Friends,

I have some incredibly significant news to share that underscores the importance of our ongoing mission to create a safer neighborhood in the area of the Bissonnet Corridor and throughout District J. A federal jury has successfully convicted Larry “Lavish” Lewis for sex trafficking multiple women through force and for transporting women across state lines to engage in prostitution. This conviction sends a powerful message that human trafficking will not be tolerated, and those responsible will be held accountable.

To that end, I am thrilled to share some incredible progress in our ongoing efforts to eliminate prostitution along the Bissonnet Track. Thanks to a collaborative effort between my office, HPD, Precinct 4 Commissioner Leslie Briones’ office and the Southwest Management District, we’re taking the next step toward ensuring the safety and well-being of our community.

While previous actions, such as barricading side streets, have proven effective in deterring the illegal activities, we recognize the importance of a sustainable solution. Our community will soon see the installation of fixed barricades on the same side streets where our dedicated officers have been working tirelessly. These barricades will prevent cars from accessing those streets after normal business hours, making it much harder for individuals to solicit prostitutes. Steps to install the barriers are already underway, and we expect the project to be completed in the next few months.

We couldn’t have come this far without the incredible support from our residents. Your voices and concerns have been a driving force behind these positive changes, and we thank you for your unwavering dedication to our community.

Stay tuned for updates as we move forward with this project, and feel free to share your thoughts and suggestions. We are committed to an inclusive process that ensures we create the best possible future for our neighborhood.

Together we will!

Edward Pollard