Big Changes Coming to Lee High School . . .

On Monday, March 10th, I and a number of Richmond Corridor business and property owners were pleased to host a meeting with HISD Superintendent Dr. Terry Grier and HISD Trustee Harvin C. Moore. During the past year, these merchants and owners have been meeting in order to form a network and begin discussions of what a revitalized Richmond Corridor might look like. We invited Dr. Grier to talk with us about plans for the upcoming reconstruction of Lee High School and the implications this will have on area businesses and residents. 

The plans for the school are really incredible. The architecture firms that have been hired to design the new campus are WHR & Lake|Flato. Both of these firms are highly acclaimed and known for incorporating environmental elements into their projects. Many of their projects have included LEED certified components and elements. Some of you may be familiar with the newly constructed H-E-B Montrose Market, for which Lake|Flato served as the lead architect. Lake|Flato projects are known to showcase a tactile, modern style that should offer a compatible addition to the mid-century modern designs found in much of Southwest Houston.

The $73.8 million project will entirely rebuild the 51-year-old school. The rebuilt campus will include a new daycare center and clinic, as well as a dance studio, two gyms, black box theater, large stage and auditorium, music studios, science labs, ROTC facility and a swimming pool. The new construction will hopefully draw more students to the campus, which will have a projected enrollment capacity of 1,700 to 1,900 students. The design phase is almost finished and construction on the 188,000 square feet campus is set to begin this summer and will require an estimated 18 to 24 months to complete.

There will be additional changes made to infrastructure surrounding the high school. The aged apartments at Unity and Skyline have been purchased and will be torn down by the school district to accommodate the new construction. Unity Drive will be permanently closed between Beverly Hill and Skyline.  

Principal Monica Quintero will be holding a meeting for the community to show the upcoming plans on March 27th at 6:30pm, at Lee High School. The campus is located at 6529 Beverly Hill. I encourage all those who are interested in learning more about the plans to attend.

Best,

- Mike Laster, Council Member - District J 

Gulfton Super Neighborhood Meeting Update

Just a friendly reminder, the time and location for the Gulfton Super Neighborhood #27 has changed.  It is still being held on the fourth Monday of every month, but will now be located at the San Mateo Episcopal Church on 6635 Alder Drive at 12 noon. Thank you for finding the time to join us!

Sharpstown High School will be hosting the annual Texas UIL One Act Play District Contest on March 29th. The UIL One Act Play competition involves schools presenting a 40 minute play and competing for two positions to move forward to the next round.

Five local HISD schools - Sharpstown, Lee, Reagan, Milby, and Davis - will compete beginning at 4pm. General admission is $5 and Student Admission with ID is $3. If you have any questions, please call the Sharpstown Theatre box office at 713-773-6127.

Tips & Info for Flood Safety

March 16th through the 22nd is National Flood Awareness Week, and as we enter the month of April, the City of Houston is offering the following tips to help residents prepare for flooding events.

1) Know Your Threat

Houston's geography and climate make it very prone to flooding, that's why Houstonians should always be prepared to deal with both flash flooding, and area flooding.  

Flash Flooding occurs when large amounts of rain fall on a concentrated area, and normal drainage systems are either overloaded, or can't handle the amount of water quick enough.  Flash flooding can occur all over the city, but is especially dangerous near flood channels, rivers, and bayous. 

Area Flooding occurs when rain falls for a prolonged period of time, effectively inundating the existing water drainage systems, and causing areas especially near rivers, bayous and channels to flood.  

Houston residents in Harris County can visit the Harris County Flood Education Mapping Tool (FEMT) at harriscountyfemt.org for information on their floodplain and areas of concern in their neighborhoods.

 2) Have A Plan

There are many important questions to ask before a storm happens.  Download a Family Emergency Communication Plan from Ready.gov, and plan a family meeting to discuss your emergency plan. 

Part of your plan should be to have what you need in case you're stuck where you are for a period of time. That's why it's always important to have an emergency kit in your home, office and vehicle.  Check out this list of items for your kit from the City of Houston OEM website. 

When flooding occurs, it is important to avoid driving in high water areas.  It only takes 6 inches of water to knock you off your feet, and only 12 inches of water to float most vehicles. As you make your emergency plan, be sure to plan alternate routes around areas that are prone to street flooding.

In the rare event that flooding requires the evacuation of an area, it is important to have a way to get that information.  Sign up for the City of Houston AlertHouston Emergency System and Emergency Notification System. You should also listen for official emergency information from local television and radio channels.

3) Get Insured

Most homeowners insurance policies do not cover flood damage.  It's important to make sure that you have the proper insurance.

Visit Floodsmart.gov, the official website of the National Flood Insurance Program, and find out how much flooding might cost you if it happens, and how little it might cost you to get covered by flood insurance. 

Having the proper coverage now will save you a lot of money and heartache later.

Lifeguards Wanted!

It sure hasn't felt like pool weather for awhile, but soon we'll all be dreading the heat and seeking relief at our City pools! That being the case, the Houston Parks and Recreation Department is looking for Pool Supervisors and Lifeguards to fill over 140 positions at 37 pools.

Applicants must be at least 16 years of age, be American Red Cross Certified, and pass a skills screening test prior to being considered for employment. The department will assist applicants who pass the skills screening test prepare for the American Red Cross Certification test and will consider these candidates for employment once they have attained this certification. H.P.A.R.D. Lifeguard job position wage range is $10.30 to $14.00 per hour based on position.

To apply, visit the link provided here by April 15, 2014. And for more information, call (832) 395-7129.

Care Van Continuing to Help   

Free immunization for childhood

preventable diseases will be given at the Grace United Church of Christ in Alief, between 4pm and 6:30pm on Wednesday, April 2nd.  The event is being hosted by the Caring for Children Foundation of Texas. This will be the last Care Van clinic at this location until August.

The immunizations are available for children who range from infant to 18 years of age.  A parent or guardian must accompany the child and please bring a shot record for each child (an Alief school nurse's letter is accepted).

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