Revamped header
November / December 2013
District K Contact Information

900 Bagby, First Floor

Houston, TX 77002

  

Phone:

832-393-3016 office

832-393-4203 Satellite 

 

office

 Fax:

832-395-9410

  Email:

[email protected]

 

Website:

Click here

  

Archived Newsletters:

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Facebook:

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The Hiram Clarke/Fort Bend Houston Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone (TIRZ #25) Board of Directors Hosts First Board Meeting 

The 7-member Board of Directors of the newly created Hiram Clarke and Fort Bend Houston Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone (TIRZ #25) hosted their first board meeting on November 7th at the Hiram Clarke Multi-Service Center. Council Member  Green was given the honors of swearing-in the new Board. The Board of Directors consists of the following:

  • Rosemary Capetillo, Position 1
  • Theadore Andrews, Position 2, and to serve as Chair
  • George Anderson, Position 3
  • Linda Scurlock, Position 4
  • Homer Clark, Position 5
  • Kevin Riles, Position 6
  • Horace Allison, Position 7

Each of the confirmed Board of Directors will consists of staggered terms set to expire in 2014 and 2015 respectively. Ms. Capetillo is a professional banker; Mr. Andrews, appointed TIRZ chair, is an attorney; Mr. Anderson is a church administrator; Ms. Scurlock is a community leader; Mr. Clark is a CPA accountant; Mr. Riles is a real estate broker; and Mr. Allison is an architect and housing professional.  "Overall, the TIRZ Board of Directors consists of a competent group of individuals whose professional skill sets will add leadership value toward implementing the TIRZ project plan," states Council Member Green.

 

 "With the confirmation of the newly appointed Board of Directors, the Hiram Clarke/Fort Bend Houston TIRZ can begin to address its project plan. This is a HUGE victory for the constituents of Hiram Clarke and Fort Bend Houston that will lead to a big impact for years to come," states Council Member Green.

Hiram Clarke

Council Member Green and the West Orem Family YMCA Hosted a Successful Community of One Gospel Fest

  On November 9th, Council Member Green, along with the West Orem Family YMCA Board of Directors, hosted a successful Community of One Gospel Fest at The Fountain of Praise Church.  Participating church choirs included The Fountain of Praise Church, Windsor Village United Methodist Church, Brentwood Baptist Church, Riceville Mt. Olive Baptist Church, The Church at Bethel's Family, and Iglesias Cristiana Ebenezer. In addition, national recording artist, Kurt Carr highlighted the gospel event with scores from his current CD. 

 

All proceeds generated from the gospel concert benefited the West Orem Family YMCA. According to Kem Redic, Executive Director of the West Orem Family Y,  the event generated nearly $20,000 in proceeds. "The funds raised will help ensure that everyone, regardless of age, income, or background, will have the opportunity to learn, grow, thrive, and have a positive YMCA experience at our very own West Orem Family Y," states Council Member Green. "I would like to thank all the sponsors that contributed to this worthy cause and the participating churches that collaborated with the District K council office to host this successful event." 

TxDOT Starts to Enhance the US 90A Corridor  

The installation of a center traffic barrier along the US 90A corridor (South Main St.) extending from Hiram Clarke Rd. to Beltway 8 is underway. This Texas Dept. of Transportation (TxDOT) started on November 4th and is expected to complete in February 2014. The installation of street lights along the US 90A corridor is scheduled to follow the completion of the center traffic barrier construction project. Stay tuned for additional information regarding the street light installations.

 

For more information about this US 90A TxDOT project, access the District K webpage click here and click the US 90A Center Traffic Barrier Project web-link. 

South Houston Concerned Citizens Coalition Planned a Successful Fall Community Clean-Up

 

Once again, the South Houston Concerned Citizens Coalition hosted their annual community Fall Clean-Up on October 26th. The community clean-up involved de-littering of trash along the major thoroughfares throughout the Hiram Clarke community and the retrieval of spare tires along the open ditches surrounding Dowling Middle School. Overall, the event generated over 35 large bags of trash and over 20 spare tires from area ditches. "I would like to commend the Madison High School JROTC and students from YES Prep-Southwest Campus for reaching out to the Coalition to assist with this community endeavor," states Council Member Green.  "Ms. Linda Scurlock and her team of civic leaders did another outstanding job of organizing this community clean-up."

 

Council Member Green Acknowledged the Grandparents Support Group 

The Grandparents' Support Group held their first annual fundraising event on November 15th at the Hiram Clarke Multi-Service Center. The semi-formal black & white gala entitled Grand - Parents Bridging the Gaphighlighted the contributions of this non-profit organization designed to assist and support grandparents who are raising their school-aged grandkids that may have financial, academic, and/or behavior challenges. Council Member Green was asked to be the keynote speaker for their event. "As the event's keynote speaker, I applaud and acknowledge the good works and talent of this support group, " states Council Member Green.

 

 As an added bonus to the event, Jose Ginan from Fox 26 news entertained the audience as Master of ceremony and helped the Grandparents Support Group acknowledged the gala's honorees.   

Almeda Elementary Receives Re-dedication of New SPARK Park 

Council Member Green participated in the 2013 SPARK WEEK ceremony at Almeda Elementary. The 2013 SPARK WEEK honored six (6) new SPARK Parks throughout the Houston region. One of the six SPARK Parks recognized was Almeda Elementary, located at 14226 Almeda-School Rd.  

 

"Through the dedicated partnerships of Trees for Houston, Shell Oil & Gas Company, the Museum of Cultural Arts-Houston and the Almeda Elementary faculty, parents, and students, this new SPARK Park will be a great asset to this surrounding community," states Council Member Green. This new SPARK Park, includes an outdoor classroom with mosaic art work, walking trail and 25 new planted trees.

 

The SPARK Park Program was started 30 years ago by former Council Member Eleanor Tinsley. "I want to thank Kathleen Ownby, Executive Director of the SPARK Park Program, for keeping her mother's legacy alive,"states Council Member Green.  

Brays Oaks

The Brays Oaks Community Hosted Its First Fun Fall Fest

Council Member Larry Green, in conjunction with Council Member Mike Laster, the Brays Oaks District, Southwest Houston 2000, US Congressman Al Green, and the Riceville Mt. Olive Church, sponsored a successful Brays Oaks community festival on November 16th at Marian Park. "This was the first community event of this magnitude in the Brays Oaks area," states Council Member Green .

 

The festival participants included over 50 social service providers and area schools as well as various mobile units such the Houston Public Library, HPD SWAT, HPD Police & Clergy, HPD Mounted Patrol, and Wells Fargo Bank Coach. Other highlights included a live DJ and fun activities for families which included 2 moonwalks. Thanks to the Brays Oaks District's generosity and to James Coney Island who  provided free hot dogs to festival attendees.

 

As an entertainment highlight to the community festival, the Welch Middle School Marvelous Motion-6, the Boys and Girls Prep Academy, and the Sharpstown High School drumline performed. In addition, US Congressman Al Green was on hand to publicly thank both Council Member Green and Council Member Laster for hosting this community event along with the other participating sponsors.         

 The Brays Oaks 42" Waterline Project Update

 In August 2013, the City of Houston Public Works and Engineering Dept. (PWE) approached the District K council office about an upcoming 42" waterline project within the Brays Oaks area. This infrastructure project will extend from West Bellfort Ave. at Braes Forest to Pembridge; southward to Ludington;  eastward to Sandpiper, and southward to terminate at West Airport Blvd. The affected neighborhoods are Northfield Sec. 5 and Sec. 6 and Southwood Place. 

 

In preparation for this infrastructure project (before the construction started), Council Member Green hosted an informational meeting at the South Gessner HPD Substation whereas representatives from the three (3) residential communities impacted by this project were invited to engage the  PWE project manager as well as the project contractor to ask questions about the project.

 

"The District K office will continue to monitor the progress of this project and continue to communicate with the community leaders of West Bellfort POA (Northfield Sec. 3-5), Northfield West HOA (Northfield Sec. 6), and Southwood Place POA (located along Ludington (east of Fondren) and Sandpiper)," states Council Member Green.

 

For more information about this 42"waterline project, access the District K webpage -- Brays Oaks 42" Waterline Replacement Project click here. The web-link will have a PDF of the frequently asked questions (FAQs), an outline map of the project, and a PDF of the Project Manual.   

Fort Bend Houston
Council Member Green Hosted Quail Run and Quail Glen Commuity Town Hall Meeting
Council Member Green hosted a community town hall meeting for the Quail Run and Quail Glen communities at the Quail Run CIA Community Center on October 24th. The town hall meeting addressed on-going challenges affecting the Quail Run and Quail Glen community such as neighborhood protection violations, public safety concerns, and the 77489 zip code issue. City representatives were on-hand to address these community concerns.

 

Council Member Green commenced the meeting with 2012 and 2013 accomplishments for the Fort Bend Houston area and addressed upcoming projects on the horizon for 2014. Over 150 constituents attended the town hall meeting from both communities. Other noted attendees  included State Representative Ron Reynolds, Fort Bend County Commissioner Grady Prestage, and Fort Bend County Constable Ruben Davis. 

Court Rd. Tree Planting Event Planned for December 21st 

The District K office has partnered with Trees for Houston to plant 32 15-gallon trees along the barren esplanades of Court Rd. between Chimney Rock Rd. to South Post Oak Rd. The tree planting event is tentative scheduled for December 21st and the staging area will occur at Blue Ridge Park at 9:00 a.m. Trees for Houston will take the lead with the tree planting initiative and properly educate volunteers how to plant, stake, and mulch the 15-gallon trees. Trees for Houston will graciously donate the 32 live oaks, pre-dig the holes along the esplanades, and has agreed to sustain (water) the trees for 2 years.

 

Additional volunteers are needed. Gloves, safety vests, and shovels will be provided. For more information about this event, please contact the District K office at 832-393-3016. 

District K Facilitates another Neighborhood 101 Symposium: How to Run an Effective Civic Board at Willowridge High School

Back by popular demand, the District K council office will facilitate another Neighborhood 101 Symposium: How to Run an Effective Civic Board.  

 

The first How to Run an Effective Civic Board Neighborhood 101 symposium was held at the South Gessner HPD Substation. Because the community room at the HPD substation limited the workshop class size, the District K office will facilitate another workshop for those that missed the September symposium.

 

SAVE THE DATE - December 7th. The 2nd workshop will be held at Willowridge High School (Mini-Lecture Room), 16301 Chimney Rock Rd. from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. RSVP is required. Please e-mail Donald Perkins at [email protected]. Include your name, affiliated civic association, mailing address, and contact number. Seating is also limited, so RSVP!  

Westbury

Westbury Celebrated Westbury Park with a Fall Community Event

 

The Westbury community received their long awaited new playground and celebrated the event with a Fall community festival at Westbury Park on November 9th.  The event was co-sponsored by the Westbury Civic Club, Westbury Area Improvement Corporation, and Westbury Super Neighborhood. The event featured a ceremonial ribbon cutting of the new playground, recognition of major contributors, musical performances by Parker Elementary and Westbury High School, refreshments by Outback Steakhouse and Honey's Snowballs, and many fun-filled activities for families. 

 

The ceremonial ribbon cutting was officiated by Becky Edmondson, President of the Westbury Civic Club, and included Council Member Green and his Council colleagues - Council Members Melissa Noriega and Jack Christie, Trent Rondot from the Houston Parks Board, and Joe Turner, Director of the City's Parks and Recreation Department.

 

Additional contributes to the success of the event included children's face painting, soccer demonstrations, exhibits from the Houston Police Department, Houston Fire Department, and the Westbury Community Garden. 

 

For more information about this event, visit the November edition of the Westbury Crier.

South Braeswood

Get Involved with the "Friends of Linkwood Park" 

If you live within the vicinity of Linkwood Park or just a strong supporter of Houston parks, the "Friends of Linkwood Park" are asking for your participating and seeking volunteers. Linkwood Park is nestled within the heart of the South Braeswood community. The Friends of Linkwood Park, formerly the Linkwood PAC, are asking for representatives from the various surrounding civic association to be a part of their community collaborative.

 

For the past couple of months, the Friends of Linkwood Park have been coordinating with the Houston Parks Board to assist with improvement needs for Linkwood Park. As of this date, the organization has received the first estimates on their rejuvenation plans for the park. The Houston Parks Board is drafting a simple master plan to illustrate proposed improvements to the park.    

 

Just like the Friends of Karl Young Park, nestled within the Braeswood Place neighborhood, that organization was able to raise more than $500,000 for their park improvements. The Friends of Linkwood Park will coordinate with that organization for their guidance as they work toward establishing fundraising goals in phases. For now, the Friends of Linkwood Park projected goal is a toddler playground addition even though they are using some flexibility with their priority list as they move forward.

 

"I have already begun to think of some fun park events to assist us in our fundraising efforts.  Please send me your ideas.  Keep in mind that our local fundraisers may only generate a portion of our funds, but will create a great amount of awareness needed for our project. Upon City approval, we will organize a fall "party in the park" to introduce our plans," states Jenna Arnold, Friends of Linkwood Park organizer.

 

For information on how you can get involved with the Friends of Linkwood Park, please contact Jenna Arnold at 713-299-7182 or via e-mail at [email protected].

General District K News

District K and Westbury Recognized at the 2013 Mayor's Proud Partner Award Luncheon

District K was the only Council District recognized at this year's 2013 Keep Houston Beautiful Annual Mayor's Proud Partner Award Luncheon on October 28th. Council Member Green accepted the "Proud Partner's Award"on behalf of the District K council office for the "Keep District K Beautiful Day" project. This collaborative project was part of the Keep Houston Beautiful Clean-Up event on April 6, 2013 and consisted of seven (7) community tree planting and de-litter clean-up events throughout the council district. Each of the seven (7) community events was sponsored by a civic organization within the District. They included the following:
  • Almeda Plaza Dr. Tree Planting
  • Hiram Clarke Area De-Litter Campaign 
  • Willow Waterhole Detention Basin Tree Planting
  • Westbury Community Garden Mulching
  • Westwood Esplanade Beautification Initiative
  • Maplewood West HOA Esplanade Beautification Initiative
  • Fort Bend Houston De-Litter Campaign

 Also receiving a "Proud Partner's Award" in the same category was the Westbury Civic Club and Westbury Area Improvement Corporation (WAIC). The Westbury group was recognized for the Willow Waterhole Detention Basin Tree Planting and Westbury Community Garden Mulching projects.

 

"Overall, I was honored to accept this 'Proud Partner's Award' on behalf of the various District K communities that participated with this collaborative effort. This initiative will go a long way to not only beautify our neighborhoods but also foster positive community engagement," said Council Member Green.   

Council Member Green Neighborhood Sightings (late October - early December) 

Council Member Green made his rounds to discuss District K initiatives. Listed below are a few community meetings Council Member Green and the District K staff have attended during late October through early December.

 

  • October 24 - Quail Run and Quail Glen Community Town Hall
  • October 26 - Hiram Clarke Fall Clean-Up
  • October 28 - Mayor's Proud Partner Award Luncheon
  • October 31 - Clarke After Dark Halloween Event
  • Nov. 7 - Central Southwest SNC meeting
  • Nov. 9 - Westbury Park Fall Festival
  • Nov. 9 - Community of One Gospel Fest
  • Nov. 12 - Pemberton Circle Annual HOA
  • Nov. 14 - Northfield West Annual HOA
  • Nov. 15 - Grandparents Support Group Gala
  • Nov. 16 - Brays Oaks Fall Fun Festival
  • Nov. 21  - Braeswood SNC meeting  
  • Dec. 2 - West Bellfort Annual POA
  • Dec. 3 - Riceville Community Meeting
  • Dec. 7 - Neighborhood 101 workshop

 Any Annual Civic Association Meetings Planned on the Horizon?

The Spring and Fall season is the time of year a significant number of civic associations host their annual civic association meetings. Since coming into office last year, Council Member Green has made a commitment to visit every civic association within the District. The task is almost complete; however, if you are receiving this e-newsletter and Council Member Green has yet to attend your civic association meeting, please contact the District K office at 832-393-3016 or [email protected] to schedule an appointment. 

 

Has Your Civic Association Been Updated with the District K Council Office?

Update your civic association contacts with the District K council office. If your civic association has recently elected new officers, changed the primary contact person, new e-mail address, new contact number and/or new or changed meeting location, time, and date, please take a moment to update your contact info with the District K council office.

 

Periodically, the District K office sends pertinent information about District K news and City of Houston topics of information relating to your neighborhood and neighborhood association. To ensure you and your civic association receives this information, we need you to update your contact info. Thank you for your help and your interest in District K. 

General City of Houston News

City's Pro-Bono Deed Restriction Program

The Department of Neighborhoods will assist civic associations or civic clubs in low-to-moderate income neighborhoods with creating new, or modifying existing, deed restrictions via a resurrected Deed Restrictions Pro Bono Program. The Department of Neighborhoods will work with City Council offices in identifying civic associations that may be qualified to participate in the Program.

                                                                    

Eligible organizations will be referred to pro bono legal counsel via the Houston Volunteer Lawyers Program (HVLP).  The Department of Neighborhoods will not directly assist with the drafting or modification of deed restrictions but rather act as a facilitator for pairing civic associations or civic clubs with attorneys for those purposes. The Department of Neighborhoods will also provide limited assistance to associations/clubs as they work to notify neighbors of proposed deed restrictions and undertake the required steps for enactment.

 

For more info about the program, please contact Landon Taylor at 832-393-0857 or [email protected].

Receive Plat and Permit Reports by E-Mail

Keep up with development and construction projects in your neighborhood. Sign up for the City's E-Plat summary report and the E-Permit report to find out about plat and permit applications.

 

The Plat Summary E-Report contains information about the plats, replats, variances, and special exceptions to plats that will be considered at the upcoming Planning Commission meeting. The report provides locational, plat, and applicant information for each application in an Excel format that can be easily scrolled through, or sorted, based on particular data, such as council district.

 

The Houston Planning Commission meets every other Thursday at 2:30 p.m. in City Hall Annex Chambers, 900 Bagby St. unless otherwise posted.

 

The Plat Summary E-Report is usually sent out approximately a week before Planning Commission meets, while the Planning Commission Agenda is posted three days in advance of Planning Commission meetings on the Planning & Development Department website click here.

 

The Permit E-Report provides information regarding any new construction, remodeling, or change-of-use permits by zip-code in an effort to inform citizens of activity in their neighborhoods. This E-Report is e-mailed every Monday.

Report Unnecessary City Signs to 3-1-1 

Do you see city signs on the road and elsewhere that no longer apply or are not necessary anymore? Call 3-1-1 or go to www.houston311.org to report these signs so we can take a look and determine if it's time for them to be removed or replaced with something more up-to-date and less confusing.  Examples include street name signs or "No Parking without Permit" signs in places where permits are no longer needed.

 

In addition, the current campaign season is underway and illegal campaign signs need to be reported. Report violators by calling 3-1-1 or go to www.houston311.org. For questions on the proper placement of signs, call the Sign Administration Division at 832.394.8890. 

The Health Insurance Marketplace is Here!

Ready? Set? Sign up! The Health Insurance Marketplace has opened for Texans to shop for affordable health care plans, despite the political games going on in Washington. The plans will kick in on Jan. 1, 2014, but you can apply today at HealthCare.gov!

The Texas Organizing Project (TOP) has teamed up with San Antonio Mayor Julian Castro, Houston Mayor Annise Parker and Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins to encourage Texans across the state to sign up for coverage. "Making healthcare more affordable for Texas families are very important to all, states Council Member Green.  "I appreciate TOP with helping to spread the word about this initiative." 

Department of Neighborhoods' Pilot Mow-Down Program Targets Overgrown Abandoned Lots 

The Department of Neighborhoods' Pilot Mow-Down Program is a new pilot program created to address the problem of overgrown abandoned lots in Houston neighborhoods. Sponsored by the Department of Neighborhoods (DON), in partnership with Keep Houston Beautiful (KHB), the program aims to encourage civic groups and nonprofit organizations to make a commitment to maintain abandoned lots in their own neighborhoods. Through such efforts, neighborhood groups can help address public safety concerns often associated with overgrown lots, preserve properties values and instill community pride.

 

The pilot program offers participating groups a modest fee of $75 for each approved cut after the work has been completed and verified. The first mowing will be done by City of Houston (COH) crews. Thereafter, the community groups take over maintenance of the lots. Each cut must be approved in advance. KHB will assist by providing groups with access to supplies and tools for the projects.

 

Any civic group or nonprofit organization interested in maintaining a COH approved abandoned property may apply to www.houstontx.gov/neighborhoods/mowdown.html. For more information about this pilot program, e-mail [email protected] or call 832.394.0654.
New District... New Council Member... New Beginnings!