July/August 2015
District K
Contact Information
____________________
  

 900 Bagby, First Floor

Houston, TX 77002

  

Main Office:

832-393-3016 Office

832-395-9410 Fax 

 

Satellite Office:

832-393-4203 Office 

832-395-9410 Fax

  

District Email:

DistrictK@houstontx.gov

 

Website:

Click here

  

Archived Newsletters:

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Facebook:

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Hiram Clarke

Hiram Clarke/Fort Bend TIRZ Creates a Redevelopment Authority
Very recently, the Hiram Clarke/Fort Bend Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone (TIRZ #25) has officially created the Hiram Clarke/Fort Bend Redevelopment Authority. The redevelopment authority was created for the purpose of aiding, assisting, and acting on behalf of the City of Hoston in the performance of its governmental functions to promote the common good and general welfare of the area included within TIRZ #25.

Council Member Green states, "I'm thrilled that the TIRZ #25 Board was able to create this manageable framework to further promote economic development for the TIRZ."
 
The initiative of the Hiram Clarke/Fort Bend Redevelopment Authority will be to implement the Project Plan and the Reinvestment Zone Financing Plan for the TIRZ; to develop a policy for the financing and construction of public infrastructure improvements necessary for the development of mixed use, residential, commercial, retail and other related land uses within the zone; and to develop and implement a development policy for the zone (including the acquisition of land for development purposes).  
 
The Hiram Clarke/Fort Bend Redevelopment Authority Board shall consist of same members of the TIRZ #25 Board. "I want to thank Theodore Andrews, TIRZ #25 Board Chairman, for working diligently with his Board colleagues and the City of Houston Office of Economic Development to see this process through," states Council Member Green.

 District K Hosts Back-to-School Event
On August 15th, the District K council partnered with the Professional, Athletics, Celebrities and Entertainers (PACE) as well as the Hiram Clarke HPD storefront, ABC Dental, and the DLW Scholarship & Charitable Foundation to sponsor a Back-2-School Health and Education Community Celebration at William P. Hobby Elementary School (4021 Woodmont St.).
 
This back-to-school event consisted of health information, free food and drinks, games, and celebrity appearances. This community event was open to the public.
 
The main organizer, PACE, is a non-profit 501(c)3 service organization that consists of mothers of professional athletes, celebrities and entertainers (current and retirees) that focuses on the establishment and implementation of programs that will improve the health, welfare and education of children. The organization's founder, Karen Johnson, is the mother of Andre Johnson, 4-time NFL pro-bowler and current wide-receiver for the Indianapolis Colts, and is responsible for establishing a Houston Chapter of the PACE organization. The District K office wants to thank the Houston Chapter of PACE for choosing District K and Hobby Elementary School for this charitable event. Over 1,500 backpacks were given away at this event.

Westbury 
 

Is Westbury Square Up for Redevelopment? 
During the past several months, residents of Westbury have noticed a large For Sale sign placard at the Westbury Square commercial site. It looks as if a deal may be in the works for this dilapidated commercial strip center to see new life as a renewed residential community.  
The broker company, Camelot Realty, has not finalized everything as of this date, but the Houston Business Journal has reported that the property is under contract to be sold to the Villas at Westbury Square LLC - a group of developers who have projects in Texas and Florida. The current owner, Alfred Antonini, has put the Westbury Square commercial center up for sale once before; however; this deal may actually come to fruition.
Council Member Green states, "the Westbury community has long-awaited something positive to come out of this derelict property. If this proposed deal comes true, it will be a game changer for this prime tract of land. Nestled in the heart of Westbury, the proposed development will be the catalyst for quality retail that is so needed in this community."
The District K office will continue to monitor the transaction.
Brays Oaks
  
Urban Youth Explosion Back-to-School Event
The India House has once again sponsored an Urban Youth Explosion as part of its annual back-to-school celebration. The event was FREE of charge and open to the community. The Urban Youth Explosion included outdoor games, keynote speakers, community building and networking, moonwalks, food, breakout sessions, fun, and more. In addition, backpacks, including school supplies, were distributed to students during the event!
  
The India House is still taking donations for this event. If anyone is interested in donating to the "Backpack Drive", please drop off school supplies to the India House (8888 West Bellfort, 77071) between 9:00 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information about this event, contact the India House, Inc. at 713-929-1905 or e-mail Michael Miller at Michael@indiahouseinc.org.  
 
Council Member Green Participates in the HCC-Brays Oaks Campus Groundbreaking
Last month, Council Member Green, along with Houston Community College Trustees Christopher Oliver and Robert Glaser as well as Chancellor Abel Maldonado and President Dr. Fena Garza of the Southwest campuses, David Hawes, Executive Director of the Brays Oaks District, State Representative Dr. Alma Allen, and community leaders within the Bray Oaks District gathered on the grounds of the India House, which is directly across the street from the actual site, to celebrate this milestone asset to the area.
 
Relative to the 2012 HCC Bond, the Houston Community College is responding to the demand for affordable workforce training with a new campus in the Brays Oaks District.

"The City of Houston is open for business, but the City of Houston can't stay open for business if we don't have a trained workforce," states Council Member Green.
 
The $12 million, 28,000 square-foot workforce center will be constructed along West Bellfort Ave. near Riceville School Rd. With the assistance of the Brays Oaks District and the Housing and Community Development Dept., we were able to secure $700,000 in Community Development Block Grant funds from the City of Houston to purchase the land for the HCC campus.
 
 "The programs proposed for this facility will provide opportunities for students to advance their potential in high-skill and high-growth occupations. The Brays Oaks area is one of the most socio-economically diverse areas within District K. This facility will be an added asset to this vibrant community," states Council Member Green.
 
The HCC Brays Oaks Campus is set to open in Fall 2016. For more information on this project and others in the HCC Groundbreaker Bond Program, visit hccs.edu/bond.
Braeswood
  
Pavement Overlay Project Surrounds Linkwood Park and Longfellow Elementary School
Since coming into office in 2012, Council Member Green has advocated for some type of roadway relief relative to the street pavement surrounding Linkwood Park and Longfellow Elementary, better known as the "doughnut". "With the completion of the neighborhood street reconstruction projects that included the residential neighborhoods surrounding the "doughnut", such as Woodside, Knollwood Village, and Braeswood Place, I was able to push PWE to asphalt the streets surrounding the park and school," states Council Member Green.
 
This past year, the PWE Dept. Street and Drainage Division resurfaced some of the residential streets near the park and school that didn't include the "doughnut" and Linkwood Dr. (between Buffalo Speedway to Timberside). "Now with school starting around the corner, the riding surface of both Linkwood Dr. and the streets surrounding the school and park will give a relief to vehicles."
 
The residential streets surrounding Longfellow Elementary and Linkwood Park will be included as part of the overall Westridge Storm Drainage Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) scheduled for 2020.

Linkwood Neighborhood Celebrates National Night Out Two (2) Months Early
Across the nation, National Night Out is celebrated on the first Tuesday in August; except for the state of Texas. The Texas date is the first Tuesday in October, due to the heat. However, this didn't stop the Linkwood Civic Club from organizing their own National Night Out event early this month. Like the mission of National Night Out, the event encourages community involvement toward building a safer and better neighborhood.
 
As part of their August 4 event, the Linkwood Civic Club coordinated six (6) locations within their small, tight-knit community. This provided neighbors within Linkwood to block-stop where snacks and drinks were provided by the sponsoring homeowner.
  
According to Barbara Shurberg, President of the Linkwood Civic Club, "this was a great time to visit with old friends and meet new ones."
Families of South Braeswood Hosted a Movie Under the Stars 
Earlier this month, the Families of South Braeswood hosted a Movie Under the Stars in Linkwood Park.  The featured movie was the original Wizard of Oz! This FREE family-friendly event had a large turn-out of South Braeswood neighbors. According to the Families of South Braeswood blog,several messages indicated that the community wants to do this event again.
 
"I want to thank the Friends of Linkwood Park, in conjunction with the Families of South Braeswood for spearheading this family event. In addition, I want to acknowledge the Parks Dept. for going the extra mile to ensure the park grounds were in tip-top condition for the outdoors movie event," stated Council Member Green.

Fort Bend Houston
 
FM 2234 is Finally Open to Traffic
The FM 2234 roadway has been under construction for over a year. According to TxDOT, the sponsoring agency for this highway project, FM 2234 initially was   scheduled for completion in 2014. However, after many change order delays, the 4-lane roadway project from Cartwright Rd. to the Fort Bend Tollway is finally open to vehicular traffic. This segment of FM 2234 is still undergoing some minor construction repairs to the existing medians, but TxDOT assured the District K council office that all construction will be completed by mid-September.
 
Phase II of the FM 2234 project (Fort Bend Tollway to FM 521) is scheduled to start in 2016. According to TxDOT, their Brazoria Area Engineer's Office is expected to manage this project. Similar to the Phase 1 project, Council Member Green will facilitate a community informational meeting for the residential neighborhoods pertaining to this portion of FM 2234. The District K office will continue to keep the Fort Bend Houston community informed as when a tentative start date is established.  

Council Member Green Hosted a West Fuqua St. Reconstruction Design Meeting
Last month, Council Member Green, in partnership with the Public Works & Engineering Dept. (PWE), hosted a community meeting at the Briargate community clubhouse relative to the proposed West Fuqua St. reconstruction project which is slated for 2019. Currently, this CIP project is in the early design phase; thus this public meeting was to gather community input regarding any challenges associated with this project.
 
"A number of good questions were asked by the attendees. The design consultant and the PWE staff were very receptive of their comments," states Council Member Green.
 
For more information about this project or to fill out a comment card while still in the design phase, e-mail pweplanning@houstontx.gov and reference the West Fuqua St. Reconstruction project.
General District K News
 
District K Offers FREE Spay/Neuter and Pet Wellness Services
Once again, the District K office has partnered with BARC to coordinate a FREE pet wellness services initiative for District K residents. The last BARC event occurred early this year in February. The District K office reported an overwhelming positive response to sponsor the event again.
 
BARC is sponsoring 3 dates within District K. The scheduled dates and times are:
  
Saturday, August 22, 2015 -- Check-in 6:30 a.m. - 7:30 a.m.
Hiram Clarke Multi-Service Center
3810 W. Fuqua St., 77045
 
Tuesday, August 25, 2015 -- Check-in 6:30 a.m. - 7:30 a.m.
Platou Community Center (Chimney Rock Park)
11655 Chimney Rock Rd., 77035
 
Thursday, August 27, 2015 -- Check-in 6:30 a.m. - 7:30 a.m.
Marian Park Community Center
11000 South Gessner Rd., 77071  

IMPORTANT NOTE: Limited services are provided on a first come, first serve basis. If BARC cannot accommodate you on the aforementioned dates, they will schedule another time for your pet to get spayed or neutered for FREE during the following week.
 
What's required to participate in this pet wellness event?
  • Please bring a current ID and a bill with a City of Houston address
  • Pets must be 4 months or older
  • Dogs must be on a leash or in a carrier
  • Cats must be in carrier or pillow case
 
For more information about this District K FREE spay/neuter and pet wellness services event, contact BARC at 832-395-9003.
 
SWAG to College Was a BIG Hit!
The District K office co-hosted a college preparation workshop that brought out over 100 college bound youth to the Hiram Clarke Multi-Service Center. The SWAG to College event which stands for Students with Ambition Go To College, is a college mentorship program designed to pair youth with mentors from similar backgrounds. Through this partnership, students gain the tools needed to both be admitted to college and graduate from college.
  
Within this program, prospective students are socialized with highly-motivated college-driven students and assigned a mentor who will guide them through the college preparation process via college readiness goals. This mentorship program was FREE to attend and provided students with a network of peers going into college.  
  
Because this workshop was a huge success, the District K office will facilitate another college readiness workshop in the Spring. For more information about the SWAG to College program, contact the following staff members:
  
Raj Salhotra -- neerajsalhotra@gmail.com                           mobile: 713-320-0303
Jamal Dawson -- jamal.a.dawson@gmail.com                     mobile: 832-607-4333
Luan Phan -- superluanphan@gmail.com                            mobile: 804-536-7951
  
2015 National Night Out - Tuesday, October 6 -- SAVE THE DATE!!!
National Night Out will be here soon so SAVE THE DATE - Tuesday, October 6, 2015.
 
Now is the time to start planning your block parties! National Night Out is the first Tuesday in October (for the state of Texas) and this is a great community event to celebrate the positive initiatives of your civic association, an opportunity to mingle with your neighbors, and a venue to provide important information about public safety and security concerns. The District K office encourages you to organize block parties or other events and get to know your neighbors.
 
If you want an HPD officer to attend your event, contact the HPD Public Affairs office at 713-308-3200. If your civic association is planning a National Night Out event, let the District K council office know so we can arrange for Council Member Green or a District K council staffer to attend as we make our community rounds that evening.  Contact the council office at 832-393-3016. 
  
Council Member Green Neighborhood Sightings (late July -- mid- August)
Council Member Green made his rounds to discuss District K initiatives. Listed below are community meetings Council Member Green and the District K staff have attended during late July through mid-August.
    • June 17 -- Westbury Civic Club meeting
    • June 18 - South Houston Concerned Citizens Coalition meeting
    • June 19 - Fort Bend Houston Bridging the Community Divide meeting
    • June 19 - Five Corners Management District Board meeting
    • June 20 - HCC-Brays Oaks Groundbreaking Event
    • June 23 - Five Corners Management District Mixer & Community Engagement
    • June 24 - Brays Oaks Management District Board meeting
    • June 24 - TIRZ #24 Board meeting
    • June 25 - METRO Board meeting
    • June 28 - Annual Ramadan Dinner 2015
    • July 29 - Southern Crushed Concrete Public Hearing
    • July 7 - Flood Recovery Information and Resources Workshop meeting
    • July 7 - Central Southwest SNC meeting
    • July 14 - Madison High School Bond Community meeting
    • July 16 - Transportation, Technology, & Infrastructure Committee meeting
    • July 16 - South Houston Concerned Citizens Coalition meeting
    • July 17 - Fort Bend Houston Bridging the Community Divide meeting
    •  July 17 - Five Corners Management District Board meeting
    • July 18 - Hiram Clarke Area Health Fair
    • July 21 - West Fuqua Reconstruction Community meeting
    • July 23 - Hiram Clarke Bridging the Community Divide meeting
    • July 25 - Briar Villa South Community meeting
    • Aug. 4 - Linkwood Civic Club National Night Out
    • Aug. 11 - UniverSoul Circus Presentation
    • Aug. 13 - Fort Bend Houston SNC meeting
    • Aug. 14 - White Heather Park Groundbreaking event

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, or 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 receive this information, we need you to update your contact info. Thank you for your help and your interest in District K. 
 

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.)
Pilgrim Lutheran Church
8601 Chimney Rock Rd.
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 832-394-7555. The Braeburn HPD Storefront hours are 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
 
General City of Houston News

Announcement of Upcoming Houston Citizen Police Academy (HCPA)
  
Have you ever wondered what kind of training a police officer must undergo to do his or her job?  Do you think you could do it just as well, or better?  Now is your chance to find out.  The Houston Citizens' Police Academy, HCPA, is currently accepting applications for the Fall class.
 
The Houston Citizens' Police Academy (CPA) was organized in 1989 and
offers citizens the opportunity to learn about the internal operations of the Houston Police Department. The Citizens' Police Academy speakers, (mostly Law   Enforcement and Criminal Justice experts in their fields), provide lectures, demonstrations, tours, and hands-on activities for Academy participants. The overall objective of the Academy is to provide citizens with sound and accurate information about HPD and the criminal justice process so citizens are able to make informed decisions regarding issues / matters involving the police department and/or police activity. Participants will be able to share their experiences and learned information with family, friends, co-workers, and their community to further improve and strengthen community.
 
The 10-week academy classes are FREE and offered every Thursday, beginning September 10th through November 12th, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.  The Citizens Police Academy is a 33-hour block of instructions whereas the first day of class is Orientation and the last day is Graduation. The academy classes will be held at 17000 Aldine Westfield R., 77070 (some sessions are held at various HPD locations such as Hobby Airport and Mounted Patrol).
 
Please share the attached information with members of your community.  If you or any of your community members are interested in attending the next class, please contact Stephanie Watson-Owens, Senior Police Officer, HPD Public Affairs Office at 713-308-3200 or via e-mail at Treva.Mott@houstonpolice.org.
Trees For Houston Offers Trees for Schools Program
Trees for Houston is sponsoring its Our Trees For Schools Program to provide and plant much needed trees on Houston area school campuses. Providing far more than shadier sidewalks, this program fosters a sense of pride and cooperation both in the students and in their surrounding communities. Participating schools are identified and selected based on recommendations from parents, teachers, principals and district administrators.
 
Once the candidate school has been selected, the campus grounds are surveyed in order to determine both the adequate number and appropriate species of trees that should be planted. As with all Trees For Houston plantings, the trees are maintained and monitored by Trees for Houston for two years to ensure survival.
  
Averaging about 25 campuses a year, Trees for Houston has planted nearly 40,000 trees at Houston area schools. These trees foster pride and cooperation in the students and their community.

To request trees at a school, contact Trees for Houston at 713-840-8733. To access the Trees for Schools Program form, e-mail katherine@treesforhouston.org.
  
CASE for Kids City Connections
Coordinated by Harris County Department of Education (HCDE), the CASE for Kids Division (The Center for After-School, Summer and Expanded Learning) is to strengthen, support and sustain after-school programs and out-of-school time activities. CASE believes a quality out-of-school time program provides avenues for opportunities for youth to excel, explore, and expand their horizons before school, after school, on weekends, and during the summer.
 
CASE for Kids City Connections, is a new initiative funded directly by the City of Houston to support organizations that address the need for youth services outside the school day. Projects will take place in a variety of locations including schools, community centers, and churches. Grants are designed to 1) meet individual City Council district need's and 2) provide prevention-based programming that addresses gaps in services to youth. Proposed projects must serve youth in grades K-12 before school, after school, on weekends or during summer hours. Some examples of out-of-school time activities that could possibly be funded through this new youth initiative include robotics camps, homework assistance, cheerleading/dance groups,and team sports.
 
To be eligible for funding, applicants are required to be a nonprofit organization designated by the IRS as having 501(c) 3 status for at least one year prior to August 2015. Applications will also be accepted from, established charter schools, faith-based organization, or civic group. All applicants must serve youth located in the city of Houston.
 
To apply for funding, interested organizations will submit two documents for review and a formal application to CASE for Kids. CASE for Kids will review applications by city council district and will consult with each Houston City Council Members to make final selections for funding.  Grant awards will range from $5,000-$15,000. Application forms and guidelines can be downloaded on the CASE for Kids website: www.afterschoolzone.org. For more information on City Connections, please contact CASE for Kids at 713-696-1331.
City of Houston Offering FREE Immunizations!
The Houston Fire Dept. and the Care Van Program have teamed up once again to provide FREE childhood immunizations just in time for the 2015-2016 school season. The "Immunization Extravaganza" will offer FREE vaccinations for UNINSURED or MEDICAID children, ages 4 through 18, to get them ready for the upcoming school year that starts August 24, 2015. 
 
Childhood immunizations No children with insurance, including CHIP insurance, will be serviced. Parents or guardians must accompany their children and provide their current immunization records.
 
The "Immunization Extravaganza" is scheduled for Thursday, August 20, 2015 from 4:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. at the HFD Val Jahnke Training Facility, 8030 Braniff, 77061. While supplies last, children receiving their vaccinations will also receive a FREE ice cream treat provided by IceCreamParty.com!
Click the link below for more information in English and Spanish, including a map to the location.
  
 
  

Be Prepared for Hurricane Season

Hurricane Season is here and runs from June 1 to November 30. The City of Houston Office of Emergency Management urges Houstonians to prepare for hurricanes, tropical storms, and other emergencies by following a few key steps.

  • Build a Kit - Have a disaster supply kit with enough supplies to last you and your family for 5-7 days; the kit should include food, medications, water, and other basic necessities

  • Make a Plan - Have an emergency plan for your family and check to make sure that your workplace, children's school and other places you frequent have emergency plans in place; be sure to practice your family's emergency plan before disasters happen

  • Be Informed - Remember, during and after a hurricane, electricity and internet connections may be unavailable, so have a way to stay informed, including access to a NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) Weather Alert radio or a hand-crank or battery-powered radio

  • Know Your Neighbor - Neighbors can be a great source of help before and after a disaster, so get to know your neighbors, particularly those who are elderly or who may not be able to prepare for disasters by themselves; Houstonians know how to work together to be ready for disasters

    For more information, visit www.houstonoem.net. To learn more visit www.hurricaneworkshop.com.

If an evacuation is necessary, it is key to have a plan for how to get out of harm's way. If you are unable to evacuate by yourself or with the help of family and friends, register for the Transportation Assistance Registry by calling 2-1-1 from any phone in Texas or by visiting www.houstonoem.net. 


Receive Plat and Permit Reports by E-Mail

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 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 ( 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.


 

Houston Bar Association LegalLine Program - FREE Legal Hotline

The Houston Bar Association offers a FREE legal hotline called LegalLine on the first and third Wednesdays of the month from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.  The LegalLine Program has been available to Houston area residents since 1985. This hotline services allows constituents to access an attorney free of charge. For more information about the LegalLine Program, contact Lucy Fraga Fisher Cain with the Houston Bar Association at 713-759-1133 or via e-mail at lucyf@hba.org.  

 

Online Appointment Service for Plan Review
The Houston Permitting Center (HPC) is still taking appointments online within its
 Code Enforcement's Plan Review section. Scheduled appointments will be available for the discussion of plan review project comments only.
 A phone number and email address is required to use the online scheduler. If you do not have either of these items, appointments may still be scheduled in person at the HPC or over the phone by calling 832-394-9000 directly. Please note that the design professional responsible for the respective plans must attend the scheduled appointment, otherwise the appointment is subject to cancellation
  
All other Plan Review services will continue to be walk-in services on a first-come-first-served basis.  
 
For questions regarding this expansion of services, please contact us at 832-394-9000 or houston.permittingcenter@houstontx.gov.
  
New District... New Council Member... New Beginnings!