It has been a very busy few days for our firefighters, police officers, and other first responders. The weather events last week, beginning with a tornado that touched down in southwest Houston and historic floods across the city, made me appreciate our first responders even more.
I'm glad to report that our part of town did relatively well, with some street flooding and structural damage in the area. If you experienced flooding in your home, I urge you to contact 3-1-1 and report structural flood damage. This will help the Department of Neighborhoods and the Office of Emergency Management prepare a formal assessment of the total number of affected structures, which is required for the city and state to qualify for federal recovery assistance.
There was also interruption to normal garbage, recycling, and heavy trash collection. Those operations have largely resumed to their normal schedule this week. If you continue to experience collection issues after this week, please contact 3-1-1 or the District I office at 832-393-3011.
I'm so incredibly grateful and proud of the men and women of the Houston Fire Department and Houston Police Department. I'm also thankful to our municipal employees, Solid Waste Department crews, Housing officials, and Department of Neighborhood representatives who have worked around the clock to help all who were impacted by the storms.
Best wishes,
 Robert Gallegos
Houston Council Member
District I
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Flood Recovery Information Town Hall Meetings
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Mayor Parker and representatives from the Federal Emergency Management Agency and various City departments will be on hand to provide flood recovery information and answer questions about everything from filing a flood claim to debris collection and permitting. Flood recovery resources town halls:
Wednesday, June 3, 2015
7:00 to 8:30 p.m.
Fondren Middle School
Thursday, June 4, 2015
7:00 to 8:30 p.m.
Key Middle School
In the coming days, with help from the City of Houston and the Texas Division of Emergency Management, FEMA will be announcing the location of a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC), which will be a one-stop shop for affected residents to connect with FEMA staff, as well as City and Non-Governmental agencies. In addition, mobile recovery centers will be established to help ensure that all affected Houstonians have equal access to the assistance they need.
FEMA, State or City officials will never ask you for a social security number or bank account information in person or by phone (unless you have called FEMA to register for assistance). Residents should never give out personal information to anyone who claims to represent the City, State or FEMA in person, over email, or over the phone.
Also, all FEMA and City disaster services are provided free of charge. Residents are never asked to pay anything to complete applications or receive assistance from the government.
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Neighborhood Depository Hours Expanded Due to Storm
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 The City of Houston Solid Waste Management Department is temporarily expanding the hours of operation at its six neighborhood depositories (heavy trash, debris, recycling drop-off sites).
The neighborhood depositories will be open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. until further notice to accept heavy trash items, storm debris, and recycling. These facilities are located at:
No household garbage, electronics or household hazardous waste is accepted.
Each user must provide proof of City residency, including a current Texas Driver's License or ID and a current water/utility bill or city property tax receipt.
For more information about the City of Houston Solid Waste Management Department and its services, residents may check online at www.houstonsolidwaste.org or call 3-1-1.
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Sidewalk Projects in District I
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 The District I office is pleased to announce six sidewalk projects that have been pending for years, will finally be constructed as part of the city's Safe Sidewalk Program. All of the projects are in neighborhoods near schools with high pedestrian traffic. Work has begun (or will begin soon) on sidewalk segments in Sunnyland, Tropicana Village, Magnolia Park, Pecan Park, and Manchester.
The Department of Public Works and Engineering constructs sidewalks as an independent public improvement through the Safe Sidewalk Program.
This three part program provides sidewalks and ramps along streets leading up to schools, major thoroughfares and where needed to improve mobility and access for citizens with disabilities.
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Emancipet Houston Grand Opening - June 6th
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We're pleased to announce a FREE community celebration will be held Saturday, June 6th, to mark the grand opening of the new Emancipet healthy pet clinic.
Saturday, June 6
11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Emancipet Houston
(located in the Ripley House parking lot)
Houston City Council in March approved a contract with Emancipet, a nationally recognized non-profit animal welfare organization, as part of a major initiative to reduce and prevent animal overpopulation in our city. The Emancipet clinic will offer low cost spay/neuter and preventive veterinary services from its 48-foot customized trailer in Houston's East End, where our stray animal situation is most dire.
The clinic is located at Neighborhood Centers' Ripley House facility, 4410 Navigation Boulevard. it is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Spay/neuter services are available by appointment by calling 866-441-9248 or online at www.emancipet.org/houston. Preventive pet care including vaccinations, microchipping, and flea and heartworm prevention is available on a walk-in basis.
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Houston Bike Plan Needs Your Input
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 An update to the Houston Bike Plan is underway, and the City wants your feedback. Please join us at these upcoming meetings to share your ideas on how the Houston Bike Plan can help make Houston a safer, healthier, more bike-friendly city.
Thursday, June 4th from 6 - 8 p.m.
Auditorium #172
4802 Lockwood Drive, Houston, TX 77026
Tuesday, June 9th from 6 - 8 p.m.
Conference Room C101
5330 Griggs Road, Houston, TX 77021
Tuesday, June 16th from 6 - 8 p.m.
Theater II, Room 411
1060 W. Sam Houston Pkwy N., Houston, TX 77043
Tuesday, June 23rd from 6 - 8 p.m.
6500 Rookin, Houston, TX 77074
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Hurricane Season is Here - Are You Ready?
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Hurricane season officially began June 1st and lasts until November 30th. As we prepare for this upcoming hurricane season, the City of Houston offers the following tips to help you and your family prepare:
Know Your Risk - Visit the Houston Storm Risk Calculator at www.houstonstormrisk.org to find out what your level of risk is for flooding, storm surge, wind damage and power outages.
If you live in a hurricane evacuation area, know your zone, and be prepared to evacuate when the order is given. East and Southeast Houston, including most of District I, is in a hurricane evacuation area.
 Get Prepared - Take a moment to review your emergency plan with your family, as well as make sure you have all the necessary supplies to be able to sustain yourself without electricity and running water for 5-7 days, including: - Non-perishable foods & water
- Portable radio with extra batteries
- Flashlights and extra batteries
- First-aid kit, along with any prescription medicine
- Special items for babies and the elderly
- Toiletries and hygiene items
- Pet care items
Be Informed - During hurricane season, it's always a good idea to pay attention to developing storms. Pay attention to local television and radio weather broadcasts, and sign up for AlertHouston emergency notifications from the City of Houston by visiting www.alerts.houstonoem.org.
In the event of an emergency which requires evacuation, some individuals may need additional assistance leaving their homes. If you need help evacuating, dial 2-1-1 to register in advance for a ride. You can also register online. |
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New Bus Network Starting August 2015
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Early this year, the METRO Board of Directors approved a complete overhaul of the local bus system. METRO officials are confident the new bus network offers a better connectivity to areas where people live, work, play and learn.
Specifically for District I residences, with the opening of the METRORail Green Line this past month, the new bus network will improve connections to the rail lines. Bus routes along Lockwood, Sampson and York Street will connect to the Green Line. Utilizing the new bus network, riders will be able to access METRORail's Green Line and connect to BBVA Stadium, the Theater District, Downtown and also enable riders to transfer to METRORail's Red Line and Purple Line.
During this summer METRO will begin an extensive public education campaign to inform riders of the upcoming changes to the bus system. The new bus network will be ready to implement in August 2015, so please make certain to look out for new bus route information at bus shelters and bus stops throughout the METRO service area.
In addition, construction of the Harrisburg overpass kicked off Monday, May 11th. The overpass is the final piece that will fully connect downtown to the Magnolia Transit Center. In the meantime, the East End "Green" light rail line is running between the Theater District in downtown to the Altic / Howard Hughes Station.
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Wishing all dads a wonderful Father's Day!
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832-393-3011
3-1-1 or 713-837-0311
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