Inside District I
August 2014 Newsletter
 
Last week, Houston City Council voted to appropriate $10 million for the construction of the East End light rail line overpass along Harrisburg Boulevard. The city's contribution will allow Metro to build an overpass that includes rail, two traffic lanes, and pedestrian sidewalks, while maintaining at-grade crossing as well. Without the funds, Metro was planning a rail-only overpass across freight rail tracks near Hughes Street.

The vote came a month after council unanimously approved a 30-day review period to give community leaders, a third party engineer, TCEQ and city officials additional time to review environmental data and consider possible clean-up needs. TCEQ officials ultimately concluded that the existing level of pollution poses no significant risk to public health. The third party engineer agreed that remediation is not necessary at this time.

The appropriation (committed years ago under former Mayor Bill White) and agreement include provisions to ensure Metro works closely with the community and the city in designing the overpass. I introduced language in the agreement that stipulates community involvement, and includes a payment disbursement schedule to avoid a bait-and-switch scenario. The city will first appropriate $3 million for design and the remaining $7 million for construction. Metro will not receive a blank check.

These stipulations are meant to ensure Metro uses the $10 million efficiently and effectively on a design that is in accordance with city and community desires. We are all committed to get this project right and completed in a timely manner. This has been a long process and I encourage the community and all stakeholders to remain involved and active as we move forward.


    Thank you,
 
    Robert Gallegos
    Houston Council Member
    District I

Council Receives Update on Gus Wortham Rehabilitation Proposal
Mayor Annise Parker and Chief Development Officer Andy Icken updated city council last week on negotiations to preserve and restore Gus Wortham Golf Course. A copy of the presentation can be found here.

One of the biggest developments in the last month has been the addition of the Houston Golf Association (HGA) to the renovation task force. The HGA joined negotiations last month and has agreed to lead the effort to restore and manage Gus Wortham.

"HGA's commitment to come on board is huge," said Councilman Robert Gallegos. "I met with HGA representatives several times to encourage this partnership to preserve and restore this beautiful green space."

Mr. Icken told city council that his office is in the process of developing a contract that he expects to finalize sometime in August. Under the terms of the contract, HGA will be expected to raise $15 million by December 1, 2015.

If the HGA is unable to meet its fundraising commitment, the Botanic Garden Board could have an option for Gus Wortham. Glenbrook Golf Course has been offered as a possible botanic garden site, an option that is said to be under consideration by the board.

Councilman Robert Gallegos is confident that both a renovated Gus Wortham Golf Course and a botanic garden at Glenbrook would be tremendous assets to District I and the City of Houston.
District I to Kick Off  East End Train Quiet Zone
Back to School Tax Free Weekend, Aug 8 - 10
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Texas shoppers will get a break from state and local sales taxes on Aug. 8 - 10 - the state's annual tax holiday. As in previous years, the law exempts most clothing, footwear, school supplies and backpacks priced under $100 from sales and use taxes, which could save shoppers about $8 on every $100 they spend.

Subject to the criteria explained below, all sales of qualifying items made during the holiday period qualify for the exemption, including items sold online, or by telephone or mail. Lay-away plans can be used again this year to take advantage of the sales tax holiday. 

For a complete list of clothing and supplies eligible, visit the Texas State Comptroller's office at www.window.state.tx.us/taxinfo/taxpubs/taxholiday.
UT Health Study Seeks to Measure Impact of METRO on Physical Activitity
A team from the University of Texas School of Public Health and the Texas A&M Transportation Institute are recruiting adults from around Houston to participate in a new health study. The team is trying to find out how the new METRO light rail lines affect how you travel around the city and your neighborhood, and how this might also affect your physical activity, health, and well-being.

"We all know the impact diabetes and heart disease have had on our family, friends and neighbors," said Councilman Robert Gallegos. "I strongly support efforts to make our community a healthier place, and hope you will consider participating in this study."

The research team is looking for people 18 years or older, who live within 3 miles from one of the new light rail lines. Even if you never use METRO bus or light rail, you can still participate. Participants will be asked to complete some health and travel questionnaires, and wear a small monitor to measure activity. Participants will be compensated $50 upon completion. Materials are available in English and Spanish.

For more information visit www.HoustonTrainStudy.org. To participate, please call Dr. Casey Durand at 713-500-9685 or email [email protected].
City to Expand Smoking Ban to All City Parks and Libraries
The City of Houston Parks and Recreation Department (HPARD) and Houston Public Library (HPL) have announced plans to ban smoking and tobacco products at all of their properties.  

The new policy is an expansion of Ordinance #2006-1054 Sec. 21-243, which was passed on Oct 18, 2006, and will apply to both interior and exterior spaces. The move mirrors action taken years ago for properties managed by the Houston Department of Health and Human Services.

Existing City law bans smoking within 25 feet of a public facility, places of employment, bars and restaurants and at outdoor sports arenas and stadiums. The ordinance grants owners, operators and managers the authority to extend the existing regulations to any area of their properties.

More than 900 municipal parks system are currently smoke-free. However, HPL is believed to be among the first large library systems in the country to implement this type of policy.

All libraries and parks will become smoke and tobacco product-free the day after Labor Day. There will be signage posted at each property notifying users of the ban. Enforcement will be administered by staff and, if needed, Houston police. The goal is to obtain compliance through education and warnings. Those who refuse to comply will be asked to leave and, ultimately, may face the possibility of a municipal citation with a fine not to exceed $2,000.
2014 Houston Restaurant Weeks Kicks Off
Established in 2003, Houston Restaurant Weeks is a fun-filled dining event benefiting the Houston Food Bank. Held simultaneously in restaurants in the greater Houston area, including many in District I, Houston Restaurant Weeks is the largest single annual fundraiser for America's largest food bank. This year's dates are August 1 through September 1, 2014.

"Houston Restaurant Weeks gives people in Houston an opportunity to experience Houston's exceptional restaurants while providing much-needed relief for families suffering from hunger. We are grateful to once again be the beneficiary of this incredible event," said Houston Food Bank CEO Brian Greene.

Participating restaurants make donations to the Houston Food Bank based upon how many brunches, lunches and dinners they sell during the event.

Diners can choose items from multi-course, fixed priced menus at $20 for lunch, $25 for brunch, and $35 or $45 for dinner during the event benefiting the Houston Food Bank. A $20 lunch generates a $3 donation from the participating restaurants, a $25 brunch generates $4; a $35 dinner generates $5 and a $45 dinner generates $7.

To view the complete list of participating restaurants, visit www.HoustonRestaurantWeeks.com.
In This Issue
Contact District I
Tel: 832-393-3011
 
City Hall Annex
900 Bagby, First Floor
Houston, TX 77002
District I Map
Helpful City Numbers
3-1-1 or 713-837-0311
713-837-0311
Citizens' Assistance
832-393-0955
832-393-1038
HPD (non-emergency)
713-844-3131
713-837-0311
832-395-7000
Solid Waste Department
713-837-0311
Broadway Reconstruction 
Call 3-1-1 to report construction related issues

Joseph Myers
Project Manager
City of Houston
[email protected]
Tel: 832-395-2355 

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