Vol. 4, Issue 02 – 02.03.23
Dear District F(uture):

As promised, 17 metal pole lights were installed along S. Richmond Avenue to increase public safety. As I continue to enhance neighborhoods through simple investments such as street lighting, please send in your recommendations through 311, so we can begin the process. Special thank you to Houston Public Works and Centerpoint for expediting various requests.

Public improvements continue to happen throughout the district, and here are the latest updates regarding scheduled projects. As a reminder, once funding is allocated, you (or your neighborhood association) will receive the official notice to proceed to share broadly. This information is transmitted via newsletter and social media.

Westmont:
Curb and gutter repair on Highmeadow and Westerland will take place between February 8-13 and should take five days to complete. JFT Construction is the assigned contractor on this project. Marcos Pereira is the project manager and can be reached at 832-395-2411.

Alief:
Work Authorization No. 3 to remove and replace damaged sections of sidewalk and existing ramps on Ashling Dr. from Gondola Dr. to Nobility Dr. Anticipate construction from February 13th – 23rd. JFT Construction is assigned to this project. Marcos Pereira is the project manager and can be reached at 832-394-2411.

Alief Village and Belle Park have a substantial lift station diversion project which is a part of the city’s CIP for wastewater facilities. The project consists of the lift stations diversion for Alief Village and Belle Park #2, which includes the demolition and abandonment of Lift Stations, the construction of 10-inch, 12-inch, 15-inch, 18-inch, and 24-inch gravity sanitary sewer by open-cut and micro-tunnel construction and removing and replacing approximately 5,400 square yards of concrete pavement. This project is $15,959.372.00 and will take close to 600 days to complete. I will notify you once construction begins and will need your patience as this will impact traffic flow on Boone Rd.

Carver Crest/Piney Point / Blossom Heights
I am working with the Houston Parks Department to confirm the total funds designated to support ongoing efforts at Rasmus Park. Once the amount is received, we will have a broader meeting regarding the communities next steps and options.

Amanda Ln. is still in process, and I have a few updates – the eight properties next to Amanda Ln. do not have to sign an abandonment form for the city to move forward since Amanda Ln is an existing right-of-way. The only signatures required are from the apartment owner east of Amanda and the commercial business at Amanda and Richmond Ave. With this new information, we can continue to move forward with a public hearing to notify residents in the area of the request to designate Amanda Ln. to be residential.

I want to shift the conversation and update you on the technology Shot Spotter we voted to adopt in the city last year. Unfortunately, this technology has not made its way to District F after several requests. During this week’s council meeting, I shared my frustrations with Mayor Turner and will provide HPD with the locations each of you recommended over the past year. Thank you for trusting me and allowing me the grace to make this happen. Although our violent crime has decreased by 14% over the last year – I want to ensure we have every tool available to keep our neighbors and businesses safe.

Effective this week, the city has an ordinance that requires pet owners to spay and neuter their pets. With that, I am covering the costs for District F residents to schedule their pet babies if they have not done. The flyer below has the details — p

More details are in the body of the newsletter. Still, I am excited to announce in concert with Mayor Sylvester Turner, Rep. Al. Green (TX-9), and my colleague Councilmember Edward Pollard that the city will receive $28M for the Safe Streets Initiative to benefit Bissonnet, one of the deadliest streets in the city. Bissonnet from S. Dairy Ashford to Hilcroft deserves much-needed attention and investment. I am hopeful this will initiate continued revitalization efforts in communities that need it the most.

In closing, Happy Black History Month! Houston is full of history makers and cultural events to celebrate the rich history of Black Houstonians. Please find the time to visit the various events throughout our city. Throughout the month, I will highlight a few fun facts about District F.

P. S. Wishing my dear friend William S. Matthews a happy birthday. He believes he’s a celebrity and international phenom, so a public shout-out is only appropriate. Happy Birthday, friend.

 

DISTRICT F NEWS

HOT SPOT TEAM HIGHLIGHT
WEEK OF JANUARY 9TH
  • Total Work Orders: 6
  • Hotspot of the Week: none of mention
  • Total Man Hours Worked: 60
  • Tree Waste: 300 lbs.
  • Mattresses: 0
  • Furniture Waste: 0 piece
  • Tires: 8
  • Trash Debris: 330 lbs.
  • Shopping Carts: 0
  • Bandit Signs: 344
  • Landscaping: none
 
SOLID WASTE OPERATIONS UPDATE

As of Monday, January 30, 2023

February is Junk Waste Month. If your collection day for heavy trash is the first week of February, you may begin to place your debris on your curb.

More info is located http://bit.ly/3uaKMg9

For more information on the Neighborhood Depository and Recycling Centers, please visit our website https://www.houstontx.gov/solidwaste/depositories.html.
We understand these delays in collections are frustrating and we thank you for your continued patience.

For more information about SWMD and our services, visit us atwww.houstonsolidwaste.org, “LIKE” us on Facebook athttp://www.facebook.com/houstonsolidwaste, and follow us on Twitter@HoustonTrash, or call 3-1-1, the City of Houston’s Customer Service Helpline. Download our app HTX Collects on Google Play or IOS Store to Never Miss an Update again!

Facebook- Updated daily
Link: City of Houston Solid Waste Management – Posts | Facebook

HTX Collects- an app used to update you about your service in real-time. You can also use the link on the website to get an update.
Link: http://www.houstontx.gov/solidwaste/htxcollects.html

 
 
CITY OF HOUSTON AWARDED FEDERAL SAFE STREETS AND ROADS FOR ALL (SS4A) GRANT FOR BISSONNET CORRIDOR PROJECT
HOUSTON – The United States Department of Transportation today announced the City of Houston will receive $28.79 million in federal funding through the Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) grant program for the Bissonnet Corridor Safe Streets Project.

The funding will support a seven-mile rehabilitation of Bissonnet Street from South Dairy Ashford Road to Hillcroft Avenue. The project directly supports the city of Houston’s Vision Zero Action Plan and will address one of the highest priority corridors on Houston’s High Injury Network.

The Bissonnet Corridor currently has high-risk roadway features that create unsafe conditions for commuters. It has a kill or serious injury (KSI) rating of 22 per year and more than 18 per mile, and accounts for the highest number of deadly crashes and the second highest number of serious injury crashes across all city-owned streets.

Houston Public Works will redesign the street with Federal Highway Administration safety countermeasures for people walking, biking, riding transit, or driving. The redesign will feature:

  • Reconfigurations to street lanes
  • Sidewalks
  • Protected bike lanes
  • Dedicated turn lanes, including safety improvements for curbs and turns
  • Roundabouts
  • Enhanced crosswalks, rapid flash beacons, pedestrian refuge islands, and pedestrian hybrid beacons

“The Bissonnet Corridor travels directly through the underserved communities of Alief-Westwood, Gulfton, and Braeburn, disproportionately impacting people of color and families of low income,” said Houston Mayor, Sylvester Turner. “I thank the United States Department of Transportation for committing to this project and helping us eliminate some of the biggest factors to fatalities and providing transportation equity across Houston.”

Along with thanking USDOT, Mayor Turner praised Congressman Al Green (D-9) for his work to secure federal funding for the City’s safety and mobility project.

“It has been a privilege and an honor to work with Mayor Turner to secure over $28 million to improve the safety of the Bissonnet corridor within my congressional district. Mayor Turner’s commitment to redesigning this road to lower the injuries and fatalities that take place along it each year further demonstrates how he continues to be a good steward of our tax dollars,” Congressman Al Green said. “On behalf of the constituents of the Ninth Congressional District of Texas and all persons who transit Bissonnet on a daily basis, I thank the U.S. Department of Transportation for the funds and positive response to my request. This further evidences how collaboration between our congressional office and the City of Houston can be effective at making our streets more secure for all.”

The City of Houston thanks the following elected officials, community partners, and stakeholders for their support:

  • Texas State Sen. Borris L. Miles (TX-District 13)
  • Texas State Representative Dr. Alma A. Allen (TX-131)
  • Texas State Representative Gene Wu (TX-District 137)
  • Texas State Representative Shawn Thierry (TX-District 146)
  • Texas State Representative Hubert Vo (TX-District 149)
  • Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis (Precinct One)
  • Councilmember Abbie Kamin, District C
  • Councilmember Tiffany Thomas, District F
  • Councilmember Edward Pollard, District J
  • Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County (METRO)
  • International Management District
  • Southwest Management District
  • LINK Houston
  • Houston-Galveston Area Council

Details about the Bissonnet Corridor Safe Streets Project can be found here

 
 
JANUARY 2023 NEIGHBORHOOD & POLICE MEETINGS

There are several opportunities for you to engage with your neighbors and receive accurate information from community partners, elected officials, and public safety leadership regarding District F and the greater Houston area.

The District F Office strives to keep our constituency informed on community issues and success. A key way to do this is via community meetings. Please see meeting postings for the month of January below:

Schedule

SN-17 Meeting: Wednesday, January 11th at 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM
Location: Eagles Trace, 14703 Eagle Vista Drive in the Austin Square building catering roomSN – 25 (Alief) Tuesday, February 28th, at 6:30PM
Location: Alief Neighborhood Center

SN – 20 (Tanglewilde, Westmont, Briarmeadow, and Carver Crest)
Location: TBD

Westside PIP Meeting: Thursday, February 16th at 6:30PM
Location: Westside Station, 3203 S. Dairy Ashford Street, 3rd floor

Midwest PIP Meeting: Wednesday February15th, 2023 at 7PM
Location: 7277 Regency Square Boulevard

 
CELEBRATING LUNAR NEW YEAR IN DISTRICT F –
THE YEAR OF THE CAT (VIET)
On January 28th, Councilmember Thomas celebrated Lunar New Year at Viet Hoa. She was joined by Mayor Turner, Commissioner Briones, Glenda Joe, and many more as they took in over 1,000 firecrackers, lion dance performances and magic red envelopes filled with prosperity.
 
VIETNAMESE COMMUNITY OF HOUSTON & VICINITIES 2023 EXECUTIVE SWEARING-IN MEETING
January 27 –  Councilmember Thomas presented a proclamation to 14 new leaders of the Vietnamese Community of Houston & Vicinities (VCH) to solidify their contribution to District F and the City of Houston.
 
DISTRICT F AND CITY-WIDE INITIATIVES
On January 27th, Councilmember Thomas joined forces with METRO and the Houston (TX) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated to raise the awareness and continued importance of eradicating human trafficking. If you or someone you know is exposed to trafficking please call the 24/7 and confidential 888 373 7888 number or text 233733.

She later joined Mayor Turner and Director Keith Bynam at the grand opening of the Commons at W. Tidwell. This development will offer 47 gated single-family homes between 1,400-1,800 square feet.

DISTRICT F x COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS
 
January 19 – Representative Al Green presented Ibn Sina Foundation with $1.6M to support mental health efforts in District F. This is the largest grant Ibn Sina has received and will remove barriers to primary care. Councilmember Thomas joined the celebration with other community leaders and elected officials. If you need services please visit this link.
 
ALIEF VOTES ART & ESSAY CONTEST

Calling all students in Alief ISD: Are you an artist or writer? Here’s your chance to showcase your talents while learning about civic engagement and your community!

Write a 500-word essay or make an artwork of any medium for an opportunity to win scholarship funds. Learn more and submit your work at bit.ly/aliefcontest. Submissions are due April 1, 2023, and will be judged by community members, artists, and writers from Alief.

 

CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS

DISTRICT F COUNCIL ITEMS

February 1, 2023
Item #4
This project consisted of sanitary sewer rehabilitation by point repair method. The project was awarded to PM Construction & Rehab, LLC, with an original contract amount of $2,391,230.39. The contract duration for this project was 540 calendar days. There were 26 locations in District F.

Item #40
The Administration has undertaken a comprehensive review of the proposed FY23 TIRZ budgets and recommends approval of the FY23 Operating Budget for the Southwest Houston Redevelopment Authority (the “Authority”) and the FY23 – FY27 CIP for Reinvestment Zone Number Twenty (the “Zone”).

January 25, 2023
Item #11

This project consisted of reconstruction of sidewalks, curb-ramps, replacement of damaged concrete pavement panels, overlay of deteriorated asphalt pavement surfaces, replacement of pavement markings where needed, modification of medians. The original Contract duration for this project was 365 calendar days. The project was awarded to JFT Construction, Inc. with an original contract amount of $1,621,322.61.

LOCATION: The projects were located in 11 locations. 1 in District F.

Item #12
This project consisted of providing construction services to resolve localized stormwater drainage problems. The contract duration for this project was 730 calendar days. The project was awarded to T Construction, LLC with an original Contract Amount of $2,500,000.00 and two additional appropriations totaling $2,000,000.00 for a revised total contract amount of $4,500,000.00.

LOCATIONS:

Work Authorization #9 3207 Jewel Ann Street
Work Authorization #16 12526 Tambourine Drive

Learn more here.

 
COMMENTS ON AGENDA ITEM NO. 40 FEBRUARY 1, 2023 COUNCIL SESSION
 
 
CM THOMAS COMMENTS ON BRINGING THE SHOTSPOTTER PROGRAM TO THE WESTSIDE
 
 
To View City Council Agendas
To Watch Videos of Previous City Council Meetings
 
COMMUNITY NEWS

SUBSCRIBE TO NEIGHBORHOOD UPDATES

Phone messages in English and Spanishnotify residents about city services,new programs & civic engagement opportunities

Voice/text messages a convenient servicefor residents without easy access to internet sources
The Department of Neighborhoods (DON) invites residents to subscribe toNeighborhood Updates to receive brief voice or text messages in Spanish or English about essential services and resources.
The messaging service is for everyone, especially for seniors and others who may not have easy access to online information, persons with disabilities who need information in audio or written format, and residents who prefer notices in Spanish.

 
RTH HARVEY IMPACTED HOME REPAIR PROGRAM 

Rebuilding Together Houston will be providing home repairs to a limited number of homes that were impacted by Hurricane Harvey. Below is a list of the repairs and qualifications for the program. To refer homeowners, please send an email to[email protected] or call 713-659-2511.

 

Repairs Qualifications
Roof Restoration Single Family Home in Harris County
Electrical Systems Low-income individuals and families
Structural Stabilization Proof of Ownership
Plumbing Systems Full time resident of the home
Sealing the Envelope of the home: siding, trim, soffits, fascia Current on Property Taxes (or official payment plan
Sheetrock Do not own more than one property
Flooring Must confirm intent to stay in the home
Assessment for mold and removal of damaged materials Meet income level requirements

Rebuilding Together’s work makes homes safer and more resilient against disaster. We do not return homes to a previous condition (for example, unsafe wood floors are replaced by vinyl plank flooring,

which is much more cost-effective) or provide cosmetic improvements (for example, we do not paint interior walls).

*RTH will evaluate the home through its standard 25-point Health and Safety checklist and provide its Volunteer Home Repair Program if eligible.

 
APPLICATIONS FOR UTILITY SAVINGS ASSESSMENTS
Start the new year off right by applying for the 2023 Smart Utility Check-up Program. This free program provides one year of professional water, electric, and gas utility assessments to the first 50 qualifying Houston Water commercial customers. Each assessment is completed by Imperial Utilities & Sustainability, Inc.  and includes data analysis on utility use and a monthly break-down of cost and consumption patterns. Recommended practices, guidance on potential cost savings, and rebate assistance are also included!
 
   Previous program participants have saved millions of gallons of water and tens of thousands of dollars in overhead costs. Eligible participants must:• Be a Houston Water customer• Own or manage a building at least 40,000 square feet in size or have a cooling tower• Be fully operational for two years or more• Applicants with a central plant that services multiple buildings are not permitted
The application period closes on January 31, 2023, and the assessments will run through the 2023 calendar year. To learn  more about the program, visit the Smart Utility Check-up website or apply for the program here.
 
For questions, please contact [email protected]ovClick Here to download the Flyer.
 
COMPLETE COMMUNITIES UNIVERSITY CALL FOR APPLICATIONS

Spring 2023 session starts March 8 

Application Deadline – February 8, 2023

The Department of Neighborhoods (DON) invites Houston residents to apply for enrollment in the Complete Community University (CCU) Spring 2023 leadership training course. The course will run 8 weeks, March 8 to April 26, 2023, Wednesdays, 6-8:30 p.m., in person and online via Microsoft Teams.  In-person classes will be held at the City Hall Annex, 900 Bagby Street.The CCU program coaches emerging leaders on civic engagement methods and techniques, cultivates positive relationships between community leaders and the City of Houston, and promotes the participation of residents in civic activities to vitalize neighborhoods.

The CCU curriculum focuses on leadership development through civic engagement, volunteerism, and voter education. Participants explore how city and county government function and relate to neighborhoods and how to effectively access City and community resources. The classes are conducted by DON staff with extensive experience in civic engagement and knowledge of Houston communities and feature presentations by City department and community subject experts.
Apply today!
At least 30 enrollees will be selected through a competitive application review process conducted by department staff. Selection criteria includes commitment to civic involvement in the City of Houston, leadership potential, skills, and experience. Diversity and representation from all City Council districts will also be considered. The application deadline is February 8, 2023. For the application guidelines and forms, go to www.houstontx.gov/neighborhoods/ccu.html.  For questions, call 832-393-1061 or email [email protected].

 
UPCOMING EVENTS
 
 
 
 
 
 
EVENTS AT INDIA HOUSE