January/ February 2014

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:

DistrictK@houstontx.gov

Website:

Click here

Archived Newsletters:

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Facebook:

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Council Member Green Appointed Chair of the Transportation, Technology, and Infrastructure Council Committee

Council Member Green was appointed chairperson of City Council's Transportation, Technology, and Infrastructure Committee by Mayor Annise Parker.

The Transportation, Technology, and Infrastructure Committee (TTI), oversees the City's Information Technology, General Services, and Public Works and Engineering Departments, as well as the Rebuild Houston streets and drainage and water resources and conservation projects. In addition, the TTI Committee oversees the interest of the City of Houston relative to the Harris County Metropolitan Transit Authority (METRO) and the Port of Houston Authority. The TTI Committee oversees revenues and expenditures garnered from the City's General Fund, Enterprise Funds and Special Revenue Funds. The Committee is comprised of 15 out of the 16 council members that serve on City Council.

"I thank the Mayor for appointing me as Chair of the TTI Committee. I'm looking forward to spearheading this Committee and moving the City's transportation, technology, and infrastructure. Through the collaborative efforts of my council colleagues, I'm confident this Committee will find solid solutions to Houston's infrastructure needs," states Council Member Green.

"The committee chairs have been selected with much attention to their areas of expertise and personal interest. I know Council Member Green will serve the City and his constituents well in this new capacity. We have a lot of work to get done in the next two years. I intend to depend on the work of the council committees to help push this aggressive agenda forward," states Mayor Parker.

The first TTI Committee meeting is scheduled for Thursday, February 13 at 9:30 a.m. at City Hall Council Chambers. For more info about the TTI Committee, contact Donald Perkins at donald.perkins@houstontx.gov.

Brays Oaks:

Brays Oaks District Welcomes the Bee Busy Wellness Center

Last month, the District K council office recognized the work and collaboration of the Bee Busy Wellness Center and The Royce White Institute of Mental Health Center at a ribbon cutting ceremony of the Bee Busy Wellness Center's new 8,640 square foot flagship facility (the former Randall's) -- 8785 West Bellfort Ave.

The Bee Busy Wellness Center is a non-profit organization that offers mental and dental health care services to medically underserved individuals in southwest Houston. This year, the Wellness Center has expanded its outreach services to team-up with NBA player Royce White and his non-profit organization - Anxious Mind's, Inc. The Royce White Institute of Mental Health will be housed within the Bee Busy Wellness Center and will be the first comprehensive behavioral health center targeting the underserved communities of Houston.

NBA player Royce White turned the national spotlight on mental health as he experienced challenges with his own illness that affected his own professional basketball career.

"I want to commend Royce White for teaming-up with the Bee Busy Wellness Center. This facility will be a welcome addition to the Brays Oaks District," states Council Member Green.

Glenshire Park Participates in 2014 Arbor Day Activity

The District K office partnered with the Parks and Recreation Department in celebration of the 2014 Arbor Day festivities that occurred on January 25th. As part of the Arbor Day plantings, the Parks and Recreation Department contributed 100 five gallon trees toward Glenshire Park.

January 25th was a frigid day in Houston. Despite the elements, dedicated volunteers from the Glenshire Community Association pitched-in to assist with the planting efforts. Thus, the Parks Dept. decided to plant 50 trees whereby the remaining 50 trees can be used for a future tree planting event within Glenshire Park this Spring. The Parks Dept. has already selected the planting sites (greenspace area closest to the parking lot).

"I would like to thank the Parks and Recreation Dept. for selecting Glenshire Park as one of the 2014 Arbor Day sites within the city of Houston. In addition, I want to thank Trees for Houston for donating gloves for this event," states Council Member Green.

Brays Oaks 42" Project Update

In September 2013, the City of Houston Public Works and Engineering Dept. (PWE) began a 42" waterline project within the Brays Oaks area that 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 began), Council Member Green hosted an informational meeting at the South Gessner HPD Sub-station where representatives from the three residential communities impacted by this project were invited to engage the PWE project manager as well as the project contractor to ask questions in relation to the project.

Relative to the West Bellfort esplanades (between Braes Forest to Pembridge), PWE apologized for the miscommunication on their behalf and acknowledged that they should have noted the tree removal as part of the 42"waterline project along those three esplanades. As part of the contract agreement with this project, the contractor is required to mitigate (replace ) those displaced trees with new trees. Thus, 38 100-gallon trees will be re-planted upon the project completion. The tree species will be Bald Cypress and Cedar Elm. The City's Urban Forester will monitor the planting of these trees (which includes stake and mulch) and the contractor will be responsible for sustaining (watering) these trees for 2 years.

"The District K office will continue to monitor the progress of this project and continue to communicate with the community leaders impacted by this infrastructure project," states Council Member Green.

Hiram Clarke

White Heather Storm Sewer Project - Phase 4

The City of Houston Public Works and Engineering Dept. (PWE) has completed Phase 4 of the White Heather Storm Sewer infrastructure project within the Brentwood neighborhood. This year-long infrastructure project included the replacement of the aging infrastructure and the total reconstruction of the streets within Brentwood, Sec. 4 which included concrete pavement, curb and gutters, sidewalks, and street lights.

For more information about this infrastructure project, access the District K webpage (www.districtK@houstontx.gov) and click the White Heather Storm Sewer - Phase 4 link. This link will have a PDF of the frequently asked questions (FAQs), an outline map of the project, and an engineering report of the project.

The South Houston Concerned Citizens Coalition Hosts Inaugural Appreciation Awards Banquet

The South Houston Concerned Citizens Coalition ("Coalition") held their first annual awards

banquet on January 25th at the Hiram Clarke Multi-Service Center. The semi-formal gala entitled "Community of One" highlighted the contributions and supporters of the Coalition during the 2013 calendar year. Council Member Green was asked to be the keynote speaker for this inaugural event. "As the event's keynote speaker, I applaud and acknowledge the works and stewardship of the Coalition," states Council Member Green.

As an added bonus to the event, US Congressman Al Green, State Representative Dr. Alma Allen, and newly elected HISD Trustee Wanda Adams were on-hand to offer kind words and support the Coalition.

Madison High School Selected as a PowerUp School through HISD

PowerUp Launch at Madison High School

Houston Independent School District (HISD) Superintendent Terry Grier and Chief Technology Officer Lenny Schad kicked off a press conference last month at Madison High School for student distribution of laptops at the 11 pilot PowerUp schools within HISD!

The PowerUP initiative was part of Superintendent Grier's 2013 State of HISD Address. He announced a need to equip all students with the technology necessary to succeed in the 21st century. The PowerUP initiative is geared for students in grades 3rd -12th.

I'm proud that Madison High School was selected as one of the 11 high schools to distribute laptops to our students to support and maximize their learning experience," states Principal Sonja Williams.

The non-profit HISD Foundation, which helped raise $16.8 million to fund Apollo 20, has committed to help raise money for the new HISD laptop initiative.

Council Member Green Hosts Wild Heather Park Project Scope Meeting

The City of Houston has appropriated $644,000 for park improvements and upgrades to Wild Heather Park for the upcoming 2015 fiscal year. The Parks and Recreation Department facilitated a project scope meeting last month among the Hiram Clarke constituents to receive their input on what they wanted to see in Wild Heather Park. Following this initial meeting, the Parks Dept. will facilitate a subsequent meeting in April to trim-down the wish list to manageable park improvement request within the appropriation funding amount.

Wild Heather Park is one of the seven (7) neighborhood parks within the Hiram Clarke community. Acquired in 1978 as a City of Houston park, Wild Heather Park is 12.15 acres and is nestled within the Wild Heather subdivision. The Wild Heather Park project will be managed by the General Services Dept. for the Parks and Recreation Dept.

Fort Bend Houston

Grand Opening for the Pinnacle Senior Center of Fort Bend County

The much awaited Fort Bend senior community center has finally opened its doors to the public! After a slight construction delay, The Pinnacle Senior Center of Fort Bend County celebrates its grand opening and ribbon cutting on February 14th. Both the City of Houston and Fort Bend County officials are inviting the community to attend this festive event.

The Pinnacle Senior Center of Fort Bend County was built as a City of Houston /Fort Bend County community partnership using CDBG funds. The City of Houston contributed $500,000 to the construction of this facility; whereby Fort Bend County Health and Human Services Dept. will administer the operations of this facility.

If you are interested in volunteering, offering a class/presentation/workshop, or have suggestion for a program you would like offered at the center, please contact Sonya Santee @ 832-816-9540 or sonya.santee@fortbendcountytx.gov.

The FM 2234 Reconstruction Project is Underway

The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) has started the reconstruction and expansion of FM 2234 from Cartwright Rd. to the Fort Bend Tollway. This 11-month project is estimated to be completed by November 2014 (weather permitting).

The expansion of the FM 2234 reconstruction project will include a 4-lane highway (curb and gutter section with a raised median). Frequently asked questions and schematics of the TxDOT project are posted on the District K webpage: click here.

Progression of Work on Amy Ridge and Hiram Clarke Lift Station Diversions

In July 2013, the City of Houston Public Works and Engineering Dept. (PWE) began a primarily micro-tunnel project within the Fort Bend Houston area of the Ridgemont and Green Valley Estates subdivisions along Castlecreek Ln., Court Rd., Hiram Clarke Rd., Rapidcreek Dr., Ridge Harbor Dr., and Amy Ridge Rd. The contractor did not start immediately upon receipt of the Notice to Proceed; to recover lost ground, the contractor will add an additional micro-tunneling crew to ensure an on-time finish of the work.

In preparation for this infrastructure project, the Fort Bend Houston SNC, in partnership with Council Member Green, hosted an informational meeting at the Ridgemont Community Center where representatives from the affected communities were invited to engage the PWE project manager and the project contractor to ask questions about this infrastructure project.

"The District K office will continue to monitor the progress of this project and communicate with the community leaders of Ridgemont and Green Valley Estates," states Council Member Green.

Fort Bend Houston Hosts Inaugural Bridging the Community Divide Meeting

Last month, Council Member Green facilitated an inaugural "Bridging the Community Divide" meeting among Fort Bend Houston community stakeholders designed for the Fort Bend Houston community.

The purpose of the collaborative monthly community meeting is to reach out to various untapped community stakeholders within the Fort Bend Houston community, such as area school administrators, church leaders or their designated representatives and area businesses to bridge the divide and informally discuss how each entity can become better community partners within the Fort Bend Houston area and District K as a whole.

The attendees at the inaugural meeting collectively agreed to meet every 3rd Thursday of the month at 9:30 a.m. The Briargate CIA agreed to host the 2nd Bridging the Community Divide meeting at their community clubhouse, 7002 Laughlin Dr., 77489. The next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, February 20th.

Braeswood

The Families of South Braeswood- Using Social Media to Connect to One Another

The District K portion of the Braeswood SN has a hidden secret for reaching out among the communities south of Brays Bayou -- the Families of South Braeswood blog. According to their webpage, the purpose of the blog is to bring together families living in the neighborhoods south of Braeswood Blvd. such as Braeswood Place (consisting of Braes Manor and Braes Terrace), Linkwood, Knollwood Village, Westridge, Woodshire, and Woodside to address the community's common interests and concerns and work toward making positive changes in the neighborhood.

The Families of South Braeswood blog impacts their community in three areas:

Social Events-Forming connections between families through a variety of social events
Park/Roads-Improve our local park and roads through fundraising and community involvement
Longfellow Elementary-Support our local elementary school and spread the word about all Longfellow has to offer

Because the South Braeswood community consists of different civic associations and other civic organizations, this area had limited opportunities to connect and share information with each other. Other than the Braeswood SN Council, the blog also helps solve the central issues of the greater South Braeswood neighborhood - sharing similar interests toward making positive changes.

To explore the Families of South Braeswood blog: click here.

Westbury

Westbury Continued fight to Save the 7-Acre Westbury Community Garden

In their fight to save the Westbury Community Garden, Westbury began a grassroots fundraising effort to raise the necessary funds independently. As part of their fundraising goal, they set a goal to raise $50,000 among the community. Through the persistence of e-mails, constant updates in the Westbury Crier, and friends and supporters from nearby communities, the Westbury Community Garden has received $46,000 in donations so far.

"Thank You, and Thank You once again! We weren't sure how high to set our initial fundraising goal in our efforts to raise funds to save the 7-acre Westbury Community Garden," states Jennifer Edmondson, Officer Manager of the Westbury Civic Club. "That was an enormous goal to set so early in our efforts, but we had faith in our Westbury residents and friends and allies. We also have faith that this project is worth doing -- to protect this 7-acres of land as a public greenspace instead of yet another apartment complex built in southwest Houston."

Some folks have already made a contribution for 2014. The Westbury community continues to raise funds and encourage supporters to continue to champion their cause. Donations received ranged from $10 up to $5,000.

All donations are tax-deductible. For more information, click here for the Westbury Crier.

Westbury Square

The owner of Westbury Square was ordered by the City of Houston to demolish the remaining dilapidated structures that were once a part of this vibrant shopping center.

Cindy Chapman, Director and Past-President of the Westbury Civic Club, notes "The Westbury community has been frustrated for years about the condition of these neglected buildings. We thank Council Member Larry Green, Mayor Annise Parker, the City of Houston Legal Department, and the many people in the City who have steadfastly and doggedly pursued this problem for years. We are hopeful that these improvements will be a catalyst for change since Westbury Square faces a major thoroughfare in a stable neighborhood. Our residents are eager to have more options nearby for dining and retail."

Despite the decline of Westbury Square over the years, Council Member Green commends the Westbury community for staying the course and fighting for the vibrancy of their community. "This is indeed a great victory for Westbury residents", said Councilmember Larry Green. "In past years, Westbury Square was the commercial anchor of the Westbury community. Now that demolition has occurred, we hope to regain this once vibrant commercial node and transform it into an exciting commercial center of commerce filled with quality retail development."

General District K News

Save the Date!- District K Announces the 2014 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) Meeting

2013 CIP

Council Member Green is scheduled to host the annual District K CIP meeting on Thursday, February, 27, 2014. This year's CIP meeting will occur at The Fountain Life Center, 14065 South Main St. (@ Hillcroft Ave.), 77085 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

The CIP meetings are held every year to inform citizens of upcoming projects scheduled in their respective communities. The meetings afford citizens an opportunity to learn, voice their concerns and address City of Houston officials regarding project planning & delivery. An update on the city's implementation of Rebuild Houston will be provided as well.

For specific information about CIP projects in your area and to view a draft of the Rebuild Houston ten-year plan click here .

District K hosted Neighborhood 101 Symposium- Heavy Trash Violations

SWMD_LOGO The District K office facilitated a Neighborhood 101 symposium on February 8 at the City of Houston Environmental Service Center, located at 11500 South Post Oak Rd. The community workshop, entitled Heavy Trash Violations, featured representatives from the Solid Waste Department and the Department of Neighborhoods Division of Neighborhood Protection.

This symposium provided attendees with information about the Solid Waste Dept. and Neighborhood Protection relative to heavy trash violators. Following the workshop, attendees were offered an opportunity to tour the Environmental Service Center.

The Neighborhood 101 symposiums are designed to better connect District K community leaders to resources about ensuring the viability of their respective neighborhood. Other topics of interest for future 2014 symposiums will address neighborhood protection violations, HPD's Differential Response Team (DRT) enforcement, Ch. 42 amendments overview, etc.

Next month's Neighborhood 101 symposium will address the City's BARC Program. Stay tuned.

Special Minimum Lot Size and Minimum Building Line Application Process

Last year, Council Member Green facilitated two (2) District-wide community meetings so personnel from the Planning and Development Department ("Planning") could inform civic leaders about recent amendments to Chapter 42 of the City of Houston Code of Ordinances and new tools which might be available to help protect and preserve your neighborhoods. This ordinance goes into full-effect in May, 2014.

Revisions to Chapter 42 extend the minimum lot size and minimum building line requirements to neighborhoods within the corporate boundaries of the City of Houston that do not have a minimum lot size or minimum building lines established in their deed restrictions.

For those neighborhoods thought to already have language in their restrictions addressing the minimum lot size and/or minimum building line requirements, we strongly encourage you to consult with a private attorney to ensure your restrictions are valid in all respects and provide the protections set forth therein. It's important to understand the District K office simply reviewed your restrictions for the pertinent language and is making no assurances or representations regarding the actual validity of your deed restrictions.

The applications and information about this development tool can be found online at http://www.houstontx.gov/planning/Neighborhood/prevailLotBldg.html.

When you make your appointment with Planning, please bring a copy of your most recent deed restrictions. Below is the initial process for the Special Minimum Lot Size and Minimum Building Line Application:

Step 1: Meet with Staff of the Planning and Development Department

Contact Kevin Calfee at 713-837-7768 or Kevin.Calfee@HoustonTX.gov to schedule a meeting prior to submitting an application.

Step 2: Submit a Complete Application

Once the application is submitted, the Planning Department will confirm its receipt to the applicant in writing and the Planning Director will have thirty (30) days to determine whether the application is Initially Complete. If the application is deemed incomplete, it will be returned with an explanation of what is needed to make it complete.

If the application is complete, the Planning & Development Department will schedule a public meeting (based on the applicant's suggestions) to be held no later than sixty (60) days from that date and will notify property owners by mail no later than fifteen (15) days before the meeting.

Step 3: Post Notification Signs

The applicant must post the required signs within the area immediately upon being notified that the application is complete.

Step 4: Attend the public meeting

Following the public meeting, the Department will mail by First Class mail the Property Owner Response Forms to all property within the area. This starts the 30-day voting period.

Step 5: Return your Response Form

After the 30-day voting period:

� If 55% of the lots within the proposed area support the designation of the proposed area, then the Planning Director forwards the application to Planning Commission.
� If less than 55% of the lots within the proposed area support the designation of the proposed area, then the Planning Director may:

a. modify the boundary to attain the 55% support and forward the application to the Planning Commission, or

b. determine the application fails and take no further action.

The Department will notify all property owners by First Class mail no less than 15 days prior to the Planning Commission hearing date.

Step 6: Attend the Houston Planning Commission Public Hearing (optional)

Members of the public may present comments in person or in writing at the public hearing. After the public hearing, the Planning Commission shall consider whether to recommend that the City Council establish the designation. If the Commission decides to recommend that the City Council establish the designation, the Planning Director shall refer the application to the City Council. Should the Commission deny the application, the decision of the Commission shall be final.

Step 7: Attend the Council Meeting (optional)

The City Council's action to approve or deny the designation is final. Persons wanting to address City Council during the Public Speaking portion of the meeting should contact the City Secretary at (832) 393-1100 or citysecretary@houstontx.gov.

Remember, the amended Ch. 42 ordinance goes into full-effect May 2014, if in doubt, schedule an appointment with Kevin Calfee to start the process.

Council Member Green Appointed to National League of Cities

Last month, Council Member Larry Green was appointed to the National League of Cities (NLC) 2014 Finance, Administration & Intergovernmental Relations Steering Committee. This committee has the lead responsibility for developing NLC federal policy positions on issues involving national economic policy, general financial assistance programs, liability insurance, intergovernmental relations, census, municipal bonds and capital finance, municipal management, antitrust issues, citizen participation and civil rights, labor relations, Native American sovereignty and municipal authority. The appointment was announced by NLC President Chris Coleman, Mayor of St. Paul, Minnesota.

"I'm honored to be appointed to the NLC 2014 Finance, Administration & Intergovernmental Relations Steering Committee and look forward to advocating on behalf of cities as well as assisting with the drafting of national public legislation that directly speaks to federal economic policy," states Council Member Green.

As a member of the committee, Council Member Green will play a key role in shaping NLC's policy positions and advocate on behalf of America's cities and towns before Congress, with the Administration and at home.

The National League of Cities (NLC) is dedicated to helping city leaders build better communities. NLC is a resource and advocate for 19,000 cities, towns and villages, representing more than 218 million Americans. For more information on NLC's other committees and councils, visit http://www.nlc.org/influence-federal-policy/policy-committees.

Council Member Green Neighborhood Sightings (January- early February)

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 January through early February.

Jan. 2- Central Southwest SNC
Jan. 7- Brays Oaks SNC
Jan. 9 - TIRZ #25 Board meeting
Jan. 13- Hiram Clarke HPD PIP meeting
Jan. 14- Southwest Houston Bi-Monthly Breakfast
Jan. 16- Fort Bend Houston Bridging the Community Divide
Jan. 16- Braeswood SNC
Jan. 16- South Houston Concerned Citizens Coalition
Jan. 17-Five Corners District Board meeting
Jan. 19- Promised Land Christian Worship Center
Jan. 20- Martin Luther King Parade
Jan. 21- Brays Oaks District Board meeting
Jan. 21- Knollwood Village Civic Club Annual meeting
Jan. 23- Hiram Clarke Bridging the Community Divide
Jan. 25- Glenshire Park Arbor Day Tree Planting
Jan. 25- Honey Brown Hope Foundation Event
Jan. 25- Briargate CIA Annual meeting
Jan. 25 - South Houston Concerned Citizens Coalition Appreciation Awards Banquet
Jan. 25- Northfield I & II HOA Annual meeting
Jan. 27- Southwood Place Patio Homes HOA Annual meeting
Jan. 30- Wild Heather Park Project Scope meeting
Feb. 4- Brays Oaks SNC
Feb. 6- TIRZ # 25 Board meeting
Feb. 8- Neighborhood 101 workshop
Feb. 11- Glenshire Community Association Annual meeting
Feb. 14- The Pinnacle Senior Center of Fort Bend County Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting

Houston Police Department Positive Interaction Program (PIP) meetings

District K has three (3) active PIP meetings administered by the Houston Police Department. All PIP meetings are open to the public; regardless of where you live.

Southwest PIP Meeting (every 4th Tuesday of the month at 7:00 p.m.)

Aramco Building

9009 West Loop South Freeway
Houston, TX 77096

For more information, please contact the HPD Westbury Storefront at 713-726-7126. The Westbury HPD Storefront hours are 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Hiram Clarke PIP Meeting (every 2nd Monday of the month at 7:00 p.m.)

Hiram Clarke HPD Storefront

4363 West Fuqua St.
Houston, TX 77053

For more information, please contact the HPD Hiram Clarke Storefront at 713-433-2720. The Hiram Clarke HPD Storefront hours are 8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Braeburn PIP Meeting (every 3rd Tuesday of the month at 7:00 p.m.)

Braeburn HPD Storefront
7576 West Bellfort Ave.
Houston, TX 77071

For more information, please contact the HPD Braeburn Storefront at 713-773-7550. The Braeburn HPD Storefront hours are 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

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 districtK@houtontx.gov

to schedule an appointment.

Council Member Green would like to attend your annual meeting, regardless if it's the first time or the second time. This is the once-a-year meeting that most community members attend. Council Member Green would like to introduce the District K council staff and briefly address any community concerns among the attendees. Also, keep us posted if your civic association has changed its contact info (primary contact person, mailing address, e-mail address, contact number meeting location and date.

Council Member Green Honors the Memory of Rita Woodward (1927-2013)

Rita Woodward was a passionate community activist for Brays Oaks as well as the Westbury community. Sadly, she passed on December 31, 2013 at the age of 86.

Over the years, Ms. Woodward has been commended and honored by City, County, State, and Federal elected officials to acknowledge her stewardship contributions to both the Brays Oaks and Westbury communities. She was one of the early members of the Southwest Houston 2000 board which addressed the Brays Oaks community and a member of the Westbury Area Improvement Corporation. However, she is fondly recognized for her tirelessly passion on behalf of Westbury High School.

Ms. Woodward was founder of the Friends of Westbury High School Foundation, a non-profit organization that provides grants to outstanding graduating seniors, teacher support, and special school projects. Since its inception, the Foundation has raised $236,000 in funds and awarded 188 scholarships to graduating seniors.

General City of Houston News

Receive Plat and Permits Reports by Email

The City of Houston economy is picking up steam. With this increase is a number of development activities within the District. 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 locations, 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 ( www.houstonplanning.com ).

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.

To sign up, click here .

The Houston Parks and Recreation Department's After School Meal Program

The Houston Parks and Recreation Department (HPARD) After School Meal Program for youth, ages 1 to 18, has begun its second year. The program offers free snacks and suppers to youth during the school year (September 3, 2013 through May 16, 2014). This program is currently available at 49 HPARD Community Centers and 23 Independent Provider sites. To receive a free meal and snack at an HPARD Community Center, children must be registered in the After School Enrichment Program.

Snacks will be served to youth participants from 3:00 p.m. to 3:45 p.m., and suppers are served from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday only. Registration for HPARD's After School Enrichment Program and After School Meal Program is ongoing. Parents/guardians can register their children by contacting the HPARD Community Center manager or the manager of a participating provider site. Participating District K sites include:

1. Almeda Park Community Center, 14201 Almeda School Rd., 77047 (Hiram Clarke)
2. Linkwood Park Community Center, 3699 Norris St., 77025 (Braeswood)
3. Marian Park Community Center, 11000 South Gessner Rd., 77071 (Brays Oaks)
4. Platou Community Center, 11655 Chimney Rock Rd., 77053 (Westbury)
5. Townwood Park Community Center, 3403 Simsbrook Dr., 77045 (Hiram Clarke)
6. Windsor Village Park Community Center, 14441 Croquet St., 77085 (Hiram Clarke)

7. Weekly YMCA Afterschool, 7101 Stella Link, 77025 (Braeswood)

8. Fort Bend Boys and Girls Club, 5525 Hobby St., 77053 (Fort Bend Houston)

For information on the Houston Parks and Recreation Department and its programs and activities, please visit www.houstonparks.org or email askparks@houstontx.gov.

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 Todd Curry at 832-394-0670 or todd.curry@houstontx.gov.

New Communication Lines to Sexual Assault Victims

The Houston Police Department unveiled a new line of open communications to improve sexual assault investigations. The Sexual Assault Information Line was created to give survivors of sexual assaults a resource to contact HPD about their cases. The phone line provides survivors an opportunity to contact HPD on their own terms. In addition, victims can now submit inquiries via email at SAinfo@houstonpolice.org.

Hours of operation for the information line are Monday through Friday (excluding holidays) from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. During evening hours and on weekends, a voicemail system will activate, allowing callers to leave a message that will be followed up with a live phone call as soon as possible. The Information Line will be manned by personnel trained in crisis counseling to ensure callers receive services and additional resources needed.

The Information Line and email address were created as a result of HPD's collaboration with various entities in an attempt to resolve one of the main challenges in sexual assault investigations - the ability to reach the victim. Anyone seeking information on his or her sexual assault incident reported to the HPD anytime from the 1980s to the present can call 713-308-1400 or submit an inquiry to SAinfo@houstonpolice.org.

Annual Tour de Houston Rolls through the City

The annual Tour de Houston, presented by the Apache Corporation, will take place Sunday, March 16, 2014. The annual fundraising bike ride will consist of a 20, 45, and 70 mile route.

Funds raised from this year's ride will benefit Houston's reforestation efforts through our non-profit partner, Houston Parks Board, dedicated to creating, improving and protecting parkland in the greater Houston region.

While Tour de Houston Presented by Apache Corporation is a fundraising ride, it also serves as a recommended ride for the BP MS 150. We encourage BP MS 150 participants to participate in the many recommended rides offered throughout the Houston area.

New District... New Council Member... New Beginnings!