The Pollard Press

Reminder: District J Services Survey

You may have received an email or seen on social media a link to the District J Services Survey. If you live in District J and have not already filled out the survey, we encourage you to do so. Over the years, our office has tried creative methods to address issues affecting the district, and we want to hear from you on what you believe is working and ways we can improve. Please click this link to complete the brief survey regarding some of our signature projects, most of which are not citywide. Thanks in advance for your time.

Beat the Heat This Summer

As summer heat descends on Texas, Reliant is helping keep residents cool through its Beat the Heat program. To demonstrate that commitment, a total of 45 Reliant cooling centers will be available across Houston, Dallas, Corpus Christi, Fort Worth and Lubbock. They also offer money-saving tools, resources and plans for customes statewide. For a list of cooling centers and tips to save money, visit reliant.com/beattheheat.

Update on Recycling Pickups

Some residents have expressed concern about a delay by the city’s Solid Waste Management Department (SWMD) in picking up items left out for recycling. According to SWMD, work crews have been running behind their intended schedule due to a shortage of drivers and equipment. Rest assured that crews are making their way to each neighborhood, and your patience is appreciated. Residents are also encouraged to use one of six neighborhood depository sites, which are open Tuesday through Sunday. To stay up to date on collection schedules, connect to SWMD’s social media platforms including:

• Facebook https://www.facebook.com/houstonsolidwaste/

• Twitter https://twitter.com/HoustonTrash

• Nextdoor https://nextdoor.com/city/feed/

• HTX Collects App SWMD – HTX COLLECTS (houstontx.gov)

District J Private Trash Day

Last month’s District J Private Trash Day was a success once again. Every house that registered to have their heavy trash and tree waste picked up from the curb of their home experienced prompt and reliable service. District J is the only district in the city to offer this concierge service to ensure timely trash pickup. Thank you to Nexus Waste Disposal for the continual exceptional work.

Selling Municipal Bonds

Council Member Edward Pollard represented the city of Houston in New York City on the sale of $756M in municipal bonds for the Houston Airport System expansion. For this deal, the City worked with the Wall Street minority and women owned investment firm of Seibert Williams & Shank, lead by president and CEO Suzanne Shank. In addition to the sale of the bonds, the city was also able to negotiate on the back end to save an additional $12.8M due to leveraging high demand and refunds of previously held bonds.

During the trip, Council Member Pollard and Mayor Pro Tem Dave Martin were also welcomed by New York Mayor Eric Adams, to participate in the Kenyan Independence Day ceremony at Evacuation Day Plaza near the Freedom Tower. Special thanks to the entire Finance Department, especially Deputy Director Melissa Dubowski, the Controller’s Office and all of the city of Houston’s financial consultants for their tireless work. And thank to Keith Richard with Seibert Williams & Shank for all the coordination and hospitality.

Eyesore Property Demolished

Residents in the 8000 block of Cadawac made multiple complaints and reports about a property that was in disrepair, unsecured and being used for nefarious activities. The grounds had overgrown foliage, high weeds and was an overall eyesore in the community. The District J office worked with the Department of Neighborhoods to open a case that eventually ended with the property being demolished. We must each do our part to keep District J inviting and safe for the community.

Houston Humane Pet Pantry Event

District J partnered with the Houston Humane Society for a pet pantry event to provide free dog and cat food as well as free spay and neuter vouchers for residents in the district. Hundreds of residents showed up to the drive-thru which took place at Sharpstown Baptist Church.

HPD Midwest Back to School Bash

The Houston Police Department’s Midwest DRT unit is asking for donations for its School Supply Drive. The collected items will be distributed to families in need during their Back to School Bash event. You can submit donations in person at the address below or online via Amazon at this link.

National Urban League Community & Family Day Expo

The National Urban League invites the public to its Community and Family Day Expo on July 29 at the George R. Brown Convention Center. The event will include free backpacks and school supplies, health screenings, a legal clinic, entertainment, games, prizes and more. Visitors will also enjoy seminars and panel discussions on a variety of topics including social media, health and wellness, technology and other topics.

Paid Internship with Southwest Management District Available

The Southwest Management District has a 12-week paid internship opportunity available. Candidates need to reside within the district, be at least 18 years old, be enrolled in college, have at least a 2.7 GPA and have a declared major. See the details below for information on how to apply.

Cam Lo Delegation Visits City Hall

Strengthening international ties is imperative to positioning Houston as a global city. Council Member Pollard welcomed a group of delegates from Cam Lo District, Quang Tri, Vietnam during a visit to City Hall. Their trip focused on opportunities in economic development, education, healthcare, and cultural exchange. Thanks to Michael Hoa for the coordination.

Celebrating Juneteenth

Juneteenth celebrations took place across the country, but nowhere was it more celebrated than in the greater Houston area. Although it’s now a federal holiday, some people still do not know of its significance or the history behind the holiday. Not only is it a time of reflection for African Americans, but all Americans can learn more about the events leading up to Juneteenth becoming a federal holiday.

TIRZ 20 Recognition

The TIRZ 20 board is a very active and impactful group of leaders who work tirelessly to make sure District J is a great place to work, live and play. Most recently, the TIRZ 20 board was instrumental in funding and supporting the construction of the recently unveiled Houston Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Director Robert Demo, III and Dr. LaShondra Jones of the Mayor’s Office of Veterans and Military Affairs, and District J Chief of Staff Paul Young presented members of the board with tokens of recognition and appreciation for their support at a recent TIRZ 20 board meeting.

Complete Communities University Applications

The application period for the Complete Communities University Fall cohort will be July 17 – August 18. Classes will be September 20 – November 8. Complete Communities University teaches those interested in civic engagement how local government works. Details for the application process are below.

Annual Liberty Fest in District J

District J residents and visitors to the area had an amazing time at the annual Liberty Fest event. The celebration featured music, food, games, performances, shopping, and fireworks. City, state and federal leaders were on hand for the event including Mayor Turner, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, Rep. Gene Wu, CM Alice Chen, and Commissioner Lesley Briones. Special thanks to the Southwest Management District and Sharpstown Civic Association for all the coordination. Also, thanks to Telemundo for televising, all the performers and vendors for participating, PlazAmericas Mall for hosting, HPD and HFD for safety/traffic, the District J staff for helping organize, and all the volunteers for all your efforts.

Celebrating the 4th of July in Robindell

Council Member Pollard and his son EJ spent time with residents in the Robindell neighborhood in celebration of the July 4th holiday. They enjoyed refreshments and fellowship with constituents in the area.

World Refugee Day

Houston has become one of the nation’s leading cities for welcoming refugees from all over the world. New residents help make Houston the most diverse city in the country and also add their skills and talents to many industry spaces, boosting our economic impact. Council Member Pollard met with a group of refugees from all over the globe who are apart of Church World Services, a faith-based organization that transforms communities through just and sustainable responses to hunger, poverty, displacement, and disaster. Special thanks to their Houston Area Organizer Salemu Alimasi for coordinating and Council Member Tiffany Thomas for joining.

Eyeconic Awards

Eyeconic Studios presented Council Member Pollard with the Eyeconic Man Award in honor of Father’s Day. The council member also presented Certificates of Recognition to 15 men for their commitment to fatherhood and service to the community. Special thanks to Ja’Leah Davis, founder of Eyeconic Studios, for celebrating and championing these outstanding men for all they do.

Promoting Houston to the World

Council Member Pollard met with Houston First to discuss a strategy for Houston to remain competitive as a tourist and business destination for countries in Asia. Houston First is a local government corporation that is responsible for promoting this metropolis as one of the greatest cities in the world by driving tourism and convention business, operating local facilities and producing events that serve the community.

Supporting the Hospitality Industry in District J

A thriving community depends, in part, on strong local businesses. Council Member Pollard met with members of the Small Independent Motel Association (SIMA) and the Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA) to discuss business opportunities. Thanks to London Sizzler for hosting the group. AAHOA is the largest hotel owners association in the nation with nearly 20,000 members, billions of dollars in property assets and hundreds of thousands of employees.

Improving Harwin Infrastructure

Harwin Drive in District J is arguably the most culturally diverse commercial wholesale corridor in the region. Council Member Pollard met with local community leaders to discuss needed improvements to streets, sidewalks, water lines, and detention. The purpose of the meeting was to hear from the business and property owners on what they would like to see. Thanks to TIRZ 20 for leading this project and being the funding source. Special shout out to Mr. Lee for opening his business for the meeting and for coordinating the engagement with the other Harwin business owners, Cobb Fendley for engineering, and everyone who attended, participated and gave feedback.

Braeburn Valley West Community Meeting

Council Member Pollard was the guest speaker at the Braeburn Valley West annual meeting. He gave updates on projects and initiatives for the neighborhood and answered questions presented by residents.

Public Safety Town Hall

Council Member Pollard attended the Public Safety Town Hall at the Chinese Community Center, where dozens of residents, business owners and other interested parties were in attendance. Special thanks to all the HPD leadership who were on hand to answer community questions.

District J Projects

Mayor’s Street Rehab

Houston Public Works Transportation & Drainage Operations has started a residential asphalt pavement rehabilitation project in the Brays Oaks neighborhood as part of the Mayor’s Street Rehabilitation Initiative. The work is expected to take approximately one month to complete rehab work, weather permitting. Residents are asked to either in their driveways or elsewhere during work hours, Monday – Saturday from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Street resurfacing is conducted in two phases: 1. Removal (milling) old asphalt 2. Placing new asphalt. Phase 2 includes spraying tack oil (black tar) to help the new asphalt bond to the milled surface. Tack oil can stick to your vehicle, tires and stain your driveway if you drive through it before the new asphalt is placed. Please observe the signs posted that read “FRESH OIL” and avoid those areas during this phase of the project. Overlay is not designed to improve or correct drainage issues; it is used to preserve and prolong the life of the road base and provide a smoother riding surface.

Bering Ditch Sidewalk Complete

Final touches to the Bering Ditch Sidewalk from Windswept Lane to Westpark Drive are complete. Work crews put sod in place and added an extension to access the existing sidewalk on Westpark to connect to the Hillcroft Ave. intersection.

Gessner Concrete Panels

Houston Public Works is scheduled to begin replacing concrete panels on S. Gessner between Beechnut and Highway 59. Construction is scheduled to start on July 17 and will take approximately eight weeks to complete.

Redding Rd. Project Complete

The project to replace damaged concrete pavement panels and add ADA ramps to help with mobility at Triola and Redding Rd. has been completed.

Illegal Dumping Near Beechnut and Fondren

The District J HOT Team cleared an illegal dumpsite near Beechnut and Fondren. Our HOT Team responds to 311 calls to address illegal dumping all over the district.