Cross at the Light . . .

In 2013, your District J office began fielding repeated calls about pedestrian safety along High Star Drive. Between the parking lot of the City's Southwest Multi-Service Center at 6400 High Star and Legacy Health Clinic's Southwest campus located at 6441 High Star Drive, an enormous amount of pedestrian traffic is generated. After months of working in close collaboration with the City's Traffic Operations Division, I am pleased to announce that a new crosswalk has recently been installed on High Star Drive! 

This new crosswalk is a Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon or "High-intensity Activated CrossWalK" ("HAWK") crosswalk, which provides a safer, more efficient environment for pedestrians. These innovative systems have been installed in numerous cities since the 1990's and have been shown to reduce crash rates at crossings and decrease dangerous driver violations. HAWK crosswalks differ from traditional crosswalks in that there is no "green light," and the light remains dark unless a pedestrian activates the push-button. These signals are an innovative twist on the traditional Red/Yellow/Green pedestrian signals, and allow for less energy use, while saving time for drivers. Because the devise is unique, it may take some time for both pedestrians and drivers to become accustomed to the new system. So drivers should continue to follow traditional traffic laws and proceed with caution along this heavily trafficked corridor.

The area around High Star witnesses very high amounts of traffic volume as well. Approximately 100 to 200 pedestrians attempt to cross High Star Drive during peak hours on weekdays. At the same time, there are more than 500 vehicles passing through in the typical morning period and around 350 vehicles during the peak afternoon period. Naturally, the combination of this amount of pedestrian and vehicular traffic can make for a tough situation. 

I am excited that this new crosswalk will now make it safer for parents and children to walk across High Star Drive. As you drive through the area, slow down, look for children and be prepared to stop at the light. 

Regards,

- Mike Laster, Council Member - District J 

Sharpstown Water Main Project

Coming Soon to County Club Terrace 3

A $2.6 million water line replacement project will begin construction on April 21st.  Slightly more than 30,000 feet of piping will be replaced, covering around 600 homes in the southern portion of Sharpstown Country Club Terrace Section 3.

Construction is projected to be completed by January 16, 2015. A minimally-invasive construction method will be used. Residents can expect most disruption when workers begin to connect new water lines to existing water meters. When water is to be shut off, flyers will be placed on door hangers 72 hours prior.

If you experience any problems or have any questions during construction, please contact 3-1-1 and your District J office for assistance.

"Visions" Interview Talks Bellaire Project

Captain J. B. Dale Joins Council Member

Click the Image for Video

On April 6th, Council Member Laster, along with Capt. James Dale of HPD's Midwest Division spoke with Miya Shay of ABC Channel 13 about the Bellaire Reconstruction Project.  In the video, both outline the progress in safety that has been made following the tragedies that occurred earlier this year.

Happy San Jacinto Day!

4 District J Schools Recognized

HISD Commended for High Achievement

32 of Houston ISD's high schools are on the prestigious Washington Post's list of America's Most Challenging High Schools, which ranks rigorous academic standards! 2,050 high schools nationwide were included on the list.

The annual rankings are based on the number of Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate and Advanced International Certificate of Education tests given at a school each year, divided by the number of seniors who graduated that year. 

The 4 schools in District J that came in on the list are:

32. Energized for STEM

457. Sharpstown High School

538. Sharpstown International

1155. Lee High School

Kudos to these schools and HISD for implementing a thorough curriculum and encouraging students to aspire for more in their educational achievement!

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