Happy Holidays District K Friends!

Can you believe it's December already? As we approach 2024, I want to express my gratitude to the incredible District K community.

Thanks to all the neighborhood groups for inviting us to your holiday festivities. It's always a joy to celebrate with you. 2023 has been an amazing year for our district and city.

A big shoutout to the fantastic District K staff - Didi, Joe, Barbara, Melvin, Kim, Eddie, and Brandon. Your dedication makes representing this community an honor every day.

To our Civic Club, HOA, and Super Neighborhood presidents, your leadership is invaluable. Special thanks to the Brays Oaks Management District, 5 Corners Management District, TIRZ 9, and TIRZ 25 Board Members for their ongoing efforts.

To every constituent who engages and volunteers, thank you! Together, we're making our District better.

Notice the positive changes around our district? I'm committed to making continuous improvements. As Maya Angelou said, "I do my best because I'm counting on you, counting on me!"

Stay tuned for our January newsletter, where I'll reflect on the past six years. Excited for more in 2024! Spread the word and follow me on social media for updates.

Happy Hanukkah, Merry Christmas, and Happy Kwanzaa! Wishing you a holiday filled with peace, joy, and love. Enjoy time with family and friends.

In service,

Martha

Congratulations to our New Leaders

Thanks in advance for your service to our great city! Running for office and offering yourself to serve is courageous. We need more people to consider running for office. Congratulations to the winners and welcome to city hall. Let’s make Houston better everyday! 

Turkey Gift-Away this Friday

Joy to the world… Our seniors asked and we’re bringing back the turkeys and holiday cheer! Thanks to our generous community partners we are planning our District K Senior Turkey Gift Away again this year. Pick up will be easy and fun. Just drive thru and enjoy the holiday sights and sounds with our volunteers and District K Team. Priority goes to our District K Seniors. We look forward to accommodating others outside the District with any remaining turkeys. Reserve your turkey by calling 832-393-3016 or emailing us at [email protected].gov See you on Friday, December 15th from 10 AM -12 PM!

You can also register online at https://houstontx.gov/council/k/holiday-cheer.html. Or on the District K webpage: City Council District K (houstontx.gov).

Goodbye MADCO!

Please join us on December 14th at 9 a.m. as we celebrate the demolition of the old MADCO gas station on W. Fugua. This milestone in our community marks the beginning of a new chapter for residents and visitors of Hiram Clarke Fort Bend.

A community nuisance for years, the station was associated with illegal activities.

After it closed, TIRZ 25 purchased the land in early August 2023. It was the first TIRZ 25 land acquisition. This day will symbolize a significant step towards revitalizing and enhancing our community!

This is real transformation in District K!

Register to join us for this important milestone:

fuqualandproject.eventbrite.com

#hiramclarkefortbend #fortbendhouston #fortbendcounty #fuqualandproject

#DistrictK #KeepDistrictKBeautiful

Dr. Shannon Walker Neighborhood Library

Preview: Dec. 16th at noon

Water Bill Updates

Last week during city council Mayor Sylvester Turner and fellow council members reviewed nine proposed ordinance changes aimed at addressing water bill issues. The discussion was lively and while the issue was tagged by one council member, it is my hope that these changes will pass today to provide relief to Houstonians as soon as possible.

Here are the proposed changes:

 1.  Leak Adjustments:

•   Current: Maximum two leak adjustments per year.
•   New: Remove the two-per-year limit, allowing additional relief for multiple leaks in one year.

2.  Incentivized Leak Repairs:

•  Current: 50% adjustment post leak repair.
•   New: 100% for repairs within 30 days, 75% within 60 days, standard 50% after 60 days.

3.  Excess Water Usage Credits:

•   Current: 50% credit on excess water and wastewater charges.
•  New: 100% credit on excess wastewater charges, acknowledging water leaks usually don't affect sewage.

4.  Leak Balance Reduction:

•   Current: $2,000 (regular) / $250 (elderly) minimum for leak balance remaining.
•  New: Lower to $1,000 (regular) / $100 (elderly) for eligibility qualifiers.

5.  Large Bill Adjustment:

•  Current: Adjust down to 150% of average water use.
•   New: Lower customer responsibility to 125% of monthly average water usage.

6.  Exceptional Circumstances Adjustment (ECA):

•  Current: Excess of five times the average monthly bill; $4,000 reduction; Two months.
•  New: Excess of two times the average monthly bill; $10,000 reduction; Two billing cycles.

7.  Meter Lock Option:

•  Current: Pay for private plumber to remove meter to avoid charges (approx.  
• New: Offer a meter lock for a one-time fee (estimated $150), removing all base charges.

8.  E-Bill Benefits:

•   New: Sign up for e-bill and enjoy a $0.50 discount on each bill.

9.  Back Billing Limitation:

•  Current: High catch-up bills up to 24 months.
•   New: Limit back billing to a maximum of three months for residential customers, aligning with current practice.

View Mayor Turner’s press conference where he outlines the proposed ordinance changes: https://youtu.be/acLitt14lH4?si=EFInYT5RhHWjF-5B

Congratulations Cool Runnings!

So excited that District K’s own Cool Runnings Jamaican Grill received a great review from Keith Lee. He just confirmed what we already knew about this authentic Jamaican cuisine. Brays Oaks Management District 5 Corners District #KeithLee



Check out the full review here:

Keith Lee's Cool Runnings Review

'Tis the Season to Recycle in District K!

I know many of you have already started decorating for the holidays. If you have holiday lights that aren’t working let’s recycle them at South Post Oak Recycling Center. The bins are available through January of 2024.

It’s important to know that you should not get rid of your holiday lights by throwing them in the trash or recycling bin. Christmas lights are composed of different materials — like glass, metal, and plastic — that can be recycled. Additionally, the materials found in many bulbs and strands contain elements that don’t decompose in landfills.

Share this message with your neighbors, civic clubs, HOAs, family and friends. Let’s keep the holiday lights out of our landfills. Recycling is literally “Joy to the World!” #DistrictK #SouthPostOakRecyclingCenter

December Food Distribution and Food Drive

Thanks to the Word of Faith Community Church, for the Plentiful Harvest food distributions and food drive happening this month

Both events are taking place at the Church location, 3831 W. Fuqua, Houston, TX 77045. 

Registration is requested:

https://www.plentifulharvesttx.org/. 

Complete Communities Graduates

Congratulations, District K Complete Communities Graduates! Your leadership in our community is appreciated. Excited to collaborate as we build and uplift District K together!

District K’s Complete Communities University Graduate Daphine Jack is the recipient of the inaugural Sylvester Turner Leadership Award!

Daphine Jack

Michael Heath

Mary Shapiro

Houston City Council Approves

Nearly $1M for Pet Spaying/Neutering

Willowbend/West Belfort Connectivity Study

The Willowbend/W. Bellfort Connectivity Study, sponsored by Vice Mayor Pro-Tem Martha Castex-Tatum, addresses access gaps along Willowbend Boulevard from Hillcroft Avenue to South Post Oak Boulevard. In response to community input, key findings and prioritized recommendations were presented during a Westbury Civic Club meeting on August 16, 2023.

The top-scored project at Willowbend Boulevard and West Bellfort will receive funding from VMPT Castex-Tatum. Implementation will occur in phases, with ongoing analysis and community surveys to gauge effectiveness. City staff is exploring additional funding opportunities for other locations, including investigating West Bellfort Avenue at Burdine Street following a recent fatality.

#DistrictKImprovements

Braeburn Valley Pavement Panels

Road Repairs in Ridgemont Community

Hey neighbors! Exciting update: W. Ridgecreek Rd. (from South Post Oak to Ridgecreek Circle) is getting a facelift! The milling, paving, and road repairs began November 15, 2023, and should wrap up in January 2024. Smooth rides ahead!  

#RidgecreekRoadRevamp #DistrictKUpdates

Sidewalks and Wheelchair Ramps in Westbury

Concrete Panel Replacment

Along Fondren Rd.

Heads up! We've got the green light to replace concrete panels along Fondren Rd. from US HWY 90A to Beltway 8. Construction kicked off in late October 2023 and is set to wrap up by late December 2023. Thanks for your cooperation as we spruce up the area! #FondrenRdImprovements #DistrictKUpdates

FEMA Flood Mitigation Assistance Program

Residents inquired about the Anderson Rd. improvement project (Hiram ClarkeRd. to Almeda Rd.) during recent community meetings, including the Brentwood Park HOA on September 25, 2023. This two-phased project involves replacing storm sewers, adding a 5.8 million-gallon capacity detention pond, installing 8' to 10' sidewalks, and improving the drive path. The project, currently in progress (see attached photo as of December 8, 2023), is slated for completion in 2024.

For more details, visit https://www.hcp1.net/AndersonRoad.

New Art in SPARK Park

Exciting news! Marsha Dorsey-Outlaw's vibrant artwork, once displayed on Heights Blvd median street sign posts, now has a permanent home at B. Reagan SPARK Park. Take a look and spread the joy! 🎨✨