like our whooping crane dance challenge or the sea lion balancing act! Check out their videos and activities
here.
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