Safety First . . .  

Regrettably, since January not less than three pedestrian deaths have occurred along the Bellaire Reconstruction Project corridor.  Even more regrettable is the fact that each of those deaths were wholly preventable. Each incident involved the victim crossing the street in an unauthorized location, outside of a designated crosswalk - in short jaywalking.  The two most recent deaths involved hit and run crime scenes where the offending vehicle left the scene.  Those two incidents are being actively investigated by the Houston Police Department.

I know you will join me in extending deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of the deceased.

On Wednesday, February 12, 2014 Council Member Richard Nguyen, District F, who shares part of the northern boundary of the boulevard, and I issued a Joint Memorandum to the City's Public Works and Engineering Department (PWE) and the Houston Police Department requesting those departments' consideration of a number of proposals to increase safety measures along the corridor.  The PWE Department is the project manager for this construction project.  Almost immediately HPD began heightened enforcement of speeding and jaywalking laws in the area.  PWE has been working closely with the contractor to add additional layers of safety features.  I wish to thank HPD, PWE, the contractor, and all other parties who are working to improve the on-the-ground operations of this construction site.

Safety, however is not the sole domain of the city or the contractor.  We all have a role to play in this instance.  If you are a driver in the area, slow down and drive the speed limit or less. Be mindful of persons who may be on the sidewalks or at designated crosswalks.  If the unthinkable happens and you are involved in a pedestrian accident, stop and render aid or risk being held liable for a felony crime if you leave the scene.  If you are a pedestrian, stay on the sidewalk and cross the street only at designated crosswalks. Additionally, watch for traffic, make eye contact with drivers to make sure they see you before you attempt to cross. If you must walk along the corridor in the dark, wear reflective clothing so drivers can see you more easily. By following these simple steps each of us will do our part to make this part of Houston, and this construction site, safer.

Be alert, be safe, and be well.

- Mike Laster, Council Member - District J 

Culprits Identified in Regency Square Court Flooding

We don't know how many shopping carts were pulled out of the storm sewer line exactly - reports estimate between 30 and 40 - but a tangled mess of shopping buggies, tree limbs and litter was removed from large storm drains surrounding the Regency Court Square area in Sharpstown this past December. The accumulation of debris caused flooding during the heavy storm event that occurred on January 9th of 2012.

While heavy flooding occurred city-wide during the 2012 storm, many residents of Regency Square Court experienced first-hand what happens when a clogged drainage system is faced with 5 inches of rain in a 3 hour period. They say a picture is worth a thousand words, and these pictures, released to our office this past January, speak volumes.

It's because of our constituents' diligent calls to both your District J office and 3-1-1 that the Public Works & Engineering Department identified the need for action. This resulted in the inspection and cleaning of the major ditches and storm lines in the area. 

We cannot stress enough the importance of a citizen's service request when it comes to addressing infrastructure issues like this in our community. Please call our office and 3-1-1 when you notice issues like this. I think we can all agree - one shopping cart in the storm line is probably more than enough!

Free Tax Preparation and FAFSA Help

Offered at Sharpstown High & HCC Southwest

Beyond Careers Financial Aid U (FAU) and Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) is working in partnership with the IRS to offer free tax preparation, as well as assistance with FAFSA applications.

Events will be hosted at Houston Community College - Southwest and Sharpstown High School on the following dates:

Free Tax Preparation

February 22nd, March 15th, April 5th

Sharpstown High School     

10:00am -- 2:00pm

RSVP: https://beyondcareersvita.eventbrite.com 

Free Tax Preparation & FAFSA Help

February 23rd, March 9th, March 23rd

Houston Community College - Southwest

5601 W Loop S Fwy, Houston, TX 77081
1:00pm -- 4:00pm

RSVP: http://fauhccs.eventrbrite.com

Free Tax Preparation & FAFSA Help

March 4th

Sharpstown High School

7504 Bissonnet St, Houston, TX 77074 

5:00pm -- 8:00pm

RSVP: https://beyondcareersfaursvp.eventbrite.com

To qualify for the free tax preparation you must have earned less than $58,000 in 2013. Please bring a copy of last years tax return, all W-2 and 1099 forms, a voided check if you want direct deposit, a valid picture ID for yourself and your spouse, if applicable, and either Social Security or Individual Taxpayer Identification (ITIN) cards for you, your spouse, and all dependents.

It's Almost Here . . .

District J Capital Improvements Plan Meeting

We know, you're sick and tired of hearing about it, but this is the last reminder, we swear!

The District J CIP Meeting will be held on Wednesday, February 26th, at 6:30pm. The meeting will be at the Sharpstown Community Center located at 6600 Harbor Town Drive, 77036.

Please bring your concerns, comments, and complaints about street and drainage matters, police and fire facilities, and parks in District J. Tell your friends!

Help with Chapter 42

The Chapter 42 deadline will be coming on May 24th, and the City has put together some tools to help neighborhoods come to a decision about preserving their current lot size requirements.

In general, Chapter 42 guidelines will allow developers to build additional housing on smaller lots, which will increase the availability of housing in the City and provide more housing options. 

Many District J neighborhoods' deed restrictions already prohibit subdividing existing lots. But Council Member Laster encourages each civic association to review their deed restrictions in order to make a decision about their neighborhood. 

Click the links above for more information on the tools available, and if you have any questions please contact Kevin Calfee at the e-mail address provided or call 713-837-7701.

Free Adult ESL Classes at ECHOS

Registration for the next semester of ESL classes will be held on February 25th at ECHOS on 9600 South Gessner Drive, 77071. Registration will begin at 9am, and as space is limited, the doors will close at 9:15am.

If you have any questions please call 713-270-0369 or click the links available above.

Do you have an event to share? Let us know!