Mayor Sylvester Turner Announces City Council Support
for Phase 2 Complete Communities Action Plans
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Earlier this month, Houston City Council passed a motion of support for action plans for the Phase 2 Complete Communities – Alief-Westwood, Fort Bend Houston, Kashmere Gardens, Magnolia Park-Manchester and Sunnyside.
The plans demonstrate the depth of community involvement and reflect the insights, values, and visions of community stakeholders and represent numerous opportunities for private investment and public private partnerships.
“The communities have spoken, and we have listened,” Mayor Turner said. “Now that we have plans in place, the work is just beginning. The next steps open up opportunities for public sector funding, such as Low-Income Housing Tax Credits, philanthropy and private sector investment.” Read the full press release. View the action plans.
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Mayor Turner, Comcast Announce 9 WiFi-Connected Lift Zones in
City of Houston Community Centers
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As part of its ongoing commitment to help connect low-income families to the internet so they can fully participate in educational opportunities and the digital economy, Comcast announced plans to equip nine City of Houston Community Centers with WiFi-connected “Lift Zones” before the end of 2020.
In partnership with the City of Houston, Comcast is providing robust WiFi hotspots in safe spaces designed to help students get online, participate in distance learning and do their homework. This initiative provides free connectivity inside partner community centers for the next three years.
Participating City of Houston Lift Zone sites include Acres Homes Multi-Service Center, DeZavala Community Center, Emancipation Community Center, Hartman Community Center, Kashmere Multi-Service Center, Magnolia Multi-Service Center, Melrose Community Center, Southwest Multi-Service Center and Third Ward Multi-Service Center. Read more. Watch this press conference video for more information.
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BARC Events Help Pet Parents Impacted by COVID-19 |
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BARC, the City of Houston's Animal Shelter and Adoption Center is offering a series of community events this December to provide pet food, supplies, and health care for Houston pet parents who have been impacted by COVID-19. In partnership with Best Friends Animal Society, Rescued Pets Movement (RPM), Houston Pet Set, and Emancipet, BARC will provide over $550,000 in COVID-related, community pet support throughout the holidays.
All events are open to all City of Houston residents affected by the pandemic. To support social distancing, all spay/neuter and wellness events are by appointment only. For more information on the events and how to register, please visit www.houstontx.gov/barc or call 311. Read more.
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Apply for LISC Small Grants |
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Houston LISC is offering small grants for community relationship building, civic engagement and projects that improve quality of life.
Houston LISC is a local office of the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), the nation’s largest community development support organization.
Attend an informational workshop:
Wednesday, Jan. 13 Noon-1 p.m.
Wednesday, Jan. 20 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Registration is required. Attend one or both workshops.
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Effects of Tall Structures Near Single-Family Homes |
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The Planning and Development Department recently launched the Livable Places initiative, which aims to update Houston’s development codes to create more opportunities to strengthen and preserve Houston neighborhoods.
Let the Livable Places Action Committee know about your experiences and direct our attention to specific high-density sites with this interactive activity on our engagement platform, letstalkhouston.org:
· drop a pin on the map tool
· upload photos
· leave comments
· answer a few short questions about tall structures in your community
The map tool will be available until Jan. 1, 2021. The next virtual Livable Places Action Committee meeting is scheduled from 3-5 p.m., Jan. 12. View meeting details.
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50/50 Park Partners Identifies 5 Neighborhood Parks |
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Mayor Sylvester Turner’s public-private partnership called 50/50 Park Partners has identified its first neighborhood parks for improvements and long-range support. Houston Parks Board, Houston Parks & Recreation Department, Greater Houston Partnership, and Office of the Mayor are partnering with private organizations and engaging communities to create thriving public places. Park improvements will be supported by building better partnerships with communities, growing the capacity of local groups to care for and better use their parks.
50/50 Park Partners will conduct listening sessions in January at four Complete Communities meetings relating to five parks: Kashmere Gardens – Tuffly Park; Alief-Westwood – Harwin Park and Forum Park; Fort Bend Houston – Mayfair Park; and, Sunnyside – E P Hill Park.
Your input on future improvements to these parks is an important part of Mayor Sylvester Turner's 50/50 Park Partners Initiative. Each of these parks is located in one of the Complete Communities areas. Click on the links to find the meeting details.
- E.P. Hill Park, Jan. 7, 2021, 6 p.m.
- Tiffly Park, Jan. 12, 2021, 6 p.m.
- Mayfair Park, Jan. 12, 2021, 7 p.m.
- Harwin Park, Feb. 3, 2021, 6 p.m.
- Forum Park, Feb. 4, 2021, 6 p.m.
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Beware of Blocking Bike Lanes |
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As part of the city’s “Vision Zero” initiative to eliminate traffic fatalities and serious injuries by 2030, the Houston City Council recently adopted an ordinance to make it illegal to park a motor vehicle or otherwise block a dedicated bicycle lane. This ordinance applies to bicycle lanes without signage stating that parking is not allowed.
Citations for violating this ordinance includes a $100 fine, but first-time offenders can have the fine waived by meeting a hearing officer and taking a bike-friendly training class. Read more on Park Houston website or read this Leader News article.
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District B Elects Tarsha Jackson to Houston City Council |
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Tarsha Jackson has been elected to represent District B in Houston City Council. Jackson was born and raised in Acres Homes, Greenspoint and North Forest. She lives in Greenspoint. Jackson has been recognized locally and internationally for her advocacy work advancing juvenile justice reform. She is currently completing her BA in Political Science at Texas Southern University. Read more about District B Council Member Tarsha Jackson. |
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District J Patrol
District J has launched districtjpatrol.com, which is the city’s first community-led online platform that enables residents to report lower level quality of life crimes and violations that will be handled by the HPD District J Patrol.
The site will be monitored and maintained by the District J Patrol Task Team, comprised of residents who represent each area of our district. The online platform allows residents to easily and efficiently report crimes and violations such as junk motor vehicles, illegal dumping, property code violations, and other public nuisances.
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Upcoming Meetings in 2021
Join the virtual Neighborhood Support Team (NST) meeting, Wednesday, Feb. 3, 2021 at 6 p.m. for Alief, and Thursday, Feb. 4, 2021 at 6 p.m. for Westwood to discuss Harwin Park and Forum Park improvements with the 50/50 Parks Partner initiative. For more information on Houston Parks Board: https://houstonparksboard.org/
Alief
Microsoft Teams meeting
Join on your computer or mobile app
Or call in (audio only)
Phone Conference ID: 949 657 682#
Westwood
Microsoft Teams meeting
Join on your computer or mobile app
Or call in (audio only)
Phone Conference ID: 809 492 987#
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Project Implementation Begins
The Planning and Development Department and the residents of Fort Bend Houston have been meeting to begin working on projects identified in the Fort Bend Houston Action Plans. If you are interested in participating or joining the working group team, please attend our next virtual meeting.
Complete Communities Meeting
Neighborhood Support Team / Working Group Meeting
Tuesday, Jan. 12, 2021
7-8 p.m.
Microsoft Teams meeting
Join on your computer or mobile app
Or call in (audio only)
+1 936-755-1521 United States, Huntsville
Phone Conference ID: 742 727 256#
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Learn About Rental Assistance
Rental assistance is available in Fort Bend Houston through the Advocacy Now Rental Assistance Education Program. This program is a collaborative effort of the Fort Bend Transformation Church and Fort Bend Social Services. Email edu@advocacynowinstitute.com for more information.
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Gulfton Super Neighborhood Council Meeting |
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Monday, Jan. 25, 2021 at Noon.
For zoom link contact:
Sandra Rodríguez, President
(832) 875-0179
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Significant Renovations Made at McCrane-Kashmere Library |
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The McCrane-Kashmere Neighborhood Library suffered damage from Hurricane Harvey. Substantial completion of the library’s construction took place on Nov. 30, 2020. The foundation was leveled and stabilized using helical piles. The roof drain was repaired and interior finishes were restored. Restoration also included new bright carpet flooring, colorful paint, and furniture throughout the building. The adult area has new lounge furniture. Houston Public Library’s (HPL) Digital Strategies team is conducting finishing touches with technology and shelving of books over the next month. Children and teens will have a new look and an exciting space to enjoy at the McCrane-Kashmere Library. HPL is aiming libraries will be used on an appointment basis in the first quarter of the year in light of the pandemic. HPL TO GO curbside service is available by appointment at the locations and the MCrane-Kashmere Neighborhood Library will soon be included in the expanded service. For more information on HPL’s current service, please visit https://houstonlibrary.org/.
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Upcoming Meetings in January 2021
Kashmere Gardens Super Neighborhood Meeting
Jan 12, 2021 6 p.m.
Meeting ID: 885 9181 1739
Dial in by telephone: 346 248 7799, Meeting ID: 885 9181 1739
Kashmere Gardens Complete Communities Meeting
Jan. 19, 2021 at 6 p.m.
Join on your computer or mobile app
Or call in (audio only)
Phone Conference ID: 724 566 599#
If you are interested in being a part of the implementation phase, please contact Lead Planner, Davonte Caldwell at Davonte.Caldwell@houstontx.gov for additional meeting information.
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Magnolia Growing: Community Garden Mondays |
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Join your friends and neighbors at the community garden to plant and prepare for the upcoming season. We have tools and planting beds available.
Vaya con sus amigos y vecinos a nuestro jardin comunitario a plantar y prepararnos para la nueva temporada. Todos son invitados!
Tenemos herramientas y espacio para plantar disponible.
Los Lunes/ On Mondays 4-5 p.m.
Magnolia Multiservice Center, 7037 Capitol, 77011
Para mas informacion hablar a Jorge Olvera 713.660.1880 X1801
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Butterfly Pocket Park Wins H-GAC Award |
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The Butterfly Pocket Park, located at 2606 Fulton Street, is the winner from the H-GAC Parks and Natural Areas Awards in the On-the-Ground Project Under $500,000 category. There will be an online award event on Friday, Feb. 5, 2021 at 9 a.m. to honor the award winners.
This park is home to various native plants and a butterfly sculpture. Near Northside residents emphasized their desire to “complete the Fulton green space and butterfly garden” in the Near Northside Complete Communities Action Plan approved by City Council in August 2018. This project received a $75,000 grant from the Visit My Neighborhood pilot grant program launched by the Houston Arts Alliance and the Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs to support the Complete Communities initiative. The park serves as an opportunity to transform empty lots into active spaces that also enhances community safety.
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Sunnyside Community Meeting
Join us for the next community meeting for exciting updates regarding the Financial Empowerment Center, 50/50 Park Plans and more.
Thursday, Jan. 7, 2021
6- 8 p.m.
To join on Microsoft Teams
Or call in (audio only)
+1 936-755-1521 Conference ID 462172109
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Food Kits For Seniors
The honorary Mayor of Sunnyside Sandra Hines, United Healthcare and the Houston Food Bank have teamed up to offer food kits for seniors throughout the month of December. Distribution is every Tuesday in December from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the Sunnyside Multi-Service Center located at 9314 Cullen Blvd. For more information contact uhckit@houstonfoodbank.org.
Healthy Food Kits:
- Promote application assistance for SNAP and other social services by the Community Assistance Program.
- Contain recipes designed to meet dietary needs of seniors
- Are designed to provide food for two weeks
- Contain a variety of nutritious food items including locally sourced fresh produce
- Provide access to the Corey Companions Program addressing social isolation among seniors.
To qualify for Healthy Food Kits, individuals must be able to provide documentation that they are 60 years or older. A proxy can pick up the kit as long as they have documentation showing that the individual they are retrieving for is 60 or older.
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Lucille's Partners to Provide Meals for 1,000 Third Ward Families
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Lucille’s partnership to provide holiday meals to 1,000 Third Ward families
About 1,000 families in Houston’s Greater Third Ward will receive holiday meals on Dec. 23 thanks to an initiative by Lucille’s 1913, a nonprofit organization founded by chef Chris Williams of Lucille’s restaurant in the Museum District.
Sponsored by the Kinder Foundation in collaboration with Emancipation Park Conservancy, the holiday meal project is aimed at families in ZIP codes 77004 and 77021, as well as Cuney Homes, Project Row Houses and Greater Third Ward churches and community groups.
Lucille’s 1913 Conscious Community Collective will prepare 5,000 meals for 1,000 families for the event that will be held on Dec. 23 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 3018 Emancipation. Those interested in receiving meal packages must RSVP on Eventbrite or call 832-802-7136. The meals will be distributed via drive-up and walk-up at the site where social distancing guidelines and mask wearing will be enforced.
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Complete Communities is a collaborative effort involving the community and all City of Houston Departments and Divisions with City leadership from:
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Sign-up to receive updates on activities taking place in your Complete Communities neighborhood!
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